Breaking The Taboo Of Suicide – Ryan Barbara Speaks Out

Jul 5 2023

Taking to social media, OASI Foundation Assistant Facilitator Ryan Barbara, addressed the social taboos surrounding suicide.

‘When I hear about a case of suicide, I am driven to both tears and anger at the same time’, wrote the NGO facilitator. ‘If we don’t do something, this number will continue to grow and, before you know it, it will be someone close to you or me.’

‘I speak out because I know what it means to be in that moment of darkness, of sadness and loneliness’, he wrote.

Barbara called for various actions we should work towards as a society, including more awareness, normalising seeking help when it comes to mental health, asking why the youth are only finding it as the only solution and investing into mental health education from a young age.

‘Social media platforms should use their influence to raise awareness on suicide, so we can remove this taboo once and for all. We cannot continue being afraid of this phenomenon as this will only increase the number of cases, not decrease it.’

Barbara ended his plea by encouraging anyone reading the post and feeling like they require help to send a message and reach out. ‘Sometimes, all we need is someone who listens without judgement’.

If you, or someone you know, feel like help is required when it comes to mental health and suicidal thoughts, please contact 1579.

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Bologna named most ‘underrated’ city in the world, according to 175 travel experts

Jul 4 2023

One hundred and seventy travel experts have spoken, and according to the majority, the most underrated city in the world is none other than Bologna, Italy.

That’s right, according to research conducted by CNBC contributor Sharael Kolberg, Bologna emerged as the top pick among 175 travel enthusiasts who know a thing or two about hidden gems.

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First, food. Travel blogger Jeff Miller claims that Bologna possibly has the best food scene in all of Italy. And let’s be honest, when it comes to culinary delights, Italy is a tough contender. Bologna in particular stands out with its mouth-watering array of trattorias, osterias, and gelaterias that will have your taste buds doing a happy dance, in addition to FICO Eataly World, the “Disney World of food”.

Bologna isn’t just about food, though. In fact, it’s recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its medieval architecture and historical significance. Wander through the city and be captivated by the sight of 24 medieval stone towers. It’s like stepping into a time machine and experiencing the magic of Bologna’s past.

To top it all off, Bologna is a city made for walking. Forget about expensive car rentals, the city’s compact size and walkability make it a dream for explorers. Stroll through its charming neighbourhoods and discovering hidden gems whilst meeting some of the friendliest locals in the world.

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As travel-lovers continue to stress in the face of constantly-increasing travel costs, destinations like Bologna have become as worth it as ever and, thanks to Malta’s strategic Mediterranean position, flights may be cheaper than you think!

Send this to your travel buddies.

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Local Property Prices Up 6.6% Between January and March 2023

Jul 4 2023

In the first quarter of this year, the Property Price Index (PPI) reached 148.89, representing a 6.6 percent increase compared to the corresponding quarter in 2022.

According to the National Statistics Office (NSO), the rise in the PPI was primarily driven by changes in the Apartments Price Index, which stood at 148.97, showing a yearly increase of 6.8 percent.

During the first quarter of 2022, the PPI experienced a growth of 6.8 percent compared to the same quarter of the previous year.

The PPI serves as an indicator of price fluctuations in residential properties that have been purchased. It is calculated on a quarterly basis to ensure the accuracy of the data, as larger sample sizes are considered.

The PPI specifically covers apartments, maisonettes, and terraced houses, and their price variations are generally reflective of overall trends in the property market.

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3 Gozitan Bays Take Blue Flag Award For Another Year

Jul 4 2023

For the third consecutive year, Ramla l-Ħamra, Ħondoq ir-Rummien, and Marsalforn have achieved the Blue Flag status. This means that these beaches have met high standards in four main categories: water quality, environmental management, environmental education, and safety.

Minister for Gozo Clint Camilleri said, “For another year, we have managed to maintain and secure three Blue Flags for the island of Gozo. I would like to thank the Beach Management Team, under the supervision of the Intervention Team within the Ministry for Gozo, for their dedicated efforts in maintaining these three Blue Flags and, if possible, we will add new beaches to the list. In fact, this year, the Ministry has applied for the Blue Flag for Xwejni Bay as a quality beach, with plans to obtain the Blue Flag in the coming years.” He emphasized that the Blue Flag is not just a mere flag but a rigorous scrutiny that continues to strengthen Gozo as an island that offers quality and excellence to all its visitors.

In addition to the positive comments given by the jury awarding the Blue Flag Award to these beaches, many activities were held during the past season on these same beaches.

It was explained that among the many works carried out throughout the year, this year an investment was made in a new lifeguard tower for Marsalforn Bay and additional facilities were added to Xwejni Bay, apart from the existing facilities at Ramla l-Ħamra and Ħondoq ir-Rummien. In fact, new information boards have been added to Xwejni Bay, there is a new bathing zone for better health and safety measures, and in the coming days, a new parking area for people with disabilities will be created, as well as various educational activities planned in this area. Furthermore, there are plans for a lifeguard service in the near future.

Minister Clint Camilleri pledged to continue improving the beaches and encouraged the public to observe regulations and keep the beaches clean. “Our coastal areas are essential for our tourism product,” concluded Minister Camilleri.

Present at this conference was also the CEO of Nature Trust Malta, Vince Attard. During the same event, Nature Trust released Claudette, a loggerhead turtle, back into the sea, four years after she was injured by a fishing net.