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Honey Buzzards Killed In Buskett, Has-Saptan; Bee-Eater Shot

Honey Buzzards Killed In Buskett, Has-Saptan; Bee-Eater Shot
Oct 1 2024 Share

Video footage from the Committee Against Bird Slaughter (CABS) shows a poacher shooting down a protected Honey Buzzard near Buskett Gardens last Friday.

The bird was flying towards the Buskett Bird Sanctuary when a single shot brought it down.

A man with a shotgun was later seen searching the area but left without retrieving the bird, likely due to CABS’ presence. The injured bird was recovered by the Environmental Protection Unit (EPU) following collaboration with CABS, and the suspect was questioned.

In a separate incident, another Honey Buzzard was killed in Has-Saptan valley, though it wasn’t filmed and the bird couldn’t be located. CABS also documented five cases of birds of prey with shotgun-related injuries, including Peregrine Falcons, Honey Buzzards, and Marsh Harriers near Girgenti and Buskett Gardens.

Last week, CABS reported another poacher killing a protected Bee-Eater near Birzebugga, leading to criminal proceedings. Additionally, a repeat offender was filmed using an illegal electronic bird caller on the L-Ahrax peninsula and fined €350.

CABS praised the EPU, Birdlife Malta, and the Malta Ranger Unit for their efforts in combating bird poaching, noting that while illegal killings have decreased over the past two decades, some poachers remain undeterred.

#MaltaDaily

Two Men Grievously Injured In Separate Traffic Accidents

Two Men Grievously Injured In Separate Traffic Accidents
Oct 1 2024 Share

Two men were hospitalised after suffering injuries in two separate traffic accidents.

The first accident took place at around 1700hrs in Triq Villabate, Ħaż-Żabbar.

Preliminary investigations showed that a 36 year old man resident of Marsaskala suffered injuries in a crash between a Volkswagen Golf he was driving and a Peugeot 2008 driven by a 44 year old woman resident of Żejtun.

A Toyota van was also hit during the incident, but was parked.

The second incident took place at around 1815hrs in Triq l-Imdina, Ħ’Attard, between a Honda motorcycle driven by a 32 year old man resident of Ħaż-Żebbuġ and a Nissan Qashqai driven by a 42 year old man resident of St Paul’s Bay.

A medical team gave their assistance in both accidents and the motorcyclist and the 36 year old man were taken to hospital where they were both certified as having suffered grievous injuries.

Investigations are ongoing.

#MaltaDaily

New Zealand Regains World Record For Largest Haka

New Zealand Regains World Record For Largest Haka
Oct 1 2024 Share

New Zealand has regained the world record for the largest mass Haka, with approximately 6,500 participants performing the traditional Māori dance at Eden Park in Auckland on Sunday.

This event surpassed the previous record set by France in 2014, which had 4,028 participants.

The Haka, originally a ceremonial war dance meant to challenge opponents, is now a celebration of Māori culture and unity, often performed at significant occasions, including sports events, notably by the national rugby team, the All Blacks.

Nick Sautner, Chief Executive of Eden Park, emphasized that the event goes beyond mere numbers, as it serves to honor New Zealand’s cultural legacy on a global stage.

The participants showcased the Haka’s intensity through stomping, vocal expressions, and dramatic facial gestures.

To meet the record requirement, they performed the well-known Ka Mate routine four times in a row. Despite the celebration, the Māori community continues to face discrimination, leading to health and education disparities.

Recent protests have erupted in response to the government’s proposed changes that threaten Māori health initiatives and language use, further highlighting ongoing challenges for the Māori population, which constitutes nearly 20% of New Zealand’s population.

#MaltaDaily

Only €1.60 For Eggs Spent By Former ABBA Leader For Election

Only €1.60 For Eggs Spent By Former ABBA Leader For Election
Oct 1 2024 Share

Ivan Grech Mintoff ran his entire campaign for the MEP elections with a declared expense of just €1.60, which he spent on a carton of eggs.

In his sworn statement to the electoral commission, Grech Mintoff explained that his only expenditure went towards purchasing eggs, which he used in a protest during a university debate, criticising the unequal speaking time allocated to candidates. He smashed an egg on stage before storming out in protest.

 

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His protest attempts extended beyond that event, as he was stopped from bringing eggs into a television studio for another political debate, claiming they were essential for his protest.

Earlier in the campaign, he had thrown eggs near the prime minister during a Labour Party event, which brought further attention to his campaign.

All election candidates must report their campaign expenses, and Grech Mintoff’s running mate, Tania Gauci, declared no expenses at all.

#MaltaDaily