€7,800 ERA Fines For Four Waste Infringements

Jan 24 2024

In a decisive move during the first ERA Board session of 2024, the Board confirmed the issuance of €8,000 in fines targeting four waste legislation infringements. These fines come as a result of diligent monitoring and investigation, showcasing ERA’s commitment to environmental sustainability and proper waste disposal.

Spotting wrongdoers through the monitoring of strategically placed cameras in hotspot areas, ERA officers caught two individuals illegally dumping a refrigerator and cardboard waste in an area at Ħandaq, Qormi. ERA imposed a €1,400 fine for this environmentally harmful act.

Another case involved the dumping of construction waste, specifically cement slurry on garrigue, by a cement mixer. ERA officers who were provided with video footage by a vigilant member of the public, tracked down the offender through the vehicle registration number. The culprit was required to manually remove the fresh concrete, supervised by ERA officers, resulting also in a €4,000 fine.

Two instances of illegal waste incineration also drew ERA’s attention. In one case, smouldering burnt waste in a metal skip led to a €1,200 fine, while in Ta’ Sannat, Gozo, ERA officers, managed to identify the contravener who fled the scene and fined the culprit €1,200 for incinerating mixed waste.

ERA urges the public to report illegal waste disposal to the ERA via phone at 2292 3500 or through the online portal ERIS. Public cooperation is essential in supporting ERA’s Compliance Unit, which employs digital tools like drones and CCTV cameras to catch perpetrators. Together, let’s stand against irresponsible persons who degrade the environmental quality by irresponsible practices.

#MaltaDaily

483 Divorces Registered In Malta 2023

Jan 24 2024

In a parliamentary question tabled by Nationalist MP Bernice Bonello to Justice Minister Jonathan Attard about divorce and separation rates on the Maltese islands, there were 483 divorces registered by the Maltese court in 2023.

Meanwhile, 110 separations took place in the same year. However, in Gozo, only 18 divorces and 13 separations took place.

Up until the 17th of January 2024, there were 19 divorces and 4 separations have already taken place. 1 separation has taken place in Gozo in the same period, but no divorces.

The highest rate for Gozo between 2011 and 2023 were 20 divorces in 2021. So far in Malta, there were 524 divorces.

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Could Netflix’s Avatar Be The Next Big Franchise?

Jan 24 2024

Netflix is set to release a live-action adaptation of “Avatar: The Last Airbender,” aiming to rectify the disappointment caused by M. Night Shyamalan’s 2010 film adaptation.

The 2005 Nickelodeon classic, beloved by fans, faced criticism for the film’s perceived failure in doing justice to the animated series. The upcoming Netflix series plans to tell the same story without the constraints of a film.

Set in a war-torn, Asian, and Arctic-inspired world where people can manipulate classical elements, the show follows Aang, the last living Airbender and the Avatar responsible for maintaining balance.

With companions Katara and Sokka, Aang sets out to master the elements and thwart the militaristic Fire Nation’s ambitions.

The cast includes Paul Sun-Hyung Lee, Daniel Dae Kim, Tamlyn Tomita, Ken Leung, Elizabeth Yu, Ian Ousley, and Gordon Cormier. Fans express optimism on social media, with many praising the trailer and expressing excitement for a faithful adaptation.

The series is scheduled to premiere on Netflix on February 22, 2024.

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RTK’s Andrew Azzopardi Fined For Calling Norman Lowell ‘Racist’

Jan 24 2024

The Broadcasting Authority (BA) has fined Church radio station RTK €1,750 for a statement made by presenter Andrew Azzopardi, describing far-right figure Norman Lowell as “xenophobic and racist” during an October broadcast.

Despite Lowell’s prior conviction for promoting racial hatred, the BA upheld Lowell’s complaint, citing unjust treatment under Article 35 of the Broadcasting Act.

Azzopardi made the comments while interviewing BA CEO Joanna Spiteri, questioning the fairness of giving individuals with controversial views media appearances, specifically citing Lowell as an example.

“Norman Lowell has a history of racism: we can beat around the bush but he is xenophobic and racist: I can’t see how you can interpret things differently,” Azzopardi had said.

The BA board, chaired by Frank Farrugia, found Azzopardi’s comments exceeded a simple opinion, constituting a declaration. The total fine, including a suspended fine from a 2022 case, amounted to €6,410.

The BA has previously fined programs featuring Lowell, emphasizing the importance of avoiding airtime for individuals known for promoting racial hatred and offensive opinions. Despite defending Lowell’s appearances as a political candidate, such justifications have been rejected by the BA in the past.

#MaltaDaily