Malta is taking a bold step in the fight against HIV/AIDS with its ‘We Are Positive’ artivism campaign. Spearheaded by artist Emma Grima and Checkpoint Malta, this initiative aims to normalize HIV testing and sexual health screening services by transforming the iconic Love Monument in St. Julian’s.

Between May 18th and 25th, the Love Monument will be wrapped in striking red hues and adorned with HIV self-test kit boxes. This visually striking intervention coincides with European Testing Week, highlighting the importance of regular testing in combating stigma and reducing transmission rates.

By leveraging art as a tool for awareness, ‘We Are Positive’ encourages conversations, challenges misconceptions, and fosters a community of support. This transformation serves as a call to action for policymakers and society to prioritize comprehensive sexual health education and accessible healthcare services.

As visitors engage with the Love Monument during this transformative week, they become active participants in a movement grounded in love, compassion, and solidarity. Together, Malta is positive that a brighter, healthier future awaits.

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Members of the Zurrieq community gather today, to bid farewell to one of their most beloved figures, Dun Raymond Cassar. While widely known for his viral ‘Jien il-President’ video clip, Dun Raymond’s impact extended far beyond the realms of social media. He was revered and respected within the local community, particularly among the members of the Zurrieq Parish, where he served.

Dun Raymond’s passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the community, with heartfelt messages flooding social media platforms. Among those expressing their condolences is the Carmelite Society Queen Victoria Band Club, underscoring the profound impact Dun Raymond had on the lives of many.

The funeral service for Dun Raymond Cassar takes place today, offering a chance for the community to come together in mourning and remembrance. As individuals gather to pay their respects, they recall his warm presence and unwavering dedication to his parishioners. His legacy as a cherished member of the community will endure, remembered not only for his viral fame but for the kindness and compassion he showed to all.

As the community gathers today to bid farewell to Dun Raymond Cassar, his memory lives on in the hearts of those who knew him. His contributions to Zurrieq Parish and beyond leave an indelible mark, a testament to a life lived with grace and humility.

Rest in peace, Dun Raymond. Your spirit will forever remain a guiding light for the Zurrieq community.

“Strieħ fis-sliem. Grazzi ta’ kull ma għamilt miegħi, maż-żreraq u dawk kollha li kienu jafuk.”

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In a fragrant celebration of one of France’s most cherished culinary symbols, nearly 600,000 scratch-and-sniff postage stamps have been released by La Poste, France’s national postal service. The stamps, which cost €1.96 each, feature an image of a baguette adorned with a red, white, and blue ribbon and emit a bakery scent when rubbed.

These unique stamps, now available for purchase, were launched on the day of Saint-Honoré, the patron saint of bakers and pastry chefs. They commemorate the baguette’s designation as a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage in 2022, highlighting its significance in French gastronomy and daily life.

Damien Lavaud, a printer at Philaposte, detailed the intricate process of incorporating the scented ink into the stamps. “This scent is encapsulated. We buy it from another manufacturer,” Lavaud explained to French media. “The challenge for us is to apply this ink without breaking the capsules so that the smell can be released by the customer rubbing the stamp.”

The stamps are available for sale at Le Carré d’encre, a Parisian stationery shop, and other outlets. La Poste described the baguette on its website as “the bread of our daily lives, the symbol of our gastronomy, the jewel of our culture.” This creative initiative not only pays homage to a staple of French culture but also brings a sensory experience to philately, making it a memorable addition for collectors and baguette enthusiasts alike.

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