New Airline Ordered To Include Maltese, Prime Minister Says

Apr 2 2024

Prime Minister Robert Abela stated on Tuesday that KM Malta Airlines must ensure its cabin crew can speak Maltese, particularly when he flies with the national carrier.

Abela’s comments came in response to criticism over the airline’s decision to drop Maltese proficiency as a requirement for cabin crew hires, a move aimed at broadening the pool of prospective recruits.

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The Nationalist Party condemned this decision, labeling it “shameful” for a national carrier not to prioritize the country’s primary language. In response, Abela emphasized the importance of treating the Maltese language with respect and safeguarding it in state agencies.

A spokesperson for KM Malta Airlines assured that at least one cabin crew member on each flight would speak Maltese, with a commitment to adopting Maltese as the airline’s first language.

Abela also expressed the need for government buildings and projects to use Maltese in signage, stressing the importance of preserving the language’s unique identity. While no specific examples were mentioned, the emphasis was placed on valuing and safeguarding the Maltese language.

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In Work Benefit & Carer’s Grant Payment Issued By This Week

Apr 2 2024

By the end of this week, the first installments of the In-Work Benefit and the Carer’s Grant for the current year will be distributed. This follows the recent disbursements of the Carers Allowance and the Carers Supplement. Minister for Social Policy and Children’s Rights, Michael Falzon, made this announcement.

The initial three-month payment of the In-Work Benefit, covering January to March 2024, will reach over 23,262 recipients, totaling almost €3.5 million for the first quarter. Among these recipients, 1,023 will receive letters to provide their IBAN numbers for payment processing, as they are new beneficiaries.

The In-Work Benefit payment will also include the promised €50 increase per child annually, as outlined in the Budget 2024. Minister Falzon emphasizes that this increase complements the existing In-Work Benefit threshold, extending support to more families. He underscores the significance of social investment in these four benefits, totaling nearly €8.2 million and benefiting 25,324 families.

Additionally, another payment scheduled for this week is the Carer’s Grant, provided to parents unable to work due to caring for a disabled child over 16, who qualifies for Severe Disability Assistance. Permanent Secretary Mark Musu explains that this benefit, which initially began at €300, has now risen to almost €5,000 annually, equivalent to half the minimum net wage.

Effective January 2024, reflecting the increase in the National Minimum Wage along with the COLA raise, the payment will total €4,997. Eligible recipients will receive €1,249.25 every three months. Furthermore, starting this year, Carer’s Grant beneficiaries will enjoy an annual increase of nearly €500. In total, there are 416 beneficiaries, with an investment of almost €520,000 for the first quarter.

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April 1st Reached Record Hot Temperatures At 31.8°C

Apr 2 2024

Taking to social media, Facebook page ‘It-Temp Madwarna’ showed how the 1st of April 2024 was the hottest day for that specific month on record – reaching a whopping 31.8°C at around 14:25hrs.

The page ensured everyone that this was not an April Fool’s joke as many thought this was the case.

But the temperatures did indeed climb to 12°C higher that the seasonal average.

Before yesterday, the highest April temperature was recorded back in April 9th of 1985 at 30.7°C. Temperatures are expected to drop by 10°C from today, April 2nd.

The scorching temperatures were attributed to a lack of wind (which usually cools the air due to colder seas) and a very low humidity.

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Liquorish Takes Contestants To Cambodia In Surprise Twist

Apr 2 2024

In a surprise twist, Liquorish All Stars contestants who thought were gearing up for Malaysia were forced to face the real adventure in the enchanting landscapes of Cambodia.

The 20 participants have all experienced the Liquorish adventure, but will still have to adapt to the new journey and attempt to win public support.

Guru, Pawla, Chris, Brunella, Aneliese, Il-Haxwex, Steve, Fredrick, Moira and Chanelle will have a lot on their plate to deal with this season!

Who are you rooting for?

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