Government Cheques Are Coming Your Way As Of Monday

Dec 3 2023

In a move aimed at recognising the unique challenges faced by private and self-employed workers with atypical hours, the Ministry for Finance and Work has announced the distribution of another round of financial support.

Beginning Monday, December 4, 2023, approximately 25,000 individuals in Malta and Gozo working in the private sector, specifically those who engage in shifts, weekend work, or work after 6:00 PM, will receive a €150 cheque by post at their homes.

This financial relief is extended to workers and self-employed individuals whose annual income does not exceed €20,000. The initiative, initially introduced in the 2022 Budget, reflects the government’s commitment to providing support to those who contribute to the workforce in non-traditional working hours.

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“The Illuminated Trail Malta” Opens in Verdala Palace

Dec 3 2023

In the spirit of festive joy and holiday cheer, the Christmas village, “The Illuminated Trail Malta,” has once again opened its doors to the public at the picturesque Verdala Palace in Buskett.

This enchanting village, designed to captivate families and children alike, promises a magical experience with unique attractions that transform the surroundings into a winter wonderland filled with the spirit of Christmas.

Running until Sunday, January 7, 2024, “The Illuminated Trail Malta” has become a beloved annual tradition, bringing together locals and visitors to revel in the festive atmosphere. The event is a celebration of lights, colours, and holiday magic, creating an immersive experience for all who stroll through its illuminated paths.

In collaboration with the Malta Community Chest Fund and with the support of VisitMalta, the event aims to spread joy and warmth during the holiday season. The partnership underscores the commitment to making Christmas in Malta a truly special and inclusive experience for everyone.

Minister for Tourism Clayton Bartolo expressed his enthusiasm for “The Illuminated Trail Malta,” emphasising its significance in enhancing Malta’s appeal during the Christmas holidays. He stated, “This attraction is an added value for everyone who wants to enjoy Malta during the Christmas holidays. ‘The Illuminated Trail Malta’ is an event through which we continue to see a higher quality for the offer that our country makes for both local tourists and even those who visit the Maltese islands during Christmas.”

The event not only provides a festive escape for locals but also serves as an invitation for tourists to explore Malta during the holiday season. The combination of unique attractions, beautiful surroundings, and the collaborative efforts of various entities make “The Illuminated Trail Malta” a must-visit destination for those seeking the true magic of Christmas.

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20th Edition of MOC Gala Sports Awards Marks a Milestone Year for Maltese Athletes

Dec 3 2023

The Maltese Olympic Committee (MOC) hosted the 20th edition of its annual Gala Sports Awards, a dazzling evening dedicated to honouring the outstanding achievements of Malta’s sporting elite. This year’s ceremony was particularly special, celebrating a triumphant year for Maltese sports, highlighted by the success achieved in the Games of the Small States of Europe hosted locally in June.

The Gala Sports Awards recognised the exceptional accomplishments of Maltese athletes on the international stage, with a special emphasis on the Games of the Small States of Europe (GSSE). Malta’s remarkable success in the GSSE, resulting in the highest-ever medal tally, added a unique significance to this year’s event. The achievements not only showcased the talent and dedication of Malta’s athletes but also underscored the nation’s growing prominence in the global sporting arena.

The Maltese Olympic Committee underwent a meticulous evaluation of all nominations using a newly introduced awards criteria structure. This ensured that each athlete’s recognition aligned with the nature of their accomplishments on the international stage. In total, 56 athletes and teams were acknowledged for their outstanding contributions to Maltese sports.

Top Honours – Gold Award:

The highest honour of the evening, the Gold Award, was rightfully bestowed upon Clayton Castaldi, who etched his name in the annals of Maltese sports history by becoming the world champion in pool. Castaldi’s triumph in the singles tournament final in Agadir, Morocco, made him the first Maltese player to secure a world title in the singles competition.

Games of the Small States of Europe Medal Winners:

The Gala also witnessed the distribution of financial bonuses to the medal winners from the Games held in Malta earlier in the year. This decision, taken in collaboration with National Federations and the athletes themselves, added an extra layer of recognition for the remarkable achievements in the GSSE.

Hall of Fame Inductees:

In addition to celebrating current athletes, the MOC took a moment to honour two distinguished figures in Maltese sports by inducting them into the Hall of Fame. Robert Ebejer, a former president of the Aquatic Sports Association of Malta, and the late cyclist Jack Schiavone were recognised for their significant contributions to the sporting community, embodying the Olympic ideals in their work.

Over Half a Million Euros Distributed to Small Countries Games Medal Winners

In a historic moment for Maltese sports, the athletes who brought glory to Malta in the Small Countries Games earlier this year were honored and generously rewarded during the 20th edition of the MOC Gala Sport Awards. The event took place yesterday, recognizing the exceptional achievements of athletes who excelled in major international competitions.

As promised before the commencement of the Small Countries Games last May, gold medal winners were bestowed with a significant monetary reward of €10,000 each. Additionally, athletes who participated as part of a team shared this sum among themselves. Bronze and silver medalists were not overlooked, receiving monetary gifts as well. In total, an impressive sum of €575,300 was distributed among the 97 winners across these three categories of medals.

For the first time since 1985, Malta not only clinched the top spot on the medals table at the Small Countries Games but also achieved an absolute record in the number of medals won. The Maltese athletes brought home a total of 97 medals, comprising an astounding 38 gold, 30 silver, and 29 bronze medals. This exceptional performance not only solidified Malta’s standing among the nine participating countries but also set a new benchmark for total medals won.

The athletes who made this historic achievement possible were recognized and celebrated during the 20th edition of the MOC Gala Sport Awards. The evening, held under the patronage of Minister Clifton Grima, Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research, and Innovation, brought together the sports community to commemorate the excellence achieved by Maltese athletes.

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One Year Since The Tragic Death Of Jean Paul Sofia

Dec 3 2023

It has been a year since the devastating loss of Jean Paul Sofia, whose life was tragically cut short in a construction site accident. In the wake of this heart-wrenching incident, his mother has emerged as a beacon of strength, tirelessly advocating for justice and accountability. Today, as we reflect on the one-year anniversary of Jean Paul’s passing, we also acknowledge the tenacity of his mother in her quest for truth.

Jean Paul Sofia’s life was full of promise, but on that fateful day one year ago, tragedy struck at a construction site where he was working. The circumstances surrounding his death were shrouded in sorrow and left his loved ones grappling with grief. As news of the incident spread, the community mourned the loss of a young life with immense potential.

In the face of unimaginable grief, Jean Paul’s mother emerged as a force determined to seek justice for her son. Fueled by a mother’s love and a commitment to holding those responsible accountable, she embarked on a journey that would demand strength, resilience, and unwavering determination.

Recognising the need for a thorough investigation into the circumstances leading to her son’s death, Jean Paul’s mother took bold steps to put pressure on the government for a public inquiry.

She refused to accept silence or complacency in the face of tragedy. Through public awareness campaigns, engagement with the media, and garnering support from the community, she tirelessly worked to ensure that her son’s case would not be forgotten.

In response to the relentless efforts of Jean Paul’s mother and the mounting public pressure, the government has initiated a public inquiry into the construction site accident. This development marks a significant step towards accountability and transparency, acknowledging the need to examine the events leading up to that tragic day.

As the public inquiry gets underway, the legacy of Jean Paul Sofia lives on. His untimely death has become a catalyst for change, prompting a reevaluation of safety standards within the construction industry. The momentum generated by his mother’s advocacy has highlighted the importance of ensuring the well-being of workers and holding entities accountable for negligence.

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