Government Launches 2025 Artistic Heritage Scheme

Feb 14 2025

The 2025 Artistic Heritage Scheme has been introduced to support cultural and social organizations in Malta and Gozo that work voluntarily to preserve and promote traditional Maltese festas. The initiative, launched by Minister for National Heritage, the Arts, and Local Government Owen Bonnici, aims to strengthen the artistic and historical aspects of these celebrations while enhancing safety and infrastructure.

The scheme offers financial assistance across three key areas:

Band Clubs and Musical Societies – Up to €8,000 per eligible entity

Health & Safety in Firework Factories – Up to €5,000 per eligible entity*

Semi-Permanent Artistic Decorations – Up to €5,000 per eligible entity

(*Organizations using firework facilities that are not their own may receive up to €2,500.)

Minister Owen Bonnici emphasized that Maltese festas are a vital part of the country’s cultural identity. He stated that this scheme directly invests in organizations that keep these traditions alive while prioritizing safety and sustainability.

Rita Falzon, Head of Funding at the Malta Arts Council, encouraged eligible organizations to apply, noting that the scheme provides valuable financial backing for those working to preserve artistic and musical heritage.

Applications for the first round close on April 1, 2025, with results announced on May 8, 2025. The second round deadline is October 7, 2025, with results expected by November 13, 2025.

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Gzira Public Library Renovation Project Completed

Feb 14 2025

The Gżira Local Council has successfully completed a renovation and regeneration project for the town’s public library.

The project, carried out by workers from the Local Government Division, aimed to modernise the library and make it more accessible. Located within Gżira Primary School, the library serves both school children and other residents, including those from outside the locality.

The newly upgraded library was inaugurated by Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government, Alison Zerafa Civelli, and Gżira Mayor, Neville Chetcuti.

They expressed gratitude to the RSSL workers, who operate under the Local Government Division, for their efforts in completing the project.

Parliamentary Secretary Zerafa Civelli praised the workers for their dedication, not just to this project but also to other initiatives requested by local councils.

She highlighted the importance of open spaces and cultural projects in improving residents’ quality of life. “This project is also proof of our commitment to maintaining existing initiatives, whether through Local Government Division schemes or direct assistance to councils,” she stated.

Mayor Neville Chetcuti emphasised that, with the support of the Local Government Division, more projects are being implemented for the benefit of residents.

“Although Gżira already had a public library, it was not adequately equipped for students and local children. As a council, we decided to provide them with a better, more well-equipped library,” he concluded.

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Malta Hit By Hail As Isolated Storm Passes Over Island

Feb 14 2025

An isolated storm in the southern zones of Malta has left some localities covered in hail, as some photos sent to this newsroom show.

Photos show hail around various localities as the weather is set to get colder throughout this upcoming weekend.

According to weather page ‘It-Temp Madwarna’, the isolated storm hit parts of Birzebbuga and the vicinities.

The weather is expected to be windy this upcoming weekend, with temperatures to feel like 16 degrees Celsius by Sunday.

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20 Month Jail Sentence For Owner Of Pitbulls Who Killed Grandma

Feb 14 2025

A man has been sentenced to one year and eight months in prison after his two pit bulls fatally mauled his 95-year-old grandmother.

Andre Galea was found guilty of gross negligence and abandonment for failing to prevent the attack, which also claimed the life of his grandmother’s pet chihuahua.

The court heard how Ines Maria Galea suffered severe injuries before dying in her home in Msida in September 2020. The dogs, named Bullet and Chica, were later euthanised.

Galea had been breeding dogs while living with his grandmother but moved out, leaving the pit bulls in her care. The court found that he was fully aware of their aggressive tendencies and had put his grandmother at risk for years.

Magistrate Donatella Frendo ruled that the attack was entirely foreseeable, stating Galea had invited tragedy by allowing the dogs to roam freely near the elderly woman. She described him as a man who lives recklessly, ignoring the safety of others.

Alongside the 20-month prison sentence, Galea was fined €2,224. The magistrate also criticised Malta’s two-year maximum penalty for involuntary homicide, questioning whether society values human life so little.

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Photo Source: Times of Malta