Those who expose cannabis to minors will be fined, says Minister Bonnici

Dec 6 2021

Anyone who exposes cannabis to minors, both in public and in private situations, will be fined accordingly when the cannabis reform bill goes forward, Minister for Equality, Research and Innovation Owen Bonnici has stated.

Minister Bonnici told The Malta Independent that there are currently illegal instances where individuals are growing and using cannabis and thus, the reform bill will safely regulate its use and serve its main purpose. He went on to state that the fines allocated for individuals who grow or smoke cannabis in the presence of minors are considerably large and that the Labour Party is proposing a new system by which individuals under the age of 18 will not be able to acquire cannabis.

The Minister highlighted, despite being requested regular check-ups of private residences to ensure that children are not being exposed to cannabis use, the authorities will respect the privacy of a home and thus check-ups will not be conducted.

#MaltaDaily

The Harry Potter Cast is back for a first look at the ‘Return to Hogwarts’ reunion and we can’t handle it

Dec 6 2021

In a pure, chill-inducing moment which has sparked a fire in the hearts of Potterheads around the world, the first look at the Harry Potter Reunion is finally here!

Return to Hogwarts by HBO Max will reunite cast and crew members from the legendary film series to celebrate 20 years since the premiere of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. The first look trailer gives a glimpse of some iconic Harry Potter scenery, with a close look at the memorable Platform Nine and Three-Quarters and a number of stars receiving their invitation.

The reunion will welcome back a host of beloved Wizarding World cast members including original trio Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson as well as Helena Bonham Carter, Robbie Coltrane, Ralphe Fiennes, Jason Isaacs, Gary Oldman, Tom Felton and so many more.

Return to Hogwarts will unveil new details on the film and feature in-depth interviews with the cast and is set to premier on HBO Max on January 1, 2022.

#MaltaDaily

Pharmacists join call for the President to refrain from signing cannabis reform bill

Dec 6 2021

Following the nurses union’s recent call upon the President to refrain from signing the proposed cannabis reform bill into law until certain amendments are made, The Chamber of Pharmacists had joined such calls and presented their reasons why.

The proposed cannabis reform bill recently entered its final stage after sailing through its committee stage with zero amendments proposed. It now awaits its final reading before being president to the President of Malta George Vella. The Chamber of Pharmacists expressed its ‘grave concern’ with the fact that the bill arrived in the stage it has without any amendments being proposed.

“Under the prevailing situation, the Kamra calls on Your Excellency, as President of Malta, and a medical doctor by profession, to refrain from signing the legislation, in the best interest of the population you represent and safeguard, present and future generations, and use your acumen and moral and institutional authority to redirect it to the Committee stage, where the expert submissions and amendment proposals are considered in bona fide by the Government to reach a just, fair and equitable conclusion, based on science and beneficence, on this controversial bill – the objective of which seems to be to the benefit of no one except suppliers of cannabis, licit or illicit,” they said in a letter to the President.

“This is not the way forward for our youth and our society,” the Chamber of Pharmacists stated.

#MaltaDaily

300 people in Malta are currently homeless while 3,000 live in garages

Dec 6 2021

During a recent airing of Andrew Azzopardi’s radio show on 103 Malta’s Heart, it was revealed that 300 people in Malta currently live in the streets while another 3,000 live in garages. This was revealed by Fr Marcellino Micallef, director of the Franciscan-run soup kitchen, a voluntary organisation which helps those in need on a daily basis.

Fr Marcellino stated that there are Maltese residents who, for some reason, do not have an identity card, which means that no one would know if something had to happen to them or they had to disappear. Soup Kitchen Vice Director and former Valletta mayor Professor Alexiei Dingli also stated that it is easy to disregard people who are homeless and described them as “the invisible people of society.”

Fr Marcellino went on to highlight that the Maltese people’s generosity is globally unique, saying that providence is shown before the sun rises. During the show, it was also highlighted how no one is ever left behind, with the majority of food being donated rather than purchased. Former Corradino prisoner inmate Louis Mallia, who works closely with Fr Marcellino nowadays, recalled how the Soup Kitchen helped out when the prison did not have enough milk to give the inmates and immediately received a large consignment of milk.

#MaltaDaily