For a long time I have noticed a trend which is now verging on the ridiculous: the over-use of certain words which has rendered them almost meaningless.

Take ‘toxic’ – of course, there are definitely evil people in this world, as well as harmful relationships and overly stressful work environments which could be described as such, but when the term is used relentlessly and almost at random then the power of the word becomes diluted.  If someone doesn’t agree with you (or stands up to you) then that person is not toxic, you simply do not get along.  

And yet I see it used over and over again, especially by those who relish playing the victim, believing that the world has done them wrong, woe is me, boo hoo.

I’m also uncomfortable with the terms “toxic masculinity” and “toxic positivity”; the first because it is an exaggeration when you could simply say that the guy is a big jerk.  If it’s sexual harassment or violence, why not just say so, rather than using this glib blanket phrase?  As for the second, there is nothing wrong with being positive and the fact that it has been twisted to mean something negative just shows how much we need more positivity.  If you don’t like someone who is constantly chirpy and cheerful, just don’t hang out with them, move along, unfollow their posts. It’s really not that hard.  Frankly, this determination to clamp down on attitudes which do not tally with ours is become very wearying. 

‘Toxic’ does have a place in our discourse to describe specific behaviour but it should be used sparingly otherwise it will be dismissed as an over-reaction and thus, not worthy of notice.  What I have concluded is that we seem to be losing the ability to not see eye to eye and just leave it at that; instead there have to be labels and accusations and hyperbole. 

This was brought home to me a while ago during a programme by Oprah Winfrey about family estrangement during which she interviewed both parents and adult children who have been estranged for many years The word ‘toxic’ came up so frequently that it became decidedly irritating. If one sets aside a few of the really genuine cases where the estrangement was understandable (and probably healthier), what I saw were adult children who were stamping their feet because they did not get their own way about something, or else who did not agree with their parents’ viewpoint.  In the cases where the parents had cut off the children it was mostly due to perceived or real hurts, or because they disapproved of the way the children were living their lives.   

In the two scenarios, it seemed to me that both sides were more intent on being right than having a relationship which is a pity in a cold, uncaring world where we need our families more than ever. It is also worrying that there are therapists who advocate ‘cutting off’ family members as a solution to disagreement rather than encouraging ways to find mutual understanding and common ground.  Cutting everyone off means lonely birthdays and dreading the festive season because instead of bringing joy it becomes a stark reminder that you cannot even organise a family lunch because you have no more family to speak of.  That sounds like a grim, bleak future to me. 

During this programme, that over-used word ‘trauma’ also featured greatly.  It’s unfathomable to me how many people have experienced childhood trauma – everywhere you look this is another phrase which is used ad nauseam. This is not to deny that some have lived through real traumatic events – of course they have, but I also feel that it is bandied about so liberally that even a well-deserved scolding or discipline by a parent is now described as ‘traumatic’.  If you ask me we need to get back to some good old-fashioned discipline if we want to prevent more incidents like the recent one in the news, where a gang of young teenagers badly beat up a boy in his own garage to steal his scooter, leaving him with a fractured eye socket, a fractured nose and other injuries. They also filmed the beating and shared it between them on a group chat.   What these bullies did to that poor boy, now that is real trauma.

‘Toxic’ and ‘trauma’ are potent words but by mis-using them it is leading to what is called “semantic bleaching” where the word loses its original, severe meaning.  It is also a lazy way out when it comes to dealing with one’s issues because rather than striving to be more tolerant and accepting of different opinions, we simply slap a derogatory label on others and shut the door. 

Which brings me to ‘narcissist’, a word which is very popular among many women when describing their ex-boyfriend, partner or husband. Are there narcissists among us? Obviously yes, and there are countless podcasts by renowned experts such as Dr Ramani, a clinical psychologist who has made it her life’s work to extensively deal with this topic and how to recognise the signs. But despite her expertise, even she is cautious about the label, and cautions listeners not to use the word lightly because – as it happens – everyone probably has a few narcissistic traits.  In fact she often prefers using Narcissistic Personality Disorder.

