NGO Rota Calls For Racket Driving License Withdrawal

Oct 4 2023

NGO Rota has called for the immediate license withdrawal for those persons involved in the driving license racket.

‘The existing challenges of inadequate infrastructure for vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians and cyclists, are already a grave concern. Adding drivers to our roads who have obtained their licenses unlawfully and without the necessary competences poses an imminent and substantial danger.’

The NGO said that the consequences of placing unqualified drivers behind the wheel are nothing short of a catastrophe waiting to happen.

‘We pose this question to all those allegedly involved in this racket: What if the individuals you aided in passing their driving tests unlawfully were to cause an accident involving your own loved ones—your mother, father, daughter, or son?’

Apart from the immediate license withdrawal in the name of protecting public safety, the NGO also called for a thorough investigation so that ‘those responsible for compromising road safety’ are ‘held accountable for their actions.’

#MaltaDaily

Roberta Metsola Commemorates 2013 Lampedusa Tragedy

Oct 4 2023

Speaking in Strasbourg at the European Parliament, President Roberta Metsola commemorated the 10 years since the Lampedusa tragedy which claimed the lives of around 360 men, women and children.

The overcrowded boat, carrying asylum seekers from Somalia, Ghana and Eritrea, capsized off Italy’s shore.

Addressing the tragedy, Metsola said that this was not an isolated incident as ‘the cemetery of the Mediterranean claimed the lives of thousands more.’

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Roberta Metsola (@roberta.metsola)

‘The recent emergencies on the island of Lampedusa as well as on other neighbouring countries serve as a reminder that migration is our generation’s challenge.’

‘Europe must respond in a way that is fair and humane with those who are seeking protection, that is firm with those who are not eligible and that is strong with criminal networks who are still exploiting the vulnerable.’

#MaltaDaily

10 Reasons Why Malta Needed A New Airline

Oct 3 2023

Speaking in parliament, Labour MP Omar Farrugia outlined the 10 reasons why Malta had to move on from the national airline of Air Malta and bring a new one.

Among the many reasons, Farrugia quoted a series of bad strategic decisions, a lack of any incentive towards profit as well as Air Malta having to operate on an immensely competitive European market.

The regulations of the European Union, the privatisation of the airport and other assets, the political clientelism and early retirement schemes were also part, Omar said, of the situation the airline finds itself in.

Finally, the change in the client’s behaviour, the loss of routes towards Libya and the loss of its best talents continued to deliver a fatal blow to the national airline.

Farrugia said that there is a clear transitional plan towards the new airline, quoting the Prime Minister and the Finance Minister’s earlier briefing in regards to the topic.

What do you make of this?

#MaltaDaily

PINK OCTOBER MOVEMBER’22 Brachytherapy Project Presented To The Government

Oct 3 2023

The Canon Aplio diagnostic ultrasound system equipment instrumental in providing brachytherapy locally was presented today to Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre by The Marigold Foundation and The Pink October Movember Team.

Currently, brachytherapy is not carried out in Malta. All patients who need this treatment need to travel to London which provides its own challenges. With this therapy carried out in our country, future patients will be saved the anxiety and hassle of traveling abroad for treatment thus also saving state money, Malta Community Chest Fund and Puttinu Cares funds apart from saving the patient from having to leave home, family and work.

The oncology team at Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre are currently collaborating with the International Atomic Energy Agency on brachytherapy training which now with this system in place means that our patients will in the coming months no longer need to travel to the UK for this purpose.

The Chairperson of Marigold, Michelle Muscat said that it is of great satisfaction seeing this project moving ahead and with funds collected from the public in general this will be a new reality for Maltese cervical cancer patients. Michelle Muscat thanked the general public, sponsors and the team of Pink October Movember at The Marigold Foundation for their dedication against all odds for their annual engaging educational campaigns which have seen various national health projects being implemented to help patients get better treatment and support along the years, apart from educating and empowering the general public to be aware of their bodies and take necessary actions.

The event was addressed by Ms. Celia Falzon CEO of Mater Dei, Dr Nick Refalo Clinical Chair of SAMOC, Dr Kristel Von Brockdorff Consultant Oncologist and Dr Robert Xuereb cardiologist and Board member of The Marigold Foundation. Speaking in one voice, they all stressed the importance of this Campaign in raising awareness and also for providing much needed projects to help patients regain their health and well being after cancer.

#MaltaDaily