MCAST Nursing Students Voice Concerns Over Strike Impact

Nov 20 2024

MCAST nursing students have voiced their concerns to Malta Daily regarding the significant disruption caused by the ongoing teachers’ strike, which has affected their education and practical training. With teachers unable to provide support outside of scheduled classes, students are left without essential guidance and feedback, particularly during their 840 hours of clinical experience. The lack of progression in coursework has led to fears of mounting assignments that may become unmanageable during their placements.

Students have also expressed disappointment over a reduction in the compensation for their practical experience, which has been cut to €1,550, down from €3,200 previously offered to other cohorts. This reduction has added financial strain during an already challenging period, with students feeling undervalued in their roles as future healthcare professionals.

With uncertainty about when or how the situation will improve, students are calling on Minister Clifton Grima, Prime Minister Robert Abela, and relevant authorities to address these issues promptly to ensure that their training does not suffer further disruption. They emphasize the urgency of resolving these concerns to maintain the quality and continuity of their education.

#MaltaDaily

Colombia Votes to Ban Child Marriage

Nov 20 2024

Colombia’s Congress has approved a historic bill to raise the legal marriage age to 18, eliminating the previous provision that allowed minors as young as 14 to marry with parental consent. The bill, which must be signed into law by President Gustavo Petro, seeks to protect minors from forced marriages, violence, and missed educational opportunities.

The proposal, initially presented in 2023 under the slogan “They’re girls, not wives,” received strong support from lawmakers, particularly Congresswoman Clara López Obregón, who emphasized that minors should not be viewed as sexual objects. Colombia is now one of 12 Latin American countries to ban child marriage, following years of advocacy by rights groups.

Despite progress, child marriage remains widespread, affecting around 12 million girls annually, according to UNICEF. In Colombia, approximately 4.5 million girls and women married before 18, with one million marrying before 15. Poverty and a deeply ingrained patriarchal culture have been key drivers.

While the bill’s passage is a significant step, experts warn that effective implementation and addressing the root causes of child marriage, such as education and poverty, will be crucial to protecting young girls’ rights moving forward.

#MaltaDaily

Local Arrested For Selling Sirens, Beacon Lights, Fake Watches & More

Nov 20 2024

Intensive investigations in relation to the sale of fake and illegal items on the internet, as well as money laundering, led to the arrest of a 26 year old Maltese man.

Investigations began after police received anonymous information in regards to a TikTok account, wherein the person was advertising the sale of fake brand watches.

The sales were taking place using cash, allegedly to be used in the laundering of money.

The investigation showed that the same person was advertising the illegal installation of beacon lights and sirens on private vehicles.

The police force held a surveillance mission, with the suspect being arrested as he was driving a vehicle with activated beacon lights and a siren. The vehicle was not registered with authorities and without a license.

A search in the person’s residence yielded various fake watches, bags and jewellery, along with a number of beacon lights and sirens.

In the same residence, pepper-spray and a significant amount of cash were found.

A number of white credit cards were also found, synonymous with credit card fraud cloning. Fake euros were also being marketed, with the payments taking place via cryptocurrency.

Further investigations also showed dark web deals for the buying of illegal substances, including drugs from China. The man is expected to be taken to court today at noon.

#MaltaDaily

Bernard Grech Welcomes Graduates At PN Headquarters

Nov 20 2024

Opposition leader Bernard Grech welcomed Faculty of Law students to the PN General Headquarters, giving them his congratulations for their achievements.

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A post shared by Bernard Grech (@bernardgrechmt)

‘Even this year, the amount of new layers that our University is producing is impressive’, wrote Grech.

‘Among those who filled the General Headquarters foyer this morning in full celebration were some graduates who we know closely’, wrote the Opposition leader.

#MaltaDaily