F1 Fans Bid Emotional Farewell to Daniel Ricciardo

Sep 27 2024

On Thursday, Daniel Ricciardo took to Instagram to confirm his emotional departure from Formula 1. The 35-year-old Australian, known for his infectious smile, memorable ‘shoey’ celebrations, and thrilling races, posted a heartfelt message. “I’ve loved this sport my whole life. It’s wild and wonderful and been a journey,” Ricciardo wrote, reflecting on his rollercoaster career. He thanked the teams, fans, and individuals who have supported him along the way, adding, “I wouldn’t change it.”

Ricciardo’s departure comes after months of speculation surrounding his future. Although he found a temporary lifeline with Red Bull as their third driver in 2023, replacing Nyck de Vries at AlphaTauri (now VCARB), Ricciardo’s tenure with the team has now come to an end. His last race saw him clock the fastest lap in Singapore, a fitting final flourish in his F1 career.

Red Bull Racing also paid tribute, sharing a post that celebrated Ricciardo’s legacy. “Cheers to the seven victories, shoeys, smiles, and unforgettable moments that have left an indelible mark on our team’s history.”

Daniel Ricciardo’s devoted fanbase anticipated that his time in Formula 1 was nearing its conclusion, yet they expressed their frustration, asserting that he won’t receive a fitting send-off from the sport due to being dropped in the midst of the season.

Ricciardo leaves behind a significant legacy, not just for his racing prowess but also for his larger-than-life personality, which endeared him to millions worldwide, particularly through Drive to Survive.

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Robert Abela & Family Meet US President Biden Whilst in NYC For UN Summit

Sep 27 2024

Malta’s Prime Minister Robert Abela, accompanied by his wife Dr. Lydia Abela and their daughter Giorgia Mae, met with United States President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden during the United Nations General Assembly in New York City. The high-profile encounter took place as part of the annual UN summit, where world leaders gather to discuss pressing global issues.

In another post, Prime Minister Abela shared a moment with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, further emphasizing Malta’s engagement on the international stage.

During his address at the assembly, Abela focused on the critical issue of rising sea levels, a topic of growing concern for many nations, especially small island states like Malta. He called for collective global action to combat environmental challenges, underscoring Malta’s commitment to international obligations under the Paris Agreement.

“It is also in our country’s interest that this happens, and Malta is doing its part through its international obligations under the Paris Agreement on environmental protection.”

Abela’s presence and engagement in New York reflect Malta’s proactive stance on climate action and international cooperation.

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Free Menstrual Products in Maltese Schools to Erase Stigma & Support Students

Sep 27 2024

In a groundbreaking move to address menstrual stigma and improve access to hygiene products, Malta has introduced the Menstruation Pilot Project. The initiative, which distributes free menstrual products in schools, aims to not only reduce absenteeism among female students but also to dispel long-standing societal taboos related to menstruation.

This pilot program stems from Manifesto Measure 660, which explicitly targets the stigma attached to menstruation. The measure is also part of the government’s broader Gender Equality and Mainstreaming Strategy and Action Plan (GEMSAP), highlighting the initiative’s commitment to gender equality.

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As part of the initial phase of the project, a comprehensive study was conducted. This research aimed to assess the costs of menstrual products available on the market and explored the possibility of reducing VAT on all menstrual hygiene products to make them more affordable. Additionally, the study provided critical data for shaping the pilot program, including identifying the preferred menstrual products among students and determining effective distribution methods.

The pilot project was launched in three schools across Malta and Gozo: Gozo College Middle School, Maria Regina College Secondary School in Mosta, and St. Monica Secondary School in Birkirkara. These institutions were selected to participate in the initiative, involving a total of 900 students. The number of dispensers installed in each school was determined based on student population, ensuring accessibility for all participants.

Two distribution methods are being tested during the pilot phase: automatic dispensers and tokenized dispensers. Both methods will provide pads and tampons, as these were the menstrual products most preferred by students, according to the earlier study.

The overarching aim of the project is to gather valuable feedback that will inform the implementation of a full-scale rollout in the 2025/2026 academic year. This would cover all state, church, and private secondary and middle schools across Malta and Gozo.

In addition to improving access to menstrual products, the initiative is also focused on education and awareness. Several awareness-raising campaigns will be implemented in schools, addressing the stigma surrounding menstruation and encouraging open dialogue.

With this pilot project, Malta is taking a significant step toward ensuring that menstruation is no longer a barrier to education, while also fostering a more inclusive and informed society.

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Kinnie, Ross il-Forn & Cisk in Strasbourg to Celebrate Malta’s 60th Year of Independence

Sep 27 2024

On Thursday, a special reception was held in Strasbourg to commemorate Malta’s 60th Anniversary of Independence. Hosted by the Permanent Representation of Malta to the Council of Europe, the event featured the participation of Taste History and KorMalta. Guests, including high-level officials from the Council of Europe, Ambassadors, and the Maltese community in Strasbourg, were treated to a unique cultural experience.

The evening offered a foodie’s journey into Malta’s history, with a menu inspired by Maltese cuisine from 1798, during French rule. Curated by chef Malcolm Baldacchino from Taste History, dishes included Ross il-Forn, Quail, Rabbit, Bakkaljaw, and Ġbejniet. Maltese wines, Cisk beer, and Kinnie added a distinct national touch to the reception.

KorMalta, Malta’s National Choir, opened the event with the Maltese National Anthem, followed by the Marseillaise and Ode to Joy. Their performance included beloved Maltese classics such as “Xemx” and “Kemm hu Sabiħ.”

The evening celebrated Malta’s rich history, its ongoing dedication to democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, and its upcoming Presidency of the Council of Europe. Special thanks were given to the event’s sponsors for their support in making the celebration a success.

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