Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/832512
44 maltatoday, SUNDAY, 4 JUNE 2017 Events Quarantine barracks at Manoel Island being restored Almost a century before Grand- master Manoel Vilhena person- ally financed the construction of a fine baroque Fort which today bears his name, the Knights es- tablished a quarantine institu- tion on Manoel Island, popular- ly known as the Lazzaretto. Under British rule these isola- tion buildings were extended, making them amongst the best- appointed quarantine barracks in the Empire. The strict quar- antine measures dictated that even after death, the deceased had to be buried on the grounds, leading to the creation of formal cemeteries. One of these was furnished with a funerary chap- el dedicated to St George. Just over a year ago restora- tion works began on this small but beautiful memorial chapel which is nearing completion. During the restoration process two fragmented but original tombstones were found strewn inside the chapel. These will now be restored and mounted within. This association with quar- antine activity did not stop with people but also extended to animals. In fact, Lazzaretto included quarters for travel- ers, crew and even livestock brought into port. A building was erected specifically for this purpose which became known as Il-Bovile and later the cattle shed. During British rule this was used for storage but for the past forty years the cattle shed has stood abandoned, exposed and vulnerable to the elements and vandalism. Today, after a year of research and restoration, the first phase for this unique site has almost been completed as part of the restoration exercise undertaken by MIDI plc, for which over €20 million has already been invest- ed on Fort Manoel alone. MUMN campaign aims to attract more people to professions The Malta Union of Midwives and Nurs- es (MUMN) has launched a national campaign in a bid to encourage more people to follow a career in nursing and midwifery. The aim of the campaign is twofold: having more youths choose nursing and midwifery as a profession when mak- ing career choices, and enticing former nurses and midwives to return to the profession. A 2007 agreement between the union and the government makes such return to work a seamless exercise. MUMN – which constantly laments the fact that there are nowhere near enough nurses and midwives in Malta – said it hoped youngsters wanted to pur- sue a career in nursing and midwifery would not have their career blocked by the University on logistical grounds. It appealed to the University to ensure no issues remained and that any students applying for the respective courses be ac- cepted. "We are sure that Maltese citizens pre- fer Maltese nurses and midwives that speak their own language over foreign- ers," the unions said. "A recent study con- firmed that 75% of Maltese people spoke in Maltese in cases of emergency." GO has re-opened its newly refur- bished outlet at Baystreet. Apart from structural changes to the build- ing to improve customer accessibility and a new modern design, the outlet features GO's innovative intelligent queuing system. The new Baystreet outlet also showcases GO's latest fibre products and its updated brand iden- tity and gives customers the opportu- nity to explore GO's communications and entertainment services. GO's Bay- street outlet is open Monday to Sun- day from 10.00am to 10.00pm. Former Presidents present during the Ceremony with current President, Franco Azzopardi. GO reopens refurbished Baystreet outlet Atlas fundraiser for Victim Support Malta To commemorate International Women's Day this year, Atlas Group held an extra Dress Down Day at its offices and branches to raise money for Victim Support Malta. Together with the em- ployees and company donation, Atlas managed to raise €700 to support the valuable work done by this non-governmental or- ganisation. The donation was presented by Atlas Director and Group Com- pany Secretary, Catherine Calleja to Krista Tabone, Services Coor- dinator at Victim Support Malta, during a talk given to Atlas em- ployees about how to identify and best support anyone close who is or has been going through diffi- cult times. Victim Support Malta is an NGO dedicated to helping victims of domestic violence, assault, theft, bullying and other forms of abuse. VSM provides emo- tional support to assist victims in overcoming trauma following a crime, legal information per- taining to the relative criminal procedures such as the victims' right to request compensation and to access forms of protection provided by the law and practical assistance in liaising with the po- lice, or other ancillary matters. "We wanted to show support against discrimination or victim- isation of any sort, to promote something positive, specifically something positive against any- one who becomes a victim," said Jackie Attard Montalto, Market- ing and HR Manager. "We chose to support Victim Support Malta because the or- ganisation is open to anyone. Whilst it is a sad reality that generally there are more women who need their assistance, VSM is open to anyone who has fallen victim to these terrible crimes. For more information visit www. victimsupport.org.mt Catherine Calleja (left) accompanied by Atlas Group employees presenting the sponsorship to Krista Tabone