The Bellucci Circus has confirmed the birth of three tiger cubs here in Gozo, the birth took place early this morning. The mother of the three cubs is named as Josmine, the three cubs have been named Victoria, Valletta and Malta to commemorate the event of their birth taking place here. The circus spokesperson asked for it to be made clear that the animals are very well cared for and that they are kept in accordance with the standards of the World Wildlife Fund.

Gozo News has just learnt that a tiger has given birth to 3 cubs at the Bellucci Circus which is currently performing here in Victoria. The owners of the circus were not available for comment until later this afternoon. However, employees of the circus have confirmed that 3 cubs have been born and that the mother and babies are all doing well. More details will follow as soon as we have more information.

The Gozo Stadium at Xewkija has recently erected four powerful floodlights to enable football and other activities to be played after sunset. The ground was built in 1936 and named Silver Jubilee Ground to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of King George V, it cost a mere £819, 12 Shillings and 3 Pence to build. Two years later a boundary wall was built around the ground and a dressing room, toilet and bar were added. In 1975 it was extended on the Xaghra side and in 1995 its hard surface was changed to turf and the ground was renamed as Gozo Stadium.

The Gozo Tourism Association is in favour of improved air access between Malta and Gozo but still believes that Gozo should have its own airstrip. "The idea of a seaplane will not resolve the access issue for a number of reasons," the association said. There should be a link between the islands all year round and during the day and night, it added. "Prevailing sea and weather conditions affecting the entrance of Mgarr Harbour, especially when North East, South East and South West winds are blowing, will not provide the ideal landing and take off conditions at sea for a seaplane." The association questioned whether the seaplane will be able to operate during hours of darkness and stated that according to aviation experts this would not be possible. The association also pointed out that the Mgarr port is already congested and that the ... Read more...

Addressing a press conference to announce Government?s plans for projects in Gozo for 2007, the Hon. Giovanna Debono, Minister for Gozo described the current year as another outstanding year for Gozo where projects of a different nature will be implemented for the benefit of the socio-economic development of the island. Minister Debono highlighted the main projects that will be taken in hand during 2007 in the health, education, environment, economy and physical infrastructure areas. Referring particularly to the Gozo General Hospital, Minister Debono said that the Ministry for Gozo has recently embarked on major upgrading works for the hospital Dining Room and the Male and Female General wards to continue with the Ministry?s programme to modernise the main health service provision on the island. These projects will be followed by the complete upgrading of one of the two Operating Theatres ... Read more...

It is time the Maltese government faced up to its illegal bird hunting and trapping shame and honour its bird protection commitments says a 115,000-strong petition from RSPB supporters which was delivered to the prime minister's doorstep earlier today by the RSPB and BirdLife Malta. The prime minister was said to have refused three previous invitations by the RSPB and BirdLife Malta to accept the petition personally. The handing in of the petition to the government coincides with an analysis by BirdLife Malta showing that birds from 38 countries, including the UK, have been shot or trapped across the Maltese Islands. The petition, which was left on the Prime Minister's doorstep, calls for Dr. Lawrence Gonzi and his government to "respect the EU bird protection laws, make sure those laws are enforced and stop spring hunting in Malta." During a ... Read more...

The AD Gozo Regional Committee congratulates Mr. Paul Scicluna on his recent appointment as President of the Gozo Tourism Association (GTA). Chairperson of Alternattiva Demokratika Dr. Harry Vassallo said "While we thank the members of the outgoing GTA for their commitment, we congratulate the new GTA committee and augur that it will work in an assiduous and cohesive manner for the welfare of Gozo and Gozitans in the tourism field. AD said that the GTA would need to inform, involve and consult all interested parties regarding issues and proposals affecting the island. Mr. Victor Galea, AD Gozo Spokesperson and Secretary General of Alternattiva Demokratika, said "We are confident that under the stewardship of Mr. Scicluna, the GTA will not only provide updated information to immediate stakeholders in the tourism sector, but also dynamically engage with all Gozitans interested in enhancing the ... Read more...

Air Malta has announced that it will absorb the increase in UK airport departure tax for passengers who bought tickets before December 6th and who will be travelling on its scheduled services on or after Thursday. These passengers will not be required to make any additional payments prior to check-in. Following the doubling of the UK government imposed airport departure tax from £5 to £10, any journey booked from a UK airport for travel after February 1st will be liable to the additional tax which has to be collected by the operating airline on behalf of the UK government.

Mr Paul Scicluna has been elected the new president of the Gozo Tourism Association, the GTA. Mr Amand Verannenman has been elected vice-president and Mr Ludgart Gatt has been elected treasurer. Mr Joe Muscat has been re-elected to the post of executive secretary for the eight consecutive year.

The inauguration of a new Information and Communications Technology Unit, aimed at enhancing educational opportunities presented to students with special needs, has been set up at the Sannat Special School. This unit, equipped with the latest assistive technology, including a variety of switches, mountings and a touchscreen monitor, is not only being used as a communication media but also serves as a tool leading towards a more independent lifestyle for students with special needs. This equipment was donated to the school by the ICT Special Educational Needs Unit, a section in the Department of Technology in Education that also donated a projector for the use of the multi-sensory room. Today, students are benefiting from this equipment which not only allows them to hear the different sounds and noises produced by the ... Read more...