Transport Minister Makes ‘Bonett’ Joke In Parliament

Apr 17 2024

During a parliamentary sitting, Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Public Works Chris Bonett made a joke in reference to his surname, which is Maltese slang for the car hood.

Speaking about innovations in local transportation, the Minister took the opportunity to say that innovation in the sector is not reserved for underneath the ‘Bonett’ i.e. the hood of the car.

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The joke got a couple of chuckles in the parliament, with Hon. Adrian Delia apparently really liking the joke so much that the Minister had to point it out.

In case you didn’t know, this is known as an aptronym – which is when a person’s name is regarded as amusingly appropriate for their occupation. An example of this would be Usain Bolt, given his athletic speed.

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Randolph De Battista Appointed Rapporteur On Minority Rights In Ukraine

Apr 17 2024

Maltese Member of Parliament Randolph De Battista has been appointed as the rapporteur for a report by the Council of Europe analyzing and providing recommendations on minority rights in Ukraine.

As the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe convenes in Strasbourg, the Committee on Equality and Non-Discrimination unanimously approved De Battista’s nomination.

The report will examine the challenges faced by minorities, particularly national minorities, and developments following analysis by the Venice Commission.

In his comments, De Battista expressed his honor at being approached by the Committee to take on this task just a few months after joining the Council of Europe. He noted that he will be meeting with minority representatives, along with Ukrainian officials, later this year as part of the work on this report.

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Neil & Fabio Raise €6K In 12 Hour Charity Swim

Apr 17 2024

Following a 12 hour swim marathon organised by athletes Neil Agius and Fabio Spiteri, the two local sportsmen managed to raise €6000 for Inspire Malta.

‘€6000 collected from last Sunday’s 12hr swim marathon, swimming a combined of 73km between the 2 of us’, wrote Fabio.

‘Money will be distributed to less priviliged children to start swimming lessons and to children in need of therapy sessions at Inspire Malta.’

‘2 things that make me happy’, wrote Neil on his part.

‘The first is that we are going to give a lot of children access to learn how to swim. The second thing that makes me happy is how amazing humans are when we gather together in community and all pull the same rope to achieve something special. It reminds me of a quote I think about when I’m swimming: “What we believe is possible, defines what we are capable of achieving”.

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Educational Centre As Part Of Ġnien L-Istazzjon Works

Apr 17 2024

Minister for Gozo and Local Government, Clint Camilleri, and Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government, Alison Zerafa Civelli, along with the Attard Local Council, inaugurated the Information, Cultural, and Educational Center at the Station Garden in Attard, following extensive renovations and investments totaling €600,000.

This educational hub features a library, reading area, and public conveniences. The building was meticulously refurbished using franka stone, aluminum and glass fixtures, and a steel canopy was erected to commemorate the historic railway station that once provided shelter to waiting passengers on the platform during the late nineteenth century.

Minister Clint Camilleri outlined that the Planning Authority contributed approximately €200,000 towards the construction and completion of the Information, Cultural, and Educational Center at Station Garden, with an additional €30,000 allocated for installing a compartment showcasing the railway model.

“Through this initiative, the Attard community will benefit from a new cultural and educational center that pays homage to the former railway station situated within this garden. This Center not only enhances visitors’ experiences in this open public space but also serves to educate present and future generations about Malta’s railway history, part of which still remains near this garden,” Minister Camilleri expressed.

Minister Camilleri also emphasized the Planning Authority’s commitment to funding various community projects across Malta and Gozo through the Development Planning Fund, enriching public enjoyment, especially for residents and visitors to these localities. He encouraged other Local Councils to propose innovative projects that can leverage this fund for the collective benefit of communities.

Parliamentary Secretary Alison Zerafa Civelli highlighted the collaborative effort between the Attard Local Council and the Planning Authority in overseeing this project. She emphasized that this initiative will greatly benefit the Attard community and all those who visit the area, now enhanced with a more inviting garden space for recreation alongside the new Information, Cultural, and Educational Center.

“We are dedicated to furthering our efforts to empower more Local Councils to implement impactful projects like these that enhance recreational spaces and improve quality of life for our communities,” Parliamentary Secretary Zerafa Civelli concluded.

The Station Garden once served as Attard’s principal railway station as part of Malta’s historic Railway System (Il-Vapur tal-Art), operational from 1883 until 1931. Unfortunately, the station building was destroyed during World War II. The railway line, inaugurated on February 28, 1883, connected Valletta with the ancient capital of Mdina, spanning nearly 7 miles and featuring stations in Valletta, Ħamrun, Birkirkara, Attard, Rabat, and Mtarfa. The passenger railway service ceased operations on March 31, 1931.

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