Cannabis reform is Minister Owen Bonnici’s number one priority

Jul 11 2021

Speaking with The Malta Independent, Minister for Equality, Research, Innovation and the Coordination of Post COVID-19 Strategy Owen Bonnici stated that the cannabis reform will be his number one priority. After being handed the reforms and equality portfolio from PL MP Rosianne Cutajar after her resignation, Bonnici stated that people who smoke cannabis should not be treated as criminals. Cutajar’s resignation from parliament was made permanent due to an identified ethics breach by the Standards Commissioner George Hyzler.

Bonnici stated he is keen to see the white paper on cannabis being implement, carrying on Cutajar’s work. He stated how a cannabis reform is long overdue and agrees completely with the white paper issued. Criminalising those who make use of cannabis in a sensible and responsible manner does not make sense, Bonnici pointed out. The Minister also opened up about the National Post-Pandemic strategy which he calls a blueprint for the future.

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Photo Source: Owen Bonnici FB, aphiwat

Language schools condemn sudden closure as unwarranted

Jul 11 2021

The Federation of English Language Teaching Organisations of Malta (FELTOM) has issued a statement calling the closure of all English language schools as ‘unwarranted’ and ‘disproportionate’. The member schools were, according to the federation, ‘unprepared and shocked’ by the government’s unexpected and rigid decision following the closure due to a COVID-19 spike in cases. The government announced on Friday that starting Wednesday, all English language schools are to close and anyone travelling to Malta must present a COVID-19 vaccination certificate.

The federation stated that the sudden closure of a specific section of the tourism market will pose problems to the entire sector and other stakeholders, as wells the greater EU tourism market. It stated that ‘this sudden unilateral decision by the government sends out a message that a cluster that did not emerge from any breach of protocols by operators within their schools, can lead to such disproportionate and extreme measures.’

The statement also added that schools were following very rigorously the rules and guidelines given by the health authorities, investing ahead of time in money, staff and material to ensure safety and regulation following. The statement added that the federation should remain open and offer services to fully vaccinated people coming to Malta to study English.

Claudette Buttigieg took to Facebook to vouch for English learning schools teaching students who are fully vaccinated in Malta. She stated that there are also Maltese people working abroad who wish to visit the island to see their family. She asked why they are being refrained from doing so, stating how due to incompetence and irresponsibility, all of the nation has to suffer because of the mistakes of few.

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Photo Source: Pixabay, Claudette Buttigieg FB, FELTOM FB

Prime Minister’s trust rating grows despite FATF grey listing

Jul 11 2021

In a new MaltaToday survey, Prime Minister Robert Abela’s trust rating has seemingly increased for the fourth month in a row despite the recent FATF grey-listing. Now standing at 51.5% in July’s survey, Abela’s rating is up by 1.2 points since last month. The Opposition Leader Bernard Grech’s trust rating has also increased, getting a 1.1 point boost and landing at 30.4%. The gap between leaders however remains quite static at 21 points.

The survey was carried out in the week after Malta was grey listed by the FATF. The results show that this listing had little to no impact on Abela and the government’s trust rating. Abela had reached the lowest point in March following the spike in COVID-19 infections. Meanwhile, Bernard Grech’s trust rating continues to shift but never going beyond his highest point achieved in April which ranked at 35.8%.

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Photo Source: Robert Abela FB, Bernard Grech FB

Lionel Messi wins first international trophy following Argentina’s Copa America win

Jul 11 2021

Following Argentina’s 1-0 win over Brazil in the Copa America final at the iconic Maracanã stadium, Lionel Messi has finally grasped his first international trophy. The victory is a very special one for Argentina as this is the first time in 28 years that the team has won the South American football championship. Argentina’s goal came from Angel Di Maria in the 22nd minute, becoming the first Argentine to score in a Copa America final since Cesar Delgado in 2004.

Di Maria opened up about the achievement by saying how many times he and the team dreamt of this moment and how hard they fought to achieve it. Argentina had last won the Copa America in 1993 after beating Mexico 2-1 in the final. Brazil, who lost this years match, had won the 2019 edition after beating Peru 3-1 as hosts of the tournament. Lionel Messi had waited a long time for this moment, with the heartwarming scene of him being lifted up by his team in celebration making rounds online as they embrace their victory.

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Photo Source: @afaseleccion IG