Restoration of Valletta’s Jesuit Church Nears Completion

Oct 2 2024

Prime Minister Robert Abela highlighted the need to protect Maltese heritage during a visit to the Jesuit Church in Valletta, which is undergoing major restoration. He stressed that preserving heritage goes beyond repairs, focusing on encouraging the public to engage with it. Abela said these efforts are crucial to ensuring future generations can continue to enjoy Malta’s identity.

Joined by Heritage Minister Owen Bonnici and Rev. Dr. Nicholas Doublet, Abela pointed to government initiatives like passports for children and seniors that have boosted visits to historical sites, with 56,000 people taking part. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to increasing investment in conservation, with support also coming from private entities such as the HSBC Malta Foundation.

The restoration project includes work on the church’s walls, roof, altar, and decorative elements, as well as improvements to electrical systems and stonework. Abela thanked the workers for their dedication and said investing in Malta’s cultural heritage remains a priority for the government, ensuring these sites are preserved for future generations.

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Two Women Hit By Cars In Different Traffic Accidents

Oct 2 2024

Two women were transported to Mater Dei Hospital after getting injured in separate traffic accidents earlier today.

The first accident took place at 0630hrs in Triq l-Etna, Mellieħa. Preliminary investigations showed that a 69 year old woman resident of Mellieħa was hit by a Ford Transit driven by a 37 year old man resident of Żurrieq.

The second accident took place at around 0945hrs in Triq tal-Labour, Naxxar. Investigations showed that a 61 year old woman resident of Birkirkara had been hit by a Renault Captur, driven by a 51 year old man resident of Naxxar.

A medical team gave assistance on both accidents, transporting the women to hospital, where they were confirmed to have suffered grievous injuries.

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Bill Proposes No More Suspended Sentences For Officer Abuse

Oct 2 2024

A new bill proposed by Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri aims to impose harsher penalties for assaulting police officers and other public officials.

Under the revised law, suspended sentences and conditional discharges will no longer be allowed for such crimes.

Fines for insulting or offending officials will increase, with offenders facing €1,200 to €7,500, while those who attack or violently resist officials will face prison terms of one to four years and fines between €10,000 and €15,000.

The penalties escalate if multiple individuals are involved, with jail sentences reaching up to six years and fines as high as €22,500. Assaulting an officer with a weapon could lead to six years in jail and fines up to €30,000, while public violent assaults carry a seven-year sentence and a €25,000 fine.

The bill was prompted by a recent attack on two police officers in Ħamrun, and although it will not apply retroactively, it has received support from both the government and opposition.

Camilleri emphasised the importance of deterring violence against public officials and highlighted body-worn cameras as a significant tool in reducing such incidents by 67% over seven years.

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Coldplay Plans to Retire from Recording Music After 12th Album

Oct 2 2024

In a recent interview, Coldplay frontman Chris Martin reportedly announced the band’s intention to retire from recording music after their 12th studio album. While this news may shock fans, Martin allegedly reassured listeners that Coldplay will not be disappearing entirely. Instead, they will focus on live performances, bringing their dynamic energy to stages worldwide without releasing new music.

During a BBC Radio interview, Martin stated, “Our last proper record will come out in 2025, and after that, I think we will only tour.” Fans expressed sadness at the prospect of no new music, but Martin’s enthusiasm for live shows provided comfort, indicating that Coldplay is evolving rather than vanishing.

Following the release of their 10th album, “Moon Music,” on October 4, the band will reportedly produce only two more albums. Martin emphasized that this 12-album limit reflects a commitment to high quality, inspired by musical legends like The Beatles and Bob Marley. He noted, “Having that limit means the quality control is so high right now.” The band aims to allow each member the space to enjoy life while continuing to perform, ensuring their legacy remains strong.

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