Ħondoq Protection Plan & Gozo Strategy Announced

Aug 30 2023

The Prime Minister announced that the Cabinet has sanctioned a plan to revise Gozo’s local plan, aimed at safeguarding Ħondoq ir-Rummien from speculative activities.

This decision was unveiled on Tuesday alongside another document named the Gozo Regional Development Strategy, outlining the government’s vision for the next decade in Gozo.

The Prime Minister emphasized the comprehensive consultation process with Gozitan society, NGOs, and other stakeholders that contributed to the strategy’s creation, even though it hasn’t been publicly disclosed yet.

The Prime Minister stressed the importance of fostering quality employment opportunities in Gozo for its residents, building upon the achievements of recent years.

The envisioned Gozo is one marked by open spaces, environmental consciousness, robust connectivity, and abundant prospects. This move to safeguard Ħondoq ir-Rummien follows a prior commitment to amend planning laws to prevent its development, as reinforced by a recent Appeals Court ruling that upheld the rejection of a development proposal for a port, hotel, yacht marina, and tourist village in Ħondoq Bay.

The decision underscores the conclusion of a two-decade-long dispute, with the rejection of developers’ appeals to proceed with extensive construction plans in the bay. The landowners, Gozo Prestige Hotels, had intended to develop a significant area including a hotel, residential units, and various facilities on the 103,000 square meter site.

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Are You Ready For Thundery Rain Showers?

Aug 30 2023

This is your gentle reminder that most weather forecasts on the island are predicting thundery rain showers tomorrow, Thursday 31st August.

In fact, local weather page Maltese Islands Weather shared a couple of tips for locals to consider whilst preparing for the upcoming tempest.

Among them are conducting checks for any cracks in the walls and roof, any indoor leakages, proper sealing as well as setting up shelter for animals during the intense weather.

Some possible showers are also expected for today, Wednesday 30th August, with the temperature still feeling like 31 degrees Celsius – we’re still not clear of the heat yet!

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The Weeknd’s ‘The Idol’ Cancelled After Just 1 Season

Aug 30 2023

HBO has decided to cancel the controversial series “The Idol,” created by Sam Levinson and Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye, after just one season.

Despite being one of HBO’s provocative original shows, the decision was reached due to uncertainties about its future. The spokesperson for HBO expressed gratitude towards the creators, cast, and crew for their efforts and the positive audience response.

The first season, initially planned for six episodes, concluded after only five episodes on July 2.

The show, starring The Weeknd and Lily-Rose Depp, garnered attention even before its debut due to production changes and reshoots. Allegations of a toxic set environment were reported in a Rolling Stone article, leading to a public response from The Weeknd.

However, the series received poor reviews overall, achieving a mere 19% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Variety’s review criticized it as a sordid male fantasy.

While the ratings started with 913,000 viewers, lower than Levinson’s previous HBO series “Euphoria,” they later climbed to 3.6 million viewers within the first week and reached a total of 7 million.

Subsequent episodes saw a decline in viewership, and HBO chose not to disclose further viewership data during the show’s run. The cancellation decision was made following discussions with the creators and producers, disappointing fans and leaving the show’s potential second season uncertain.

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Fabio Spiteri Injured After Swiss Ultra Triathlon Accident

Aug 30 2023

Fabio Spiteri, a Maltese ultra triathlete, has unfortunately broken his clavicle following an accident in Seven, Switzerland.

Spiteri was abroad for the Swiss Ultra Triathlon, the quintuple ultra triathlon which covers around 1,130 kilometres.

Having completed a similar race back in 2022, Spiteri was raising funds for abandoned animals in Malta, but had his participation in the race cut short after a boy crossed the road without looking.

Taking to social media, Spiteri explained how he had no time to break as he was cycling fast on aerobars. Broken clavicle and need to do an operation. First Brazil now Switzerland… all that training for nothing. Hard to accept it.’

This follows May’s Buzios, Brazil incident, after Fabio was forced to stop from the Deck Ironman challenge due to blisters and a torn muscle.

On behalf of MaltaDaily, we wish Fabio a speedy recovery!

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