Malta’s bee population drops by 50% from last year due to hornets

Jun 4 2023

A passionate group of agriculture enthusiasts in Malta is calling for immediate action on the hornet crisis before it reaches catastrophic levels. In a recent social media post, the group revealed that Malta’s bee population has dropped by a shocking 50% from last year due to the relentless hornet invasion.

The group emphasised the urgent need to protect the bee population, as bees play a vital role in pollination and the agricultural sector.

Back in May, local pest expert Arnold Sciberras ‘The Exterminator’ told Malta Daily that Malta will experience a significant problem with hornets this summer. As a result of hornet queens breeding, the island will see a larger nests and more hornets, posing a significant risk to people and pets.

When stung by a hornet, it is recommended that one immediately cools the area and seeks medical help, with hornets stings potentially causing severe allergic reactions.

To avoid a hornet infestation in one’s home, locals are encouraged to maintain proper hygiene indoors, especially with regards to food debris, as hornets are attracted to sweet and savoury smells. Windows are also suggested to be kept closed and, if ever a hornet’s nest is spotted, it is recommended to seek professional help due to the creatures’ aggressive nature.

Have you spotted a hornet yet?

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Malta wins Small States Games for the first time ever, securing 38 gold medals

Jun 4 2023

In an incredible feat, Team Malta won the Games of the Small States of Europe, closing off the jam-packed week with 38 gold medals, 30 silver medals and 29 bronze.

This is the first time that Malta won the small states games, with the next best results being a fourth place finish in 1993, 2003 and 2011.

With a total of 97 medals in five days, Maltese athletes put on a show of athletic skill and determination, defeating fierce competition like Cyprus and Luxembourg to land their country’s first GSSE victory.

Cyprus closed off the games with 30 gold medals, 28 silver and 29 bronze.

Of course, the athletes’ exceptional performances did not go uncelebrated, with Prime Minister Robert Abela and Opposition Leader Bernard Grech, amongst many others, going out to show their support towards Malta’s athletes.

Congrats Team Malta!

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Photo Credit: Michael Azzopardi & Leonard Cocks via GSSE Malta 2023

Ongoing abortion law debate in Malta once again takes centre stage

Jun 3 2023

Malta’s Prime Minister, Robert Abela, has spoken out about what he described as a case of social injustice, involving a mother who was recently condemned in court for undergoing an abortion. The Prime Minister expressed his concern over the circumstances surrounding the case and acknowledged the need to revisit the ongoing abortion law debate in Malta.

The woman at the center of the case was reportedly in an abusive relationship and faced mental health issues. The court’s ruling has ignited a renewed discussion on the sensitive topic of abortion within the country. Prime Minister Abela, in his statement, expressed his discomfort with the situation and recognised the need for a thorough examination of existing laws and their implications.

Abela noted that the case raises important questions about the rights and well-being of women in Malta who find themselves in similar distressing circumstances. The Prime Minister emphasised the importance of understanding the underlying complexities that contribute to such situations, including mental health challenges and abusive relationships.

The Prime Minister anticipated that the court’s ruling would generate a significant wave of comments and debates within the country. He stressed the need for a comprehensive dialogue on the issue, urging the public and lawmakers to engage in open and respectful discussions to find a balanced and compassionate approach.

Abortion has long been a contentious topic in Malta and the recent court case has reignited calls for a review of the country’s legislation, with advocates arguing for a more inclusive and compassionate approach that takes into account the unique circumstances faced by women in distressing situations.

Posting Robert Abela’s comments on social media, Labour MP and CEO Randolph De Battista said that Malta cannot continue to turn a blind eye on situations like these.

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BOV Goes Green for Mental Health

Jun 3 2023

On Friday, 26th May 2023, BOV employees swapped their normal formal work attire for a more casual look with green being the highlight colour for the day. This initiative was undertaken by the Bank to raise mental health awareness, as part of European Mental Health Week held between the 22nd and 28th May 2023.

“Green is internationally recognized as the symbol of mental health awareness,” explained Ray Debattista who heads the Bank’s People and Culture function. “It is customary for people to wear green to show that they care about mental health issues and give it the importance it is due.” He went on to explain that “Bank of Valletta is a service provider that focuses on providing its customers with the highest level of service possible. However, we can only do this if we have a strong workforce that is healthy in both mind and body. We feel it is our responsibility to continue striving to create a work environment which tangibly supports the wellbeing of our people.”

This sentiment was reiterated by CEO Kenneth Farrugia, who acknowledged the hard work that Bank employees put into their daily job. “At Bank of Valletta, we recognise the importance of maintaining a healthy mindset and approach in everything we do. Promoting mental health is an integral part of this reality, which is no longer restricted to the office but also extends to the home environment. For us, this is not merely something we commemorate once a year – as one of the largest employers in Malta we adopt an ongoing approach to safeguarding the welfare of our people, thereby truly living up to our promise to be the Employer of Choice for our people.”

As part of its wellness benefits, BOV offers its people immediate and confidential access to counselling and support services through its ongoing partnership with The Richmond Foundation. In addition, BOV employees receive an annual allowance for items and services that contribute towards their physical and mental well-being. More initiatives are earmarked in this area, with a view to promoting a more active and healthier lifestyle among the Bank’s community. Employee well-being is also important, with the Bank providing opportunities for skills enhancement, personal growth, emotional intelligence development, and fostering a culture of continuous learning. This year the Bank revamped its BOV Sports and Social Club, which had been in hiatus during the pandemic. Through this initiative, activities such as quiz nights, cycling, photography and trekking are organised to bring people together socially. Meanwhile, the Bank continues to involve staff in staple favorities like the BOV Summer Event and Christmas Reception.

During the event organised on Friday, several teams across the Bank took team photos and submitted messages promoting mental health. Among the slogans put forward, the below short poem received from Roberto Schembri is worth highlighting:

Switch off that screen

And go into the green

It will give you the energy of a teen

And don’t forget to eat lots of green

As it will get you more lean

#MaltaDaily