Soup Kitchen providing over 120,000 free meals Receives Prestigious award

Jun 29 2023

The Soup Kitchen OFM Valletta has been honoured with the 2023 European Citizen’s Prize, a remarkable recognition of its exceptional work. Established in 2021 by Fr Marcellino Micallef and his dedicated team, this initiative has served as a vital source of support, providing over 120,000 meals to more than 30,000 guests, including 222 children. In a time of economic challenges, this soup kitchen has become a symbol of hope, ensuring that no individual experiences the harsh realities of deprivation. It stands as a shining example of European solidarity and the profound impact that a united community can make.

The European Citizen’s Prize, awarded annually by the European Parliament, celebrates projects led by citizens and organisations in each member state of the European Union. This year, MEP David Casa nominated the Soup Kitchen OFM Valletta as the deserving recipient of this prestigious accolade. Building upon the remarkable legacy of last year’s winner, the Daphne Caruana Galizia Foundation, which was recognised for its dedication to human rights and justice, the Valletta soup kitchen continues to embody the spirit of compassion and collective action.

Since its inception, the Soup Kitchen OFM Valletta, led by the Franciscan Friars, has demonstrated unwavering commitment to alleviating hunger and uplifting vulnerable individuals in Malta. Their compassionate efforts have made a profound difference in the lives of countless people, offering sustenance, dignity, and renewed hope.

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Banner Demanding Justice for Jean Paul Sofia Deemed ‘Vandalism’ at Police Headquarters, Sparks Controversy

Jun 29 2023

Yesterday, a heartfelt plea for justice resounded through the streets of Floriana as Isabelle Bonnici, the mother of the late Jean Paul Sofia, took a courageous stand in demanding accountability and the enforcement of construction safety laws. Jean Paul Sofia tragically lost his life last December in a devastating construction collapse at Kordin, leaving behind a grieving mother determined to prevent such tragedies from recurring.

In her impassioned press conference, Isabelle Bonnici announced the launch of a fundraising campaign titled “Justice for Jean Paul Sofia” with the aim of obtaining full justice for her son and advocating for the implementation of new safety laws in the workplace, particularly within the Construction Industry. The campaign can be found at the following link: https://gogetfunding.com/justiceforjeanpaulsofia/.

However, the fervent call for justice was met with an unexpected setback. A banner bearing the poignant message, “Who are you protecting? #JusticeForJeanPaulSofia,” which was prominently displayed on the outskirts of the police headquarters in Floriana, was swiftly removed by the police, citing it as an act of vandalism.

PN MP Eve Borg Bonello shared a video capturing the encounter between Isabelle Bonnici and a police officer outside the headquarters. Bonnici was reprimanded for the alleged act of vandalism and was instructed to contact the police before erecting the banner. The incident highlights a concerning predicament, where a grieving mother’s plea for justice is met with bureaucratic hurdles instead of support.

Expressing her dismay, Borg Bonello took to social media, criticising the current state of justice in the country. She appealed to the public, urging them to contribute to Bonnici’s cause and highlighting the pressing question: “Who are the authorities truly protecting?”

A statement posted by Ghal Jean Paul, a local advocacy group seeking justice for the victims of construction accidents, echoed the sentiment, raising concerns about the priorities of the police force and the true beneficiaries of their protection.

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Malta and Gozo Welcome New Dog-Friendly Beaches, Increasing Total to 16

Jun 29 2023

Five additional dog bathing beaches have been officially opened, bringing the total number of dog-friendly beaches in Malta and Gozo to 16. The newly inaugurated beaches are located in Mellieħa, Cirkewwa, Naxxar, Sliema, Kalkara, Marsascala, Marsaxlokk, and Birżebbuġa in Malta, as well as Żebbuġ, Għajnsielem, Mġarr, and San Lawrenz in Gozo.

During a press conference held by Minister for Animal Rights, Anton Refalo, and Parliamentary Secretary Alicia Bugeja Said, it was announced that the selection of these beaches was based on a study conducted by the Department of Environmental Health, which assessed their accessibility.

Owners who visit these dog bathing beaches were advised to keep their dogs on a leash at all times. It was also emphasised that owners must responsibly collect and dispose of their dogs’ excrement in the designated bins available on the beaches. Additionally, it was stated that all dogs using these beaches must be microchipped and under the control of their owners.

Parliamentary Secretary Alicia Bugeja Said stated that the Department of Environmental Health will be conducting regular water tests at these beaches to ensure the water quality remains suitable for dogs and their owners. This monitoring initiative aims to guarantee a safe and healthy environment for dogs to enjoy their beach experience. Both Minister Refalo and Parliamentary Secretary Alicia Bugeja Said highlighted the importance of responsible usage of these new dog-friendly beaches by dog owners and the general public.

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Photo Credit: Clodagh O’Neill – DOI

Parliament Votes In Favour Of ‘Abortion’ Bill

Jun 28 2023

The Maltese Parliament has voted in favour of Bill 28, which effectively introduces abortion in the case of a pregnant woman facing medical complications which may put her life at immediate risk or her health in grave jeopardy which can lead to death.

The Bill has been subject to massive debate and controversy ever since it was proposed by the government.

It also recently entered hot water after it was revealed that the Bill was to be edited to make it so that 3 doctors would have to consent to the abortion procedure for it to take place.

The medical intervention is to carried out if:

(a) in the case of a pregnant woman suffering from a medical complication which may put her life at immediate risk the medical intervention is done when in the reasonable opinion of the medical practitioner carrying out the intervention the foetus has not reached the period of viability;

Or (b) in the case of a medical intervention carried out due to a medical complication which places the health of a pregnant woman in grave jeopardy which may lead to death:

(i) that in the reasonable opinion of the medical team the foetus has not reached the period of viability and cannot be delivered according to the standards of the medical profession; And

(ii) that the medical intervention is carried out only after the medical team has confirmed the necessity of the intervention; and

(iii) that the medical intervention is carried out in a licensed hospital having the facilities required for the necessary medical intervention to be carried out.

A medical team means three medical practitioners registered as specialists with the Medical Council under the Health Care Processions Act.

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