The Voice of the Maltese No. 155

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

Issue 155

Fortnightly he Diasp ora Fortnightly magazine magazine for for tthe Diaspora

May 23, 2017

Malta’s Destiny wows BGT judges

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ith Malta mostly focussed on the divisive electoral campaign for the upcoming general election on June 3, it was a kind of relief that one’s attention could momentarily be diverted to a cultural achievement by schoolgirl Destiny Chukunyere. The 14-year-old who won the Junior Eurovision Song Contest in 2015 once again wowed the Britain's Got Talent 2017 judges during Saturday’s show aired on Britain’s ITV (pictured right).

Destiny’s rendering of the cover version of Aretha Franklin’s 1968 song, “Think” brought the best of reactions from the judges and a standing ovation from the audience, with show organiser and judge Simon Cowell telling Destiny, “I've been waiting for someone to come out who we think could be a star and guess who it is? You have soul.”

Destiny presented herself on stage as "excited but nervous" telling the judges, “I came to Britain's Got Talent because I would love to perform for the British Royal Family, it'd be an honour for me," adding, “My dream is to win, who knows, maybe it'll change my life."

Another judge, Alesha Dixon declared: "For me that is a knockout. That is one of the hardest songs to sing, and you are 14 and you killed it!"

Obviously, Destiny got four yeses!

Malta goes to the polls June 3... read all about the ‘History of the general elections in Malta (on pages 2 and 3), and the current electoral campaign (on pages 12–14)

Malta’s choice for next PM: d Joseph Muscat or Simon Busuttil [

2 The Voice of the Maltese

Tuesday May 23, 2017

History of General Elections in Malta GodfreyPirotta (Professor of Government and Policy Studies and Director Institute of Public Administration and Management University of Malta)

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t was in 1921 that elections proper began in Malta. The 1921 elections established our current electoral system and despite important tweaking remains generally speaking the same. Our system is known as the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system and is used only in Ireland, Malta and elections to the Australian Senate.

It was a system of proportional representation that in 1917 the British had seriously considered to introduce into Britain, but while it was agreed among its lawmakers that it was the most democratic system possible, because it gives free and unfettered choice to electors, it was concluded that this system would make for a divisive multiparty system and therefore unstable government. And for this reason, however, they thought it ideal for two of its most strategic colonies – Malta and Ireland.

Ireland has known coalition government since, while in Malta instability has generally come about for other reasons. Elections were to be held every three years. The Legislative Assembly, consisting of 32 members was to be popularly elected from an extremely Dr Enrico (Nerik) Mizzi restricted electorate that also excluded all females.

There was also to be a Senate consisting of seven elected members and ten special members representing the clergy, the Chamber of Commerce, the Trade Union Council, the nobility and university graduates.

Consequently some members of the electorate enjoyed more than one vote because of their status or education. There were to be

On June 3 Malta goes to the vote to elect a new government. Despite no legal obligation to vote about 90% of the electorate is expected to turn up and cast its vote. Elections in Malta are not humdrum affairs but events in which our Mediterranean inclination for drama finds one of its manifestations. This election is no exception and I suspect neither future ones will be. Indeed one can almost recount a particular story for every election held so far. Space does not permit and this is a general rendering of developments and events. However, I would be happy to answer readers’ requests for clarification and/or elaboration.

eight electoral districts for elections to the Legislative Assembly and each electing four members and two for the Senate one electing four and the other three members.

As noted above the 1921 Constitution gave Malta its very first party government and the first occasion for political parties to canvass for votes in the hope of winning a majority and forming a Cabinet of Ministers. It also highlighted the existing divisions prevalent in Malta’s society – language (Italian or English) and class.

On one side we had the Partito Popolare (PP) and the more Italianate Partito Democratico Nazzionalista (PDN) and on the other the Constitutional Party (CP) and the Malta Labour Party (MLP) or Camera del Lavoro. Ironically, this first election produced a coalition government between PP and MLP. The 1924 elections saw the merger of PP with Mizzi’s PDN into what became known as il-Partito Nazzionalista and the coming together of CP with the MLP. This latter development resulted Sir Paul Boffa in the famous Compact between the two parties and the 1927 election was fought and won on the basis of a joint electoral manifesto.

But the Compact parties did not enjoy a majority in the Senate and the latter’s refusal to adopt the government’s budget led to a crisis.

Strickland (CP) and Boffa (MLP) took exception to the fact that the representatives of the Bishop on the Senate had voted against the budget and Malta witnessed its first religious-political struggle.

The Church issued sanctions against Strickland and despite efforts in Malta, London and Rome to resolve the crisis mediation failed. The British temporarily suspended the elections and sent a Royal Commission to Malta to investigate the situation.

The 1927 elections had also been muddied on their very eve by a sworn affidavit by a certain Terinu (Ettore Bono) who claimed that he had seen Strickland in full regalia at

a meeting of the freemas o n s .

Leaflets reproducing this allegation were also distributed in all churches.

Subsequently Te r i n u went to prison for Lord Gerald Strickland perjury and the PN has remained tainted with this episode to this day.

