“This Is The Manoel Island I Dream Of”, Cyrus Engerer

Jun 5 2025

Former Labour MEP Cyrus Engerer took to social media to back the transformation of Manoel Island into a green and open public space.

‘This is the Manoel Island I dream of’, wrote Engerer. ‘A green lung of relaxation in the middle of an urban and dense zone between Valletta, Floriana, Pieta, Imsida, Ta’ Xbiex, Gżira and Tas-Sliema.’

‘A zone 100% closed off to cars, undisturbed by people apart from the fortifications already there and where nature is allowed to grow and helped to flourish and serve as a pollinator of a strong ecosystem.’

‘A zone where single use plastics cannot enter (like many of Sardinia’s bays), a zone where cigarette buds don’t exist, a zone of art and culture where artists can grow away from the rushed life of the surroundings. Above all, a zone for the people!’

This comes as the debate around Manoel Island continues to intensify, with a petition signed by over 29,000 people, activists and NGOs aiming to pressure the government into taking back the land, which currently belongs to MIDI for projects, and transforming it into public land.

MIDI plc issued a statement earlier, denying claims that it is breaking its agreement with the Government over the Manoel Island development.

MIDI added that it is willing to work with the Government on any improvements that benefit the public.

The updated plans already dedicate 80% of Manoel Island to public spaces and heritage buildings, said MIDI.

MIDI also said it is fully following the terms of the agreement it signed with the Government in 2000.

It insisted it is not in default and is still committed to completing the Manoel Island project as approved. The company said the development permit has been officially granted and cannot be appealed.

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Maltese Beaches Get Sand Sifted For Summer

Jun 5 2025

Taking to social media, Clean Malta – Cleansing and Maintenance Division shared photos of sand sifting taking place in local beaches, this time at Għadira and Għajn Tuffieħa bays.

Sand sifting is the process whereby a sieve or other tools are used to separate fine particles of sand from larger debris or lumps.

These two beaches are among some of the most visited on the island, attracting hundreds for some swimming, sun-bathing or all manner of summer activity.

Have you hit the beach yet?

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Jurassic World Actors Talk About Shooting In Malta & More

Jun 5 2025

In a newly released feature shared to social media, the crew and actors behind the upcoming Jurassic World film discussed their filming in several live locations… among them Malta!

With Scarlett Johansson among the cast, the team behind ‘Jurassic World Rebirth’ praised the raw and stellar locations which gave them the opportunity to bring the dinosaurs to the real world.

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‘You can’t build sets like that’ Scarlett Johansson said as she described the filming experience. Actress Luna Blaise also said that their ‘locations are 11 out of 10’, as Malta’s name pops up among the likes of Thailand, England and New York.

Jurassic World Rebirth is set to release this year in July and will be yet another instalment of the franchise which will see Malta’s landscape shine.

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EU Reaches Deal On Tougher Action Against Unsustainable Fishing

Jun 5 2025

Labour MEP Thomas Bajada has announced that the European Parliament and Council have reached a final agreement on a major reform to strengthen EU measures against unsustainable fishing practices.

Bajada, who served as Rapporteur for the legislation, played a leading role in revising this key EU law. He confirmed that the agreement was finalised during talks at the Council yesterday, delivering on his pledge to complete the file before the end of the Polish Presidency.

The new rules will give the EU greater power to act against third countries engaged in unsustainable or aggressive fishing activities — practices that often impact European fishers directly.

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“This deal is for our fishers,” Bajada said, underlining that the updated legislation is designed to defend EU fishing communities from harmful and unfair competition.

The agreement marks a significant step in the EU’s commitment to protecting marine ecosystems and promoting responsible fishing on the international stage. It also signals stronger enforcement tools and clearer consequences for countries that do not follow global sustainability standards.

Bajada’s leadership in securing this outcome highlights the importance of cooperation between EU institutions in advancing environmental and economic goals, particularly for coastal and fishing-dependent regions.

#MaltaDaily