fbpx

Glenn Micallef Secures EU Youth and Culture Role

Glenn Micallef Secures EU Youth and Culture Role
Nov 27 2024 Share

The European Parliament today approved the new European Commission, led by Ursula von der Leyen, paving the way for the team to officially take office on 1 December. The vote, which saw 370 in favour and 282 against, confirmed the line-up for von der Leyen’s second term as President.

Malta’s nominee, Glenn Micallef, has been entrusted with the portfolio of Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture, and Sport. Prime Minister Robert Abela congratulated Micallef, wishing him success in his new role and expressing confidence in his contribution to the European Union.

In presenting her team before the vote, von der Leyen stressed the Commission’s dedication to addressing Europe’s critical challenges, including freedom, security, and economic innovation. She announced the first initiative of her new mandate will be a “competitiveness compass” to close the innovation gap with global powers, increase energy independence, and accelerate decarbonisation under the European Green Deal.

Debates ahead of the vote reflected mixed views among MEPs, with some emphasising the need to strengthen competitiveness, energy security, and defence, while others voiced opposition to the new team.

#MaltaDaily

New Garden Offering A Space For Hospice Malta Patients

New Garden Offering A Space For Hospice Malta Patients
Nov 27 2024 Share

A collaboration between Project Green and Hospice Malta has resulted in a serene 2,700-square-meter garden at the Hospice Malta facility in Santa Venera.

Designed as a tranquil retreat, the space offers patients and their families a peaceful environment to relax and create meaningful memories during challenging times.

The garden, tailored to the needs of Hospice residents and their loved ones, priorities accessibility, including the ability to move patients’ beds outdoors.

Therapeutic plants, water features, and shaded areas enhance the calming atmosphere. Dedicated zones with play equipment cater to visiting children, while a rainwater reservoir supports sustainable irrigation.

Minister for the Environment Miriam Dalli, Project Green CEO Joseph Cuschieri, Hospice Malta Chairperson Bernardette Bonnici Kind, and CEO Kenneth Delia visited the newly completed garden, with residents expressing their satisfaction with the enhanced natural surroundings.

Minister Dalli highlighted the garden as a model of improving quality of life for those in need of care, praising its role in supporting Hospice Malta’s mission.

Architect Katrina Grech Mallia emphasised the garden’s inclusive and therapeutic design, reflecting the principles of palliative care. Hospice Chairperson Bonnici Kind called the project a testament to comfort and dignity for patients, made possible through a €1.2 million investment by Project Green under the Community Greening Grant.

#MaltaDaily

Housing Authority Announces Digital Project to Enhance Services

Housing Authority Announces Digital Project to Enhance Services
Nov 27 2024 Share

Minister for Social and Affordable Housing, Roderick Galdes, has announced a new digitisation initiative by the Housing Authority aimed at reducing bureaucracy and improving operational efficiency. The project, which has been gradually rolled out, is designed to streamline processes, enabling faster and more efficient handling of housing schemes.

“The results of this transformation are already visible,” said Minister Galdes. “While digitising services is not a quick or simple task, it is crucial for enhancing the experience of both our beneficiaries and staff.” The Minister highlighted the positive impact on the Housing Authority’s workers, helping them manage the growing demand for housing schemes.

The first fully digitised scheme is the Rent Benefit program, where 2,900 families are now receiving subsidies more easily. “This digitization is directly improving the lives of many families,” Galdes noted, emphasizing the Authority’s commitment to expanding digital services to reach even more people faster.

Matthew Zerafa, the Chief Executive of the Housing Authority, added that technology is revolutionizing the way the Authority communicates and delivers services, ensuring a more transparent and efficient experience for all beneficiaries.

#MaltaDaily

Local Video Creator Imagines F1 Car On Maltese Streets

Local Video Creator Imagines F1 Car On Maltese Streets
Nov 27 2024 Share

Taking to social media, local video creator Jean Paul Caruana imagined what it would look like if an F1 driver – namely, Max Verstappen – were to park and drive on Maltese roads.

‘Bro thinks he can park wherever he wants now that he’s a 4-time world champion’, wrote Jean Paul, tagging Verstappen.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Jean-Paul Caruana (@jp.caruana)

This comes as Verstappen claims his fourth consecutive Formula One world title at the Los Vegas Grand Prix, becoming the sixth driver in history to achieve the milestone.

The 27-year-old Dutchman finished fifth, while Mercedes’ George Russell claimed victory, 7.3 seconds ahead of teammate Lewis Hamilton. Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc completed the top four, with Verstappen’s sole title rival, Lando Norris, finishing sixth.

#MaltaDaily