Teacher’s Union Hold Protest Outside Education Ministry

Dec 17 2024

The Malta Union of Teachers (MUT) has called on Education Minister Clifton Grima to directly engage in negotiations for a new collective agreement for MCAST lecturers.

MUT president Marco Bonnici made a direct plea during a protest outside the Education Ministry, urging the minister to take responsibility for MCAST and its staff. “Minister, you are responsible for MCAST. Your employees want to know that you care about them,” Bonnici said.

The last collective agreement expired three years ago, and recent negotiations broke down after the government’s industrial relations body deemed the union’s demands unacceptable.

The government also warned that talks would not resume until the union ended industrial action affecting students. As part of their action, MCAST lecturers have refused to disclose assessment marks, attend meetings, limit their work to teaching, and stopped research support.

Bonnici criticized the involvement of people unfamiliar with MCAST, particularly Joyce Cassar, the government’s industrial relations negotiator.

“People who have never set foot in MCAST should not dictate the terms of this agreement,” he said. He stressed that the union is willing to continue talks, but the minister’s involvement is key. “Minister, your employees want to see that you care, even if no one else does,” Bonnici added.

Before the speech, MCAST employees protested, honking horns and holding signs reading, “We have waited three years for an agreement.”

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2 High Profile Luigi Mangione Documentaries In The Works

Dec 17 2024

Luigi Mangione, the 26-year-old arrested in connection with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, will be the subject of two upcoming documentaries.

Thompson was killed outside a Manhattan hotel on December 4, and Mangione was apprehended after being spotted at a McDonald’s. His arrest has sparked worldwide interest in his background and motives.

Anonymous Content and Alex Gibney’s Jigsaw Productions are collaborating on a documentary which will explore the crime’s execution, the alleged killer’s manifesto and Ivy League background, as well as the public’s indifference to the victim. It will examine the creation of killers and what the murder reveals about societal values regarding life and death.

Two-time Emmy nominee Stephen Robert Morse is producing the other documentary and this will explore the perspectives of those involved in the case, including Mangione and his family, and will address the controversial issue of private healthcare. Morse emphasised the complexity of the case, highlighting themes of vigilantism and the dangers of a privatised healthcare system.

Mangione is currently held at Blair County Jail in Pennsylvania, awaiting trial.

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Stabilisation Works To Protect Bighi Peninsula Historic Site

Dec 17 2024

Xjenza Malta, in collaboration with Infrastructure Malta, has launched consolidation works at the Bighi Peninsula to address instability in the rock faces beneath Esplora Science Centre and the offices of Xjenza Malta.

The project focuses on stabilising the nearly vertical limestone cliffs that support the foundations of these buildings and surrounding landscape areas.

The limestone at the site has fractured, resulting in unstable rock masses that pose risks to the structures above. The consolidation work is essential to safeguard the site’s integrity and ensure long-term stability for both the buildings and the environment.

For safety, the area has been closed off during the works, with steel fencing and hoarding installed. This project, led by Xjenza Malta and its collaborators, aims to enhance safety and preserve the Bighi Peninsula—a site of historical and environmental importance—while ensuring its long-term sustainability for the benefit of visitors and the community.

The Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research, and Innovation, Clifton Grima, emphasised the site’s significance in both Malta’s rich history and the educational sector. “We must be the generation that preserves what belongs to us for future generations, as we are doing with this project.

I look forward to seeing schoolchildren come here once the project is completed, allowing them to touch, experience, and learn from this rich part of our country’s history,” said Minister Grima.

The Minister for Transport, Infrastructure, and Public Works, Chris Bonett, highlighted the national importance of these works, stating, “These works are not only a reflection of collaborative efforts between entities but also clear evidence of the government’s commitment to protecting the safety of our people, our historical heritage, and our environment for future generations.”

Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research, and Innovation, Keith Azzopardi Tanti, stressed the project’s role in preserving the site. “This project ensures that we preserve not only part of our historical and architectural heritage but also a vital piece of our nation’s history for future generations,” said Azzopardi Tanti.

The Mayor of Kalkara, Wayne Aquilina, welcomed the project, noting, “I welcome the announcement of this restoration project, which will join a series of infrastructural works already completed in Kalkara, including the restoration of the entrance to Bighi, completed in 2021 and enjoyed by many today.

The Bighi Peninsula is a beautiful and historic area in our village, and I look forward to preserving it to further enhance our locality.” Duncan Brincat, Secretary of the Kalkara Heritage Association, expressed gratitude for the project, stating, “The Kalkara Heritage Association welcomes and appreciates this important project, which will restore the remaining coastal walls surrounding the Bighi complex.

Such initiatives safeguard Kalkara’s historical heritage, which is of national importance. We look forward to its completion while continuing to emphasise the need to restore the historic baths located along the same coastline.”

Also present at the press conference were Silvio Scerri, CEO of Xjenza Malta; Steve Ellul, CEO of Infrastructure Malta; and architect Janice Borg.

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Alden Issues Statement After Eurovision Disqualification

Dec 17 2024

Taking to social media, singer, songwriter and would-be Eurovision Song Malta contestant Alexandra Alden explained that she understands and respects the decision taken by PBS to avoid any potential friction with Eurovision organisers.

She explained that an acoustic prototype/work in progress of her song ‘Magnolia’, filmed years ago, was in circulation online.

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A post shared by Alexandra Alden (@alexandraaldenn)

Alden asked for it to be removed, which was done immediately, as she was aware that this could impact her submission. She informed PBS, but this ‘was already too late’, explained the former X-Factor judge.

‘I perform often and trying out works in progress of songs in a low-key, informal setting helps the creative process. My new album featuring the song ‘Magnolia’ is not yet released or commercially available to the public.’

‘I would have loved to release the song now once it no longer qualifies but it isn’t even ready yet for release. So it will have to wait.’

#MaltaDaily