The Voice of the Maltese No. 228

Issue 228

The Voice of the Maltese

Thank you

Fortnightly for the Diaspora Diaspora Fortnig htly magazine for

May 19, 2020

Robert Abela (Prime Minister)

Chris Fearne (Deputy PM and Minister of Health)

Malta’s frontline heroes in the fight against COVID-19

Prof Charmaine Gauci ( Superintendent of Public Health)

How to spot fake news

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Tuesday May 19, 2020

he last few years have been newsworthy, to say the least.

But mixed in with all the fair, factual, and well-researched reporting was something more sinister: FAKE NEWS, stories that seemed accurate, but were actually downright false Fake news is nothing new. But bogus stories can reach more people more quickly via social media than what good old-fashioned viral emails could accomplish in years past.

While fake news has been circulating as long as its legitimate counterpart, it's been getting a lot of play recently, thanks to the way we consume information. According to Pew Research Centre, people under age 50 get half of their news online. And for those under 30, online news is twice as popular as TV news.

Thousands of people circulate false stories, perhaps because eye-popping headlines in our social media feeds make it easier BREAKING NEWS for us to share content than evaluate or even read it. This creates a viral storm of sound bites without substance.

Another contributing factor, according to Pew Research, is con- author; excessive exclamation points, capital letters and misfirmation bias. People are more likely to accept information that spellings; entreaties that “This is NOT a hoax!” and links to confirms their beliefs and dismiss information that does not. sourcing that does not support or completely contradicts the But the result of all this misinformation isn’t simply ignorance. claims being made.

It can also provoke serious consequences.

Those all still hold true, but fake stories – as in, completely Concern about the phenomenon led Facebook and Google to made-up “news” – nowadays about COVID-19, have grown announce that they’ll crack down on fake news sites, restricting more sophisticated, often presented on a site designed to look their ability to garner ad revenue. (sort of) like a legitimate news organisation.

News consumers themselves are the best defence against the It is still quite easy to figure out what’s real and what’s imagispread of misinformation. Not all of the misinformation being nary if one is armed with some critical thinking and fact-checkpassed along online is complete fiction, though some of it is. ing tools of the trade.

Snopes.com has been exposing false Is this some kind of joke? Remember, viral claims since the mid 1990s, whether Advice on how to spot a fake: there is such thing as satire. Normally, it’s that’s fabricated messages, distortions Consider the source. Clearly, some of clearly labelled as such, and sometimes containing bits of truth and everything in the sites do provide a “fantasy news” or it’s even funny. And then there are the between. satire warning, like WTOE 5, which pub- more debatable forms of satire, designed In an article on November 17 last, article lished the bogus headline, “Pope Francis to pull one over on the reader. not to lump everything into the “fake Shocks World, Endorses Donald Trump Check your biases. This might be diffinews” category, Snopes founder, David for President, Releases Statement.” cult.

Confirmation bias leads people to put Mikkelson warned not to lump everything Snopes.com, which has been writing more stock in information that confirms into the “fake news” category. about viral claims and online rumours their beliefs and discount information that “The fictions and fabrications that comsince the mid-1990s, maintains a list of doesn’t. But the next time you’re automatprise fake news are but a subset of the known fake news websites, several of ically appalled at some Facebook post larger bad news phenomenon, which also which have emerged in the past two years. concerning, say, a politician you oppose, encompasses many forms of shoddy, unRead beyond the headline. If a provoca- take a moment to check it out. searched, error-filled, and deliberately Try this simple test: What other stories tive headline drew your attention, read a litmisleading reporting that do a disservice tle further before you decide to pass along have been posted to the “news” website to everyone,” he wrote. the shocking information. Even in legiti- that is the source of the story that just A lot of these viral claims aren’t “news” mate news stories, the headline doesn’t al- popped up in your Facebook feed? at all, but fiction, satire and efforts to fool Consult the experts. We know you’re ways tell the whole story. But fake news, readers into thinking they’re for real. particularly efforts to be satirical, can in- busy, and some of this debunking takes Readers have long been encouraged to time. Between FactCheck.org, Snopes.com, clude several revealing signs in the text. be sceptical of viral claims, and make Check the author. Another tell-tale sign of the Washington Post Fact Checker and good use of the delete key when a chain PolitiFact.com, it’s likely at least one has ala fake story is often the byline. Who is he? email hits their inboxes.

What’s the support? Many times these ready fact-checked the latest viral claim to In December 2007, the Ask FactCheck bogus stories will cite official – or offi- pop up in your news feed. feature was launched that answers readFactCheck.org was among a network of cial-sounding – sources, but once you ers’ questions, the vast majority of which look into it, the source doesn’t back up the independent fact-checkers who signed an concern viral emails, social media memes open letter to Facebook’s Mark Zuckerclaim. and the like. berg suggesting that Facebook “start an Check the date.

Some false stories aren’t Readers were advised to rid their incompletely fake, but rather distortions of open conversation on the principles that boxes of garbage described as a list of red real events. These claims can take a legiti- could underpin a more accurate news flags that were clear tip-offs that a chain mate news story and twist what it says – or ecosystem on its News Feed.” email wasn’t legitimate, that is sent to However, news readers themselves remain even claim that something that happened their accounts. the first line of defence against fake news. long ago is related to current events.

Among these could be by an anonymous

Tuesday May 19, 2020

The Voice of the Maltese 3

A look at two countries’ investment programmes

A way to economic recovery Many countries around the world try to attract investments by offering various types of concessions resulting in citizenship or residency. As countries are planning their ways out of the coronavirus crisis, they will be looking carefully at all visa/citizenship programmes to maximise their economic recovery.

Australia’s significant investor visa – colloquially called “golden ticket” – is aimed at Chinese investors who invest AU$5 million (US$3.8 million) in Australia.

The investment parameters for the visa are strict.

Of the AU$5 million, AU$500,000 must be invested into Australian venture capital or growth private equity funds investing in start-up and small private companies; AU$1.5 million must be invested in managed funds invested in emerging companies on the ASX; and the AU$3 million balance in funds with a combination of eligible assets, corporate bonds and property in Australia.

There is a 10 per cent limit on residential real estate investment. Applicants can be nominated by state governments or by Austrade.

The Significant Investors Visa (SIV) programme is open to all nationalities but is targeted towards Chinese investors – the visa number 888 (eight is auspicious in Chinese culture) is designed to attract Chinese interest – and is used overwhelming by that nationality. About 87 per cent of SIVs granted since the scheme was launched in 2012 have been to Chinese nationals.

The visa brings significant advantages for applicants.

They need only spend an average of 40 days in Australia a year and there is no English-language requirement. Applicants can pay more if they have a low level of English.

Since the scheme started on November 24, 2012, 1,932 SIVs have been granted, with AU$9.6billion invested in complying investments, government figures show.

A spokesman for the Department of Home Affairs said there had been no changes to the programme since 2015 but that the SIV, along with all business, investment and talent visas, was under review in response to a 2015 recommendation of the joint standing committee on migration.

On the other side of the world, many European countries are engaged in similar schemes; the island of Malta is one of them.

Malta is seeking to attract reputable individuals who will be a good influence on the State, have a substantial business network, and who will raise the international profile of Malta.

The Malta Individual Investor Program (MIIP) re-

quires that successful applicants make a contribution of €650,000 to the State, which will be invested in the economic and social well-being of the community The individual would also be required to invest in immovable property, wherein the case of a purchase, the property should be of a minimum of €350,000, and in the case of a lease, the latter should be for a minimum of €16,000 per year. Such immovable property shall be retained for a period of at least five years and may not be let or sublet.

(Interested persons, should contact: info@iip.gov.mt.

Tel +356 21225 232).

Despite this win-win situation these programmes attract their fair share of criticism although both countries adopt a very stringent due diligence process to make sure only reputable applicants are accepted.

When Malta initiated the Individual Investor Programme, some criticised what was only viewed as the commoditisation of citizenship, but it is safe to say that for Malta, the IIP has been much more than that.

It took up this challenge and turned it into an opportunity, by designing a programme that is intended to take Malta to the world, to expand the country’s horizons and bring to Malta people not only willing to invest, but who believe in its potential despite the fact that it is a small island nation.

Through the MIIP, the individual would also be required to invest in approved government stocks, bonds, debentures or special purpose vehicles of a minimum amount of €150,000, which investment must be retained for a period of five years.

The total investment that such an individual would be required to make for himself in the MIIP is therefore €1.15 million.

In addition to this, an applicant would be required to show proof of residence in Malta for at least twelve months prior to becoming naturalised as a citizen of Malta, and in the case that such individual wishes to extend the scheme to a spouse and/or children, an additional €25,000 per spouse and per child, under the age of 18 years must be paid.

The individual would be required to pay an additional €50,000 for any dependant parent aged 55 years and over and the same amount for any child between the ages of 18 to 25 years of age.

All applicants and each and every dependant must have a global health insurance coverage of at least €50,000 and must provide evidence that they can maintain it for an indefinite period.

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Tuesday May 19, 2020

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Q. I am 74 years of age and my husband is 82. We took him to his is a monthly service offered by The Voice of hospital two weeks ago and were told that he should not return the Maltese in which Marie Louise Muscat from home but move directly into aged care as I would not be able to look after him on my own. We do not have many assets and my the Fiducian Financial Services helps our readers unconcern is how to afford to pay for the Refundable Accommoda- derstand the complexities associated with financial tion Deposit (RAD) as I have been told that it is a very large planning. If you need more advice send an email to amount of money that we do not have. Can you help?

Marie Louise via: maltesevoice@gmail.com.

A. Your husband will need to be assessed this $20,000 would not by an ACAT team prior to moving into aged make that much difference care. As the hospital advised on this the as- in the long term of the loan. sessment may already have happened. Cen- Q. I work full time and trelink would then need to know what my wife only works part personal and financial assets you both have time. Her income is and they would advise accordingly. around $25,000 in total If you do not have sufficient funds to pay for this year. She has now for the Refundable Accommodation De- lost her job and may not posit the Government would help sub- be going back to work sidise this. You cannot be asked to sell for a while. Can I still your home and you will not be asked to make a spouse contribuuse up all your financial assets to pay to- tion for her in order for wards the RAD. You must each be left with me to get a tax refund? $50,500 of assets.

A. Although your wife has Q. I am 39 years of age and my wife is now lost her job, however her income for may be more expensive than what I have 35 and we have a large mortgage. I was the year is still below $37,000. If she is still budgeted for, and may need some of that contemplating on applying for the under age 65 and therefore still able to $300,000 back. What can I do? $10,000 withdrawal from super in order make superannuation contributions, then to place on the mortgage to reduce the you can still make a spouse contribution of A. In order for you to use the downsizing strategy you will need to invest the funds principal. Is this a good idea? $3000 and you should still qualify for the in superannuation within 90 days of setA. You are both quite young and unless one $540 tax rebate. Just remember to advise tlement. Therefore you could invest the of you has lost your job and cannot afford your accountant of this when lodging your funds in superannuation now and if you the mortgage repayments, I would not touch tax return. find that you need some of this money, you Q. I am 68 years old, a widow and have re- could ask to withdraw it. This will be a the super money.

These super funds are currently invested at cently sold my house in order to downsize tax-free withdrawal and as you are over least partially in growth assets that are at but have not found a smaller house to pur- 65 you have access to all your superannupresent at a low price. You will be selling chase. My children are encouraging me to ation money at any time.

However, you should ask to maintain down at the wrong time and the super fund use the Government’s downsizing strategy of investing $300,000 into superannuation. these funds in super in defensive assets would take longer to recover.

Also interest rates are at an all-time low so My concern is that when I find a house it such as cash or fixed interest until you find the house to your liking. This will avoid any down turn in the markets and any loss of funds on your part if you need to withdraw them again.

Q&A

Q. We have just come into a reasonable inheritance of $200,000 from a distant relative. My husband and I are both in our 50s and we are wondering whether to invest them in superannuation in my name or invest them in equal portions into our separate superannuation funds. Is there any preference?

A. There are a number of things to consider.

If you both invested $100,000 into each of your superannuation as non-concessional contributions just make sure that you have not made any other non-concessional contributions for the year. In this way you will not be using the “bring forward cap� and thus able to make more non-concessional contributions in the future.

Another thing to consider is whether either of you are close to reaching the lifetime cap of $1.6 million in super. If that is the case then the funds should be invested in the lower of the two super funds.

The age difference should also be looked at. If one is early 50s and the other late 50s than the one approaching 60 could have earlier access to super money if the funds are needed. I believe your best option should be to see a financial planner who should cover all options and you would be able to make an informed decision.

Maltese lady at the pinnacle of journalism in Australia

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Tuesday May 19, 2020

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ne of Australia’s best known journalists, Prof Monica Attard is our selection for this month’s Personality. The Voice of the Maltese is pleased to give Prof Attard, a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Law recipient, author and writer, and Order of Australia for services to journalism, winner of five Walkley Awards for excellence in journalism, including gold, the chance to tell her story to the readers.

Professor Monica Attard

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hen I was a child, I always thought of myself as different from my friends. I might have been born in Sydney, Australia, but my entire world was Maltese, unlike theirs. Both my parents were Maltese. My father, Joseph, was born in Naxxar, and mother, Mary, in Birkirkara.

My only sister, Vivienne, was born in Malta too. So, Malta loomed large – in its history, geography and language. Yet until I turned 19, I had never visited the country.

That perhaps was the result of the times – when airfares were expensive and international travel was one of the more exotic things that one could do. Indeed, my parents, who came to Australia in 1949 with my sister, Vivienne, only travelled back to their homeland twice after emigrating to Australia. Still, Malta remained alive, beating, vivid notion. No more than a notion. But alive.

We had a really large extended family in Australia. My father’s sister had also emigrated and she had six children. They were older than me and married before I had even turned 10, but Sundays and many an evening were spent with them.

My dad’s niece, a nun, lives here too and Ina Debattista became the only of my ‘over-there’ cousins who I knew really well from childhood. There was also my father’s cousin, who of course I called ‘Uncle’, and his family.

