Metsola Pays Tribute To Prague December Shooting Victims

Feb 15 2024

Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, honored the 14 victims of the tragic shooting at Charles University in Prague during her visit to the Czech capital.

As part of her pre-election visits to EU Member States ahead of the 8th June elections, Metsola laid a wreath of flowers and lit a candle at the Philosophical Faculty alongside University Rector Milena Kraličkova.

Reflecting on December’s appalling attack that also left 25 injured, Metsola expressed sorrow, stating, “it pains me to think about the many families mourning their loved ones during a time of peace and unity. My thoughts are with them and the victims.”

During her visit, Metsola engaged in discussions with Czech President General Petr Pavel regarding low voter turnout in the Czech Republic during the 2019 MEP elections, aiming to improve participation next June by delivering a clear message across all generations.

Metsola also met with Prime Minister Petr Fiala, discussing the challenges facing Czech and European citizens, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and encouraging voter engagement.

Acknowledging Czechia’s 20 years of EU membership, Metsola highlighted the upcoming commemoration in May as an opportunity to reflect on the benefits of European integration and advocate for increased voter participation.

Stressing the significance of European unity, Metsola urged citizens not to take Europe for granted, emphasizing the importance of voicing their opinions through voting. Additionally, she engaged with students at the Prague University of Economics and Business, addressing their inquiries during her visit.

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Meet The New Fantastic Four: Cast Unveiled

Feb 15 2024

Pedro Pascal, known for his roles in “The Mandalorian” and “The Last of Us,” will star as Reed Richards (Mister Fantastic) in Marvel’s upcoming “Fantastic Four” film.

Joining him are Vanessa Kirby as Susan Storm (The Invisible Woman), Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm (The Human Torch), and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm (The Thing). The movie’s announcement hinted at a 1960s setting with a retro Valentine’s Day card illustration.

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“The Fantastic Four,” created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, is one of Marvel’s longest-running comic series, known for its relatable scientist-turned-superheroes.

Despite its comic success, the franchise has struggled on the big screen. Previous attempts include a failed 1994 production and two films in 2005 and 2007.

Under Marvel’s direction, the new “Fantastic Four” will integrate into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, overseen by Kevin Feige. John Krasinski portrayed Mister Fantastic in a previous Marvel film. Directed by Matt Shakman, known for “WandaVision,” the new movie is scheduled for release on July 25, 2025.

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Extension Work On 2 Grand Harbour Piers In Advanced Stage

Feb 15 2024

Chris Bonett, the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure, and Public Works, recently inspected the ongoing extension project of two quays at the Grand Harbor, noting its commendable progress. Once completed, the merging of works at the Pinto 4/5 and Lascaris locations will create a unified quay spanning approximately 350 meters.

During his visit, Minister Bonett received a comprehensive briefing on the project from Infrastructure Malta’s CEO, Ivan Falzon, alongside the responsible engineers and officials.

This initiative, spearheaded by Infrastructure Malta, aims to establish the necessary infrastructure to accommodate cruise liners without requiring anchorage. With an investment totaling around €25 million, supported by European funding, the construction of these quays is underway.

Minister Bonett stressed the significance of these endeavors in the government’s collaborative efforts to enhance infrastructure tailored for the specialized tourism sector of cruise liners. In 2023, Malta witnessed a substantial increase, around 65%, in cruise liner passenger movements, compared to the preceding year, showcasing favorable growth compared to the record-setting year of 2019.

“Malta’s notable achievements in the tourism sector necessitate strengthening infrastructure to meet the demands of the cruise liner industry, while reinforcing our commitment to revitalizing the Grand Harbor surroundings,” Minister Bonett affirmed.

The extension of the quays, situated behind Customs towards the Valletta Waterfront, will accommodate large vessels without anchorage requirements, maintaining boarding and disembarkation procedures akin to current arrangements.

This intricate project highlights the involvement of professional engineering, orchestrating the installation of substantial structures serving as fundamental components of additional vital infrastructure. Executed at an average depth of about twenty meters, the integration of concrete structures with existing infrastructure signifies a meticulous approach to construction.

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Over 47,000 Crossed To Gozo For Carnival Weekender

Feb 15 2024

According to Times of Malta, last week, over 47,000 individuals journeyed to Gozo for the carnival weekend, as disclosed by the Gozo ministry’s data.

From Wednesday to Sunday, Gozo Channel facilitated the transit of nearly 15,700 vehicles and approximately 42,500 passengers from Ċirkewwa to Mġarr.

Throughout that weekend, the four ferries traversed the channel over 500 times. The highlight of Gozo during the weekend was the spontaneous carnival in Nadur, drawing significant attention.

From Thursday to Sunday, an additional 4,800 travelers opted for the fast ferry from Valletta’s Grand Harbour to Gozo. Sunday emerged as the peak day for Gozo Channel, accommodating almost 5,000 vehicles and over 14,000 passengers returning from Gozo to Malta.

Comparatively, this year’s channel traffic mirrored previous years’ patterns, with a slight decline in passenger numbers traveling to Gozo, contrasting with last year’s figures where almost 48,000 passengers transited via Ċirkewwa alone.

In Nadur, thousands of individuals paraded around the main square and adjacent streets adorned in diverse costumes, with many of them earning social media attention for their ingenuity and even social commentary.

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