Minister Condemns Offensive Comments Directed At Filipino Community

Jan 23 2024

Following videos which went viral showing the local Filipino community celebrating Sinulog-Santo Nino in Marsaskala, Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri took to social media to hit out at discriminatory and offensive remarks made by some people online.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Malta Daily (@maltadaily.mt)

‘In these last few hours, I saw offensive comments directed at the Maltese Filipino community as they celebrated their religious feast in the most peaceful manner’, wrote Minister Camilleri.

‘This is an annual celebration which they commemorate with the statue of Baby Jesus in the streets of Marsascala.’

He contrasted the reaction by remembering back to when he visited Maltese communities in Canada and the US a few months ago.

There, he was happy seeing many Maltese celebrating their identity thousands of kilometres away from our shores. ‘They kept Maltese tradition alive through food, language, bands and even statues of saints.’

Turning to the Filipino community in Malta, the Minister said that these comments do not capture the honest beliefs of those Maltese and Gozitan people with good intentions.

‘If these people can be great carers, accountants and waiters among us, there is no reason for them to not live their lives in peace alongside us.’

#MaltaDaily

65% Speak Maltese At Home, 56% Chat In English

Jan 23 2024

Asking our Instagram followers which language they prefer in different contexts – Maltese or English – 62% said that they naturally speak in Maltese, with 24% picking English.

14% picked other unspecified languages. Meanwhile, at home, 65% use Maltese whereas 22% use English, with just 13% using other languages.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Malta Daily (@maltadaily.mt)

52% of our followers use Maltese to speak at work, whereas 44% use English. The percentage for other languages dropped to 4%.

Last but not least, English took over Maltese when it comes to chatting, with 56% preferring to chat in English and 38% in Maltese. 6% prefer to chat in other languages.

What do you prefer?

#MaltaDaily

57 Stores Join Government Price Stabilising Agreement

Jan 22 2024

57 new grocery stores entered into the agreement that the Government has made on price stability for food over the last four days.

These join the 200 establishments that already form part of this initiative.

During a press conference, Minister Silvio Schembri and the candidate for the European Parliament elections, Clint Azzopardi Flores, announced this accomplishment.

Minister Silvio Schembri explained that this agreement was reached as the Government observed the recommended selling prices at the end of October and began negotiations to decrease it by fifteen percent.

“All of this ties in with what we’ve been doing in recent years, from wage supplements and voucher schemes during the pandemic, to new tax-free income thresholds, to stability in fuel prices, and continued assurance of stability in electricity and water rates.”

The candidate for the European Parliament elections, Clint Azzopardi Flores, praised the Government’s proactivity and its ability to bring stability in the face of major global challenges.

“When faced with the complexity of what is currently happening and global instability, the Labour Party takes a courageous step to shoulder the burden for families and businesses… The economic growth in our country is leading to sustainability in socialist measures that define the Labour Party.”

#MaltaDaily

Gozo Bishop On Proper Dress & Practice For Church Weddings

Jan 22 2024

An official letter by Bishop Anton Teuma was released by the Diocese of Gozo, outlining what the church deems to be appropriate practice for couples soon to be wed at their preferred church.

The letter discusses not just the process of deciding which church, which priest to officiate and how to decide on decorations, but particularly dress code.

‘The dress code of the couple and all those participating in the ceremony should reflect the sanctity of the celebration’.

The letter says that a dress conveys a message and should therefore not expose certain body parts too much – concerning not just a woman’s chest but also the shoulders.

Dresses should not have transparent material for the areas highlighted in the letter, with the bishop saying that for those who already bought the dress, an accompanying scarf should be introduced.

Photography and videography should also simply capture the moment, with extravagant posing offending the context of the wedding.

‘I understand this all may seem as unnecessary restriction. But this is not the case. These details lead to a true celebration, more sacred than sensual, more sacrament and less show.’

What do you think?

#MaltaDaily