The Voice of the Maltese No. 110 by The Voice of the Maltese

The Voice of the Maltese (driven by the voice of its readers )

Issue 110

o on nlliin ne e m ma ag ga az ziin ne e

September 15, 2015

Malta commemorates Victory Day and 450th Annivesary of the Great Siege of 1565 One of the highlights of the celebrations marking Victory Day (Jum il-Vitoria) on September 8 in Malta, is the wreath laying ceremony at the foot of the Great Siege of 1565 monument in Valletta located opposite the Law Courts in Republic Street, Valletta conducted by the President of Malta Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca (pictured). On this day Malta commemorates, Victory of the Great Siege of Malta by the Knights of Malta and the Maltese people against the Ottoman Empire in 1565. This year marked the 450th Anniversary of the event (see pages 4 and 5). It also represents the Maltese peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rebellion against the French troops in Malta in September 1800, and victory against the Italians during World War II in 1943.

The monument of the Great Siege of 1565 is a masterpiece by Maltese sculpture Antonio Sciortino. It was installed in 1927, It consists of a granite base with three bronze figures, two females, one on each side of a muscular male. The female figure on the left represents Faith and the one on the right Civilisation. The man in the centre represents Valour.

2 The Voice of the Maltese

Tuesday September 15, 2015

A Fairer Society

or shrivelled democracy

hen a dear friend asked me to Dr. Yana Bland Mintoff Dr. Yana Bland return his good deed by writing Poverty R&D MFSS Mintoff is an an article for The Voice of the economist, politiMaltese, I felt uncommonly nervous. cal activist for Over four decades have passed since my father and I visited Australia! However, justice, equality the warmth and spirit of the Australian Maltese who surrounded us on that and peace. She journey are still fresh in my memory. was born in How much has changed and how much has not changed since that time? Malta 21 August When I look over the south of Malta returning from a daily swim at Delimara, a clear improvement in the environment makes my heart sing. The Marsa 1951, the daughpower station, now decommissioned, no longer spews its black fumes and the ter of the former Delimara power station, now hooked to the European inter-connector, is not Prime Minister of Malta, Dom Mintoff and Moyra De Vere so polluting. The countryside is still touched by green shades despite the scorching heat. Bentinck, by whom she is descended from However, much more needs to be done to conserve nature and improve Malta’s both Dutch and British nobility. She wrote her doctoral thesis on The Economics of environment. The very first thing, that children tell our Statistics show that between Health and Development in the Maltese President on her regular listening sessions, is 2008 and 2013 the number of Islands. that we need more open spaces and access to persons unable to afford basic Dr. Yana has taught economics in univernature. What we need is child-friendly urban necessities has doubled. sities in England, USA, and Malta. She regeneration and preservation of clean seas, Those living at risk of poverty successfully founded two schools and a have risen by 20,000 to reach air and countryside. museum that is now a National Literary Malta, perhaps due to its population density, nearly 100,000. Here, we are Landmark in USA. portrays progress and regress in starker terms not speaking of just numbers Currently, Dr. Yana is working on a plan for but human beings. For us this than in large countries but the underlying Solidarity and Social Inclusion to reduce growing menace of deprivation is not so ap- is not a perception; it is a prob- poverty in Malta and Gozo. Having relem that needs to be duly acparent. The Prime Minister wrote in his forturned to Malta to tend to her ailing father, ward to Malta’s Strategic Framework for the knowledged before it can be Dr Mintoff addressed the Maltese Labour addressed. 1 Reduction of Poverty and Social Exclusion : Party's General Conference of 2012. Indeed, it is in poverty’s perception that prejudice and indifference fester. • The at risk of poverty or social excluToo often, poverty is cast simply as a annual income was less than €7,256 sion rate (AROPE) is rising at a rate of failure of individual character rather • Between 2005 and 2013, families about 5% a year than a result of systemic injustice and with two adults and two children • Nearly one fourth of the population growing inequality. suffered the fastest rate of increase is at risk of poverty or social exclusion In reality, a few people are doing better, in poverty (60%) (median equivalised income of less but for many the situation is awful. The • The elderly on pensions of than €7,256per year) minimum wage at €4.15 per hour and €486/mo paying rent of €300/mo • Children are at particular risk with the increase in precarious work condisimply cannot make ends meet. an AROPE of 32% (in the Southern tions leave a growing number of workLack of a decent income, affordable Harbour Region this rate rises to an ers (19,140) and a growing number of outrageous 45%). In 2013, 18,233 chil- home, quality employment, education, children at risk of poverty or social exdren struggled in households whose health and social mobility has led to a clusion (24,300) (NSO Malta 2015). poverty trap in which more and more people find themselves locked (Figure 2 Typos Chart for AROPE and MD children (0-17 years) on opposite page). Moreover, many of the most vulnerable are not included in these figures restricted to members of private households resident for over six months thus excluding immigrants and refugees in detention and open centres or contract workers in flats, the homeless, ex-prisoners, and elderly people in homes. Trends leading to more poverty include: • Real wages falling as prices increase • Inequalities rising in an increasingly segmented labour market • Investment capital per person employed decreasing • Productivity per labour hour decreasing.2 *Continued on page 3

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Tuesday September 15, 2015

Readers can now request a printed copy of The Voice of the Maltese

Figure 2: EU countries Risk of Poverty Trap: Malta MT

A Fairer Society or shrivelled democracy *Continued from page 2 Putting it simply, finding a good job is a dream for most people and living in a decent home is becoming increasingly expensive. If you are in debt, then problems multiply. The Labour Government ran on a social justice ticket with a promise to eliminate poverty. It has increased business investment and taken some steps to reduce corruption through the Whistleblowers Act and party financing law. In-work and child benefits have been introduced. A new pension strategy is under consultation. However big business interests still have more political influence than all the working class put together. On both sides of the Atlantic, the system is in fact failing the majority of citizens3. Inequality, endemic corruption, and shriveled democracy continue to rule. The banking, financial and I-gaming sectors expand driven by short-term profits at the expense of productive long-term social, manufacturing and R&D investment. Malta’s anti-poverty implementation strategy calls for a long term vision of public investment in workers’ and youth training, more community serv-

ices and community empowerment, and a streamlined benefits system that ensures a decent living to those who cannot work, and a living wage for those in work. The strategy’s core is that we all work harder for substantive democracy and equality. 1. https://mfss.gov.mt/poverty/Pages/default.aspx 2. Malta National Employment Policy 2014:16,17 3. Advanced Malaise Stiglitz 13 Jan 2014

In response to a number of inquiries, The Voice of the Maltese wishes to advice that we can now supply hard copies in colour of our magazine to our readers at a price. Therefore, anybody interested in acquiring copies of the magazine can communicate with us personally or by email to: mal tesevoice@gmail.com. tesevoice@gmail.com The magazine can also be delivered by post. As the cost of postage varies one is kindly requested to get in touch with us to work out the details.

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Dr Yana when she visited Australia with her father, Dom Mintoff (right) in January 1968. Centre is a young Lawrence Dimech

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4 The Voice of the Maltese

Tuesday September 15, 2015

Lifting of the Siege of Malta by Charles-Philippe Larivière (1798–1876). Hall of the Crusades, Palace of Versailles

Commemorating the 450th anniversary of Great Siege of Malta

his year marks the 450th anniversary of the Great Siege of Malta (Maltese: L-Assedju l-Kbir) ; the epic 1565 battle that made a legend out of a little island that, against all odds, withstood invasion from the Ottoman Empire that tried to invade the island of Malta, then occupied by the Order of the Knights of St John (the Knights Hospitallers). To commemorate this historic event that significantly shaped Malta’s national story, the Arts Council Malta and Heritage Malta are currently organising a series of events that will allow patrons to explore the life and times surrounding key figures and moments of the Great Siege. The anniversary is an opportunity to acknowledge Malta’s rich national heritage, whilst also giving the Maltese occasion to reflect on the mutual respect and fraternity that is continuously being fostered between Christians, Muslims and all other religions and ethnicities today. The Knights, with approximately 2,000 foot soldiers, many of which Spanish, and 400 Maltese men, women and children, withstood the siege and expelled the in-

vaders, but not before several months of continuous battle and bloodshed. The Siege came to an end on September 8, with a victory that became one of the most celebrated events in sixteenth-century Europe.Malta has just been commemorating that date, and would continue to commemorate it in years to come with the annual public holiday, also known as Il-Vitorja. The dramatic unfolding of the Siege had a substantial effect on the continent, leading to the founding of Valletta a year later. Military figures such as the Grand Master Jean Parisot de la Valette and the Ottoman Admiral Dragut Reis continue to be characters of much intrigue and speculation. Voltaire himself had said ‘rien est plus connu que la siège de Malte’ (Nothing is better known than the siege of Malta). It undoubtedly contributed to the eventual erosion of the European perception of Ottoman invincibility and marked a new phase in Spanish domination of the Mediterranean. That siege was the climax of an escalating contest between a Christian Alliance

and the Islamic Ottoman Empire for control of the Mediterranean, a contest that included Turkish admiral and privateer Dragut's attack on Malta in 1551, and the Ottoman utter destruction of an allied Christian fleet at the Battle of Djerba in 1560. Grand Master Jean de Valette had a key influence in the victory against Ottomans with his example and his ability to encourage and hold together people as one man. This example had a major impact, because the kings of Europe realised that the only way to win against the Ottomans was to stop wars between them and form alliances; the result was the vast union of forces against Ottomans at the Battle of Lepanto seven years later. Such was the gratitude of Europe for the knights' heroic defence that money soon began pouring into the island, allowing de Valette to construct a fortified city, Valletta, on Mt. Sciberras. His intent was to deny the position to any future enemies. La Valette himself died in 1568 after a hunting trip in Buskett. *Continued on page 5

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Tuesday September 15, 2015

Exhibition with 150 objects relating to the Order of St John and the Great Siege *continued from page 4 The Ottomans never attempted to besiege Malta again. Their failure did nothing to reverse the increasing dominance of Ottoman naval power in the Mediterranean, but in following a string of Christian naval defeats, such as at the Battle of Djerba, it did deny Ottoman forces the strategically vital island base in the centre of the sea that would have allowed them to launch ever deeper strikes into the belly of Europe. Meanwhile the official 450th anniversary began on May 17 with Dawn of the Great Siege – Life at Sea 2015 that was held at the Malta Maritime Museum in Birgu featuring a number of specially planned tours, activities within the museum and the city, exhibitions and lectures. Heritage Malta’s commemoration of the anniversary of the Great Siege of 1565 at the Malta Maritime Museum, focussed around the first sightings of the Ottomans at the dawn of the Great Siege of 1565. Apart from a number of special tours, events and lectures at the Malta Maritime Museum, the event has been extended outside the museum where a number of re-enactments, food stalls, performances and other related activities are being held. In June an interactive site-specific performance entitled 1565 – First and Last Hope took place in Fort St. Elmo. The performance, featuring some of Malta’s bestknown actors, centred on events prior, during and after the Great Siege. Then in July, Shadows from the Great Siege, an animated tour of the streets of Senglea, featured characters that participated in the battle. The climax is being reached between this month and December with a grand international exhibition at the majestic Palace State Rooms of the Grand Master’s Palace in Malta’s capital, Valletta. The exhibition, that includes the most important objects surviving from the Siege, from Malta and abroad, was inaugurated on September 4. It stays open until December 6). Members of the Order arrived in Malta and have ben taking part in various cultural and liturgical activities along with Maltese delegates. A liturgical celebration in memory of the fallen of the Great Siege took place at St Lawrence’s Church in Birgu, which was followed by a procession to Victory Square for the laying of a wreath at the monument. A Pontifical Mass was celebrated on Septmeber 7 at the Sanctuary of the Nativity of Our Lady, Mellie˙a as well as a Pontifical High Mass in celebration of Victory in the Great Siege, in Valletta. Archbishop Charles J Scicluna and Islamist Imam Mohamed El Sadi jointly took part in the celebrations, which included a wreath laying ceremony. They both addressed the

distinguished guests at the foot of the Great Siege Monument and laid flowers along with, among others, the Speaker, the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition. In his speech, the Imam, underscored that in any religion, there is no war that is 'holy' and the only outcome of war is destruction and death. The Archbishop said the Great Siege battle was a struggle against enslavement as obJean Parisot de la Valette, painting by Antoine scurantism – it was Favray at the Grand Masters Palace in Valletta against the enemies Moreover, amongst the items which of true freedom. He added that Peace is God’s dream, his plan for humanity, for his- were borrowed from other countries in order to be included in this exhibition, tory, for all creation. At the Heritage’s Malta International Ex- one finds several components of decohibition ‘1565 - The Great Siege of Malta’, rated armour pieces, which will be rethat is hosted within the Statal Rooms of united for the first time with their the Grand Master’s Palace in Valletta, counterpart local elements, after more under the Patronage of HE, the President than 200 years. With such a distinguished collection, one of Malta, are more than 150 objects that relate to the Order of St John and to this has the opportunity to explore documents that explain the situations and the decilegendary battle. The range of exhibits have both local and sions which eventually led to the colossal foreign provenance. Although some of the battle between the Order of St John and local artefacts can usually be viewed at the Ottoman Empire in Malta. Visitors can also follow the stratagems local museums and other entities, a number of them have never been displayed to and the procedures that were undertaken the public. For this occasion, to enrich this during this siege, and view some of the national collection, Heritage Malta also weapons and armour that were used during this conflict. purchased objects from abroad. Ultimately, one would be able to immerse further in this saga of the Great Siege by experiencing a virtual meeting with none other than Grand Master Jean de la Valette, the 47th Grand Master and one of the greatest figures in the history of the Order of St John and his defence of Malta against the Turks in 1565. La Valette, a French nobleman, fought with distinction against the Turks at Rhodes, and as Grand Master, he became the Order's hero and most illustrious leader. His bust, attributed to Leone Leoni (1509 – 22 July 1590), who worked at the Papal Mint in Rome and the Imperial Mint in Milan, has been specifically brought to Malta from the Museum of the Order of St John in Clerkenwell, the UK. It was almost certainly looted from Malta by Napoleon in 1798 and only resurfaced in a sale in Paris in 1860. It was offered to the museum by Daniel Katz Ltd for £350,000 and was acquired The bust of Grand Master through generous grants from a number Jean Parisot de la Valette of entities.