And then there was my mother’s side – her brother and sister had come to Australia – and we were close with my aunt and her family. My mother’s father came to live with us in the early ’70s and died in Sydney. And of course, there were the aunts and uncles who bore no blood relationship to us at all, but they were Maltese and thus family.

My childhood was full of family get-togethers, my father and sister playing the piano, my mother’s homemade ravioli on special occasions and Christmas’s that started in October! It was full of stories of Malta too.

My most enduring childhood memory remains of my dad’s stories of Malta before the war. Through him, I could see the town church in Naxxar, long before I first actually laid eyes on it. I could feel the exhilaration of the annual fiesta before I ever went to one. I could envisage the harbour in Valetta before it became my entry point on my first visit to Malta in 1980.

And of course, I knew the taste of pastizzi from the countless fiestas we went to in Sydney’s western suburbs during my childhood. Malta was real.

Of course, it became even more real after my first visit. Life dragged me in other directions – as the ABC’s correspondent to Russia from 1989 to 1995, and then later from 2003-2005. And plans to visit were often interrupted by career and family. But I have been back many times and taking my own son there remains one of the most memorable of overseas trips. He couldn’t grasp

that we ‘owned’ so much of the island of Malta. Every shop owned by an Attard, the town named Attard, we seemed suddenly to him to be very rich!

As the daughter of migrants in Sydney, the 1970’s were perhaps the most challenging. My father put great emphasis on education and I remember him telling me when I was very young that I’d face many challenges as I grew up. For him, the greatest would be that I was a female and non-Anglo. And he wasn’t wrong; I would have to try harder than most.

Racial discrimination was palpable. Sometimes, most often, in fact, it was the burden of low expectations. I was expected to achieve very little by those who were in charge of my education and my development. Opportunities would be given to anyone but the olive-skinned girl with jet black hair.

“Wog” became a reference of such derision and hurt that now; I recoil when I hear it. The number of times my father would come home from work distressed at some casual racial slur hurled his way are too many to count.

But time, ambition and family have a way of healing most wounds. I defied the burden of low expectation and did ok. And mercifully, the high level of overt racism has significantly subsided in Australia – though it remains in different forms.

Though you can take the girl out of the Maltese cultural bubble, it’s hard to burst the bubble completely. When I was the ABC’s correspondent in Russia, during a time on seemingly endless revolution, as Soviet communism was being slayed and protests would be more than a million people strong, I’d often stay up into the wee hours of the morning to file reports so that my mother would know I was still alive!

My parents’ concern about me being in the midst of the maelstrom in Russia was only slightly alleviated by the Order of Australia I received in 1991 for services to journalism. Sure, they were proud. But I’m sure they both wished it had come via some other story! Any other story but revolution.

And when capitalism and communism had their final showdown on Russian soil in October of 1993, when two foreign journalists were killed, I remain absolutely and unequivocally certain that my father sensed the danger and became fatally ill to force me home.

Such is the Maltese embrace.

Do I consider myself Maltese? Yes. Maltese, born in Australia by happenstance. I’m not the only Maltese Professor in Australian academia. But surely one of a small group. *Continued on page 6

PERSONALITY OF THE MONTH

6 The Voice of the Maltese

In Moscow in 1991.

Below: The book she wrote about her stay in Russia

Mary, Monica’s mum, and dad Joseph circa 1959

Tuesday May 19, 2020

Monica Attard with mum and her aunt Connie at the beach, Sydney, circa 1959

With my mum, South Strathfield, circa 1960

Further Information on this month’s Personality/from page 5:

Professor Monica Attard onica Ann Attard OAM (born December 12, 1958) is an Australian journalist and worked with the ABC for most M of her journalistic career.

Early life

She was born in Sydney, where she was educated at Bethlehem College and later at Santa Sabina College, Strathfield. She attended the University of Sydney, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts. She also holds a Bachelor of Laws from the University of New South Wales, which she attained in 2002.

Career

Attard's career in journalism began at Channel Seven, where she was a reporter from 1977–1981. From 1981–82, she worked for 2WS Radio and at 2GB Radio from 1982–83. In 1983, Attard moved to the ABC, where she remained for 28 years.

Attard worked on ABC Radio News from 1983–85 and reporter on ABC Radio programs 'The World Today' and 'PM' from 1985– 88. She was a researcher for TV programmes 'Four Corners' from 1988–99 and a reporter for 'Lateline' from 1989–90.

Attard was Russian Correspondent for ABC Radio and TV from 1990–94. She received three Walkley Awards during this period, including the Gold Walkley in 1991. She published a book entitled Russia: Which Way Paradise? in 1997, which documented some of her experiences and interactions with Russians during a period of rapid change.

Attard returned to 'The World Today' as host from 1997–99 and was the host of 'PM' from 1994–97.

During 2001–03 and 2005–2011, she was the national presenter on 'Sunday Profile' on ABC Local Radio. In this period, she re-

ceived the 2002 Walkley Award for Broadcast Interviewing, and graduated with a law degree from the University of New South Wales.

On December 1, 2005, Attard received the 2005 Walkley Award for Broadcast Interviewing. This was given for a series of interviews entitled On The Brink, which aimed to examine the lives of several prominent people who had been experiencing some kind of upheaval in their lives.

She interviewed NSW magistrate Pat O'Shane, former HIH Insurance director Rodney Adler and Douglas Wood, a former hostage in Iraq. Her interview with Rodney Adler was a scoop and she received particular praise from the Walkley judges. This brought her total Walkley count to 5, with one Gold award.

On December 6, 2005, Attard was announced as the new host of the ABC TV programme Media Watch for 2006. She hosted Media Watch for two years, until announcing her retirement at the end of the 2007 series.

Attard also worked as a lawyer for Coudert Bros in Moscow from 2003-04.

She is currently Professor and head of Journalism at University of Technology (UTS), Sydney.

Awards and honours · Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 1992 for services to

the community as a radio correspondent while working in Russia. · Walkley Award for Bcast Interviewing for 'on the Brink' 2005 · Walkley Award for Bcast Interviewing for 'Kernot, Beazley and The Bishop' 2002 · Gold Walkley Award for Excellence in Journalism 1991 · Walkley Award for Best International Report (all Media) and Best Coverage of a Current Story (Radio) 1991

The Voice of the Maltese 7

Tuesday May 19, 2020

Message from the Maltese Community Council of NSW:

Looking after the community’s best interests

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n these difficult times, as most of us are observing the isolation that COVID- 19 has brought us in, I want to assure the Maltese community of NSW that the MCC is still functioning and looking after the community’s best interests.

The Maltese Language School closed a week early at the end of Term 1 to reduce the risk of the possible spread of Coronavirus. With restrictions still in place, we had to find a new way of continuing the lessons.

Embracing modern technology, Term 2 classes will now commence online.

When restrictions ease, we will return to the classroom for face-to-face lessons, all in good time, following Government regulations, and when we believe it will be safe to do so.

Because the studio has been isolated due to the current restrictions, the Sunday Maltese Radio programme on 2GLF FM89.3 is being recorded at home with limited equipment. The radio programme is pre-recorded and sent via Dropbox to 2GLF staff to be downloaded and broadcast at 11 am on Sunday.

We ask our listeners to be patient as radio station staff is using new technology and sometimes may experience some technical issues that can affect sound quality and

possible data loss resulting in the programme being shorter than expected.

The MCC apologises for any inconvenience or disappointment experienced by listeners for any such issues which are beyond our control. We are working closely with 2GLF staff to improve the broadcasts each week.

We could have easily stopped the radio programme like some other ethnic groups have done but the MCC Radio team is dedicated to producing the best programme as possible for the benefit of our listeners, keeping them informed and entertained.

Our work in the community is on-going; the Executive Committee meets via Zoom meetings when necessary and keeps in touch by phone and email. Contact with State and Federal Ministries is also maintained by similar non-contact means.

Our welfare officer, Marisa Previtera, is still actively responding to requests for assistance and also maintaining contact with the various seniors' groups and the Maltese Community in general, via various means including Facebook.

A new Facebook page, “Keeping Connected for Maltese Seniors”, was set up specifically for the purpose of providing and sharing important Government updates

on COVID19 as well as providing uplifting and interesting articles for the muchneeded mental wellbeing of the community.

As for, myself, I spend quite a lot of time contacting some of the elderly members of the community who live at home, by themselves or in aged-care centres.

In these circumstances, we need to be patient and less complacent about our health risks. We should also remember and respect those behind the scenes and in essential services that are working so hard to help us through as safely as possible.

Should anybody wish to contact me by phone, call: 0409744376 or through an email: mcconsw@gmail.com

Emanuel Camilleri (President MCC NSW)

My office will continue to be available through email and phone: E julie.owens.mp@aph.gov.au P (02) 9689 1455 Authorised by Julie Owens MP, Australian Labor Party, 1/25 Smith Street, Parramatta. Printed by Jeffries Printing. 5/71a Milperra Rd., Reversby.

Have your say/Xi trid tghid?

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Tuesday May 19, 2020

Your letters/ L-ittri tagħkom ...

Speaking from experience ...

The Voice of the Maltese for fortnightly magazine fortnightly tnightly magazine

is is a bi-lingual (in English and Maltese) fortnightly magazine that specifically targets all Maltese living abroad with emphasis on the Australian and Maltese scenes. e magazine can also be read in flipbook format online. A pdf copy is also sent via email on request.

If you require a printed copy we can also oblige.

Editors: Malta: Joseph Cutajar Australia: Lawrence Dimech: MOM, OAM, JP email address: maltesevoice@gmail.com Letters for publication in The Voice magazine, either in Maltese or English should include name, e-mail address and residence of the writer, and be emailed to: maltesevoice@gmail.com.

Now you can also join us on facebook: https://www.facebook. com/groups/thevoiceofthemaltese

COVID-19 pandemic is worse than WWII for the Maltese

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Doris Cannataci from Sliema, Malta writes: do not fully agree with Ron Borg's article "Others have also endured" on page 9 of the May 5 issue of The Voice. Ron might have read or heard about life in Malta during WWII. I lived through it from beginning to end and can speak from experience.

In several respects, this pandemic is worse than WWII for us Maltese.

During WWII in Malta schools remained open, educational courses remained open, during the air raids when we were in the underground shelters we used to find sol-

ace in each other; praying together united us and gave and gave us courage.

After each air raid as soon as the sirens announced the "Air Raid passed" we were all back in the streets, went to the shops, and life carried on. Now the streets are deserted.

During WWII we were afraid of our enemy and not of our friends and members of our family who are afraid to visit because they can be carriers of the virus.

Churches were never closed and were the places where most of the Maltese found their energy and courage, as a result, the strong Faith and prayers of the besieged.

In my opinion, could COVID-19 be a WAKE-UP CALL from above?

No humanity in a disunited EU Lost in translation Claire Khan, from Mandurah,WA writes:

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o wonder the European Union is losing its feathers and popularity. It will keep on doing so if it continues to treat its member states differently and fails to give due respect to each and every nation the same.

We keep reading about the EU’s failure to alleviate the burdens of illegal or irregular immigrants on Italy and Malta, the two ports closest to Libya from where thousands of immigrants are off-loaded by contrabands promising them heaven.

After leaving Libya these immigrants are left on their own to fight for their lives in open seas with the hope of reaching Europe, but only arrive in Malta or Italy. No other EU country is willing to help them out. Where is humanity and camaraderie?

Dr Hugh McDermott MP State Member for Prospect For issues concerning:

Ageing and disability - community services -education - environment - health - housing - planning - Police - transport - water

P: (02) 9756 4766 E: prospect@parliament.nsw.gov.au

2/679 The Horsley Dr, Smithfield NSW 2164

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Maria Cassar from Plumpton, NSW writes:

hank you for your wonderful magazine that keeps us connected wherever we are in this big wide world, always very interesting and informative. I would like to comment in reference to the Maltese translation of directives from the Australian authorities in regards to COVID-19.

Amongst the multitude of new words created in the terminology of health and science as in other areas, it is apparently becoming harder and harder for translators to keep up with finding the right word that fits the context without having to borrow words from the source language and modifying them into Maltese, using words that are ambiguous.

Translating literally word-for-word makes any article look like a machine translation, not thought out to keep the natural flow of the language. The use of unfamiliar words in an attempt to translate some of the terms makes it better off to leave the word in English since that is what the reader is accustomed to listening to in Australia.

For Maltese readers, this could make the whole article somewhat confusing.

In reality, one would think that these phenomena would impact many other languages with the introduction of new terminology making harder for all translators of languages other than English.

The Voice of the Maltese 9

Il-Festa ta’ San Ġwann l-Għammiedi

Tuesday May 19, 2020

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adwar xahar ieħor, eżattament fl-24 ta’ Ġunju suppost tiġi mfakkra lfesta ta’ San Ġwann (San Ġwann l-Għammiedi), imma ta’ min jgħid, li daż-żmien din il-festa qajla sirna nagħtu kasha, mhux bħal fl-antik. Ta’ min jgħdi li rraġuni m’għandha x’taqsam xejn mal-imxijja tal-COVD-19 li minħabba fiha l-festi bħalissa

PeterPaulCiantar

mhumiex jiġu ċċelebrati.

Fl-antik din il-festa kienet popolari ħafna, u sa anke kienet jmur fil-Misraħ tal-Palazz biex iqabbad il-ħuġġieġa, magħjum ta’ btala. Iżda minħabba l-għadd kbir ta’ btajjel li kien mula mill-krietel mimlija tiben, ħatab u żift. hawn f’Malta, kemm nazzjonali jew tal-Knisja, wara l-gwL-istess studjużi jgħidu wkoll li għall-bidu kien ikun hemm erra din il-festa bdiet issir biss ħames krietel, imma fl-ewwel Ħadd fuq l-24 ta’ mbagħad saru tmienja ... Ġunju, u fil-fatt hu dakinwieħed għal kull Lingwa har li fir-raħal sabiħ taxtal-Ordni.

