Two of Malta’s biggest social media stars have teamed up for a heartwarming collaboration fans didn’t know they needed!
Sofrito, the viral chef, met Bruno the golden retriever, and their connection was instant. Sofrito happily played with Bruno, showering him with cuddles and belly rubs. In a fun twist, the chef even promised Bruno some free toast!
Their wholesome encounter delighted followers, showcasing a playful moment of pure joy and energy between the two beloved Maltese icons.
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President Myriam Spiteri Debono recently held a private audience with His Holiness Pope Francis at the Vatican.
During the meeting, the Pope fondly recalled his visit to Malta in 2022 and shared memories of his studies in Buenos Aires, where two Gozitan students were among his Jesuit peers.
The discussion touched on various topics, including the role of women in leadership and the importance of increasing birth rates.
Accompanied by her husband, Dr Anthony Spiteri Debono, family members, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign and Tourism Affairs Dr Ian Borg, Malta’s Ambassador to the Holy See Frank Zammit, and officials from the President’s Office, the delegation presented Pope Francis with medical equipment for the Ambulatorio Madre di Misericordia clinic, which offers free healthcare to those in need. Maltese and Gozitan delicacies were also gifted.
The President later visited the clinic, acknowledging its efforts and the opportunities it provides to Maltese medical students.
She also toured the Bambino Gesù Hospital, which treats Maltese patients and trains Maltese medical students. Discussions centred on advancements in medicine and collaboration with Malta’s Medical School.
The President’s visit continues in Poland, where she will attend the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau.
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Last Tuesday afternoon was a busy one for NGO Nature Trust, as 4 endangered hedgehogs were all saved and given treatment by their team set up in Gozo.
The first rescue was for 3 hoglets found in a car park in Ghajnsielem in the daylight.
With no mother in sight, the babies were extremely hungry and covered in fleas, suggesting they had been on their own for some time.
Far too young to survive without care, they will be looked after by the dedicated volunteers until they’re old enough to return to the wild. The little ones were lovingly named Pip, Bubble, and Squeak.
Shortly after, a second rescue took place involving a juvenile hedgehog discovered at a cat feeding station in Victoria, Gozo. Found during daylight and noticeably underweight ,the volunteers suspected an internal parasite issue.
This was later confirmed by vets, and the hedgehog has since been treated with medication to address the parasite burden. He has been affectionately named Pinocchio.
On their Facebook Nature Trust told their followers to contact them on 99999505 if they ever witness wild animals needing rescue or in danger.
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The 2024 Annual Report of the Department of Industrial and Employment Relations (DIER) highlights significant progress in enhancing workers’ rights and conditions.
Presented by Parliamentary Secretary for Social Dialogue, Dr. Andy Ellul, the report outlines key reforms, including regulations on Employment Agencies, the Work-Life Balance Directive, Paternity, Parental, and Carers’ Leave, as well as a historic National Minimum Wage agreement.
The introduction of the Equal Pay for Work of Equal Value Act further emphasises workplace fairness.
DIER has ramped up enforcement to ensure these laws are upheld. Investigations into digital platform workers, such as food couriers, led to actions against five out of 44 companies for failing to cooperate, ensuring workers received better conditions like minimum wage, bonuses, paid leave, and overtime.
Dr. Ellul also highlighted a new unit within DIER to assist employment agencies and ensure rigorous checks on applicants. The tightening of regulations has reduced the number of licensed employment agencies, with 145 licenses issued in 2024.
The report also shows that DIER’s inspectorate recovered €1.6 million in unpaid wages and assisted over 43,000 individuals, acting as a bridge between trade unions and employers. Dr. Ellul stressed that the government’s approach protects workers while supporting employers.
On the international front, DIER’s involvement in organisations like the European Labour Authority (ELA), ILO, and Eurofound reflects its commitment to the sustainability of Malta’s labor market. Dr. Ellul concluded by emphasising that justice, equity, and worker protection are essential for the country’s economic and social development.
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