Social service helping young children strives despite issues brought by pandemic

Jan 20 2022

15 years after its launch, the chairpersons of social service Home Start within Malta and Gozo have stated that the pandemic has created some major obstacles for the organisation. Home Start provides support to families who are going through a difficult time through the participation of volunteers. Families with children of under 5 years are provided the necessary support for both the parents as well as the children themselves.

The chairperson of service within Malta, Martin Chetcuti, has stated that the pandemic has contributed to a number of limitations due to restricted social contact. Despite this, the service provided assistance to 36 children in Malta and 51 children in Gozo. “Pandemic times have offered a reality where we had to ensure that everything we offer is offered in the best way possibility to benefit everyone, at the same time we had to see how to remain proactive and reach people’s homes to be there for the children and their parents to see what their needs are and assist them in everyday necessities.”

Gozo chairperson Monsignor Joseph Vella Gauci highlighted that the pandemic’s problems contributed to further issues faced by parents, with children locked inside without being able to go to school. Ministry for Social Justice and Solidarity, The Family and Children’s Rights Michael Falzon stated that social work is not easy and everyone should make an effort to help those in need.

Chief Executive for the Foundation of Social Welfare Services Alfred Grixti stated that the success of Home Start is thanks to its volunteers’ and professionals’ contribution. He went on to state that this year, a conference will be held to welcome various Home Start representatives from around the world in Malta.

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Paceville bag thief gets caught and beaten up by passers-by

Jan 20 2022

An 18-year-old who reportedly stole a woman’s bag in Paceville received quite the beating from random passers-by after he was spotted and chased in the streets.

Sayfedine Bonavia appeared in court with a limp and bruised face after being accused of aggravated theft of two mobile phones costing around €1,000 each. He was also accused of resisting arrest, insulting three police officers, not wearing a mask, breaking arrest conditions and committing a crime while carrying a suspended sentence.

The Court, presided over by magistrate Yana Micallef Stafrace, heard that a passerby saw the youth stealing the bag from the foreign couple and immediately ran after the thief, quickly followed by a number of other individuals. The court stated that while the youth remains under arrest he should not have been treated in this manner, irrelevant of his actions.

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Photo Source: Christpher Farrugia

People in quarantine will still be able to vote in general election after new law is approved

Jan 20 2022

Individuals stuck in mandatory COVID-19 quarantine will still be able to vote during the next general election after a new law was approved in Parliament.

As of yet, the specifics of the voting process have not been revealed but it appears that multiple possibilities have already been discussed. What is certain is that people in quarantine will have to notify the health authorities beforehand and a finalised list of eligible voters would need to be confirmed by 9pm on the evening of the election.

If an individual finds out about the need to quarantine beyond the stipulated timeframe, they will unfortunately not be able to vote. Designated voting areas will be also be created to allow such voting.

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Boris Johnson vows to remain Prime Minister amid lockdown party controversy

Jan 20 2022

Boris Johnson has pledged to maintain his post as Prime Minister and British Premier and will reportedly contest the next election despite mass calls for his resignation and a plea from a former Minister to quit ‘in the name of God’.

Johnson left many enraged after news of the Downing Street lockdown party began to make the rounds while the entirety of the UK was in strict lockdown. In spite of this, Johnson has stated that he would win any no-confidence vote called by his Conservative Party.

Johnson faces a tremendous task in regaining the trust of his cabinet members and the country’s population, especially in the midst of Labour’s current high and inflation in the UK reach a 30-year peak. He recently announced the removal of most COVID-19 restrictions in England in light of a perceived drop in Omicron infections.

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