The elections were delayed by a about a year and half and took place in 1932. The Archbishop still in a quarrel with Strickland, issued a directive reminding Catholics that it was a mortal sin to vote for the Compact parties at the coming elections. The Nationalist Party won a crushing victory but this was short lived. Events in Europe, but especially in Italy, and the open friendship of the PN with Mussolini, had made the British increasingly nervous and in 1933 they dismissed the PN government and suspended the Constitution for good.

Malta returned to party government in 1947 under the so-called MacDonald Constitution. Under this Constitution the Senate was abolished and for the first time all males and females aged 21 or over acquired the right to vote. Elections were to be held every four years. The Electoral Districts remained eight but with five members elected from each.

The MLP under Boffa won a landslide victory but in 1949 a quarrel between the PM and his deputy, Dom Mintoff, over Britain’s refusal to allow the inclusion of Malta under the Marshall Plan aid programme, led to the fall of the government.

Between 1950 and 1953 Malta had five elections. In the 1950 elections no party managed to win a majority of seats and the PN and Boffa’s newly established Malta Workers Party coalition soon fell apart. *Continued on page 3

Tuesday May 23, 2017

The Voice of the Maltese 3

The changes in the late 90’s and the new Millennium were eliminated leaving the PN and the MLP in ParliaIn 1955, after four similar outcomes and ment. The PN extended the coalition or minority governments, the PN, life of Parliament from four now under Borg Olivier, was forced to call to five years and eventuality added six more seats in sean early election.

The result was a crushing victory for the lected districts. The next Labour Party under Mintoff which was election took place in June Il-perit Dominic Mintoff elected under the cry of Integration with 1971. The elections were a Britain or Self-determination. During this more balanced affair as the quired in the 1992 elections legislature a referendum to determine MLP the Church had patched when the PN won an outright whether the Maltese favoured integration up their quarrel in the famous majority of votes and seats. with Britain or not gave rise to more ques- 1969 Good Friday Pact.

However, this was not the Labour emerged the winners Dr George Borg Olivier case in 1996 when the PN tions than answers and subsequent quarrels with Britain and the riots of April 1958 the by a single seat but eventually called a snap election to hide Constitution was once again suspended in- gained another after a PN candidate elected the financial woes facing the island. definitely and power placed in the hands of from a casual election defected to their side.

It was the MLP now that needed extra seats During this period Malta adopted a Republi- to compensate it for winning a majority of British officials.

In 1961 Britain published a new Constitu- can Constitution and under changes to the votes but not seats. The MLP government tion for Malta. Known as the Blood Consti- Electoral Law the number of seats in Parlia- lasted until 1998 when internal divisions led tution its most important new features were ment increased to 65 and the Electoral Dis- to early elections and the return of the PN to its first ever reference to the State of Malta, tricts to 13. government.

The next elections under this new arrangeexpanded the number of Electoral Districts The dominant issue, particularly after 1992, to 10 thus raising membership of the House ment followed in 1976 in which the MLP in- was Malta’s application to join the European to 50, and the introduction of a Bill of Indi- creased marginally its seat majority. Borg Community. It had been an issue in the 1996 vidual Rights. By this time independence Olivier was forced out as PN leader and re- elections and returned in full force between placed by Eddie Fenech Adami who had 1998-2003. In fact it was the basis for a refhad become the dominant theme in Malta.

In 1957 Malta’s Parliament erendum held in March 2003 had unanimously voted for followed by general elections the historic Break with in April. The PN won the Britain Resolution and indeelections and Malta joined pendence one of the central the EU in 2004. themes of the 1962 elections.

As the 2008 elections neared The other was the quarrel bethe MLP and the PN sensed a tween the Church and the possible change in the loyalty MLP over the latter’s insisof the electorate towards them tence to separate Church and believing that a third party State. In 1961 the Church inmight disrupt the agreements terdicted the entire MLP leadarrived at in 1987 preventing ership and imposed mortal sin one party from winning an abon its would-be voters. solute majority of votes.

The PN subsequently only From left: Dr. Karmenu Mifsud Bonnici Dr Alfred Sant Dr Joseph Muscat It was therefore agreed that won 25 seats from the 50 available and it found himself in Parliament after co-option. the party winning a relative majority of first The 1981 election brought its first Consti- count votes, but not seats, would be the winwas the defection of Coronato Attard from Ganado’s breakaway Nationalist Demo- tutional crisis since the 1920s. The MLP had ner and receive extra seats accordingly. This cratic Party (PDN) that allowed it to secure won a majority of seats but not a majority of arrangement, however, would not be invoked a majority. The other parties to win repre- first count votes. The PN argued that Malta’s if a third party wins seats in Parliament. This sentation, in addition to the latter were the electoral system was a proportional one and agreement proved the parties’ prediction corMLP, Pellegrini’s Christian Democratic hence the result engineered by the MLP rect for while the PN under Lawrence Gonzi Party (CDP) and Mabel Strickland’s Pro- through gerrymandering of the electoral dis- won a relative majority of votes failed to win tricts. They refused to take their seats in par- a majority of seats and received extra seats. gressive Constitutional Party (PCP).

Malta became independent in September liament and after a prolonged political crisis The new PN government, however, was 1964 after a new Constitution had been ap- the two sides finally agreed to amend the riddled with divisions and limped towards Constitution and to enshrine the principle of the 2013 elections in complete disarray. The proved in another contested referendum.