Xewkija f’Għawdex issir Meta l-Gran Mastru ikebil-festa tar-raħal. bes in-nar, il-Maltin imferSan Ġwann mhux biss ilrxa f’bosta rħula kienu patrun ta’ dan ir-raħal jkebbsu l-ħġejjeġ tagħhom. imma wkoll tal-Kavallieri Din id-drawwa tal-ħuġli wkoll ħadu ismu, ta’ San ġieġa illum spiċcat għalĠwann. Għal dan il-qadkemm jista’ jkun li f’xi dis inbena u ġie dedikat ilkampanja Maltija tista’ Kon-Katidral tal-belt katilmah lil xi ħadd jagħpitali Maltija, Valletta li ġie milha biex iżomm din idmibni fi żmien il-Kavaldrawwa antika. lieri. Ġieli kien hemm xi snin Ċensu tal-Erwieħ idoqq il-flejguta Jingħad li dari f’dan illi d-Dipartiment tal-Kuljum dedikat lil SanĠwann tura pprova jqajjem millil-qassis kien iqaddes tliet quddisiet. Barra minhekk, sa ġdid id-drawwa tal-ħġejjeġ u kien sa anke organizza minn lejlet sa sbieħ l-24, jum il-festa, kien isir ħafna talb. Hu programm sabiħ fil-Barrakka ta’ Fuq li naturalment kien jingħalhekk li nistgħu ngħidu li l-festa ta’ San Ġwann kienet kludi wkoll l-għana. Il-lejla kienet tibda wara li titqabbad ilwaħda mill-ewlenin ta’ dawn il-gżejjer li ddaħlet fostna bis- ħuġġieġa fil-pjazza fejn illum hemm il-bini tal-Parlament saħħa tal-Kavallieri.

Malti.

Illum il-ġurnata tara diversi xogħlijiet ta’ pittura, l-aktar Ma’ din il-festa ta’ San Ġwann kien hemm marbuta wkoll b’kuluri tal-ilma, jagħtu stampa tal-purċissjoni ta’ San għadd ta’ drawwiet ta’ twemmin fiergħa, fosthom idĠwann għaddejja minn quddiem il-Kon-Katidral ta’ San drawwa, fost ix-xebbiet Maltin, li lejlet jew nhar il-festa Ġwann bid-driegħ tal-qaddis, u n- nies fil-ġenb għarkuppte- kienu jaraw isibux xortihom billi jħollu ftit ċomb fuq in-nar jhom b’sinjal ta’ qima. Il-purċissjoni wkoll taf il-bidu tagħha u waqt li jitfgħuh maħlul ġo lenbija mimlija bl-ilma, kienu fi żmien l-Ordni. Il-purċissjoni kienet l-aqwa tal-festa u għal- jitolbu.”San Ġwann tini xortija”. iha kienu jattendu ħafna nies.

Jekk iċ-ċomb jiġi jleqq ix-xorti tkun tajba billi għall-ġejjieni F’wieħed mill-isbaħ sunetti tiegħu - Nhar San Ġwann - il- t-tfajliet isibu raġel bil-għaqal, twajjeb, tal-ġabra u jittamaw Poeta Nazzjonali Monsinjur Dun Karm Psaila, ħallielna li miegħu jgħixu ħajja hienja. Jekk iċ-ċomb jiswied, jistgħu dehra mistħajla imma ħajja ta’ din il-purċissjoni. jgħidu li mhumiex se jsibu xorti mar-raġel ġejjieni tagħhom.

F’xi toroq tal-belt, fi tmiem din il-purċissjoni li kienet toħroġ Mal-festa ta’ San Ġwann hemm marbut ukoll it-temp sabiħ, u tidħol il-Kon-Katidral ta’ San Ġwann, kienu jsiru t-tiġrijiet billi f’dan iż-żmien ikun diġà beda s-sajf, għalhekk ħafna tal-bhejjem. Wara mbagħad, in-nies kienet terħilha lejn il- jkunu bdew iħossu s-sħana u għaldaqstant jilbsu lbiesi tħBarrakka t’Isfel jew inkella lejn dik ta’ Fuq u hemm toqgħod fief. Fil-fatt l-antiki tagħna kienu jgħidu, “Qabel il-ħġejjeġ la tixxala fl-ikel, ix-xorb u l-għana. tbiddilx ħwejjeġ”.

Marbuta wkoll ma’ din il-festa ta’ San Ġwann hemm “ilInsibu wkoll il-bajtar ta’ San Ġwann. Jekk il-frotta tkun daqsxħġejjeġ ta’ San Ġwann”, li l-Kavallieri wkoll rabtu ma’ din ejn misjura, hi l-itjeb frotta sajfija (għall-inqas fil-fehma tiegħi); il-festa. Madwar il-ħġejjeġ, kemm il-Kavallieri kif ukoll il- iżda ħej, jidher li din il-frotta wkoll qed tnin naqra naqra.

Maltin kienu jagħmlu għors sħiħ. Dawn kienu jsiru lejlet ilMarbuta wkoll mal-festa ta’ San Ġwann hemm festa oħra festa ta’ San Ġwann fil-pjazez ta’ diversi bliet u rħula Maltin. ferm popolari mal-Maltin l-Imnarja fid-29 ta’ Ġunju. Fil-fatt, Uħud mill-ħġejjeġ kien ikunu tant kbar li kienu jibqgħu il-festa ta’ San Ġwann tintroduċi l-festa tal-Imnarja. jħeġġu sa sbieħ l-għada (jum il-festa) minħabba li hekk kif Fir-Rabat Malta, ta’ kull sena nhar il-festa ta’ San Ġwann kienu jarawha qed tnaqqas, dawk li jkunu madwar il- għadu jinqara l-bandu, l-aħbar li se issir il-festa tal-Imnarja. ħuġġieġa kienu dejjem iżidulha l-ħatab.

Dan l-ewwel ma jinqara fil-Bieb tal-Imdina. Wara, xi rġiel, Kważi tasal anke tistqsi llum, min jaf x’kienu jitfgħu f’din wieħed bil-bandiera, ieħor bil-katuba u ieħor bil-flawt, iduru il-ħuġġieġa? Min jaf kemm tefgħu għamara ta’ preġju u ma’ xi toroq fir-Rabat u l-Imdina jħabbru permezz tal-Bandu ħwejjeġ oħra? Min jaf kemm intilfu teżori? Min jaf? Li nafu li l-festa tal-Imnarja se ssir. Illum dan isir minn xi grupp ta’ fiż-żgur hu li ma’ dawn il-ħġejjeġ, in-nies kienu jduru żgħażagħ tal-Iscouts. magħhom u xi wieħed ma jaħsibha xejn, kien jaqbeż minn Rabti magħruf, ċertu Ċensu tal-Erwieħ (Ċensinu Muscat), naħa għall-oħra ta’ dawk in-nirien qawwija. fl-imgħoddi kien marbut sewwa mad-daqq tal-flejguta Studjużi tal-folklor jgħidu li filgħaxija (lejlet il-festa), wara (speċi ta’ flawt), u ta’ kull sena nhar San Ġwann filgħaxija d-daqq tal-Ave Marija, il-Gran Mastru kien joħroġ mill- ma’ nżul ix-xemx, bil-flejguta, akkumpanjat mit-tnabar jieħu Palazz tiegħu flimkien mal-Gran Prijur, l-Isqof u oħrajn, u sehem fit-tħabbira tal-Imnarja.

10 The Voice of the Maltese

Perspettiva F X'għandkom x'titilfu?

tit wara li kien elett President tal-Istati Uniti Donald Trump, kont iddeċidejt li nieqaf nikteb dwaru u dwar l-affarijiet tat-tbelliħ li jgħid jew jikteb.

Ikolli nqerr magħkom mill-ewwel id-diffikultà tiegħi li noffri ġudizzju bilanċjat dwar dan il-bniedem partikulari, xi ħaġa li ssoltu nżommha quddiem nett meta nkun qed nikteb din il-kolonna.

Dan għaliex inħoss diżgust kbir kull darba li nisma' jew naqra blaħħar ċuċata li jkun fettillu jħabbar lid-dinja, li diżgrazzjatament ġieli jkun hemm iktar minn waħda kuljum.

X'ħin niftakar fil-gideb sfaċċjat li jagħmel anke dwar affarijiet trivjali, jitkellem kif ifettillu dak il-ħin anke meta s-suġġett ikun ta' importanza kbira, in-nepotiżmu tiegħu, il-fatt li qed juża l-pożizzjoni tiegħu biex iħaxxen but l-organizzazzjonijiet kummerċjali tiegħu, l-attakki tiegħu fuq l-istituzzjonijiet ta' pajjiżu, l-organizzazzonijiet globali ta' kooperazzjoni u wkoll allejati ta' pajjiżu, l-attitudni ta' 'jien l-ewwel u alabiebi minn ħaddieħor', ngħidilkom li jqabbadni l-bard.

Dan l-aħħar xi ħadd qalli, b'konvinzjoni ta' min kellu rivelazzjoni divina, li Trump, bid-difetti kollha tiegħu, huwa l-mibgħut ta' Alla biex jerġa' jqarrbU mal-Amerikani.

Din mhix l-ewwel darba li kont smajtha, ġeneralment mingħand Insara konservattivi, li hemm ħafna minnhom f'dak il-pajjiż, li Trump kellu suċċess mhux ħażin li jonsobhom billi ra x'għamel biex jaħtar żewġ imħallfin konservattivi fil-Qorti Suprema Amerikana li issa meqjusa li xxaqleb lejn il-konservattivi.

Jekk xi darba nikkonkludi li Trump verament huwa l-mibgħut ta' Alla, nista' nwiegħdkom minn issa li niċħad il-Kristjaneżmu, ninjora l-ateiżmu u nissieħeb mas-Satanisti.

Is-suġġett li ġiegħlni nitkellem tant fit-tul dwar Trump, issa qabel dik il-ġurnata tant mistennija din is-sena jew erba' snin oħra fejn id-dinja kollha tkun ħelset minn kankru kbir daqs l-istatwa tal-Libertà, hija s-sitwazzjoni tal-koronavirus tal-Istati Uniti.

L-istorja tibda biċ-Ċentru għall-Kontroll u l-Prevenzjoni tal-Mard (CDC - Centre for Disease Control and Prevention), li s-soltu tkun fuq quddiem nett fil-ġlieda globali kontra xi pandemija, bħal ma kienet fil-każ tal-Ebola, li l-amministrazzjoni ta' Trump għamlet minn kollox biex tnaqqsilha l-fondi u tagħmlilha l-bsaten fir-roti, inkluż li tfixklilha x-xogħol li kienet qiegħda tagħmel fiċ-Ċina.1 Imbagħad tkompli meta bdew iseħħu l-ewwel infezzjonijiet f'Jannar, u sas-27 ta' Frar kien hemm 15 il-każ. Dakinhar, Trump stqarr li r-riskju għall-poplu Amerikan kien 'baxx ħafna' u ftaħar li 'jiġri x'jiġri aħna kompletament ippreparati.'2 Qabblu dan il-ftaħir pwerili mal-aħħar statistika mis-CDC dwar każijiet tal-koronavirus, b'1.3 miljun każ u ftit inqas minn 81 elf mewt fit-12 ta' Mejju 2020, u bħalissa rata ta' 18,000 infezzjoni kuljum u 1000 mewt kuljum.3 Ftit ilu, kien hemm rapporti li l-Istati Uniti kienet qed tfittex li tieħu monopolju fuq l-iżvilupp ta' vaċċin għall-koronavirus, li kien qed jiġi żviluppat fil-Ġermanja mill-kumpannija CureVac. Din kienet mossa li kienet mall-ewwel irreżistita mill-amministrazzjoni Ġermaniża.4 Imma tistgħu timmaġinaw li jiġi żviluppat vaċċin għal din il-marda qerrieda imma jispiċċa f'monopolju ta' pajjiż wieħed għax għandu ħafna flus, minflok tibbenefika minnu l-umanità madwar id-dinja?

Tagħti tifsira ġdida għas-slowgan 'l-Amerika l-ewwel'.

Tuesday May 19, 2020

A version of this series in kitba ta’ English may be found in IVAN the author's blog at: CAUCHI https://ivancauchi. blogspot.com

L-uffiċjali tas-saħħa Amerikani ġieli ħeġġew li ċ-ċittadini jieħdu l-prekawzjonijiet, mid-dehra din tapplika għal kulħadd, imma mhux għal Trump.

F'dawn il-jiem, il-White House ħarġet regola li kull min jaħdem hemm irid jilbes maskra, imma mhux Trump.5 Ġurnata oħra, Trump dar fabbrika tal-maskri f'Ariżona, imma hu, u oħrajn madwaru, ma libsux waħda.6 Waqt dik il-mawra fil-fabbrika tal-maskri, instemgħet id-diska tal-Guns and Roses 'Live and Let Die' (Għixu u Ħallu 'l Min Imut).

Dan it-titlu jidhirli li deskrizzjoni qrib ħafna tal-likk tal-President u l-amministrazzjoni tiegħu, li issa qiegħed iħeġġeġ lill-istati biex jibdew ineħħu r-restrizzjonijiet li bħalhom saru f'ħafna pajjiżi madwar id-dinja biex jippruvaw irażżnu l-avvanz tal-virus.

Dr Anthony Fauci, l-iprem espert fuq il-mard infettiv ta' pajjiżu, fit-12 ta' Mejju wissa li jkun hemm konsegwenzi serji jekk l-Istati Uniti terġa’ tiftaħ l-ekonomija tagħha malajr wisq.7 Madankollu, l-amministrazzjoni ta' Trump l-ewwel ħabbret li l-kumitat li kien qiegħed jikkoordina l-ġlieda kontra l-virus kien se jagħlaq, u l-għada qal li se jkompli imma jikkonċentra fuq is-sigurtà u l-ftuħ mill-ġdid tal-pajjiż, minkejja li kkonċeda li se jkun hemm nies li jkunu affettwati ħażin, metafora għal li jispiċċaw imutu.8 Ftit ilu, studju Amerikan sab li l-imwiet Amerikani mill-virus huma predominantement suwed, riżultat tal-inugwaljanzi fis-soċjetà Amerikana, li jwasslu għal vulnerabbiltà ikbar tagħhom fuq ħafna livelli minn ħaddieħor. Min jaf, forsi Trump ikkalkula li jekk imutu ħafna nies suwed, dawn kienu aktarx jivvutaw lid-Demokratiċi, u allura jiġi vvantaġġjat fl-elezzjonijiet presidenzjali ta' Novembru.

