Over 100 Patients To Start Relocation: Mount Carmel Closure

May 21 2024

Health Minister Jo Etienne Abela announced that 100 patients will be relocated from Mount Carmel to other psychiatric homes and community services within weeks.

This is the first step in a plan to close Mount Carmel within four years, marking a significant change in Malta’s healthcare system.

Abela revealed that the 19th-century hospital is unsuitable, blaming historical government inaction for the inadequate mental health infrastructure.

An expert committee recommended integrating mental and physical health services. Mount Carmel, often criticized for poor conditions, currently houses 230 patients, according to Times of Malta. The first group to move will be those with mild and stable conditions, transferring to community services or licensed homes run by mental health NGOs, promoting reintegration into the community.

The second phase, planned for the end of the year, involves reopening Mater Dei’s psychiatric unit, which was converted into a COVID ward, to accommodate 30 more patients.

The third phase involves constructing a new acute psychiatric unit at Mater Dei, projected to open within four years, and planned to serve 128 patients, through a €33 million investment. This unit replaces earlier plans for a separate psychiatric hospital.

Since taking office, Abela has revamped Malta’s mental health strategy, aiming to eliminate the stigma associated with Mount Carmel and treat mental health like any other medical condition.

On their part, the Nationalist Party on Monday released a statement saying that mental health care is not truly a priority for the government, but was not made in reference to this plan or Mount Carmel.

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Open To LGBTIQ+ Shows, Love Island Malta Producer Says

May 21 2024

Speaking to @sidestreetmalta, Love Island Malta producer Martina Zammit said that she is open to exploring same-sex TV shows for Malta.

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Acknowledging that the current format of Love Island is currently based on opposite-sex couples, Zammit said that integrating different sexual orientations into this format presents challenges to the dynamics and mechanics of Love Island.

However, she did go on to mention shows like ‘I Kissed a Girl’ or ‘I Kissed a Boy’ and said that she is open to exploring similar formats to cater for gay and lesbian couples.

What do you think?

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Rag ‘N’ Bone Man, Joel Corry and MORE Coming to Malta for Island Sounds Festival

May 20 2024

Major artists like Rag ‘N’ Bone Man, Joel Corry & more are hitting the Maltese Island for Island Sounds Malta 2024 on the 28th and 29th of September!

For the first time ever, Rag ‘N’ Bone Man will be performing in Malta, thrilling fans with his hit tracks “Human,” “Skin,” “Wolves,” and his recent collaboration with Calvin Harris, “Lovers In A Past Life.” This highly-anticipated performance will be complemented by the dynamic sounds of Joel Corry, the chart-topping DJ, producer, and media personality known for his infectious hits and social media presence..

Adding to the excitement, MistaJam, Rio Fredrika, and Caity Baser will also be lighting up the stage, ensuring a line-up to cater to everyone’s vibe for the End of Summer Weekender.

Want to find out more? Check out islandsoundsmalta.com for more info!

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Students, Musicians Compose Song Using Maltese Poems

May 20 2024

Ċentru tal-Ilsien Malti organized an event called Mal-Melodija, specifically for 7th-year students. This initiative was part of the Centre’s ongoing efforts to promote the Maltese language.

The event aimed to blend Maltese literature with music. About 60 students from San Benedittu College Middle School took part in this unique activity.

Linguist Dr. Maris Camilleri worked with the students to analyze the Maltese poem “Għasfur Ċkejken” by the Gozitan poet Ġorġ Pisani. The poem was selected to mark the 25th anniversary of Pisani’s death, a poet known for his patriotic works such as “L-Għanja tar-Rebħa,” “Lil Mikiel Anton Vassalli,” and “Lill-Ilsien Malti.” The students showed great enthusiasm in appreciating the poem.

In the second part of the event, singer Megan May and pianist/arranger Aleandro Spiteri Monsigneur demonstrated how three stanzas from the poem could be transformed into song lyrics. They explained the process of matching lyrics with melody, mood, and rhythm, involving the students in creating the chorus music. This collaboration resulted in “Għasfur Ċkejken” being recorded as a modern, original song.

Norma Saliba, CEO of the Ċentru tal-Ilsien Malti, emphasized that Mal-Melodija combines literature, writing, and reading with music, rhythm, and melody to express artistic talent. She highlighted the goal of making learning Maltese literature enjoyable for 7th-year students through music, offering a different approach from traditional methods.

Charmaine Pisani Grixti, Principal of San Benedittu College Middle School, along with the teachers and students, expressed their desire for more such activities in the next school year. This collaboration with the Ċentru tal-Ilsien Malti aims to enhance awareness of the national language using various resources suited to different age groups.

#MaltaDaily