Alternattiva Demokratika has said that the protection of the whole Ta' Cenc area by MEPA is a positive step in serious and effective protection of open spaces, but pointed out that it is now time to concentrate on Hondoq ir-Rummien, which is also under threat from greed and speculation. AD spokesperson on sustainable development and local government Carmel Cacopardo said, "It is pertinent to note that this protection has come after years on end of protests and objections to the proposed development in the area which is now, at long last protected. AD has invested, together with the majority of NGOs, countless hours and effort in campaiging for the protection of Ta' Cenc. Government, through MEPA has at last given in and ... Read more...

Outbound Maltese tourists for August are estimated at 37,337, implying an increase of 4.2 per cent over the same month in 2007. Of these, 89.8 per cent travelled by air. August 2008 - In the month under review, Maltese residents departing by air and sea are estimated at 37,337. Of these, 31,386, travelled to EU destinations, the most popular being Italy and the UK. January-August 2008 -In the period under review, the number of Maltese passengers departing by air and sea amounted to 198,828, an increase of 5.7 per cent over the corresponding period last year. Of these, 85.6 per cent travelled to EU destinations; the most visited countries were Italy and the UK. ... Read more...

Listening to personal music players at a high volume over a sustained period can lead to permanent hearing damage, according to an opinion of the EU Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks (SCENIHR) released yesterday. The scientific opinion shows that 5-10% of personal music player listeners risk permanent hearing loss, if they listen to a personal music player for more than one hour per day each week at high volume settings for at least 5 years. The European Commission had asked the independent scientific committee to examine this issue, given the widespread use of personal music players and the surge in the number of young people exposed to such noise. Scientists have confirmed that there is cause ... Read more...

This weeks 14th of October edition of The Maltese Herald Gozo section is now available for download by clicking here. Previous editions are also available by clicking on this link. The stories covered in this weeks issue are: The 40th anniversary of the death of St Pio of Pietrelcina was marked at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Graces in Victoria. Maria Saliba of Xewkija celebrated her centenary. A Marian evening was organised at the Ghajnsielem Main Square, with the theme: "My Home - Is it built on firm Ground?"

Further to reports featuring in some sections of the press, Heritage Malta would like to clarify its position on the installation of the two temporary shelters at Hagar Qim and Mnajdra Temples. The installation of the two temporary shelters has now entered its final stage. All the equipment and parts have been shipped over to Malta and have been transferred on site. This is a very delicate project and Heritage Malta has been meticulous in its undertaking to ensure its success. An application for the relevant permits was submitted to MEPA in May 2002 (PA 02697/02) while a comprehensive project description statement was submitted in December 2004. The relevant MEPA permit was issued in ... Read more...

The Accountant General announces the issue of €50,000,000 Government Stocks subject to an over-allotment option of an additional sum of €15,000,000 on Monday, 20th October, 2008 as follows: (i) 5.1% Malta Government Stock 2014 (III) (Fungibility Issue), or (ii) 5% Malta Government Stock 2021 (I) (Fungibility Issue), or of (iii) Any combination of the above two Stocks shall in the aggregate be €50,000,000 The price for each Stock shall be established three (3) days prior to opening of the Applications. Such price shall be announced to the Malta Stock Exchange and published in the daily local newspapers and through a Statement issued through the Department of Information (DOI). The issue closes on the time and dates ... Read more...

A delegation of around 20 primary school students from the Italian village of Tolfa has ended a 5-day cultural exchange visit in Ghajnsielem. The main aim behind this visit was to share the student's experiences with each other, make new friends and learn about each other's culture. The group was led by Tolfa Mayor Dr Alessandro Battilocchio. Most of the children were accompanied by their parents. The group arrived last Thursday morning at the Grand Hotel, Ghajnsielem, where they enjoyed a lunch organized by the Ghajnsielem Local Council. In the evening they departed to Victoria where they visited the Citadel by night, which was led by Miss Paulene Grech, Head of the Ghajnsielem Primary School, On Friday, the the Italian ... Read more...