I always find it fascinating when someone immediately starts describing their ex as narcissistic only to find, when digging a bit deeper, that the person is completely oblivious to the fact that they are actually describing themselves.  It is a complex term which encompasses a number of different aspects of a personality and yet it is often used as a throwaway insult when a relationship ends badly (which so many often do).   I suppose it is easier to shift the blame on the other party for the reason it didn’t work out, rather than accept the fact that in most cases both sides have to bear responsibility for the break-up. 

The reason over-using these three words is not helpful is because, ultimately, it means we are not working on ourselves.  If you are truly in a toxic situation, the answer is to get out of it, fast. If you have endured trauma you need to go to therapy but also to learn to let go and move on rather than picking on the scab and remaining stuck forever. And if you are dealing with a narcissist it means you need to set boundaries and stop being sucked in by their demands.  Labels, words and phrases can only do so much – but in the end you have to take action to prevent yourself from repeating words on a loop and never really solving anything. 

NESCAFÉ® is redefining athome coffee culture in Malta with the debut of its new Espresso Concentrate range, a fresh, modern way to craft iced coffee in seconds. Designed for fastmoving, flavourseeking consumers, the liquid espresso concentrate delivers baristastyle taste without machines, queues or complicated steps.

Made from a carefully selected blend of coffee varieties, the concentrate mixes instantly in milk, plant-based alternatives, or water, delivering a smooth, rich espresso base perfect for any moment – from a morning boost to an afternoon cooldown.

The range launches in three flavourforward variants; Classic – bold and balanced, Vanilla – smooth and subtly sweet, and Caramel – rich with a hint of indulgence.

Crafting the perfect iced coffee is simple: fill a glass with ice, add 150 ml of your preferred milk, pour in a shot of NESCAFÉ® Espresso Concentrate, stir and enjoy. Each bottle offers up to 16 servings, making it a convenient and affordable option for everyday iced coffee moments.

“NESCAFÉ® has been part of Malta’s coffee culture for generations,” said Alanna Baldacchino, Head of Marketing, Brands and Innovation for NESTLÉ® Malta. “With NESCAFÉ® Espresso Concentrate, we’re stepping into the trenddriven world of iced coffee with a format that fits today’s lifestyle.”

Built for convenience and made for taste, the new range taps into the growing demand for iced coffee at home — offering a simple, fun and customizable solution that doesn’t compromise on quality.

The NESCAFÉ® Espresso Concentrate range is now available at leading retailers across Malta.

“At Bank of Valletta, we believe in holistic well-being, that includes the time and space to be present for family, to connect with one another, and to create positive experiences beyond the workplace,” said Ernest Agius, Chief Operations Officer at BOV and Deputy Chair of the BOV Foundation. “Through the BOV Foundation and our long-standing patronage of the arts, we are proud to support initiatives like TOI TOI that enrich our community, while also reinforcing the kind of workplace culture that helps our people thrive.”

The performance formed part of TOI TOI’s Easter run, staged between the 4^th and 6^th April, and was hosted at Teatru Manoel as a dedicated family event for Bank employees.

The event formed part of the Bank’s wider community and culture agenda, championed through the BOV Foundation, which supports initiatives that strengthen quality of life and enrich the communities the Bank serves. By bringing families together in a shared cultural experience, the Bank continues to promote a more inclusive workplace culture, one that recognises employees not only as professionals, but also as parents and caregivers.

Held at the Manoel Theatre in Valletta, the TOI TOI Easter Concert Movie Magic, the sixth edition of TOI TOI’s annual family event, featured an engaging selection of film music performed live, creating an accessible introduction to theatre and orchestral performance for younger audiences. 

The programme included music from E.T., Star Wars, Avengers, Shrek and Harry Potter, as well as singalong moments inspired by popular titles from Disney, Netflix, Universal and Pixar. The concert featured the TOI TOI orchestral ensemble and a cast of young singers, joined by special guests, delivering a family-friendly performance that encourages children to engage with the performing arts and builds confidence through live cultural experiences.