In the 1966 elections all three small parties full majority of votes in the electoral system. result was a crushing victory for the Labour Under this agreement it was laid Party (now simply PL) and as they say the down that a party that wins an ab- rest is history. But Labour’s victory has not solute majority of votes would be been enough to allow it to govern serenely. considered to have won the election This year the Constitutional Court ruled and, in the case that it had failed to that the PN should get two extra seats bewin a majority of seats, it would cause of a mistake in counting made in one have seats added to give it a major- of the districts. The PL also suffered the deity. Now seats could vary in Parlia- fections of Marlene Farrugia (who has since ment reflecting the result. formed her own party and joined the PN in The PN won an absolute majority a coalition) and her partner Godfrey. But the of votes but not a majority of seats in snap elections were precipitated by accusathe 1987 elections and the above tions from a PN blogger, and subsequently mechanism was invoked to give it a by the PN leadership that a secret bank acDr Lawrence Gonzi Dr Eddie Fenech Adami majority of seats. This was not re- count in Panama belongs to the PM’s wife. from page 2

4 The Voice of the Maltese

Something magical happens each time you enter these city walls. Architectural excellence captivates your visual senses, as every step leads to a landmark of historical value. Walls and pavements that line the grid of narrow streets whisper secrets and mystic tales to passersby, whilst the air fills up with modern art, live music, and an array of celebrations. The Unesco World Heritage Site could perhaps best be described as a place where history meets the present; where every explorer can find something they love. How will your Valletta story unfold?

Tuesday May 23, 2017

The Voice of the Maltese 5

Tuesday May 23, 2017

Paul Zammit

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PERSONALITY OF THE MONTH

uring and after his 15 years’ Parliamentary career Paul Zammit firstly as a State and then as Federal Parliamentarian, always made himself available to assist the Australian-Maltese community-at-large. Recently he was appointed to the Board of Directors of the St. Dominic's Hostel at Blacktown.

In August 2016, Paul hosted a visit to the NSW Parliament by HE Marie Louse Coleiro-Preca, the President of Malta, commencing by a business seminar followed by a luncheon attended by the Australian-Maltese community leaders.

The Voice of the Maltese in Australia caught up with Paul. He told us that this June he will be entering the Roman Catholic Lay Order, also known as the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta (SMOM) otherwise known as the Order of Malta, which is recognised by the Vatican and by the Government of Malta.

Paul Zammit was the first-ever person of Maltese descent from the Coalition side of politics to have ever been elected to the ParPaul and Rita Zammit OAM flank HE Marie Louise Preca, the President of Malta liament of NSW and the first-ever during a recent private meeting at the Presidential Palace at San Anton person of Maltese background from both sides of politics to have been elected to the National Parliament of Australia.

Paul Zammit was born in Alexandria Egypt in April 1941 of Maltese parents. In 1973, he established the Zammit Sales P/L and saw the company grow to the extent that in 1983 the Wattyl a Green Paper into Aboriginal Land Councils.

In 1986, Paul was encouraged by the Liberal Party to Group offered to buy the company, an offer that he acresign from the NSW Parliament to contest the then cepted. The sale was concluded towards the end of 1983.

At about that time, Paul who holds the position of a Federal seat of Lowe in that year’s election. He subseFellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors quently won the seat back from the Labor Party.

In his time in the Federal Parliament, Paul was apbeing a member for the last 30 years, expressed an inpointed to several Joint Standing Committees, not the terest in politics and was encouraged to run for pre-selection for the Liberal Party for the then Labor-held the least of which the prestigious ASIO committee (Australian Security Intelligence Organisation). seat of Burwood in the NSW Parliament (1984-88).

While he was in the Federal Parliament, Paul noticed He won the pre-selection and went on to win back the that there were in existence large numbers of "Ausseat from Labor that was subsequently renamed "Strathfield". He held the seat continuously for 12 years tralian Parliamentary Friends" of more than 60 Nations (1988/96) before switching to the National Parliament but none for Malta. Therefore he entered into discussions with the National Parliamentary Protocol Offices of Australia in the seat of Lowe 1996/98. and steps were taken to establish the Australian-MalDuring his period in the NSW Parliament, Paul rose to the position of Assistant Minister to then Premier of tese Parliamentary Friendship Group. This occurred toNSW, the Hon Nick Greiner MP. He also chaired and wards the middle of 1986 with an inaugural was a member of numerous Parliamentary committees, membership of more than 50 Federal MPs and Senators. such as the Staysafe Committee, the Committee into the Paul became the inaugural Chairman.

Leaving politics, Paul returned to the world of business ICAC, the lead pollution enquiry, etc. He also authored by establishing a new company by the name of Zammit Sales, Marketing and Management that continues to operate from offices in the Sydney CBD. Paul has always acknowledged the back up, support and encouragement he has received from his wife, Rita who is an achiever in her own right. In fact, in the Queen's Birthday Honours list of 2014, Rita was awarded an Order Of Australia medal (OAM) for her charitable services to the Arts, to Education and to the Australian-Italian community.

