Randolph De Battista Appointed Rapporteur On Minority Rights In Ukraine

Apr 17 2024

Maltese Member of Parliament Randolph De Battista has been appointed as the rapporteur for a report by the Council of Europe analyzing and providing recommendations on minority rights in Ukraine.

As the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe convenes in Strasbourg, the Committee on Equality and Non-Discrimination unanimously approved De Battista’s nomination.

The report will examine the challenges faced by minorities, particularly national minorities, and developments following analysis by the Venice Commission.

In his comments, De Battista expressed his honor at being approached by the Committee to take on this task just a few months after joining the Council of Europe. He noted that he will be meeting with minority representatives, along with Ukrainian officials, later this year as part of the work on this report.

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Neil & Fabio Raise €6K In 12 Hour Charity Swim

Apr 17 2024

Following a 12 hour swim marathon organised by athletes Neil Agius and Fabio Spiteri, the two local sportsmen managed to raise €6000 for Inspire Malta.

‘€6000 collected from last Sunday’s 12hr swim marathon, swimming a combined of 73km between the 2 of us’, wrote Fabio.

‘Money will be distributed to less priviliged children to start swimming lessons and to children in need of therapy sessions at Inspire Malta.’

‘2 things that make me happy’, wrote Neil on his part.

‘The first is that we are going to give a lot of children access to learn how to swim. The second thing that makes me happy is how amazing humans are when we gather together in community and all pull the same rope to achieve something special. It reminds me of a quote I think about when I’m swimming: “What we believe is possible, defines what we are capable of achieving”.

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Educational Centre As Part Of Ġnien L-Istazzjon Works

Apr 17 2024

Minister for Gozo and Local Government, Clint Camilleri, and Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government, Alison Zerafa Civelli, along with the Attard Local Council, inaugurated the Information, Cultural, and Educational Center at the Station Garden in Attard, following extensive renovations and investments totaling €600,000.

This educational hub features a library, reading area, and public conveniences. The building was meticulously refurbished using franka stone, aluminum and glass fixtures, and a steel canopy was erected to commemorate the historic railway station that once provided shelter to waiting passengers on the platform during the late nineteenth century.

Minister Clint Camilleri outlined that the Planning Authority contributed approximately €200,000 towards the construction and completion of the Information, Cultural, and Educational Center at Station Garden, with an additional €30,000 allocated for installing a compartment showcasing the railway model.

“Through this initiative, the Attard community will benefit from a new cultural and educational center that pays homage to the former railway station situated within this garden. This Center not only enhances visitors’ experiences in this open public space but also serves to educate present and future generations about Malta’s railway history, part of which still remains near this garden,” Minister Camilleri expressed.

Minister Camilleri also emphasized the Planning Authority’s commitment to funding various community projects across Malta and Gozo through the Development Planning Fund, enriching public enjoyment, especially for residents and visitors to these localities. He encouraged other Local Councils to propose innovative projects that can leverage this fund for the collective benefit of communities.

Parliamentary Secretary Alison Zerafa Civelli highlighted the collaborative effort between the Attard Local Council and the Planning Authority in overseeing this project. She emphasized that this initiative will greatly benefit the Attard community and all those who visit the area, now enhanced with a more inviting garden space for recreation alongside the new Information, Cultural, and Educational Center.

“We are dedicated to furthering our efforts to empower more Local Councils to implement impactful projects like these that enhance recreational spaces and improve quality of life for our communities,” Parliamentary Secretary Zerafa Civelli concluded.

The Station Garden once served as Attard’s principal railway station as part of Malta’s historic Railway System (Il-Vapur tal-Art), operational from 1883 until 1931. Unfortunately, the station building was destroyed during World War II. The railway line, inaugurated on February 28, 1883, connected Valletta with the ancient capital of Mdina, spanning nearly 7 miles and featuring stations in Valletta, Ħamrun, Birkirkara, Attard, Rabat, and Mtarfa. The passenger railway service ceased operations on March 31, 1931.

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Over €1.3 Million In Funds For Research & Digital Projects

OVER €1.3 MILLION IN FUNDS FOR RESEARCH AND DIGITAL PROJECTS

Apr 17 2024

The Minister for Economy, Investment, and Strategic Projects, Silvio Schembri, along with the Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research, and Innovation, Keith Azzopardi Tanti, have launched two research schemes with combined funding exceeding €1.3 million.

Following the signing of an agreement between the Malta Digital Innovation Authority (MDIA) and the Malta Council for Science and Technology (MCST), a funding program of up to €1.2 million over a two-year period has been announced to support digital projects at their inception or applied research initiatives.

Additionally, MDIA will issue another call for an applied research grant totaling €120,000. This particular call is unique in that it will not only focus on artificial intelligence but also on other innovative technologies.

Minister Silvio Schembri commented, “As a committed Government, we continue to collaborate to provide support in addressing both current and future economic challenges. It is gratifying to witness the results of this collaboration between Government entities, achieved through concerted efforts for greater success.”

Parliamentary Secretary Keith Azzopardi Tanti explained that through this collaborative initiative, Maltese researchers will benefit from MDIA’s technical expertise and MCST’s administrative experience in implementing research and innovation programs.

“With these initiatives, we are establishing a framework where Maltese researchers and entrepreneurs can truly develop their innovative ideas within a specialized environment tailored to their specific needs. We are dedicated to ensuring that this sectoral specialization receives the necessary incentives to strengthen all innovative sectors that drive the Maltese economy,” concluded Parliamentary Secretary Azzopardi Tanti.

MDIA CEO Kenneth Brincat emphasized, “Today’s initiatives reflect the intensive efforts underway to ensure that Malta remains well-prepared for the future, as technology continues to evolve at an accelerated pace. This underscores the diverse nature of technology use and highlights the ongoing need to provide financial support for the development of these innovative technologies.”

MCST Chairman Dr. Tonio Portughese stated, “As a Council committed to enhancing cooperation and collaboration with private entities, public authorities, NGOs, as well as educational and research institutions in our country, this initiative will create opportunities for everyone to benefit, particularly in the sectors and areas for which we, as a Council, are responsible.”

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