Works on ‘Malta’s First Professional Skatepark’ in Paola Under Way

Feb 24 2024

Construction has begun on the eagerly awaited Paola skatepark, a project that has garnered much anticipation among the local community. The Malta Street Sport Alliance (MSSA) recently shared a video highlighting the initial stages of development, expressing gratitude towards Mayor Dominic Grima and the Paola Local Council for their instrumental role in bringing this project to fruition.

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Dubbed as Malta’s first professional skatepark by the MSSA, the facility aims to offer a state-of-the-art venue for skateboarding enthusiasts. In addition to the skateboarding area, plans for the skatepark include the installation of toilets, a designated area for children complete with swings, and an open space where people can unwind and socialise.

An unexpected discovery during the excavation phase was a World War II bomb shelter. This historical find will be preserved and made accessible to the public, adding a unique historical layer to the skatepark. This integration of Malta’s rich history with modern recreational facilities underscores the project’s significance not just to the skateboarding community but to the broader public, offering a blend of sport, leisure, and education. The Paola skatepark is set to become a landmark facility, providing a much-needed space for street sports while honouring the island’s heritage.

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Man’s Patriotic Back Tattoo Features Old Valletta Gate, Buses & Triton Fountain

Feb 24 2024

The TikTok account @alexcaruana0 has captured the attention of viewers with a slideshow that unfolds the creation of an impressively patriotic Maltese tattoo.

The short video takes the audience through a step-by-step process, showcasing the inking of a homage to the Malta of yesteryears. As the slideshow progresses, viewers can see the transformation of an individual’s back into a canvas that pays tribute to a classic Maltese way of life.

The final image reveals a detailed back tattoo that features iconic symbols of Malta’s culture and history. Among these are Malta’s old traditional buses, depicted alongside a quaint bus stop and bus tickets. The Triton Fountain is also prominently featured, along with the Maltese Flag, which gives the idea of national pride to the tattoo.

Additionally, the old Valletta gate are intricately incorporated atop the design, paying homage to an old national landmark which is more “Malta in the 2000s” than almost anything else on our island.

What do you think of the tattoo?

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Drug-Related Emergencies Double in Malta in One Year

Feb 24 2024

Drug-related emergencies in Malta have alarmingly doubled from 513 cases in 2021 to 1,072 in 2022, as reported by Times of Malta, citing data from a Mater Dei clinical toxicology unit.

This surge is particularly noted in cannabis intoxication incidents, skyrocketing from 97 cases in 2021 to 431 in 2022. Despite the increase, it’s noteworthy that there have been no fatal overdoses associated with cannabis use, which contrasts with the outcomes of most other drugs. However, excessive cannabis consumption has been linked to adverse effects such as dizziness or psychosis.

Moreover, cocaine-related medical emergencies have also seen a significant uptick, doubling in incidence from 273 cases in 2021 to 428 in 2022.

This rise in cocaine emergencies coincides with recent reports highlighting the prevalence of cocaine use in Malta during various social gatherings, including religious festivities like baptisms and weddings.

The sharp increase in drug-related emergencies calls for urgent attention and potentially revised strategies to address and mitigate drug abuse in Malta.

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Germany Legalises Recreational Cannabis for Personal Use

Feb 24 2024

Germany has made a significant stride in drug policy reform by becoming the third European Union Member State to legalise recreational cannabis for personal use, following Malta and Luxembourg.

The German federal parliament approved the legalisation with a majority vote—407 in favour, 226 against, and four abstentions. This landmark decision, effective from April 1st, marks a pivotal change in the country’s approach towards cannabis.

Under the new law, individuals are permitted to possess up to 25 grams of cannabis in public and 50 grams at home, facilitating a more lenient stance on personal use. Furthermore, it legalises the cultivation of up to three cannabis plants per person.

Another aspect of the legislation is the introduction of cannabis social clubs. These clubs can accommodate up to 500 members, providing a communal space for cultivation and consumption, from which individuals can obtain up to 50 grams per month.

This move is seen as a step towards altering the social and legal landscape surrounding cannabis use in Germany. Despite much backlash at the decision, this step in drug policy reform hopes to clamp down on the illegal market.

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