Maltese artist drops George Cross from flag in art installation

Sep 24 2021

In a recent exhibition originally made for Independence Day, a local artist put forward an art piece which turned a few heads at MUŻA in Valletta.

Keit Bonnici’s ‘Għandna salib’ installation removes the George Cross from Malta’s flag and puts it at the foot of the pole in the form of cushion. The artist asks whether or not the iconic cross, which was awarded to Malta by King George VI in 1942 to commemorate the nation’s heroism during WWII, should stay on the Maltese flag.

One side of the coin argues that the cross is an artefact of colonial imperialism and a reminder of Malta’s time under British rule while others argue that it is an icon of Malta’s military history and a symbol of the country’s longstanding courage.

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West Ham shock Manchester United as they knock them out of Carabao Cup

Sep 23 2021

Yesterday night, West Ham shocked Manchester United beating them 1-0 and knocking them out of the Carabao Cup. This is now another competition that Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær has failed to win. West Ham will be happy for beating the Red Devils after losing out to them last weekend in a dramatic 2-1 loss, where West Ham missed a last minute penalty to equalize.

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The game started off very well for West Ham and that was shown when Manuel Lanzini perfectly placed a shot into the bottom left corner to give the Hammers the lead. Both teams made a lot of changes from their match last weekend. Ole changed all 11 players whilst David Moyes changed all but attacker Jarrod Bowen. This was David Moyes’ first ever win against Manchester United since he was sacked as their manager back in 2014. The win was also the Hammers’ first in Old Trafford since 2007.

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Beards are not dirty says Malta Police Union

Sep 23 2021

The Malta Police Union has insisted that the law should be amended to allow The Malta Police Force to allow beards for its police officers. The union has issued a directive which suggests that officers do not wear their police hat and instead report to work unshaven. In a letter to the police commissioner, the union referred to Chapter 164 which refers to beards as something dirty in the same way unkept hair or dirty clothes are considered as such. The union also referred to how the police commissioner demanded all officers to shave their beards under threat of undergoing disciplinary procedures.

The union claimed that the commissioner’s claim goes against the law as he does not have the power to release such an order. The union is requesting that the order be removed before action is taken against it. The Police Officers Union (POU) started an industrial protest after last week, their request to address the situation of school children being put under surveillance was ignored by the police commissioner.

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Photo Source: Malta Police Force FB

A younger and future-oriented real estate market in Malta

Sep 23 2021

PwC Malta has carried out the second edition of its Real Estate Survey, shedding light on the motions of Malta’s real estate sector as it continues to navigate a world impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. David Valenzia, PwC Malta’s Territory Senior Partner, introduced the findings and stated that whilst clear changes in transaction in the industry can be suggested, the sector seems to be fueling economic activity and propelling market confidence higher up. 461 respondents participated in the survey, targeted at the total population living on the Maltese islands. With both locals and expatriates participating, it showed that 45% of respondents indicate plans to buy property.

This represents a dip from the 58% mark last January, with the survey noting an increase in the amount of people who have no plans to rent or buy at 44%, compared to January’s 26%. Around half of respondents at 52% stated they would prefer buying an apartment or penthouse, with a sharp rise of prospective buyers looking for townhouses. This tripled in June from January (9% to 28%). This shows a possible increase in appreciation of traditional aesthetics. A level of maturity could also be noted on the market as the amount of respondents who are purchasing property as a form of investment dropped by over a half (23% in January to 10% in June). Nearly half of the respondents (41% compared to 30%) wish to upgrade or downsize their current residence.

Social trends can also be seen through the survey, considering the significant percentage of first time buyers who are seeking to buy property to move out of home. 36% of respondents reflect this category. A younger future minded market was also noticeable. Most of the respondents (62%) value sustainability and stated that it is an important variable in their decision to buy specific property. nearly half of respondents say they would even spend money on a property that includes sustainability considerations.

The amount of people looking for rental property has remained relatively unchanged. The extent of whom wish to rent in Gozo however has nearly doubled from 10% in January to 18% in June. Coastal localities seem to be the most popular for rental of properties in both Malta and Gozo. Mosta appears to be a popular choice, alongside Ghajnsielem, Gharb, Sliema and St Paul’s Bay.

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Photo Soucre: PwC Communications