Focus on vaccine distribution inequity during UN gathering

Sep 23 2021

As the UN annual meeting of world leaders convenes, the inequity of COVID-19 vaccine distribution will come into clearer focus this Thursday, showing how many of the African countries have little to no access to life-saving COVID-19 jabs. The pandemic and the struggle to contain it have already featured as prominent topics during speeches by many of the leaders, with some delivering their speeches remotely. Norway’s Prime Minister Erna Solberg spoke in a pre-recorded speech on Wednesday, saying that in Africa, fewer than 1 in 20 people are fully vaccinated. This contrasts to Europe’s one in two being fully vaccinated.

South Africa, Botswana, Angola, Burkina Faso and Libya are all slated to give their annual speeches this Thursday, joined by Zimbabwe and Uganda who have both endured economy and tradition wrecking impacts due to COVID-19. President Joe Biden announced that the US will double its purchase of Pfizer vaccines to share with the world around a billion doses. WHO have also reported that only 15% of promised vaccine donations from the world’s richest countries have been delivered.

President Felix Tshisekedi of Congo spoke at an anti-racism event on Wednesday, stating that the disparity in vaccine availability around the world clearly does not demonstrate equality between the countries and peoples of this world. Ukranian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also called out the failures of sharing vaccines during his Wednesday night speech, stating how his 2020 hopes of effective multilateralism and international solidarity were ‘dashed.’ The conference is also set to deal with climate change as another major global concern.

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Ronaldo leapfrogs Messi and becomes the highest-paid footballer

Sep 23 2021

According to Forbes, Portugal and Manchester United player Cristiano Ronaldo will leapfrog Lionel Messi and become the highest paid footballer this year. The Portuguese superstar will earn around $125 million this year with $70 million coming from his salary. Messi will earn $110 million this year, making him the second highest paid player.

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Messi will reportedly have a higher wage than Ronaldo, with him earning $75 million, but will earn less than the Manchester United players in endorsements. Messi’s teammate Neymar Jr also has a higher pay than Ronaldo, also earning $75 million but only earns $20 million in endorsements and is nowhere near Ronaldo’s $55 million endorsement package.

The top 5 is rounded up by PSG player Kylian Mbappe and Liverpool player Mohammed Salah. Forbes releases it’s list by speaking to and gathering information from clubs, sponsors, player agents and financial experts.

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Manuel Delia to flee Malta following death threats

Sep 23 2021

After receiving anonymous threats, some concerning his well-being, activist and blogger Manuel Delia has revealed that he will be temporarily leaving Malta due to security reasons. The news was first revealed on an Italian website which forms part of a wider interview on Articolo21. The portal highlighted how Delia was being forced to leave the island, his family and children due to the threats, with the European Center for Press and Media Freedom offering him a safe place to spend time until the situation improves. Delia clarified that he will not stop writing while away however, saying that he will be able to focus on his work without having to give much ‘heed too nuisance phone calls in the middle of the night and the sort of noise that is designed to distract [him].’

Delia revealed that there are other journalists, activists, lawyers and even state officials who are under a lot of pressure and have just as much reason to be concerned. Delia spoke in an interview, saying that he was facing threats by criminals inside and outside prison which are ’empowered by a ruling political party.’ He told MaltaToday that he had received text messages personally directed at him, from anonymous numbers and from a US number based in Miami. Delia does not think the threats form part of a partisan campaign from any party, but the Labour party media’s reports intending to discrediting him could add fuel to the fire and impunity.

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Photo Source: Manuel Delia

Story Bridge in Brisbane lights up with Maltese colors

Sep 23 2021

Story Bridge in Brisbane Australia donned the Maltese colors red and white on Tuesday for Malta’s Independence Day celebrations. The spectacle celebrates the Maltese expats living in the country, with many living in Brisbane and other Australian localities such as Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast uniting together to celebrate the country’s Independence. Photos were uploaded to Facebook by Sandra Alexandra Micallef, who thanked the Brisbane City Council for lighting up the bridge with the colors to raise awareness about the Maltese holiday.

Here is a short video on Malta’s Independence Day:

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