Melita Helps Lifecycle Stay Connected in Southern Africa

Dec 6 2024

Melita Business – the leading business telecommunications provider in Malta – once again supported the Lifecycle Challenge through the provision of SIM cards and data connectivity for the riders and back up teams. This year participants cycled from Gaborone in Botswana all the way to Cape Town, South Africa.

Titled the “Journey of Good Hope”, this year’s 2,000 kilometre ride along the Southern Kalahari desert and down towards the famous Garden Route, to the Cape of Good Hope, raised both funds and awareness for individuals suffering from renal failure. The LifeCycle Foundation, the sole charity in Malta dedicated to supporting renal patients has organised challenges crossing 53 different countries since being set up in 1999. These have raised nearly €4 million.

Malcolm Briffa Chief Officer, Business and IoT at Melita said, “The Lifecycle Foundation has been supporting patients suffering from renal failure, as well as scientific research into its causes and possible cures, for 25 years. We are happy to be able to help the cyclists, keeping them in touch with their support teams in Southern Africa as well as friends and family in Malta and across the world.”

In addition to the connectivity provided by Melita Business during the 10-day cycling challenge, The Melita Foundation has made a donation to the Renal Unit to cover the cost of waterproof catheter covers. More information on the Lifecycle Foundation is available at https://lifecyclefoundation.com/

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Europe, You Made Our Summer! Ed Sheeran Looks Back On Malta Concert

Dec 6 2024

Ed Sheeran recently wrapped up the summer edition of his renowned Mathematics Tour, wowing fans across Europe with unforgettable performances. From headlining major festivals like Pinkpop in the Netherlands to making his Malta debut, the tour was a summer highlight.

A standout moment came on June 26, 2024, at Malta’s Ta’ Qali National Park. This marked Sheeran’s first-ever concert on the island, where he delivered fan-favorite hits such as Shape of You, Perfect, and Shivers. The concert was celebrated as one of Malta’s top events of the year, drawing fans from across the region.

The European tour also included unforgettable stops in Germany, Norway, and Spain, each with its own special moments. Whether it was the intimate atmosphere of Thinking Out Loud or the crowd’s excitement during Castle on the Hill, Sheeran’s ability to connect with audiences remained unmatched.

Did you catch Ed’s historic Malta performance or see him in another European city? If not, there’s still time, as the tour continues in 2025 with more opportunities to experience his extraordinary live show.

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Max Verstappen Set To Become A Father

Dec 6 2024

Formula One star Max Verstappen and his girlfriend, model Kelly Piquet, have announced they are expecting their first child together.

Sharing the joyous news on Instagram, the couple posted a photo of their hands over Piquet’s stomach with the caption, “Mini Verstappen-Piquet on the way. We couldn’t be happier with our little miracle.”

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This announcement caps off a stellar year for Verstappen, who recently secured his fourth Formula One title after winning the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

Piquet, daughter of former F1 driver Nelson Piquet, is a prominent figure in the racing world and boasts 1.5 million Instagram followers. She is often seen supporting Verstappen at races and celebrated with him during his Abu Dhabi Grand Prix victory last year.

The couple, who have been together since late 2020, made their relationship public in early 2021.

Piquet, who shares a daughter from her previous relationship with former F1 driver Daniil Kvyat, has faced online scrutiny in recent years.

In June, she addressed false accusations about her personal life in a heartfelt Instagram post, urging people to think before spreading misinformation.

Verstappen and Piquet’s happy news was shared just ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, marking another milestone for the couple.

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Minister Ian Borg Calls For End To Russia’s Invasion: Earns PN Support

Dec 6 2024

Foreign Minister Ian Borg rejected anti-Western accusations from Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at the OSCE conference, stating that the organization would not be intimidated by Russia’s rhetoric.

Lavrov had accused Western nations of pursuing “neo-colonial hegemony” and risking a “hot war” with Russia, but Borg responded firmly, emphasising unity among European allies.

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“We are not surprised by Lavrov’s comments,” Borg said, highlighting that Russia has repeatedly used international platforms to justify its aggression in Ukraine since the invasion began nearly three years ago. He urged European leaders to send a “coherent and strong message” to Moscow while reaffirming their collective stance.

Borg noted no scheduled bilateral talks between Russia and Ukraine and expressed skepticism about any imminent negotiations given Lavrov’s confrontational remarks.

Lavrov held a brief closed-door press conference before departing, and much of the Russian media contingent left soon after.

Reflecting on the OSCE’s role, Borg acknowledged the challenges posed by Lavrov’s criticisms of the organization but stressed the importance of continued diplomacy.

Ian Borg’s stance has earned the support from local Opposition MPs as well, including Adrian Delia and Beppe Galea.

Opposition Expresses Support

As Minister for Foreign Affairs Ian Borg exclaimed Malta’s firm position that calls for an end to the war in Ukraine and the withdrawal of Russian forces, he received the support from local Opposition MPs, including Adrian Delia and Beppe Galea.

Taking to social media, Nationalist MP Adrian Delia expressed his ‘total backing and support’, highlighting how in the presence of Russian Minister Sergey Lavrov, he condemned the systemic threat to security in Europe by Russia.

‘Malta should remain a support line for the Ukrainian people, and continue to oppose the Russian invasion in their country. Our foreign policy should unite us to strengthen us as a nation.’

Borg’s position was also backed by PN Candidate for Gozo Beppe Galea, who said that despite disagreeing politically and on ‘a hundred thousand other things’, ‘if we want serious politics we cannot not recognise when good is done from the opposite camp.’

Galea backed Borg’s stance as well, saying that Malta should be a source of support for Ukrainians and oppose Russia’s invasion effort.

‘I appeal so that this message remains strong and uncompromising.’

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