Cirque du Soleil officially returning to Malta post pandemic

Oct 17 2021

Following an almost 17-month long intermission of the entire arts and culture scene due to COVID-19, the Malta Tourism Authority are proudly announcing the return of Cirque du Soleil in Malta for November and December. Visit Malta and the world leading producer of high-quality entertainment are also announcing the opening of a brand new production created exclusively for Malta. The production, called FIERI, will be presented in Malta’s capital starting November 25.

Diane Quinn, Cirque du Soleil’s COO expressed their delight in returning to Malta, which she described as a country steeped in history. Looking to pay tribute to ‘this resilient nation and its people, Quinn said how ‘now more than ever in our absurd world, Cirque due Soleil’s power to bring joy and hope you our audiences is not only welcome but necessary.’

On his part, Minister for Tourism and Consumer Protection Clayton Bartolo said that FIERI will be ‘another opportunity to showcase Malta’s credentials in the cultural and entertainment sector […] Events of such a calibre fall under our ultimate goal – that of making Malta a home of tourism and excellence for the years to come.’

Cirque du Soleil thrillingly announced that Malta – a destination of choice in Europe – will be the first European country to host a new Cirque du Soleil event post lockdown. The event will feature the signature style acrobatics and visual artistry the group is known for, whilst also highlighting Malta’s cultural diversity and history. Johann Buttigieg, CEO of the Malta Tourism Authority highlighted how last time the majestic auditorium of the Mediterranean Conference Centre welcomed audiences for musical productions was March 8th, 2020. After countless sacrifices, the new production will revitalise all that we have missed so dearly as we return to normality.

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Photo Source: MTA Communications

Lamin Jaiteh officially released from hospital

Oct 17 2021

Lamin Jaiteh, the migrant worker who was dumped on the side of a road by his boss after suffering construction site injures, has been discharged from hospital. He has returned back home, with Caroline Galea telling Times of Malta that he was released on Friday. However, she expressed that they are unsure whether he will ever be fit for construction work again, as the 32-year-old from Gambia was treated for spinal and arm injuries at Mater Dei.

Posting to social media, Galea thanked many people and organisations who helped in assisting Jaiteh, with the fundraiser being a massive success. She described Jaiteh as one of the calmest people she has ever met – a thoughtful, well spoken person with a laugh which lights up the room. Galea revealed that they have organised for a carer to tend to him as he recovers. She says that the focus now is on Jaiteh getting better but also on ensuring that this traumatic experience doesn’t just disappear.

She finished up her post by stating that despite supporting Jaiteh at this point in time, ‘his is not an isolated event. This has been going on for all too long and enough is enough.’ With more demonstrations being organised in support of Jaiteh and all the people impacted by such travesties, it’s immensely heartwarming to see a smiling Jaiteh back on his feet.

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Photo Source: Caroline Galea

Ike and Kaya to represent Malta in Paris for JESC

Ike and Kaya to represent Malta in Paris for MJESC

Oct 17 2021

Iconic duo Ike and Kaya will be taking their song ‘My Home’ to Paris to represent our country in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest. The singer and rapper will be taking their talent to France’s capital on the 19th of December after their song was chosen from 12 other contestants. The MJESC took place yesterday and was broadcasted on TVM, with Myca, Kylie and Denzel Jo coming in second place with song ‘Running Free’ and Yulan Law coming in third with her song ‘On My Way’.

Singers needed to win the hearts of both tele-voters and judges, with the weight of the decision split between them. The duet who won the night had already made their appearance on ‘Malta’s Got Talent’ were they captured everyone’s attention with their chemistry and their incorporation of musical genres. We wish the two upcoming artists all the best for their Eurovision journey!

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Photo Source: Ike and Kaya Fb

Over 4000 students to graduate from University of Malta in three weeks

Oct 17 2021

In just one month’s time from now, around 4,000 students who successfully completed a Bachelor’s or Diploma course in the last two years will be getting the chance to celebrate their graduation. The events which commemorate years of hard work and study will be returning on the 15th of November, all with special arrangements for the student’s guests. These students were unable to celebrate properly due to the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic but as the epidemiological context changes, the students are being given the deserved opportunity.

The University of Malta will be bringing together students who finished either undergraduate, Masters or doctoral level courses. Over 26,000 students have completed undergraduate level in the past two years, and they will graduate in 26 ceremonies between mid-November and early December. Those who finished their Masters or Doctoral level courses will graduate in March and April.

Each graduate will be given three invitations for guests, who must all be vaccinated to attend the ceremony. These guests, explained rector Alfred Vella, will be inside two tents specially set up on campus with live proceedings on screen. Each tent is set to hold 300 guests. Students will be convening in the gymnasium, still adhering to social distancing as mandated by health authorities. Even hand-shaking will be avoided during the ceremony to ensure no spread of the virus and yet still giving the students the reward they rightfully deserve.

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