Kayakers Cross From Sicily To Malta In Tribute To WWII Heroes

Jul 3 2025

Two kayakers have just completed a daring journey across the sea from Sicily to Malta in tribute to forgotten wartime heroes.

Dorian Vassallo and Albert Gambina arrived at Golden Sands, Għajn Tuffieħa, after setting off from Gela early Wednesday morning.

Their challenge, titled Kayak for Charity, was organised in aid of Inspire Malta and aimed to honour the bravery of the COPP (Combined Operations Pilotage Parties) commandos.

In 1943, Malta played a key role in the Allied invasion of Sicily, known as Operation Husky.

The COPP commandos were deployed from submarines to gather crucial intelligence on enemy beaches, helping pave the way for the success of the mission.

By kayaking along their historic route, Dorian and Albert paid tribute to these unsung heroes while raising awareness and funds for a worthy cause.

Supporters and onlookers gathered at the shore to welcome them home after their voyage.

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Number of Employed Maltese Women Increases by 35% Over the Past Decade

Jul 3 2025

During a recent Parliamentary Questions session, Nationalist MP Chris Said asked Minister for Home Affairs, Security and Employment Byron Camilleri about the number of employed Maltese women at the end of 2013 compared to the present day in 2025.

Minister Camilleri disclosed that, based on data from Jobsplus, there were 66,414 Maltese female citizens employed at the end of December 2013.

By the end of January 2025, this figure had risen to 89,841, according to the latest published employment statistics.

This increase of 23,427 employed women represents a significant growth of 35.2% in the number of Maltese female citizens in employment over the past decade.

The rise reflects ongoing improvements in female workforce participation and highlights positive developments in employment opportunities for women in Malta albeit more work can and must be done.

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Up To 12,000 C-Section Births Between 2017 & 2024

Jul 3 2025

Responding to a parliamentary question, Minister for Health Jo Etienne Abela revealed that out of 35,712 childbirths between 2017 and 2024, there were 11,967 delivered by caesarean section.

The Minister, responding to a question by PN MP Chris Said, revealed that last year (2024), there were 1,563 C-Section births.

In 2017, there were 1,408, whereas in 2018 there were 1,482 and in 2019, there were 1,423.

2020 saw 1,460 C-section births, followed by 1,517 in 2021, 1,478 in 2022, and 1,636 in 2023.

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National Lottery Unveils New Super 5 Game Format

Jul 3 2025

National Lottery today announced a major overhaul of the nation’s favourite Super5 Jackpot game, introducing significantly enhanced prize tiers and larger jackpots. The updated format launches tomorrow, July 4 th, 2025.

Tomorrow’s jackpot of €500,000 forms part of a series of changes in the game aimed at creating more meaningful jackpots and higher weekly increments. The two most significant changes to the Super5 game is the doubling of both the starting jackpot as well as the weekly jackpot increments. With the new Super5 format, the starting jackpot has now doubled from €250,000 to €500,000, while weekly increments have also doubled from the current €25,000 to €50,000.

“The new Super5 game format is the result of extensive market research undertaken over the past 6 months’ commented Franco De Gabriele – Chief Commercial Officer of National Lottery plc. “The enhancements to Super5 are the product of player feedback. We listened carefully to what players value most – bigger jackpots. while staying true to the simplicity that made Super5 a household favourite for the past 35 years.”

The new Super5 game will have a new ticket price of €3 and a new game matrix of 49 balls. These changes were necessary to allow for the improvements to the game. The price for Super5 Plus shall remain €1, whilst the top prize for this game will increase from €100,000 to €150,000. The pay-outs for both Super5-4-3-2-1 and Super5-4-3-2-1 Plus have been increased with the new game matrix.

A new concept of Match First (Prima) has been introduced to the Super5-4-3-2-1 game replacing the current Match 1 category. “The bigger and faster-growing jackpots have stronger market appeal”, added Mr. De Gabriele.

“We have designed a game format to create more millionaires in the process. The expected average jackpot payouts are projected to exceed €1.5M for the first prize. We’ve also ensured that players have improved accessibility to the game, through our digital portal, lottery.mt.”

Super5 is a national lottery game with tickets sold in 240 national lottery stores in Malta and Gozo. Draws are conducted every Wednesday and Friday evening and are televised live on TVM after the 8pm new bulletin, as well as on the company’s social media channels.

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