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Eastern Region of Culture 2024 Concludes with Memorable Celebration

Dec 14 2024 Share

The Eastern Region of Culture (EROC) 2024 brought its year of cultural festivities to a close with a grand event on December 12th at Teatru Salesjan in Sliema.

This marked the end of a year-long celebration highlighting the rich heritage of the region, which encompasses 12 localities, including Birkirkara, Iklin, Sliema, and San Ġiljan.

Throughout 2024, EROC hosted a diverse range of events and workshops, showcasing the unique identities of each locality and fostering connections among local councils, artists, organizations, and residents.

Highlights included the Nanniet u Neputijiet event in Iklin, which promoted intergenerational bonding, and the Memorial Benches Project in St. Julians, honoring women victims of violence with dedicated artwork.

Workshops on Maltese pastizzi and storytelling initiatives for children further enriched the program.

The closing night featured an artistic performance mirroring the year’s opening ceremony, while video displays revisited EROC’s most memorable moments.

Key figures, including Eastern Regional Council President Anthony Chircop and Creative Director Daniel Cauchi, reflected on the year’s achievements, expressing gratitude to all involved.

EROC 2024’s legacy lies in its ability to unite communities and celebrate Maltese culture, leaving an enduring impact on the Eastern Region and inspiring future initiatives.

#MaltaDaily

Roberta Metsola Awarded 2024 Forum Europa Prize

Dec 14 2024 Share

In Madrid, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola was awarded with the prestigious Forum Europa Prize.

The honour was awarded to Metsola in recognition of her remarkable political career and her steadfast dedication to strengthening the European Union and its fundamental values.

Writing on Facebook, Metsola stated “I am immensely honoured to receive this award on behalf of the European Parliament and all those who work tirelessly to defend the values that bind us as Europeans.”
She continued on by revealing that being given the honour on Malta’s 50th Republic Day made it even more special and significant for her.
Metsola also stated that she is proud to be able to fly and represent Malta’s white and red flag wherever she goes.

In her acceptance speech at the ceremony, Dr. Metsola stated that this recognition carries a responsibility as President of the European Parliament, a role in which she remains committed to promoting freedom, democracy, equality, peace, and solidarity.

She also addressed the challenges confronting Europe, stressing that these values must act as a guiding compass for effective leadership within the European Union.

#MaltaDaily

Teenage Girl Among Two Critically Injured In Separate Crashes

Dec 14 2024 Share

A 29-year-old man and a 17-year-old girl were critically injured in two separate traffic accidents on Friday, police said.

The first incident took place in Mellieħa at around 5:30 pm. The teenage girl was struck by a Jeep Grand Cherokee on Triq il-Marfa. The Jeep, driven by a 52-year-old man from Żejtun, collided with a parked Honda Civic after hitting the girl.

Paramedics administered first aid at the scene, and the victim was rushed to Mater Dei Hospital by ambulance for treatment of her serious injuries.

Two hours later, another serious accident occurred in Gudja.

A 29-year-old man from Birżebbuġa was repairing a punctured tyre on a Ford Fiesta that had stopped on Dawret il-Gudja when he was hit by a Skoda Fabia driven by a 50-year-old resident of Gudja. The impact left the man pinned between the two vehicles, causing severe injuries.

He received first aid at the scene before being transported to Mater Dei Hospital.

Magistrate Ian Farrugia is conducting separate inquiries into the incidents, while police investigations are ongoing.

#MaltaDaily

Saudi Arabia Revealed As 2034 FIFA World Cup Hosts

Dec 13 2024 Share

Saudi Arabia has officially been confirmed as the host of the 2034 FIFA World Cup, following FIFA’s announcement during a virtual congress led by President Gianni Infantino.

This comes after the decision to host the 2030 World Cup across six nations: Morocco, Portugal, and Spain as primary hosts, with Uruguay, Paraguay, and Argentina each staging one opening match to celebrate the tournament’s 100th anniversary.

Infantino emphasised the global reach of the 2030 tournament, calling it a unique way to honour a century of World Cup history with 48 teams and 104 matches across three continents. The opening match will take place in Montevideo, Uruguay.

For 2034, Saudi Arabia was the sole bidder, and its selection was met with applause from over 200 FIFA member federations. Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Saud hailed the decision as a “historic moment” for the Kingdom, aligning with the nation’s Vision 2030 transformation agenda.

However, the announcement has drawn criticism from human rights groups, including Amnesty International, which accused FIFA of failing to ensure proper human rights protections.

Steve Cockburn from Amnesty warned that the decision could endanger lives, while Saudi Arabia denied the allegations, asserting its commitment to national security and reform.

The 2034 World Cup marks another milestone in Saudi Arabia’s growing influence on the global stage.

#MaltaDaily