Ġanni & Luċija Most Popular Maltese Names 2 Years In A Row

Jan 17 2024

For the second consecutive year, Ġanni and Luċija retained their status as the most popular baby names among new parents in Malta, according to Identità (formerly Identity Malta).

Three years after allowing Maltese characters in names, these two names have consistently topped the list for babies born in the country.

The top four names for boys were Matteo, Noah, Luca, and Jack, while girls were most commonly named Emma, Valentina, Julia, or Nina in the past year.

Following the IT system update in 2020, allowing the use of Maltese fonts for registered names, Ġanni became the first child to be registered with such characters in their name.

Notably, there was minimal change in the popular baby names between 2022 and 2023, with Luca, Noah, Matteo, Emma, and Nina maintaining their positions in the top five choices. Last year, Malta saw an increase of 5.7% in births, totaling 4,204, with 2,162 boys and 2,042 girls.

Additionally, registered deaths rose by 3.5%, reaching 3,915 in 2023, with 1,943 men and 1,972 women. The number of women who died increased by 136, while men increased by four.

The Public Registry recorded 2,036 marriages, a decrease of 201 from the previous year, and no civil unions were registered. Cohabitations increased to 36 from 31 in 2022.

In total, 68,987 birth, marriage, and death certificates were issued in 2023, with 57% processed online and the remainder through the registry’s Marsa office.

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Malta-Flagged Vessel Hit By Missile Off Coast of Yemen

Jan 16 2024

An empty bulk carrier bearing the Maltese flag has been hit by a missile off the coast of Yemen.

Zografia, a Greek-owned vessel sailing from Vietnam to Israel was hit 76 nautical mils northwest of a Yemeni Port, carrying 24 crew and no cargo. An unnamed source told Reuters that the missile hit rendered only material damage and no injuries.

The Malta-flagged vessel’s attack is only the latest in a string of attacks orchestrated by the Houthi rebel group. The Houthi militia, formally known as Ansar Allah, is a rebel group based in Yemen, primarily composed of Zaidi Shia Muslims. Emerging from the northern part of the country, the Houthis gained international attention for their armed opposition to the Yemeni government. The conflict escalated, leading to their takeover of the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, in 2014.

Satellite imagery analysed by The Associated Press showed that the vessel was still moving after the attack.

In response to the recent attack on a Malta-flagged bulk carrier, 76 nautical miles northwest of the Yemeni port of Saleef, the Maritime Security Committee, presided by the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Public Works Chris Bonett, was convened to assess the ongoing situation. Based on the information available, there are no reported injuries among the crew and the vessel sustained damage to its structure. It appears that the vessel continued its course and is currently seeking a port for necessary repairs.

The incidents occurring in the Red Sea are a major concern for us, as the area is a major global shipping lane and vital for international maritime commerce. Ensuring the safety of shipping lanes is not just a regional concern but a matter of international importance.

The escalating situation emphasizes the importance of ensuring the safety of vessels from such attacks as they navigate through the area. Therefore, we advocate for and are ready to participate in a coordinated international action to restore and maintain normalcy in the area.

Photo Source: myKN – Kuehne + Nagel

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Mapping Of Maltese Roads By Cleaning Robots Continues

MAPPING OF MALTA’S ROADS BY ELECTRIC POWERED ROBOTS CONTINUES

Jan 16 2024

Clean Malta – Cleansing and Maintenance Division shared a video of the electric-powered robots has continued.

‘This equipment will be used to clean squares and streets, with the cleaning routes predetermined from beforehand’, Clean Malta explained.

The equipment form part of an approximately €7 million investment, co-financed by national and EU funds.

This involves the electrification of 73 pieces of equipment, including Hook Loaders, Tipper Vans, Rough Terrain Utility Vehicles, Compact Sweepers, Pedestrian Sweepers, and more, with a total investment exceeding €5 million.

The fleet of electric equipment brings about a reduction in noise pollution, allowing for extended cleaning hours without causing disturbances. This move aligns with the global push for cleaner and quieter urban environments.

The electrification of cleaning equipment not only improves sustainability but also enhances efficiency and effectiveness in maintaining cleanliness in public spaces.

With 100% carbon neutrality, the electric cleaning equipment significantly reduces carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to Malta’s efforts in combatting climate change.

The introduction of state-of-the-art electric machinery is expected to increase the frequency of street cleaning, with some areas being cleaned three or four times a week, ensuring a cleaner and healthier urban environment for residents and visitors.

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New Year’s Resolutions Maltese People Should Consider In 2024

Jan 16 2024

As we bid farewell to 2023 and welcome 2024, it’s time to think about our New Year’s resolutions. Here are some suggestions specifically tailored for us Maltese folks:

1. Lose Weight

We’ve been crowned ‘the most obese country in the European Union’. Let’s make it our mission to change that in 2024.

2. Use Indicators

This may be a big change for some, but using indicators while driving can make our roads safer and less chaotic. And plus, once you get into the habit, it almost becomes second nature.

3. Walk 10k Steps a Day

We love our cars, but often resort to them no matter the distance of our destination. Opting to walk to places within a reasonable distance can benefit our traffic situation, air quality, wallet, health, and mood!

4. Reduce Carbon Footprint

Our air quality is not great, and our sustainability efforts are nothing to write home about. Let’s make an effort to reduce our carbon footprint in 2024, one small habit at a time.

5. Eat Healthier

We love our carbs, from pastizzi to timpana, imqarret to donuts. But in 2024, let’s try to balance our diet with more fruits and veggies. Plus, we get some of the tastiest local produce around!

6. Grow More Plants

Our country can use a little greenification. If you and your neighbours were to add a few plants to your facades/balconies, it can really brighten up your street.

7. Learn a New Skill

Everyone needs a hobby. With so many traditional skills to choose from – lace making (bizzilla), filigree, weaving, glass blowing and crib building why not pick one and master it in 2024?

8. Travel More

With a country so small, it’s easy to become a little claustrophobic. Let’s make 2024 the year we explore new places and cultures.

9. Try Your Luck

Life is full of opportunities waiting to be seized. In the upcoming year, why not consider doing some little things which have the potential to result in great rewards?

Start that new blog, podcast or develop that business idea that’s been lingering at the back of your head, PM your crush, ask for that well-deserved promotion.

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