Zero Tolerance Random Drug Testing On Drivers

Jun 26 2023

The National Drug Policy of 2023-2033 aims to introduce a new law that will enforce random drug testing for all vehicle drivers, with a “zero tolerance” stance on illicit drugs. Social Policy Minister Michael Falzon stated that the implementation timeline is uncertain, as a new legal framework must be established.

Professor Richard Muscat detailed the testing method, involving saliva swab tests capable of detecting drugs if the driver is under their influence. The zero tolerance policy leaves no room for exceptions. However, the tests will not detect cannabis use from the previous day but only identify recent drug consumption.

The policy was unveiled during a press conference on the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. Minister Falzon emphasized that the policy’s aim is to provide assistance rather than judgment. He stressed the importance of treating drug addiction sufferers with dignity and respect, highlighting that drugs are the problem, not the solution.

The policy includes educational campaigns against drug driving and proposes amendments to address substance abuse in the workplace through the Occupational Health and Safety Authority.

Additionally, the policy introduces Low Threshold Services to support non-severely addicted drug users who do not require comprehensive programs. Currently, there is insufficient support for this 85% of drug users, making the implementation of Low Threshold Services crucial in preventing addiction.

Overall, the National Drug Policy focuses on offering individuals with drug addiction multiple chances to regain control of their lives. It emphasizes compassion while prioritizing road safety and workplace well-being.

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Heritage Malta Calendar For Summer And Autumn Events Launched

Jun 26 2023

Heritage Malta’s calendar of events for the second half of 2023 has been launched, offering a wide variety of activities and experiences to be enjoyed by people of all ages. Activities for this year’s Student Passport Summer Programme, have also been announced.

These details were given during a press conference which was attended by Minister for the National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government Owen Bonnici and Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation Clifton Grima.

Minister Owen Bonnici explained that Heritage Malta’s calendar for summer and autumn, targets the general public, with a total of 52 events ranging from educational activities to exhibitions. He praised the Student Passport Summer Programme, which includes various interactive hands-on experiences for children of all ages.

“This year, the themes of the events in this programme are all related in one way or another to natural history, since 2023 marks the 50th anniversary of the National Museum of Natural History, which is very popular among children. This programme is also aimed at increasing accessibility to our cultural heritage among children and young teens during their school holidays,” concluded Minister Bonnici.

Minister Clifton Grima spoke about the importance of students remaining active during the summer holidays, while also enjoying some well-deserved rest after the academic year.

“It is important that students find time for everything, even for activities like these, which, while they are activities that increase knowledge, they are interactive activities in which the student can participate directly. The students and the adults who will accompany them in these activities will surely find something of interest, motivating them to help in the preservation of the natural world, and strengthens their love of learning in a museum environment, whilst also learning,” said Minister Grima.

Speaking about the Student Passport Summer Programme, Vanessa Ciantar, Heritage Malta’s Assistant Manager for Education and Thematic Events, gave an overview of this summer’s activities. She said that the programme aims to reach students of all ages and interests.

“Although the overriding topic is natural history, it will be tackled through different means, such as art, storytelling, model making, virtual reality, talks, and cave exploration,” Ms Ciantar explained.

Year 6 students from the Vittoriosa Primary School were present at the press conference, participating in a typical hands-on summer programme activity which involved the baking of traditional Maltese biskuttini.

More information about Heritage Malta’s events calendar may be accessed here: https://issuu.com/heritagemt/docs/hm_events_calendar_july-december_.

The full programme of the Student Passport Summer Programme activities may be accessed here: https://heritagemalta.mt/whats-on/.

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Pet Turtle Found At Għar Lapsi By Exterminator

Jun 26 2023

Taking to social media, Arnold Sciberras, also known as The Exterminator, picked up a turtle from Għar Lapsi which should not have been there.

‘Does this beautiful specimen belong roaming around at Għar Lapsi? Heck no’, wrote the biologist.

‘This is one of the countless terrapins we saved and protected the local diversity from. Keep your pets at home’ the post ended.

The photo shows what seems to be a yellow bellied slider, a land and water turtle which is normally kept as a pet. The reptile was found in the Lapsi area, despite not being typical salt water turtles.

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Khaby Lame Plays Alongside Ronaldinho For Charity Event

Jun 26 2023

World famous TikTok and social media star Khaby Lame took a cross to the face by legendary Brazilian footballer Ronaldinho during a charity match at the Exploria Stadium in Orlando.

The match featured many former and current footballers, including Vinicius Jr, Paulo Dybala, Rivaldo, Rani, Roberto Carlos and, of course, Ronaldinho.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Khaby Lame (@khaby00)

Apart from multiple fan invasions and torrential rains, the Senegalese-born Italian social media artist caught the Ronaldinho’s diagonal cross with his face, with the video going viral.

The TikTok star currently has around 160 million followers on the platform, and reacted to the incident with a very familiar reaction – the same reaction which earned him social media fame in the first place.

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Source: @khaby00