Educational Centre As Part Of Ġnien L-Istazzjon Works

Apr 17 2024

Minister for Gozo and Local Government, Clint Camilleri, and Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government, Alison Zerafa Civelli, along with the Attard Local Council, inaugurated the Information, Cultural, and Educational Center at the Station Garden in Attard, following extensive renovations and investments totaling €600,000.

This educational hub features a library, reading area, and public conveniences. The building was meticulously refurbished using franka stone, aluminum and glass fixtures, and a steel canopy was erected to commemorate the historic railway station that once provided shelter to waiting passengers on the platform during the late nineteenth century.

Minister Clint Camilleri outlined that the Planning Authority contributed approximately €200,000 towards the construction and completion of the Information, Cultural, and Educational Center at Station Garden, with an additional €30,000 allocated for installing a compartment showcasing the railway model.

“Through this initiative, the Attard community will benefit from a new cultural and educational center that pays homage to the former railway station situated within this garden. This Center not only enhances visitors’ experiences in this open public space but also serves to educate present and future generations about Malta’s railway history, part of which still remains near this garden,” Minister Camilleri expressed.

Minister Camilleri also emphasized the Planning Authority’s commitment to funding various community projects across Malta and Gozo through the Development Planning Fund, enriching public enjoyment, especially for residents and visitors to these localities. He encouraged other Local Councils to propose innovative projects that can leverage this fund for the collective benefit of communities.

Parliamentary Secretary Alison Zerafa Civelli highlighted the collaborative effort between the Attard Local Council and the Planning Authority in overseeing this project. She emphasized that this initiative will greatly benefit the Attard community and all those who visit the area, now enhanced with a more inviting garden space for recreation alongside the new Information, Cultural, and Educational Center.

“We are dedicated to furthering our efforts to empower more Local Councils to implement impactful projects like these that enhance recreational spaces and improve quality of life for our communities,” Parliamentary Secretary Zerafa Civelli concluded.

The Station Garden once served as Attard’s principal railway station as part of Malta’s historic Railway System (Il-Vapur tal-Art), operational from 1883 until 1931. Unfortunately, the station building was destroyed during World War II. The railway line, inaugurated on February 28, 1883, connected Valletta with the ancient capital of Mdina, spanning nearly 7 miles and featuring stations in Valletta, Ħamrun, Birkirkara, Attard, Rabat, and Mtarfa. The passenger railway service ceased operations on March 31, 1931.

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Over €1.3 Million In Funds For Research & Digital Projects

OVER €1.3 MILLION IN FUNDS FOR RESEARCH AND DIGITAL PROJECTS

Apr 17 2024

The Minister for Economy, Investment, and Strategic Projects, Silvio Schembri, along with the Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research, and Innovation, Keith Azzopardi Tanti, have launched two research schemes with combined funding exceeding €1.3 million.

Following the signing of an agreement between the Malta Digital Innovation Authority (MDIA) and the Malta Council for Science and Technology (MCST), a funding program of up to €1.2 million over a two-year period has been announced to support digital projects at their inception or applied research initiatives.

Additionally, MDIA will issue another call for an applied research grant totaling €120,000. This particular call is unique in that it will not only focus on artificial intelligence but also on other innovative technologies.

Minister Silvio Schembri commented, “As a committed Government, we continue to collaborate to provide support in addressing both current and future economic challenges. It is gratifying to witness the results of this collaboration between Government entities, achieved through concerted efforts for greater success.”

Parliamentary Secretary Keith Azzopardi Tanti explained that through this collaborative initiative, Maltese researchers will benefit from MDIA’s technical expertise and MCST’s administrative experience in implementing research and innovation programs.

“With these initiatives, we are establishing a framework where Maltese researchers and entrepreneurs can truly develop their innovative ideas within a specialized environment tailored to their specific needs. We are dedicated to ensuring that this sectoral specialization receives the necessary incentives to strengthen all innovative sectors that drive the Maltese economy,” concluded Parliamentary Secretary Azzopardi Tanti.

MDIA CEO Kenneth Brincat emphasized, “Today’s initiatives reflect the intensive efforts underway to ensure that Malta remains well-prepared for the future, as technology continues to evolve at an accelerated pace. This underscores the diverse nature of technology use and highlights the ongoing need to provide financial support for the development of these innovative technologies.”

MCST Chairman Dr. Tonio Portughese stated, “As a Council committed to enhancing cooperation and collaboration with private entities, public authorities, NGOs, as well as educational and research institutions in our country, this initiative will create opportunities for everyone to benefit, particularly in the sectors and areas for which we, as a Council, are responsible.”

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Migration Top Priority For 50% Of Maltese Ahead Of EU Elections

Apr 17 2024

According to new Eurobarometer Spring data regarding the European Elections taking place in June 2024, 50% of Maltese respondents said that migration and asylum should be the topic discussed as a matter of priority during the electoral campaign for the next European Parliament elections.

This was followed by Public Health at 41% of respondents and then by the fight against poverty and social exclusion at 38% of respondents. The latter was matched with the fight against climate change.

The least important for Maltese – at just 5% of respondents – was the digitalisation of the European economy and society.

In contrast, migration and asylum was the top priority for only 24% of the European average response. The highest in this regard was the fight against poverty and social exclusion, followed by public health at 33% and 32% respectively.

The least important for the European average response were gender equality, inclusion and diversity tied with the digitalisation of the European economy and society at 9%.

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72% Of Maltese Would Vote In EU Elections If Held Next Week

Apr 17 2024

According to new Eurobarometer Spring data regarding the European Elections taking place in June 2024, 68% of Maltese expressed interest in the elections, when compared to 60% of EU average.

Meanwhile, 72% said they are totally likely to vote if the elections were to be held next week. 17% responded as not likely to vote.

According to 81% of Maltese, the current international context makes voting even more important.

Meanwhile, 71% of Maltese said that they would personally like to see the European Parliament play a more important role. 15% said they would like to see the EU play a less important role.

Asked which values the EU Parliament should defend as a matter of priority in the next 5 years after new Members are elected, 43% of Maltese responded with peace as the most important value, followed by protection of human rights.

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