Malta Airport Foundation Sponsors Valletta Siege Bell Memorial Restoration

Malta Airport Foundation Sponsors Valletta Siege Bell Memorial Restoration
Mar 26 2025 Share

The Malta Airport Foundation is partnering with Heritage Malta to restore Valletta’s Siege Bell Memorial, sponsoring the second phase of an ongoing restoration project.

This iconic monument, which honours over 7,000 victims of World War II in Malta, was inaugurated in 1992 and stands within Saint Christopher’s Bastion. Designed by British sculptor Michael Sandel, it houses Malta’s largest bell, which once tolled daily at noon in remembrance of the fallen. However, structural concerns forced the practice to cease in recent years.

The first phase of restoration focused on structural repairs and the bronze bell mechanism. Now, the second phase will enhance the monument’s surroundings and improve security. Works will include new safety railings, upgraded paving, CCTV installation, and designer lighting, ensuring the memorial remains visible and appreciated day and night. Additionally, the internal bastion walls, upper slopes, and the bronze sculpture of the unknown soldier will be restored.

Josef Formosa Gauci, Chairman of the Malta Airport Foundation, expressed pride in supporting this project, highlighting its role in preserving Malta’s wartime heritage. He noted that the embellishment works would enhance the area’s natural beauty, with breathtaking views of Grand Harbour and the fortifications.

Heritage Malta CEO, Noel Zammit, welcomed the partnership, describing it as a perfect match given the Foundation’s commitment to cultural heritage. He emphasised that such collaborations allow both locals and visitors to appreciate Malta’s history, which is central to the nation’s identity and tourism offering.

The Siege Bell Memorial project is one of several restoration initiatives supported by the Malta Airport Foundation. Between 2017 and 2020, it partnered with Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna to restore the Combined Operations Room, part of an extensive underground wartime complex. The Foundation has also contributed to the restoration of the Via Sagra at Ta’ Ġieżu Church and supported Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti in opening the Victor Pasmore Gallery on Saint Paul Street, further enriching Valletta’s cultural landscape.

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Customer Requests Huge Amount Of Mayo & Restaurant Delivers!

Customer Requests Huge Amount Of Mayo & Restaurant Delivers!
Mar 26 2025 Share

Local restaurant La Buona Trattoria Del Nonno received a weird request – and they were ready to deliver!

On one of their order requests, they received the following message:

‘Good evening, can you please add a lot of packets of mayo please? So many packets you wonder what’s wrong with us’, the message reads.

‘So many packets it would be difficult to financially recover from. So many packets that you would need another bag just for mayo…’

The video proceeds to show the restaurant owners pouring a whole box load of mayo into the order bag.

With the courier driver nodding with approval, the bag seems utterly filled with the sauce – guess the customer will be very pleased!

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154KG Of Cannabis Seized In Malta In 2023

Mar 26 2025 Share

Recent drug-related statistics reveal that In 2023, the top three most seized drugs were cocaine (493kg), cannabis (154kg), and Khat (10kg).

According to the study, published by the Ministry for Social Policy and Children’s Rights and co-funded by the EUDA, the use of cannabis in 2023 totalled to 314 users.

Statistics showed that 17% of these users were female and 83% male.

The demographics also showed the percentages of the geographical consumption in Malta and Gozo.

Gozo had the lowest consumption of cannabis at 4%. On the contrary the Northern harbour accounted for 33% of users and Southern harbour at 24%.

The median age of the first time using cannabis is 16 and on average, individuals use cannabis for 9 years before seeking treatment.

Cannabis users prefer cocaine as their secondary drug of choice.

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There Are 76 Fuel Stations In Malta

There Are 76 Fuel Stations In Malta
Mar 26 2025 Share

Malta and Gozo currently have a total of 76 fuel stations serving consumers, Minister Miriam Dalli revealed.

Responding to questions tabled in parliament by PN MP Jerome Caruana Cilia, she revealed that, of these, 56 stations hold a valid operating licence, while 20 are in the process of renewing their licences following necessary refurbishment works.

Among the licensed stations, 49 have already completed renovations, one is set to begin works soon, three have received regulatory clearance from REWS, and three are still submitting their plans for approval.

For the 20 stations awaiting licence renewal, three are actively undergoing renovations, 10 have been granted REWS clearance, and seven are still in the process of submitting their plans.

From an environmental compliance perspective, 34 stations hold environmental permits, with 17 requiring renewal, while 38 have applications under review, and four have yet to apply.

In response to a separate question, the Minister revealed that, up to the 24th of March 2025, the Regulator for Energy and Water Services (REWS) received 1 application for a new petrol station.

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