Forsi, wara kollox, veru li Trump ikollu l-effett li jqarreb 'l Alla mal-Amerikani, billi jibgħat lil tal-aħħar bikrin għand il-Ħallieq!

Ftit qabel l-elezzjoni tal-2016, Trump staqsa retorikament lillAfrikani-Amerikani ta' pajjiżu, f'attentat biex jikkunsidraw jivvutawlu, “X'għandkom x'titilfu?”9 Meta s-sistema ekonomika ma tkunx qed tgħin lill-bniedem, dan huwa argument b'saħħtu, u min ikun qed jegħreq, aktarx jiggranfa ma’ kull wiegħda li ttih ftit tama, implawsibbli jew improbabbli daqs kemm tista' tkun.

Illum, forsi l-Amerikani jistgħu inwieġbu għal din il-mistoqsija. “Ħajjitna!.

Referenzi 1. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/mar/24/trump-cuts-undermine-coronavirus-containment-cdc-watchdog-report, retrieved 13/5/2020 2. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-02-26/trump-seeks-toease-virus-concerns-as-lawmakers-fault-response, retrieved 13/5/2020 3. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-updates/cases-inus.html, retrieved 13/5/2020 4. https://www.smh.com.au/world/europe/trump-tries-to-lure-vaccinemaker-to-us-from-germany-20200316-p54aby.html, retrieved 13/5/2020 5.https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/white-house-implementsstringent-mask-policy--but-not-for-trump/2020/05/11/6fe9ccbc-93a211ea-82b4-c8db161ff6e5_story.html, retrieved 13/5/2020 6. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/may/06/trump-live-andlet-die-mask-factory-video, retrieved 13/5/2020 7. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/fauci-serious-consequences-unitedstates-reopening-warning/, retrieved 13/5/2020 8. https://www.ecowatch.com/trump-coronavirus-task-force-2645931668.html? rebelltitem=3#rebelltitem3, retrieved 13/5/2020 9. https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2016-election/trump-african-american-voters-what-do-you-have-lose-n634816,retrieved 13/5/2020.

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Tuesday May 19, 2020

by LUCYCALLEJA Economists warn us about the debt burden for years to come, as a result of dealing with this pandemic. Let not the health and education of today’s children and youth become the collateral damage, as subsequent administrations “tighten the belt” in the pursuit of balancing the books.

The greatest tragedy of war

The Voice of the Maltese 11

A

s the world grapples with the pandemic of COVID-19, nations’ leaders refer to it as the silent killer. Elderly and frail residents of aged care facilities or those in their homes have died here, in Australia, and in other parts of the world. Quite frequently overseas they were not included in the numbers of victims.

More pertinently, children have been, in large numbers, taught remotely for the first time in living memory. What’s more, this looks nothing like the more conventional School of the Air for children on remote properties.

School personnel, worried parents and students alike wonder when life will get back to normal. At this time, and indeed quite frequently, we should all spare a thought for all the children and young people the world over who have, for generations, missed out on the life opportunities that education and training can bring.

Fleeing civil wars or tribal conflicts, or living through more conventional wars and the childhood trauma that accompanies such experiences, hardly make for an optimal time of learning throughout childhood and youth.

Over the years, in my travel, I have witnessed what can be achieved in communities when there’s peace and tranquillity. Maasai children in Kenya and Tanzania may not have pen and paper in their environment; at least, not until they attend formal school locally. Yet, from the age of about three, they’re becoming numerate and literate, frequently in three languages: their tribal language, then the wider spoken Swahili and the lingua franca that is English.

All this is achieved using sticks to write on sand, under the guidance of their elders.

We have witnessed on TV documentaries on war or any civil unrest and the destruction that they bring. Families are torn apart; buildings, including major infrastructure such as schools, hospitals and residential blocks bombed to the ground.

Children who are orphaned in war, or brought up in refugee camps lacking essential food and sanitation, miss out on crucial development.

They are impacted for life, no matter how much we speak about childhood resilience.

Families who lost conscripted young men in the Vietnam War would have been spared the gory details of how they were killed. The resistance movement had set booby traps that minced bodies of some advancing soldiers.

Those who returned, besides the trauma that frequently follows engagement, have had their progeny born with various defects, if they were exposed to the defoliant Agent Orange. The occurrence of is significantly higher than in the general community.

In the Support Unit where I taught for many years, the odd Australian child born of perfectly healthy Vietnamese parents had quite pronounced disabilities. Some families, in fact, had every offspring being born with various impairments.

In the ever-growing field of epigenetics, one particular meta-analysis study concluded, “Parental exposure to Agent Orange appears to be associated with an increased risk of birth defects” (Ngo et al, 2006).

Considering the fact that the Vietnam War was a major Western debacle – Vietnam is now, and has been since, one nation republic – tragic results are facts now faced by many families of veterans and Vietnamese exposed to the defoliant during that war. For those children, life prospects for education, training and work life are sadly very limited, if not altogether non-existent.

At this time, as we go about our limited life as a result of the pandemic, let us hope and pray that world leaders strive for global harmony in the first place.

At national level, let’s use our democratic right to elect our representatives who are more inclined to ensure equity and opportunities for all children. The postcode, the family background or any other external characteristics should not dictate the opportunities for all children and young people wherever they live.

Economists warn us about the debt burden for years to come, as a result of dealing with this pandemic. Let not the health and education of today’s children and youth become the collateral damage, as subsequent administrations “tighten the belt” in the pursuit of balancing the books.

Childhood and youth come only once in any one’s lifetime. Let us all be part of contributing, through the policies of our representatives, towards the optimum opportunities for every child and young person.

12 The Voice of the Maltese

Tuesday May 19, 2020

Roundup of News About Malta

Malta fulfilling all its obligations, saving lives

W

hen it comes to saving the lives of those stranded out at sea, Malta is fulfilling its obligations according to the Search & Rescue convention, Prime Minister Robert Abela (right) told Commissioner for Human Rights at the Council of Europe, Dunja Mijatovic.

In reply to a letter by Mijatovic in which she called on Malta to give priority to humanitarian conditions and demonstrate that it was saving the lives of those who were stranded out at sea and that it was guaranteeing a safe port, Abela stated that the position Malta has taken is according to the principles agreed upon so that humanitarian aid is given as quickly as possible.

Mijatovic had urged Malta to fulfil its obligations and save lives, ensure safe disembarkation and investigate allegations of delays or lack of help in cases of difficulty.

At the same time she said that she also recognised the challenge Malta is facing during this pandemic and assured that she would continue with her work so that the Council of Europe and its member states would show more solidarity with member states such as Malta which are facing the challenge of immigration.

The Prime Minister pointed out that over the last few months, despite the fact that it is facing unprecedented migratory pressure as a result of increasing numbers of boats crossing from North Africa to Europe, Malta, which is one of the smallest Member States of the Council of Europe and at the forefront of the immigration crisis, has always, and shall continue, to respond effectively and urgently to any situation of distress at sea, it becomes aware of.

He said Malta has consistently abided by this commitment and by other international obligations, and would continue to do so.

Dr Abela said that the number of arrivals to Malta last year exceeded 3,400, and as of May 6 of this year has already reached 1,201, which is a fourfold increase compared with the 301 arrivals in the same period in 2019.

The Prime Minister explained that taking these numbers into perspective, on a per capita basis, the figure for 2019 translates into 486,000 arrivals in Italy, 527,000 in France, 646,000 in Germany, 370,000 in Spain and to 4 million across the EU's member states.

Dr Abela said, “In the present circumstances, where Malta has declared a state of public health emergency and closed its ports and airport to passenger traffic, we have a

duty and obligation to protect the health of all persons living in Malta, including that of migrants who reached Malta by boat in the last few years. We must take measures to ensure that we do not import nor facilitate the spread of COVID-19 cases.”

He said that all this, and in light of the Coronavirus pandemic, the situation in Malta is far from easy. However, even in these difficult circumstances, the government has ensured and would continue to ensure that the authorities carry out their obligations of coordination in the country’s SAR area.

He went on to say that Malta is simply not in a 'de facto' position, at present, to ensure a 'safe place' on Maltese territory to any persons rescued at sea, a position that has even been acknowledged by the European Court of Human Rights.

Dr Abela appealed for solidarity with Malta and for other countries members of the Council of Europe to share the burden of immigration. He said that everyone’s participation is crucial to stop traffickers from carrying out illegal operations that endanger people’s lives.

Malta’ economic support package

Largest worldwide

M

alta’s economic support measures during the COVID-19 pandemic to protect businesses and selfemployed whilst safeguarding jobs, is being regarded as the largest worldwide in terms of % of its GDP. The Minister support measures amounted to 22% of the country’s GDP Silvio Schembri The economic report just published by the Columbia University of New York said Malta’s support measures even top big players such as Japan, Luxembourg, Belgium, and the USA amongst others. It said Malta has the highest economic support package worldwide in terms of % of its GDP. At a recent economic update, the Minister for the Economy, Investment and Small Businesses, Silvio Schembri said that Malta was amongst the first countries in the world that issued disbursements to protect businesses and self-employed whilst safeguarding jobs.

He added that Columbia University’s report reflects Malta’s economic strength in dealing with such adversities by virtue of the solid foundations built during the past seven years.

The latest report complements recent ones by financial institutions and agencies saying Malta should overcome the economic impact brought about by the pandemic.

“As a Government, we shall continue at this pace to ensure that economic activity gets back on its feet,” Minister Schembri said.

‘Malta with third lowest negative growth rate in the euro area’, EC at 5.9% this year, but will be exhe European Commission pected to fall to 4.4% in the next.

(EC) forecasts that after conT The inflation rate is expected to tracting by 5.8 per cent this year,

the Maltese economy should grow by 6.0% in 2021.

The 2020 Spring Economic Forecast was greatly welcomed by the Ministry for Finance and Financial Services as it corroborated the Government’s own macroeconomic forecasts in expecting economic growth to recover lost ground.

Furthermore, Malta’s negative growth rate this year is expected to be third lowest in the Euro Area.

Cushioning the crisis’ impact on consumption is the dynamic performance in the labour market in 2019, where unemployment was at a record low and its growth was amongst the highest, together with the households’ high saving rate.

Malta is also forecast to record the third lowest unemployment rate in the Euro Area

fall below 1% in 2020 and remain close to 1% next year.

The general Government balance is expected to recover strongly in 2021 while the Government debtto-GDP ratio is forecast to remain below the 60% debt-to-GDP EU threshold and close to 50%.

On external trade, the Spring Economic Forecast expects the current account surplus, which peaked in 2017, to gradually narrow over the forecast horizon, but to remain high.

In his reaction, Finance and Financial Services Minister Edward Scicluna (pictured) said he was pleased to note that EC’s forecast. He added that Malta has provided a number of economic shock absorbers that are expected to stand up well during this crises, help the economy to recover quickly and to return to strong growth next year.

The Voice of the Maltese 13

Tuesday May 19, 2020

Roundup of News About Malta

World Tourism Organisation praises Malta’s commitment T he World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) has praised Malta for its commitment to the tourism sector during the COVID-19 pandemic. In a letter to Prime Minister Robert Abela, the organisation singled out Malta for its “incredible work” in what it called “this exceptional crises”.

In his letter, the UNWTO’s secretary general Zurab Pololikashvili said, “We are closely following the incredible work of your government in this exceptional crisis and I wish to personally congratulate you for your commitment and efforts as Prime Min-

PM indicates relaxing of more measures by end of this week

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y the end of this week, a number of establishments that were shut down over two months ago in a bid to contain the COVID-19 pandemic are expected to reopen under new regulations. Prime Minister Robert Abela gave the news during an interview on One News on Sunday.

Two weeks ago Malta relaxed some measures by allowing some nonessential shops to open once again but they had to adhere to a number of safety precautions On Sunday he indicated that on Monday and throughout the week he would be indicating the next steps to be taken, as the economy would start opening up again.

This would be possible as the country has been successful in its fight against COVID19. The Prime Minister said the next step would be to allow restaurants, hairdressers and beauty parlours to reopen by the end of the week, but with some restrictions.

In the past few days, the number of positive cases has gone up slightly as a result of the additional tests that have increased three-fold. He said that new regulations would be put in place to ensure that health standards remain in place.

Due to the new reality that business owners would be facing, certain regulations such as the allowance of tables and chairs on pavements will be temporarily allowed.

Dr Abela said people should go out, but respect social distancing and follow health authorities instructions. He pointed out however, that vulnerable persons should only leave home for essential needs.

Referring to travel, he said the Government was in discussions with other countries, but this did not mean an immediate re-opening of Malta’s airport; rather it called for planning for when the time was ripe to open up again.

A bilateral mechanism has been triggered with nine other countries to start talks on the concept of safe corridors that like Malta have addressed COVID in a good manner for when travel starts.

The countries involved are, Luxembourg, Norway, Serbia, Slovakia, Austria, Czech Republic, Latvia, Lithuania, and Israel.

MHRA President Tony Zahra expressed his satisfaction at the news and said that working hand in hand, the situation would improve, “and we can move further ahead.”

ister in helping the travel and tourism sectors to deal with the coronavirus outbreak and to address its socio-economic impact”.

Pololikashvili went on to say that while travel restrictions and bans are closing down entire countries during the current crisis, resuming activities after the corona lockdowns would require a carefully coordinated response from all, putting safety as the primary objective.

UNWTO said once travel is resumed, one needs make sure it will be safe, seamless and more sustainable. It expects international tourist arrivals to be down by 60% to 80% this year - a decline in international tourism receipts of between US$ 910 billion to US$ 1.2 trillion, (€842 billion to €1.11 trillion), 100 to 120 million direct jobs are at risk and impacts are felt across the whole value chain.