The production featured music direction by Tom Newall and choreography by Warren Bonello. It was written and directed by Kate Fenech Field, with contributions from emerging directors Faye Mallia and Nicole Sciberras, reflecting TOI TOI’s commitment to developing artistic talent on stage and behind the scenes.

Since 2000, Bank of Valletta has continuously supported the theatre’s annual operatic production, reinforcing its role as a patron of the arts and contributing to a vibrant cultural calendar that creates opportunities for local artists to perform alongside established international talent.

Dwarna (dwarna.mt) is Malta’s national population-based biobank, which aims to serve as a resource for genomic research in the Maltese population. The initiative supports long-term research that aims to improve understanding of health and disease, with a strong focus on direct public engagement in research.

During the visit to HSBC Hub, the DwarnaBio team collected blood and saliva samples from HSBC Malta employees who generously volunteered to contribute to this research effort. Their participation helps expand the growing resource and reinforces DwarnaBio’s aim to prioritise direct public engagement in research. It also reflects a move away from the traditional concept of research subjects as passive sample donors, towards a more proactive and collaborative approach that considers the general public as active research participants.

The session at HSBC Hub in Qormi was organised to make participation simple and convenient for the bank employees. Dwarna set up a temporary collection station on site, where participants were guided through the process by trained staff. Each volunteer provided informed consent and had the opportunity to learn more about how their contribution supports long-term research. The initiative was supported by the HSBC Malta Foundation, whose involvement helped make the on-site session possible.

Rita Scicluna, Operations Programme Integration Manager at HSBC Malta, who was instrumental in making the on-site DwarnaBio session happen, said: “We’re proud to support collaborations like DwarnaBio that strengthen Malta’s research and innovation ecosystem. By bringing the sample collection on site, we made it simpler for colleagues to take part and contribute to research that can improve health outcomes for the wider community. I’m also grateful to the HSBC Malta Foundation for its support in helping make this initiative possible.”

Prof Nikolai P. Pace from Dwarna, said, “On behalf of DwarnaBio, I’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks to HSBC Malta for the invitation and for the support provided in organising and delivering the on-site session. It was an incredibly fruitful opportunity that will help Dwarna’s mission going forward, and we’re grateful to the bank employees who volunteered so generously.”

Dwarna is an active member of the pan-European Biobanking and BioMolecular resources Research Infrastructure (BBMRI) and a research partner in the 1 Million Genomes of Europe initiative.

Bank of Valletta celebrated the achievements of 139 employees during the annual graduation ceremony, recognising colleagues who successfully completed programmes in areas including credit, investments, data, leadership and personal development. The event reflected the Bank’s continued investment in people development and in building a skilled, agile and future-focused workforce. As a Further and Higher Education Institute licensed by the MFHEA (License No: 2018-003), the Bank continues to strengthen its role in delivering accredited learning pathways for its people.

Addressing those present, Dr Gordon Cordina, BOV Chairperson set the tone for the event, saying, “Graduation Night is a reminder of what gives strength and purpose to our Bank. Our people’s commitment to lead, nurture and promote learning and development is one of the Bank’s core strengths. Tonight, we see BOV at its best.”

The ceremony also highlighted a standout year for learning and development at Bank of Valletta. During the year, the Bank delivered 610 courses, amounting to 101,152 learning hours and 62,644 participants, through a mix of external courses, e-learning modules, and classroom sessions. These figures reflect both the scale of the Bank’s investment in development and the strong engagement of employees in taking ownership of their growth. This year’s cohort also reflected the strong representation of female employees in learning at BOV, with 76% of graduates being female.

A key moment during the evening was the first-ever recognition of graduates from two newly introduced accredited programmes: the Award in Data for Banking (MQF Level 5) and the Award in Applied Business Banking (MQF Level 4). These joined other accredited programmes, all at MQF Level 5, including the Award in Customer Champions, Award in AFC, Award in Regulatory Compliance, expanding the Bank’s learning portfolio in line with evolving business and regulatory priorities. The Bank also offered the Award in ESG this year, through IFS and the University of Malta.

