Study Confirms Many Cats Love To Play Fetch

Dec 15 2023

A groundbreaking survey of 1,000 cat owners by researchers from Sussex and Northumbria universities has challenged the perception that only dogs enjoy playing fetch.

Published in the journal Nature, the study sheds light on feline play habits and recommends owners consider a variety of activities to keep their cats happy and active.

The research suggests many cats instinctively enjoy play and prefer to be in control of the game without requiring training. Cats that initiated fetching sessions displayed more enthusiasm with increased retrievals and sessions per month.

Jemma Forman, a doctoral researcher at the University of Sussex School of Psychology, emphasises the importance of responding to cats’ play preferences for their welfare and the owner-cat relationship.

The survey gathered information from 924 owners of 1,154 cats, revealing that 94.4% of cats, regardless of breed, exhibited an innate ability to play fetch.

Notably, Siamese, Bengal, and Ragdoll breeds were reported as the most common fetch players. The study emphasises the importance of recognising and respecting cats’ natural play behaviours without necessarily requiring training interventions.

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5 New Promise Of Sale Agreements To Safeguard Band Clubs

Dec 15 2023

In a continued effort to preserve Malta’s rich cultural heritage, the Ministry for National Heritage, the Arts, and Local Government has entered into promise-of-sale agreements with the owners of five additional premises utilised by musical societies. This move comes as these societies face an imminent risk of eviction due to the legal complexities surrounding pre-1995 leases. With this latest development, the total number of band clubs receiving assistance has risen to 11.

The primary objective of these promise-of-sale agreements is to facilitate the government’s acquisition of these properties, allowing them to serve as official premises for the band clubs under new fair rent terms to be paid to the government. These five properties will join a previously announced list of six premises, disclosed in March of this year.

Minister for National Heritage, the Arts, and Local Government Owen Bonnici highlighted the importance of this ongoing initiative, particularly in light of the Maltese festa’s recent inscription as Intangible Heritage of Mankind by UNESCO.

He emphasised that through these acquisitions, the government is ensuring just and fair treatment for both the property owners and the band clubs themselves. Upon acquisition, these properties will be incorporated into a portfolio managed by a dedicated section within Arts Council Malta, overseeing various band club premises.

These efforts align with the goals outlined in the ACM Strategy for 2025, focusing on investing in and promoting diverse artistic and cultural expressions while preserving Malta’s rich traditions. Dr Bonnici stated, “We are committed to protecting band clubs due to their profound cultural and social importance. We aim to enhance their contribution to fostering a more creative and inclusive society.”

Arts Council Executive Chairman Albert Marshall explained that one of the main goals of Arts Council Malta’s Strategy 2025 is to advocate for and provide for community-led opportunities to engage in arts and culture, and thanks to this initiative, the Council is instrumental in bringing about this ambitious and beneficial project for the protection of precious cultural practices.

The government’s investment in the final acquisition of these five properties amounts to €10,397,000. This amount is combined with the sum of €5.8 million, representing the acquisition of the six buildings announced earlier in March of this year.

The promise of sale agreements was formalised for the following properties:

– St. Mary Band Club of Mosta

– St. Peter in Chains Band Club of Birzebbuga

– 12th May of Żebbuġ Malta

– St. Andrew Society of Lija

– St. Helen Band Club (Duke of Connaught’s Own) of Birkirkara

Earlier this year, agreements were successfully reached with the owners of the following properties: Maria Regina Band Club of Marsa; Stella Levantina Band Club of Attard; Circolo San Giuseppe Filarmonica Sagra Famiglia of Kalkara and; Anici Band Club of Qormi.

In the case of two properties, Stella Maris (Sliema) and Antoine de Paule Band Club (Paola), the process is complete and finalised.

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Car Dressed As Reindeer Spotted Driving Around Malta

Dec 15 2023

A video sent to this newsroom shows a car driving around Malta whilst dressed as a reindeer.

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Even though the decorations aren’t as extravagant as the Christmas lights car spotted around a week ago, the festive spirit seems to be setting in for many around the island – and what better way to accentuate it by decorating your vehicles!

Did you spot this car? And would you consider decorating your own vehicle for the holidays?

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Government Initiative Helps Businesses Cut 1K Tonnes of CO2 Yearly

Dec 15 2023

Maltese businesses investing in sustainable technologies and operations with the support of Malta Enterprise’s Smart and Sustainable Investment Grant will reduce their collective carbon footprint by 1,000 tonnes.

Minister for the Environment, Energy, and Enterprise, Miriam Dalli, announced the results of this green initiative during a visit to the db Seabank Hotel. This hotel is one of several enterprises that benefitted from this scheme to invest in a more efficient seawater reverse osmosis system, increasing energy efficiency by 22%, reducing water consumption by 78%, and decreasing carbon emissions by 10 tonnes. It has also invested in a heat-pump water heating system.

Minister Dalli explained that through the Smart and Sustainable Grant, Malta Enterprise has already supported 16 green projects by the private sector, with no intention of slowing down, as more businesses choose to follow the green transition. The Smart and Sustainable Investment Grant, which will continue to be available throughout 2024, has already invested €1 million in local enterprises. The scheme’s aim is to offer financial assistance to businesses as they undergo a transformation towards more sustainable business operations.

“This government is committed to continuing to support enterprises to improve the sustainability and efficiency of their operations. By encouraging and supporting enterprises towards this green transition, we are helping businesses secure their future viability while contributing to our vision of a more sustainable and decarbonised economy in Malta. Energy efficiency, waste reduction, sustainable operations, and cleaner air are crucial factors for serious businesses committed to ensuring the future of their operations while safeguarding their communities,” Miriam Dalli said.

The minister also referred to the COP28 conclusions, where a landmark agreement was reached by countries to start transitioning away from fossil fuels. She emphasised the importance of this commitment and encouraged more enterprises to invest in sustainable operations. She reassured that the government would continue to provide support to achieve this objective. In fact, in 2024, it will double Malta Enterprise’s budget for schemes and other initiatives to help businesses improve their efficiency, quality, competitiveness, and sustainability.

Malta Enterprise Chief Executive Officer Kurt Farrugia explained that Malta Enterprise has always been there to help businesses in every way possible.

“In our constant talks with businesses, we have seen that reaching sustainability targets has been a growing concern for our businesses, and we want to be here to help. We want our businesses to be at the forefront of sustainability and innovative practices. We are very happy to be announcing this reduction in CO₂ emissions and will continue to make sure that our businesses are at the forefront when it comes to the green transition,” explained Kurt Farrugia.

Robert Debono, Group CEO of db Group, highlighted that over the last couple of years, they have invested in initiatives to not only reduce costs but also reduce their carbon footprint, such as the installation of a brand-new Building Management System and Room Management System. “We invested in a new RO, which has double the capacity of the old one. The new two heat pumps, which are not only more efficient for room heating but can also cool, will therefore replace the chiller, which will be more efficient. For a total investment of over €300,000,” Robert Debono said.

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