Malta retains top L BTIQ ranking

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alta has managed to retain top ranking among 49 countries across Europe in the human rights situation of LGBTIQ people. The ILGA-Europe index published on the occasion of International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biophobia (IDAHOTB), which was celebrated last Sunday, Malta obtained a total of 89 points.

In its report ILGA-Europe praised Malta’s commitment during 2019 for the progress made in respect of LGBTIQ + families and commends the use of ‘Gender Neutral’ terminology in Maltese law.

This index analyses the human rights situation of LGBTIQ people. In 2013 Malta ranked 18th. But in the last seven years, it made great progress in the field of civil liberties through the introduction of a substantial number of laws, including civil unions, gay adoption and equal marriage; law on gender identity, gender expression and gender characteristics and a law on cohabitation.

Tourism sector investing in human resources

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inister for Tourism and Consumer Protection Julia Farrugia Portelli confirmed during a webinar on the way forward for the tourism sector, that there would indeed be a summer in tourism even if it could be different from previous ones, especially with the lifting of some restrictions in the sector in connection with domestic tourism.

Meanwhile, thanks to an investment of €5 million by the Ministry for Tourism and Consumer Protection, in collaboration with the Malta Tourism Authority, Malta could be the first country to boldly invest in human resources in order for the tourism sector to be prepared for the post-COVID phase.

This investment is offering a top-level training platform to thousands of workers in the sector and is even wholly financing it.

A public call has attracted more than 36 companies, including the University of Malta, ITS and international bodies such as Forbes, UNESCO and a number of international universities and training centres.

The training courses – 300 accredited and around 750 short courses also in languages – provided by world-renowned quality names and local experts in their fields, are to be delivered online. They are offered to 25,000-30,000 individuals and will address a wide range of skills that are required in the tourism industry.

Minister for Tourism and Consumer Protection Julia Farrugia Portelli said that from the initial stages the Ministry intended to safeguard the thousands of jobs in the tourism industry. In fact, 90% of those working in the accommodation and food sector are benefitting from the COVEDwage supplement.

14 The Voice of the Maltese

Tuesday May 19, 2020

Wara 86 sena ċ ġ ż ħ W

ara snin ta’ taħbit mill-antenati tagħna, l-Awtoritajiet Kolonjali, 68 sena ilu għarfu uffiċjalment l-alfabett Malti u allura, dawk li moħħhom ma kienx għadu ffissat fuq l-ilsien Taljan, bdew, fost kollox ipoġġu t-tikka fuq iċ-ċ, il-ġ u ż-ż u jaqtgħu b’sinjal ras l-ħ.

Iżda wara 86 sena, jidher li għadna kif intbaħna, li għal xi raġuni r-Reġistru Pubbliku tagħna kien għadu ma aġġornax ruħu tal-inqas fejn jidħol l-alfabett Malti.

Dan kollu seħħ meta omm marret tirreġistra lil binha tat-twelid l-Insinwa. Meta qaltilhom li biex lil binha jirreġistrawh bħala Ġorġ qalulha li dan ma kienx possibbli. Dan kien minħabba li s-sistema tarReġistru Pubbliku ma kienetx taċċetta l-alfabett Malti.

Allura l-isem kellu jew jitniżżel bl-Ingliż inkella spellut ħażin bil-Malti billi jitniżżel bħala ‘Gorg’ u addio it-tikka ta’ fuq il-ġ li min jaf kemm insistew dwarha l-għalliema

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tagħna meta konna l-iskola.

Din xandret dak li ġralha fuq il-Facebook... u l-istorja spiċċat fil-Parlament meta tqajjmet mid-Deputat Nazzjonalista Ryan Callus li sejjaħ din is-sistema bħala tal-mistħija..

L-Akkademja tal-Malti mmedjatament appellat lis-Segretarju Parlamentari għaċĊittadinanza u Komunitajiet Alex Muscat biex jara li din is-sitwazzjoni tiġi rranġata u sostniet li hi kemm-il darba kienet qajjmet din il-kwestjoni.

Muscat qal li attwalment kien ilu għadd ta’ ġimgħat li talab li din l-anomalija titranġa bl-użu ta’ sistemi ġodda tal-IT. Wiegħed li se jara li t-tibdil jidħol fis-seħħ kemm jista’ jkun malajr.

Imma jidher li l-burokrazija qed tagħmel tagħha, għax din mhix biss kwestjoni li tiġi aġġornata s-sistema tal-IT tar-Reġistru Pubbliku, imma jrid isir xogħol biex is-sistema l-ġdida tkun aċċessibbli u tkun tista’

agħtu daqqa t’għajn ħafifa lejn dak li kulħadd qed jitkellem dwaru, il-koronavirus, u nitretta dan minn żewġ asppetti.

In-negattiv

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ara li għal jum wara l-ieħor konna qed naraw il-figuri ta’ dawk li għadhom maħkuma minn dan il-virus dejjem jonqsu, propju nhar il-Ħamis tħabbar li ttestjaw 14 pożittivi wara li għal jiem sħaħ kien qed ikollna kellna minn tnejn sa tliet każi, u darba telgħu għal sebgħa.

Biex taqgħad kellna wkoll is-sitt vittma - professur tal-qalb, li kellu ħafna kumplkazzjonijiet b’mard ieħor. Dan ta’ daqqa xi ftit jew wisq lill-moral ta’ diversi nies li kienu qed jisperaw li fi żmien qasir inkunu nistgħu nnaqsu mir-restrizzjonijiet li għandna minħabba i-pandemija.

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l-klabb tal-futbol tal-Valletta ġie mmultat wara li xi plejers minn tiegħu nqabdu jitħarrġu fi grupp fil-grawnd ta’ ĦadDingli li jinkera mill-klabb Belti għattaħriġ.

Bħalissa l-faċilitajiet sportivi, ma jistgħux jiftħu minħabba l-pandemija talCOVI-19, u min jikser ir-regolamenti jeħel multa ta’ €3,000.

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ost il-pożittiv hemm żewġ rapporti li dwar-hom tistgħu taqraw fil-paġna 12 u 13.

L-ewwel li skont rapport ekonomiku minn Columbia University fi New York, Malta tinsab l-ewwel fiddinja bl-aqwa skemi ta’ għajnuna għan-negozji u dawk li jaħdmu għal rashom u ġew milquta mill-pandemija.

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tikkomunika b’mod faċli ma’ sistemi oħra li diġà qed jaħdmu fis-settur pubbliku.

Malli sseħħ il-bidla dawk kollha li isimhom mniżżel bil-Malti, imma spellut ħażin, fir-Reġistru Pubbliku jkunu jistgħu jirranġaw isimhom billi sempliċement jagħmlu talba lid-direttur tar-Reġistru Pubbliku, u mingħajr il-ħtieġa li l-applikant jagħmel rikors fil-Qorti.

Iżda li wieħed ma jistax jibdel huwa kif spellut kunjomu. Allura Borg, Farrugia, Zarb eċċ se jibqgħu bla tikka. Ir-raġuni li ngħatat hi li dawn il-kunjomijiet kienu jeżistu qabel ma daħal l-alfabett Malti.

L-Istess Kunsill tal-Malti kkonferma li ma jara xejn ħażin f’dan għax il-kunjom huwa parti mill-istorja tal-familja u allura għandu jinżamm kif inhu. Ħalli li għall-konvenjenza tagħhom kien hemm żmien meta xi ħadd bidel l-ittra X ta Xerri f’Sc għax forsi kienet iddoqq aħjar għal min jiktibha.

U l-koronavirus:

Il-pożittiv

l-fergħa Ewropeja tal-Organizzazzjoni Dinjija tas-Saħħa (WHO) għażlet ritratt meħud minn infermier Malti (fuq) biex tużah bħala parti miċ-ċelebrazzjonijiet tagħha biex tfakkar il-Jum Internazzjonali però r-ritratt se jkun qed jintuża wkoll għall-Jum l-Infermiera li kull sena jiġi mfakkar fit-12 ta’ Mejju.

L-infermier li ħa r-riMalta ġiet segwita mill- Ġap- tratt kien ammetta li filpun, il-Lussemburgu, il-Bel- ħin li ttieħed, li l-emozġju u l-Istat Uniti. zjonijiet kienu għoljin, lIr-rapport l-ieħor huwa aktar minħabba li dakindwar it-turiżmu wara li - har l-għadd ta’ każijiet Għaqda Dinjija l-UNWTO ġodda f’Malta u Għawfaħħret l-inċentivi tal-Gvern dex kien qed jiżdied Malti għall-għajnuna lil kuljum. dawk in-negozji fi-qasam li Ir-ritratt kien sar ferm l-aktar qed jintlaqat ħażin popolari lura f’April li mill-pandemija Covid-19. għadda wara li ħareġ fis-

sit tat-Times of Malta. Mijiet ta’ nies imbagħad bdew jużaw ir-ritratt biex juru l-apprezzament tagħhom u jirringrazzjaw lill-frontliners għax-xogħol iebes tagħhom waqt li l-pajjiż qed jiġġieled l-imxija talCOVID-19. a’ min isemmi wkoll zewġ rapporti li dwarhom tistgħu taqraw fil-paġna 12 u 13. L-ewwel li skont rapport ekonomiku minn Columbia University fi New York, pajjiżna jinsab l-ewwel fid-dinja bl-aqwa skemi ta’ għajnuna għan-negozji u self employed li ġew milquta mill-pandemija.

Malta ġiet segwita mill- Ġappun, ilLussemburgu, il-Belġju u l-Istat Uniti. r-rapport l-ieħor huwa dwar it-turiżmu wara li -Għaqda Dinjija l-UNWTO faħħret l-inċentivi tal-Gvern Malti għallgħajnuna lil dawk in-negozji fi-qasam li laktar qed jintlaqat ħażin mill-pandemija Covid-19.

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The Voice of the Maltese 15

Tuesday May 19, 2020

Skema ta’ għajnuna lil kumpaniji ġodda

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L-Isqof Cefai ixammar il-kmiem

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-Isqof Għawdxi Giovanni Cefai tas-Soċjetà Missjunarja ta’ San Pawl li qed jieħu ħsieb il-Prelatura Territorjali l-ġdida ta’ Santiago Apóstol de Huancané, fil-Perù xammar il-kmiem biex jgħin fid-distribuzzjoni tal-ikel għal dawk kollha li jgħixu filMuntanji ta’ Huancane u li wkoll intlaqtu ħażin mil-pandemija tal-COVID-19.

Fin-nuqqas ta’ makkinarju, l-Isqof il-ġdid għen jinħatt trakk mimli xkejjer tal-għaġin, ross, żejt u bosta affarijiet oħra essenzjali biex wara, flimkien ma’ sħabu l-membri l-oħra talistess Soċjetà li jinsabu f’din il-Prelatura, ippakkjaw dawn l-oġġetti kollha f’diversi basktijiet u qassmuhom lill-foqra.

iex jiġi żgurat li l-attivitá kummerċjali ma tigix imwarrba fost il-pandemija COVID-19, il-Gvern nieda skema msejjħa Sussidju Industrijali tal-Kera 2020 b'allokazzjoni ta' €2,500,000 li għandha tgħin finanzjarjament lil negozji ġodda u lil dawk li jaħdmu għal rashom ħalli jibdew, jiżviluppaw u jespandu iżjed l-operat tagħhom.

Għal dan il-għan giet varata l-Iskema li bih, min jikkwalifka jibbenefika sa €75,000 f'sussidju tal-kera fuq tliet snin permezz ta' għajnuna li tlaħħaq 50% tal-ispejjeż tal-kiri ta’ spazju industrijali biex iwettqu l-attività kummerċjali ġdida tagħhom, jimplimentaw pjanijiet ta' tkabbir, jimmaniġġjaw żieda flordnijiet u jimplimentaw innovazzjonijiet biex tiżdied l-effiċjenza.

Dawk eliġibbli għal din l-iskema iridu jkunu involuti f’dawn l-attivitajiet operazzjonali, manifattura, tiswija ta' makkinarju u tagħmir, manutenzjoni u tiswijiet ta' vetturi bil-mutur u attivitajiet industrijali oħra.

Is-sussidju tal-kera se jservi ta' opportunità biex inaqqas il-piż minn fuq l-komunità tan-negozju fir-rigward tal-kiri tal-bini.

My office will continue to be available through email and phone: E julie.owens.mp@aph.gov.au P (02) 9689 1455 Authorised by Julie Owens MP, Australian Labor Party, 1/25 Smith Street, Parramatta. Printed by Jeffries Printing. 5/71a Milperra Rd., Reversby.

16 The Voice of the Maltese

Tuesday May 19, 2020

Australia’s economy hit very hard

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he Treasury has estimated Australia's economy will shrink by between 10 and 12 per cent by June, equivalent to $50 billion.

A harsher lockdown, akin to the eight-week closures seen across Europe, could wipe $120 billion from GDP. The Treasurer Josh Frydenberg confirmed this when he delivered a sobering Treasurer Josh Frydenberg economic update in Parliament. He was forced to stop due to a coughing fit. He later tested negative for Covid-19.

He outlined the boost to jobs and GDP expected during the three-stage relaxing of restrictions between now and July. Once the third stage is reached, the economy should be $9.4 billion a month better off and 850,000 Australians should be back in

Cardinal Pell "surprised" by findings he Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse findT ings related to Cardinal Pell's knowledge of

abuse allegations while a Ballarat priest and Melbourne bishop in the 1970s and 1980s have been released.

The commission rejected Cardinal Pell's evidence that he was deceived and lied to

by Catholic Church officials about Australia's worst paedophile priest, Gerald Ridsdale, and Melbourne parish priest Peter Searson.

Cardinal Pell was one of a number of senior church officials criticised over their handling of abuse complaints or allegations against numerous priests and Christian Brothers in the Melbourne archdiocese and Diocese of Ballarat.

The 1974-1996 Melbourne archbishop Frank Little and the 1971-1997 Ballarat bishop Ronald Mulkearns led the catastrophic failures. Cardinal Pell released a statement on which said he was "surprised by some of the views of the Royal Commission" and they were "not supported by the evidence".

The former Vatican treasurer and Melbourne and Sydney archbishop was released from a Victorian prison on 7 April after the High Court overturned his five abuse convictions.

work.