Ray Debattista, Chief People & Culture Officer stressed the importance of recognising colleagues and celebrating achievements across the Bank’s wide range of programmes. These achievements demonstration the kind of learning culture that the Bank is building. This also reflects the Bank’s objective to keep moving forward by growing skills, capability and confidence,” he said.

Kenneth Farrugia, BOV CEO, concluded by saying that “Tonight is not the end of a journey. It’s a starting point. Take what you’ve learned, apply it boldly, and keep building on it. Continuous learning is one of the strongest drivers of BOV’s future, and your progress is part of that story,” he said.

With participation continuing to increase year after year and new programmes being introduced on an ongoing basis, the momentum behind learning and capability-building at Bank of Valletta is expected to continue throughout 2026 and beyond.

It’s always the new billboards which are the first to give it away. 

No party in government will erect new billboards in prominent, strategic places all over the island unless it wants to push its message. After the Budget, billboards are usually used as propaganda to promote all the new fiscal measures which are to be implemented, just in case the adverts interrupting your YouTube videos and nauseatingly interspersed during Muzika Muzika weren’t enough. 

But now in spring, along with a burst of colourful flowers, new billboards have also sprouted up with the message: “Malta Aqwa” (“a better Malta”). The first time I saw this slogan my mind automatically made the association that it sounded disturbingly similar to Make American Great Again. In fact, it only needed an additional “G” and an “A” to make up the acronym which has become synonymous with the shit show in the States. 

In our case, however, the Labour Government cannot exactly urge us to make Malta great again because that would that imply the previous administration was hopeless – and that doesn’t work when you yourself have been running the country for the last 13 years.  The more I thought about it though, the more I realised that the slogan they decided on is still rather odd: better than what? The current Malta?  Because that seems to suggest that they are admitting that what we have at the moment needs a lot of improvement.  We would all agree to that, of course, but to use it yourself as a political slogan on which you are building what is obviously your next election campaign indicates that whoever came up with it (and approved it) did not really think it through.  Let’s just be grateful they did not hit upon “Malta L-Aqwa” (“Malta, the best”) because that would really have been pushing it. 

There have been other signals in the cat-and-mouse-game of “will he, won’t he announce” which is so characteristic of Maltese elections.  Since in this country we do not have a fixed election date every five years but it can be called by the sitting PM whenever he feels the electoral temperature is just right, the guessing game becomes a favourite topic of daily conversation. “X’tahseb? Ghal meta?”  I’ve even heard it being used as banter between morning radio show presenters, all of whom have tried to guess the date. Now, whether the speculation was deliberately started by the government itself to test the waters of how voters are feeling is anyone’s guess.

What you have to look out for is the flurry of major projects which are suddenly completed and inaugurated, or those which have been announced.  Like the new football stadium earmarked for Marsa, for example, which will seat 5000 and which can also be used for other sports. It will start being built in 2027 (for which read, so vote for us to make sure it starts).  Or the National Tennis Centre in Pembroke which was supposed to have been completed several years ago, but which was officially opened this week with the usual fanfare.  Oh, and “work is also ongoing on the first phase of the Ħal Far track, expected to be completed in the coming months.” 

I predict the same will happen with the Bugibba square project which has been dragging on for over a year now. Every day I read questions from tourists who have their holiday booked in the area asking if it’s ready yet since the completion date keeps changing.  The replies come quick and fast from expats and locals alike: “nope, it’s a war zone, it’s a mess, change your hotel”.  I would not be surprised if it will be ready just in time for a ribbon-cutting ceremony by the PM who (kumbinazzjoni) will be busy on his campaign trail. 

The telltale signs are everywhere especially in areas which were previously neglected. Sliema, a long-forgotten town which has been clamouring for illegal structures to be removed for years, suddenly woke up to Police sticking enforcement notices on illegal ticket booths along the promenade.   Isn’t that a good thing you might ask? Yes, of course it is, and long may this enforcement continue, but you really cannot blame the public for being cynical about the timing.  Suffice to say that the legislation to remove these type of structures came into force last September. Why has it taken 7 months for it to be enforced?

