Friends of the Earth Malta believes that Valletta infiorata sends out a contradictory message regarding environmental sustainability

Friends of the Earth Malta is happy to note that environmental consciousness and sustainability are targets for the V-18 programme following a statement made by chairman, Jason Micallef regarding plans to place a floral carpet in St. George’s square for the Valletta Foundation 2018 events. FoE Malta has however expressed doubt at the effectiveness of presenting a floral carpet using species which are not native to the Maltese islands, namely petunias and pansies.

Air Malta inaugurates flights to Istanbul’s Sabiha Gökçen Airport

Air Malta has inaugurated flights to Istanbul’s Sabiha Gökçen Airport after moving from Istanbul’s other airport, Atatürk.

“Sabiha Gökçen Airport serves a growing and largely untapped catchment area within the Asian side of Istanbul and other cities to the south,” said Philip Saunders, Air Malta’s Chief Commercial Officer during a visit to mark the inaugural flight.

Interview with Helga Ellul, candidate for the 24th May 2014 MEP elections

Questions by FirstMalta.com are in bold, answers from Mrs. Helga Ellul follow....

What prompted you to get involved into politics?  

Presenting myself as a candidate for these MEP elections is a way in which I can give something back to my adopted country, Malta, where I have lived for forty years, where I have made my career and raised my family. During these years, I have come to appreciate the values which drive most Maltese, as well as the economic potential of these islands. I am also privileged to be considered as an MEP candidate on behalf of the PN, the Party has always been a firm believer in the ability of the Maltese to carve their own future, seek pastures new and overcome all adversity.  

Interview with Charlon Gouder, candidate for May 24, 2014 MEP elections

Questions by FirstMalta.com are in bold, answers from Mr. Gouder follow....

FirstMalta.com : 1. What prompted you to get involved into politics?

Despite my age, I have been active in the Labour Party for many years. I was brought up with Labour Party roots. As from a young age I started contributing to the politics of the Labour Party. When I was a student at Junior College, along with the rest of my team, we were the first group of Junior college students pertaining to a party with Socialist principles to win the Junior College elections.

Later on in life, I contributed actively to the Labour Party through my work on the media and, for many years, my name was associated with stories that dominated the Nationalist administration.

Most importantly, I was part of the change that the Maltese and Gozitan people voted for in the election which was held approximately a year ago.

2. How do you feel you can contribute if elected to the European Parliament? and how do you feel you can represent the Maltese better in the European institutions?

First and foremost, in the European Parliament I can contribute to drive further the Maltese government’s progressive project that it embarked on in March 2013 on many different levels. It is not by chance that I chose the words ‘Determination and Loyalty’ as the motto for my campaign. 

Malta, Vintage pics

Very rare photo, depicting Sir Winston Churchill whilst he is assesing the damage caused by the Italians & Germans in Senglea for himself on a visit to Malta in 1943.

The Malta Conference was held from January 30 to February 3, 1945 between President Franklin D. Roosevelt of the United States and Prime Minister Winston Churchill of the United Kingdom on the island of Malta. The purpose of the conference was to plan the final campaign against the Germans with the Combined Chiefs of Staff (the United States Joint Chiefs of Staff and the British Chiefs of Staff Committee). Both leaders agreed on the undesirability of the Red Army advancing into central Europe.

Valletta City Gate, which one do you prefer?

This photo depicts the Valletta City Gate in 1960 and today (2014!).  Which one do you prefer?

Valletta City Gate, which one do you prefer? Click on pics to enlarge

City Gate - also known as Putirjal in Maltese (from the Italian Porta Reale)- is the main entrance to Malta's capital city, Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The new City Gate is the fifth to have stood at the entrance to Valletta. In 2011 construction began, following a second design by Renzo Piano for the gate and surrounding area. Construction is currently underway

The Royal Opera House - Which one do you prefer?!

Click on the picture to enlarge

The Local Maltese population will immediately recognize both these buildings, 

The building on the left is the Royal Opera House which unfortunately suffered irreparable damage on the evening of Tuesday, April 7, 1942 the theatre was devastated by Nazi Luftwaffe bombers.  

Rental - 1 double bedroom holiday flat in Senglea

Rental - A charming 1 bedroom Holiday flat, situated on the south of the island surrounded by history.

Minutes away from the Senglea Marina and Gardjola Garden with fantastic views of the Grand Harbour and Fort ST. Angelo, ideal for a single person or a couple looking for some quiet time away from the noise of the city.

Property consists of a double bedroom, kitchen dining and a shower toilet area.

The property retains it's old features as it's a listed building