6 The Voice of the Maltese

Victory Day Regatta

Tuesday September 15, 2015

CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2015

Malta International Airshow

WWW.VISITMALTA.COM/EN/EVENTS Photo by: Clive Vella

04/09 06/09-04/12 08/09 08/09-13/09 11/09 11/09-13/09 18/09-20/09 19/09-20/09 21/09 22/09-23/09 26/09-27/09 26/09-27/09 27/09 03/10

Cliff Zammit Stevens concert with MPO, Pjazza Teatru Rjal The Great Siege Exhibition, Grandmaster’s Palace, Valletta Il-Vitorja; Feast of Maria Bambina; Victory Day Regatta Malta International Musical Bands Festival Balzan Arts and Music Festival Maritime Senglea International Festival 2015, Isla Qala International Folk Festival 10th Edition, Qala Chocolate, Sweets & Ice Cream Festival, Smart City Independence Day Autumn Equinox, Mnajdra Temples Malta International Airshow Zejt iz-Zejtun: Olive & Olive Oil Festival in Zejtun Rockestra 2015 Notte Bianca: Arts and culture night in Valletta

08/10-11/10 09/10-11/10

Mdina Grand Prix Birgufest: Birgu lit up by candlelight together with numerous activities 17/10 Casal Fornaro: Bread Festival 17/10 Hamrun Chocolate Festival 17/10 La Traviata at Teatru Aurora 17/10-24/10 Rolex Middle Sea Race 25/10 Pumpkin Festival 29/10 & 31/10 La Boheme at Teatru Astra 29/10-1/11 Malta International Choir Festival 29/10-21/11 Festival Mediterranea Oct Malta Military Tattoo 20/11-22/11 Malta International Challenge Marathon 27/11-29/11 CHOGM 08/12 Feast of the Immaculate Conception 13/12 Republic Day 21/12 Winter Solstice, Mnajdra Temples 25/12 Christmas Day 31/12 New Year’s Eve Dec -Jan Bethlehem f’Ghajnsielem Updated Events Dec -Jan Cribs & Christmas Art Exhibition Calendar Dec Euromed Young Sailors Challenge

Tuesday September 29, 2015

The Voice of the Maltese 7

Michelle Rowland MP blasts Government for cuts to SBS Maltese programmes n the House of Representatives, Parliament House Canberra the voice of the Maltese community was heard again proving once more that the issue of the Maltese Community vs SBS Radio is not yet dead. This time it was Michelle Rowland MP, Shadow Minister for Citizenship and Multiculturalism & Shadow Minister for Communications and Member for Greenway who voiced the concerns of the Maltese community that she represents, and the wider Maltese community throughout Australia, regarding the cuts to SBS Maltese language services. Ms Rowland said that she is privileged to represent a large Maltese community in Parliament and that she has worked with that community in the past to ensure they have access to appropriate levels of Maltese content on the Special Broadcasting Service. This community she said relies heavily on the vitally important language services SBS provides, and the community has made it clear that they want these services to be maintained. “The Maltese community has a large older population that relies on language services, as often their English language proficiency is not very high. This demand for Maltese language content is not helped by the comparative limited availability of Maltese community news outlets in Australia. SBS provides one of the few language services that broadcast such vital community information”. The MP then quoted the vice-president of the Maltese Community Council of New South Wales, Mr Emanuel Camilleri: “The Maltese community is getting older, and as there are no newspapers anymore, radio is the only avenue of news and communication they have left.” The member for Greenway said it is therefore extremely disappointing that due to the Abbot government's broken promises and funding cuts to the SBS, the number of hours dedicated to Maltese language services has been reduced. SBS has announced that the digital-only Maltese programmes will be cut. Overall, this will see a reduction in content from four hours per week to two and a cut of further seven hours since 2012. Understandably, the Maltese community is very disappointed with this decision. One of the few Maltese community publications, The Voice of the Maltese, co-edited by Mr Lawrence Dimech and Mr Joseph Cutajar, recently editorialised: “Without giving a reasonable excuse why they want to discontinue two hours from the existing four allocated to the Maltese community, SBS Radio once again has disregarded the needs of our community...” The MP reminded Parliament that the Maltese Community Council of New South Wales and the Maltese Community Council of Victoria have also protested against this decision, and that she has been very willing to support their submission to the SBS to reverse these changes. Ms Rowland then tabled the signatures of thou-

Michelle Rowland MP sands of Maltese community members who want these hours reinstated for Maltese community language programmes. The community is speaking with a united voice that these are retrograde changes that will have an adverse impact on the community. Ms Rowland wrote to the managing director of SBS, Mr Michael Ebeid, on behalf of the Maltese Community Council of New South Wales, earlier this year, and received this response. In his correspondence dated August 5 Mr Ebeid says: “We are unable to extend this two-year period of additional digital only programming, as SBS's funding situation has worsened in the two years since this announcement with a further $55 million cut from the government in late 2014.” This, maintained the MP “is the $55 million cut to the SBS that the Prime Minister expressly ruled out the night before the 2013 election in that now infamous interview in Penrith with SBS's Anton Enus in which the now Prime Minister looked down the barrel of a camera and promised: “No cuts to education, no cuts to health, no change to pensions, no change to the GST and no cuts to the ABC or SBS. These are the words that will hang like an albatross around this Prime Minister's neck all the way up to the next election. This government was elected on a clear platform of no cuts to the SBS and instead it has delivered millions of dollars worth of cuts that have hit content and have greatly adversely impacted on the Australian community, as these hundreds of signatures will attest. This is a complete and utter betrayal of the Maltese community, which relies on these services”, said Michelle Rowland MP.

8 The Voice of the Maltese

Tuesday September 15, 2015

Have your say/Xi trid tghid? Your letters/ L-ittri tag˙kom ... The Malta Public Transport fares and Maltese-Australians debate

The Voice of the Maltese

Confusion galore!

on nlliin ne e m ma ag ga az ziin ne e o

George Borg, Coburg Victoria writes:

is is a bi-lingual (in English and Maltese) fortnightly online publication specifically targeting all Maltese living abroad with emphasis on the Australian scene. is online magazine is sent via email by request. Subscription is free. Editors: Malta: Joseph Cutajar Australia: Lawrence Dimech: MOM, OAM, JP email address: maltesevoice@gmail.com Letters for publication in The Voice either in Maltese or English should be e-mailed to: maltesevoice@gmail.com.

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

any of the writers, letters to the editor M regarding the issue with Transport Malta have missed the salient point and kept confusing Maltese/Maltese passport holders with others who may have acquired citizenship by other means or have EU citizenship. I believe that people born in Malta, who had to migrate because Malta could not provide them with work, and have retained

Waste and yet even more waste Vince Azzopardi Tullamarine Victoria n issue No. 107 (August 4) page 3 you had an “Open letter to SBS Radio” from The Voice of the Maltese. It requires skill to articulate what you want to say in short sharp arguments rather long winded letters. It made a lot of sense especially when you reminded the bloated upper echelon of the SBS hierarchy that they were given an important task to administer a specialist station without fear or favour. They have failed miserably. If they eliminate half of their executive positions and less travelling there will be money left for the more important aspect of radio.

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their Maltese citizen against all odds, when they return to Malta they should not be regarded as tourists. Their Maltese passport should be the only identity required to be provided with public services. Maltese migrants who left Malta in the 5060s were not EU citizens; they were Maltese born and bred. End of story.

A Maltese passport should give us full rights as all Maltese Mario Cassar, Spring Hill, Queensland writes: urther to the article about Public Transport in Malta in Issue No. 108 of The Voice of the Maltese, I too would like to express my views on the matter. Along with many Maltese in Australia who hold a Maltese passport I believe that as we were granted Maltese citizenship, in our country of birth we should be treated as Maltese when we travel to Malta for our holidays. So we should be able to benefit from all that a Maltese passport entitles its holders, including Public Transport fares. In the case of Public Transport it is unfair for us Malta-born senior citizens who hold a Maltese passport to be denied the same benefits of reduced fares like any senior citizens currently living in Malta. When most of us, now regarded as seniors in Australia, left the Maltese shores to build a new life for us and also for our families in Australia, we contributed in many ways to the Maltese coffers. As a young man, like many of my friends of my own age, we used to work hard in Australia not only to live decently out here, but also to help our families in Malta by sending them money for their needs. It all adds up to many thousands (if not millions) of Euros. So why not get something in return now?

Share it with the readers If you have a story to tell that you believe could make interesting reading and you would like to share it with The Voice of the Maltese readership, get in touch with us by email at: maltesevoice@gmail.com

Tuesday September 15, 2015

The Voice of the Maltese 9

Dan x’ra©unar hu? Asking too much of Jonathan Farrugia, minn Sunshine, Victoria tikteb: a Maltese passport

ilwaqt li nirispetta l-fehmiet ta’ Victor V. Vella kif esprimihom fl-artiklu tieg˙u Xokk jew Xokkijiet fil-˙arga Nru 109 ta' The Voice of the Maltese, fl-istess waqt ma nistax nifhem ir-ra©unar tieg˙u, dwar id-diskussjonijiet li qed isiru fl-Awstralja dwar iΩ-Ωwie© tal-gays. Partijiet mill-artiklu kienu ˙awwadni biex forsi nifhmek. Jitkellem dwar minoranzi u ma©©aoranzi. Filli jiddispjaçieh li l-fehmiet talminoranzi (dawk li jΩommu mat-tradizzjoni) mhumiex irrispettati, imbag˙ad je˙odha bi kbira li tg˙addi tal-ma©©oranza, u g˙ax f’votazzjoni (kif wara kollox dejjem kien) il-vot imur favur ilfehma tag˙hom, g˙alih ma jiswa xejn. Isemmi li fl-Awstralja hemm bejn is-60 u t-72 li jridu l-bidla filli©i. Imma skont hu ma jiswiex. Je˙odha wkoll kontra l-Kummissjonijiet tal-Jeddijiet Umani li trid drittijiet g˙al kul˙add l-istess. Isemmi l-Irlanda u jirra©una li t-62 fil-mija favur ir-referendum ma jiswa xejn g˙ax jg˙id li dan il-perçentwal hu biss tas-60 fil-mija li kienu eli©ibbli jivvutaw, allura 36 fil-mija biss tal-popolazzjoni. Dan min qallu li min ma vvutax kien kontra l-li©i? Li kieku veru kienu kontra u jimpurtahom kienu jmorru jivvutaw le. L-istess jirra©una dwar l-Istati uniti. Donnu li mhemmx bΩonn tivvota imma tag˙ti biss kas ta’ fehmiet b˙al tieg˙u u li©i tg˙addi biss kif ja˙sibha hu. Dan ra©unar baΩwi. Hemm aktar kontradizzjonijiet imma ma nixtieqx nie˙u spazju lil qarrejja o˙ra. Forsi ner©a’ nikteb.