Former politician and business leader

Paul acknowledges the back up, support and encouragement of Rita, his wife

6 The Voice of the Maltese

Tuesday May 23, 2017

Mellie˙a couple celebrate 71st Wedding Anniversary

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s soon as you meet Emmanuel and Mary Debono they strike you as a humble, loveable and great couple. My wife Anne and I meet this couple every Thursday at the Hadfield Golden Years Social Club, at the Fawkner Bowling Club in Fawkner.

Emmanuel and Mary, from Mellie˙a in Malta, recently celebrated their 71st Wedding Anniversary.

When the club president, Rita Saliba mentioned this milestone in her welcome speech on the day, the committee and members welcomed the news with a huge round of applause.

In his youth Emmanuel worked on the land and even drove his bag˙al (mule) and cart daily from Mellie˙a to Msida and the surrounds selling his produce.

Emmanuel and Mary immigrated to

Australia in 1952 and have been living in this vast continent for the last 65 years.

Emmanuel is now 93; Mary is five y e a r s younger at 88. In their married life they had eight siblings, four boys and four girls, who now have their own children and grandchildren. Mary and Emmanuel now have 22 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren.

A great couple to know and we are proud to say they are our friends.

Report and photo: EmmanuelBrincat

Friends of Australia Association in meeting with High Commissioner he officers of the Friends of Australia AssociaT tion (FOAA) (Malta) led by its president Virgil Bugeja OAM, were recently received by the new Australian High Commissioner Julienne Hince at the Australian High Commission building in Ta’ Xbiex. The officials accompanying the president were, former FOAA president Chev. Tony C. Cutajar OAM, Myriam Pavia (deputy president), Joseph Pavia (treasurer) and Tania Walters.

During the meeting the HC got to know all about the services offered by the Association to members and non-members alike, especially every Tuesday morning at Dar l-Emigrant, and the various social and educational activities organised for members during the year in order to keep regular contact.

On May 26 the FOAA will be celebrating its 40th anniversary with a special reception at Dar l-Emigrant. The High Commissioner will be participating. She will also be taken round the newly furbished museum of the history of Maltese migrants put up by the dedicated Mgr. Philip Calleja.

The various exhibits and photos recall the thousands of Maltese who emigrated abroad, especially to Australia, in order to start a new life.

A proud sponsor of The Voice of the Maltese website: www.breakawaytravel.com.au

Breakaway Travel 94 corner of Main & Campbell Streets, Blacktown NSW ...... for all your travel needs.

Tel (02) 9622 7799 blacktown@breakawaytravel.com.au

The Voice of the Maltese 7

Tuesday May 23, 2017

Another service offered by The Voice of the Maltese providing legal information to our readers

Drink Driving – What not to say

by PaulSant

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n New South Wales, Australia, police have the power to subject you to a breath test for alcohol in two circumstances: 1. Random Breath Test; or 2. The police notice that you are driving in a way that may be reckless or dangerous and suspect that you may be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

When this happens, you will need to follow their orders and blow or count from 1 – 10 into the breathalyser. The breathalyser will then give a reading on a digital screen.

This device is generally quite accurate and can accommodate obtaining a sample from even a person suffering from emphysema.

If you are the holder of a full licence and the reading is more than 0.05, then the police can charge you with the offence of “drink driving”.

Depending on your reading, the police can either escort you to a Police Station or they can issue you with a small, yellow slip called a Field Court Attendance Notice and allow you to keep your driver’s licence. This handwritten document contains the details of the offence, your court date, and location. It does not contain all the details and usually Police will later post more paperwork (which is typed) to your home address.

The typed paperwork you receive in the mail from the Police Station is called a “Facts Sheet”. This document is written by the police officer and is a simple story as to the circumstances surrounding the charge. The “Facts Sheet” is the document the Magistrate reads if you plead guilty to the offence.

The Facts Sheet will include details of the conversation you had with the police, details of your appearance, details of your manner of driving, details of what you told

police as to how many drinks you had and where you were driving to.

For example, many Facts Sheets include statements and observations by police like, “whilst dealing with the accused, it was noticed that his/her breath smelt strongly of intoxicating liquor. His/her face was flushed, his/her eyes were red, glassy and/or bloodshot, and his/her speech was slurred and he/she continually repeated herself or he/she was swaying when standing and was unable to walk in a straight line.”

You may even notice the police officer taking notes of everything you say. This is because your conversation will also be included in the Facts Sheet.

Therefore, be careful what you say to the Police. Try to be honest as to your alcohol consumption and do not be aggressive or rude.

Importantly, always treat the Police Officer with respect, as you would want any other person to treat you whilst at work. Be patient

PAUL SANT (SOLICITOR)

PARTNER AT LONGTON LEGAL For All Your Legal Needs

Now at: 21 George Street

Parramatta Phone: 8599 8877 Also at: Level 4, 370 Pitt Street, Sydney. Ph: 8355 9999 Email: paul.sant@longtonlegal.com.au Maltese Spoken

and compliant with their demands and, if you are not sure, do not guess answers.

Myth 1: Many people are of the belief that asking for a blood test will help reduce the reading. This is generally NOT the case and we do not suggest you ask to be taken to hospital for a blood test, as the reading is usually higher than the reading on a breathalyser. Once Police have a higher reading, they WILL rely on this result and not the lower result.

