Return to University campus left unguaranteed sparks outrage

Sep 22 2021

As the next scholastic year rolls closer, student organizations are questioning why not all of the University of Malta students will not be returning to campus for in-person lectures this first semester. One of the main issues leading to this unguaranteed return is the fact that Gateway Building was leased to the health authorities at least until January to be used as an emergency hub should COVID-19 cases spike, leading to a lack in available space for lectures. Five large lecture theatres and smaller rooms cannot be used, making replacing lecture rooms whilst also respecting COVID-19 health restrictions immensely difficult for the University.

This prompted three student organizations to seek redress from the Prime Minister since the University cannot guarantee a return to live lectures. Among them, ‘Ghaqda Studenti tal-Ligi’ (ELSA Malta) and Junior Chamber of Advocates issued a letter to Prime Minister Robert Abela, Health Minister Chris Fearne and Education Minister Justyne Caruana, lamenting the double-standards being adopted when it comes to such matters. They pointed out how with both major political parties holding rallies and other standing events with 100 people being permissible, live lectures should be guaranteed.

Questioning these ‘double-standards’ was also Nationalist Party candidate Justin Schembri who, on a MaltaToday comments section stated that the manner in which ‘[we] hide behind the pandemic to keep our students, both of Sixth Form and University, in the dark is leaning towards the ridiculous.’ Schembri also pointed to the mass events happening as being reason enough to return to education’s usual ‘rhythm’. However, with education being ‘oppressed’ in this regard, he asks why the pandemic is only being feared in the classroom. Schembri pledged to put an end to such nonsense and give students a social life beyond just Paceville.

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Photo Source: Study in Europe, Justin Schembri FB

Pfizer claims its COVID-19 vaccine is safe for kids aged 5 to 11

Sep 21 2021

New results from a vaccine trial are indicating that the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective if administered to children between the ages of 5 and 11. The companies issued the statement on Monday, planning to also submit the data for regulatory approval to the European Medicines Agency and the American Federal Drug Agency.

The companies stated that the vaccine was safe, well tolerated and showed robust neutralizing antibody responses for the under-12 age group. Results in children under 5 years of age are also being expected as soon as later this year. With a favorable safety profile and robust neutralizing antibody response in kids aged 5-11 shown in trial results, a two dose regimen is being administered with 21 days set apart. Kids were administered a smaller dose than those used for above 12 years of age.

Chairman and CEO of Pfizer Albert Bourla stated that over the past nine months, hundreds of millions of people aged 12 and older from across the global have received their jab. The companies are now eager to extend the protection to the younger populations so as to quicken the return to normalcy.

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X-Factor favorite Celine Agius returning to Season 3 as part of duo

Sep 21 2021

X-Factor fan favorite Celine Agius has just announced that she will be returning as a contestant to X-Factor Malta Season 3 but, this time, with a twist! She will be joined by Glenn Sacco, the duo forming part of group CEL&SACCO. Celine had wowed judges during the second season of the beloved singing competition, receiving immense praise from both panel and audience alike. This time, she will be backed up by Glenn, a guitarist, pianist and composer to create all her music.

As the excitement for the third season ramps up, other local artists are also revealing their entry into the competition. Most notably and recently, Kevin Paul also announced his entry into the competition. The competitors are already proving to be a force to be reckoned with as newcomers to the stage will have a tough competition to endure. The third season is set to commence on Sunday 3rd October, and the excitement is kicking in!

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Photo Source: CEL&SACCO FB

Pre-budget snap election ruled out by Prime Minister

Sep 21 2021

Teasing on the much anticipated and speculated upon upcoming election, Prime Minister Robert Abela revealed that despite the legislature not having more than nine months to it, it has not yet ended yet. Speaking during a party rally in Ta’ Qali on Monday, Abela stated that there are projects coming to a finish and an upcoming budget which will show what vision is in the works.

In the first mass-rally post COVID-19 pandemic, all with a seated audience and health protocols, Abela took to the stage alongside his wife Lydia and, later, daughter Giorgia Mae as supporters cheered him on. Key reforms were discussed throughout his speech at the rally.

Abela spoke about having serious discussions on serious reform as, according to him, the current electoral laws need to better reflect the society we inhabit today. Pension increases will be coupled with the lack of tax increases during the budget, Abela revealed, stating that it will leave more money in people’s pockets.

Apart from the previously discussed metro, the studies of which are set to be released soon for public consultation, he also focused on economic growth for the country. Abela labelled himself as a European social democrat and claimed that employers must enjoy a level playing field.

Citing praise given to Malta by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Abela stated that everyone acknowledges the changes Malta is going through. He continued by stating that the government is looking to make the country cleaner by working to lowering emissions but also protecting people from the negative impacts of a carbon neutrality shift.

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Photo Source: Robert Abela FB