Shorter Work Week Sees Iceland Economic Boost

Oct 28 2024

Iceland’s economy is thriving, outpacing much of Europe since the nationwide adoption of a shorter workweek with no reduction in pay.

Between 2020 and 2022, over half of Icelandic workers adopted shorter hours, including four-day workweeks, boosting productivity and worker well-being, according to research by the Autonomy Institute and Iceland’s Association for Sustainability and Democracy (Alda).

The study shows that, despite reduced hours, Iceland saw robust economic growth and maintains one of the lowest unemployment rates in Europe. In 2023, Iceland’s economy grew by 5%, second only to Malta among high-income European nations, a significant increase over its prior decade’s average of around 2%.

Initial trials from 2015 to 2019, which reduced public sector hours from 40 to 35-36 per week, showed sustained or improved productivity and notable increases in worker well-being, reducing stress, burnout, and health concerns.

Following the trials, Icelandic unions secured reduced hours for tens of thousands of workers.

While the IMF expects Iceland’s growth to slow due to lower tourism demand, the country’s unemployment remains a strong indicator of economic health, with last year’s rate at 3.4%, well below the European average.

Similar shorter workweek trials are gaining traction worldwide, including recent successful trials in the U.S. and Ireland.

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Matthew Perry Passed Away One Year Ago Today

Oct 28 2024

It’s already been one year since FRIENDS star Matthew Perry passed away – a sudden death that shook both the celebrity world and the massive fandom of the beloved sitcom.

One year after Friends star Matthew Perry’s tragic death, investigations have unveiled a complex web of exploitation by those closest to him.

Perry, who died on October 28, 2023, in his Pacific Palisades home, had struggled with addiction but seemed to be living peacefully prior to his death. The 54-year-old actor drowned in his jacuzzi after receiving several high doses of ketamine, a substance he had previously used therapeutically.

Months of investigation revealed a scheme involving Perry’s assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, and medical professionals who exploited his vulnerability, leading to severe overuse of ketamine.

Five individuals, including Iwamasa and two doctors, were arrested and charged with crimes including ketamine distribution and conspiracy. Allegedly, they administered inflated doses and charged Perry exorbitant rates. Notably, Dr. Salvador Plasencia, one of the implicated doctors, continued supplying Perry with large doses despite signs of deteriorating health.

Iwamasa has pleaded guilty, facing a possible 15-year sentence, while others await trials.

Key figures like Plasencia and a ketamine distributor, Jasveen Sangha, face extensive charges with possible life sentences. The trial for those pleading not guilty is set for March 2025, and Perry’s death has become a cautionary tale about the exploitation of addiction in Hollywood.

#MaltaDaily

Pajjiz Ta’ Kwalita: Theme For Budget 2025

Oct 28 2024

Prime Minister Robert Abela announced the theme for Budget 2025, called ‘Pajjiz ta’ Kwalita’ (A Country of Quality).

The theme, a government statement explains, reflects the work the government will be undertaking to move our country to the next level.

The budget will be announced today by Minister for Finance Clyde Caruana, in a budget that will focus on decisions concerning the quality of life of the Maltese and Gozitan people.

‘Quality over quantity when it comes to challenges and priorities of people in the work sector, our roads’ mobility, mental health, tourism and development. Sectors in which the government will announce and implement with a plan of action based on wide consultations that took place in the past weeks.’

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ALIVE Charity Donate €100K To RIDT To Close 2024 Fundraising Campaign

Oct 28 2024

The VistMalta ALIVE2024 Cycling Challenge for Cancer Research presentation night was celebrated on Friday 25^th October at Avenue 77. The event was organised firstly to honour a great group of cyclists, back-up team members and Foundation committee that dedicated endless hours during the course of this year to a tough training programme and fund-raising for a great cause: Cancer Research.

The ALIVE Charity Foundation presented the sum of €100,000 as a donation to the Research, Innovation, and Development Trust (RIDT). The money was raised during the ALIVE Charity Foundation 2024 fund-raising campaign. This generous contribution will be utilized to continue to further fund critical Cancer Research projects at the University of Malta. The main focus of these projects includes development of new methodologies for early cancer detection, advancement in understanding of cancer and improving treatment options, as well as post-treatment patient rehabilitation.

The announcement supports ALIVE Charity Foundation’s continued commitment towards initiatives that contribute to the prevention, detection, and treatment of cancer. The end of the 2024 Campaign was intentionally organised in between Pink October and Movember as the foundation continues to strive to raise awareness about cancer and supporting global efforts in its prevention and treatment. This donation is a reminder of the ongoing battle against this devastating disease.

“We are extremely proud to make this donation. Over these last years, ALIVE has donated more than €920,000 towards the support of ground-breaking research projects at the University of Malta, contributing to advancements in cancer treatment and care. We are extremely excited to welcome ALIVE2025, where our plan is now to exceed the €1,000,000 in direct donations to the RIDT.” said Nicky Camilleri, Chairperson of the ALIVE Charity Foundation.

“We are greatly appreciative of these huge efforts by the ALIVE Charity Foundation. The generous and regular donations by ALIVE Charity Foundation, make it possible for the University of Malta to sustain a long term vision of cutting edge cancer research. It is very encouraging for our researchers to know that they can count on NGOs, individuals and businesses within the community, I encourage others to follow the footsteps of the ALIVE Charity Foundation,” said Wilfred Kenely, CEO of the Research and Innovation Development Trust at the University of Malta.

The ALIVE Charity Foundation extends heartfelt gratitude to all its partners that were crucial in the success of the ALIVE2024 Campaign, particularly VisitMalta, Garmin Malta, Falzon Group, APS Bank, Pack Project Ltd., Express Trailers, Pillow Spaceframes, The Jungle Box, Warehouse Fitness Studio, MaritimeMT and other supporting companies.

As the Foundation looks forward to the future, it encourages the community to join hands in the ongoing battle against cancer. During the same event, the ALIVE Charity Foundation also launched the 2025 Fund-Raising Campaign for Cancer Research. It announced the “ALIVE 2025 Cycling Challenge for Cancer Research,” a 1100km 6 day challenge scheduled between the 4^th and the 11th July 2025. ALIVE appeals further to the general public to help it reach the 1 Million Euro target.

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