Dar San Ġużepp To Begin Operations In March 2024

Sep 5 2023

During a visit made to Dar San Ġużepp in Għajnsielem, Minister for Gozo Clint Camilleri announced that this elderly home will start operating from his upcoming March 2024.

It is currently planned that finishings, furnishing and other works are to be completed within the remaining six months.

As of March 2024, Dar San Ġużepp, built on more than 3 acres, will be welcoming the first 120 of its elderly residents.

The minister stated during his visit how the need for Gozo to have an adequate home for the elderly to address the demand of the ageing population has long been felt.

‘Various factors led to the project taking longer than expected – among them the procurement process and the appeals carried out in the courts of Malta. Despite this, we have come to an agreement with the Curia to, due to the unexpected delays in the past three years, extend the agreement for another 3 years.’

The home will consist of 120 beds in ensuite rooms organised on four levels, accompanied by sea and country views. The home is expected to have the highest standards, with social spaces also being made accessible.

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EuroPride Poster Vandalised In Valletta Ahead Of Ceremony

Sep 4 2023

The Allied Rainbow Communities – ARC posted a shocking image which shows an act of vandalism on a Heritage Malta EuroPride Valletta 2023 exhibition ‘[Be]loved Malta: Stories of sexual and gender identity’ in Castille Square.

‘This act of vandalism, which occurred in broad daylight is a clear example of how those who serve to hurt the LGBTIQ+ community feel comfortable causing harm. Let this serve as a reminder for our community to stay vigilant and united in the face of growing hatred towards a community whose sole purpose is to spread love, for each other, for our community and for ourselves’, wrote ARC.

The image brought forth many in the community expressing their support against this act of vandalism.

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Social Benefits Fraud Racket Alleged By Jason Azzopardi

Sep 4 2023

Former Nationalist Deputy Jason Azzopardi has revealed emails which were allegedly published out from Castille to confirm a number of persons involved in an alleged racket to receive from social benefits in a fraudulent fashion.

This follows a Times of Malta report implicating former Labour deputy Silvio Grixti in a racket for an extended period of time in order for hundreds of individuals to receive the social benefits for disabilities.

Posting on Facebook, Azzopardi highlighted that Grixti is not guilty of this alone and should not be scapegoated as such.

The screenshot of an email, Azzopardi states, was allegedly received during last year’s election from an official high up in the Office of the Prime Minister.

The person, Jason Azzopardi claims, had mental health issues. ‘When the OPM found out about him, he was instructed to apply for the benefits, despite knowing that they were not entitled for it.

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A Scheme Aimed At Preserving Traditional Boats Unveiled

Sep 4 2023

Malta’s harbours have always been home to traditional wooden boats, each with a unique character that reflects the island’s rich culture. These boats, including il-luzzu, kajjik, firilla, frejgatina, dgħajsa tal-pass, and dgħajsa tal-Latini, not only represent Malta’s identity but also attract tourists worldwide.

To protect this heritage, the Ministry for the National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government has launched the Traditional Boats Preservation Scheme, aimed at supporting boat owners in maintaining these vessels.

Minister Owen Bonnici stated, “The launch of the Traditional Boats Preservation Scheme is testament to our commitment in preserving our maritime heritage. By extending financial assistance to boat owners for the upkeep of traditional wooden boats, the scheme ensures that these iconic vessels continue to grace Malta’s harbours, attracting tourists and serving as a reminder of the island’s rich cultural history.”

Minister Bonnici concluded that this scheme, through its careful structuring and compliance with EU regulations, provides a viable means of safeguarding a vital aspect of our country’s identity for generations to come.

From her end, Permanent Secretary Joyce Dimech explained that the scheme has a budget allocation of €80,000, whereby each eligible project can be allocated up to €5,000. This financial assistance covers costs associated with preserving and maintaining traditional wooden boats, including repairs, refurbishments, and necessary upkeep.

For further details on this scheme, kindly click here.