Honouring Jake Vella: ‘Gift with Love’ Returns

Dec 11 2024

The third edition of Gift with Love with a Difference has been launched at Mater Dei Hospital by Dr Lydia Abela, wife of the Prime Minister, continuing the legacy of Jake Vella, a young Maltese boy who passed away earlier this year. This initiative, introduced two years ago to fulfil Jake’s wish, encourages donations of animal food and supplies to support sanctuaries across Malta.

Dr Abela reflected on Jake’s bravery in battling a rare illness while displaying unwavering compassion for others, especially animals. She urged the public to contribute to the initiative by leaving donations in the hospital’s main hall, ensuring Jake’s dream lives on.

This campaign complements the broader Gift with Love initiative, which collects Christmas presents for disadvantaged children. Minister for Health and Active Ageing Jo Etienne Abela highlighted Jake’s enduring influence, reminding the public of the upcoming Paw Walk on Sunday, 15th December, starting at Mater Dei Hospital.

Both Dr Abela and Minister Abela expressed confidence in the generosity of the Maltese and Gozitan people, aiming to make this year’s campaign another success in honour of Jake’s altruistic spirit.

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Sliema Suitcase Corpse Victim Died After Drugs Burst Inside Him

Dec 11 2024

NET News reported that sources have indicated how the Sliema suitcase corpse victim was being used as a drug mule and died when the drugs placed inside his body ruptured.

It is suspected that his traffickers planned to send him on a flight to a European destination, deliberately choosing a disabled individual to avoid scrutiny.

On Monday, the suitcase was spotted near Manoel Island by a Scottish man around 2 PM. Police and forensic teams arrived on the scene and retrieved the suitcase, which contained human remains that were not in an advanced state of decomposition.

A search of the seabed, aided by the Armed Forces of Malta, revealed the victim’s hands and feet.

Investigators confirmed the hatchet used to dismember the body was not the murder weapon but was purchased from a Naxxar hardware store, along with the suitcase.

The victim, believed to be aged 40 to 50, was likely being prepared for travel abroad before his death.

The search for the alleged killer remains ongoing, as investigators unravel the gruesome case of a disabled man whose dismembered body was discovered in a suitcase floating near Gżira.

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Source: NET News

24% Of Maltese Say It Is ‘Very Easy’ To Get Cocaine In 24 Hours, Survey Shows

Dec 11 2024

A new Eurobarometer survey reveals growing concerns about the impact of drug use and trafficking in local communities. Around 40% of respondents see drug use as a serious issue, while 41% say drug trafficking is a major problem. A third believe these issues have worsened in recent years, though some feel the situation has improved.

Many participants worry about the toll drugs take on their neighbourhoods. Nearly 40% say drug use lowers quality of life, and about a third feel unsafe near their homes or workplaces. Mental health issues top the list of drug-related public health concerns, followed by long-term conditions like heart and lung diseases.

Most people back strict bans on substances like heroin, MDMA, and cocaine, but opinions on cannabis are split. While 53% favour regulating cannabis for recreational use, support has fallen since 2021. Some EU countries are increasingly in favour of banning it entirely.

When asked how to address drug problems, 43% of respondents called for tougher measures against traffickers, while 41% stressed the importance of education and prevention. Others suggested dismantling criminal networks and creating activities for young people, reflecting a shared desire for safer, healthier communities.

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Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Not Like Us’ Most Googled Song In 2024

Dec 11 2024

According to Google Trends, the most googled song in 2024 was Kendrick Lamar’s hit ‘Not Like Us’, a diss track released in May of this year amidst his feud with rapper Drake.

The second most googled song was APT., by Rose and Bruno Mars, followed by Creepy Nuts’ ‘Bling-Bang-Bang-Born.

Sidemen’s KSI took the fourth spot with ‘Thick Of It’, followed by Spotify viral ‘Espresso’ by Sabrina Carpenter.

The rest of the top 10 were closed off by ‘Hai Yorokonde’ (Kocchi no Kento), ‘yes, and?’ (Ariana Grande), ‘WILDFLOWER’ (Billie Eilish), ‘Fortnight’ (Taylor Swift) and ‘Katchi Sera’ (Sai Abhyankkar).

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