Weather Window For Neil Agius’ Record Swim Attempt Open

Sep 18 2024

Ultra-endurance athlete and clean seas activist Neil Agius is preparing for a new world record attempt to swim around the Maltese archipelago.

His team is closely monitoring sea and air conditions to find an ideal three-day window for the 160km open-water challenge.

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As of Wednesday, Agius and his team are on 48-hour standby, ready to announce the swim any day. This will be the first time anyone has attempted to swim around Malta, Gozo, and Comino in a continuous loop.

Agius aims to surpass his own world record for the longest non-stop, unassisted, current-neutral sea swim, which he set in 2021 by swimming 125.7km from Linosa to Gozo. To break his record, he will need to extend the swim beyond the 104km distance around the islands.

Due to unpredictable weather, the exact route and departure details will only be revealed 48 hours in advance. Agius previously attempted a similar record-breaking swim in Spain last year but had to abandon it. If successful this time, Agius will reclaim his title with a new world record.

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Malta Shines in Trailer for Popular UK Channel 5 series ‘The Wives’

Sep 18 2024

A new British mystery drama, The Wives, premiered on UK’s Channel 5 on Monday evening to mixed reviews. This six-part thriller, set and filmed in Malta, showcases the island’s stunning locations, including Golden Bay and the Radisson Blu Resort and Spa. Aerial shots feature Valletta and Mellieħa, highlighting Malta’s picturesque landscape.

Starring British TV actresses Jo Joyner, Angela Griffin, and Tamzin Outhwaite, the series explores the lives of English women married to the same brothers. Their routine holiday in Malta takes a dark turn when one woman goes missing and a mysterious new arrival stirs suspicion.

In interviews, the stars praised Malta for its beauty and the warmth of the local crew. Outhwaite recalled filming a challenging scene in a freezing pool, noting her attempt to embrace it as cold water therapy.

The show, which was filmed over ten weeks last winter, also includes scenes shot on Gozo’s beaches and in traditional Maltese streets and alleys. Malta’s attractive film incentives, including a cash rebate of up to 40%, are designed to encourage international productions.

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2025 Pre-Budget Document Unveiled

Sep 18 2024

Minister Clyde Caruana has unveiled the 2025 pre-budget consultation document, highlighting Malta’s strong economic outlook, with growth projected to remain slightly above 4%, despite global challenges.

Malta continues to outperform the EU in labour force participation and boasts the highest economic growth rate among EU nations. Having made significant strides in female employment, the country is expected to lead in Employment Participation by the end of this legislative term.

Malta reached its 2027 employment target early, achieving an 80% rate by 2023, with unemployment among the lowest in Europe at 3.1%, compared to the EU average of 5.8%. Inflation is predicted to drop significantly over the next two years, stabilizing around 2%.

Increased tax revenues, driven by strong domestic demand, corporate profits, and employment growth, have strengthened Malta’s fiscal position, with rising compliance rates further boosting government finances.

Capital expenditure has increased due to infrastructure projects and investments, while recurrent spending is fueled by subsidies, healthcare, social programs, and green energy initiatives. Food and energy subsidies, which accounted for 1.4% of GDP in 2022, will continue but are expected to decrease as inflation eases.

Malta’s fiscal strategy for 2025 will align with the EU’s revised governance framework, aiming to reduce the deficit below 3% of GDP and keep the Debt-to-GDP ratio under 60%.

Minister Caruana assured that Malta’s economic strength will allow for another positive, socially just budget that supports families and businesses while maintaining stability.

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New Leadership At Public Broadcasting Services Announced

New Leadership At Public Broadcasting Authority Announced

Sep 18 2024

The Ministry for National Heritage, the Arts, and Local Government has announced new leadership appointments at Public Broadcasting Services Ltd (PBS).

Anna Bonett will take on the role of Non-Executive Chairperson. With over 45 years of experience in broadcasting, communication, and hospitality, Ms. Bonett is well-known for her various roles at Xandir Malta and later PBS. She has hosted and presented many of the most popular public broadcasting programs and also gained experience with private broadcasting stations.

Additionally, she worked in the PBS archives and has experience in the tourism sector, including a period at Malta’s High Commission office in London. Ms. Bonett holds qualifications in management.

Engineer Keith Chetcuti has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of PBS. He started his career in television, directing numerous popular programs and working in commercial productions. Over the last 20 years, he has been active in the private sector. Eng. Chetcuti holds an engineering degree from the University of Malta.

Both Ms. Bonett and Eng. Chetcuti will officially begin their roles on October 1, 2024.

Engelbert Grech has been appointed as Chairperson of the PBS Editorial Board, following Joseph Sammut’s retirement. With over 30 years of experience in broadcasting, Mr. Grech is a communication graduate. After working in journalism with a private radio station, he began producing programs for PBS and later expanded into the international market.

He also served as Malta’s Film Commissioner for four years and has recently been involved in productions for international platforms. Following his appointment, Mr. Grech stepped down from his position on the PBS Board of Directors. Anna Bonanno will replace him as a board member.

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