Daqqa doppja Oscar Delia minn Penrith, NSW jikteb:

ela jidher li din il-kwestjoni mal-Malta Trasport qajjmet M ˙afna kurΩita’. Dan tajjeb g˙ax jidher kemm il-Maltin fl-Awstralja u bnadi o˙ra g˙adhom mhux biss interessati f’Malta imma wkoll iridu jipparteçipaw. Qatt ma kont na˙seb li l-kwestjoni kienet dwar kemm in˙allsu noll, iΩda iktar fuq punt ta’ prinçipju. Kemm il-darba jg˙idulna li ma n˙allsux taxxa f’Malta u g˙alhekk mhux xieraq li nirçevu xi konçessjonijiet. Dawk li jg˙idu hekk ma jafux x’qed jg˙idu, anzi jirrepetu b˙all-pappagalli. Hawn eluf ta’ Maltin fl-Awstralja u f’in˙awi o˙ra tad-dinja, b˙allKanada, l-Amerika, eçç, li tant ˙allsu taxxa li jirçevu l-pensjoni regulari tan-National Insurance minn Malta. Anzi a˙na fl-Awstralja meta nircevu il-pensjoni minn Malta, jg˙odduhielna b˙ala income (d˙ul) u g˙alhekk meta nircevu l-pensjoni Awstraljana jnaqqsulna l-parti li nircevu minn Malta, allura daqqa doppja. G˙alhekk g˙idulhom lil dawk f’Malta biex ikunu iktar infurmati u mhux dejjem jg˙idulna li ma n˙allsux taxxa!

Joseph Caruana from Beverly Hills, NSW writes: am currently on holiday in and in fact my wonderIfulMalta, stay in the land of my parents will soon end. I have enjoyed myself tremendously, both during my stay with some distant relatives and also in the days I have passed by staying in two different hotels. While over here I have made it a point to also log on to The Voice of the Maltese facebook page, download the magazine and read most of the articles. By the way I found the Calendar of Events 2015 in Malta published in Issue No. 108 most helpful and am so looking forward to my last event I would be able to attend, in the village of Zejtun, the Zejtun Festival. Then it is back to Australia. In the last two issues of the magazine I read all the letters sent to the magazine by readers about the Malta Transport fares. Honestly, I found this to be a storm in a teacup. I really find it hard to believe that People spending so much money to come all the way to Malta from Australia would be counting their pennies and complaining about bus fares when it comes to using public transport on the island. Some would say, that is not the point and that they are complaining because though they have a Maltese passport, they are not treated as like all Maltese citizens and are made to pay the same

fares as any foreigner holidaying in Malta. Whereas Maltese citizens with permanent residence in Malta can make use of what is being called as a tallinja card. I am on holiday in Malta and I possess dual citizenship. I planned my trip as if I was spending the holiday in some other European country and transport fares were the last on my mind. Therefore I find it strange that so many readers are taking up the matter as if enjoying Malta depends on how much they paid by using local public transport. I also cannot believe some of the arguments brought up. A great number of Maltese living in Australia might have been migrants and were perhaps forced to leave their country to find work. But I find very few of them regretting the decision now that they are here and have raised their families in Australia. They are happy and though most of their kids are always so eager to visit Malta for all that it has to offer, very few of them seem keen on transferring to Malta to spend the rest of their life there. Retiring there, perhaps, but to live there after establishing themselves in a large country such as Australia would be asking too much. So let us keep our thoughts about Malta and all it has to offer in perspective. Holidaying in Malta is great. But expecting to get all the advantages the same as the residents because you have have a Maltese passport would be asking too much.

10 The Voice of the Maltese

Perspettiva

Tuesday September 15, 2015 A version of this series in English may be found in the author's blog at: http://www.ivancauchi. blogspot.com

kitba ta’

IVAN CAUCHI

Über

eta kont Ωg˙ir, ©ieli ltqajt malespressjoni Deutschland Über Alles, li tfisser il-Ìermanja Fuq Kollox. Din lespressjoni tinsab fl-ewwel linja tal-ewwel stanza tal-innu nazzjonali ÌermaniΩ, Deutschlandlied - l-G˙anja tal-ÌermaniΩi. Fi Ωmien in-NaΩisti, din l-ewwel stanza kienet titkanta f'okkaΩjonijiet uffiçjali, b˙all-Olimpjadi ta' Berlin fl-1936, u g˙alhekk l-espressjoni tibqa' sibbli li twaqqfu. assoçjata man-NaΩiΩmu. Wara Is-soluzzjoni mhix t-Tieni Gwerra Dinjija, u iktar li twaqqfu, imma li wara l-unifikazzjoni tal-Ìers-sistema ta' regoli manja, it-tielet stanza tal-innu, tinbidel. Il-progress li ma fihiex dawn il-kliem, saret tadatta g˙alih trid, titkanta minflok l-ewwel wiemhux twaqqfu, u ˙ed waqt okkaΩjonijiet uffiçjali. tie˙u miΩuri ta' FiΩ-Ωminijiet tal-lum, il-kelma transizzjoni g˙al Uber hija spiss fl-a˙barijiet min hu milqut. madwar id-dinja g˙al ra©uni Dan mhux l-uniku differenti u saret tirrappreΩenta eΩempju ta' proliferrivoluzzjoni fid-dinja tas-serazzjoni ta' servizzi li vizzi, li sal-biera˙ kienu jinqabel kienu g˙ataw biss minn operaturi jing˙ataw biss minn rregolati u/jew protetti mil-li©i operaturi kummerçu llum jing˙ataw minn nies koSidien u xufiera tat-taksis jimblukkaw xi toroq fl-Awstralja bi protesta jali. EΩempju ie˙or muni bil-proprjetà privata tag˙kontra l-uΩu ta’ karozzi privati (l-Uber) li qed je˙dulhom xog˙olhom huwa l-AirBNB, hom. Komponent essenzjali hufejn proprjetajiet privati jinkrew g˙all-btajjel qosra. Min huwa inwa l-uΩu tal-Internet. Il-kumpannija Uber bdiet topera fl-2009 fl-Istati Uniti. Ippro- teressat jista' jfittex proprjetajiet ta' dan it-tip f'190 pajjiΩ, fuq ilduçiet programm (app) g˙al fuq il-mobajl li jippermetti lil xi ˙add websajt tal-kumpannija. Din id-darba l-kwestjoni titqajjem li jrid jag˙mel vja©© biex isib xufier li lest jie˙du hemm bil- mill-lukandiera, li jsemmu fost l-o˙rajn n-nuqqas ta' assigurazzjoni karozza privata tieg˙u, g˙al ˙las li ˙afna drabi jkun inqas minn jew ta' liçenzja tal-proprjetajiet privati. Familjari? Il-gazzetti m'g˙adx baqg˙alhom il-monopolju fuq l-a˙barijiet. dak jekk il-vja©© isir b'taksi. L-Uber issostni li s-servizz mhux M'hemmx g˙alfejn tmur g˙and tal-˙anut biex tixtri prodott - tista' ta' taksi imma li xufier jaqsam rikba (ride sharing) mal-klijent. G˙alkemm bdiet fl-Istati Uniti, l-Uber illum toffri s-servizz fl- tixtri ming˙and bejjieg˙ li qatt ma smajt bih imma li ssibu fuq ibliet prinçipali ta' 60 pajjiΩ madwar id-dinja, inkluΩ l-Awstralja, Ebay. Din l-istorja mhix se tieqaf hawn.4 Id-dinja fejn il-gvernijiet l-Ingilterra u l-Kanada.1 F'Malta g˙adu ma bediex, g˙alkemm 2 ikunu f'poΩizzjoni li jirregolaw u jikkontrollaw kollox, u li shemm min qed jargumenta favurih. Min qieg˙ed f'Malta f'Illiservizzi jing˙ataw min-negozjanti li jikkontrollaw il-produzzjoni nois, l-Istati Uniti, ˙a©'o˙ra! Il-kwestjoni tqum g˙ax l-industrija tat-trasport hija ˙afna drabi u jimpjegaw il-˙addiema (is-sistema klassika kapitalista), tista' rregolata mill-istat, fejn kumpanniji tat-taksis ikollhom liçenzja tg˙id li qed tmajna. Illum qed nimxu lejn ekonomija ddeçentralizzata. Id-dinja talli jridu j˙allsu g˙aliha biex joperaw dan is-servizz, u min isuq ittaksi jing˙ata t-ta˙ri© u jkollu polza tal-assigurazzjoni. Ix-xufiera Internet qed t˙ajjar lil nies komuni jsiru jafu 'l xulxin, isiru jafu tal-Uber mhumiex mistennija li jag˙mlu dan bilfors, g˙alkemm x'jixtieq l-ie˙or, u jistg˙u jit˙ajjru jaqduh. Is-suq, fejn ix-xerrej jiltaqa' mal-bejjieg˙, iktar ma jg˙addi Ω-Ωmien qed ji©i kkrejat il-kumpannija tg˙id li g˙andha polza tal-assigurazzjoni hi.3 Allura wie˙ed jistaqsi, g˙aliex sempliçement ma ji©ux infurzati mis-softwer. Ikun Ωball kbir jekk il-gvernijiet ikunu iktar mo˙˙hom kif se l-li©ijiet tal-istat u l-Uber u s-sewwieqa tag˙ha jittellg˙u l-Qorti? L-ewwel ˙a©a, f'diversi stati, qed isir preçiΩament hekk, g˙ax jΩommu mal-mudelli stabbiliti tal-ekonomija li (ma) jafu(x) jimwara kollox l-istat jie˙u introjtu konsiderevoli mill-liçenzji tat- mani©©jaw milli jippreparaw g˙all-mudelli tal-ekonomija taltaksis. Fi NSW, xufiera tal-Uber qed ji©u mhedda b'multi li futur. X'jien ng˙id! Tal-lum! jistg˙u jla˙˙qu $100,000. F'Victoria, l-Uber qalet li lesta t˙allashom hi l-multi, li s'issa kienu iktar baxxi. Mill-banda l-o˙ra, m'hemmx dubju li hawn domanda kbira g˙al dan Referenzi is-servizz ©did b˙ala alternattiva g˙at-taksis, li ˙afna drabi jkunu 1. https://www.uber.com/, retrieved 31/8/2015 meqjusa li jkunu g˙aljin wisq, idumu biex jaslu u li s-servizz ma tis- 2. http://www.grtu.org.mt/index.php/publications/publications-after-2010/publicatax tafdah. G˙alfejn il-gvern g˙andu jipprote©i servizz inadegwat? tions-in-2015/3362-could-uber-be-part-of-a-solution-of-our-traffic-problems, reIs-soluzzjoni mhix façli. Irid jing˙ad li x-xufiera tat-taksis ˙afna trieved 31/8/2015 drabi j˙allsu l-belli liri biex ikunu jistg˙u jag˙mlu dan ix-xog˙ol, 3. http://www.news.com.au/finance/business/uberx-versus-taxis-why-the-time-foru f'daqqa wa˙da qed jaraw li l-investiment tag˙hom qed jispiçça taxis-is-over/story-fnkgde2y-1227274842438, retrieved 31/8/2015 fix-xejn. 4. https://hbr.org/2015/07/who-benefits-from-the-peer-to-peer-economy? retrieved Madankollu, fid-dinja tal-Internet, servizz ©did b˙al dan impos- 31/8/2015

The Voice of the Maltese 11

Tuesday September 15, 2015

A Greek tragedy remembered ...

Doujon’s heart keeps on giving T

he brutal murder in 2008 of young 20-year-old Australian of Maltese descent Doujon Zammit and the bashing of his cousin Cameron Tabone, both backpackers, in Greece made headlines around the word. After partying at a nightclub called Tropicana on the Mykonos famous Paradise Beach at the very end of their holiday, they were viciously and brutally attacked by four burly men. Cameron was smashed in the face and Doujon was beaten to death repeatedly hit in the head. Another Australian was also severely bashed. At the Tzanio General Hospital, near Athens they were told that even though Doujon’s body was still working perfectly, he was brain dead. Oliver Zammit, Doujon’s father and his brother Joe rushed to Greece from Australia to be with Doujon. At the same hospital they met Kosta Gribilas a TV personality in Greece who was waiting for a heart transplant. A decision had to be made about Doujon. Oliver Zammit who was born at HalGhaxaq in Malta and migrated to Australia with his family at age of two years finally declared, “my wife, Rosemarie, Doujon’s brothers Zeale, Laurent and I have decided to donate Doujon’s organs. I understand there is a man waiting for his heart now, a 30-year-old Greek-Australian; and he will be receiving his heart tonight”. It was a horrific choice they had to make. In fact the transplant of Doujon’s organs eventually helped four people. The Zammit family, Oliver, Rosemarie, Zeke and Laurent were back in Greece in January 2010, in the port town of Mytilene, capital of Lesbos, for the trial of the Greek tugs accused of murdering Doujon. Those on trial were Marios Antonopoulos, the 26-year-old bouncer at the Tropicana Club, accused of intent to murder, George Chatzioannou and Dim-

Above: Doujon Zammit who was beaten to death in Mykonos during a holiday to Greece, in 2008, and the house he used to live in with his family in Cecil Hill, NSW. Left: Doujon’s parents, Oliver and Rosemary Zammit itri Varonas, by turning off their son’s life support who also work- that caused his death. ed at the TropiAfter 12 days, Antonopoulos was found cana, accused of guilty and sentenced to 22-and-halfbeing accesso- years in prison, Chatzioannou got eight ries to attemp- years and three months behind bars, and ted murder; and Varonas seven-and-a-half years. DaktyStamatis Dakty- lidis was found not guilty. After two long lidis, owner of years of battle in the Greek courts, Tropicana, char- Antonopoulos was released in 2014 after ged with sup- serving just six years behind bars. plying the weaThroughout the whole ordeal, the Zapon that killed mmit family received support from the Doujon. Homicide Victims Support Group set up The trial took in 1993. an unexpected The Zammit family had been living in turn when the the suburb of Cecil Park NSW when d e f e n d a n t s ’ faced with this unspeakable tragedy in lawyers accused their lives. They have since moved away. the Zammits of The Voice of the Maltese found out that killing Doujon in fact the Liverpool City Council has officially named a Lake in Doujon’s memory. It was officially inaugurated by the Hon. Jillian Skinner MP, Minister of Health, Minister for Medical Research and Mayor Ned Mannoun on Sunday 23 Feb. 2014. (Commemorative plaque naming the lake for Doujon is pictured left) Greg Callaghan and Ian Cuthbertson have written a new book (Allen & Unwin) Doujon’s Heart that is now on sale.

