Record breaking swimmer Neil Agius’ team were visited by European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, as the two shared their experiences about achieving groundbreaking feats both locally and abroad.
‘This morning Roberta, despite her insanely packed schedule made the time to is it Neil and some of his team at Kai Zen Hub’.
‘Roberta and Neil represent pushing boundaries in their own context and inspiring the next generation to embody the mindset of never giving up.’
#MaltaDaily
The Education Ministry’s recent directive, requiring educators to seek prior approval before speaking to the media, has sparked a heated debate over teachers’ freedom of expression and professional autonomy.
Under the directive, Circular DES 28.2024, issued in late September, educators across all levels must obtain written permission and disclose their intended topics before engaging with any media outlet. Additionally, any granted statements must align with ministry policies, prohibiting personal or politically charged commentary.
The Union of Professional Educators (UPE) has voiced opposition, requesting the directive’s immediate withdrawal.
The UPE warned that these restrictions risk fostering self-censorship among educators, who may feel stifled from sharing critical insights due to fear of departmental repercussions. Highlighting constitutional protections of free speech, the UPE argued that withholding educators’ professional viewpoints deprives public discourse of essential, well-informed perspectives.
Arnold Cassola, an independent candidate and academic, was the first to file a complaint against the directive, calling it a “fascist” imposition on educators’ freedoms.
However, the Ombudsman declined his request for investigation, stating that only Education Ministry employees have standing to pursue it under Article 17 (2)(c) of the Ombudsman Act.
Cassola has now called on active educators and unions to challenge the directive, underscoring the urgent need to safeguard the voices of educators who engage in public policy debates and community initiatives.
#MaltaDaily
A Valletta resident recently shared her gratitude for officers at the Valletta Police Station after they helped her access her home. Returning from school with her children, she found herself locked out and unable to open the door. When her attempts failed, her daughter encouraged her to call the police.
Within minutes, three officers arrived and tried various methods to open the door. When initial efforts proved unsuccessful, they called for specialized equipment and eventually managed to unlock the door without causing damage.
The resident praised the officers’ kindness and humanity, acknowledging how they went beyond their regular duties to ensure her family’s safety. “Thank you because it’s true these are human people like us and with a kind heart,” she wrote, grateful for their dedication. This story highlights the Maltese police’s commitment to community care, even in unexpected situations.
#MaltaDaily
Traffic accidents peaked on Mondays, with 709 incidents, representing 16.1% of the total for the third quarter of 2024.
A total of 4,395 traffic accidents were reported during this period, reflecting a slight 1% increase from 2023.
The Northern Harbour district had the most incidents, accounting for 34.3% of all accidents, while Birkirkara, Ħal Qormi, and San Pawl Il-Baħar were among the most affected localities.
Casualties dropped by 9.1%, totalling 388 people, with 97 suffering grievous injuries—most commonly affecting drivers, followed by passengers and pedestrians.
Five fatalities were recorded, including three drivers, a passenger, and a pedestrian, which marks an increase of four fatalities over the same period last year. Men accounted for 70.1% of those severely injured, particularly those aged 26–40.
Accidents between vehicles made up 67% of all road traffic casualties, primarily involving passenger cars (48.5%) and motorcycles (38.9%).
Thursdays saw the most casualties (71), with peak accident times occurring from noon to 3:00 PM.
Notably, the South Eastern district saw a significant increase in incidents (13.7%), while Gozo and Camino recorded the largest decrease at 6%.
Some areas, such as Il-Fontana and San Lawrenz, reported minimal accidents, with fewer than five cases.
#MaltaDaily
Source: NSO
Photo Source: Maltese Road Traffic Updates
