December 30 was 2021’s busiest day of the year for Gozo Channel ferries

Jan 9 2022

Malta’s second pandemic-era Christmas and New Year period did not necessarily mean that the country was at a complete standstill, with more passengers and vehicles crossing the channel than the previous year.

Television Malta have reported that Gozo Channel ferries carried more than 137,000 passengers during this period, which is an increase of over 11,000 compared to 2020. 53,300 vehicles crossed the channel between December 23 and January 3, an increase of 1,628.

These increased figures led to 100 more ferry trips than the previous year, amounting to a total of 1,134. The busiest day in general for Gozo Channel was Thursday December 30, where the ferries carried 17,200 passengers.

Did you board a Gozo Channel vessel in December?

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Ċirkewwa delays expected as Għadira road works to begin on Monday

Jan 9 2022

If you were planning on travelling between Malta and Gozo over the next few months, you will probably experience delays on your way to Ċirkewwa as Infrastructure Malta are expected to begin road works at Għadira on Monday.

In a social media post on Saturday, Infrastructure Malta reported that, together with the Water Services Corporation, they are laying new underground pipelines and rebuilding the northbound carriageway at Il-Marfa Road. This means that from Monday January 10 and for the next few months, the road will be open with one lane in each direction only (through the southbound carriageway).

As of Monday, Infrastructure Malta will also be working on a number of other roads which include Dun Nerik Cordina Perez Street in Hamrun linking to Qormi and rebuilding Durumblat Road in Mosta.

Send this story to someone who frequents these roads to let them know.

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Nationalist Party proposes 12 legislative Bills to fight corruption and mafia-style crime

Jan 9 2022

On Saturday, Nationalist Party leader Bernard Grech unveiled the party’s package of 12 legislative Bills which aim to fight corruption and mafia style crime in light of the Caruana Galizia public inquiry recommendations and Malta’s grey-listing by the FATF.

Grech stated that Prime Minister Robert Abela remained silent in the face of such grey-listing, which is why the party has presented these ‘unprecedented’ draft laws. Amongst other proposals, the anti-corruption Bills propose the creation of a special magisterial role which will look into possible corruption practiced by public officials. Grech stated that such proposals have been put forward due to the country’s culture of impunity which allowed the brutal murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia.

Bills the restraint of governmental duties and abilities during election campaigns, unexplained wealth orders, creation of a crime for association with mafia and organised crime, creation of a crime for procuring political influence and a declaration in favour of journalism within the Maltese Constitution, amongst others.

The PN stated that rather than tightening the belt on small business, they want to control the political class and address issues of good governance. Grech also expressed his confidence in the bills and that he trusts they will contribute to getting Malta out of the FATF grey-listing.

In a reaction to the claims, the Office of the Prime Minister stated that a committee of experts in consultation with academics, journalists and international institutions had been set up, as recommended by the public inquiry.

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Why did thousands of jellyfish wash up at Armier Bay this weekend?

Jan 9 2022

Thousands of mauve stinger jellyfish washed up at Armier Bay over the weekend in an annual phenomenon as explained by marine biologist Alan Deidun.

In a post on Facebook page It-Temp Madwarna, it was explained that adults of the mauve stinger jellyfish species rise from the depths to lay their eggs before dying, similar to what happens with salmon. The new generation of jellyfish could be seen in three months, around Easter time. This year, the phenomenon took place earlier than usual, whereas it would usually take place towards the end of January or even in February.

This means that this summer, there may be less of this particular jellyfish species as they would die out during Spring.

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Photo Source: FreeHour Malta