12 The Voice of the Maltese

Tuesday September 15, 2015

Roundup of News About Malta

Malta registers biggest economic growth in 10 yrs

Prime Minister Dr. Joseph Muscat addressing guests during the commemoration of the 450th Anniversay of the Great Siege at the Mediterranean Conference Centre

PM Muscat welcomes Europe’s awareness of refugee crisis

altese Prime Minister Dr. Joseph Muscat has welcomed the increased awareness to the plight of refugees that are fleeing Africa and the Middle East, but said that there is no solution in sight, and that the test of the promises being made by mainland European countries regarding refugees is whether they would continue to act once the media spotlight moves on. He pointed out that European countries are now realising that this is not simply a Mediterranean issue but a problem to be solved by the global community. Speaking on two occasions in the last few days as Malta is celebrating the 450th Anniversary of the Great Siege of Malta, Dr. Muscat mentioned the Valletta Summit on migration scheduled for November, and said that his position and that of Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi had remained consistent and both would continue to work together in this regard. He hoped the summit would create a framework for managing Europe’s growing refugee problem. However, he was not getting carried away and raising his hopes too soon. He said that the test of the promises being made by other European countries about refugees is whether they will continue to act “once the newspapers forget the issue.” He said that Malta would assist Greece and Italy by accepting some of the migrants arriving in these two Mediterranean countries. In the first half of the year, the two countries between them have received 300,000 migrants. In the next few days the European commission is expected to propose that EU states accept between them 160,000 refugees from Greece and Italy, with Malta’s allocation amounting to around 425 migrants, an increase of 133 on the last proposal The Prime Minister said that one couldn’t speak of solidarity if he doesn’t practice it in the hour of need. During an activity on the occasion commemorating the Great Siege, he said that

the fortifications the Knights built were never used for their original plan and insisted that Malta would give its assistance so that when the need arises, it can justly request help. He added that Malta never put away the asylum and hospitality values that were a vision of the Knights of St John, and would remain a centre of dialogue, as would happen in the November summit between the European Union and the African Union states with the hope of achieving a long term solution to the migration crisis

ccording to statistics, in the second quarter of this year, Malta’s economy is in boisterous good health and that it has increased by 5.2% from 4%, which is four times bigger than the European average. Expressing satisfaction at this growth, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said that this is the biggest economic growth in ten years. When it comes to unemployment, the number has decreased, from the 8,000 it inherited when it took government to 5000 persons, which is the lowest ever. He boasted that it is the second-least number of unemployed (per capita), after Germany. Despite this figure, he said that there is still work to be done and that the government would not close its eyes as it faces the realities of those who still cannot find employment, or are not satisfied with their earnings. Referring to the energy sector, PM Muscat said that from a bankrupt company and a huge burden for the country, along with its Chinese partners Shangai Electric Power, Enemalta is currently negotiating to invest in other countries. “We have transformed a millstone around the neck of the nation into a regional power which invests in other countries,” he said.

Art by prison inmates goes on show

rt by 12 inmates of Corradino Prisons is currently on display as part of an educational project called Unlock at the Malta School of Art as part of the Valletta International Visual Arts Festival. The aim of the project is to unlock the inmates' potential. Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Abela said during the inauguration that educational pro-

grammes at the prisons, which are part of the process of rehabilitation to better prepare the inmates for reintegration in society, whether formal or informal, had tripled over the past year More than 200 inmates are currently attending some kind of training or educational programme, including drama and music.

MP's assistance prevents unplanned flight landing

altese Labour MP Dr Deo Debattista gave medical assistance to a patient who needed it on flight from New York to Munich and saved KM2925 from landing in Greenland. Dr Debattista, who was part of a Maltese delegation led by Speaker Anglu Farrugia that was returning to Malta after taking part in the fourth World Speakers Conference in New York was the only doctor on the flight. Thanks to his assistance the flight could proceed as planned.

The Voice of the Maltese 13

Tuesday September 15, 2015

Roundup of News About Malta In July Malta registers 8.6% increase in tourist expenditure and 3.5% in inbound visitors

alta’s Tourism sector keeps flourishing and though the airport. statistics published by the National StatisCompared to the same month last year, August regtics Office (NS)) show a positive perform- istered an increase of 6% in traffic movement, while ance in inbound tourism for the month of July, airlines had sold 87% of their available seats, even during which, the number of tourists visiting reached though there had been an increase in flights, there206,626, representing an increase of 4.7% or 9,237 fore an increase in seats availability on sale. more tourists. At the height of the tourist season there was also Total inbound visitors including cruise passengers an increase in aircraft movements with approxispending overnights in Malta amount to 207,541. It mately either an aircraft take-off or landing every 12 is worth noting that the number of tourist nights and minutes. expenditure recorded higher growth rates of 7.2% and 8.6% respectively. In comparison to the same month last year, the increase in value exceeds the increase in volume. In July 2015, tourists spent €220.2 million, €17.5 million more than the previous year. Furthermore the average length of stay increased from 8.8 nights in July 2014 to 9.0 nights in July 2015. Cumulative data for the period January to July this year point to a very good performance with the number of inbound tourists increasing by 5.2% over the same period last year. The number of nights stayed by tourists reached 7.3 million, recording an increase of 4.2%. The figures follow the uphe village of Mellie˙a, perched wn as the Red Tower, and Popeye ward trend in June when on a series of hills to the north- Village, the set of the 1980 film. total arrivals and nights in collective accommodation west of Malta surrounded on three Popeye. The name Mellie˙a deriving from during were estimated at sides by the Blue Mediterranean Sea 154,225 and 885,109 respec- that gives it magnificent views all the Semitic root "m-l-˙" which in tively, which is equivalent to around, has been designated by the Arabic means salt, was adopted bean increase of 0.2% in ar- European Best Destinations, a non- cause of the ancient salt-terns the rivals and 0.4% in nights governmental organisation based in Romans had established at G˙adira. The same organisation also voted spent. Overall performance Brussels, among Europe’s Best 13 Malta’s capital, Valletta, as the for Gozo was even better Hidden Gems 2015. Mellie˙a, one of Malta's most pic- fourth Best Destination in Europe than Malta. In the meantime, Malta In- turesque tourist destinations, which among 20 other towns that comternational Airport (MIA) is about 150 metres above sea level, peted for the prestigious title of Best has reported a record overlooks Malta’s beautiful and European Destination 2015. In a contest with the participation turnover of 585,218 passen- most popular sandy beach of Melgers who have used the air- lie˙a Bay,which is also the island’s of 244,696 people from around Europe Bordeaux in France was classiport terminal in August, largest sandy beach. It is also home to some important fied first followed by Lisbon in which is an average 18,500 daily. By the end of August, Maltese attractions, including the Portugal, and Athens in Greece. Valletta beat Riga, Zagreb, LjublMIA said that over three mil- Sanctuary of the Madonna tal-Mellion passengers have passed lie˙a, the St Agatha tower, also kno- jana, Innsbruck, Milan and Brussels.

MELLIEÓA: named as a Hidden Gem in Europe

- Valletta 4th Best Destination

Enemalta ‘wins’ wind farm project in Montenegro

nternational Renewable Energy Development Limited, the joint venture between Enemalta and Shanghai Electric Power has won a contract to develop the first wind farm project in that is expected to start generating a 46-megawatt wind farm in Mozura, Montenegro. Enemalta said in a statement that thought the joint venture it is continuing with its plans to transform itself into a regional operator of energy in Europe. The joint company is mandated to explore renewable projects across Europe and has a target to develop a 300MW portfolio of projects, with the first commercial project being this wind farm. It said it would soon initiate discussions with the parties involved in the project. According to reports, the contract was given to Enemalta by the Montenegro government after the failure of talks with a Spanish consortium that had signed a contract for the building of the plant on a 502,858 sq metres of land. The Montenegro government said that it approved the lease transfer to Enemalta, and that due to the lease, has extended the construction of the plant by another 15 months

Maltese man arrested in Libya released, back in Malta

he man who was arrested by the Libyan T authorities in Libya Carmelo Grech returned back in Malta three weeks after being

arrested at Labrak Airport in Al Bayda, east of Benghazi, in August. Mr Grech, who during the 2011 Revolution ferried aid to Misurata, was arrested for smuggling, as he was allegedly carrying

over €300,000 in cash, but then they had a change of heart and failed to press charges. Grech, a sea captain and owner of a trawler through his family business, Gulf Fisheries Ltd was taken into custody along with a Jordanian and two Algerians. He was originally held at the Libyan National Army headquarters in the city of Al Marj, and was later

transferred to the Garnata high security prison. Meanwhile, a Syria-born Maltese citizen has since also been arrested in connection with fuel smuggling, while an unnamed Maltese man was arrested in connection with fuel smuggling off the Libyan coast early.

14 The Voice of the Maltese

Tuesday September 15, 2015

Tg˙id minnu?

hux darba u tnejn ktibt dwar dak li jkun ntqal mill-Isqof t’G˙awdex, Mons Mario Grech. Kif semmejt ftit ilu, iddiskorsi tieg˙u fihom ˙afna x’wie˙ed jog˙mod u kultant joqorsu fil-la˙am il-˙aj, sa˙ansitra lil u˙ud mill-membri tal-kleru, li mhux darba jew tnejn irrefera g˙alihom b˙ala tradizzjonalisti. IΩda jekk dak li xandar il-©urnal Maltatoday, (08.09.2015) hu minnu jidher li w˙ud minn dawn il-membri tal-kleru qed i˙arsu b’mod differenti lejn l-Isqof G˙awdxi. Skont dan il-©urnal Mons Grech kien il-favorit li jil˙aq Arçisqof ta’ Malta, iΩda fl-a˙˙ar minuta, wara li ntbag˙tet ittra min-na˙a ta’ xi membri ta-kleru, il-Vatikan biddel fehmtu, u minflok ˙atar lil Mons Charles Scicluna. Dejjem skont il-Maltatoday g˙add ta’ membri tal-kleru, fi Ωmien li kien qed isir il-proçess tal-g˙aΩla tal-arçisqof ta’ Malta, kitbu lill-Kardinal Reinhard Marx, il-kap tal-Kummisssjoni tal-Konferenza tal-Isqfijet tal-Komunita’ Ewropea, dwar l-im©ieba talisqof ta’ G˙awdex fejn fost kollox allegaw li l-Isqof kien “bully” u kellu “a bullying culture”. Sostnew li l-attitudni aggressiva li uΩa matul id-disa’ snin li ilu jmexxi d-Djoçesi G˙awdxija wasslet g˙al diversi riΩenji filwaqt li membri o˙ra ©ew injorati, imwarrba u sa˙ansitra verbalment mg˙ajjra fil-pubbliku. Dawn il-membri tal-kleru fl-ittra tag˙hom insistew li fiddeçiΩjonijiet tieg˙u, l-Isqof, li g˙adu jg˙ix mal-familja tieg˙u, kien qed ji©i nfluwenzat mill-istess familja bir-riΩultat li ttie˙du deçiΩjonijiet pastorali ˙Ωiena u saru ˙atriet ta’ nies mhux ta’ stoffa (misfits). “The Church in Gozo has been run for the last nine years by a ‘grin of a Cheshire cat’. It would be a sheer disaster if Bishop Grech were appointed archbishop. He is utterly unfit to lead the Metropolitan See. The Maltese Church requires a robust leader,” dawn il-membri tal-kleru temmew jg˙idu fl-ittra tag˙hom li fost o˙rajn, ©iet ukoll ikkupjata lill-Papa Fran©isku. Jekk veru li nkitbet din l-ittra u nkiteb dak li ntqal f’dan il-©urnal (attwalment ntqal aktar milli ktibt jien), is-sitwazzjoni fid-djoçesi G˙awdxija xejn m’hi sabi˙a. Wie˙ed aktar jit˙asseb jekk hu minnu li l-Papa biddel fehmtu dwar il-˙atra tal-Arçisqof ta’ Malta min˙abba din l-ittra. G˙ax nimma©ina li l-kongregazzjoni tal-Isqfijiet ma na˙sibx li qag˙det biss fuq dak li kitbu grupp ta’ membri tal-kleru. Dan billi fuq kollox jista’ jkun dawk li kitbu dak li kitbu g˙amlu dan g˙ax b’xi mod kienu ©ew maqrusa minn xi azzjoni jew xi kliem li g˙amel ta’ Mons. Grech. Hawn ta’ min jg˙id li fl-a˙˙ar jiem l-istess maltatoday sostniet li l-Isqof t’G˙awdex ma kienx mexa mad-direttiva tal-Vatikan li “jneΩΩa minn saçerdot ” lil Dun Dumink Camilleri, min˙abba li dan Ωmien ilu kien investigat dwar abbuΩ sesswali ma’ tfal. Skont dan il-gazzetta, minkejja li fl-2013 il-Vatikan kien ta’

