Construction work is currently under way on two projects in Gozo that are being co-financed by the European Union. Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi visited the two projects on Saturday, the training facility for tourism studies in Qala and the new Crafts Incubation Centre in Ghajnsielem. The Training Facility for Tourism Studies project involves the demolition of the previous Institute for Tourism Studies (ITS) complex and the construction of a new training facility. The project involves the investment of 1.5 million Euro's under the Structural Funds Programme for Malta for 2004-2006, co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund. It includes the construction of a restaurant, bar, main kitchen, kitchen for training purposes, a reception area, classrooms, laundry, library and facilities for housekeeping and accommodation. Complementing this project, the government is presently offering a number of courses in Gozo, co-financed through the European Social ... Read more...

As WasteServ defends the controversial siting of a waste transfer station at Tal-Kus, in Xewkija, the local council remains adamant in resisting the move and will today hold a public discussion on the matter in Arcipriet Ciantar Street, Xewkija at 7 p.m. WasteServ says the station represents a positive shift towards a more sustainable and environment-friendly system of waste management, where recycling and recovery replace waste dumped in landfills. Such a proposal will increase public awareness of the need for waste management, the company insists. "A waste transfer station will allow all waste collected from Gozo to leave the island almost as soon as it is collected. This type of station is a closed and controlled facility where waste is received, sorted, processed and transported away from the site. Waste will be received at this station and transferred to Malta within ... Read more...

A group of 29 illegal immigrants landed in Gozo at Xwejni bay this morning, they have now been taken to Malta for further investigations. The group consisting of 16 men, 9 women and 3 children reached the coast at around 8.30 this morning after jumping off the boat they were traveling in and swimming to the shore.

Three Gozitans were fined Lm11,000 after being found guilty of importing three suitcases containing 155 bird skins of protected species following a hunting trip in Egypt on December 27, 2001. Francis Camilleri, Anthony Zammit and Mario Farrugia were found guilty by the Magistrates' Court of having imported several species that were protected in the country of origin and which are listed in the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species. They were also found guilty of evading duty on the skins. Among the skins imported were those of four ospreys, 10 spoonbills, 20 flamingos, seven Egyptian vultures, steppe buzzards, black kites, eagle owls, long legged buzzards, Barbary falcon, lanner falcons, white storks, great white egrets, kingfishers and white pelicans. Police Inspector Alexander Miruzzi, prosecuting, told the court that Customs officers found three suitcases that had been abandoned at the arrivals lounge ... Read more...

The Bishop of Gozo, Mario Grech paid a visit to the Victoria local council. Mgr. Grech, who was accompanied by Fr Eddie Zammit, was shown around the premises and met with staff members of the council's secretariat. He was also given a detailed explanation of the work carried out by the council. The mayor, Robert Tabone, assured Mgr Grech of the council's full support and cooperation and pledged the council's willingness to be of service to him as father of the Christian community in Gozo. The Bishop urged the councillors to continue working in a spirit of social justice and civic solidarity for the common good in line with the values expressed by the Church.

A Gozitan priest who has been living in Guatemala for the past 13 years yesterday appealed for more help so that a recently inaugurated hospital would "expand and realise its full potential of meeting the real and pressing needs of the area". Fr Joseph Camilleri said the new hospital was inaugurated on June 9 in Jalpatagua, some 105 kilometres south of Guatemala City. "It was a great day and Guatemalan President Oscar Berger and the President of El Salvador, Antonio Saca, inaugurated the new hospital, which will provide a vital service for some 250,000 poor people who die from curable diseases. "Many children in remote areas die before the age of five due to pneumonia, malnutrition and meningitis. The new St John the Baptist Hospital will accommodate 75 hospital beds and four surgery theatres. "The Maltese people contributed generously to make this project ... Read more...

The Ggantija solar festival will be held on Saturday 5th August at 8.30pm in Xaghra. The legend of Ggantija and Sansuna will be dramatised for the first time in a light, sight and sound show at the temple site. The event is being coordinated by Xaghra mayor Joe Spiteri, Xaghra local council and a number of sponsors. Most of the hotels in Gozo will also be offering special rates and discounts for the event. Transportation and shuttle buses will be available for round trips from Mgarr Harbour, the hotels and the temple site. As the story goes, these Islands were once one. The Maltese archipelago formed a mountain range the people called The Sacred Mountain of the Gods. They built sanctuaries to these gods, temples and stone circles. One of the first to be completed on one of the highest plateaux was ... Read more...

As the temperatures are set to soar again this week, the Department of Health has issued a warning to the public to keep well hydrated. High temperatures cause water to be lost from the body at fast rates, resulting in dehydration, and possibly heat exhaustion or heatstroke. The heat can affect anyone, but older people, babies, young children, those with chronic conditions and physically active people run a greater risk. To avoid the effects of a heat wave the department is urging everyone to: * Keep out of the heat by avoiding unnecessary exposure to the sun between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. * Stay cool by keeping to the coolest parts of the home and workplace. * Drink regularly and eat more cold food. * Seek medical advice if you have any concerns.

As part of its coastal management work, The Gaia Foundation has recently installed new information signs in the protected areas of Ghajn Tuffieha and Ramla Bay, Gozo. The signs inform visitors about the nature trails and the dune system where it is essential that plants are not disturbed. Other boards contain the site regulations prohibiting off-roading, camping, open fires and littering. The public is reminded that setting fire to vegetation is arson, which is a crime, and can lead to serious degradation of the countryside. Visitors should also take care not to throw cigarette stubs into dry vegetation as it can catch fire very easily in the hot summer months. The sites are regularly patrolled by the Foundation, with the assistance of the police. Some signs highlighting the importance of the sand dunes in Ramla were removed just days after being ... Read more...

The new set of band marches by the La Stella Band for this year?s feast of Saint George has been issued with the name Victorious (Rebbieh). After weeks of preparation under the direction of the Professor Joseph Vella and the collaboration of his assistant Mro Noel Beck, the La Stella Band kept its annual appointment and released the 17th edition of CDs, issued yearly prior to the feast of the patron saint of Gozo. In this latest collection of festive marches there is an interesting selection of new marches as well as other popular marches. This collection includes works by Joseph Vella, George Borg, Archibald Mizzi, Sunny Galea. A march composed by the renowned Giardini Vella dedicated to the La Stella Band itself, as well as Vincenzo Ciappara?s immortal march Lil Kbir Martri San Gorg, are also featured in this collection. ... Read more...