Government and Renzo Piano in talks to restore Valletta open theatre roof

Jun 5 2022

In an interview on Andrew Azzopardi’s talkshow on 103 Malta’s Heart, National Heritage Minister Owen Bonnici revealed that the government is in talks to roof the open theatre in Valletta.

The Minister revealed that the government intends to roof the open theatre in collaboration with the renowned Italian architect Renzo Piano.

The Italian architect had designed theatre as part of the €85 million regeneration of Freedom Square as well as the new Parliament building when under the previous Nationalist administration.

Bonnici said that despite the theatre being beautiful and aesthetically pleasing, it is not functional as it is without a roof. He also made reference to the controversy which arose after the Lawrence Gonzi PN administration kicked off plans to rebuild the former opera house after it sustained damages in WWII.

The plans had faced criticism by the Labour Party, with former leader Joseph Muscat meeting the architect to discuss changes to the projects after being elected in 2013.

Credit: Newsbook, 103 Malta’s Heart, Andrew Azzopardi

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WATCH: Dog saved from fireworks factory explosion fires was very happy

Jun 5 2022

The Civil Protection Department shared a special video of a moment from their rescue operation after the fireworks factory explosion in Mosta: a happy dog wagging its tail after it was safely retrieved from the dangerous zone.

The footage shows CPD officers emerging from the area with a leashed dog moments after all the people involved in the area were escorted to safety.

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The dog seemed completely unharmed and even leapt with joy alongside the officers as it made its way to safety. It was even reunited with either its owner or one of the men who look after the factory as it rushed to the man for some good old pats and rubs.

Well done all!

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Video Credit: Civil Protection Department FB

Santa Marija statue remains intact following firework factory explosions

Jun 5 2022

Local social media was captivated by the fact that following several explosions after the 15 t’Awissu fireworks factory exploded, a local statue of Santa Marija remained intact.

The explosions started at around 1515hrs, with other smaller explosions later setting off other ones due to explosive material.

Thankfully no one was grievously injured during the incident, with three men suffering light injuries. Civil Protection, police, medical teams and even the AFM bomb disposal team converged on site to ensure the safety of all.

People were left in awe however by a Santa Marija statue in the vicinity of the explosions which did not suffer any damage. Zebbug local councillor and activist Steve Zammit Lupi even took to social media to point out the occurrence, saying ‘Santa Marija looks over you’.

Some did however point to coincidence for the statue’s preservation, sparking somewhat of a debate on social media. Whatever the case may be, it’s great to see that a piece of sculptural art very at heart to many Maltese still remain intact despite the odds.

We would also like to wish those slightly injured by the explosion a speedy recovery and thank all officials for their hard work to ensure safety of all.

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Over 700 monkeypox cases globally but no fatalities

Jun 5 2022

The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that it was aware of over 700 monkeypox cases worldwide. 21 of these were reported in the US, but all patients are in recovery of have recovered.

No cases have been fatal as of yet. 14 are thought to be travel-related whereas 16 of the first 17 cases were among men who have sex with men, the CDC reports.

The rare disease is related to smallpox, but is far less severe an causes a rash that spreads among other symptoms.

The disease is already endemic in western and central Africa, but cases were reported in Europe since May of 2022. Canada also revealed that it has around 77 confirmed cases, all confined to Quebec.

This comes as Superintendent Charmaine Gauci unveils that people with monkeypox are to self-isolate for three weeks (21 days).

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