Free Parking for Outpatients at Mater Dei Hospital Starting November 1st

Oct 27 2024

From November 1st, outpatients visiting Mater Dei Hospital will benefit from free parking, as announced by Health Minister Jo Etienne Abela. The initiative will apply to patients accessing services at the Oncology Hospital (SAMOC), the Outpatients Department, and the Medical Imaging Department for radiology services such as X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, MRI, and nuclear imaging.

Minister Abela highlighted that approximately 55,000 people use these services monthly at Mater Dei Hospital. In response, the government is implementing this initiative to eliminate parking fees for outpatients, making healthcare more accessible and reducing financial burdens.

To benefit from free parking, outpatients must present their appointment details along with their ID card and parking ticket at the hospital’s main reception. The ticket will be validated to ensure no charges are incurred upon exiting the parking facility.

“We believe that a public hospital should be for the people and by the people. It is only right that we implement this patient-friendly measure for the benefit of Maltese and Gozitan patients as soon as possible,” stated Minister Abela.

He also noted that this is the first phase of the initiative, with the government exploring the possibility of extending free parking to relatives visiting their hospitalised family members.

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Liam Payne Fans Gather in Valletta for Emotional Tribute

Oct 27 2024

Last night, Valletta’s Laparelli Gardens became a sea of emotion as hundreds of fans gathered to pay tribute to the late Liam Payne.

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Originally set to take place at Triton Fountain, the memorial event was relocated to Ġnien Laparelli, with the announcement made via the event’s social media page. The poster encouraged attendees to bring items that reminded them of the beloved singer, and many did just that, arriving with charts, frames, candles, and pictures to commemorate Payne’s legacy.

As Payne’s music echoed through the gardens, fans sang along to his iconic songs, creating a heartfelt atmosphere of unity and remembrance. The tribute event was a testament to Payne’s enduring impact, as fans came together to celebrate his life and mourn his unexpected passing earlier this month, which shocked thousands worldwide.

In addition to honouring Payne’s memory, the event also aimed to support mental health causes, raising funds for The Richmond Foundation. Attendees were encouraged to donate through Revolut or BOV Mobile, with all proceeds going toward the foundation’s initiatives. The night was a touching display of how Payne’s music and spirit continue to resonate deeply with fans in Malta and beyond.

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Giant Buffon Sculpture Unveiled at Hamrun Chocolate Festival

Oct 27 2024

Football and chocolate fans alike were in for a treat at the 14th edition of the Hamrun Chocolate Festival, held on Saturday, 26th October.

One of the highlights of the event was a life-size sculpture of legendary Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, crafted entirely from chocolate. Thousands flocked to St. Joseph High Street and its surroundings, enjoying a night filled with sweet delights and entertainment.

The stunning chocolate sculpture was the work of Maltese chocolatier Tiziano Cassar, renowned for his jaw-dropping creations. Cassar, who has previously impressed with chocolate renditions of Russell Crowe’s Maximus from Gladiator and Johnny Walker, did not disappoint with this year’s masterpiece. Buffon’s likeness, meticulously sculpted in rich chocolate, captured the essence of the football icon,

The festival, a beloved event in Malta’s cultural calendar, featured not only chocolate sculptures but also a variety of exhibitions, performances by local and international bands, singers, and other attractions.

Following the event, the Hamrun Local Council took to social media to thank everyone in attendance, pledging that it will continue to strive to make the festival a unique and sought-after event in the country’s cultural calendar.

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Another Gozo Channel Bomb Threat

Oct 26 2024

The Gozo Channel ferry service was temporarily suspended on Saturday following its second bomb threat in two days.

The Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) responded to the threat by inspecting all four Gozo Channel ferries and both the Ċirkewwa terminal in Malta and the Mġarr terminal in Gozo. Bomb disposal officers worked across the islands, with divers also inspecting the undersides of the vessels.

The disruption affected travel, with passengers on the 3:30 pm ferry asked to disembark, and significant traffic buildup reported along Mġarr Road as people waited for updates.

The AFM expects to clear the vessels for safe operations by around 7 pm, allowing ferry services to resume.

Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri addressed the issue on social media, expressing confidence that those responsible for the hoaxes would be identified and brought to justice. Malta’s laws impose heavy fines on anyone convicted of issuing false bomb threats.

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