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Cannabis could be made legal today in Malta in European first

Cannabis could be made legal today in Malta in European first
Dec 14 2021 Share

The last vote on the Cannabis bill will be taken today on 14th December 2021, confirming whether it will be made legal in Malta. The vote will be taken in parliament later this afternoon, with pro-cannabis legislation movement ‘ReLeaf’ announcing that they will be present at Parliament to monitor and provide updates. 

The revolutionary vote was recognised internationally, with news portals such as the Guardian posting how Malta will be legalising cannabis in ‘European first.’ The Bill entails possession of up to seven grams of the drug for those aged over 18 made legal as well as growing up to four cannabis plants at home, with up to 50g of dried product storable. 

The Guardian pointed out how Malta is likely to be followed by reform across Europe in 2022, as Germany recently announced a move to establish a legally regulated market. Switzerland, Luxembourg and the Netherlands also announced such goals. 

Reforms Minister told the Guardian that the government did not want to encourage the use of recreational drugs but that there was no evidence of the argument that the use of cannabis was in itself a gateway to harder substances. He also highlighted how the ‘hard-fist’ approach against the use of cannabis was disproportionate and unjust. The Bill was met with considerable disagreement by many groups, with tonight’s vote setting the decision straight. 

For those wondering, the Netherlands, despite being associated with a relaxed attitude towards cannabis use, still technically has possession and trade of cannabis kept illegal. 

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Photo Source: Owen Bonnici FB, Business Insider, The Guardian

Vaccines for kids aged 5 to 11 arrive in Malta

Vaccines for kids aged 5 to 11 arrive in Malta
Dec 14 2021 Share

Health Minister Chris Fearne has announced that Malta took delivery of its first Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines for children on Monday, with the first jabs being administered Tuesday 14th December. 

The Deputy Prime Minister heralded the arrival of the first batch last week, stating during a press conference that the jab will be administered to the 5-11 age group, with vulnerable cases starting first. 

The vaccines will be a third of the normal dose administer to adults, with parents eventually receiving invitations for their children through email or SMS. 

The vaccine for young children was approved on November 25th by the European Medicines Agency, making it the first jab approved for the age group. 

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Photo Source: Chris Fearne, AARP

Champions League draw redone after technical problems

Dec 13 2021 Share

The draw for the Champions League round of 16 matchups had to be done again after a technical problem in the first draw. The mistake teams being made available against supposed unavailable teams like Manchester United who were initially drawn against former group F opponents Villareal. The second draw was held with none of these problems and is said to be fair, albeit some disappointed fans.

 

Many teams like Real Madrid and Inter who originally drew Benfica and Ajax respectively, will now have to face much tougher opponents in PSG and Liverpool. Real Madrid were obviously disappointed, and are said to be protesting this redone draw citing that redoing the draw was a scandal.

In their statement UEFA said this “Following a technical problem with the software of an external service provider that instructs the officials as to which teams are eligible to play each other, a material error occurred in the draw for the UEFA Champions League Round of 16.” 

The Round of 16 will consist of these matches Ajax vs Benfica, Inter vs Liverpool, Bayern vs Salzburg, Real Madrid vs PSG, Manchester United vs Atletico Madrid, Juventus vs Villareal, Manchester City vs Sporting and Chelsea vs Lille. Whilst in the UEFA Europa League draw European heavyweight Barcelona and Napoli were drawn against eachother.

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President urges politicians to respect people’s intelligence as election draws near

President urges politicians to respect people’s intelligence as election draws near
Dec 13 2021 Share

Speaking during his Republic Day address, President George Vella appealed to politicians to respect people’s intelligence as Malta moves closer to election. 

The President said that Malta will experience the essence of democracy in just a few months, with people being asked to vote for the government they want in the lead. 

During the annual commemoration held at the Palace in Valletta, Vella appealed to the politicians to put before the people clear and unequivocal working programmes and policies that will be implemented if chosen to lead.’ 

The president also used his speech to address other issues, ranging from COVID-19 to law and environment. 

He warned how the COVID-19 pandemic is not over yet, but applauded the professionals who worked day and night to safeguard human health. 

He also touched upon the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia, stating it is everyone’s desire that the investigative and judicial processes will lead to find out who is responsible.

‘No one is above the law’ he said. ‘The lessons will remain for us to learn from. And the rule of law and the protection of human rights must remain crucial tools for the fair and democratic functioning of our country.’ 

Vella also referred to the case of Jaiteh Lamin when touching upon the issue of racism, saying we cannot turn a blind eye to such issues. 

A good portion of his speech was also dedicated to environmental issues, warning about climate change, and even the issue of land use. ‘In order to protect the beauty and sustainability of our country we must find a balance between the built and the natural environment’

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Photo Source: George Vella