Over 200 Nadur Primary Students To Benefit From €6.3M Investment

Mar 5 2024

Starting this academic year, approximately 200 students and 30 educators have begun benefiting from a modernized educational setting thanks to an investment exceeding €6.3 million financed under Malta’s NextGenerationEU Recovery and Resilience Plan.

This substantial investment has rejuvenated two century-old schools, completely transforming them to meet the contemporary educational requirements.

As a result, the Nadur school now boasts state-of-the-art, accessible educational facilities for both students and teachers. The inauguration was graced by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for European Funds, Equality, Reforms, and Social Dialogue Chris Fearne, Minister for Education, Sports, Youth, Research, and Innovation Clifton Grima, and Minister for Gozo and Planning Clint Camilleri.

Deputy Prime Minister Fearne underscored the importance of prioritizing large-scale construction projects, including public infrastructure, to ensure optimal energy utilization.

Minister Grima emphasized the unprecedented investment in educational infrastructure through the Foundation for Tomorrow’s Schools (FTS). He highlighted significant investments in Gozo, particularly in the Rabat Educational Complex, amounting to €18 million.

Minister Camilleri detailed the extensive refurbishment undertaken at the Nadur primary school over the past year, emphasizing the ongoing need for investment in Gozitan educational infrastructure.

In addition to the comprehensive renovation of the school’s interior and exterior, the project included redesigning open and recreational spaces, as well as creating new areas for extracurricular activities. These encompass a dance studio, music room, literacy room, theatre studio, and art classrooms.

The focus on accessibility within the building ensured compliance with regulations, alongside the implementation of energy-efficient measures and the expansion of green areas in the outdoor recreational space.

The school now operates almost carbon neutral, with an increased reliance on renewable energy and a reduction in energy demand by at least 30%. Furthermore, new services such as lighting, water, drainage, CCTV, internet connectivity, alarms, and fire safety were integrated into the project.

Also present at the inauguration were FTS CEO Dr. Neville Young, Gozo College Principal Sean Zammit, and School Head Mary Jane Camilleri.

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More Initiatives To Address Obesity In Malta

Mar 5 2024

On World Obesity Day, a press conference was held featuring Health and Active Ageing Minister Jo Etienne Abela and Parliamentary Secretary for Active Ageing Malcolm Paul Agius Galea.

They discussed several initiatives aimed at tackling obesity in the country, with estimates suggesting over 250,000 individuals affected by overweight and obesity. Efforts are ongoing to provide necessary assistance, with the government already offering various services tailored to individuals suffering from obesity, and plans for further development of specialized services are in progress. Additionally, work is underway to formulate a national strategy to effectively address this growing challenge.

Minister Jo Etienne Abela emphasized the importance of increasing awareness about obesity globally. He highlighted the widespread impact of obesity across all age groups and stressed the significance of preventive measures, particularly in relation to diabetes. He underscored the need for continued investment in awareness campaigns and preventive measures.

Parliamentary Secretary Malcolm Paul Agius Galea noted the impact of obesity on the elderly, leading to various health issues. He stressed the importance of investing in nutritional education for both older adults and younger generations, highlighting the potential for even small dietary changes to improve overall health.

Health Superintendent Prof. Charmaine Gauci emphasized the global scale of the obesity challenge and Malta’s high rates of overweight and obesity. She stressed the crucial role of prevention in addressing this issue.

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Donald Trump Allowed To Continue Running For President

Mar 5 2024

The US Supreme Court ruled unanimously in favour of allowing Donald Trump to remain on the presidential primary ballot in Colorado, overturning a decision from the state’s highest court.

The ruling came just ahead of Super Tuesday, where Colorado, among other states, would hold Republican presidential primaries. Trump’s eligibility had been questioned due to his alleged involvement in efforts to overturn the 2020 election results.

The Supreme Court found that states lacked authority under the US Constitution to disqualify candidates from federal offices based on such grounds. Trump hailed the decision as a “BIG WIN FOR AMERICA!!!” and argued that voters, not courts, should decide candidates’ fates.

However, some critics, including the non-profit legal watchdog Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, expressed disappointment, saying the court missed an opportunity to address concerns about candidates’ eligibility under the 14th Amendment’s Section Three.

This case marked the first time the court addressed how this Civil War-era provision applied to present-day presidential candidates, ultimately emphasising the need for federal legislation to enforce it.

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PN Tables Motion Of No Confidence Against 3 Ministers

Mar 5 2024

The Nationalist Party plans to table a Motion of No Confidence against three Ministers – Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, Miriam Dalli, and Silvio Schembri – due to their ongoing avoidance of political responsibility concerning the Public Inquiry led by Jean Paul Sofia.

These Ministers must address their roles in the entities flagged for significant shortcomings in the Public Inquiry.

This decision was announced by Nationalist Party Leader, Bernard Grech, following a meeting of the Nationalist Parliamentary Group outside Parliament. This follows recent parliamentary discussions regarding the Public Inquiry.

In today’s session, held at 2 pm, the Nationalist Party Leader repeatedly sought answers regarding political accountability for the tragic death of Jean Paul Sofia. However, two Labour Ministers in Robert Abela’s Cabinet persisted in evading the question.

Grech emphasized that accountability cannot be sidestepped, especially when Ministers are tasked with ensuring effective governance. He asserted that under Robert Abela’s leadership, the country remains exposed to the government’s deficiencies.

The Nationalist Party urges Parliament to promptly address the Motion of No Confidence.

#MaltaDaily