Following the agreement reached at Brussels' airport handling company, Aviapartner, as from today Air Malta's flights to Brussels have resumed normal operations. Air Malta Brussels' flight had been temporality operating to Liège Airport following the strike action by baggage handlers at the Belgian capital airport. To alleviate the inconveniences caused to its customers, Air Malta had offered free coach transfers to all passengers together with their luggage between Liège and Brussels and vice-versa. The airline sincerely regrets the inconvenience caused and apologises to its customers for these disruptions caused by circumstances beyond its control.

Alternattiva Demokratika has said that it commends the architects, officials and workers from the Rehabilitation Unit of the Works Department, led by Dr Stephen Spiteri, Superintendent of Fortifications for the discovery of the late medieval remains of fortifications found during excavations at Mdina near D'Homedes bastion. Arnold Cassola, Alternattiva Demokratika Chairperson, said, "It is very positive that the Maltese government will be investing heavily, also thanks to EU contributions, in the restoration of fortifications in Mdina, Cottonera, The Citadel in Gozo and Valletta. The fortifications are not only part of our history and heritage, but are also a strong source of cultural attraction for cultural tourists, thus creating new forms of employment in the field of cultural tourism." "The sterling work of scholars like Dr Stephen Spiteri and ... Read more...

Air Malta would like to inform its customers that as from October 2008 there will be new compulsory requirements to travel to the United Kingdom. Trusted Borders, who was appointed by the UK Home Office to manage the e-borders programme, has requested all airlines to provide passenger and crew information of all flights entering the UK. The data that will be passed to the agency will include each passenger's Name and Surname, Travel Document Type, Document Number, Expiry Date, Issuing Country, Gender, Date of Birth, Nationality and Passenger Name Record (Reservation Details). This information, which the airline will gather at the time of reservation, will be passed to Trusted Borders 30 minutes ... Read more...

Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar is very pleased with MEPA's decision to declare the area around Villa Bologna, known as Ta' Fgieni, Attard as a scheduled buffer zone. FAA has campaigned strenuously for the preservation of Villa Bologna and its historic vistas as well as for the open space at Ta' Fgieni, a campaign which was also supported by members of the Attard Local Council and Alternattiva Demokratika. This news follows Villa Bologna's listing as a Grade 1 national monument late last month, and now guarantees restricted development of not more then 2 floors above street level within today's declared buffer zone, effectively securing the Villa's vistas, its gardens and surrounding boundary wall. The buffer zone is also going to be implemented by widening the road that ... Read more...

The Minister for Gozo, Giovanna Debono, visited the Natural Science Museum within the Citadel bastions in Victoria, Gozo. Heritage Malta Chief Executive Officer, Mr Luciano Mulè Stagno together with Mr Godwin Vella Acting Manager Gozo Area Office accompanied Minister Debono during her visit. The Minister had the opportunity to see ongoing upgrading works being effected by Heritage Malta at the Natural Science Museum particularly those connected with new educational services. These include an open-air activity area, a sheltered activity area, new restrooms, as well as a small garden in which endemic plants are to be planted. The permanent display at first floor level is also being redesigned in order to give a more clear focus on Gozo's natural Heritage and how the use ... Read more...

Alternattiva Demokratika believes that there should be a greater emphasis on primary health care and prevention campaigns. Investment in health education campaigns should be accompanied by concerted and targeted efforts to improve the quality of the environment in urban areas, especially those affected by high levels of air pollution due to heavy traffic. Speaking about the government's promise of a breast screening programme, AD spokesperson for health and social protection Mary Anne Zammit said: 'Breast screening is one measure which can help to detect disease, identify risks and save the lives of many. A breast screening programme had been included in the Budget for 2008, but to date those patients requiring a mammogram are being referred to the private sector, as they are being told that they have to ... Read more...

The Minister for Gozo, Giovanna Debono has presented certificates to 167 participants who have attended courses in basic skills in 'Literacy and Numeracy,' and in 'Agriculture,' which were held at the University Gozo Centre, between November 2007 and June 2008. These courses were organised on the initiative of the Ministry for Gozo and were co-financed through the European Social Fund under the Structural Funds Programme for Malta 2004-2006. Literacy and Numeracy courses offered participants the opportunity to enhance their basic reading and writing skills in Maltese and English together with basic numeracy skills throughout eighty hours of tuition. The courses in Agriculture sought to enhance the basic skills of those who work or would like to work within the agricultural sector, through tuition and practical sessions. Minister Debono ... Read more...