Y Plate Operators To Protest Wednesday

Feb 27 2024

As Y Plate operators prepare to protest tomorrow, Wednesday 27th February, Bolt have provided an official statement to MaltaDaily on the upcoming demonstration.

‘At Bolt, we are dedicated to upholding the principles of fairness and respect for drivers. We fully support their right to protest, provided that such protests remain peaceful and do not pose harm to anyone’, a spokesperson told MaltaDaily.

‘Therefore, we will not intervene in peaceful protests organised by drivers, as we recognise and respect their freedom of expression and assembly.’

The LPOA (Light Passenger Operators Association) announced that the gathering will take the form of a slow moving car cade.

The protest targets the current impositions of the operators in the industry, ‘specifically the current pricing strategies being adopted by partner platforms impacting the sustainability of the small operator and thus effecting the operators earnings’.

‘An independent operator puts forth time, energy and a financial investment in order to operate in the industry, and this is being undermined by predatory pricing based on an unsustainable business model, which is effecting the livelihood of the operator. Every day we are experiencing an exodus of small self-employed operators dismantling their Y-Plate operations. The situation is desperate, this is a cry for help.’

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Dog & Owner Visit Shelter From Where She Was Adopted

Feb 27 2024

The Association for Abandoned Animals took to social media to share Lea’s visit to the AAA – a former shelter dog who was adopted 11 years ago.

Lea was adopted by Doreen and every year on the anniversary of the adoption, the pair visit the shelter and bring some treats. This time, the dogs were served some home made spaghetti with meat.

‘Thank you so very much Lea and Doreen! Successful adoptions keep us going on’ wrote the AAA.

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Marsa Social Housing Regeneration Project Inaugurated

Feb 27 2024

Minister Roderick Galdes, overseeing Social and Affordable Accommodation, inaugurated a revitalization endeavor in the Marsa social housing precinct. Emphasizing the significance of this project, backed by approximately €1.4 million from European funds, Minister Galdes highlighted its aim to enhance open spaces, benefiting 120 resident families and the broader community, ultimately elevating their quality of life.

“Our commitment remains steadfast in ensuring every individual, regardless of circumstance, experiences dignity within a superior living environment. This objective materializes through our initiatives across various social housing areas, including Marsa, Mosta, and Santa Lucija,” stated Minister Galdes.

Financed in part by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the regeneration initiative encompassed comprehensive area revitalization, fostering accessibility with ramps, introducing greenery through tree planting, and implementing a dedicated solar panel system for generating electricity.

“As a Government, our responsibility extends beyond mere provision of adequate shelter; it encompasses cultivating tranquil surroundings for families to unwind collectively,” concluded Minister Galdes.

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Domestic Violence Reports Up To 2,071 In 2023

Feb 27 2024

Figures presented in parliament on Monday disclosed a rise in reports of domestic violence from 1,645 to 2,071 over a span of four years.

According to data furnished to parliamentarians, the number of reports escalated from 1,645 in 2020 to 1,741 in 2021 and further to 1,828 in 2022.

Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri provided these statistics in response to a parliamentary inquiry by Opposition MP Darren Carabott.

In his response, Minister Camilleri highlighted that in the past few days, the first hub for domestic violence and gender based violence victims began operations.

The centre, located in Santa Luċija, is working 24 hours everyday and offers various support services by professionals as well as members of the police. The establishment of this hub took place after the police force established the Gender Based and Domestic Violence Unit in November 2020. The second hub is expected to open in the Northern region of the country.

Despite the alarming rise in domestic violence reports, the reporting indicates an increased willingness and awareness about reporting such issues.

This issue did however raise concerns when it was revealed that mother of two Bernice Cassar had been filing multiple reports against her ex-husband, with her lawyer having pleaded with police to take action days before she was killed.

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