Restoration works at Għajn tal-Ħasselin in Msida nearing completion

Apr 18 2023

The Minister for the National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government Owen Bonnici and the Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Alison Zerafa Civelli visited the works currently underway at the Għajn tal-Ħasselin in Msida. This project is being carried out to preserve the external and internal fabric of the structure. Restoration works began in January 2023 and are expected to be completed by the end of June 2023.

This project is one of ten projects being funded by the Local Councils Scheme, which aims to restore historic structures in various localities and communities. The restoration works are being carried out by the Restoration Directorate.

Minister Owen Bonnici highlighted the importance of preserving historic structures like the Għajn tal-Ħasselin. He acknowledged the commitment of the Restoration Directorate towards this project and said that this work contributes greatly to strengthen Malta’s cultural heritage.

“It is important that we continue to invest in the preservation of Malta’s historic patrimony, not just for their aesthetic value, but also for the educational, cultural and economic benefits they can bring,” concluded Minister Bonnici.

Parliamentary Secretary Alison Zerafa Civelli stated that “restoration works on historic buildings is important in order to preserve our cultural heritage, boost the local economy, promote sustainability, provide educational opportunities, and provide a unique identity to the community”. She also commended the Local Councils for their commitment in identifying historic places that require restoration.

Architect Daphne Fenech, who is responsible for the restoration, explained that the project includes the conservation and restoration of all the external and internal fabric. It also includes the maintenance of the roof, including its current rainwater diversion system, and the installation of guards to prevent debris from entering the structure and contaminating the water.

The Msida Local Council will also be changing the current lighting system to a new energy-efficient one that respects the built fabric while highlighting its architecture. Members of the Msida Local Council were also present for the press conference.

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Sony World Photography Award 2023 winner reveals photo was AI generated

Apr 18 2023

The winner of a prestigious photography award has turned down his prize after revealing that his work was in fact AI generated.

German artist Boris Eldagsen inputted his entry into the Sony World Photography Award, entitled ‘Pseudomnesia: The Electrician’. He said that he used the picture to test the competition itself and create a discussion about photography’s future when contrasted with artificial intelligence.

BBC News was informed by organisers of the award that Eldagsen misled them about the extent of AI that would be involved.

Eldagsen himself backed this through a statement on his website, saying that he was a ‘cheeky monkey’. He thanked the judges for selecting the image and making this a historic moment.

‘AI images and photography should not compete with each other in an award like this’ he stated. ‘They are different entities. AI is not photography. Therefore I will not accept the award.’

He also stated that photography competitions are not prepared for artificial intelligence and that this should spark an immediate and urgent debate about the issue.

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Malta U16 end Development Tournament with a win over Faroe Islands

Apr 18 2023

The Malta U16 girls team defeated the Faroe Islands 2-1 to place second in this edition of the UEFA Development Tournament.

They ended this adventure with 5 points, tied with Latvia, however Malta won the direct encounter.

Slovakia topped the table with eight points.

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Inclusion Minister calls for ‘gaslighting’ to be considered domestic abuse

Apr 18 2023

Minister for Inclusion, Voluntary Work and Consumer Rights Julia Farrugia Portelli addressed parliament yesterday, wherein she called for ‘gaslighting’ to be considered as a criminal offence in domestic violence legislation.

Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation which involves the abuser creating self-doubt in the victim’s mind when they are being accused of something.

Farrugia Portelli drew on the UK as an example, where laws have already been strengthened to include the phenomenon as a crime, punishable even with a maximum five year jail term.

Stating that she is a survivor of domestic violence herself, the Minister said that abusers use language that demeans the victim by calling them mad or paranoid.

They even try to twist words, she said, by saying that the victim ‘cannot take a joke’ or ‘is imagining things.’ The Minister said that she experienced this herself and whenever she brought it up in parliament, she received the support of others who suffered gaslighting.

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