ordni li dan is-saçerdot jitne˙˙ilu l-ministeru, sa ftit ilu dan issaçerdot kien g˙addu jqaddes f’ kappella privata u jilbes ta’ saçerdot, ming˙ajr mal-Isqof ta’ G˙awdex jie˙u passi kontrih. G˙alkemm l-Isqof t’G˙awdex ma wie©eb xejn dwar l-allegazzjoni, wara li xxandar dan ir-rapport, il-Kurja t’G˙awdex stqarret li fil-fatt Camilleri kien ©ie mça˙˙ad milli jaqdi l-funzjonijiet ta’ saçerdot sa minn Marzu ta’ din is-sena. U propju qabel qed nikteb, il-Maltatoday ˙ar©et bi storja o˙ra fejn qalet li skont wie˙ed mill-vittmi ta’ Dun Camilleri, fil-fatt kien hemm tal-inqas Ωew© membri tal-kleru o˙ra li kienu jabbuΩaw mit-tfal li kienu fl-orfanatrofju ta’ San ÌuΩepp f’G˙awdex li Mons Grech ma ˙ax passi kontra tag˙hom minkejja li dan g˙andu rapport dwarhom. Wara dawn l-istejjer kollha, hawn min qed jistaqsi jekk din hix bidu ta’ kampanja biex ji©ri dak li ©ara fil-kaΩ tal-eks-Arçisqof ta’ Malta, Mons Pawl Cremona!!!

Il-qg˙ad l-inqas fl-a˙˙ar 20 sena s-sitwazzjoni tax-xog˙ol fil-GΩejjer Maltin kulma jmur titjieb. Skont l-a˙˙ar figuri li Ing˙ataw tal-ETC, bejn Lulju tas-sena l-o˙ra

Óames barranin il-Qorti mixlija bi 28 kaΩ ta’ serq rbat ir©iel u mara, kollha barranin,©ew arE restati u mixlija fil-Qorti bi 28 serqa minn djar f’Tas-Sliema hekk kif il-pulizija solviet

u dak ta’ din is-sena, il-qg˙ad naqas b’1772 persuna. It-tnaqqis ©ie rre©istrat fl-etajiet kollha. F’Lulju tal-2014 il-qag˙ad kien ta’ 6,834 u dis-sena niΩel g˙al 5,062. Il-Gvern qal fi stqarrija li Malta kellha linqas numru ta’ nies jirre©istraw g˙al dan ix-xahar fl-a˙˙ar g˙oxrin sena. Min-na˙a tal-OppoΩizzjoni ssostni li n-nuqqas kien min˙abba Ωieda fin-nies ja˙dmu malGvern, xi ˙a©a li l-Gvern ça˙ad.

˙afna mill-kaΩijiet ta˙˙ar ©img˙at. Ûew©t ir©iel mill-Ìeor©ja, ie˙or mill-Polonja, ie˙or mil-Litwanja u mara mill-Krygyztan ©ew imressqa l-Qorti l-Ìimg˙a wara st˙arri© li ˙a g˙add ta’ ©img˙at mill-pulizija bil-kummissarju tal-Pulizija Micahel Cassar jg˙id f’konferenza tal-a˙barijiet li ©ew solvuti 15-il serqa li saru din is-sena, tliet attentativi u 13-il serqa li saru is-sena l-o˙ra. B’kollox saru madwar 40 serqa. Huma baqg˙u jinΩammu arrestati.

Il-mara mixlija tidher die˙la l-Qorti

The Voice of the Maltese 15

Tuesday September 15, 2015

Mix-xena tal-˙ajja Maltija 2

˙addew 450 sena mill-Assedju l-Kbir fejn il-mislem ˙abat g˙all-GΩejjer tag˙na f’dik li kienet meqjusa b˙ala wa˙da mill-akbar gwerer bejn l-Insara u lMisilmin. Qabel il-©rajja kienet ti©i mfakkra b’diversi attivitajiet fosthom it-tqeg˙id ta’ kuruni f’ri©lejn il-Monument tal-Assedju l-Kbir fil-Belt u f’diversi postijiet o˙ra f’ Malta u G˙awdex. Fil-Belt kien isir diskors kommemorattiv bilkelliem mag˙Ωul ifakkar din il-©rajja tarreb˙a tal-Insara fuq il-Misilmin, jew kif jafu aktar il-Maltin fuq it-Torok... nies li konna

L-Assedju: Il-biera˙ u llum

niffigurawhom b’wiçç iswed fa˙ma, g˙alkemm fil-fatt it-Torok attwalment mhumiex b’©ilda tant skura. Dis-sena, tal-inqas fuq livell uffiçjali, bdilna xi ftit ir-rotta. G˙all-ewwel darba saru Ωew© diskors ta’ tifkira, wie˙ed mill-Arçisqof ta’ Malta, Mons Charles Scicluna u l-ie˙or millImam Mohamed El Sadi, il-mexxej spiritwali tal-Musulmani f’Malta. It-tnejn li huma po©©ew ukoll kuruna f’ri©lejn il-Monument tal-Assedju l-Kbir u ˙adu sehem ukoll fiççelebrazzjonijiet fil-Birgu. Kien sforz çar mill-Awtoritajiet biex iwwasslu lmessa©© li, iva lpassat infakkruh, imma fl-istess ˙in g˙andna wkoll ng˙xu filpreΩent fejn l-Insara u wkoll Musulmani g˙andhom ja˙dmu ˙alli jg˙ixu flimkien. Din it-tema sa˙ansitra re©g˙et ©iet emfasizzata mill-Arçisqof L-Arçisqof Mons Charles Scicluna u l- Imam Mohamed Scicluna li filQuddiesa PontifEl Sadi waqt ipo©©u fjuri waqt iç-çelebrazzjonijiet kali li din is-sena

saret fil-knisja tal- Mellie˙a, appella lillMaltin u l-G˙awdxin biex jilqg˙u b’im˙abba u b’rispett” lill-immigranti Musulmani li jaslu fi xtutna b˙alma nixtiequ li nkunu milqug˙a u rrispettati a˙na f’pajjiΩi Islamiçi. Huwa sa˙aq li biex insa˙˙u d-djalogu malIslam bilfors li hemm bΩonn ninfurmaw sewwa lil dawk involuti fih li mhux biss jinbnew fl-identità tag˙hom imma li wkoll ikollhom il-˙ila jag˙rfu l-valur tal-o˙rajn. Qal li hija ˙asra kbira meta r-reli©jon issir strument jew mottiv ta’ kampanja militari u ta’ gwerra, waqt li rrefera g˙al dak li qed iwettaq l-Istat Islamiku (ISIS) fejn jag˙milha çara li l-attroçitajiet li qed jag˙mel huma ©ustifikati minn “interpretazzjoni kiefra talKoran”. Sintendi wie˙ed irid jpo©©i dan l-avveniment fi sfond ta’ dak li qed ise˙˙ b˙alissa fejn g˙add kbir ta’ immigranti, fil-ma©©oranza tag˙hom, Musulmani qed ja˙irbu minn pajjiΩhom isibu kenn f’xi pajjiΩ tal-Ewropa. Fejn qed isiru appelli mhux biss minn mexxejja politiçi, iΩda sa˙ansitra mill-Papa biex dawn in-nies ji©u milqug˙a. Biss jidher li hemm firda fost il-©ens Malti fejn g˙add ©mielu ta’ nies xejn m’huma favur li jsir dan u ma tantx urew sens nisrani tant li fil-kummenti tag˙hom xejn ma laqg˙u sabi˙ is-sej˙a tal-Arçisqof. Aktarx li din ir-reazzjoni hija riΩultat mhux biss ta’ çerti attroçitajiet li qed isiru minn çerti Misilmin madwar id-dinja, iΩda wkoll, min˙abba l-fatt li hawn ˙afna li mal-ewwel jassoçjaw il-Misilmin ma’ dawk l-immigranti li da˙lu Malta illegalment.

Il-problema tal-immigranti hi tal-Ewropa kollha a semmejna limmigranti, jidL her li fl-a˙˙ar mill-

a˙˙ar qed noqorbu biex l-Unjoni Ewropeja tasal g˙al dak li tant ilha tippriedka Malta flimkien mal-Italja, ji©ifieri li l-problema talJean-Claude Juncker immigranti mhix biss wa˙da tal-pajjiΩi ta’ fejn jinΩlu l-immigranti, iΩda tal-Unjoni Ewropeja kollha. Sa ftit taΩ-Ωmien ilu, l-Unjoni Ewropeja qatt ma aççettat li jkun hemm xi kwoti ta’ emi-

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granti li kull pajjiΩ tal-UE kellu jie˙u. IΩd’issa, li l-influs ta’ dawn l-immigranti mhux ©ej biss min-na˙a tal-Afrika u allura jolqot lil pajjiΩi b˙al Malta u l-Italja, issa li qed jolqot ukoll pajjiΩi o˙ra fosthom il-Ìermanja u Franza, Ωew© pajjiΩi li huma influwenti ˙afna fl-Unjoni Ewropeja qed joqomsu. Jidher li dan wassal biex biddel id-diska talUnjoni u l-Kummissjoni tal-Unjoni Ewropeja fasslet lista ta’ immigranti li kull pajjiΩ g˙andu jie˙u. (ara lista ). G˙alkemm ma kienx çar jekk il-lista kienetx tobbliga lillpajjiΩi konçernati jew le. Attwalment ˙arsa lejn il-lista turi li hemm pajjiΩi - fosthom l-Ingilterra u l-Irlanda – li mhumiex inkluΩi billi skont il-ftehim li g˙andhom mal-Unjoni Ewropeja ma jistg˙ux ji©u m©ieg˙la jid˙lu f’dan il-pro©ett. Imma diskors li sar propju fl-a˙˙ar jiem, jidher li ççara l-affarijiet. F’diskors imqanqal il-President tal-Kummissjoni, Jean-Claude Juncker qal li wasal iΩ-Ωmien li ti©i ntrodotta sistema li tobbliga lil kull pajjiΩ tal-UE li jie˙u çertu numru ta’ immigranti, u li dawk il-pajjiΩi li ma jaççettawx ikollhom i˙allsu multi kbar. IΩda mhux g˙alkemm li dak li jg˙id Junker ji©i mplimentat g˙ax filwaqt li çerti pajjiΩi, fosthom il-Ìermanja, issa qed jaççettaw il-

kwoti, mhux hekk pajjiΩi o˙ra..fosthom l-Ingilterra u xi pajjiΩi fil-Lvant tal-Ewropa..... u sintendi biex din il-proposta tid˙ol fis-se˙˙ iridu jaqblu l-pajjiΩi kollha. Sadnitant, malli waslet l-a˙bar li Junker kien favur il-kwoti obbligatorji, diversi kummentaturi PajjiΩi Minn Minn Minn f’Malta ma membri 40,000 120,000 160,000 naqsux jikMejju Ìdida Total k u m e n t a w Awstrija 1,213 3,640 4,853 1,364 4,564 5,928 dwar id-dis- Bel©ju 572 1,600 2,172 kors u jirri- Bulgarija Kroazja 747 1.064 1,811 m a r k a w Çipru 274 447 173 dwar il-fatt li Rep Çeka 1,328 2,978 4,306 Junker u l- Estonja 738 373 1,111 Ì e r m a n j a Finlandja 792 2,398 3,190 6.752 24.031 30,783 ççaqilqu issa Franza Ìermanja 31.443 40,206 g˙ax il-kriΩi Greçja 8.763 tad-d˙ul tal- Ungerija 827* immigranti Italja 526 1,043 517 m’g˙adhiex Latvja 780 1,283 503 tolqot biss Litwanja Lus’burgu 368 440 808 l i l l - p a j j i Ω i Malta 133 425 292 tal-Mediter- Olanda 2,047 7.214 9,261 ran, fosthom Polonja 2,659 9,287 11,946 Malta u l- Portugall 1,701 3,074 4,775 1,705 4,646 6,351 Italja iΩda Tumanija Slovakkja 1,502 2,287 s a ˙ a n s i t r a Slovenja 785 631 1,126 495 l i l l - Ì e r - Spanja 4,288 14,931 19,219 Svezja manja. 1,369 4,469 5,838

16 The Voice of the Maltese

Tuesday September 15, 2015

A quick glimpse at Australia

NSW Premier Mike Baird (left) and Prime Minister Tony Abbott talking about the refugee crisis

More can be done!

hallenging Prime Minister Tony Abbott while telling him that his government can do more to help in the refugee crisis, NSW Premier Mike Baird told the PM: “Stopping the boats can’t be where this ends” The NSW Premier was commenting after he felt sick with over-

whelming sorrow, despair and anger at the latest tragedy on a Turkish beach. Mr. Abbott said “one of the good things about stopping the boats is that we are now in a much better position to increase our refugee and humanitarian intake. In fact the PM has announced that Australia will permanently resettle 12,000 refugees from Syria but at the same time will begin air strikes on Islamic State targets. Mr. Abbott described the commitment to take in 12,000 refugees as one of the world's largest to date.