Myth 2: Another myth often heard is that it is better for someone to refuse or to try to fail to provide a sample sufficient for the breathalyser to result in a reading. The Police will often only allow you 3 chances to breathe into the device. If you fail or refuse to do so, the police can charge you with the offence of “Refuse breath test”. This offence has the same penalties as being charged with “high range drink driving”.

This means that the Court can assume your reading is higher than 0.150 and in fact could have been so much higher that you deliberately refused to provide a reading.

If your reading is quite high (for example mid-range or high range), you may be escorted to a Police Station where your driver’s licence will automatically be suspended.

Please ensure you DO NOT participate in a Record of Interview if asked. The Police cannot hold this against you as you have a right to silence. In saying that, you are required to answer some standard questions, like provide them with certain details such as your name, address, date of birth etc.

We have provided you with an overview of the topic above but you should consult a professional for advice specific to your circumstances.

8 The Voice of the Maltese

Tuesday May 23, 2017

Have your say/Xi trid tghid?

Your letters/ L-ittri tag˙kom ...

Malta in election mode Anthony Cassar, St Albans, Victoria writes:

The Voice of the Maltese ffo orrttn niig gh httllyy m ma ag ga azziin ne e

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

If you require a printed copy we can also oblige.

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

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

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hanks once again from the bottom of my heart for the latest issue of The Voice of the Maltese. You caught me on the Internet when I received the magazine and instead of signing off I had to stay on the computer to read most of the issue’s content.

I was particularly impressed with your coverage of the political scene in Malta. I like mostly the fact that you reported about the current situation and what the parties are doing in this electoral campaign, yet managed to stick to the facts.

That is the way an independent publication should go about doing things when it targets the Maltese people living abroad in order to stave away from polemics.

This way for people like us living outside of Malta you have given us the fodder, the food to sample and then to decide in order to express our comments when we meet and to stay away from fanaticism.

I remember the bad old days when people

Need for a Clean sweep

Rod Gatt from Northmead NSW writes: uben Zahra’s contemporary opera Kirana: Myths of Creation performed by children with support from a small team of professionals was staged at the Riverside Theatre in early April this year.

They came specifically from Malta topromote Malta’s Presidency of the European Union and therefore subsidised by the Arts Council of Malta. Well done I say but how come the Maltese Community of NSW were not informed of all this?

Who was responsible for advertising it?

Why keep it to a very chosen handful?

Bring on the next election so we can have a clean sweep in Australian-Malta offices.

R

who should have known better used to force themselves on the readers of the now defunct The Maltese Herald in order to sow the seeds of hatred among us living in Australia.

Thank God we now seem to have come of age and most of us are leaving Maltese politics to be fought in Malta and not between us on this continent that many of us established as our home.

Honestly, right now I thank God that I am not in Malta following closely the electoral campaign as it looks that that it has degenerated into an ugly, and somewhat dirty affair reminding one of the 70s and 80s when the losers kept trying to destabilise the country.

Hopefully Malta will get the government its people deserve and the electoral campaign would be ruled by reason not hatred.

Progammi bilançjati Mill-PBS TV Malta - grazzi mill-qalb Zeppi Busuttil minn Enmore, NSW jikteb: ul˙add jaf kemm jafu jkunu kattivi lkampanji elettorali fl-elezzjonijiet ta’ Malta. Ma jistax ikun li nuru xturna malbarranin f’dawn iΩ-Ωmienijiet. G˙alhekk nixtieq nifra˙ lill-programmi tal-PBS TV li jaslilna fl-Awstralja kull nhar ta’ Óamis u nhar ta’ Óadd fit-8 am g˙ax dawn tassew qed ikunu bilançjati u mhux b˙al qabel elezzjonijiet o˙ra li fihom tant konna naraw u nisimg˙u parte©janiΩmu. Óajr lil Joe Dimech li jippreΩenta u lil dawk li jipproduçu l-programm. Naf li illum kul˙add jista’ jaqra u jara dak li jo˙ro© minn ˙alq il-politikani fid-dag˙diha elettorali iΩda hemm bΩonn li l-nippruvaw inΩommu ççivilta` u d-dinjita’ tag˙na mal-barranin.

K

Ittra ta’ prova

Cecilia Busuttil, minn Newport, Victoria tikteb: -ittra li ©iet ippubblikata fil-˙ar©a tad-9 ta’ Mejju (Nru. 154) dwar dawk iΩΩg˙aΩag˙ li jridu jivvja©©aw flimkien lejn Malta qanqlet ˙afna interess anzi xxukkjat lil ˙afna, l-aktar lil dawk li dejjem jippruvaw ikasbru u j˙awdu g˙ax jibΩg˙u mill-istampa, jibzu li se jinkixew l-għawwar.

Il-qawwa ta’ The Voice maΩ-Ωg˙aΩag˙ ©iet issi©illata bil-provi. Qatt ma kellna medju g˙all-Maltin fl-Awstralja daqshekk b’sa˙˙tu u b’daqstant çirkulazzjoni.

