Students Protest At MCAST As Directives Still Ongoing

Nov 27 2024

MCAST students are protesting at the MCAST Paola Campus as the dispute between lecturers and the government remains ongoing.

This is one of two separate protests taking place by MCAST students, as the Institute of Creative Arts students have also engaged in a ‘protest picnic’ on the road between the Mosta Campus and Lidl.

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Meanwhile, Qormi MCAST students are set to join peers in Paola via a car-cade. The directives see marks and grades from students withheld, with many of the students facing uncertainty about their educational futures as well as job prospects due to them being in their final year.

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Over 4,000 Submissions In Favour Of Villa Rosa Objectives, Say Owners

Nov 27 2024

The owners of Villa Rosa have expressed disappointment over criticism from Moviment Graffitti regarding the Planning Authority’s consultation process for revising the Villa Rosa Local Plan.

In a statement, they emphasised that the process has garnered over 4,000 public submissions in favour of objectives prioritising environmental and historical preservation, creating public open spaces, and limiting building heights and volumes.

The owners dismissed Moviment Graffitti’s claims as false, stating that the project does not intend to destroy Villa Rosa, build on the valley, or harm the nearby cave.

They clarified that the previous 2022 application has been scrapped, and new plans will be shaped by the Local Plan review.

‘It is also false to say this process is intended to get approval for the application proposed in 2022. These plans have been scrapped and will be revised based on the outcome of the Local Plan review.’

They accused Moviment Graffitti of spreading misinformation, questioning the group’s motives and suggesting its actions do not serve the environment or residents’ interests. The owners expressed gratitude for the public’s support and affirmed their commitment to a high-quality tourism project.

‘As owners of the Villa Rosa site, we thank everybody who has participated in this first part of the consultation process. We remain committed to building a high quality tourism project for this site. The need for high quality tourism has been highlighted in every strategic document about tourism in Malta for decades.’

‘High quality tourism is attracted through the introduction of public open spaces, safeguarding the historical Villa Rosa and its gardens, and attracting world-renowned brands which can offer top customer service and create high quality jobs.’

Moviment Graffitti responds:

Following the statement, MaltaDaily reached out to Andre Callus from Moviment Graffitti for a response and reaction to the statement.

Callus stated that Moviment Graffitti did not attack the process with false allegations.

’The fact that the developer is issuing statements defending the consultation process is proof that this consultation process was done with the intention of accommodating him i.e. so as to make possible the project he presented two years ago for three massive towers in the Villa Rosa area.’

‘Proof of this ample. The site covered by the consultation process is the exact site covered by his proposed project, and the Local Plan revision was initiated after him meeting with Cabinet.’

Furthermore, ‘as to the impact on residents and the environment, the very negative impact this project would have is documented in the Environment Impact Assessment commissioned by the developer himself.’

As to the 4,000 representation in favour of the Local Plan, the developer should tell us from where he got this number. Did they give him info. from the PA? Or did he just make it up? It’s simply laughable. We can confirm that there are at least 3,000 persons who objected with the PA since they did it through our online form which can be accessed here.’

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FM Theatre Productions Makes History With 2 Pantomimes!

Nov 27 2024

Families are spoiled for choice this Christmas as FM Theatre Productions makes panto history with two spectacular productions, Rapunzel: A Tangled Panto staged at Teatru Manoel in Valletta and Red Riding Hood: A Rock n’ Roll Panto at Teatru Astra in Rabat, Gozo.

Rapunzel: A Tangled Panto at Teatru Manoel

At the majestic Teatru Manoel, audiences are in for a treat with Rapunzel: A Tangled Panto, marking the directorial debut of Luke Mercieca. The production stars the iconic Edward Mercieca as Dame, alongside panto favorite Chiara Hyzler and a stellar cast, including Hannah Spiteri, Jasmine Farrugia, Maria Buckle, Sean Azzopardi, Antonella Mifsud, and Hannah Gatt among others. Undoubtedly Teatru Manoel is the home of the traditional panto that audiences have come to know and love, and Rapunzel: A Tangled Panto is as magical as it is entertainingly hilarious. The show is brought to life by an exceptional creative team, with Kris Spiteri as Musical Director, Francesco Nicodeme as Choreographer, Matthew Cassar for Set Design, and Denise Mulholland as Costume Designer.

Red Riding Hood: A Rock n’ Roll Panto at Teatru Astra

At Teatru Astra in Gozo, the third installment of the actor-musician panto series will come to life with Red Riding Hood: A Rock n’ Roll Panto, under the direction of Chris Gatt with musical direction by Cathy Lawlor. This unique production, where the cast performs both as characters and as a live rock band, introduces Sean Borg in the role of Dame. Joining him is a dynamic ensemble, including Rebecca Darmanin as Red Riding Hood, alongside Tina Rizzo, Gianni Selvaggi, Cathy Lawlor, Dan Ganado, Federica Giallombardo, Hannah Attard, and Peter Farrugia.

Whilst panto at Teatru Manoel has been a long-standing tradition dating back to the 1960s, panto at Teatru Astra offers a fresh and exciting twist, steadily building its audience since its debut in 2022. In collaboration with Teatru Astra, the Rock n’ Roll Panto has carved out a unique identity, blending the classic elements of panto with the electrifying energy of a rock concert.

Rapunzel: A Tangled Panto is supported by Lombard Bank Malta plc, Foster Clark’s, Creative Europe Desk Malta, Alex Falzon Training & Coaching and Bolt

Red Riding Hood: A Rock n’ Roll Panto is supported by Teatru Astra, Cultural Heritage Directorate, Ministry for Gozo and Planning and MeDirect.

For tickets and more information visit:

Teatru Manoel: https://teatrumanoel.mt/event/rapunzel-a-tangled-panto/

Teatru Astra: https://teatruastra.org.mt/events/2024/red-riding-hood

Australia Moves Closer to Social Media Ban for Under-16s

Nov 27 2024

Australia’s House of Representatives has passed a bill aiming to ban children under 16 from using social media platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram. The legislation, which received broad support with a 102 to 13 vote, now moves to the Senate for final approval.

If the law is enacted, platforms could face fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars (€30.4 million) for failing to block underage users. Social media companies would have a year to establish age restrictions before penalties are enforced. Amendments will also ensure platforms cannot demand ID documents like passports or driver’s licenses for verification.

The bill has sparked sharp criticism from independent lawmakers, who argue it was rushed and may fail to address the core harms of social media. MP Zoe Daniel called it “ineffective” and claimed it’s designed to reassure voters rather than solve problems. Others worry it could isolate children or push them to unsafe corners of the internet.

For advocates like Wayne Holdsworth, who lost his teenage son to an online scam, the bill represents a crucial step. “It’s not perfect, but it’s essential,” he said, calling for education to complement the legal changes.

The Senate is expected to approve the bill, but its implementation remains a challenge.

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