Parliament Votes In Favour Of ‘Abortion’ Bill

Jun 28 2023

The Maltese Parliament has voted in favour of Bill 28, which effectively introduces abortion in the case of a pregnant woman facing medical complications which may put her life at immediate risk or her health in grave jeopardy which can lead to death.

The Bill has been subject to massive debate and controversy ever since it was proposed by the government.

It also recently entered hot water after it was revealed that the Bill was to be edited to make it so that 3 doctors would have to consent to the abortion procedure for it to take place.

The medical intervention is to carried out if:

(a) in the case of a pregnant woman suffering from a medical complication which may put her life at immediate risk the medical intervention is done when in the reasonable opinion of the medical practitioner carrying out the intervention the foetus has not reached the period of viability;

Or (b) in the case of a medical intervention carried out due to a medical complication which places the health of a pregnant woman in grave jeopardy which may lead to death:

(i) that in the reasonable opinion of the medical team the foetus has not reached the period of viability and cannot be delivered according to the standards of the medical profession; And

(ii) that the medical intervention is carried out only after the medical team has confirmed the necessity of the intervention; and

(iii) that the medical intervention is carried out in a licensed hospital having the facilities required for the necessary medical intervention to be carried out.

A medical team means three medical practitioners registered as specialists with the Medical Council under the Health Care Processions Act.

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Maltese Duo To Paddle Around Malta To Raise Funds For Ethiopia

Jun 28 2023

Maltese duo Anthony Delia and Derome Agius will be kayaking around Malta’s 72-kilometre perimeter in an attempt to raise funds for schools and other major projects in Ethiopia.

Delia and Agius will set sail on July 8th, weather permitting, with the two welcoming any eager kayakers with open arms in their mission towards €5,000. The two have collected 44% of their goal, as shown in the gogetfunding.com page initially set up by Delia.

Maltese duo Anthony Delia and Derome Agius will be kayaking around Malta’s 72-kilometre perimeter in an attempt to raise funds for schools and other major projects in Ethiopia.

“These projects are far from the building structure themselves but will welcome children with education, building of character, and most of all giving them a future. I truly believe in this cause and will be pushing myself in various challenges such as my first round Malta with a kayak”, Delia wrote.

Inspired by the Sigma Foundation’s stellar work for Ethiopia, Delia and Agius wish to not only collect funds for charity, but also inspire others to contribute to good causes such as this.

In a video put together by collaborator Dylan Spiteri, a map shows the hour-by-hour game plan the kayakers intend on approaching the challenge with, highlighting key checkpoints.

If you haven’t already, make sure you contribute to this cause – every little counts.

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Gozo’s Guernsey Island Games 2023 Contingent Unveiled

Jun 28 2023

Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri took to social media to unveil the official contingent which will be representing the Gozitan islands in the games set to take place between 8th and 14th July.

Team Gozo is made up of 40 athletes from Gozo who will be competing in the disciplines of Athletics, Cycling, Shooting, Swimming, Table Tennis, Triathlon and Football.

‘This is a historic moment in the Gozitan sport sector as this is the first time Gozitan athletes will be representing our islands in these international games and bringing honour for Gozo.’

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Students and MPs Discuss Environmental Challenges

Jun 28 2023

The Seventeenth Edition of EkoSkola in Parliament took place this morning, led by the Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, Anġlu Farrugia. EkoSkola is an educational program initiated by Nature Trust – Malta, in collaboration with public, Church, independent, and private schools. The program aims to cultivate an appreciation for the natural environment of the Maltese islands among students and children. During the meeting in Parliament, students had the opportunity to engage in discussions with Members of Parliament on various environmental themes affecting both Malta and the world.

The agenda for the EcoSchool session in Parliament encompassed a range of pressing topics. Students actively delved into issues such as the hazards posed by traffic, the scarcity of open spaces in the country, the environmental impact within homes and families, the consequences of war on the environment and refugees, the detrimental effects of microplastics on both terrestrial and marine ecosystems, air pollution, the state of families and the economic challenges they face, and the threat of domestic violence.

In his address, the Speaker commended Nature Trust – Malta for its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the natural and marine environment of the country. He specifically acknowledged their efforts in preserving several ecologically significant sites across the Maltese islands. The Speaker emphasized the fundamental right of every individual, both in Malta and globally, to reside in a clean and beautiful natural environment. He emphasized that any degradation or threat to the environment can result in the deprivation of dignified living conditions for humans. The Speaker also stressed the responsibility of authorities in making decisions that impact the environment, urging them to prioritize the best interests and common good of all individuals.

Prominent figures who participated in the conference included Prime Minister Robert Abela, Leader of the Opposition Bernard Grech, Minister for Social Policy and Children’s Rights Michael Falzon, Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Alison Zerafa Civelli, Parliamentary Secretary for Reforms and Equality Rebecca Buttiġieġ, Parliamentary Secretary for European Funds Chris Bonett, Whip of the Opposition Parliamentary Group Robert Cutajar, and Members of Parliament Romilda Zarb, Janice Chetcuti, Graziella Attard Previ, Justin Schembri, and Mark Anthony Sammut.

The engagement between students and Members of Parliament during the EkoSkola session in Parliament showcased the importance of youth involvement in environmental discussions and decision-making processes. By providing a platform for young voices to express their concerns and ideas, the event facilitated a productive dialogue on critical environmental challenges. The participation of government officials and legislators further underscored the significance of addressing these issues at the highest levels of governance.

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