Police Officer In Critical Condition After Crash, Family Calls For Blood Donations

Dec 17 2024

Chris Bonello, a 29-year-old off-duty police officer, remains in serious but stable condition after being injured in a tragic accident on Friday evening. Bonello was fixing a punctured tyre on a Ford Fiesta along Dawret il-Gudja at around 7:45 pm when he was struck by a Skoda Fabia. He was rushed to Mater Dei Hospital, where he underwent multiple serious operations and remains in intensive care.

Friends, family, and colleagues are urging people to donate blood as reserves particularly O positive and A positive remain critically low, according to the Guardamangia Blood Bank. Blood donors are being encouraged to step forward to help avoid the cancellation of operations.

Bonello, a tuba player with the Società Filarmonica Maria Mater Gratiæ Żabbar, is also being supported by his band club. In solidarity, the band has cancelled its Christmas concert, originally planned for December 18.

Żabbar Autofest, where Bonello is a founding member, and other social media users have extended their prayers and messages of support, wishing him strength and a full recovery during this difficult time.

Anyone wishing to donate blood or with questions about eligibility can call 8007 4313 for assistance. Donors are reminded to bring their identity card, driving licence, or Maltese passport.

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28 Professionals Awarded Heritage Skill Certificates

Dec 17 2024

In an official ceremony, the Minister for National Heritage, the Arts, and Local Government, Owen Bonnici, presented a Warrant or Certificate of Heritage Skill to 28 professionals working in the field of cultural heritage conservation and restoration.

Of these 28 professionals, 3 were awarded a Warrant, while the remaining 25 were given a Certificate of Heritage Skill.

With this, the total number of Warrants issued since the establishment of the Restorers’ Warrant Board has reached 62.

Regarding the Certificate of Heritage Skill, this was issued for the third time by the Restorers’ Warrant Board, meaning that to date, a total of 45 professionals have received this certificate.

Its purpose is to regulate the work related to activities linked to the profession of conservators and restorers, as stipulated in the Cultural Heritage Act, Chapter 445.

Minister Bonnici explained that through these Warrants and the Certificate of Heritage Skill issued by the Restorers’ Warrant Board, the skills of these professionals are being officially recognised.

Addressing the conservators and restorers in the presence of the Board, Minister Bonnici emphasised that since the work of conserving and restoring culturally valuable objects requires the best means, materials, heart, and ethics, the Cultural Heritage Act requires that anyone carrying out such work must hold a Warrant or Certificate of Heritage Skill issued in accordance with the provisions of the Act.

Minister Bonnici concluded by thanking all those who have contributed over time, particularly the Chairperson of the Board, Dr. Joseph Buttigieg, and the rest of the Board members, who played a key role in ensuring that these professionals are recognised today with a Warrant or Certificate of Heritage Skill.

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Embrace Solidarity All Year, Not Just Christmastime, PN Urges

Dec 17 2024

The Partit Nazzjonalista is urging people to embrace solidarity throughout the entire year, not just at Christmastime.

While the festive season brings joy, gifts, and celebrations for many, it is also a difficult period for others who face loneliness, hardship, family struggles, or addictions. Suffering does not take a holiday.

During a press conference ahead of Christmas, Shadow Minister for the Family Albert Buttigieg and Shadow Minister for the Fight Against Poverty Ivan Bartolo called for concrete action to address these challenges.

They highlighted that loneliness has become a pressing issue in society, exacerbating mental health struggles and even contributing to cases of suicide, including among the elderly.

A recent study by the University of Malta’s Faculty for Social Wellbeing revealed that around 200,000 people in Malta experience loneliness, a problem particularly felt during the holidays.

To address these concerns, the Partit Nazzjonalista proposed appointing a Parliamentary Secretary and Commissioner for Loneliness, reopening currently closed night shelters, and strengthening services that provide companionship to the elderly.

They also stressed the need to support local broadcasters, who face financial burdens, to ensure ongoing service to the community.

Solidarity, they argued, must go beyond seasonal donations or gifts—it should become a mindset and a commitment to building a more inclusive and supportive society.

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Local To Run 7 Marathons In 7 Days For Hospice Malta

Dec 17 2024

Architect and sports enthusiast Luca Zarb, 29, is taking on an extraordinary challenge to raise €10,000 for Hospice Malta.

Between December 21 and 27, Luca will run seven marathons in seven days—covering a total of 294 kilometres—in honour of his late uncle, who passed away from cancer in 2018. Inspired by the care and compassion shown by Hospice Malta, Luca launched the SevenxSeven campaign to raise funds and awareness for the organisation’s vital palliative care services.

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A post shared by Luca Zarb (@lucazarb)

Each marathon will take place on a different route, including areas such as St Paul’s Bay, Għajn Tuffieħa, Marsascala, and Valletta. The fundraising target breaks down to €10 per kilometre run, with donations already open via the Hospice Malta portal.

While Luca has been an active athlete for years, this is his most ambitious challenge yet.

Preparing for the event has required intense training, lifestyle changes, and mental focus. “The toughest part will be maintaining my body, but I’ll keep moving—even if I have to walk,” he said.

Luca hopes his effort inspires others to support Hospice Malta’s work and make a difference for families affected by cancer. “This campaign is about hope, kindness, and helping those who don’t have a choice but to fight,” he concluded.

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Photo Source: Nigel Fleri Soler