Festa Annimali Returns This December 7th

Dec 4 2024

Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Animal Rights, Alicia Bugeja Said, announced that the ‘Festa Annimali’ will return this year on December 7 at the National Park in Ta’ Qali.

Joining her at the announcement were the Commissioner for Animal Welfare, Alison Bezzina, Director for Animal Welfare, Joseph John Vella, and Operations Director within the Ministry, Estelle Bonello Sant.

The event will feature information booths from various voluntary organisations, veterinarians, animal trainers, and behavior specialists. The aim is to encourage more individuals and families to adopt animals currently housed in shelters.

Bugeja Said expressed satisfaction with the festival’s return, emphasising its success last year. She highlighted the government’s commitment to animal welfare through initiatives like this, offering families a day to enjoy with their pets while learning from the participating organisations.

The Commissioner for Animal Welfare, Alison Bezzina, noted the event’s role in promoting awareness and fostering collaboration among those passionate about animals. Free ID tags, required by law for dogs in public, will also be distributed.

Scheduled from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, the festival promises family-friendly activities, Christmas stalls, children’s games, educational exhibits, and a safe play area for dogs.

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Little Stella Tries To Guess What ‘Banjumarija’ Means

Dec 4 2024

Appearing on a special edition of AWLA, little Stella tried to guess what a ‘banjumarija’ – a bain-marie – means in Maltese.

The Bain-marie is a kitchen utensil used for gently heating food by placing a container over hot water. The term is borrowed from the Italian ‘bagnomaria’, which means ‘bagno’ (bath) and Maria.

But for Stella, the term means taking a tub and placing a statue of Mary in the tub for her to swim in. And it’s definitely not what host Ronald Vassallo thinks, which is finding a girl named Maria and placing her in the bath.

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4,227 Third Country Nationals Working As Cab Drivers, Couriers

Dec 4 2024

The number of third-country nationals working as cab drivers and couriers has declined by 1,030, or 19%, over the past five months following the government’s introduction of stricter controls on new work permits.

Parliamentary data from Jobsplus revealed that, as of 19 November, 4,227 third-country nationals were employed in these roles, with 3,171 holding full-time positions and 1,056 working part-time.

This marks a significant decrease from June figures, which recorded 4,024 full-time and 1,233 part-time workers, totalling 5,257.

Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri disclosed these statistics in response to a parliamentary question posed by PN MP Mark Anthony Sammut.

However, when questioned about the number of “blue papers” issued to these workers, Camilleri did not provide a response. Blue papers are the official documents required for third-country nationals to change employers, update job designations, or renew their work permits.

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Winners & Tributes At 2024 Gotham Awards

Dec 4 2024

At the 2024 Gotham Awards, Colman Domingo won Best Actor for his role in Sing Sing, a poignant film about a man imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit, who finds purpose through theatre.

Domingo’s win adds momentum to his awards season as the Oscars race heats up. A Different Man took the top prize, Best Feature, a compelling film about an actor who undergoes a radical facial transformation due to a disfiguring condition, grappling with his new identity.

The Gothams, which celebrate independent films, also recognised Nickel Boys with Best Director for RaMell Ross and Best Breakthrough Performer for Brandon Wilson.

Nickel Boys, based on Colson Whitehead’s novel, tells the harrowing story of two friends in a brutal reform school.

Zendaya received the Spotlight Award, praised for her authenticity, while Denis Villeneuve was honoured with a Director Tribute.

Timothée Chalamet and James Mangold received the Visionary Award for their Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown.

The ceremony also included tributes to stars like Angelina Jolie, who spoke on the importance of nurturing creativity and preserving arts education. The event highlighted the continuing influence of independent films in the awards season.

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