The canvassing by political candidates is another sign which cannot be ignored as house visits commence, and flyers stuff our postboxes only to be thrown away in the recycling bag. 

The swivel of attention on immigrants is another very recognisable “an election is coming” tactic and is always guaranteed to earn applause.  Fully aware that a large chunk of the population is unhappy with an increasing foreign workforce, Identita’ dreamt up a test focusing on Maltese culture and the Maltese language, which will have to be taken in order for a work permit to be renewed.  

“Foreign nationals who come to work in our country have the obligation to adapt to us, and not the other way around. That is why we launched this course, as promised in the Malta Labour Migration Policy; they must also sit for and pass an exam to be considered, based on a number of other conditions, for a two-year permit instead of a one-year permit. In this way, we will have workers who are better trained and more adapted to Maltese society. This is the way forward; this is the path we have designed, implemented, and are now reaping the benefits of,” stated Minister Camilleri.

This was followed by the predictable echoes of “Prosit Ministru”,  even though many seem oblivious to the fact that it is this precise government which has made it possible for so many third country nationals to come and work here in the first place. The Minister’s statement is also baffling to me because everywhere I look, I see foreign nationals who ARE adapting and nowhere am I seeing anyone forcing the Maltese to adapt to them.  But that kind of talk is enough to stir up very misplaced patriotic fervour. 

Like many things it sounds good on paper (even though it’s an extra expense on top of all their other expenses), but when I took the test myself I was puzzled by the random choice of questions which I doubt many of us locals would know the answer to either.  I doubt very much whether knowing how much special family leave is allowed can make you integrate into Maltese society.

The problem with this activity swirling around a possible election is that it is very much management by crisis: what are people pissed off about? Quick, let’s find a stop gap solution to show we are on it!  But the proper long-term leadership of a country should not work that way.  The Labour Government for too long now has been relying on gimmicks and flashy presentations and buzzwords such as Malta Vision 2050 which sound fancy but are about as substantial as pink cotton candy.  

Meanwhile the issues which have been there for several years now, and for which this administration is solely responsible, have been swept under the rug as they try to razzle dazzle us with slogans and inaugurations and million dollar projects which may or may not materialise in our lifetime. 

This March edition welcomed 1,124 participants, the largest turnout the event has ever recorded. The Challenge Malta continues to attract a diverse mix of fitness enthusiasts, firsttime challengers, and returning supporters, all contributing to a vibrant and energetic atmosphere.
The event was made possible through the dedication of 155 volunteers, whose coordination and commitment ensured a smooth and uplifting experience for all involved.

This edition raised an impressive €70,000, marking the highest singleevent contribution since The Challenge Malta began. These funds will directly support Hospice Malta’s mission to provide free, highquality palliative care to patients and their families. Across its six editions held over the past three years, The Challenge Malta has now raised a cumulative €245,000, solidifying its role as one of Malta’s most impactful communitydriven fundraising initiatives.

The Challenge Malta has evolved into a national movement, held twice a year and consistently expanding its reach. Each edition strengthens the bond between the fitness community and the cause it supports. Organisers expressed deep gratitude to participants, volunteers, partners, and sponsors whose enthusiasm and generosity continue to elevate the event’s impact.

The upcoming edition of The Challenge Malta will take place between the 11-13 September 2026 at Campus Hub, promising another dynamic weekend of fitness, solidarity, and community spirit.

The Challenge Malta March edition was sponsored by Campus Hub, Garmin, Sign It, Oysho, Nike, Groffe Elevator Services Ltd., Grenade, Renault, Red Bull, +boost, and the National Lottery.

Hospice Malta can be reached at www.hospicemalta.org or 21440085.

LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is one of the world’s most recognised green building certification programmes. Achieving Gold reflects the standards the bank met across areas such as energy and water efficiency, materials, indoor environmental quality and overall sustainability performance.

This is a genuine team achievement, made possible through close collaboration between HSBC employees and the bank’s project partners.

