Commemoration Ceremony Honors National Poet Dun Karm Psaila

Oct 18 2024

A ceremony was held today to commemorate the memory of Rev. Karm Psaila, Malta’s National Poet, on the anniversary of his birth on October 18, 1871. The event took place in front of his monument in Floriana.

Minister for National Heritage, Arts and Local Government Owen Bonnici highlighted Dun Karm’s unwavering belief in the Maltese people’s right to independence. Through his literary work, he passionately advocated for a Malta governed by its own people, free from foreign influence.

Minister Bonnici also referenced Dun Karm’s 1921 anthem, “To the Maltese People,” which celebrated the granting of the Constitution and reflected his commitment to the nation’s sovereignty.

Among those present at the ceremony were Floriana Mayor Nigel Holland, members of the Local Council, Professor Joe Borg, representatives from the Maltese Academy, and Festivals Malta CEO Frans Agius.

This ceremony is part of a series of events honoring Dun Karm’s literary and historical contributions, which have played a vital role in shaping Maltese identity and culture. His legacy continues to inspire generations, emphasizing the importance of national pride and independence.

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Google Comments On Local Tiktoker’s Video

Oct 18 2024

Maltese model Matthew Bonello is making headlines on TikTok after one of his recent videos went viral, catching the attention of tech giant Google. The clip has racked up an impressive 4.1 million views and nearly a million likes, playfully showcasing the “perk” of wearing glasses: the ability to enter “blur mode” and escape reality simply by removing them.

Google’s official TikTok account added to the excitement by commenting, “Built-in focus time,” which only amplified the video’s popularity.

Bonello’s lighthearted approach and relatable humor have struck a chord with viewers, resulting in an influx of comments and shares. His ability to connect with audiences through everyday experiences demonstrates the power of social media in creating viral moments. As Bonello continues to gain recognition, fans are eagerly anticipating what he will share next on the platform.

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Ten Year Olds Can Soon Be Arrested Again In Australian Territory

Oct 18 2024

Australia’s Northern Territory (NT) is set to lower the age of criminal responsibility to just 10 years, allowing for the jailing of young children. This controversial move follows the election of the Country Liberal Party (CLP) government, which claims it is necessary to combat rising youth crime rates. Previously, the NT raised the threshold to 12 years, becoming the first jurisdiction in Australia to do so.

Despite the government’s stance, medical professionals, human rights organizations, and Indigenous groups have criticized the decision, arguing it will disproportionately impact Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and is unlikely to reduce crime. Currently, the NT has the highest rate of youth incarceration in the country, with most detained being Indigenous.

Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro defended the change, emphasizing a need to address the root causes of crime and improve community safety. However, research suggests that incarcerating children often leads to increased reoffending and negative effects on their well-being. Opposition Leader Selena Uibo condemned the decision as a “dark day,” stressing the importance of supporting children rather than punishing them. The implementation date for the new law remains unconfirmed.

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More Teachers Employed Than Resigned, Minister Says

Oct 18 2024

In an official statement by Minister for Education Clifton Grima and as part of a response to a parliamentary question, it was revealed that a total of 275 educators were employed during the past scholastic year, whereas there were only 87 resignations.

According to statistics provided by the minister, there were ‘always’ more employments than resignations.

‘In fact, compared with the population of educators, the proportion was 1.1% in terms of resignations and 3.7% in terms of employments.’

‘This school year, there are more regular educators than last year. Specifically, there are 288 more regular educators than the previous school year.’

This follows a statement by the Nationalist Party’s Shadow Minister for Education Justin Schembri, wherein he said that 124 teachers resigned from State schools during the past academic year and that only 26 teachers remained in the profession by moving to Private or Church schools.

‘In answers to other Parliamentary Questions, the Government stated that for this academic year, 74 and 43 fully-qualified teachers have been employed to teach in State secondary and primary schools respectively. This amounts to 117 new fully-qualified teachers. However, the Government employed a total of 217 new teachers, thereby confirming that it is still employing a substantial number of supply teachers. The Government does not provide information on whether it employed teachers who were already in the profession but working in Private or Church schools’, the PN statement reads.

‘The PN calls on the Government to conduct a serious study to identify the recurring cause of resignations in the education sector, as behind every resignation, there is a serious reason.’

#MaltaDaily