Could the next James Bond movie be filmed in Malta?

Sep 1 2022

There could be a chance that the next 007 could make his way to the island of Malta to film the following instalment of the long standing franchise.

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This was revealed by Malta Film Commissioner Johann Grech as he was recently interviewed by international film-based newsroom CinemaBlend.

Grech told CinemaBlend’s Mike Reyes that the secret agent’s adventures are firmly on his bucket list, as he sat down to talk about the recently released Jurassic World: Dominion.

‘I think that is one in my bucket list as film commissioner, to get the James Bond brand here in Malta. I literally wish that we would achieve that one day’ he told Reyes.

This wouldn’t be the first time Bond made his way to Malta, as back in Roger Moore’s third 007 movie ‘The Spy Who Loved Me’, the escape pod Bond uses to escape is seen floating off the coast of the island. Despite never stepping foot on the island, Maltese waters were used nonetheless.

Malta’s scenery has captured the attention of many directors throughout the age of film-making, with the likes of Gladiator, Game of Thrones and the recent Jurassic World all wanting a piece of the cake.

So seeing Bond navigating his way through Malta might not be such a far-fetched idea after all and Johann might be onto something. However, we would still need to find the next actor to fill in Craig’s shoes, with the likes of Ryan Gosling, Idris Elba and Henry Cavill all potential candidates.

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25 years since Princess Diana’s passing: The Maltese pub in her memory

Sep 1 2022

Did you know that there’s a Maltese pub fully dedicated to the late Princess Diana in Qawra, Malta?

The current owner of Diana’s pub Noel told Malta Daily that his father, the original owner, was a big fan of the royal family and English culture in general. Originally opening in 1994, the pub was refurbished in 1996 and named Diana’s pub.

In its 25 years of operations, Diana’s pub welcomed thousands to its very welcoming atmosphere. Everywhere you look inside the pub are pictures of the late princess, and it has attracted both Brits and local fans of the Royal Family to enjoy a beer in this unique drinking setting.

Noel also revealed that the pub would be frequented by many tourists, amongst the most notable being the crew of the HMS Diana, a World War II destroyer ship used by the Royal Navy. He went on to state that nowadays, these reunions no longer take place because most the original crew passed away.

In its early years, some would visit the pub to leave flowers and for the late Princess Diana, something which no longer happens nowadays.

Diana passed away on the 31st of August 1997 due to injuries sustained earlier that day in a car crash in the Pont de l’Alma tunnel in Paris, France. Her death sent shockwaves around the world, with her legacy remaining to this day.

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Travellers might soon be able to live permanently on a cruise ship

Sep 1 2022

A luxury cruises ship that is set to launch soon will be introducing the possibility of travellers living permanently at sea.

As the first residential cruise ship, it will be setting sail in 2024 and will offer the chance to those with wanderlust the chance to balance exploration and work/life obligations.

Reportedly, those that agree to spend the better part of a 24-month lease on board MV Narrative will be getting a pick of 547 residences as well as 20 all-inclusive restaurants and bars, three swimming pools, bowling alley, arcade and fitness/spa centre.

The ship will be exploring several destinations, including Mediterranean hotspots in Rome, Naples, Santorini and Croatia.

Some leases extend for the entire life of the vessel and, according to a USA Today interview, the ship will greet those interested with three to five days in most ports that the ship visits. And this might not be just for the more luxurious among us.

The vessel is boasting a child education programme starting from Kindergarten all the way to 18 years of age. As for prices, a unit across the ship’s lifetime is set to cost around $1 to $8 million.

Some will be slightly more affordable, with 24-year leases beginning at around $605,000. Sea dwellers will need to pay all-inclusive fees starting at $61,564 as well as pay for meals, housekeeping, Wi-Fi, laundry services and other amenities.

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No guarantee energy prices will remain the same in 2023 says Minister

Aug 31 2022

Energy Minister Miriam Dalli has informed Newsbook that she cannot guarantee that electricity prices will remain the same come next year.

Despite energy prices remaining stable since 2014, Dalli said that this continuation is not a given due to an international rise in energy prices. However, she said, the government will continue to monitor the International situation whilst offering solutions to Malta’s families.

Coming just days after the government announces a set of measures to reduce electricity bill costs in public institutions, Dalli went on to explain that the price of the inter-connector exceeded 80c per unit last week.

A new report revealed that this year’s electricity subsidy is expected to cost the government €250 million. Should the current subsidies remain, it is possible this will increase to €400 million in 2023.

Among the measures introduced, the lights on public building facades will all be switched off. Meanwhile, the use of air conditioning in such buildings will also be decreased. However, other slashes had to be undertaken, with the University of Malta getting its yearly budget cut by a whopping €1.1 million as part of a cost-cutting measure.

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