JACKPOT: Las Vegas to host Formula 1 Grand Prix in first billion dollar deal in sport’s history

Mar 31 2022

You could say that Formula 1 have just hit the jackpot as chiefs of the global motorsport organisation have just announced that, after months of negotiations, the iconic Las Vegas Strip will join the list of Formula 1 backdrops for the sport’s newest race in 2023.

The city of neon lights will host the race on a Saturday in November in what is guaranteed to be one of the sport’s brightest spectacles in recent history. Sources have estimated over $100 million per race and if, per the arrangement, it sticks for 10 years, it will make the Las Vegas Grand Prix the most lucrative circuit in history.

According to official Formula 1 sources, the 14-turn track design features three straights, a high-speed cornering sequence and a single chicane section, with the Grand Prix to be run over 50 laps.

“Iconic Las Vegas and Formula 1, the pinnacle of motorsport, is the perfect marriage of speed and glamour,” said Liberty Media President and CEO Greg Maffei in a recent website publication.

Are you an F1 fan?

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Robert Abela calls for “freedom from politics of hate” during Freedom Day speech

Mar 31 2022

During a powerful address at a Freedom Day commemorative event Birgu, Robert Abela called for ‘freedom from politics of separation, hatred and confrontation’. Abela thanked those attending for trusting him and the people around him and that that same trust will be exchanged for continuous work for the people of Malta and future generations.

In his speech, the PM paid tribute to leaders before him like Dom Mintoff and Gorg Borg Olivier for being leaders of strength in harsh times, shining a light on the notion that nothing is impossible when done together.

Abela went on to praise Mintoff for how he managed to overcome the barrage of hurdles during Malta’s economic crises at that time, calling it “the journey that saw [Mintoff] rebuild our economy to the point where we could fend for ourselves and not rely on anyone.”

After going over a number of talking points, the Prime Minister stated that ‘nothing can stop the movement’ as long as it is united to continue to sustain the country.

Freedom Day marks the anniversary of the Royal Navy and British troop’s withdrawal from Malta in 1979.

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Malta-registered, Russian-owned superyacht worth €45 million seized in the UK

Mar 31 2022

A Russian-owned superyacht registered in Malta was seized by the British government on Tuesday as part of the country’s sanctions against Russia.

The UK’s National Crime Agency revealed this on a statement on Tuesday, stating that the €45 million, 58.5-metre yacht is owned by an unidentified Russian businessman. Malta currently holds the world’s largest register of superyachts, with the maritime sector accounting for 14% of the country’s GDP in February.

Phi is the first superyacht to be stationed in British waters and such a seizure follows hundreds of UK sanctions on Russian individuals and organisations in light of the current attacks on Ukraine. British Transport Secretary Grant Shapps called the seizure “a clear and stark warning” to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

What do you make of this?

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Photo Source: Superyacht Times

Two women MPs will join Cabinet after use of gender quota mechanism & casual elections

Two woman MPs will join Cabinet after use of gender quota mechanism & casual elections

Mar 31 2022

Two woman MPs will join Prime Minister Robert Abela’s Cabinet after the application of the gender corrective mechanism and casual elections.

Following Wednesday’s swearing in ceremony, where Abela officially welcomed his new Ministers and Parliamentary secretaries, the Prime Minister stated that two more Cabinet positions are to be filled by woman.

The only women in the current Cabinet are now-environment and energy minister Miriam Dalli and social inclusion minister Julia Farrugia Portelli, together with Parliamentary Secretary and Abela’s sister-in-law Alison Zerafa Civelli.

Through the application of the gender corrective mechanism, Parliament will grow by 12 seats by the end of the process, which is ultimately aimed at boosting the number of woman MPs in Malta’s Parliament. Labour’s first casual election saw Rebecca Buttigieg occupy a seat in parliament, making her eligible for one of Abela’s Cabinet posts.

Other potential names could include Cressida Galea and former Parliamentary Secretary Rosianne Cutajar.

Who would you like to see in Cabinet?

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