Cocaine Becoming Much More Popular, Says UN Report

Jun 28 2023

According to a report from the United Nations, the use of cocaine and the production of the drug is at an all time high.

The World Drug Report 2023 found that there were around 22 million people who used cocaine in 2021, which is an increase from the previous 21 million of 2020.

Meanwhile, coca bush cultivation increased by 234,200 hectares in 2020 to around 315,000 hectares the following year.

Despite the increase, the seizure of cocaine outpaced production as 2021 saw around 2,026 tons. With a steady rise since 2015, the report claims that the world is ‘currently experiencing a prolonged surge in both supply and demand of cocaine.’

This is ‘now being felt across the globe and is likely to spur the development of new markets beyond the traditional confines’.

The Americas as well as both Western and Central Europe dominate the market, but Africa, Asia and Southeastern Europe are also seeing an increase in the drug.

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Motorcyclist With Serious Injuries After Marsa Crash

Jun 28 2023

A 53 year old man resident of Raħal Ġdid was taken to Mater Dei Hospital yesterday at around 1730hrs after having been injured in a traffic accident in Triq il-Marsa, Marsa.

Preliminary investigations showed that a crash had taken place between a Toyota Vitz, driven by a 23 year old woman resident of St Julian’s, Yamaha motorcycle driven by the victim.

The motorcyclist was given preliminary medical aid on site and later transported to Mater Dei Hospital, where he was certified to have suffered serious injuries.

An inquiry has been opened and police investigations are still ongoing.

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Man At Risk Of Dying After Ħal Balzan Explosion

Jun 28 2023

Yesterday, at around 2100hrs, police were informed that an explosion had taken place in the band club of Triq il-Kbira, Ħal Balzan.

Police convened immediately on site and found through preliminary investigations that a 43 year old man resident of the same locality was hurt after pyrotechnical explosives went off.

A medical team was called on site, as well as members from the Civil Protection Department and the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), to remove any danger which could remain present whilst also giving medical aid to the man.

The victim was taken to Mater Dei for further cure, where he was certified as having suffered serious injuries.

An inquiry has been opened as police investigations continue.

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30 Band Clubs Benefit From €160,000 Fund

Jun 28 2023

Minister for the National Heritage, the Arts, and Local Government Owen Bonnici announced that 30 different band clubs benefitted from the total amount of €160,000 through a fund aimed at strengthening the cultural work done by band clubs, which is administered by Arts Council Malta (ACM).

The Minister lauded the initiative and highlighted the government’s commitment to preserving and promoting community-based culture. He emphasised the significance of community engagement through arts and culture and stressed that local feasts present an excellent opportunity for the community to actively participate in diverse art forms while upholding the traditional essence that bestows our islands with a unique identity.

“Band clubs play an important community role, creating a sense of belonging and serving as a point of entry and engagement with the arts. Their activities are ongoing and while they focus to teach music to children and young people, they also organise cultural and traditional activities, which reach a peak during their main activity – the village feasts. The buildings in which they are housed, too, often contain objects of historical value and are of historical significance themselves,” Minister Bonnici concluded.

Mary Ann Cauchi, Director Funding and Strategy at ACM, echoed the Arts Council Malta’s steadfast dedication to this scheme, recognising the pivotal role of band club societies. “Through these funds we are contributing in nurturing musical culture, safeguarding and enhancing cultural traditions, and organising artistic endeavours within the community,” stated Ms Cauchi.

This scheme operates in collaboration with the Għaqda Nazzjonali Każini tal-Banda, facilitated by a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Council and the Association, aiming to strengthen and streamline their partnership. Dr Noel Camilleri, President of the Għaqda Nazzjonali Każini tal-Banda, also addressed the press conference, underscoring the importance of this joint effort.

The results can be found here.

For more information on Arts Council Malta Schemes, please visit www.artscouncil.mt, or send and email to [email protected], or call 23347230.

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