Today, three Gozitan NGOs — Għawdix, Din l-Art Ħelwa – Għawdex, and Wirt Għawdex — alongside Moviment Graffitti, carried out a direct action at Fort Chambray to demand its return to public hands. The activists entered the Fort to highlight the failure of the Government to open the site to the public, despite over 30 years of private concessions. They condemned the government’s decision to hand the Fort over to developers, planning to transform it into a large aparthotel and residential complex, despite the site’s historical significance.

The latest development proposal includes demolishing historic barracks to make way for a 64-room hotel, 50 serviced apartments, and over 100 residential units. The activists criticized the government for neglecting the Fort’s preservation, allowing it to deteriorate while continuing to support private interests. They emphasized that taxpayers would fund the restoration, while developers profit.

Despite past promises of public access, Fort Chambray remains closed. The activists argued that the Fort should be used for cultural, artistic, or educational purposes, benefiting both locals and tourists. The NGOs called for a shift away from profit-driven development to a more sustainable, public-serving future for the site.

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Archbishop Charles Scicluna has cancelled his scheduled commitments for Sunday, following a head injury sustained in a “freak accident.” The Archbishop, who was due to lead the Remembrance Sunday mass, was unable to attend after the Curia issued a statement early on Sunday confirming his withdrawal from the event.

In a message posted on his socials , Archbishop Charles Scicluna expressed his regret, stating, “I deeply regret that I cannot honour my commitments today 10/11 for Remembrance Sunday and other events after a freak accident last night during which I suffered a minor head injury.” He also thanked the medical staff at St James Hospital for their care, adding that they had advised him to rest.

I deeply regret that I cannot honour my commitments today 10/11 for Remembrance Sunday & other events after a freak accident last night during which I suffered a minor head injury. I’m grateful to medical staff at St James Hospital who attended to me and advised me to rest. 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/FFfsUddX3l

— Bishop CJ Scicluna (@BishopScicluna) November 10, 2024

In addition to the mass, the Archbishop was scheduled to attend the opening of the first international branch of Fondazione Falcone in Siġġiewi later in the evening, but he will no longer be present at this event either.

The cancellation of these important engagements comes as he focuses on recovery following the unexpected injury.

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As the festive season approaches, streaming platforms are offering a wide variety of new Christmas films to enjoy from the comfort of your home. Here’s a round-up of the best upcoming and newly released Christmas movies for 2024.

Red One
A high-energy action-comedy starring Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and Chris Evans. Santa is kidnapped, and it’s up to a security advisor and bounty hunter to save him. In cinemas now, and heading to Prime Video soon.

Meet Me Next Christmas
A romantic comedy where Layla (Christina Milian) races through New York City to get tickets for a sold-out Christmas Eve concert, hoping for a fairytale romance.

A Sudden Case of Christmas
Claire, heartbroken over her parents’ divorce plans, teams up with her grandfather (Danny DeVito) to get them back together during a family holiday in Italy. Available to rent and buy from 11 November.

Hot Frosty
A romantic comedy about a woman who brings her deceased husband’s snowman to life, leading to a heartwarming, yet tearful journey.

An Almost Christmas Story
An animated short film about Moon, a young owl trapped in a Christmas tree, who befriends a lost girl while trying to return home.

The Merry Gentlemen
Britt Robertson and Chad Michael Murray star in this festive film about a small-town dance revue set at Christmas time.

Our Little Secret
Lindsay Lohan returns in this comedy about two exes forced to spend Christmas together after discovering their current partners are siblings.

Nutcrackers
Ben Stiller stars as a real estate developer who must learn to parent his orphaned nephews after a family tragedy. Premiering on Hulu in the US and Disney+ in the UK.

These films offer something for everyone this Christmas, from heartwarming romances to festive action-packed adventures. With more films still to be announced, there’s plenty of holiday magic to look forward to in 2024.

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