Chamber President Highlights Mental Health Services Hurdles

Aug 21 2023

Gail Debono, the President of the Malta Chamber of Psychologists, took to social media last week to highlight some of the challenges and hurdles to mental health services in Malta and Gozo.

Debono explained how many psychologists prefer to work in the private sector due to better work conditions than those offered by governmental institutions.

Another issue, according to Debono, is that the majority of psychologists working with the government reach ‘middle management’ and leave due to prospects of further advancement are very slim.

Another final hurdle is that many psychologists who remain governmentally employed cannot afford to not work in the private sector due to low wages. This leads to further burnout for those who remain loyal to mental health services.

‘It is good that mental health awareness increased and it is still increasing. This brought with it a larger number of people reaching out for the service. However, the waiting period for such services are also increasing.’

‘It is crucial that mental health support tis given in the crucial moment it is needed. The aforementioned three hurdles are, according to Debono, impeding the full extent of this support being given.

She concluded her statement by urging the current government to address these issues directly so as to ensure that those in need are given the help they require when they need it.

#MaltaDaily

70 Year Old Motorcyclist Grievously Injured

Aug 21 2023

Yesterday, at around 1700hrs, police were informed of an accident which took place in Triq l-Imdina, Ħ’Attard.

From preliminary investigations, it was found that a crash had taken place between a Peugeot Partner, driven by a 51 year old resident of Pieta, and a Daelim YC125 motorcycle driven by a 70 year old resident of Marsaxlokk.

The motorcyclist was given medical assistance by a team on site and later taken to Mater Dei Hospital. He was later certified as having suffered grievous injuries.

Police investigations are ongoing.

#MaltaDaily

Viral Meme Dog Cheems Passes Away Aged 12

Aug 21 2023

After a battle with cancer, Cheems Balltze, a dog which went absolutely viral and became a meme sensation, passed away at the age of 12.

The Shiba Inu passed away last Friday after falling asleep during a thoracentesis surgery. His owner announced the sad news to around 800,000 followers on Instagram.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Cheems_Balltze (@balltze)

“Ball Ball fell asleep on 18/8,” his owner wrote. “He fell asleep on Friday morning during his last thoracentesis surgery. Originally, we wanted to arrange chemotherapy or other possible treatment for him after this operation, but it is too late now.”

“Please remember the joy that Balltze brought to the world,” the owner wrote. “A Shiba Inu with a round smiling face connecting you and me, he has helped many people during the pandemic and brought a lot of joy to many of you, but now his mission has completed.”

“I believe he is running freely in the sky and having a lot of delicious food with his new friends. He will always be inside my heart. I hope he can continue to bring joy to everyone in the online world, that’s my only humble request”.

Cheems featured on thousands of online memes, becoming one of the most well known figures online.

Rest easy Cheems. The internet will never forget you.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Cheems_Balltze (@balltze)

#MaltaDaily

Massive Turnout For Summer Carnival 2023

Aug 21 2023

Thousands attended the ‘Karnival tas-Sajf’ (Summer Carnival), which was held once again after a three year hiatus by Festivals Malta.

This year, the festival was held in three different locations: Birżebbuġa, St Paul’s Bay and Marsaskala, with the collaborative effort of the respective local councils.

In total, 11 carnival floats participated in parading through the localities for local families and tourists to enjoy.

Minister for National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government Owen Bonnici said that Karnival tas-Sajf is an opportunity to establish the massive talent possessed by Maltese artists.

Through such cultural events, the touristic product of our country is strengthened, with Maltese families having enjoyable experiences right outside their doorstep.

The Minister thanked the entire team of Festivals Malta as well as the local councils for their hard work to hold the events.

On his part, Chairperson of Festivals Malta Aaron Zahra expressed satisfaction at how, after three years, the Summer Carnival saw a large turnout. ‘The tourists present showed a lot of interest to that provided in the past few days, so much so that they asked about the Carnival held in the winter months.’

Chief Executive of Festivals Malta Frans Agius also expressed his satisfaction with the success and the turnout, highlighting the artistic spectacle.

As the summer carnival comes to a close, Festivals Malta reminds the public that the 2024 Maltese Carnival will take place between the 9th and 13th of February 2024.

#MaltaDaily