Nepali community raising funds to send Marsa crash victim Ajay Shrestha’s body back to Nepal

Feb 17 2022

Close to 500 people gathered in Marsa yesterday evening to celebrate the life of Ajay Shrestha, the motorcyclist who tragically lost his life in the Aldo Moro Road accident on Wednesday morning.

Members of the Nepali Community held a vigil near the Marsa crash site, laying candles along the area as they prayed for Shrestha. The 28-year-old, who worked as a food delivery courier, died in the traffic accident on Wednesday morning when a truck hit a central strip and overturned onto the nearing lane. As a result, a falling electricity pole hit Shrestha as he was driving.

He was described as a helpful member of the community, who would often contribute to social activities in Malta, also taking a liking to cricket. Nepalese People’s Relations Committee President Sandesh KC also described him as a hard worker who came to Malta to provide for his family back home.

The Nepalese community is attempting to gather funds to send his body back to Nepal, where he would be cremated. Due to insurance and repatriation costs, the community is accepting any help and funds to repatriate his body.

RIP Ajay.

#MaltaDaily

Photo Source: Bhuwan Aryal / @mikash24 TikTok

Malta national team kick off Women’s Trophy tournament with 3-1 against Moldova

Feb 17 2022

The Malta women’s national team kicked off the VisitMalta Women’s Trophy with an impressive 3-1 victory against Moldova at the Tony Bezzina Stadium.

Captain Charlene Zammit opened the score in the 33rd minute during her 82nd appearance, proving the Maltese team to be a formidable force against the Moldovan nationals. Moldova then levelled the playing field before the half-time whistle. Stupendous goals from Jade Flask and Haley Bugeja in the second allowed Malta to clutch the coveted win.

The host nation also saw a few new faces, with coach Mark Gatt allowing goalkeeper Maya Cachia and defender Maia Debono making their first-ever appearance at an international level.

Congratulations to these stellar players and as always, Forza Malta.

#MaltaDaily

Local media personality Keith Demicoli celebrates 40th birthday

Feb 17 2022

A big happy birthday goes out to broadcaster, former newscaster & one of Malta’s favourite personalities, Keith Demicoli!

Demicoli celebrates his 40th birthday today and commemorated it with a throwback snap from his childhood, captioning the photo ‘Life begins at 40! I’m starting it by sharing an embarrassing photo.’ Demicoli is well-known and beloved amongst the Maltese public after an illustrious career as newscaster on Malta’s national broadcaster.

Back in February 2021, Demicoli had announced that he would be resigning from his post to explore other avenues of communication, marking an important moment in the history of Maltese television. Thankfully, he will make a return to Maltese TV after he was announced as host of entrepreneurship series ‘Shark Tank’.

Here’s wishing Keith a happy 40th birthday from Malta Daily!

For more on Keith’s career and insight, take a look at our interview with the man himself below:

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Deaths directly caused by COVID-19 down to 50%

Feb 16 2022

Superintendent for Public Health Charmaine Gauci revealed on Wednesday that COVID-19 deaths caused directly by the virus have gone down to 50%.

Speaking not he Ask Charmaine show, she explained how the authorities continuously monitor deaths among persons who test positive for the virus in order to establish whether the virus or other underlying conditions were the cause of deaths.

The decline between the first two months of this year were attributed to the vaccination rollout. Gauci also said that the protocol for the holding of funerals for COVID victims would be revised in the near future.

As of yet, whenever people die while still COVID active, funerals are held within 24 hours, with coffins wrapped in plastic and relatives unable to see their loved ones.

The situation is being assessed locally and in consultation with the ECDC. New protocols are being finalised in respect of how a body is prepared, viewing and the timing and procedure for the holding of funerals.

#MaltaDaily