Malta’s Men & Women’s Basketball Teams Both Bag Silver

Jul 1 2024

Malta’s national basketball teams secured silver medals after losing their respective finals in the FIBA European Championship for Small Countries. Despite the defeats, both teams demonstrated promising performances.

In Kosovo, the women’s team faced Norway, the pre-tournament favourites, in the FIBA Women’s European Championship for Small Countries 2024 final.

Malta initially led, winning the first quarter 19-17 and extending their lead to 29-24 by halftime, thanks to Josephina Diaby’s efforts. However, Norway’s strong third quarter, with a 22-10 score, shifted the game’s momentum, leading to a 61-54 victory.

Amber Melgoza scored 16 points and grabbed 12 rebounds for Malta, while Steffi De Martino added 12 points. Aurora Sorbye led Norway with 14 points.

In the men’s tournament, Malta faced hosts Andorra in a closely contested final in La Vella. After a tight first half, Malta led 39-35 at halftime, with significant contributions from David Bugeja.

The game remained close, with the lead changing multiple times in the final quarter. Andorra managed to pull ahead with two three-pointers, securing an 84-79 win. Bugeja scored 22 points for Malta, while Michael Sjoberg had 10 rebounds. Andorra’s Bruno Bartolome was the top scorer with 24 points.

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Over 60 Persons Arrested For Living In Malta Irregularly

Jul 1 2024

In the past few days, including the weekend, enforcement around immigration saw the arrest of around 60 persons found working and/or living irregularly in the country.

The persons were all taken to the detention centre as preparations were made to return the persons to their country of origin or a country in which they have permission to reside.

For some of the arrests, police were assisted by officials from the Detention Services.

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Fire Breaks Out At Preluna Hotel: Guests Evacuated

Jul 1 2024

A fire broke out at the Preluna Hotel on Monday, prompting the precautionary evacuation of several guests.

Times of Malta reported that, according to police, the blaze was reported on the hotel’s third floor, though the extent of the damage remains unknown. Witnesses noted that the fire occurred at the back of the hotel, where construction work was underway. The alarm was raised around 9:30 a.m.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Police have advised motorists to avoid the area, as Tower Road is currently closed to traffic.

A guest from the Netherlands visiting Malta with her family told ToM that they were on the eighth floor when the fire broke out.

“The lift wasn’t working, so we used the stairs,” she said. Emergency services quickly responded to the scene and managed to bring the fire under control.

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Malta 4th Most Worried Country in World, Poll Finds

Jul 1 2024

According to a Gallup Poll on the ‘World’s Emotional Temperature’ surveying data from 2023, Malta registered as the 4th most worried country in the world.

63% of Maltese surveyed people said that they experienced worry a lot in the previous day, with only 37% responding no.

Malta’s answer was high enough to place in the top 5, following Afghanistan at the top place, Israel and Guinea in second and third respectively.

The bottom five had Kazakhstan at the top, following by Taiwan and Vietnam as the least worried.

Do you feel worry often?

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