That includes people who have been stood down and are receiving the JobKeeper wage subsidy, who aren't counted among official unemployment numbers.

Labour force figures show a million more people out of work now than in February. Mr Frydenberg warned any improvements depended on Australians continuing to follow health advice. "Failing to do so could see restrictions re-imposed at a loss of more than $4 billion a week to the economy," he said.

“This is the economic cost we all have to bear if we fail to act.

Every extra week the current restrictions stay in place costs the economy another $4 billion, but Australia is fortunate in not having had to resort to a full lockdown.”

According to Mr Frydenberg, notwithstanding Australia's success to date on the health front, and the unprecedented scale and scope of our economic response, our economic indicators are going to get considerably worse in the period ahead before they get better. But still, he believes there is cause for optimism about the future.

The first case of the coronavirus on Australian soil was recorded on January 25 in a man visiting the State of Victoria from Wuhan, China, “Unleashing the power of dynamic, innovative, and open markets must be central to the recovery, with the private sector leading job creation, not the government," Frydenberg will say.

Australia relies heavily on immigration to survive

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ustralian National University demographer Liz Allen (on right) told SBS News, “We need immigration to survive this next stage of our future. We have an ageing population with more people retiring from the workforce than people entering the workforce”.

She went on to say that what this means is, that there are have fewer people contributing to the tax base, which pays for Australians’ vital services: its roads, infrastructure, its hospitals, and schools – everything. "Our migrant intake will help fill the gaps," Allen said.

Australia's immigration programme has played a key role in nearly three decades of essentially uninterrupted economic growth. Due to border closures around the world, the total number of migrants who will make Australia home this financial year, both temporary and permanent, will be far lower than it has been in a long time.

Nearly 300,000 temporary visa holders have left Australia since the start of the year according programme will now fall well short of the to the federal government, and there are pre- cap of 160,000 places set by the federal govdictions the country will miss out on another ernment, with projections by sharemarket 240,000 would-be migrants by the end of the broker CommSec suggesting that around year.

240,000 fewer people could migrate to AusResearchers say that could cause a "demo- tralia over the next 12 months. graphic ripple effect" to last for some time be- A spokesperson for acting immigration mincause Australia will be relying heavily on ister Alan Tudge said while COVID-19 will migrants to rebuild once the pandemic has clearly have an impact on the 2019-20 propassed. gramme, it was still too early to tell what the Australia's 2019-20 permanent migration final outcome would be.

The Voice of the Maltese 17

Tuesday May 19, 2020

Unease about US pressure on Chuches to reopen the COVID-19 investigation T

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Ms Hua Chunying, China’s Foreign spokeswomen

Warrawong: – holding strong against Covid-19

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arrawong, in the Illawarra, NSW, which is the hub of the Maltese Community in that region, was reported in the local media as having been spared the coronavirus pandemic According to a heat map released by the NSW Health that gives a postcode breakdown on active and recovered cases of COVID-19, the 2502 postcode of Warrawong, has never reported a single case of the pandemic. The other postcode is 2522 – the University of Wollongong.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the heat maps were designed to show people the testing and recovering rates.

“This new way of showing NSW Health data will help communities understand the numbers of people being tested, and encourages more people with symptoms to come forward for testing when they see the impact of COVID-19 is having in their local areas” the Premier said.

The Voice of the Maltese contacted Fr Leonard Testa, whose family has lived in Warrawong all their lives for his comments.

He had no hesitation in declaring that St Francis of Assisi parish has a first-class relic of St Faustina. He said that it was through her intercession that prayers were addressed to God and they were answered.

Key measures of the spread of infectious disease show that, so far, Australia has been largely successful in “flattening the curve”, although experts warn the situation could change quickly.

S President Donald Trump has been increasingly critical of China's management of the outbreak, repeatedly saying that he had seen evidence linking the virus to the Wuhan lab and threatening new trade tariffs against Beijing.

However, the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told reporters “We don't have certainty, and there is significant evidence that this came from the laboratory - those statements can both be true,” The United States is the worst-hit country in the world, with more than 90,000 deaths (at time of publishing).

Beijing has accused the US of trying to divert attention from its domestic handling of the outbreak. “We urge the US to stop... shifting the focus to China,” Ms Hua Chunying, Chinese Foreign spokeswomen said.

“It should handle its domestic affairs properly first. The most important thing now is to control the US' domestic pandemic spread and think of ways to save lives.”

The Australian government and its agencies are understood to be growing increasingly uneasy with President Trump's bold claims about Covid-19 probably having been leaked from Wuhan laboratory.

The Five Eyes Intelligence agencies of Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Uk, and the US are investigating the origin of the virus, but they are concerned that the US with a Presidential election looming may be putting undue emphasis on the theory that the virus originated in a Wuhan laboratory, There is an emerging fear in the intelligence community that the US administration could be repeating mistakes made by George Bush, Tony Blair and John Howard when they pressured the UN weapon inspector to declare that Saddam Hussein possed weapons of mass destruction.

he Church in South Australia has welcomed Premier Steven Marshall’s announcement that churches may reopen for private prayer and that mourners at funeral attendance can be increased, to 20 mourners indoors and 30 people outdoors plus those officiating.

Weddings are now allowed to have ten people plus those officiating, while private baptisms are being allowed to resume with ten people plus those officiating.

Meanwhile, places of worship in New South Wales will be allowed to open for personal prayer for up to ten people, while in Western Australia, they will be open for up to 20 people. In the ACT, places of worship are allowed to open for up to ten people.

As these announcements can be changed from time to time readers are advised to check with their local parishes.

Australian Catholic Bishops Conference

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he Catholic bishops of Australia have elected Brisbane Archbishop Mark Coleridge to a second two-year term as president of the Bishops Conference. Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP of Sydney was reelected Conference vice-president, a role he also took on in May 2018.

Archbishop Coleridge said he and Archbishop Fisher have worked very closely over the past two years and was grateful the bishops backed their ongoing partnership.

Four members of the Permanent Committee of the Bishops Conference were also elected: Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB; Toowoomba Bishop Robert McGuckin; Adelaide Archbishop-Designate Patrick O'Regan; and Maronite Bishop of Australia Antoine-Charbel Tarabay.

Archbishop Peter A. Comensoli of Melbourne and Port Pirie Bishop Greg O'Kelly SJ, elected in May 2019, are continuing members of the Permanent Committee.

Michelle Rowland MP Shadow Minister for Communications Federal Member for Greenway

Level 1. Suite 101C, 130 Main Street, Blacktown PO Box 8525, Blacktown NSW 2148 Michelle.Rowland.MP@ aph.gov.au (02) 9671 4780 www.michellerowland. com.au MRowlandMP

18 The Voice of the Maltese

Tagħrif dwar il-kitba Maltija Kemm tiftakru minn dawn? Ġabra ta' rimi Maltin Antiki Banni bannozzi ġej il-papa ġej Bil-pastizzi tal-ħabtejn Kollox għalik U l-mama ma tieħu xejn Ninni ninni ruħi ninni, Fil-benniena tal-ħarir.

Għandek ommok il-Madonna U missierek il-Bambin.

Meta ommi kellha lili Kemm kienet ferħana bija Kif poġġietni fil-benniena ll-granpun inqala' bija

O'Ġesùxi grazzja tajtni Kont fix-xifer u 'mbuttajtni Kont musmar ġibtni grampun U issa qiegħed kif għandi nkun.

Gallarija ma ġenb l-oħra Kemm hi tajba għan-Namur Hi titfagħli ċ-ċikkulata U jien nilqagħla fil-maktur.

Ajma żaqqi kemm tuġagħni Kilt il-għeneb mhux misjur Iddendelt mal-kannizzata Qisni kelb tal-kaċċatur

Snajja antiki Maltin: Il-landier

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s-sena tal-landier bħal sparixxiet, għalkemm x’aktarx li għadek issib xi waħdiet f’xi irħula li jaħdmu f’xi ħwienet żgħar jew f’xi garaxx.

Fiż-żmien, il-landiera kienu jduru lirħula u l-ibliet Maltin, jintasbu bilqiegħda f’xi rokna u jistennew lin-nies jeħdulhom xi borom, ktieli, stanjati, kzazel, bramel tal-enamel jew taż-żingu, u reċipjenti oħra talmetall biex isewwuhom.

Ta’ min jgħid li fl-antik (għalkemm mhux daqstant) il-Maltin ma kienux jarmu u jibdlu l-borom jew xi reċipjenti tal-landa li kienu jużaw biex jixtru oħrajn minn flokhom, imma kienu jsewwuhom għax forsi ftit kienu jaffordjaw jarmu u jbiddlu.

Biex isewwihom il-landier kienu juża l-istann. Kien isaħħan saldaturi

differenti fuq spiritiera tal-pitrolju li kien iġorr miegħu, u jmiss strippa talistann lewn il-fidda biex idewwibha u kien jew isodd xi toqba, inkella jgħaqqad ma’ xulxin.

Minn xi daqqiet, biex ma jitlifx ħin kien anke juża żewġ saldaturi biex hekk kif jibridlu wieħed ikun jista’ juża l-ieħor. Kien ukoll juża mqassijiet differenti biex jaqta’ ż-żingu jew il-ħadid li jkun se jaħdem bih.

We offer legal services in Melbourne (Lt Collins Street) and Werribee.

Family law is our specialty.

• wills, powers of attorney, • manage deceased estates, and provide • purchase and sell property • purchase and sell businesses.

• divorce, children, property, • child support, intervention orders.

• Maltese Wills, Powers of Attorney • Maltese Property matters.

Marlene Ebejer (speaks Maltese)is an accredited family law specialist Phone: 03 9741 1722 www.ebejerlawyers.com.au) email reception@ebejerlawyers.com.au We get to the point, provide the right advice and get the work done at a reasonable price.

Suġġeriment: Idħlu f’din is-site biex tisimgħu kanzunetta bil-Malti dwar Il-landier minn John Laus: https://www.youtube. youtube.com/watch?v=a9u_cf2MKis, u tkunu tistgħu wkoll titbissmu ftit.

Tuesday May 19, 2020

Xi frażijiet popolari Ingliż/Malti

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’dawn l-aħħar xhur, x’aktarx minħabba li kaġun tal-imxijja tal-pandemija tal-coronavirus xi lezzjonijiet dwar l-ilsien Malti f’xi stati fl-Awstralja, kellhom jew inkella jitnaqqsu, irċevejna għadd ta’suġġerimenti ħalli mhux biss nissoktaw b’xi tagħrif dwar l-ilsien Malti li minn żmien għal żmien nippubblikaw, iżda jekk jista’ nkun anke nżidu.

Jidher biċ-ċar li bħalissa kiber l-għadd ta’ familji bi tfal żgħar, u anke adulti li jinsabu ħerqana li jitgħallmu l-Malti. Fost it-talbiet li rċevejna hemm biex ninkludu xi espressjonijiet popolari bl-Ingliż u nittraduċuhom bil-Malti u li wieħed mhux biss jista’ juża fil-ħajja ta’ kuljum, imma wkoll għal meta, wara li tispiċċa l-pandemija jkunu jistagħu forsi jżura Malta.

Hawn taħt qed ninkludu xi ftit minn dawn lespressjonijet, jew frażijiet li wiħed jista’ juża: Bl-Ingliż Bil-Malti Good morning!

Bonġu / L-għdwa t-tajba Good afternoon! Wara nofs in-nhar it-tajjeb!

Good evening!

Bonswa!

Welcome!

Merħba Hello my friend!

Hawn sieħbi!

How are you?

Kif int?

I'm fine, thank you! Jien tajjeb/tajba grazzi And you?

U int?

Good Tajjeb Not so good Mhux daqshekk tajjeb Long time no see Ilni ma narak I missed you Ħassejt in-nuqas tiegħek What's new?

X'hemm ġdid?

Nothing new Xejn ġdid Thank you (very much)! Grazzi ħafna/ħajr You're welcome! (for "thank you") Ta' xejn My pleasure Pjaċir tiegħi Come in! (enter!) Għaddi!

Make yourself at home! Qisu tiegħek!

Richard Spiteri 0407 202 167 (02) 9659 0900

Castle Hill Seven Hills Windsor and all suburbs

“Let Our Family Help You Through”

–

Ħalli l-familja tagħna tgħin lillfamilja tiegħek

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The Voice of the Maltese 19

A fake Bill Gates message

Tuesday May 19, 2020

am sure, that like me, many readers must have been received hundreds of messages in their inboxes about COVID-19. One of these was attributed to Bill Gates, the co-founder and former CEO of Microsoft, known as a great philanthropist who has given and still gives away billions to combat poverty and to help make this world a better place.

In this message, people are encouraged to reflect positively on their lives during the coronavirus outbreak. The message has been shared thousands of times in multiple countries. The earliest time the message was attributed to Gates was on March 22.

I read the message and believe that many like me could learn very important lessons in times of crisis. However, I was curious to know how come that Gates authored this letter. True enough, it wasn’t written by him. Somebody else wrote it and he had nothing to do with it.

Later I learned that a man named Mohammed Ali from London approached the BBC and claimed that he penned the message and posted it on his Facebook page way back on March 16. The

BBC said it could not be sure of that claim, but on further investigation, it could not find an earlier version of it. It was also unclear how it morphed into a message from Bill Gates.

According to the social media analysis tool Crowdtangle, the earliest time the message was attributed to Gates is on March 22.

Roshan Thiran, author, founder and CEO of the Leaderonomics Group believes that whoever wrote this note truly believed that despite the chaos and the uncertainty, there is ‘a spiritual purpose behind everything that happens’. He goes on to say that as we all battle together against this virus that is not only destroying our health, but also the economy and causing so much fear and panic, we are all rallying behind a united cause.

So, regardless of who wrote the message – certainly not Bill Gates - it should inspire us to view this pandemic as an opportunity to reinvent ourselves, and to try to make a difference in this world! That is why I am sharing it with you below:

What is the Corona/ COVID-19 virus really teaching us I

’m a strong believer that there is a spiritual purpose behind everything that happens, whether that is what we perceive as being good or being bad.

