Malta to host Europride 2023; Celebrating diversity and equality

Feb 15 2023

Malta has announced the launch of the Europride 2023 program, an international event that will continue to celebrate diversity and equality. The program was launched by the Parliamentary Secretary for Reforms and Equality, Rebecca Buttigieg, and will take place from September 7th to 17th, 2023, with the theme “Equality from the Heart”. Europride aims to attract thousands of people from all over the world to Malta to celebrate the LGBTIQ+ community, while promoting a strong message of equality.

During the launch event in Valletta, Parliamentary Secretary Buttigieg highlighted the significance of the date chosen for the launch, stating that it symbolises a society of love where people cherish each other, regardless of their personal choices. She added that Europride represents a historic moment for Malta, as it will be the first time the country hosts this international event and the smallest country in the EU with the best rights for the LGBTIQ+ community.

Buttigieg emphasised that the program of activities was designed to go beyond a week of celebrations and focus on creating a legacy of equality and respect for future generations. The goal is to ensure that the battles that should have been won long ago do not have to be fought again.

The President of the Allied Rainbow Communities (ARC), Clayton Mercieca, also spoke at the launch event and praised Malta’s progress in civil liberties and equality rights. He said that Europride in Malta will continue to increase diversity in the country.

The Artistic Director, Toni Attard, listed the main activities that will be taking place, including an art exhibition, dance and fashion shows. He emphasized that the EuroPride artistic program will primarily focus on work created by queer artists and community allies, showcasing different aspects of queer culture.

The official program details can be obtained from the europride2023.mt website. The Europride 2023 program is an opportunity for Malta to celebrate diversity and equality while promoting a message of love and acceptance. It is a significant step forward in the ongoing fight for civil liberties and equality rights for the LGBTIQ+ community.

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Historical documents & research related to Malta’s history donated to the national archives by Henry Frendo

Feb 15 2023

Professor Henry Frendo donated a significant number of historical documents and other records related to his research into the history of Malta to the National Archives. These records include notes, interviews, research papers, photos and audio-recordings mainly related to the history of Malta during the last 200 hundred years.

During an official event, the Minister of the National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government Owen Bonnici thanked Professor Henry Frendo for donating this work which will contribute to a better understanding of our cultural patrimony and history. He also thanked the staff at the National Archives, led by Dr Charles Farrugia, for the great work and dedication they have towards the living history of Malta.

The National Archivist, Dr Charles Farrugia also thanked Prof Frendo for his generous donation. “This donation will enrich the National Archives and will address some areas where our holdings are currently silent. The next step will be the catalouging of this collection so that it will be available to our researchers,” said Dr Farrrugia.

Prof Frendo is a professor of Modern History at the University of Malta. His main areas of research include imperialism, nationalism, decolonization, postcolonialism, journalism, migration and ethnicity in Central and Eastern Europe, the Mediterranean as well as the Middle East and North Africa.

Frendo previously worked with the UNHCR, stationed in Switzerland, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Egypt and Papua New Guinea. He was editor (1971-72) of Il-Ħajja, a daily Maltese newspaper. During this period he also researched and published about Manwel Dimech (1860-1921), a controversial Maltese social reformer.

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35 new vehicles on Malta’s roads every day in 2022

Feb 15 2023

In a recent publication issued by the National Statistics Office (NSO), it was revealed that Malta saw 35 new cars on its streets every day in 2022, with the total amount of vehicles on the country’s roads reaching a whopping 424,904.

Twenty-three thousands new vehicles were registered in 2022, the highest figure of new vehicles since 2022, with 42% of them being passenger cars while 37% were motorcycles and e-bikes.

The amount of passenger cars reached slightly over 303,000, which accounts for 74.7% of active vehicles, according to the NSO. Additionally, 12.4% were goods-carrying vehicles and 12.2% were motorcycles, E-bikes, PA-bikes, special purpose vehicles, E-kick scooters, agricultural vehicles and minibuses. Buses, quadricycles, ATVs and road tractors accounted for less than one percent.

During the fourth quarter of 2022, electric and plug-in hybrid motor vehicles accounted for 2.7% of the entire stock with a total of 11,626 motor vehicles.

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Alfred’s Ħamrun Kiosk temporarily moved its operations to cafeteria across the street

Feb 15 2023

Alfred, the owner of a popular kiosk in Ħamrun, was today, exclusively interviewed by Malta Daily following the devastating fire that destroyed his kiosk. The interview provides a firsthand account of the tragic event and sheds light on Alfred’s thoughts and emotions in the aftermath of the fire.

Alfred begins by describing the moment he received the news that his kiosk was on fire. He admits that he didn’t know what exactly happened at the time, and the shock of the way he took the bad news is evident in his words. Alfred’s first instinct was to rush to the kiosk, but he was advised against it due to the extensive damage and the potential impact on his health and explained that his son took him to Ħamrun.

The interview then moves on to Alfred’s emotional state in the aftermath of the fire. He admits that it’s difficult to accept the reality of the situation and that he initially felt like he was dreaming. However, as time passes, he is starting to come to terms with what has happened and is slowly regaining his health.

Despite the devastation caused by the fire, Alfred is quick to express his gratitude that no one was hurt. He also speaks highly of his workers, who have been quick to contribute to the recovery efforts. Alfred’s optimism shines through as he talks about the progress being made in rebuilding the kiosk, and he estimates that it will take another 4-6 weeks to be fully operational.

In the meantime, Alfred and his team are doing their best to serve their customers from a nearby cafeteria, across the road from the kiosk, and he notes that their customers are being very supportive during this difficult time. He is grateful for their cooperation and acknowledges that his business will continue to operate, even if it means working from a limited space.

Overall, the interview with Alfred provides a moving insight into the aftermath of a tragic event that has impacted his business and his life. His gratitude, optimism, and determination to overcome this setback are truly inspiring, and it’s clear that the people of Ħamrun are lucky to have such a resilient and dedicated business owner in their community.

VIEW THE FULL INTERVIEW HERE.

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