Project Green Launches New Initiative With Local Councils

Project Green Launches New Initiative With Local Councils
Feb 3 2025 Share

Project Green is inviting local councils in Malta and Gozo to join forces in a new environmental initiative. Through this initiative, local councils are being asked to identify areas within their localities suitable for the planting of trees and shrubs.

These areas can include both roadsides and open spaces. All costs associated with the tree and shrub planting initiative will be funded by Project Green.

The agency will also be responsible for watering and maintaining the trees for a period of five years. Joseph Cuschieri, CEO of Project Green, said that through this collaboration, “we believe we can continue to enhance the Maltese landscape, while leaving a positive and lasting impact.

This scheme will further help us strengthen our mission in favor of the importance of the environment in our lives,” Mr. Cuschieri stated.

He recalled that in addition to this initiative, Project Green is working on 120 new projects worth €350 million, 19 of which will be launched this year, while work will begin on additional projects to be launched in 2026/2027.

“Everyone is aware of the crucial role the environment plays in our lives, as well as for our well-being and that of future generations. Therefore, we felt the need to involve local councils in this initiative because they know the realities and potential of their respective localities and therefore, can put forward proposals where this exercise can be carried out without much delay,” said the CEO of Project Green.

Local councils in Malta and Gozo are requested to submit their proposals no later than Friday, 21st February 2025.

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A Stormy Week Forecasted For Maltese Islands

A Stormy Week Forecasted In Maltese Islands
Feb 3 2025 Share

Malta is due to heavy rainfall this week, with showers and thunderstorms likely to occur from Monday, February 3rd to Sunday, February 9th, both day and night.

Temperatures will drop to around 10°C on Wednesday night, while daytime highs are expected to remain around 16°C for most of the week.

Despite the rain, there will be occasional breaks of sunshine, offering a chance for rainbows to brighten the skies.

Meanwhile nearby in Catania, severe weather has led to flooding, with firefighters rescuing residents from the streets and cars being swept away. Over 100 rescues were carried out using inflatable boats to reach people trapped in their homes.

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Emergency Family Leave Increased To Four Days

Emergency Family Leave Increased To Four Days
Feb 3 2025 Share

Maltese and Gozitan families will soon benefit from an increase in Family Emergency Leave, effective April 4. Parliamentary Secretary for Social Dialogue, Andy Ellul, announced that the entitlement will be extended from 15 hours to four full days. This measure applies to all employees, including part-time workers on a pro-rata basis. It marks another fulfilled electoral commitment, reinforcing the Government’s efforts to support work-life balance.

Ellul emphasized that this leave is intended for workers who need urgent time off to care for a family member. Examples include staying home with a sick child or assisting elderly parents in emergencies, even if they do not live together. This entitlement will also extend to those with legal custody of minors and siblings facing urgent situations.

Describing the extension as a significant step in family-friendly policies, Ellul noted that it surpasses initial electoral commitments. Following discussions with trade unions, employer representatives, and social partners, it was agreed to increase the leave to four full eight-hour workdays.

Notably, only the first 16 hours will be deducted from standard leave, with the rest taken from sick leave. “A strong social dialogue allows us to implement policies that truly impact lives. This leave ensures workers can care for loved ones while remaining productive,” Ellul stated.

This initiative builds on previous measures, including extended parental leave, paternity leave for self-employed fathers, and paid carers’ leave. The Government remains committed to supporting workers and families.

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MESC 2025 to Include Maltese Sign Language

MESC 2025 to Include Maltese Sign Language for the First Time
Feb 3 2025 Share

Malta Eurovision Song Contest (MESC) will be featuring a live Maltese Sign Language interpretation, making the viewing of the competition more accessible.

The initiative, introduced by Public Broadcasting Services (PBS), will see that the full contest broadcast on TVM+ will have the live sign language interpretation. This initiative reflects PBS’s ongoing commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that MESC continues to evolve as a national event that brings everyone together through music.

MESC 2025 will be available on multiple channels , with TVM broadcasting the full live competition and TVM+ offering the new interpreted version. Additionally, behind-the-scenes content by Daniel & Ylenia will be streamed on TVMi and YouTube, providing audiences with exclusive backstage access.

Under the theme #Together4Music, this year’s contest aims to create a shared musical experience for all. The inclusion of Maltese Sign Language is a landmark step for accessibility in local entertainment. MESC 2025 will take place on 4th, 6th and 8th February.

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