The New York Times accuses Tony Abbott eanwhile the influential The called purgatory where children are M New York Times, in a recent sexually abused, guards give deeditorial said that Prime Minister tainees marijuana in exchange for Tony Abbott has overseen a ruthless effective effort to stop boats packed with migrants, many of them refugees, from reaching Australia’s shore. The Times accused, that these policies have been inhumane, of dubious legality and strikingly at odds with the country’s tradition of welcoming people fleeing persecution and war. Nauru centre was

sex. Instead of stopping the abuses, the Australian government has sought to hide them from the world. The world is facing the most serious humanitarian crisis that we have seen since the end of the Second World War and the partition of India. The leaders of Italy, Malta and Greece have been warning others with the urgent crisis in the Mediterranean for years

“No preferential treatment to Christians over Muslims He said women, children and families from persecuted minorities sheltering in Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey would take priority. He denied there would be any preferential treatment given to Christians over Muslims despite reports of some backbench anti-Muslim sentiment. “It's those who can never go back that we're focused on,” he said. Mr. Abbott said Australia would “move quickly” to resettle refugees but they would be subject to standard security checks. The government will also spend $44 million supplying 240,000 refugees with cash, food, water and blankets in Lebanon, Turkey and Jordan. Declaring the need to act “with our heads, as well as with our hearts,” Mr. Abbott said airstrikes would target Islamic State targets in eastern Syria. He said the legal basis for the airstrikes is “the collective self-defence of Iraq”. Independent MP Andrew Wilkie said dropping bombs on Syria would be “illegal, ineffective and dangerous”. “These airstrikes just won't work. You can't defeat an unconventional enemy like Islamic State by dropping bombs,” he said. The cost of resettling the 12,000 refugees will be approximately $700 million over four years, not including processing costs. The four-year civil war in Syria has displaced some seven million people.

The Voice of the Maltese 17

Tuesday September 15, 2015

A quick glimpse at Australia

No tax on bank deposits he Government will not proceed T with a 0.05 percent levy to be imposed on all bank deposits up to $250,000. The money was to be invested in a Financial Stability Fund as

insurance in the event of bank collapsed. The decision to dump it could cost the budget $2 billion in lost revenue. Mr. Abbott said it was good news for the people of Australia. “The last way to make our banks strong, the last way to protect deposits, is to hit banks with more taxes. That’s the Labor way. It’s

not the Coalition’s way,” Abbott said. Banking groups welcomed the move, saying it was a wise decision and a welcome end to uncertainty for savers. The Labor Party had suggested a similar tax.

Cruising into Malta I

No resignation at the Commission

fter 18 days of deliberation, Justice Dyson Heydon the chairman of the Royal Commission into Trade Union Governance and Corruption concluded that “the mere fact that a person agrees to deliver a speech at a particular forum does not rationally establish that the person is sympathetic to, or endorses the views of, the organisers of the forum”. The former High Court judge found that the claims against him were without foundation and therefore the $60 millionplus corruption inquiry was to continue. The judge said, “indeed, it is notorious amongst the legal profession that I am incapable of sending or receiving emails. The consequence is that I read emails only after they have been printed out for me”. The chairman had accepted to address the Sir Garfield Barwick Address, a Liberal Party backed activity. The Labor Party has failed in a Senate bid to force out commissioner Dyson. The motion in the Senate was defeated, with 34 senators supporting it, and 34 opposing it. The motion moved by Senator Wong, the leader of the opposition in the Senate said Justice Heydon’s acceptance of an invitation to speak at the Liberal Party fundraiser meant he “has failed to uphold the standards of impartiality expected of a holder of the office of royal commissioner. Attorney-General George Brandis called Senator Wong’s criticism of Justice Haydon, a former High Court judge, “utterly contemptible.”

n its feature pages dedicated to travel, NSW daily newspaper The Sydney Morning Herald carried a scene of the Maltese city of Vittoriosa on its front. In the cover story, while noting the World's 20 most perfect ports to drop anchor, and mentioning the top cruise destinations, experienced cruise writer Brian Johnston, mentioned the Maltese capital, Valletta. He wrote: “Valletta, the Maltese capital, showcases its history nowhere better than from the middle of the Grand Harbour, one of the world's great natural shelters. “You sail in past Fort St Elmo and are enveloped in a stage set from Game of Thrones: a honeyed, battlemented glorious Renaissance gem crammed with turrets and swelling church domes. It makes you feel like a Knight of St John, sailing home after vanquishing the Barbary

Malta’s Grand Harbour pirates. He went on to write that “the only downside is a long hoof uphill after you dock”. He quotes Lord Byron bemoaning Valletta's “cursed streets of stairs”, and adds: “Leap off your cruise ship first and you can always use the lift before the queues start. It will hoist you up medieval ramparts on to Upper Barrakka Gardens, lined with cannon overlooking views that would make a Victorian heroine sob. “If only all ports were this brilliant, and all ships docked at so convenient an allocation. Admittedly it is not always so.”

MICHELLE ROWLAND MP FEDERAL MEMBER FOR GREENWAY Proudly serving the areas of: Acacia Gardens, Blacktown*, Girraween, Glenwood, Kellyville Ridge, Kings Langley, Kings Park, Lalor Park, Parklea, Pendle Hill, Prospect*, Quakers Hill*, Riverstone, Rouse Hill*, Schofields, Seven Hills, Stanhope Gardens, The Ponds, Toongabbie*, Vineyard *Parts of

230 Prospect Hwy, Seven Hills 2147 Ph: 9671 4780 Email:

Michelle.Rowland.MP@aph.gov.au

www.facebook.com/mrowlandmp Twitter: @mrowlandmp

18 The Voice of the Maltese

Tuesday September 15, 2015

Qassis jirba˙ il-Premju Kulturali 2015 fi NSW

r Benedict Sant tal-Ordni Missjunarja ta’ San Pawl sar l-ewwel saçerdot li qatt reba˙ il-Premju Kulturali Malti 2015 mindu l-premju ©ie mniedi 24 sena ilu. Dan il-premju mill-G˙aqda Kulturali Maltija ta’ NSW ji©i mog˙ti ta’ kull sena fl-okkaΩjoni tat-8 ta’ Settembru, il-festa tal-Vitorja. Id-dikjarazzjoni tar-rebbie˙ saret waqt lejla varjata ppreΩentata mill-G˙aqda Kulturali li fiha ˙a sehem il-kor Malti ta˙t it-tmexxija ta’ Marisa Previtera. Flistess lejla Victor Vella g˙amel diskors xieraq dwar il-festa tal-Madonna li ssir fil-Mellie˙a u l-muΩika li ssebba˙ dan ir-ra˙al pittoresk f’Malta. Waqt li aççetta l-premju ming˙and ilpresident tal-g˙aqda Charles Mifsud, Fr Sant, li ilu ja˙dem fost il-komunita` Maltija fl-Awstralja g˙al dawn l-a˙˙ar 50 sena qal li ˙adem ukoll g˙al xi Ωmien fil-Kanada u l-Libja, imma l-ikbar

zmien minn ˙ajtu g˙addieh l-Awstralja fejn serva f’North Sunshine, Horsley Park, fil-kappella tal-La Valette fi Blacktown kif ukoll f’Western Australia. B˙alissa Fr Sant, li huwa wie˙ed mill-iktar saçerdoti ma˙bubin, umli u ntelli©enti qed jag˙ti s-servizz tieg˙u f’Mons Depiro House f’Sydney fejn wasal biex jirtira. L-im˙abba tieg˙u lejn ilproxxmu ma fiha l-ebda limitu. Hu g˙andu m˙abba kbira lejn dak kollu li hu Malti u kien xieraq g˙alhekk li wara 50 sena ta’ xog˙ol pastorali jigi mog˙ti g˙arfien presti©©juΩ b˙al ma hu dan.

Fr Benedict Sant bit-trofew wara l-preΩentazzjoni

Il-Óolma ta’ Dun An© Seychell 20 sena wara

ilwaqt li Malta kienet qed tfakkar ilF festa tal-Vitorja u tiççelebra l-450 sena mill-Assedju l-Kbir, fit-8 ta’ Settembru li g˙adda fiΩ-Ûejtun, Dar Nazareth kienet qed tfakkar l-20 sena mindu fl-1995, Dun An© Seychell, feta˙ il-bibien tad-dar tieg˙u g˙al persuni b’diΩabiltajiet fiΩiçi u mentali. Minn dakinhar, il-pro©ett mibdi minn Dun An©, u mmexxi minn fondazzjoni bl-isem ta’ Dar Nazareth infirex u issa jikkonsisti fi tlett binjiet li jilqg˙u fihom persuni bi ˙ti©ijiet speçjali. Kien 20 sena ilu meta l-Fundatur Dun Ang Seychell wiret id-dar tal-familja tieg˙u wara l-mewt ta' missieru. Mill-ewwel ried jag˙mel xi ˙a©a biex itaffi n-nuqqasijiet li kien hawn f’Malta g˙all-persuni mhux daqshekk ixxurtjati biex setg˙u jg˙ixu f’residenzi filkomunita’. Bil-g˙ajnuna ta' xi ˙bieb iddeçieda li jiftag˙ha g˙al persuni b'diΩabbiltà. F'Jannar tal-1998 saret fondazzjoni awtonoma mmexxijja minn bord ta' diretturi b'kuntratt pubbliku, u fl-2000 Dun An© irregala d-dar lill-Fondazzjoni. Min hemm bdiet il-mixja biex saret il-Fondazzjoni Nazareth kif inhi mag˙rufa llum.

An© Seychell. It-tlett idjar tal-fondazzjoni jimxu bilg˙ajnuna finanzjarja tal-gvern, b’donazzjonijiet u bis-sehem ta’ g˙add ta’ voluntiera li jg˙inu kif jistg˙u.

L Le eo o ’’ss Ve Ve h h ii c cll e e R Re en n tt a all ss Dun An© Seychell Dun An©, jistqarr li ma setax jaççetta l-affarijiet kif kienu u ddeçieda li jag˙mel xi ˙aga konkreti ˙alli jsolvi kif jista’ l-problema. Ir-residenza bidilha f’dar li toffri kenn lil residenti ˙alli jiΩviluppaw il-˙iliet tag˙hom u fl-istess waqt, ikunu indipendenti u jing˙ataw iç-çans li jintegraw fil-komunita`. G˙al-bidu r-residenza fet˙et il-bibien g˙al erba’ residenti. Tul is-snin fet˙et Ωew©t idjar o˙ra biex b˙alissa hemm 28 persuna ta’ fuq is-16-il sena jg˙ixu l-˙olma ta’ Dun

Guaranteed cheapest rates All vehicles in NRMA road Service Low holding Deposit Discount for weekly rentals Shuttle service to the Airport Phone: 9622 2208 Mob: 0418 405 271 102 Kildare Rd Blacktown NSW 2148

MALTA TRAVEL Incorporating Pendle Hill Travel A division of Felice Travel Pty Ltd ABN 71 073 235 408 Licensed Travel Agent Lic. No 2TA4425

Join Monica Ledger on the 21-Day Canadian Tour & Cruise on September 7, 2016. Only 40 passengers can join, 14 already deposited! You got only till November 30 2015 to book! Call Charlie on 9631 2689 or 0412 523 893. Perth to Broome special Tour: details to be advertised soon.