Nifra˙ lit-tim wara din il-pubblikazzjoni u j’alla ssibu l-appo©© me˙tie© ˙alli mhux biss tkomplu imma wkoll tissa˙˙u g˙ax ©id biss jista’ jo˙ro© minn publikazzjoni b˙al din.

L

Tuesday May 23, 2017

The Voice of the Maltese 9

The Voice of the Maltese has noted a speech by Susan Templeman MP Federal Member for Macquarie NSW where the Maltese community has been mentioned. We bring her inervention to the readers’ attention.

Pensioners travelling overseas T

here is another group of people who I felt for in the government's matters that are now off the table, and that is the people from other countries who have chosen to come to Australia, become citizens of Australia and work their guts out here but hoped that in their retirement, in their pension years, they would get back to their homeland.

In my electorate in the Hawkesbury that is the Maltese community. They have grown vegetables, they have built businesses and they have educated their children at St Monica's, Bede Polding and all the wonderful Catholic schools that we have in our electorate, which of course are going to be facing real challenges as we move forward thanks to those opposite.

As they get their pensions they think, 'I would like to go back to Malta and I would like to spend some time with my sisters, cousins and family that I have not seen.' Yet this government wanted to take that right away from them. That was a disgrace.

When people have worked hard they deserve the opportunity to choose to have some leisure in their older years and to really enjoy the fruits of their labours. They may not have been able to stash away enough money to be able to do it on their own; they needed the pension to do that. It is there for people who need it and we should not ever have looked at taking that away.

Those opposite should be ashamed that they even considered it. But, sadly, they are not ashamed, and this is probably the bit that is heartbreaking: they actually still want to bring these measures through. We know that they would – given a change in polls, given a change in leader or given a change in the Senat – reintroduce these and any other measures that they could in a flash.

This is a bit of cleaning up to make it look a bit neater. It is trimming around the edges, but really we know that they are still sitting there.

They are still there waiting until there is a moment. And that is the horror of this government: it is only going to take a moment for them to step up and put all this stuff back on the table with all the other things that we know they would like to do, like $100,000 degrees for university students.

It is all the things they have talked about: 'Let's make sure that the federal government does not fund any public education.'

We know that, given the chance, all the things that they have had brain explosions about over the last few months would come back.

It really goes to the heart of their problem: they are so out of touch.

They are out of touch with what ordinary people feel, what families feel, what pensioners feel, what self-funded retirees feel

and what working mums feel.

They are completely out of touch, and in fact the reality is that they will never ever be able to understand what it is like to be a real Aussie.

They are in a totally different world, all of their own.

Editorial note: The Voice of the Maltese welcomes any other Australian Parliamentarian, be they State or Federal who wish to express their views on important topics.

10 The Voice of the Maltese

Tuesday May 23, 2017

Perspettiva It-tfittix g˙all-˙ajja A version of this series in English may be found in the author's blog at: https://ivancauchi. blogspot.com

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orsi w˙ud minnkom g˙andhom kurΩità fit-tfittix affaxxinanti g˙al sinjali ta' ˙ajja barra mid-dinja g˙aΩiΩa tag˙na, id-dinja li hi meqjusa bir-rekwiΩiti kollha (bil-provi) biex tmantni l-˙ajja, id-dinja li l-bniedem qieg˙ed jerda’ minnha, i˙amme© u jabbuΩa minnha b'mod allarmanti u insostenibbli. Jekk fl-a˙˙ar milla˙˙ar ˙ajja tassew tinstab x'imkien ie˙or, nispera li ma tkun tixba˙ xejn affattu lill-bniedem!

Illum in˙ossuna komdi nitkellmu bil-miftu˙ dwar su©©ett b˙al dan u simili, iΩda Ωmien ilu meta l-poter ta' dak iΩ-Ωmien kien isostni s-sistema Aristotelika tad-dinja fiç-çentru talunivers, kont ta˙sibha darbtejn.

Wara li Aristarchus, filosfu Grieg li g˙ex 300 sena q.K. u Copernicus, astronomu Pollakk fis-seklu sittax w.K., kienu ipproponew li d-dinja, il-pjaneti u l-istilel l-o˙ra jduru madwar ix-xemx, ©ie Giordano Bruno, filosfu u patri Taljan ukoll fis-seklu sittax, li mar iktar 'il bog˙od u argumenta li hemm pjaneti o˙ra jduru madwar stilel o˙ra, u anke li fuqhom jista' jkun hemm il-˙ajja. Bruno ©ie kkundannat mill-Knisja Kattolika Rumana g˙all-mewt, u filfatt in˙araq ˙aj, rasu l-isfel u bil-patata barra, g˙al din l-ereΩija apparenti tieg˙u.1 Il-˙sieb li teΩisti l-˙ajja barra mill-pjaneta tag˙na hija naturalment spekulazzjoni, u s'issa d-dinja tag˙na biss g˙andna provi li ΩΩomm il-˙ajja. Madankollu meta wie˙ed ja˙seb dwar il-biljuni ta' galassji fl-univers, u fil-biljuni ta' stilel f'kull galassja, bil-pjaneti u qmura tag˙hom, mhix daqshekk inkonçepibbli li proporzjon Ωg˙ir tag˙hom jista' jkollhom il-kundizzjonijiet tajbin g˙all-˙ajja.