As I meditate upon this, I want to share with you what I feel the Corona/ Covid-19 virus is really doing to us: 1) It is reminding us that we are all equal, regardless of our culture, religion, occupation, financial situation or how famous we are. This disease treats us all equally, perhaps we should too. If you don’t believe me, just ask Tom Hanks.

2) It is reminding us that we are all connected and something that affects one person has an effect on another. It is reminding us that the false borders that we have put up have little value as this virus does not need a passport. It is reminding us, by oppressing us for a short time, of those in this world whose whole life is spent in oppression.

3) It is reminding us of how precious our health is and how we have moved to neglect it through eating nutrient poor manufactured food and drinking water that is contaminated with chemicals upon chemicals. If we don’t look after our health, we will, of course, get sick.

4) It is reminding us of the shortness of life and of what is most important for us to do, which is to help each other, especially those who are old or sick. Our purpose is not to buy toilet roll.

5) It is reminding us of how materialistic our society has become and how, when in times of difficulty, we remember that it’s the essentials that we need (food,water, medicine) as opposed to the luxuries that we sometimes unnecessarily give value to.

6) It is reminding us of how important our family and home life is and how much we have neglected this. It is forcing us back into our houses so we can rebuild them into our home and to strengthen our family unit.

7) It is reminding us that our true work is not our job, that is what we do, not what we were created to do. Our true work is to look after each other, to protect each other and to be of benefit to one another.

8) It is reminding us to keep our egos in check. It is reminding us that no matter how great we think we are or how great others think we are, a virus can bring our world to a standstill.

9) It is reminding us that the power of freewill is in our hands. We can choose to cooperate and help each other, to share, to give, to help and to support each other or we can choose to be selfish, to hoard, to look after only our self. Indeed, it is difficulties that bring out our true colours.

10) It is reminding us that we can be pa-

JosephCutajar

tient, or we can panic. We can either understand that this type of situation has happened many times before in history and will pass, or we can panic and see it as the end of the world and, consequently, cause ourselves more harm than good.

11) It is reminding us that this can either be an end or a new beginning. This can be a time of reflection and understanding, where we learn from our mistakes, or it can be the start of a cycle which will continue until we finally learn the lesson we are meant to.

12) It is reminding us that this Earth is sick. It is reminding us that we need to look at the rate of deforestation just as urgently as we look at the speed at which toilet rolls are disappearing off of shelves. We are sick because our home is sick.

13) It is reminding us that after every difficulty, there is always ease. Life is cyclical, and this is just a phase in this great cycle. We do not need to panic; this too shall pass.

14) Whereas many see the Corona/ Covid-19 virus as a great disaster, I prefer to see it as a great corrector.

It is sent to remind us of the important lessons that we seem to have forgotten and it is up to us if we will learn them or not.

20 The Voice of the Maltese

Mill-Gżira Għawdxija Charles Spiteri

Tuesday May 19, 2020

Mil-lum, u fuq talba ta’ għadd ta’ qarrejja, fosthom ħafna minn Għawdex, uħud li jgħixu fl-Awstralja u anke fil-Kanada u l-Istati uniti li jsegwu ħafna din il-paġna, se nibdew ninkludu l-istejjer minn Għawdex, bl-Ilsien Malti, għax uħud qalu li dan aktar iqarribhom lejn l-gheruq tagħhom fil-gżira Għawdxija.

Fil-fatt, għal-lum biss l-istejjer tagħna se naqsmuhom bejn il-Malti u l-Ingliż, imma mill-ħarġa ta’ wara se jkunu biss bil-Malti.

Il-pittur Pawlu Camilleri Cauchi jispira ruħu anke mill-pandemija

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nteressanti llum li niffoka fuq il-pittur magħruf Għawdxi, Pawlu Camilleri Cauchi, iben l-istatwarju Għawdxi Wistin Camilleri.

F’dan il-mument tant delikat minħabba l-pandemija tal-COVID19, Pawlu wkoll baqa’ ġewwa, f’daru fi triq ir-Repubblika, ir-Rabat, Għawdex, fejn ta’ kuljum fil-gallerija tiegħu li juża bħala studio (fuq), u joqgħod jagħmel xi xogħlijiet artistiċi.

Fil-fatt, Camilleri Cauchi għadu kif lesta pittura biż-żejt fuq it-tila, ħsieb tiegħu, ispirat minn dan iz-zmien li qed ngħixu bħalissa, magħluq jobdi d-direttivi tas-Sovrintendenza tas-Saħħa Pubblika.

Il-kwadru (fuq ix-xellug) jirrapreżenta’ t-tema attwali u juri l-Fraġilita' Umana tirrikorri lejn t-Tabib Spiritwali li huwa Ġesu Kristu. Titgħannaq miegħu. Filwaqt li qed tiġi maħkuma mill-marda qattiela tal-Covid 19, bil-għajnuna ta Kristu i-tim mediku jimbuttaw il-mostru li qed jiġi mirfus mill-Umanita'.

A book of historical fiction

by Joseph W. Psaila

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Pranzu Statali (State Banquet)

he last publication in Maltese by Joseph W. Psaila is “Pranzu Statali”, a poema in historical fiction that conceives a grand conclusion to “Valletta 18” with a State Banquet for the protagonists of the history of Malta throughout the ages, from Calypso and Odysseus to Malta’s last Prime Minister, Joseph Muscat.

This particular fictional setting, however, gives the reader an opportunity to delve into historical situations as rendered by eminent research in the historiography of the Maltese islands.

One hundred and forty heroes and anti-heroes meet under the glare of the

lights of the banquet hall; they greet one another or glance with suspicion at each other; they discuss or debate controversies.

Then there is someone who tries to redeem oneself from the condemnation attributed by first impressions in history pages; some are prompted by waiters to raise thorny issues that would be fodder for the bloggers.

This is Joseph W. Psaila’s sixth publication. The author is former editor of “Il-Ħajja f’Għawdex”.

Readers interested in acquiring the book may contact the author by email: jwpsaila@melita.com.

The Voice is not just a digital portal; We comment, we fight for your rights.We believe in freedom of expression. We are read in the right places.

Is-sit tal-Biċċerija l-Qadima fil-Belt qed jiġi mibdul fi proġett kulturali

The Voice of the Maltese 21

Tuesday May 19, 2020

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ħalissa fil-belt Valletta qed isir xogħol biex is-sit tal-Biċċerija lQadima jiġi mibdul f’Design Cluster, li hu parti mill-Aġenzija Kulturali għall-Valletta u proġett ieħor ta' legat talKapitali Ewropea tal-Kultura Valletta 2018, li se jkun jista’ jinfetaħ fi ftit xhur oħra.

Is-sit jinsab fi Triq San Kristofru wara l-Berġa tal-Baviera n-naħa t’isfel tal-belt.

Id-Design Cluster se jgħin li tiġi riġenerata din in-naħa t’isfel tal-kapitali Maltija, u joħloq opportunitajiet ġodda fis-settur taddisinn.

Ix-xogħol qed isir mill-Ministeru għallWirt Nazzjonali, l-Arti u l-Gvern Lokali mmexxi mill-Ministru José Herrera, li wkoll żar is-sit u qal li r-riġenerazzjoni ta’ dan is-sit hija proġett importanti mhux biss għall-kapitali Maltija u r-residenti tagħha, tiegħu iżda wkoll għas-setturi kreattivi u kulturali kollha.

Fil-fatt, permezz tal-Ministeru għall-Patrimonju Nazzjonali, l-Arti u l-Gvern Lokali, l-Gvern, se jibqa' mpenjat li jkompli jsaħħaħ dawn is-setturi permezz ta' inizjattivi bħal dawn biex joħloq futur isbaħ għal eluf ta' artisti filwaqt li jkompli jixpruna it-talenti tal-artisti Maltin. Ġie spjegat li dan il-proġett infrastrutturali huwa l-ewwel wieħed tat-tip tiegħu fil-Belt Valletta proprju fil-qalba tal-komunità li jinkludi 3,000mtrs2 ta' spazju għall-industrija kreattiva, artisti lokali u internazzjonali, NGOs u l-komunità talBelt Valletta.

S’issa sar ħafna xogħol biex jitwettaq ilproġett u se jitkompla bl-installazzjoni ta' tagħmir u għamara fid-diversi spazji talbini, bi tħejjija għall-ftuħ tal-faċilitajiet lejn it-tieni nofs tas-sena. Qed isir ukoll irrestawr tat-toroq u l-ispazji pubbliċi ta' biswit il-bini. Il-proħettqed jiġi ffinanzjat mill-Fondi Strutturali Ewropej u fondi talGvern ta' Malta.

Fl-imgħoddi l-binja kienet f’xifer li tin-

Il-Biċċerija l-qadima u l-madwar sa qabel bdiet ir-riġenerazzjoni tal-inħawi fil-belt

tilef darba għal dejjem, hekk kif kien ġie propost li titwaqqa’ u minflokha jinbnew għadd ta’ appartamenti.

Fil-fatt r-residenti u l-fran li kien hemm fiha kienu tbattlu għal kollox u r-residenti ġew evakwati, biex titwaqqa’ ħalli tinbena blokka appartamenti u jkomplu ma’ blokok oħrajn bħalhom li hemm fl-inħawi magħrufa bħala tad-Due Balli.

X’aktarx li l-binja kellha rabta mal-komunitá Lhudija fil-Belt Valletta. Fil-fatt ilbieb li hemm eżatt faċċata tal-biċċerija huwa magħruf bħala l-bieb tal-Lhud. Minn stħarriġ li sar seta’ kien hemm konnotazzjonijiet mal-komunità Lhudija għaliex ilbieb tal-Lhud kien jintuża mill-iskjavi minħabba li dak iż-żmien fi żmien, l-ordni tal-Kavallieri ta’ San Ġwann kienu meqjusa bħala skjavi, biex ikunu jistgħu joħorġu jistadu fuq il-baħar.

Skont il-Perit Ruben Abela, li fl-1997 għamel Il-Ministru José it-teżi tiegħu fuq kif lHerrera (lemin) aħjar tiġi mħarsa ir-rijajiġi muri x-xogħol bilitazzjoni tal-Belt li qed isir fuq irValletta, bil-biċċerija lriġenerazzjoni talantika tintuża bħala , ilBiċċerija l-Antika binja nbniet fl-1658 mill-Gran Mastru Lascaris u kenet saret biex isservi bħala mħażen.

Fl-istess sena, kien inbidel għal kollox l-għan li għalih kienet inbniet.

Fl-istess sena l-istess Gran Mastu kien ħareġ ordni biex dan ilmaħżen (erbgħa fil-fatt) jintuża bħala biċċerija.

Imma għal xi raġuni

baqgħu jintużaw biss bħala biċċerija madwar għaxar snin.

Għaxar snin wara l-imħażen inqasmu u ħargu sittax-il maħżen li bdew jinkrew biex bid-dħul minnhom jissewwew ixxwieni tal-ordni. Għal snin twal il-binja, li kienet tilqa’ biċċerija, residenzi u fran, kienet mitluqa.

Il-Valletta Design Cluster jikkonsisti f'aktar minn 3,000 metru kwadru ta' spazju intern li qed jiġi riabilitat, u se jinkludi bosta żoni aċċessibbli għall-pubbliku u jkun jista’ jintuża minn studenti, residenti, ħaddiema kulturali u prattikanti freelance filqasam tal-arti, id-disinn u l-intrapriża kreattiva kif ukoll mill-NGOs. Dawn l-oqsma jinkludu faċilitajiet ta' koħidma, spazju komplut b'għodda u tagħmir għall-fabbrikazzjoni diġitali, spazju talikel komplut b'faċilitajiet għat-tagħlim u ttħejjija tal-ikel, u għadd ta' studios għall-prattikanti kreattivi.

L-ispazju ta' fuq il-bejt qed jinbidel ukoll fi ġnien aċċessibbli għall-pubbliku, li se jkun l-ewwel wieħed tat-tip tiegħu fil-Belt Valletta.

Wieħed minn dawk li faħħar il-proġett kien il-Perit magħruf Malti Richard England li fissru bħala wieħed li jagħti spinta għar-riġenerazzjoni arkitettonika.

Sostna wkoll li s-saħħa ta’ dan l-ispazju tinsab f’li jlaqqa’ nies kreattivi f’post wieħed fuq bażi regolari, jipprovdi spazju formali u informali ta’ xogħol, diskussjoni u kollaborazzjoni u jipprovdu ambjent stimulanti fejn ideat ġodda li jistgħu jinbidlu f’opportunità ta’ xogħol u ta’ karriera.

Il-proġett qed se jsir b’investiment ta’ €7.5 miljun.

22 The Voice of the Maltese

Tuesday May 19, 2020

MOTHER’S DAY COVID-19 H First hugs for Nanna in months Nancy’s CoVid19 diaries (3) ardships and solitude abound; people becoming restless.

A very dangerous mix. Most people are easing into new restrictions – such relief, a Godsent, in time for health and mental wellbeing.

NancySerg-Borg OAM

Freedom is delicious, even a little bit …

BUT NOT YET! New cases keep emerging with more elderly and staff deaths in an aged-care home and interstate.

A “Drive-in COVID-19 testing” in suburban areas helps to detect the virus. So COVID has not slowed down yet. Need to be careful before we release ourselves too soon in the jungle yonder! Can’t keep up with the latest!

Millions of people are downloading the COVID-19 App detector on iPhones tracking the spread quicker. We are assured this app will be deleted after a few months; much uncertainty and many questions!

Online shopping is now picked by “Drive-In” from store to carpark lessening contamination. Need to check everything against the list; still, need to wipe everything down. I seem to have no skin left on my hands lately.

It was heartening to watch on TV planes bringing stranded travellers back home all safe. In 2014 I was in Madrid, Spain after a fantastic family reunion I had organised in Malta. An MH17 plane was shot down in the Ukraine! That was heart-stopping!

I never felt so alone and so far from home!

