They Will Stay: Mosta Mayor Takes U-Turn on Mosta Square Trees

Nov 15 2023

It appears that a U-Turn has been taken on the Mosta square’s controversial ficus trees as village mayor Chris Grech has stated that they will not be uprooted and transplanted.

In a recent post on his own Facebook page, Grech stated that “The Mosta Square project was planned for the people and is being executed for the people. That is why I have no difficulty considering the people’s wishes that these ficus trees are incorporated in the project.”

“For this reason”, the mayor wrote, “I and my Labour Party councillor friends, who are in the majority, took note of the wish that the trees which are currently in Rotunda Square are not put anywhere else in Mosta but placed there.”

“This is an ambitious project which I and my colleagues entered into despite all of the obstacles we found and which will benefit the Mosta community. It is a project we planned for the community and for that reason, we will listen to the community.”

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Adidas Unveil Official Match Ball For UEFA EURO 2024

Nov 15 2023

Adidas introduces the FUSSBALLLIEBE Official Match Ball for UEFA EURO 2024, featuring Connected Ball Technology for the first time.

Specifically designed for accuracy, the ball’s PRECISIONSHELL and CTR-CORE ensure optimal airflow control and consistency in play. The vibrant design celebrates competing nations with bold colors and illustrations of host city stadiums.

A groundbreaking feature is the integration of adidas Connected Ball Technology, providing real-time ball data to video match officials. This technology, developed in collaboration with Kinexon, contributes to UEFA’s semi-automated offside system and facilitates quicker in-match decisions, including handball and penalty incidents.

Key features of FUSSBALLLIEBE include the ADIDAS CONNECTED BALL TECHNOLOGY, CTR-CORE for accuracy, PRECISIONSHELL for enhanced aerodynamics, and the use of SUSTAINABLE BIO-BASED MATERIALS, incorporating recycled polyester and bio-based substances like corn fibers and wood pulp without compromising performance.

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Adidas expresses the hope that FUSSBALLLIEBE brings joy to the tournament, emphasizing the importance of its Connected Ball Technology in improving the experience for officials, players, and fans. The UEFA Technical Director applauds adidas’ commitment to excellence.

The ball is officially unveiled in Berlin, initiating five days of celebratory events, including appearances by football legends, freestyle battles, and fan engagement. A roadshow will follow in other host cities, featuring pop-up football pitches and ball giveaways.

Adidas continues its social responsibility by contributing 1% of global net sales from footballs to Common Goal, supporting initiatives for lasting social change.

FUSSBALLLIEBE, with Connected Ball Technology, will be used in all 51 matches of UEFA EURO 2024TM, starting from the first match on June 14th.

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60% Of St Paul’s Bay Residents Are Foreign Nationals

Nov 15 2023

The recently updated identity document data provides a comprehensive overview of the population distribution of both Maltese and foreign nationals across different localities, as of September 2023.

This information, disclosed by Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri in response to a parliamentary inquiry by PN MP Mark Anthony Sammut, excludes Maltese children under 14 who do not possess an ID card.

As of September 2023, Malta had a population of 516,756 individuals holding identity documents, with approximately 71% (370,846 people) being Maltese nationals. The non-Maltese population is categorized into four groups: single permit residents (11.5%), European nationals (8.9%), non-EU nationals (5.9%), and British nationals with post-Brexit residency permits (1.9%).

The data highlights population variations among localities. St Paul’s Bay remains the most populated, hosting over 36,000 residents, 60% of whom are foreign nationals. Birkirkara and Mosta are the localities with the highest concentration of Maltese residents.

Furthermore, the data underscores the residential preferences of European nationals, predominantly settling in the northern harbor district, particularly Sliema, St Julian’s, Msida, and Swieqi. Non-EU residents, especially single permit holders, are concentrated in Msida and St Paul’s Bay.

The statistics also suggest that foreign workers relocating to Malta often leave their children in their home countries. The largest group of foreign individuals given permission to live and work in Malta comprises non-EU residents on the single permit, totaling 59,456 individuals, including eight under the age of 18.

These permit holders can apply for family reunification, subject to demonstrating financial capability, as outlined in Malta’s identity agency policy. The breakdown of registered Maltese teenagers by locality further complements the demographic insights provided by the data.

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Google Maps Marks Mosta Tree Site As ‘Siġar Massakrati’

Nov 15 2023

As the controversy and demonstrations around the removal and relocation project of the Ficus trees in Mosta continue, a Google Maps entry has made sure to immortalise the issue on the digital plane.

A new ‘historical landmark’ on Google Maps has been added called ‘Siġar Massakrati (Massacred Trees)’.

This comes as Moviment Graffitti and various others individuals, activist groups and entities protest against the planned relocation of the ficus trees to be replaced by indigenous trees.

The trees were completely pruned, but the removal of the trees from their roots was halted by the activists camping on the construction site and calling for another demonstration today at 1830hrs.

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