Parliament Bids Farewell To Longest Serving Clerk

Dec 19 2023

After 44 years of service, Raymond Scicluna, the Clerk of the House of Parliament, is set to retire from his role, as announced during the last parliamentary session on Monday.

Both sides of the House expressed gratitude for Scicluna’s contributions, acknowledging his professionalism and accessibility. Serving as Clerk of the House since 1978, Scicluna received applause from MPs, with Deputy Prime Minister Chris Fearne, PL Whip Andy Ellul, PN Whip Robert Cutajar, Opposition Leader Bernard Grech, and Speaker Anglu Farrugia all commending his dedicated work.

Ellul praised Scicluna as a professional friend with a robust sense of humor and unparalleled knowledge of parliamentary procedures. He highlighted Scicluna’s role in addressing disputes within the House and extended warm wishes for a happy retirement.

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Cutajar lamented the loss of a committed, loyal, responsible, and humble individual, emphasizing Scicluna’s accessibility and dedication to parliamentary values.

He acknowledged Scicluna’s status as a role model for parliamentary workers and commended his environmentally conscious commute by bicycle.

Speaker Farrugia lauded Scicluna for his dedication, precision, good conscience, and the courage to voice dissent when necessary. Describing Scicluna as an example of democratic principles, Farrugia emphasized Scicluna’s prioritization of family and jokingly welcomed him to continue working if he felt inclined.

In a brief response, Scicluna thanked House members and his family. The Speaker and the PN expressed their appreciation with small gifts, marking the conclusion of Scicluna’s longstanding service.

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Dress Worn By Princess Diana Sells For Record £900,000

Dec 19 2023

Diana, Princess of Wales’ 1985 black velvet evening dress has shattered records at Julien’s Auctions in Hollywood, fetching $1,148,080, surpassing its $100,000 estimate.

Worn in Florence and to the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, the gown features a blue organza skirt, shoulder pads, a bow, and sash.

Constructed with fabric chosen by Jakob Schlaepfer and adorned with metallic embroidered stars by Jacques Azagury’s design team, the ballerina skirt pays homage to Diana’s love of dance and her support for the English National Ballet.

The dress’s price nearly doubles the gap between the previous record-holder, a 1991 velvet gown by Victor Edelstein. Diana, known for wearing Moroccan-British designer pieces during her royal tenure, showcased a pink crepe blouse at the TCM Present: Hollywood Legends auction, fetching $381,000.

Other notable items included Audrey Hepburn’s Givenchy dress from Charade, Gloria Swanson’s 1950 Sunset Boulevard gown, and Barbra Streisand’s sailor dress from the 1960s special My Name Is Barbra. The auction showcased iconic Hollywood attire, underlining the enduring allure of vintage celebrity fashion.

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Healthmark’s Christmas Video Celebrates Power Of Human Touch In AI Age

Dec 19 2023

After a year in which artificial intelligence and technological advancements gripped the world’s attention, a poignant reminder of the enduring power of human connection comes from an unexpected source this festive season.

Healthmark, a prominent name in Malta’s healthcare sector, has released a Christmas video that eloquently underscores the irreplaceable value of the human touch in healthcare.

Filmed from the perspective of the hands of Healthmark carers and nurses working with patients, the video is a vivid portrayal of empathy and compassion in action. It serves as a powerful counterpoint to the prevailing narrative of an increasingly digital world, reminding viewers that, despite technological strides, the comforting presence of a human touch remains unmatched, especially when it comes to human care.

Healthmark is an independent provider of cares, nurses, helpers and healthcare-specialised catering.

Heathmark forms part of the Kore Group, which employs around 4,000 people and recently launched a training centre in Dubai to help attract and train more staff to meet the growing needs of Malta’s healthcare system.

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Official Music Video For New Il-President TV Series

Dec 19 2023

Released on Republic Day, Maltese band Skald released the official music video for the new upcoming television series Il-President.

The series, which will release on GO TV’s Tokis the day after Istrina (on Boxing Day), imagines a Malta wherein Xarabank host Peppi Azzopardi is elected President of the Maltese islands.

The Watermelon Media production sees Gawdenz actor Fabian Scerri de Carlo taking on the role of the iconic host with an uncanny resemblance.

The official music video for the series starts to detail the first hints we’ll get about the series – the struggles Peppi will be facing upon taking the role of President of Malta.

Will you be watching?

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