A ceremony was held today to commemorate the memory of Rev. Karm Psaila, Malta’s National Poet, on the anniversary of his birth on October 18, 1871. The event took place in front of his monument in Floriana.

Minister for National Heritage, Arts and Local Government Owen Bonnici highlighted Dun Karm’s unwavering belief in the Maltese people’s right to independence. Through his literary work, he passionately advocated for a Malta governed by its own people, free from foreign influence.

Minister Bonnici also referenced Dun Karm’s 1921 anthem, “To the Maltese People,” which celebrated the granting of the Constitution and reflected his commitment to the nation’s sovereignty.

Among those present at the ceremony were Floriana Mayor Nigel Holland, members of the Local Council, Professor Joe Borg, representatives from the Maltese Academy, and Festivals Malta CEO Frans Agius.

This ceremony is part of a series of events honoring Dun Karm’s literary and historical contributions, which have played a vital role in shaping Maltese identity and culture. His legacy continues to inspire generations, emphasizing the importance of national pride and independence.

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Maltese model Matthew Bonello is making headlines on TikTok after one of his recent videos went viral, catching the attention of tech giant Google. The clip has racked up an impressive 4.1 million views and nearly a million likes, playfully showcasing the “perk” of wearing glasses: the ability to enter “blur mode” and escape reality simply by removing them.

Google’s official TikTok account added to the excitement by commenting, “Built-in focus time,” which only amplified the video’s popularity.

Bonello’s lighthearted approach and relatable humor have struck a chord with viewers, resulting in an influx of comments and shares. His ability to connect with audiences through everyday experiences demonstrates the power of social media in creating viral moments. As Bonello continues to gain recognition, fans are eagerly anticipating what he will share next on the platform.

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Australia’s Northern Territory (NT) is set to lower the age of criminal responsibility to just 10 years, allowing for the jailing of young children. This controversial move follows the election of the Country Liberal Party (CLP) government, which claims it is necessary to combat rising youth crime rates. Previously, the NT raised the threshold to 12 years, becoming the first jurisdiction in Australia to do so.

Despite the government’s stance, medical professionals, human rights organizations, and Indigenous groups have criticized the decision, arguing it will disproportionately impact Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and is unlikely to reduce crime. Currently, the NT has the highest rate of youth incarceration in the country, with most detained being Indigenous.

Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro defended the change, emphasizing a need to address the root causes of crime and improve community safety. However, research suggests that incarcerating children often leads to increased reoffending and negative effects on their well-being. Opposition Leader Selena Uibo condemned the decision as a “dark day,” stressing the importance of supporting children rather than punishing them. The implementation date for the new law remains unconfirmed.

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