Transport Minister Unveils Action Plan To Address Traffic

Oct 26 2024

Minister for Transport, Chris Bonett, recently held a meeting with social partners to address Malta’s transportation sector’s future direction and immediate challenges.

In this meeting, Bonett highlighted the importance of developing a long-term, strategic plan for sustainable transport solutions while recognizing the pressing need to tackle existing traffic issues.

Acknowledging the widespread impact of traffic congestion on daily life and the economy, Bonett proposed a series of targeted actions to the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development (MCESD).

These measures aim to alleviate congestion quickly and lay the groundwork for a more cohesive and efficient transport network.

Bonett said the approach emphasises collaboration, aims to involve various stakeholders in a unified, holistic process to ensure that the transport sector evolves to meet Malta’s current and future needs.

In the coming days, he plans to formally announce these proposals, inviting public discourse and cooperation to refine and implement strategies effectively.

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MICAS: Malta’s 1st International Space For Contemporary Art

Oct 26 2024

Prime Minister Robert Abela inaugurated MICAS, Malta’s first International Space for Contemporary Art, in Floriana, a 4,000-square-meter venue designed to host exhibitions and installations by Maltese and international artists.

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Completed with a €30 million investment, MICAS aims to foster Malta’s identity in the arts and support cultural progress. Abela emphasised that the space represents collective national progress, driven by the creativity of talented Maltese artists and the government’s dedication to expanding cultural awareness.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to investing further in the arts, envisioning Malta as a Mediterranean hub for creativity, and noted that the project revitalises Floriana, boosting high-quality cultural tourism.

Minister for National Heritage, Arts, and Local Government, Owen Bonnici, also addressed the inauguration, describing MICAS as a historic step toward establishing Malta as a prominent centre for contemporary art and international cultural dialogue.

Bonnici emphasised that the project is not only an electoral promise realised but also a symbol of art’s potential to enhance society by creating spaces for creativity and social cohesion.

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MICAS is set to serve as a platform for Maltese, Gozitan, and international artists, while also contributing to Malta’s growing reputation as a cultural tourism destination.

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3 Youth Arrested For Drug Importation

Oct 26 2024

Yesterday afternoon, three youth were arrested in relation to drug importation. Preliminary investigations yielded the packet which was being brought over from abroad containing a considerable amount of cannabis resin.

The suspects were Belgian and Danish nationals.

On Friday, at around noon, one of the youth went to pick up the packet from Ħal Luqa. He was followed by police to a Ħaż-Żebbuġ residence where he was arrested.

A few moments later, the two other youth approached the residence with a motorcycle to pick up the packet. The packet contained around half a kilo of cannabis resin, with a value of around €5,000.

The two persons fled the scene once they realised police were on site – one taking off on foot and the other with the vehicle.

The person who ran was arrested a few moments later, whereas the other person was arrested in a residence in Ħal Qormi.

More searches yielded over 50 packets of cannabis and other packets containing ketamine and MDMA ready for trafficking.

The persons are aged 21, 22 and 23 years old and are set to be taken to court today at around 11am.

#MaltaDaily

First Aer Lingus Flight Lands At Malta Airport

Oct 26 2024

Aer Lingus launched its direct Dublin-to-Malta route with an inaugural flight landing at Malta International Airport.

The new service, operating three times weekly, aims to strengthen tourism, business, and cultural connections between Ireland and Malta, making Malta a convenient destination for Irish travellers and beyond.

Maltese Ambassador to Ireland, Giovanni Buttigieg, noted that the route results from months of planning, benefiting both Irish tourism to Malta and the Maltese community residing in Ireland.

The service also offers potential advantages for trade, facilitating the movement of goods between the two nations, especially given current reductions in flights from Dublin Airport due to passenger limits.

Carlo Micallef, CEO of the Malta Tourism Authority, emphasised Aer Lingus’ role in enhancing Malta’s connectivity, especially to Northern Europe and North America, leveraging Dublin’s transatlantic services.

This route aligns with Malta’s strategy to expand its reach in long-haul markets. Maltese Tourism Minister Clayton Bartolo highlighted that the route is part of a broader initiative to diversify Malta’s tourism, attracting visitors year-round and using Dublin as a transit hub for the growing North American market.

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