Rishi Sunak set to become UK’s new prime minister as Boris drops out

Oct 24 2022

Rishi Sunak seems set to become the next prime minister of the United Kingdom after Liz Truss resigned and Boris Johnson u-turned his decision to run once again.

Johnson pulled out of the Conservative leadership run and left Sunak as the frontrunner ahead of Penny Mordaunt. The leadership party contest will close off at 1400hrs on Monday 24th October, with candidates required to have amassed the support of at least 100 Tory MPs.

Johnson opted out of the race after amassing a total public backing of 59 Tory MPs. Johnson also said that it wouldn’t be the right thing to do to return as UK leader despite his previous confidence of delivering a Tory victory in 2024.

Sunak praised Johnson for delivering Brexit and the vaccine rollout, saying that he led the country through some of the toughest challenges ever facd. ‘Although he has decided not to run for PM again, I truly hope he continues to contribute to public life at home and abroad’ he said.

By the end of yesterday, Sunak had over 165 supporters whereas Mordaunt amassed a mere 25. The supporters of the latter are still hopeful for her possible win however.

#MaltaDaily

Tributes pour in for late motorcyclist Marie Claire Lombardi

Oct 24 2022

The identity of the late 45-year-old motorcyclist who died after losing control of her vehicle in Rabat was identified as Marie Claire Lombardi.

An influx of tributes and appreciation social media posts flooded local media, with her uncle Gino Lombardi discussing how everyone loved her due to her room-filling smile.

‘Why did you have to leave us Marie Claire? Today we woke up to face the reality that you are no longer with us’ said Gino.

Marie Claire also worked as a hair dresser, with many of her clients, some of over 30 years, also writing tributes to the late motorcyclist. One woman recounted how Marie Claire had expertly handled her two-year-old for his second haircut.

‘She was not just a hairdresser. She was a successful owner of her own salon from since she finished her training and she employed many. I was one of her first clients. Many of her employees have been with her for decades which says a lot about her.’

#MaltaDaily

16 activist groups demand closure of marine park due to dolphin deaths

Oct 23 2022

Fourteen local and two international NGOs came together to demand the closure of Mediterraneo Marine Park following the death of three dolphins due to lead poisoning.

The groups stated that the Bahar ic-Caghaq park has shown negligence and cruelty to the animals it keeps in captivity and is effectively operating an animal circus.

Animal circuses were outlawed in Malta in 2014, but Mediterraneo is classified as a zoo. However, Moviment Graffiti highlighted how the dolphins still perform tricks for the public.

The park itself pushed back against the claims by the groups, insisting that all animals are treated humanely and that dolphin activities are necessary to properly monitor the health of the animals.

In a joint statement, the groups suggested changing the establishment into a rehabilitation centre for aquatic creatures with the location of the park being perfect for this use due to its proximity to the coast.

‘Malta would have the opportunity to create a foundation of marine animal care, while the remaining dolphins should have the opportunity to be rehoused in a sea pen to live a more natural life and to stop being used and exploited as a form of entertainment.’

#MaltaDaily

Photo Source: Moviment Graffiti

Puttinu fundraisers organised by Robert Arrigo will still take place

Oct 23 2022

The fundraiser activities for NGO Puttinu Cares planned by the late PN Deputy Robert Arrigo will still be taking place.

This was revealed by one of the sons of Arrigo, Andrew, during his father’s funeral. Andrew revealed that he had made the promise to his father that the activities will go on under his direction.

Andrew reminded the funeral attendees of his father’s favourite statement of ‘Life is beautiful’ and said that he plans on carrying the legacy of fighting for what he believed in.

Robert Arrigo himself was born in December and used to organise the fundraisers to raise money for the NGO which helps people, especially children, as they fight cancer.

#MaltaDaily