Revitalised Garden At Peace Lab Fulfils Dream For Fr Dionysius Mintoff

Jan 14 2025

At the age of 93, Fr Dionysius Mintoff, founder of the Peace Lab, witnessed the fulfillment of another long-held vision: the regeneration of the Peace Lab Garden.

Spanning 2,000 square meters, this peaceful retreat was revitalized through Project Green, which supported Fr Mintoff’s vision for this meaningful social initiative.

Minister for the Environment Miriam Dalli noted that projects like this contribute positively to society, highlighting how these open spaces foster connection with nature and promote community interaction. She expressed anticipation for more environmental projects to be carried out in the coming year.

During a visit to the garden with Minister Dalli, Fr Mintoff shared that the space once served as an airstrip during World War II, accommodating 7,000 Commonwealth soldiers. Today, it stands as a symbol of peace and tranquility.

“The goal is to remind people of the importance of leisure time and the messages nature offers us,” Fr Mintoff said. He hopes more visitors will come to enjoy the space.

“We aimed to transform a place of war into one of peace, and this garden is another step in that direction,” he added.

The renovation included the installation of low bridges and wider pathways for better accessibility, while preserving the garden’s biodiversity. New lighting creates a soothing atmosphere, and the addition of picnic benches and play equipment made from recyclable materials makes the space more welcoming.

The garden, open to all, was also visited by members of the Żurrieq Local Council and representatives from Project Green.

Architect Cheryl Camilleri from Project Green emphasized that sustainability and accessibility were key to the project, ensuring that the space would be enjoyed by the community.

Mayor Rita Grima of Żurrieq expressed gratitude for the collaboration, stating that the garden now provides another peaceful spot for residents and visitors alike.

Founded in 1971 by Fr Mintoff as a Pastoral Work Centre for peace, the Peace Lab has since expanded, with a new branch recently opened in The Hague, Netherlands.

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Scheme For Maintenance & Support Of Major Infrastructure Beneficiaries Announced

Jan 14 2025

Ten local councils will benefit from funds amounting to approximately €270,000 through the government’s scheme for the maintenance and support of major infrastructure projects.

These funds will be used to continue beautifying and maintaining open and recreational spaces in the respective localities. Selected projects range from the upkeep and maintenance of gardens, open physical activity areas, tree planting, street lighting installations, and maintenance of public buildings, among others.

The announcement was made by Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Alison Zerafa Civelli, alongside the Director General of the Local Government Division Emil Vassallo, in the presence of mayors and executive secretaries of the benefiting localities.

Parliamentary Secretary Zerafa Civelli explained that this fund aims to ensure the proper maintenance of major infrastructure projects carried out by the central government within communities.

“Through this scheme, we are financially assisting local councils to sustain capital projects in their respective localities into the future. We believe that local councils understand their communities’ needs best, and for this reason, they apply for these funds with a plan to maintain these projects,” she said.

The Parliamentary Secretary also noted that these projects align with the government’s electoral promise to ensure every citizen has access to an open space within a short distance from their home.

Director General Emil Vassallo added, “This scheme recognizes the need to nurture and maintain capital projects, and it provides local councils with the funds required to continue sustaining them.”

The local councils benefiting from this scheme are Bormla, Ħal Qormi, Birżebbuġa, Gudja, Ħamrun, Santa Luċija, Santa Venera, Siġġiewi, Mqabba, and Żebbuġ (Gozo).

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Armed Forces Open Doors To 102 New Recruits

Jan 14 2025

The Armed Forces of Malta yesterday opened its doors to 102 new recruits, including 14 females and 2 Gozitans.

The recruits reported yesterday at Luqa Barrack’s gate at 0700hrs, after having successfully completed the selection process.

The process consists of a physical fitness test, a military test and a written assessment, as well as an interview and a complete medical examination.

‘On their first day in their army careers, the Recruits took an Oath of Allegiance to the People and the Republic of Malta and its Constitution.’

Good luck all!

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PN Tables Amendments To Bill On Penalties Against Crimes Against Public Officials

Jan 14 2025

‘The Partit Nazzjonalista has consistently emphasized the importance of respecting the uniforms of the nation’s security forces, recognizing their critical law enforcement role and the sacrifices made in service to the country’, the PN highlighted in a statement.

As part of its commitment to this principle, the Partit Nazzjonalista is proposing amendments to the Bill aimed at increasing penalties for violent crimes against public officials.

These amendments, to be presented before the Bills Committee, include:

Restricting Sentence Removal: Anyone convicted of a violent crime against a public official would be barred from requesting the removal of their court sentence from online records for 10 years post-conviction.

Mandatory Community Service: Courts would be empowered to impose mandatory community service orders alongside any sentence. This service could involve assigning the offender to work with the public service entity where the victim was employed.

Probation Transparency: In cases where probation is granted under Article 95 of the Criminal Code, this should be recorded on the offender’s criminal conduct certificate.

These proposals aim to strengthen accountability and promote reformative measures within the legal system.

While supporting the government’s increased penalties for crimes against public officials, the Partit Nazzjonalista points out that these proposals reflect long-standing efforts, including similar measures in Bill 97 (2011) and Bill 25 (2013).

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