Jonathan Taylor, Country Head of Corporate Services at HSBC Malta said: “LEED Gold is a brilliant outcome for HSBC Hub and a real credit to the colleagues and partners who kept quality and sustainability front and centre throughout. It’s a practical step forward in creating a workplace that performs better for people and the environment.”

HSBC Malta’s CEO, Geoffrey Fichte, commented: “This certification shows what we can deliver when we work as one team with a clear goal. It strengthens our commitment to operating responsibly in Malta and creating spaces that support colleagues, customers and our communities.”

HSBC Hub also offers practical day-to-day benefits for both customers and employees, with ample free on-site parking spaces and free electric vehicle charging points, with plans to double the charging points during the coming months as part of ongoing enhancements.

The branch located within HSBC Hub also provides added convenience for both retail and commercial customers, with longer opening hours than other branches and Saturday operations.

An official hard-copy LEED certificate has been received, and the bank plans to mark this achievement with the installation of a LEED Gold plaque at its HSBC Hub premises in Qormi.

The solution is based on the GSMA SGP.22 standard and makes it easier for businesses to deploy and manage connectivity across global IoT projects. The Connectivity Management Platform has been upgraded to handle these eSIM profiles too, making the management of SIM inventory seamless for melita.io customers.

As the launch coincidences with International IoT day, melita.io is also running a special launch promotion for eSIM profile orders placed throughout April 2026.

“eSIM is a key step towards more flexible and scalable IoT connectivity, enabling businesses to deploy faster, manage remotely, and operate more efficiently at scale,” said Malcolm Briffa, Chief Officer Business and IoT at Melita.

For organisations operating across multiple regions, eSIM simplifies how connected devices are deployed and managed in the field. It is particularly well suited to use cases such as smart metering, logistics, utilities, smart cities, asset tracking, mobility, and industrial automation, where reliable, remote connectivity is essential.

melita.io’s eSIM is fully integrated into its existing IoT SIM management portal, allowing customers to manage both eSIM and physical SIMs in one place. The platform provides easy access to both QR codes and LPA links at SIM level, along with enhanced API capabilities to support automation and large-scale provisioning.

Looking ahead, melita.io confirmed that it is preparing to introduce SGP.32 technology later this year, as part of its continued evolution of IoT eSIM capabilities.

Existing customers can order eSIMs directly via the melita.io portal, with 50% off initial fees on orders of 100 or more new eSIM profiles. New customers can request a technical consultation at www.melita.io/contact.

Should you wish to learn more about eSIM technology and its benefits to business, visit our dedicated help space at www.melita.io/help/sim/esim

RSM Malta has reinforced its collaboration with RSM Japan following a series of high-level engagements hosted in Malta over recent weeks. The visit by Mr. Kengo Maekawa, Managing Partner and CEO of RSM Shiodome Partners (RSM Japan), accelerated alignment between the two firms, highlighting a shared commitment to advisory excellence, global connectivity, and international business development across the RSM network.

Karen Spiteri Bailey, Managing Partner of RSM Malta, led discussions throughout the visit, ensuring the dialogue reflected the firm’s long-term vision for growth, quality, and global positioning.

A key moment of the visit was a high-level meeting at The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry, attended by senior leadership including President William Spiteri Bailey and CEO Dr Marthese Portelli, alongside representatives from TradeMalta and Malta’s English language and TEFL sector. Discussions focused on executive learning programmes, professional development, and international immersion opportunities supported by Malta’s established English language ecosystem, as well as youth mobility and working holiday channels between Malta and Japan.

During his visit, Mr. Maekawa also engaged directly with RSM Malta’s internal teams, contributing Asia Pacific insights and deepening the operational synergy between the two firms. The exchanges highlighted Malta’s growing role within the RSM global network as a hub for internationally-oriented advisory services.

Karen Spiteri Bailey said: “This collaboration highlights the strength of working within a connected international network, while remaining deeply attuned to local realities. Through RSM Malta’s close alignment with fellow member firms, we are able to offer insightdriven advice that reflects both global perspective and local understanding.”

For more information about RSM Malta, visit www.rsm.global/malta.
For more information about RSM Japan, visit https://www.rsm.global/japan/en.