Commemoration Marks Seven Years Since Daphne Caruana Galizia’s Assassination

Oct 16 2024

A solemn gathering of family, friends, and activists took place in Bidnija on Wednesday, marking seven years since the assassination of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. At exactly 3:00 p.m., the crowd fell silent at the spot where a car bomb took her life in 2017.

The once ordinary field has become a memorial site, with annual visits to honor her legacy. Mourners arrived with flowers, while many wore shirts bearing the slogan “Daphne was right.” A large placard reading “You will never cancel Daphne” was also on display. The ceremony included readings about her life and work.

Among those present were ambassadors from France, The Netherlands, Germany, Ireland, Poland, the USA, the British High Commissioner, and a representative from Japan. The Australian and Spanish envoys were expected later in the day. Opposition Leader Bernard Grech also laid flowers at the site earlier.

Despite seven years passing, the full details surrounding her murder remain unresolved. Caruana Galizia was 52 when a bomb placed under her car exploded. The case continues to resonate, as Malta faces ongoing challenges related to corruption and systemic reforms.

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Youth Democracy Awards Celebrate Student Leadership

Oct 16 2024

The Student Council Democracy Awards for 2023-2024 were presented, with 32 secondary schools from Malta and Gozo participating in the initiative. The awards aim to encourage active involvement of young people in their schools and promote democratic values.

Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research and Innovation, Keith Azzopardi Tanti, highlighted the importance of nurturing democracy from an early age. “Democracy is not just a word; it is a value we must teach and nurture,” he said, praising educators and coordinators for their support of student leaders.

Simon Schembri, Community and Outreach Manager at Aġenzija Żgħażagħ, emphasized the significance of offering students a platform to express their ideas, noting the initiative’s role in shaping future leaders.

Miriam Teuma, CEO of Aġenzija Żgħażagħ, stressed the importance of supporting youth in understanding democratic values. “Our aim is to ensure that young people live these values from an early age,” she stated.

Through the councils, students organized activities and developed key skills such as public speaking, planning, and leadership, making a meaningful impact within their schools and communities.

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UK Considering Universal Charging Cables Like EU

Oct 16 2024

The UK government is exploring whether to mandate the use of a common charging cable for all new electronic devices, following the EU’s example.

A consultation launched in October seeks public input on the potential benefits of adopting a standard charger, like USB-C, which is already used by many modern devices.

The EU introduced a similar law in 2022, requiring manufacturers to implement USB-C by December, aiming to reduce electronic waste. Initially, the UK did not consider such rules, but the ongoing debate suggests a change may be underway.

Apple, having long used its proprietary lightning cable since the iPhone 5 in 2012, criticised the EU’s decision but ultimately switched to USB-C with the iPhone 15 in 2023.

Despite widespread USB-C adoption, some devices still rely on other chargers, like micro-USB.

Consumer groups have raised concerns about the environmental impact of discarded cables, with research showing over 600 million unused or discarded cables in the UK alone.

Organisations like Materials Focus have urged people to recycle these cables, which are rich in copper. However, critics argue that the EU’s shift could lead to increased waste as lightning cables become obsolete over time.

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ŻiguŻajg Festival Returns for its 14th Edition

Oct 16 2024

The ŻiguŻajg Arts Festival for Children and Youth is back for its 14th edition, running from November 15 to 24, 2024, in Valletta. The festival, known as Malta’s largest cultural event for younger audiences, will showcase a variety of theatre, dance, music, film, and visual arts. This year’s program is designed to inspire curiosity and foster creativity in children and young people through innovative, family-friendly activities.

One of the highlights is a series of workshops tied to the exhibition “But I See Beauty and Wonder,” targeting children aged 7 to 13. These hands-on sessions will allow participants to explore artistic mediums like clay, photography, and printmaking, guided by international artists.

Minister for National Heritage, Arts and Local Government Owen Bonnici emphasized the festival’s educational value, noting that the lessons learned will enrich participants’ futures. Executive Chairman of the Creativity Foundation Rupert Cefai described the festival as a blend of entertainment and learning, while Festival Director Marta Vella highlighted the variety of experiences that aim to both entertain and challenge young minds.

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