Tributes Pour In for Beloved Local Artist Mark Mallia

Jul 24 2024

On Tuesday, beloved local artist Mark Mallia passed away at the age of 59 due to illness.

Tributes poured in as news of Mallia’s passing spread across social media, including heartfelt posts from Prime Minister Robert Abela, PN Leader Bernard Grech, ALS Activist Bjorn Formosa and others including Julie Zahra, Owen Bonnici, Alex Borg, Ramona Depares and Elle Bonello.

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Known for his candid approach to life, uncensored Facebook posts and art pieces that pushed the envelope, Mallia was celebrated for his thought-provoking and boundary-pushing art pieces that significantly contributed to Malta’s local art scene.

Friends and followers of the artist remembered him as a vibrant personality who lived life to the fullest.

Beyond his artistic achievements, Mallia was also dedicated to philanthropy, frequently raising funds for ALS Malta.

RIP Mark.

#MaltaDaily

Sunday Was Hottest Ever Recorded Day On Earth, Reveal Scientists

Jul 24 2024

According to newly discovered data from the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service, last Sunday marked the hottest day ever recorded on Earth.

The average global temperature reached 17.09 degrees Celsius. Carlo Buontempo, the director of the Copernicus Climate Change Service, stated, “We are now in truly uncharted territory and as the climate keeps warming, we are bound to see new records being broken in future months and years.”

Previously, the hottest recorded global day was 16.8 degrees Celsius on August 12, 2016.

Temperatures have been reaching extremes in numerous countries. Parts of Australia have experienced very cold temperatures, while countries in the Middle East, such as Iran, have declared a national emergency due to soaring temperatures reaching an extraordinary 50 degrees Celsius.

Several heatwaves have also hit Europe. The Acropolis in Greece had to be temporarily closed due to unbearable heat, and numerous wildfires in southern Italy were triggered by these heatwaves.

#MaltaDaily

Malta Olympic Committee Shows Off Team of Athletes

Jul 24 2024

As the competitive season heats up, our Maltese athletes are gearing up to showcase their skills on the international stage. Team Malta is ready to shine, and they need our support more than ever. Here’s a closer look at their upcoming schedule:

Judo: Katryna Esposito

Date: Saturday, 27th July
Time: 10:00 AM

Kicking off the events, Katryna Esposito will represent Malta in Judo. Her disciplined training and determination will be on full display as she steps onto the mat, ready to battle her way to victory.

Shooting: Gianluca Chetcuti

Dates: Monday, 29th July and Tuesday, 30th July
Time: 9:00 AM (both days)

Gianluca Chetcuti is set to showcase his precision and focus in the shooting events. With two days of intense competition, Gianluca’s steady hand and sharp eye will aim for the top spot.

Swimming: Sasha Gatt

Date: Tuesday, 30th July
Time: 11:00 AM

In the pool, Sasha Gatt will represent Malta in the swimming events. Her powerful strokes and relentless spirit promise an exciting race as she competes against the best swimmers from around the world.

Swimming: Kyle Micallef

Date: Thursday, 1st August
Time: 11:00 AM

Joining Sasha in the swimming events, Kyle Micallef will dive into action on Thursday. His speed and agility in the water are sure to make waves as he races towards the finish line.

Athletics: Beppe Grillo

Date: Saturday, 3rd August
Time: 10:30 AM

Rounding out the schedule, Beppe Grillo will take to the track in the athletics events. With his incredible stamina and drive, Beppe is set to give a standout performance that will inspire us all.

Our athletes have trained tirelessly, and their hard work and dedication are about to be put to the test. Your support means the world to them. Whether you’re cheering from the stands or sending positive vibes from home, every bit of encouragement helps.

Let’s rally behind Team Malta and show our athletes that their nation stands with them. Their journey is our journey, and together, we can celebrate their achievements.

#MaltaDaily

Mosta Divides Over Pedestrianisation of Square

Jul 24 2024

The Mosta square started off by being closed off on Saturday evenings and Sundays earlier this year, with any traffic being diverted away from the area. However, the new Mayor of Mosta, Joseph Gatt stated that the partial pedestrianisation of the square was being reconsidered due to complaints received from residents and businesses close by. The complaints resulted from heavy traffic accumulating in the alternatives routes which was keeping customers at bay.

However, Jason Micallef, the Chairman of the Valletta Cultural Agency reacted to Gatt’s statement, claiming that the Mayor is lying by saying that the decision had not yet been made and that the decision would be finalised in October.

However, the resoltution of the Joe Gatt and the PN councillor Thomas DeMartino declares the decision of Gatt that the pedestrian zone in Mosta Square on weekends would cease immediately and permanently, effective from the 1st of September.

Chris Bonnett, Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Public Works, said in a Facebook post that although he too was “sceptical” about the pedestrianisation of the Square on weekends at first, he began to believe that it was a good decision. Amidst the current division within the Mosta community, he stated that this is a decision he is going to “defend”.

Antione Zammit, the architect involved in the redesigning of the square said that the only valid argument against the partial pedestrianisation was that of the residents living next to the square which had a longer journey home due to the alternative routes. He followed this by saying that the design would be beneficial as it reduced traffic in the centre as well as reduced emissions, making the square a space for families to meet without worrying about cars.

Omar Farrugia, the Parliamentary Secretary for Public Works shares a similar opinion to the Architect, saying that “if this decision is revised in favor of cars, we will be looking backward rather than forward in these matters”. Farrugia argues that the country needs more spaces open for socialisation and where children can play.

#MaltaDaily