Police Arrest Two After String Of Robberies Across Malta And Gozo

Oct 16 2023

Hours of intense investigations by the Malta Police Force resulted in the arrest of two persons – a 32 year old woman resident of Siġġiewi and a 29 year old man resident of Qormi – who were allegedly involved in a number of robberies in Malta and Gozo.

The alleged robberies of cash took place in shops in Xewkija and Għajnsielem, as well as electronic items from a shop in Rabat, Gozo. Another attempted robbery from a car wash ATM took place in Xewkija, along with the arrest of a motorcycle from Rabat, Għawdex.

The same investigations resulted in the arrest of two persons who were involved in the robbery of a vehicle in Qormi. The vehicle was used in the Gozo robbery and another in Mellieħa. They were involved in another robbery in Ċirkewwa.

An inquiry has been opened, with the two persons reportedly taken to court today at around noon.

Nationalist MP Alex Borg took to social media to welcome the news after having reported the robberies a few hours after they occurred.

He said how the pressures on the police are high and that his appeal for more resources remains strong.

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Birdlife Malta Protest Illegal Hunting On Castille Steps

Oct 16 2023

Taking to Castille Square in front of the Office of the Prime Minister, Birdlife Malta protested the ‘rampant illegal killing of protected birds during this year’s autumn hunting season’.

The protestors held up images of the various protected birds that were retrieved or found dead as the hunting season opened in Malta.

Laying on the Castille steps to signify the dead birds, two of the members held up a poster reading ‘this blood is on your hands, Robert ABela’.

‘During the activity we conveyed a clear message to PM Robert Abela and the MaltaGov’s Cabinet of Ministers about the massacre of protected birds currently taking place in the Maltese countryside and their lack of action on hunting illegalities and bird protection’, the NGO said in a statement.

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Actor Michael Caine Announces Retirement Aged 90

Oct 16 2023

Michael Caine, the iconic British actor with a career spanning eight decades, has officially announced his retirement from acting at the age of 90.

He disclosed this decision on BBC Radio 4’s “Best of Today” podcast. Caine emphasised that his recent film, “The Great Escaper,” released earlier in the month, marks his final acting endeavour.

He portrayed Bernard Jordan, a 90-year-old who escapes a care home to attend the D-Day Landings’ 70th Anniversary in France. Caine expressed contentment with the incredible reviews the film received.

Director Oliver Parker praised Caine’s ability to transform his performances and credited his charisma and presence.

Caine’s illustrious career began on stage in the 1950s before transitioning to film in 1956. Originally named Maurice Joseph Micklewhite, Jr., he adopted the screen name Caine, inspired by the film “The Caine Mutiny” (1954), and later formalised it.

Caine’s diverse roles span secret agents, playboys, adventurers, teachers, and killers. He gained prominence as British spy Harry Palmer in “The Ipcress File” (1965) and as a charismatic chauffeur in “Alfie” (1966).

Notably, he received two Academy Awards for supporting roles in “Hannah and Her Sisters” (1986) and “The Cider House Rules” (1999). His contributions to cinema were recognised with honours including a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1993 and knighthood in 2000.

While retiring from acting, Caine expressed his intent to pursue writing, emphasising the freedom it offers compared to the demands of filmmaking. He noted having participated in over 160 films and affirmed his longstanding desire to be a writer.

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Maltese Less Likely To Help Syrian Or Somalian Refugee Over Ukrainians

Oct 16 2023

A study by the Open University indicates that Maltese respondents exhibit a greater willingness to assist refugees from Ukraine compared to those from Syria or Somalia. The research unveils heightened negative emotions towards non-European refugees, fostering prejudice and diminishing the inclination to help them.

Sharon Xuereb, a staff tutor in psychology and counselling at the Open University, explains that Ukrainians receive more positive perceptions due to prevailing political discourse and their legal refugee status in Europe.

In contrast, asylum seekers from other countries face limited legal options, potentially resorting to illegal routes, which impacts public perception.

The study involved 287 participants in Malta and the UK, focusing on perceived threat, prejudice, emotions, and attitudes towards helping asylum seekers from Ukraine, Syria, and Somalia.

Results indicate that European adults exhibit less positivity towards asylum seekers who are culturally distant and non-white.

Compared to the UK, Maltese participants expressed higher levels of negative emotions (Malta: 11.92 out of 56, UK: 10.50), perceived threat (Malta: 13.57 out of 42, UK: 11.85), and prejudice (Malta: 19.24 out of 56, UK: 15.48).

Examining the Maltese scores, it was found that in terms of ‘negative emotions’, Maltese respondents scored an average of 10.09 out of 56 points towards Ukrainians. This score increased to 12.57 for Syrians and 13.24 for Somalis. Regarding ‘perceived threat’ measured on a 42-point scale, the average score for Ukrainians was 12.44, while for Syrians it was 14.62, and for Somalis, it was 13.75.

Maltese participants reported higher levels of negative emotions, perceived threat, and prejudice compared to their UK counterparts. The study reveals a preference for white European asylum seekers and suggests that less familiar cultures and religious differences may be perceived as more threatening.

Perceived threat and negative emotions were found to correlate with higher prejudice, resulting in reduced willingness to help. Conversely, positive emotions led to lower prejudice and a greater willingness to offer assistance.

Check out the full study here.

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