National Gallery in London Bans Liquid After Damaged Artworks

Oct 18 2024

The National Gallery in central London has announced a ban on liquids, with exceptions for baby formula, expressed milk, and prescription medications, following a series of attacks on its artwork. This measure, effective from Friday morning, comes after protesters caused “physical damage” to several pieces, including Vincent van Gogh’s Sunflowers, John Constable’s The Hay Wain, and Diego Velazquez’s Rokeby Venus.

A gallery spokesperson stated, “Unfortunately, we have now reached a point where we have been forced to act to protect our visitors, staff, and collection.” Since July 2022, there have been five targeted attacks on the museum, with two occurring in the past two weeks. Visitors are now advised to bring minimal items, as all bags will undergo inspection.

Van Gogh’s Sunflowers sustained damage to its frame, estimated at £10,000 to £20,000. Three Just Stop Oil activists charged with criminal damage will appear in court on October 28. Previously, two activists received prison sentences for damaging the same painting in 2022. The gallery expressed regret over the changes, anticipating longer entry times for visitors.

#MaltaDaily

Disability Support Centre in Ħal Kirkop to Open Next Year

Oct 18 2024

A new €1.4 million disability support centre in Ħal Kirkop is nearing completion, with construction now in its final stages. Managed by Aġenzija Sapport, the centre will offer essential services aimed at helping individuals with disabilities achieve independent living within the community. The facility will also provide much-needed respite care for those requiring temporary support.

The project, which is part of the national social inclusion plan, was visited by Inclusion and Volunteering Minister Julia Farrugia and Aġenzija Sapport CEO Oliver Scicluna. The centre is expected to begin operations by mid-next year.

One of the key features of the new building is its transitional services, designed to support individuals through personalised skills programs for independent living. The facility will be operated in collaboration with NGOs and will follow an active support model, ensuring participants are directly involved in their own progress.

Minister Farrugia emphasized the government’s commitment to de-institutionalization, highlighting the importance of independent living for all individuals with disabilities. This initiative aligns with the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).

#MaltaDaily

Over 1 Million Travelled Between Malta & Gozo In 3 Months

Oct 18 2024

In the third quarter of 2024, sea transport between Malta and Gozo saw an increase in trips and vehicles but a decline in passengers compared to the same period in 2023.

From July to September 2024, 11,999 trips were completed, transporting 1,977,544 passengers. August was the busiest month, with 4,099 trips, accounting for 34.2% of the quarter’s total.

Passenger traffic between Mġarr and Ċirkewwa decreased by 3.2%, totalling 1,657,345 passengers, with August recording the highest number at 578,090 (34.9% of the quarter). In contrast, vehicle numbers rose by 1.4% to 588,664.

The total number of trips between the two islands increased slightly by 0.2%, reaching 9,226, with August again being the busiest month, recording 3,122 trips.

Passenger traffic from Mġarr was highest on weekends, while vehicles peaked on Sundays and Mondays. Traffic from Ċirkewwa was busiest on Fridays and Saturdays.

Additionally, 2,773 trips were carried out between July and September 2024, transporting 320,199 passengers. This marks a 5.2% rise in trips and a 20.5% increase in passengers compared to 2023. August saw the highest activity, with 977 trips and 120,220 passengers.

#MaltaDaily

New MRI Machine Inaugurated at Gozo General Hospital

Oct 18 2024

The Minister for Health and Active Aging, Jo Etienne Abela, has inaugurated a new 3.0 Tesla MRI machine at the Gozo General Hospital. This cutting-edge equipment represents an investment of €3 million and is the most advanced MRI system in the country.

Minister Abela highlighted that, since March, approximately 2,700 MRI scans have been performed using a portable machine, with around 70% of those scans on Gozitan patients. The new MRI system, now fully operational, will enhance radiology services in Gozo, offering specialized scans for various parts of the body, including the brain, heart, prostate, spinal cord, liver, and pancreas. This advanced technology will also aid in detecting tumors at an early stage.

The Minister also emphasized the continuous efforts made over the past six months to construct the necessary infrastructure for this machine. He expressed gratitude to the multidisciplinary team managing the new service and stressed the importance of patients in Gozo now being able to undergo MRI scans locally, avoiding the need to travel to Malta.

Minister Abela concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to improving healthcare in both Gozo and Malta.

#MaltaDaily