165 Dunmore St., Wentworthville NSW 2145 Phone: (02) 9631 2689 Fax: (02) 9636 5949 Email: charlie@maltatravel.net.au Website: www.maltatravel.net.au

Tuesday September 15, 2015

The Voice of the Maltese 19

Il-KarkariΩi f’Melbourne jiççelebraw il-Festa ta’ Santa Liena F

i tmiem il-©img˙a tal-21-23 ta’ Awwissu s-St. Helena Maltese Australian Social Club Inc. ta’ Melbourne iççelebraw il-festa, din monjier kien is-Sur Emmanuel id-darba aktar bil-kbir min- Farrugia. Waqt il-Quddiesa ˙a sehem ˙abba li kienu qed ifakkru l-35 ukoll il-Maltese Choir of Victoria sena mit-twaqqif tag˙hom. Il-funzjonijiet reli©juΩi saru fil- ta˙t id-direzzjoni ta' Charles Croatian Catholic Church, f’- Schembri u Lidia Gusman. Wara l-quddiesa l-president, Fitzgerald Road, Ardeer u bdew b’quddiesa l-Ìimg˙a ikkonçele- Victor Bartolo, stieden lill-funbrata minn Fr Edwin Agius, Ret- datur tal-g˙aqda, is-Sur Reno tur f’Parkville, tas-Soçjeta` Mis- Grima, biex jintroduçieh lil sjunarja ta’ San Pawl, bis-sehem dawk preΩenti, u f’xil-4.30 p.m. ˙ar©et il-purçisjoni bl-istatwa tal-Maltese Choir of Victoria. Wara kul˙add ©ie mistieden ta’ Santa Liena madwar il-Kniimur fis-sala tal-knisja g˙al sja, akkumpanjata miΩ-Ωew© kunçert varjat fejn kien hemm baned Maltin, il-Malta Gozo Conikel u xorb, u marçi brijjuΩi mill- cert Band u l-Maltese Own Band Philharmonic Society Inc. Maltese United Brass Band. L-g˙aqdiet Maltin kienu wkoll L-g˙ada s-Sibt l-G˙aqda organizzat il-Ballu kbir tal-Festa fis- preΩenti u flimkien ma’ ˙afna sala tal-Melrose Reception and nies, imxew wara l-vara bl-istanConvention Centre, Tullamarine. dardi tag˙hom. Kien hemm G˙al dan il-ballu, wie˙ed mill- ukoll g˙add ta' tfal libsin kosikbar u l-aktar populari f’Mel- tumi Maltin, fosthom wa˙da blbourne fost il-komunita` Mal- g˙onnella u tifel ta' kavallier. tija, attendew madwar 700 millmembri u l-˙bieb, fosthom ilKonslu Ìenerali ta’ Malta fil-Victoria, is-Sur Victor Grech. Il-muΩika tul il-lejla ©iet ipprovduta mill-Banda Vibe. Kien hemm ukoll floor show mill-Katoomba Dancers, u naturalment ma naqasx il-brijju b’marçi g˙all-okkaΩjoni mill-Maltese United Brass Band. Imma l-qofol taç-çelebrazzjonijiet bla dubju kien il-Óadd, jum il-festa fl-istess Knisja li kienet mimlija daqs bajda. Il-quddiesa g˙all-okkaΩjoni ©iet ikkonçelebrata mill- Isqof Hilton Deakin li kellu jg˙inuh lill-membri talMSSP, Fr Edwin Agius, Fr Denis Carabott, Fr Emmanuel Adami, u Fr Dominic Degiorgio. Iç-çere-

Wara l-funzjonijiet religjuΩi, kul˙add kien mistieden fis-sala tal-istess Knisja g˙all-programm varjat m˙ejji mill-G˙aqda li kien jikkonsisti f’’marçi brijjuΩi miΩΩew© baned li akkumpanjaw ilvara. Fi tmiem il-programm mill-baned, beda daqq varjat mill-grupp The Vincents, filwaqt li bejn intervent muΩikali u ie˙or ˙a sehem ukoll DJ Dominic.. Il-president tal-g˙aqda u l-kumitat ˙abrieki tieg˙u ˙aqqhom prosit g˙all-organizzazzjoni. Listess il-voluntieri kollha li taw lg˙ajnuna tag˙hom biex il-festa kienet suççess. Wie˙ed ukoll ˙a gost jara fost il-preΩenti lill-fundatur u president onorarju, Reno Grima, li qatt ma jonqos li joffri l-g˙ajnuna tieg˙u fejn tkun me˙tiega. PaulVella

(paul.vella44@gmail.com)

Tfal lebsin kostumi Maltin jakkumpanjaw il-vara ta’ Santa Liena

Xellug: Victor Bartolo (president), Fr Emmanuel Adami, Reno Grima (fundatur), l-Isqof Hilton Deakin, Fr Edwin Agius, u s-Sur Victor Grech (Konslu Generali ta’ Malta fil-Victoria) waqt il-festa; Lemin: parti mill-wirja tal-Katoomba Dancers

20 The Voice of the Maltese

Tuesday September 15, 2015

Re ad eRs pplleeas as e n o te R ead

If you are not r ec eivin g the Voice of the Maltese regularly you are kindly requested to let us know. do the same if you h ave c hang-ed your em ail add ress. Keeping your address es updated is very important to us.

Past Pupils & Friends of Don Bosco (NSW)

Saturday October 24: 28th Annual Dinner Dance at Mandavilla Function Centre 1788 The Horsley Drive Horsley Park from 7pm. Music by Joe Apap. Dress: semi formal. For booking: Marlene: 02 9631 9295 In-nies li attendew g˙all-festa jidhru jakkumpanjaw l-istatwa fil-festa fl-in˙awi pittoreski tas-Central Coast. Lemin: IlPresident Charles Scicluna (xellug) ilkantant Joe Galea u wara Manwel Pisani.

Il-festa ta’ Santa Maria fis-Central Coast

l-Maltin li joqog˙du fl-in˙awi tas-Central Coast NSW, li l-g˙add tag˙hom dejjem qed jiΩdied, ifakkru wkoll u jiççelebraw il-festa ta’ Santa Marija. Dis-sena l-kumitat ta˙t id-direzzjoni ta’ Charles Scicluna, l-ewwel organizzaw id-dinner dance filYouth & Community Hall f’Kanwal u l-g˙ada bdew il-festa bis-solita quddiesa fil-knisja ta’ St Mary Mackillop ta’ Warnevale. Wara saret il-purçissjoni bl-istatwa akkumpanjata mill-banda u g˙all-˙abta tas-6.00 p.m. temmew iç-çelebrazzjoni bil-log˙ob tan-nar. Skont tag˙rif li kiseb The Voice of the Maltese, g˙all-festa attendew mas-700 persuna, li w˙ud minnhom kienu mill-in˙awi ta’ Sydney. Fi tmiem il-festa l-kumitat ta ˙ajr lill-kappillan u lil dawk kollha li attendew u li g˙inu biex g˙al darb’o˙ra saret festa kif jixraq. Diga’ wkoll qed ja˙sbu g˙al sen’o˙ra, tant li ddeçidew li fl-2016 il-festa jiççelebrawha fl-14 ta’ Awwissu.

Biex Tikteb Malti A˙jar

Il-pa©na b’tag˙rif dwar l-Ilsien Maltin u Biex tikteb Malti a˙jar din id-darba kellna naqbΩuha min˙abba f’˙afna materjal li ma setax jistenna. Imma tirritona fil-˙ar©a li jmiss

Crusing down the river with the Friends of Don Bosco (NSW)

t was the second last day of winter but IPalmSydney weather was magnificent for a Beach & Hawkesbury River Cruise. The 45km cruise departed from Palm Beach via Patonga cruising down Lower Hawksbury to Bobbin Head where this smiling group from the Friends of Don Bosco NSW discovered tranquility while stopping for a few hours at this, one of Sydney’s favoruite picnic spots.

The Voice of the Maltese 21

Tuesday September 15, 2015

Community News Anzac Exhibition at Maltese Centre

he two-day exhibition at the NSW Maltese Community Council’s Centre at Franklin Street Parramatta West featuring Holroyd Veterans of World War One attracted a good number of visitors. The Voice caught up with the exhibition on the first day when a busload of people from the Hills district called at the centre. The exhibition reflects the spirit of the Anzac Centenary with heroic messages from the battlefield of World War One integrated very artistically in 15-framed photographs. Other artefacts were also on show. Emanuel Camilleri from the MCC said the Maltese community

should be proud that its Centre was chosen by the City of Holroyd for such an important exhibition

during the 100 years of the Spirit of Anzac.

Obituary:

harles Alfred Micallef, aged 75, passed away at his home in Kellyville NSW on SatC urday August 15 surrounded by his wife, children and grandchildren. Sadly, Charlie lost his 16 months battle with brain cancer. Born January 11, 1940, Charles emigrated to Australia from Malta in 1951 with his mother Flora, sister Iris and youngest brother Victor. They settled in Lewisham where he resided until he later married Helga Montebello in 1964. They had four children, Leanne, Karen, Jodi and Anthony and 11 grandchildren, Joel, Brittany, Aiden, Samuel, Christian, Luke, Damon, Jordan, Mia, Emilio and Alexander. Charles was very active and a respected member of the Maltese community having been part of the first committee of St Dominic’s Home at Blacktown. Charles joined the committee of the Maltese Past Pupils of Don Bosco (NSW) in 1998 and served on a committee Presents...... Classic Cars Show and Il-Fiera l-Kbira level for 13 years (19982011). He held the positions of assistant treasurer, On Sunday October 18 Good Shepherd Hall, assistant secretary and 130-136 Hyatts Road, Plumpton vice-president. Charles was a very friendly person Classic Cars, Motorbikes & Trucks Exhibition and loved to sing and per9.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. form on stage at various associations' social functions. Contact Charlie Gatt: 9671 3919 or Jim Farrugia: 9677 9755 For quite some time, Charles was involved with the St. Vincent De Paul Society, giving much of his valuable time to help Afterwards others in need. He will be remembered as a happy-go-lucky Il-FIERA l-KBIRA sort of man, popular, liked by one and all. He will be missed. Doors open at 1.30 p.m. Music ______________ & Entertainment by Paul Boffa: We announce with sadness the passing away of Ron Borg, Joe Xuereb & Tony Fenech Paul J. Boffa, 1921-2015, a loving husband, father to Josephine, Frank & Sharon, grandfather, great-grandfather. A real gentleLoads of fantastic prizes to be won, Including man and an ardent supporter of Parramatta Melita Eagles. His the traditional rabbit – ‘Fiera Tal-Fniek’ daughter Sharon, a former Eagles cheer leader is married to former Melita Eagles FC star player Paul Daley. There will also be drinks and food of all types Moses Mifsud: As we went to press we also received news including: pastizzi and ˙obΩ biΩ-Ωejt or bigilla that well known personality Moses Mifsud from Sydney, passed and FREE ice cream for all children. away on Sunday September 13. RIP

SAINT NICHOLAS FESTA COMMITTEE NSW

Iç-Çittadini jkomplu fl-2016 Il-kumpanija tat-teatrin fi NSW l-Awstralja, “Ic-Cittadini” jixtiequ jfakkru li s-serati tag˙hom se jibdew mill-gdid fis-sena 2016. Skond Doris Caruana, il-president tal-kumpanija, b˙alissa jinsabu weqfin min˙abba li hemm xi atturi li jinsabu fuq btala f’Malta.

Entry is free; Plenty of parking space SO COME ALONG, BRING YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS

Further information, from: President: Bill Schembri: 0416 261 415 or PRO: Joe Fenech: – 0412 009 957

Other important activity this year: Sunday December 6: Feast of St Nicholas

22 The Voice of the Maltese

Tuesday September 15, 2015

Community News The Xag˙ra Association of NSW Inc. INVITES YOU TO :

Tal-Vitoria Dinner Dance Gues of honour: Rev. Mons. Carmelo Refalo (Archpriest of Xag˙ra) Date: Saturday September 19 Time: 6.30 pm onwards. Venue: Balmoral Function Centre 47-49 Balmoral Rd., BLACKTOWN Food: 5-Course Meal, beer, wine & soft drinks

Entertainment: Roc-A-Tac & Giuseppe Verdi Brass Band Contact: Josephine/Ray: 9627 4182, Mob: 0439 974 182 M'Anne Teuma: 9627 4641

St Helena Maltese/Aust. SC SEPTEMBER 19: (Saturday): Get-together at G˙annejja Maltin St Albans. OCTOBER 24: (Saturday): Get-together at St Martin de Porres, Avondale Heights. OCTOBER 25: (Sunday): 2.p.m.: General Meeting at Parkville. NOVEMBER 14: (Saturday): Get-together at Holy Eucharist, St Albans. DECEMBER 19: (Saturday) Xmas function at Melrose Receptions, Tullamarine. For more information phone Victor on 0412 99 13 25 or Mary Abdilla on 03 (9370 51 64)

OUR LADY OF VICTORIES, HORSLEY PARK PARISH FEAST SEPTEMBER 16, 17, 18 at 6.30 pm: Days of preparation: Exposition of the blessed Sacrament, Rosary and Benediction followed by Mass SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 19 at 6.00 p.m.: Vigil Mass followed by procession with the statue SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 20: Festa programme from 2.00 pm.: Rosary Procession with Our Lady of Victory Statue. Afterwards various entertainment, disco for kindergarden children, food, soccer matches and other games. OLQP Band will attend. 8.45 pm: Fireworks display.