Dan il-prinçipju huwa estiΩ g˙all-possibiltà li parti minn din il˙ajja tkun intelli©enti, li hija espressa fl-ekwazzjoni ta' Drake li tati stima (mill-©did spekulattiva) ta' kemm jeΩistu çivilazzazzjonijiet fl-univers.2 Biex tie˙u poΩizzjoni jekk dan kollu jag˙milx sens jew le, tajjeb li tikkunsidra çerti karatteristiçi tal-˙ajja kif misjuba fid-dinja tag˙na.

L-ewwelnett, il-molekuli meqjusin essenzjali g˙all-˙ajja huma bbaΩati fuq ftit elementi, Fuq quddiem nett huma l-karbonju, lidro©enu, l-ossi©enu u n-nitro©enu, li huma abbundanti mhux biss fid-dinja tag˙na imma wkoll fl-univers. Dawn l-elementi f'diversi kumbinazzjonijiet g˙andhom l-abbiltà li jag˙mlu molekuli stabbli li jissej˙u organiçi meta jinkludu l-karbonju.3 Óafna kimiçi inkluΩi dawk organiçi jdubu tajjeb fl-ilma fl-istat likwidu tieg˙u. Dan jippermettilhom li jiltaqg˙u u jse˙˙u r-reazzjoni kimiçi li jippermettu l-˙ajja.

Biex dawn ir-reazzjonijiet ise˙˙u, jin˙tie©u ukoll sorsi ta' ener©ija, per eΩempju ener©ija elettrika mis-sajjetti (li tqawwi rreazzjonijiet kimiçi li jwasslu g˙al molekuli organiçi kumplessi)4, id-dawl tax-xemx (li jippermetti l-fotosinteΩi li jintuΩa mill-pjanti u l-˙xejjex) jew ener©ija kimika minn çmieni fil-qieg˙ imdallam tal-ba˙ar fond (li tippermetti kimosinteΩi minn batterji f'ilma kiesa˙ jew jag˙li)5.

Il-˙lejjaq li ma jutilizzawx direttament dawn is-sorsi ta' ener©ija, juΩawhom b'mod indirett meta jieklu lil dawk li jutilizzawhom direttament. B'hekk ti©i ffurmata l-katina tal-ikel, bil-˙lejjaq talbidu fil-qieg˙ nett, u l-predaturi fuq nett.

kitba ta’

IVAN CAUCHI

It-tiftix g˙all-˙ajja barra middinja tag˙na jse˙˙ permezz ta' teleskopji bbaΩati fuq id-dinja, teleskopji fuq satelliti li jduru ddinja u satelliti li jintbag˙tu lejn dinjiet jew qmura o˙ra.

Ix-xog˙ol tax-xjentisti tista' tg˙id huwa maqsum f'Ωew© binarji. L-ewwel wie˙ed, baΩiku, hu li ji©u misjuba dinjiet jew qmura li g˙andhom karatteristiçi simili g˙al dawk tad-dinja tag˙na mag˙rufin li jippermettu l-˙ajja. Ix-xmux huma eskluΩi g˙ax il-kundizzjonijiet tag˙hom huma meqjusa estremi wisq.

G˙alhekk, per eΩempju, qed ji©u mfittxija pjaneti li jduru xxemx tag˙hom f'distanza li tippermetti l-ilma li jeΩisti fl-istat likwidu tieg˙u. Din id-distanza trid tkun la 'l bog˙od wisq (g˙ax inkella l-ilma jkun iffriΩat fi stat solidu) u la qrib wisq (g˙ax inkella jkun stim fl-istat ta' gass).

Id-distanzi aççettabbli jiffurmaw Ωona abitabbli, li ©iet proposta g˙all-ewwel darba fl-1953, bit-terminu Ωona ta' Goldilocks tissemma fis-snin sebg˙in. Pjaneti barra mis-sistema solari tag˙na ilhom jinstabu mill-1992 u s'issa nstabu eluf6 imma minnhom ftit iktar minn g˙axra huma meqjusin abitabbli.

Iktar qrib tag˙na astronomikament, kien hemm furur fis-sena 1877 meta l-pjaneta Mars ©iet irrappurtata mill-astronomu Schiaparelli li kellha l-kanali, li nies imma©inaw li t˙affru minn aljeni, imma din l-ideja ©iet imxejna iktar 'il quddiem. Madankollu, hemm evidenza li jeΩisti l-ilma fuq Mars anke llum, g˙alhekk linteress li jintbag˙tu satelliti hemmhekk, u anke spedizzjoni talbnedmin.

Hemm ukoll interess kbir fi qmura ta' Jupiter (Europa jidher li hi mg˙ottija bis-sil©, Ganymede u Callisto jidher li g˙andhom ba˙ar miela˙ ta˙t kisja sil©) u ta' Saturnu (Titan g˙andha metanu fl-istat likwidu li jista' jservi minflok l-ilma, u Enceladus li g˙andu molekuli organiçi).7 Fl-a˙˙arnett, hemm il-binarju l-ie˙or ta' tiftix g˙al intelli©enza extra-terrestri (SETI - Search for ExtraTerrestrial Intelligence), fejn astronomi qed ifittxu g˙al ˙ajja intelli©enti, billi jfittxu g˙al uΩu tat-teknolo©ija. G˙alhekk jissemmg˙u g˙al trasmissjonijiet radjufoniçi mill-ispazju mhux mistennija biex jaraw jistg˙ux ikunu ©ejjin minn intelli©enzi o˙ra. Dan kien immortalat fil-film ta' Hollywood fl-1997 jismu Contact.

