Village feasts could return in April under health authority protocol

Jan 29 2022

Malta’s traditional village feasts could be making their return by April of this year as long as this is done responsibly and in line with Health Authorities’ protocols.

This was revealed by the Band Clubs Association on Friday, following a meeting with Prime Minister Robert Abela, Health Minister Chris Fearne and Superintendent for Public Health Charmaine Gauci.

The association said that if the COVID-19 cases in the community remain under control, from April, both religious and non-religious activities will be allowed as long as they are organised responsibly.’

Feasts in February and March must continue to follow the present protocols, but this means that Good Friday could be celebrated by the outdoors procession with some protocols in place.

If the situation remained under control as summer approached, village feasts could be organised in a normal way. The statement said that feasts enthusiasts should continue to get vaccinated so that the situation remains under control.

Village feasts were halted from celebrating in their usual fashion since before the pandemic. They were briefly allowed in the summer of 2020 when all rules were lifted, but large case clusters reverted the decision.

Prime Minister Robert Abela said that feast enthusiasts can look ahead to spring and summer with enthusiasm, with the health officials highlighting the importance of the booster dose.

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Photo Source: World Nomads

Stylist Malcolm Gauci slams ‘boys clothing’ comment on Philippa Naudi outfit photo

Jan 28 2022

Multi-award winning fashion stylist Malcolm Gauci has taken to social media to share his criticism of a comment posted regarding X Factor Judge Philippa Naudi’s most recent outfit.

The New Victorians member and X Factor judge was wearing a Luke Azzopardi-designed tuxedo styled by Gauci for the second series of live shows, with one particular comment was a woman asking “Why dress up such a beautiful and talented lady in boys’ clothing with lovely hair pulled back?”

In disagreement with such a comment, Gauci to Instagram stories to state that “it’s 2022 and this nonsense is still around”, arguing the fact that style should not be confined by gender. On the other hand, the photo received a plethora of comments praising the X Factor judge’s impeccable style.

What do you think of the outfit?

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Fr David Muscat charged with hate speech and misuse of technology

Jan 28 2022

The ever-controversial Fr. David Muscat has been charged with hate speech and the misuse of electronic communications technology after posting a Facebook comment stating that homosexuality, which he labelled as “gayyaġni”, is worse than demonic possession.

Fr. Muscat pleaded not guilty to the charges and was not required bail due to his arraignment being by summons. The cleric’s lawyers Cristopher Attard and Mariah Mula stated that they would not be denying that the comment had been written by their client but would contest the fact that it was constituted as hate speech.

Towards the end of the hearing, magistrate Ian Farrugia stated that “What happened, happened, unfortunately I must decide on it, but going forward I don’t want any more cases.”

What do you make of this?

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WATCH: Woman recalls how she was drugged and ‘pimped out’ by father at 13 years old

Jan 28 2022

A Maltese woman who chose to remain anonymous has shared a shocking recapitulation of how at just 13 years of age, she was drugged and taken to Gżira to be pimped out by her father.

Sharing her experience on television show ‘Topik’, the woman revealed that she began taking drugs at the age of 11 and two years later, was approached by her father and taken to Gżira to sexually please clients which ranged from priests to celebrities and everything in between. During the show, the woman stated that the experience left her ‘shaken and abused’ and no longer having faith in men.

The woman said that she “didn’t even know some of these things existed…”, shining a light on the shocking fact that clients didn’t mind that she was underage, and some would even offer more money. She went on to recall her worst experience, which was being force to have unprotected sex at gunpoint.

“I am not angry, I am just hurt, deeply hurt. If I have kids, I want them to be better than me, not worse than me. I feel victimised… I was a victim, but now I’ve escaped that part of my life. But the past always chases me.”

What do you make of this?

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