Sailing Boat Jellyfish Invasion ‘On It’s Way’ Says Biologist

Apr 7 2024

Taking to social media, Maltese marine biologist Alan Deidun shared images photopraphed by Alessandro Grasso off the coast of Liguria, Italy.

‘This is a bloom of miniature ‘sailing boats’, known as ‘by-the-wind-sailors… These are actually colonies of polyps attached to a single ‘raft’ with a ‘sail’ made of chitin on its head.’

Deidun explained that they are common in the Mediterranean at this time of the year but their blooms have grown bigger and bigger in recent years.

‘DON’T PANIC’, urged Deidun. ‘These are generally harmless to humans as long as you don’t do something stupid such as rubbing your hands with them and then touching your face’.

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Source: Alessandro Grasso

Rare 1873 Maltese Poem About Royal Theatre’s Burning Released

Rare Maltese Poem About Royal Theatre’s Burning Released

Apr 7 2024

Local tour guide Jeremy Grech took to social media to share a rare Maltese poem dating back to 1873.

‘This is when the first tragedy struck at the theatre and burned down’, explained Jeremy.

‘This poem was sourced all thanks to Dr. William Zammit. It was digitally reproduced and translated into modern Maltese by myself, Jeremy Grech. And it was corrected and supervised by Ms. Nicole Bartolo.

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A post shared by Jeremy Grech (@grech.jeremy)

‘The poem cost me about €200 to purchase due to its rarity and condition and several hours trying to understand the old Maltese. My aim was to immortalise this by typing it down for everyone to access and not be lost to time.’

Jeremy also recalled a tale of his police officer great grandfather, tasked with guarding the theatre during the air raids and who avoided certain death after going for a smoke break across the street just before the theatre was bombed.

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Protest Against Invasion Of Public Spaces In Valletta

Apr 7 2024

Moviment Graffitti joined a protest organised by Residenti Beltin (Residents of Valletta) and other organisations to show the support for their call in favour of public access and against the invasion of public spaces by private entities,

‘The theft of public spaces such as pavements and roads by commercial establishments and all the abuse this brings with it, needs to be regulated today before tomorrow’, the activist group explained.

A number of residents from other localities also joined the protest – residents of Sliema, Marsaskala, Mellieħan and St Paul’s Bay and others.

‘This issue does not impact just people from Valletta. The occupation of public spaces with tables, chairs and other structures is impacting the quality of life of residents in various localities and is a problem being felt everywhere.’

‘We emphasise that pavements belong to citizens. No one has the right to occupy public spaces and obfuscate public access to benefit off of people.’

#MaltaDaily

Msida Creek To Get New Look: Project To Start In Coming Months

Apr 7 2024

The Msida Creek project, a significant infrastructural development announced by Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Public Works Chris Bonett, has completed its tender adjudication process.

This project involves replacing traffic light junctions with a new flyover and integrating a 10-year operations and maintenance period—a first for major road infrastructure in Malta.

This initiative aims to enhance alternative modes of travel like cycling and walking, along with upgrading surrounding areas with new recreational zones.

Approximately 60% of the project will focus on creating open public spaces, including a 2,200-square-meter piazza in front of the Parish Church and a 300-meter seawater channel designed to prevent flooding, surrounded by landscaped pathways for recreational use.

Minister Bonett emphasized that this investment aligns with the government’s commitment to improving road infrastructure’s quality, efficiency, safety, and sustainability. The project, budgeted at around €35 million, is set to commence in the first half of the year and conclude in approximately 30 months.

EPE JV’s proposal was selected following a rigorous evaluation process, meeting all project criteria. This comprehensive plan reflects a strategic approach to addressing both transport needs and enhancing public spaces, demonstrating a forward-looking infrastructure development strategy for the area.

#MaltaDaily