Restoration Of Notre Dame Bastion Begins With €800K Investment

Feb 27 2025

Restoration work has begun on the Notre Dame Bastion, with efforts focused on uncovering a significant portion that was buried under rubble during World War II.

The Cottonera fortifications, constructed by the Knights of St. John in the late 17th century, form an extensive defensive system designed to safeguard the Grand Harbour and the surrounding cities.

This restoration project, backed by an €800,000 investment, is expected to complete its current phase by mid-next year.

Minister for National Heritage, Arts, and Local Government Owen Bonnici described the initiative as a testament to the government’s commitment to protecting Malta’s historical heritage.

“The Cottonera fortifications are a vital part of our cultural identity. This investment will not only aid in their preservation but also boost their educational and touristic appeal,” he said.

Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Alison Zerafa Civelli highlighted the role of local councils in shaping such initiatives. “Local councils are best placed to understand their communities’ needs, and we are dedicated to supporting these projects,” she affirmed.

Architect Daphne Fenech, leading the project, outlined the meticulous restoration process. Work includes reinforcing the bastion’s structure, repairing extensive damage, removing invasive materials, cleaning, replacing deteriorated stone, sealing cracks, and implementing rock bolting.

The Cottonera fortifications, designed by military engineer Maurizio Valperga, were constructed in 1670. This vast defensive network consists of eight bastions and two demi-bastions, including St. Paul, St. John, St. Nicholas, St. Clement, Notre Dame, St. James, St. Louis, and San Salvatore.

Additional gates were incorporated in the early 18th century by architect Romano Carapecchia. Due to financial constraints, the fortifications were never fully completed, though the British later reinforced them in the 19th century.

Attending the site visit were Cottonera Foundation Chairman Joe Mizzi and representatives from the Bormla and Ħaż-Żabbar Local Councils.

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Worker Hospitalised After Falling 5 Metres In Valletta

Feb 27 2025

A 43 year old man resident of Gżira was injured after falling around five metres whilst working on a building where renovation works were taking place.

The accident happened at around 0830hrs, in Triq l-Ifran, Valletta.

A medical team was called on site, with ambulances taking the victim to Mater Dei Hospital. He was later certified as having suffered grievous injuries.

Investigations by police and the Workplace Health and Safety Authority are ongoing.

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Journalists Harassed Outside Court By AFM Drug Theft Suspect Relatives

Feb 27 2025

ONE News shared the moment journalists from the newsroom were harassed by relatives of the suspects in the AFM drug theft case.

The persons threw insults and threats at the journalists in front of the court, prompting a response by the Institute of Maltese Journalists.

’N*ħxil*k familtek kollha’ and ‘L-aqwa li n*ħxil* wiċċa’ some of the persons could be heard saying.

The Institute of Maltese Journalists (IGM) took to social media to issue a statement of condemnation in regards to the harassment journalists faced when reporting on the AFM drug theft case.

The IGM reported how during Wednesday’s arraignment in connection to the Ħal Safi drug heist, journalists and camerapersons were filmed, threatened & followed while carrying out their work duties.

The IGM reported an incident wherein two journalists and a cameraman were filmed and threatened by relatives of those accused.

‘In another incident, the same relatives followed a journalist and hurled insults at them as they were leaving the court building.’

‘The IĠM condemns the incidents and shows solidarity with the journalists affected. This reminds us all of the real dangers faced by journalists in their line of duty.’

‘While the IĠM would like to thank the police for their prompt response to the threats, and for taking measures to ensure that the journalists on site were protected during and after the hearing, the IĠM also urges the police to take criminal action against the aggressors.’

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MUT Calls For Directive Withdrawal After Teacher ‘Reprimanded’

Feb 27 2025

The Malta Union of Teachers (MUT) is urging the Education Ministry to withdraw Circular DES 28.2024, a directive requiring teachers to seek written permission before speaking to the media.

This call follows the case of Joanna Mallia, a maths teacher who was reprimanded for publicly criticising the new Secondary Education Certificate (SEC) system, which introduced continuous assessments.

Mallia defended her headmaster, stating he was simply following orders, but the incident has sparked widespread concern about the suppression of free speech in education.

The circular in question mandates that educators disclose the topics they plan to discuss and ensure their comments align with ministry policies, avoiding personal opinions or political bias.

The MUT has condemned this as a form of censorship and launched a petition to rally support from teachers, students, and the public, emphasising that teachers have both a “right and duty” to speak about their profession.

The directive has drawn backlash from various quarters. The Opposition and civil society groups, including Repubblika, have criticised the measure as “totalitarian,” warning that it stifles the freedom of expression that educators should be entitled to.

Jon Mallia, expressed his solidarity with the reprimanded teacher, pointing out that such actions only hinder efforts to improve the educational system. Instead of silencing teachers, he argues, they should be given the resources to be part of the solution.

What do you think?

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