Extended schedule for fast ferry to support Gozitan workers & students

Mar 6 2023

Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri took to social media to announce that the government will be offering the service to primarily serve the Gozitan workers and students, as well as others using the service for specific reasons.

‘We heard, we discussed and acted’ wrote the Minister. ‘We believe the Fast Ferry service between Imġarr and Valletta is a social obligation to Gozo and the residents of the island.’

‘Until the PSO we moved to the European Commission is decided so that this service does not stop, the government will be offering this service with a schedule which is aimed at primarily aiding the Gozitan workers and students.’

Camilleri announced alongside Transport Minister Aaron Farrugia that as of next Wednesday, the extended schedule will be kicking off.

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Toblerone forced to change mountain logo on package

Mar 6 2023

The famous (and delicious) Toblerone chocolate is set to undergo an image change as it will no longer be able to use the Matterhorn mountain on its packaging.

This is due to Mondelez International, the chocolate’s manufacturer, moving production out of Switzerland. Due to a rule named the Swiss Act, it will no longer be able to include the iconic mountain as part of its logo.

The company will now have to use a ‘streamlined mountain logo’, which will be designed to mimic Toblerone’s unique triangular shape.

This was revealed by Swiss newspaper Aargauer Zeitung, which also revealed that under the act, national symbols or the country’s Swiss cross, are not allowed on packaging unless they meet strict criteria.

The Swiss Act, which passed in 2017, specifies that any edible items using Swiss national symbols or claiming to be ‘Swiss made’ must have at least 80 percent of its raw materials from Switzerland. It’s even stricter for milk and dairy products, which have to be 100 percent Swiss.

The packaging will also remove the ‘of Switzerland’, replacing it with ‘established in Switzerland. The chocolate had been produced in the city of Berne since 1908, but Mondelez announced in 2022 that it would be moving to Slovakia.

Oh, and did you know there’s a bear in the middle of the mountain logo? This caused an internet sensation back in 2018 as many people never noticed. Can you see it?

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Żigużajg defends ‘Gender Boss’ show after PN MP’s concerned post

Mar 6 2023

After Shadow Culture Minister Julie Zahra raised concerns on social media to echo worried parents about a Żigużajg showcase cornering gender fluidity, the renowned festival replied with an official statement for ‘Gender Boss.’

The performance is described as a ‘multidisciplinary performance aimed at teaching youngsters about gender fluidity’. Set to entertain the idea that gender is playful and malleable, concerns were raised due to it being aimed at kids aged 8 to 10.

Żigużajg insisted that ‘Gender Boss’ is in no way a ‘brainwashing tool’ or an ‘act of prejudice’, and is devised by accomplished artists who have received assistance from experts in the field to ‘promote acceptance and understanding of diversity.’

This came after Żahra asked whether ‘sociologists, anthropologists, sexologists, psychologists and other experts’ were consulted for advice as the performance could ‘have an opposite effect to that intended on young children.’

The post by Żahra was called out by the likes of ADPD’s Sandra Gauci and Mina Jack Tolu, the MGRM, Volt’s Co-President Alexia DeBono, Allied Rainbow Communities community manager Clayton Mercieca and even Culture Minister Owen Bonnici.

Everyone should enjoy equal rights irrespective of gender identity, skin colour, whom they love and what they believe in.
Culture is a splendid opportunity to provide a safe environment with the full freedom to express oneself.
We owe it to today’s and upcoming generations. pic.twitter.com/Eolb9GwGgl

— •Owen Bonnici (@OwenBonnici) March 5, 2023

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Photos of domestic violence victims stuck on Home Affairs Ministry front door

Mar 6 2023

A group of activists stuck placards at the Home Affairs Ministry’s front door ahead of the 8th March Women’s Day Protest.

Moviment Graffiti, along with MGRM, Doctors for Choice Malta, Women’s Rights Foundation and Young Progressive Beings called for justice in cases of violence against women ahead of the protest.

The placards showed victims of domestic violence last year as well as signs that read ‘We’re sick and tired’ and ‘Justice delayed is justice denied’.

The statement said that ‘over the years, we have seen pathetic police inaction which could have prevented serious crimes such as domestic violence and femicide, lack of information and lack of coordination, as in the case of Bernice Cilia.’

The activists called out Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri and Justice Minister Jonathan Attard as having ‘repeatedly promised to implement the right reforms and increase resources, but have failed to deliver.’

The theme of the protest is Women United Against Injustice, after ‘witnessing several injustices that women in our society face every day, especially when they seek justice through our institutions.’

‘It is clear: our justice system is actually an unjust system for women.’ The protest march will be held this Wednesday, 8th March at 5.30 pm and will start at the Triton Fountain in Floriana.

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