Computer Class for the Elderly The Maltese Community Council of NSW is conducting a computer class at Maltese Resource Centre 59b Franklin Street, Mays Hill 2145 NSW every Friday between 10.00 a.m. and 12.00 For more information contact Em. Camilleri: 0409 744 376

Join us on The Voice’s facebook page: https://www.f acebook.com /groups/thev oiceofthemaltese

Programme for the Festa tal-Vitorja at Greystanes (50th Anniversary) Wednesday 23, Thursday 24 and Friday September 25: Triduum of the Festa to be led by special visitor Mons Carmelo Refalo, Archpriest of Xaghra, Gozo: 6.30pm: Rosary; 7.00pm: Mass. Saturday, September 26: 9.45am: Confessions. 6.00pm: Solemn Concelebrated Mass in English with Maltese hymns. Principal Celebrant, Fr Paul Marshall, Parish Priest, accompanied by Fr Suresh Kumar, Mons. Carmelo Refalo, Fr Simon Cachia and Fr Paul Cahill O.Carm. At the conclusion of the Mass the Rosary will be recited and Benediction will be given. Sunday, September 27: 3.30pm: Solemn Concelebrated Mass by Mons. Carmelo Refalo, accompanied by Fr Paul Marshall, Fr Suresh Kumar, Fr Simon Cachia, Fr Tarcisio Micallef mssp, Fr Benedict Sant mssp and Fr Noel Bianco mssp. Mons. Carmelo Refalo will deliver the Panegyric. During Mass Joe Galea will sing hymns in Maltese. The procession, accompanied by the statue of Our Lady of Victories and devotees takes place at the conclusion of the Mass. Our Lady Queen of Peace Maltese Band will take part in the procession. 6.00pm: First musical program by Our Lady Queen of Peace Maltese Band. 7.00pm: Second musical program by Our Lady Queen of Peace Maltese Band. 8.30pm: Fireworks display.

METD Committee Are holding the

Maltese Elderly Thanksgiving Day

22nd Anniversary Luncheon on Wednesday October 7 Venue: St Stephen Serbian Orthodox Church Hall Corner of Woodstock Ave & Hyatts Rd Plumpton Start time: 9.00 a.m. – Finish 3.00 p.m. We start the day with morning tea, followed by Mass A special lunch and dessert will be served and live entertainment Will be provided by well-known Maltese entertainers till 3.00 p.m. Donation: Frail Senior – FREE, Carer - $25, Active Senior - $45 Contact: Doris Pocock 0419 420 915, Lina Magro 9629 4046, Maria Cilia 0431 800 720, Maggie Vella 9621 3125 Our Elderly are forever grateful for this very special day. MALTESE LANGUAGE SCHOOL OF NSW

A Division of the Maltese Community Council of NSW Inc.

Learn Maltese!

Classes are available for students from 6 years to adults at all levels of ability in the Maltese language. We have trained and experienced teachers qualified in language teaching and with Maltese study credentials. Learn the Maltese language, the culture, lifestyle, cuisine, traditions and about the amazing history of the island. Classes at: HORSLEY PARK - SEVEN HILLS - LUDDENHAM For more information and enquiries Call Mary on 9601 2189 Or email: malteselanguageschoolnsw@hotmail.com Supported by the Minister of Education and Training and the NSW Community Languages Schools Programme. Member of the NSW Federation of Community Language Schools of NSW; Member of the Federation of Maltese Language Schools of Australia; Supported by 16 Maltese associations affiliated with the MCC of NSW. The Maltese Language School of NSW is a Not-For-Profit organisation.

The Voice of the Maltese 23

Tuesday September 15, 2015

Community News Tune In to Radio and Television

Maltese Radio Programmes MELBOURNE, on 3ZZZ 92.3FM or on www.3zzz.com.au. Mondays 5pm, Fridays 5pm, Saturdays 10am.; Last Wednesday each month at 1pm. MELBOURNE on 98.9 North West FM, each Friday 6.00 - 7.00p.m. Presenter Emmanuel Brincat. MELBOURNE: STEREO 974 (93180930): 97.4FM Wed (Maltese Magazine) & Thursday (Mer˙ba): 6.00pm to 8.00 pm Co-ordinator – Ray Anastasi In SYDNEY, listen to the MCC radio programmes on 2GLF FM 89.3. Saturdays 6 to 8 a.m. Martese Caruana presents Nostalgia Music; Sundays from 10.00 - 11.00 am: Il˙-na Maltin. Both available on demand. Follow same procedure as for MCC programmes, except select programe in reference. In BRISBANE listen to the Maltese Program on 4EB on Tuesdays 6.00 -8.15am; Sundays 4.15pm to 5.15pm UNCLE SAM DJ (Maltese Radio) tune in to link: www.unclesamdj.com

Isma’ l-programm tar-radju bil-Malti mill-Kunsill Malti ta’ NSW minn fuq l-istazzjon 2GLF 89.3FM. Jista’ wkoll jinstema’ On Demand minn fuq l-Internet www.893fm.com.au (On Demand >Ethnic >Maltese Council 11am) Il-programm ta’ sieg˙a nhar ta’ Óadd fil11.00 a.m. ikun fih l-a˙˙ar a˙barijiet minn Malta, muΩika, tag˙rif, kultura, avviΩi u su©©etti ta’ interess g˙all-Maltin

Listen to John Borg & Glenn Cassar every Saturday at 1.00 p.m. on RADIO 2RRR 88.5FM or on the Internet - www2rrr.org.au ON DeMAND On SBS Radio Day Time Analogue and Digital Friday: 12:00-13:00 97.7fm SBS Radio 2 Saturday: 14:00-15:00: 97.7fm SBS Radio 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. SBS Radio 2 is on Channel 38. The radio programmes can be accessed online (live or catch up) at sbs.com.au/maltese and via mobile phone, using the SBS Radio app. For television news from Malta - SBS 2 TV on Thursdays and Sundays at 8am. Maltese Programmes on TV and Web VIVA MALTA The GDAY MALTAUSSIE SHOW VIVA MALTA on COAST FM 96.3 on TVS is broadcast in Sydney Community Radio in Gosford Central Every Saturday at 2pm. Repeats on NSW. Aired every fortnight from Mondays 5 pm and Tuesdays 7.30 am 6 pm -7 pm (Next is September 24). Presenter: Nathalie Gatt. Watch direct via HYPERLINK: Web streaming on: www.coastfm.org.au. http://ww.tvs.org.au; http://ww.tvs.org.au L-A˙barijiet on SBS TV twice a week nationwide Sunday at 8.00 am on SBS2 (Chan. 32); Thursdays at 8.00 am on SBS2

The SBS MALTESE NEWS

Meetings of Day Care Maltese Groups in NSW Fairfield Active Maltese Seniors Meets on the first Tuesday of the Month from10:00am to 12 noon. The group meets in the Parish Hall, cnr of Stella Street & The Boulevard, Fairfield Heights.

Daceyville Maltese Seniors Meets on the last Wednesday of the month in the Meeting Room One, No. 3 General Bridges Crescent, Daceyville. Note: The Groups also arrange regular Bus Trips Come and join us and make new friends.

Merrylands Social Maltese Seniors Meets every second Friday of the month; Miller Room, Memorial Avenue Merrylands from 10.30am to 12.30 am

Llandillo Maltese Seniors

Malta Society of New Zealand

We now have a Facebook page that former members are invited to join. It is: Mainly-Maltese-in-Auckland: https://www.facebook.com/pages /Mainly-Maltese-in-Auckland/ 396193070527203?ref=hl. It is open to all who have an interest in the Maltese culture.

La Valette Social Centre Programme of activities SUNDAY October 4: Bus trip to Canberra to see the floriade. Bus leaves from Greystanes first at 6.15 am and from Blacktown Centre at 6.30 am. Price $50. Includes coach, morning tea. SUNDAY November 1: At Pine Grove for our beloved. Mass at 5pm. Our Lady Queen of Peace Maltese Band will take part from 4pm. One is advised to bring a chair. TUESDAY November 3: Melbourne Cup lunch $25 for 2-course meal, morning tea. Centre opens at 10am. Sweeps lucky door prizes and hat competition - book early. TUESDAY December 8: Trip for Cherry picking at Orange. Lunch at Orange RSL (at own expense or bring your own). Cost $50 pp; children $30 - includes coach and morning tea. Coach leaves Greystanes at 6am and from la Valette at 6.30 am For bookings & information: Centre: 96225847; Frances 0412320432 or Antoinette 96712992

Greystanes Maltese Seniors Meets on the second Monday of each month at the George Preca Centre of OLQP Church, 198 Old Prospect Road, Greystanes from 10 am to 12 noon

The Sutherland & St George Maltese Group Ongoing: We meet every First Wednesday of the Month from 10:00am-1:00pm Our Meetings/Get Togethers are interesting, informative & entertaining. Come Join us and make new Friends For more information contact our Coordinator: Charles Mifsud J.P.Phone (02) 9501 5525 – mobile 0421 662 298.

Maltese Seniors Central Coast

Meets on the second Monday of each month at the Llandilo Community Hall, Seventh Avenue, from 11am to 1pm.

You need to contact our Welfare Officer for an appointment. For all information and referral matters one should call Censina Cefai: Tel: 02 439 000 12 or 0414 267 652

*(All Groups are Sponsored by The Maltese Community Council of NSW). Please contact the MCC Welfare Officer: Marisa Previtera JP on 0414 863 123. The MCC offices are at 59b Franklin Street (corner with Young St) Parramatta West NSW(next to West Parramatta Primary School)

24 The Voice of the Maltese

Tuesday September 15, 2015

Sports

Malta’s national football team puts up good shows in Euro 2016 games alta’s national football team served up had scoring M very good performances in two recent chances, but UEFA EURO 2016 qualifiers but only man- in the end it

is goals that count and Italy won. In their second match four days later Malta hosted Azerbaijan at the Ta’ Qali Stadium and were denied a rare victory by Rahid Amirguliyev who scored twice for the visitors in a 2-2 draw. Malta Premier League Azerbaijan enn the resumption of the Pre- joyed 67% of mier League in Malta after possession bethe break for the UEFA 2016 fore the break qualifiers, Valletta kept their and took the 100% record (along wtit Mosta) lead in the 36th from three matches by beating minute through Birkirkara 2-1. Sliema won their an Amirguliyev first points and gave Pembroke shot that took a deflection and their first loss. wrong-footed RESULTS: Round 3 Valletta v Birkirkara 2-1 goalkeeper AnFederico Falcone, Njongo Priso (B); Elinton drew Hogg. AC Morais (B) Hibernians v Naxxar Azerbaijan 4-1 Jorge S. Silva, DR dos Santos, Jorge P. da to Silva, Clayton Failla (H); Sidoine Oussou (N) continued Sliema W. v Pembroke A. 1-0 enjoy the major Pedro DS Calcado Mosta v St Andrews 3-0 share of possesIan Zammit, Edin Murga, Saviour Fidelis sion but Malta Floriana v Qormi 3-0 Mario Fonatanella, Steve Bonnici, Filippo A. regained parity on 55 minutes Scozzese

aged to get a point to stay anchored to the bottom of Group H with only two points from eight matches. Against Italy in Florence, Malta lost 1-0 to a 69th minute goal Graziano Pelle` goal that should not have been allowed as the Italian striker handled the ball into the net. Malta made Italy work hard for the points and even

Bonnyrigg NSW champions

onnyrigg White Eagles claimed their third PS4 NPL I NSW Championship in three years after defeating Blacktown City in the Grand Final 2-0. Blacktown had qualified to meet Bonnyrigg by beating APIA 6-1.

Sunshine George Cross take Eighth position Sunshine George Cross finished their campaign in the Victoria Championship (PS4 NPL 1 West) on a high when they defeated Melbourne City away 1-0 in their final game that consolidated eighth position in the League ladder. It also made up somewhat for their 1-0 home loss against Brunswich in the penultimate round.

Pelle` handles the ball into the Malta net for Italy’s winning goal

Marsa win 8th September (Victory Day) Regatta

Michael Mifsud points out that his goal against Azerbaijan was his 40th for Malta with a superb goal from captain Michael Mifsud for his 40th goal of his international career. Malta took the lead on 71 minutes through Alfred Effiong, but Amirguliyev saved the day for the Azeri with his second goal in the 80th minute.

Marsa Regatta Club supporters and rowers celebrate retaining the September 8 Regatta Shields (Open and Category B) in Grand Harbour to add to last year’s victory. It is also the third time in a row they have won the open event as in 2013 they shared the win with Cospicua. Senglea placed second and Cospicua third in the open, while Vttoriosa were second and Senglea third in the B category.