I then planned to travel by train into Germany, Italy or Malta if I could not get back to Australia. At my hotel, I gravitated to-

wards a devastated group of young Australians. We stayed together until our flight back to Sydney. I will never forget that gut-wrenching feeling when I hear of plane mishaps. Since then I have travelled again. The spirit of humans is amazing!

With restrictions lifting, Sibling 9 drove mum to our house. The first COVID-19 visitors apart from our family! Yeah, we were so happy to hug Mum! Daughter 2 came visiting her Nanna. It was a fun afternoon. We explained to mum there is a cruel pesta “pestilence” in the world.

Our families were protecting her by not visiting in the last few months. Our Prime Minister ordered people not to go out.

“Uuu l-pesta toqtol, imm'issa hawn qegħdin. Inbierku lill-Mulej” (Pestilence kills, but now we are here. Thanks to God), she replied.

Mum was born in 1918 when the Spanish Flu raged in Malta. She speaks, reads, and writes in Maltese, English, and Italian if challenged, albeit sprinkled with doses of varied dementia. A great heartfelt visit in my heart and memory. So thankful to God. My husband is enjoying some projects i.e. putting up fence wires to support a flowering vine. He even made a cupboard with doors and finished it for Mother’s Day. Just what was needed, I was so pleased.

There is always work in our Aussie yards, but these jobs have been lifesavers, lots of exercise, fresh air, and sun. We are both pleased to have this extra COVID-19 time to tinker about id-dar u l-ġnien (house and garden) despite commitments. He misses his golf and friends, as I do my friends!

Daughter 2 drove by after picking her children. The first-day school resumed

MALTESE LANGUAGE SCHOOL OF NSW A division of the Maltese Community Council of NSW Inc. Established in 1999

Our trained and experienced teachers are qualified in language teaching and have Maltese study credentials.

Classes available for students from 6 yrs to adults at all levels of ability in the Maltese language.

Classes are held at Horsley Park Public School Saturday mornings 9.00 – 11.15 am.

(Due to the isolation restrictions lessons are currently given online)

Maltese Language Teachers also required

For more information email: malteselanguageschoolnsw@hotmail.com Mobile: 0416 119 100

one-two days weekly. The boys were happy but Nannie “We have a new teacher”!

They enjoyed reuniting with friends saying “They are all taller now Nannie” They are too - In fact my height now.

The eight-year-old missed my ginger and nut treats. I showed them the bean plants, surprised at the quick growth. Our daughters are all “home tutoring” their children despite the fact that they, their husbands, and eldest children are working and studying from home. All parents need a real rest soon. “COVID Go Away” Visiting us for Mother’s Day was spaced out by our daughters bringing a huge box of beautiful homemade cakes for afternoon tea in the autumn sunshine ... delicious and thoughtful! And YES ‘chocolates’. I miss my whole family all together for Mother’s Day. The children played ball games; nearly wrecked the hedges in excitement. After they left, we visited mum at her house, but she was asleep. Some of my siblings visited in the morning. We stayed awhile and left as mum was in a deep sleep. We spoke on video the next day!

On Monday we visited my husband's mum’s grave. Rest in Peace! An exceptional Deutsch Frau. We miss her spinach and potato sauces, Weiner Schnitzels, delicious cakes and Friezine Hosen, etc. I will make spinach sauce next week.

It occurred to me, it is the first time in my entire life I have not looked after a child, i.e. eight younger siblings in Malta, three daughters + eight grandchildren in Australia. I feel privileged! I remember taking my baby brother for a first haircut. As a young girl, I cried all the way home.

How time flies, we are now in the twilight of our lives. “COVID-19 go away!”

This morning the Cockatoos woke me up at the crack of dawn with their gregarious Kah Kah Kah call as the huge gum tree swayed in the fierce winds, bringing autumn in. A beautiful stray white/grey/honey coloured long hair cat blue-eyed cat nuzzled around my legs. We gave it milk and bread! We miss having an animal nowadays.

The Voice of the Maltese 23

Tuesday May 19, 2020

C Co om mm mu un ni it ty y N Ne ew ws s

Tu n e i n t o Ra d i o a n d Te l e v i s i o n

Some Radio stations may be off air due to covid-19 restrictions

MELBOURNE: on 3ZZZ 92.3FM or on www.3zzz.com.au. Mondays 5-6 pm, Fridays 5-6 pm and Saturdays 10-11am.

MELBOURNE: on 98.9 North West FM, every Friday 6.00 - 7.00p.m. and Mondays 7.00 to 8.00pm. Presenter: Emmanuel Brincat.

On SBS Radio Day Time Analogue and Digital Tuesdays and Fridays: 12:00-13:00 97.7fm SBS 2.

To tune into digital radio you need a receiver or device with a DAB+ chip.

Tuning in is by station name not frequency. Digital radio can also be heard via digital TV.

Maltese Community Council of Victoria Inc.

L-MCCV qed jilqa’ applikazzjonijiet għall-pożizzjoni ta’ għalliem/a part-time tal-ilsien Malti fil-binja tagħhom f’14 Watt Street, Sunshine, Victoria.

L-applikanti għandu jkollhom għarfien sew tal-Malti kemm miktub kif ukoll mitkellem.

Ibgħat applikazzjoni bid-dettalji akkademiċi lill: admin@mccv.org.au Għal tagħrif ieħor ċempel fuq: 0412 115 919. Ħalli n-numru tattelefon u nċemplulek lura.

Events for 2020

Sunday July 5 Lejla fil-Buskett Sunday October 18 Fete Saturday November 14 Dinner Dance Sunday December 6 Festa San Nikola

days and Sundays at 8am.

VIVA MALTA on COAST FM 96.3 Community Radio in Gosford Central Coast NSW. Aired on Thursdays every fortnight from 6 pm -7 pm.

Presenter: Nathalie Gatt.

Web streaming: www.coastfm.org.au SYDNEY: listen to the MCC radio programmes on 2GLF FM 89.3.

Isma’ l-programm tar-radju bil-Malti mill-Kunsill Malti ta’ NSW minn fuq listazzjon 2GLF 89.3FM. Also On De-

mand on l-Internet: www.893fm.com.au) On Demand: Ethnic Maltese Council 11am)

Il-Ħadd 11.00 am: l-aħħar aħbarijiet minn Malta, mużika, tagħrif, kultura, avviżi u suġġetti ta’ interess.

SBS Radio 2 on Channel 38. Programmes can be accessed online (live/catch up) at: sbs.com.au/maltese (mobile), using the SBS Radio app.

For television news from Malta SBS2 TV 32 ( (Viceland) on Thurs-

SBS MALTESE NEWS: L-Aħbarijiet are now on SBSTV Viceland HD Channel 32 every Sunday at 8.00 a.m. and on Thursday at 8.00 a.m.

BRISBANE listen to the Maltese Programme on 4EB on Tuesdays 6.00 8.15am; Sundays 4.15pm to 5.15pm.

Maltese Community Radio Adelaide: Maltese Programmes on 5EBI 103.1fm: Sunday: 7.30am; Monday: 8.00 am; Monday: 6.00pm.

Contact: Bernadette Buhagiar: 0420 944 205. Email bernadettebuhagiar@gmail.com Ron Borg: 0418 843 850. Email ronborg@mac.com

97.9 FM Melton Tuesday Maltese Programme: 6.00 To 8.00 pm Presenter Miriam Vella

Important Notice

If you are unable to buy the next issues of The Voice from the usual sources, you can inquire about our subscription at: maltesevoice@gmail.com We will deliver The Voice by mail to your address anywhere in Australia.

Avviż lill-qarrejja

Tixtieq li jkollok kopja f’idejk ta’ The Voice?

I

nfakkru lill-qarrejja li The Voice of the Maltese, mhux biss magazine online, iżda wkoll l-uniku tax-xorta tiegħu fl-Awstralja li wkoll jiġi ippubblikat. Huma ħafna dawk li ilhom li approfittaw ruħhom minn dan u abbonaw biex anke jibdew jirċevu kopja pprintjata bil-posta d-dar bi ħlas.

Dawk kollha li jixtiequ li jibdew jirċevu kopja pprintjata tal-magazine kull darba li joħroġ biex ikunu jistgħu jżommuha f’idejhom, huma mħeġġa li jabbonaw għal sena ħalli jagħmlu żgur mill-kopja Biex dan isir wieħed l-ewwel jibgħat email lil maltesevoice@gmail.com fejn jitlob tagħrif dwar il-ħlas ta’ abbonament għal sena fl-istat fejn jgħix. Imbagħad jekk ikun irid jissieħeb ma’ dawk kollha li mhumiex kuntenti biss li jaqraw il-magazine online, imma wkoll li jkollhom kopja tiegħu, jgħarrafna u jkunu moqdijin.

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Qarrejja li jixtiequ juru l-fehmiet tagħhom dwar xi suġġett huma mħeġġa ma jħallux għall-aħħar. Jekk tridu tibagħtu l-emails indirizzawhom maltesevoice@gmail. com. L-ittri għall-pubblikazzjoni indikawhom: Letters to the editor.

Please Note:

If interested in advertising on The Voice of the Maltese magazine in order to reach the widest audience possible, partcularly among the Maltese diaspora is requested to write for details to: Maltesevoice@gmail.com

24 The Voice of the Maltese

Sports

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Tuesday May 19, 2020

10 MFA Premier League clubs want to end 2019-20 season NOW he COVID-19 pandemic has severely affected sports in general, and not just football, all over the world. It has thrown most domestic and international competitions into disarray, perhaps some more than others, while global organisations had to postpone and indicate new dates for their commitments.

Football competitions, club or international that are the bread and butter for most clubs have been most hit, and the stoppage has hit most of them deep inside their pockets and face an economic meltdown. Some have been trying to figure out how best they can survive post-COVID-19.

Some competitions could soon return but without the support of enthusiastic spectators at their stadiums. Participants rightly believe that though they are glad to be back in action, mass sports

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are nothing without the spectators. They also understand that it is imperative that they adhere to social distancing in order to prevent the spreading of the pandemic and that the health, wellbeing, and safety of players, spectators, and all those involved is a priority.

One of Europe’s top football leagues, the Bundesliga kicked off behind closed doors at the weekend. Whoever watched the matches on their TV sets could see that competition looked very different from athletes battling each other in empty stadiums.

In Malta, Monday evening the Premier League clubs were expected to decide whether the MFA should either restart the season at a later date, and if the health authorities give the go-ahead, or officially end the 2019-2020 season as per the wish of 10 of the clubs.

he International Football Federation, FIFA, has said that health comes first and should remain everyone’s priority until the coronavirus has been defeated.

With the world facing new challenges, FIFA said it has been partnering with the United Nations (UN) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) to provide guidance to people to protect their health and wellbeing.

Pandemic forces FIFA to make major rule change

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he International Football Federation (FIFA) has confirmed a major rule change in order to cope for the potential fixture congestion when football completely returns after the coronavirus pandemic.

All major European leagues have been suspended for several weeks but a number are still hoping to complete the 2019-20 season, which will almost certainly involve fixtures being crammed into a slim time frame.

With several leagues across the world taking action, from Belgium, France, and the Netherlands ending their campaigns immediatly, to Germany’s Bundesliga and Italy’s Serie A preparing for potentially finishing the season, FIFA and the International Football Association Board (IFAB) have taken swift action.

A temporary amendment to Law 3 has been made, in that each team is to be given three opportunities to make five substitutions, excluding half-time, in an amendment that comes into play immediately for competitions that start and finish before the end of 2020.

In a bid to prevent unnecessary stoppages, each team will be limited to three stoppages per match for substitutions, not including half-time. In competitions where an extra substitute is permitted in extra-time, a sixth substitute will be allowed.

The IFAB is made up of the four British associations and world governing body FIFA. Proposals to allow an additional two

substitutes were put forward by FIFA in order to protect player welfare.

However, the respective leagues around the world will have the final say on whether or not the new rules would be adopted.

In a statement, FIFA said: "The decision on whether to apply this temporary amendment will remain at the discretion of each individual competition organiser, while the IFAB and FIFA will determine at a later stage whether this temporary amendment would need to be extended further (e.g. for competitions due to be completed in 2021).”

If both teams make a substitution at the same time, this would count as one of three opportunities for both sides, while in the event of extra-time, unused changes will be carried over.

Meanwhile, the Federation further announced, that the controversial video assistant referee system (VAR) could be discontinued upon football’s restart and that it could be ditched ‘at the discretion of each individual competition organiser.’

The statement concluded: “In relation to competitions in which the video assistant referee (VAR) system is implemented, these competitions are permitted to cease its use upon restart at the discretion of each individual competition organiser.

“However, where VAR is used, all aspects of the laws of the game and, by extension, the VAR protocol will remain in place.”

Coe says sports leaders frustrated, could rebel against pandemic rules

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o much has been focused on athletics, that, like other key sports, has seen its calendar and finances badly hit by the postponement of this year’s Olympic Games in Tokyo, but it is worth noting recent comments by World Athletics chief Sebastian Coe (right) about the situation.

The British legend said, that it was crucial to get top events started again even as the coronavirus takes a mounting toll around the world.

He expressed the frustrations felt by many sports chiefs, and even went as far as to warn that sports leaders may rebel against pandemic restrictions as they struggle to get major events back on track.

Coe, 63, said, “We have to be guided by what governments, the WHO and local authorities are telling us, but we also have to make our own decisions and make sensible compromises.”

He went as far as to say that there might be a moment when a sport decides that it is ready to stage events even if it is not always with the approval of those authorities.

He insisted, “We will be respectful, but we have to make decisions in the best interest of our sport and our athletes” He added that when it comes to the Tokyo Games next year no one could give a cast-iron assurance that the Olympics would be held “Speculating about something that is over a year away is unhelpful. We are trying to give the athletes some clarity about the calendar and speculation from scientists and medical experts do not help.

“I hope that the pandemic will be contained so that we don’t have to cancel the Games. Meeting directors will have to take their own decisions about how to get athletes to compete in a safe and secure manner that doesn’t risk infection, and each event will have to decide on a format for competition with these safety considerations two months in advance,” he said.

Coe believes there would be greater use of technology to make events “more exciting” for television viewers and adapt to coronavirus threat.