Jien perswaΩ li fil-futur nisimg˙u bl-a˙bar li dan it-tiftix ˙alla l-frott, anke jekk il-forma ta' ˙ajja misjuba tkun primittiva. Jekk din il-˙a©a ti©ri, aktarx ikollha riperkussjonijiet kbar filosofiçi, politiçi u reli©juΩi, g˙ax tibdel b'mod profond u drammatiku kif il-bniedem i˙ares lejh innifsu u l-univers ta’ madwaru.

Nispera biss li nkun g˙adni ˙aj.

Referenzi 1.https://www.nasa.gov/vision/universe/starsgalaxies/search_life_I.html,retrieved17/5/2017 2. http://www.seti.org/drakeequation, retrieved 17/5/2017 3. http://www.physicsoftheuniverse.com/topics_life_early.html, retrieved 17/5/2017 4. http://www.livescience.com/32983-what-are-ingredients-life.html, retrieved 17/5/2017 5. http://ocean.si.edu/ocean-news/microbes-keep-hydrothermal-vents pumping, retrieved 17/5/2017 6. http://www.space.com/17738-exoplanets.html, retrieved 17/5/2017 7. https://lco.global/spacebook/possibilities-and-search-life-our-solar-system/, retrieved 17/5/2017

Tuesday May 23, 2017

The Voice of the Maltese 11

Il-˙asil tal-˙wejje© fl-img˙oddi f’Malta F

l-img˙oddi f’Malta l-˙asil tal-˙wejje© kien isir flg˙ejun tal-˙asselin li kien hawn imxerrda ma’ Malta kollha u naturalment ukoll f’G˙awdex.

Dawn l-g˙ejun kienu pubbliçi u kellhom l-ilma ©ej millblat. Hu mag˙ruf li kienu nbnew fis-seklu sittax Fl-Imsida hemm wa˙da mag˙rufa sewwa u g˙adha sallum mag˙rufa b˙ala ‘L-G˙ajn tal-Óasselin’, filwaqt li f’G˙awdex l-aktar wa˙da mag˙rufa u li wkoll ti©bed itturisti hi dik li hemm fil-Fontana li fil-fatt g˙adha tintuΩa, g˙alkemm aktar biex juru lit-turisti kif kienet tintuΩa.

PeterPaulCiantar Dik tal-Imsida tinsab fil-Wied int u ©ej minn Birkirkara u die˙el l-Imsida. ˙dejn ir-rixtellu talL-G˙ajn tal-Óasselin fil-Fontana, G˙awdex li l- knisja.

Inbniet fl-1705 milluΩu tag˙ha daΩ-Ωmien hu g˙al skop turistiku Baruni Fra WolfDan il-fra kien gang Von Guttenjag˙tihom xi ˙a©a berg. Minn dak iΩΩg˙ira tal-flus; flus Ωmien ©iet irresli ja˙asra kienu tawrata u g˙adha jonfquhom mel˙ u hemm sal-lum. lumi ˙alli jne˙˙u tG˙alkemm daΩtbajja tal-inbid Ωmien m’g˙adiex minn fuq it-tonok. tintuΩa, xorta g˙adKien ikollhom speha attrazzjoni storijjeΩ o˙ra wkoll, ka turistika. b˙all-pitrolju biex L-G˙ajn tal-Hasikebbsu l-kuçiniera selin f’G˙awdex qe˙alli fuqha g˙da fir-ra˙al Ωg˙ir jsa˙˙nu l-˙dejjed tal-Fontana, int u tal-mog˙dija. nieΩel mir-Rabat fi Irrid ng˙id ukoll li triqtek lejn ix-Xlenalla˙ares ma kinux di. Fil-fatt, l-isem jie˙du l-˙wejje© filtar-ra˙al, Fontana, ˙in miftiehem jfisser nixxiha. Jing˙ax il-fra kien g˙ad li kien lejn isjag˙mel sfrattu.

16-il seklu li ©iet mibnij speçi ta’ mina fuq in-nixxiha Miskina dik ix-xebba li kienet tinzertalha xi ©img˙a xita. biex isservi lin-nies li riedu jag˙mlu uΩu minnha biex Kien jin˙ti©ilha tnixxef il-˙wejje© bis-s˙anat, u allura ja˙slu l-˙wejje© inkella juΩaw l-ilma g˙al g˙anijiet o˙ra. aktar spejjeΩ li kienet tag˙mel li kienu jitnaqqru mill-ftit F’dawn il-postijiet, in-nisa Maltin kienu jie˙du gost jil- li kienet taqla’. taqg˙u flimkien, kul˙add g˙addej fuq xog˙lu, u minMinkejja li fl-img˙oddi n-nisa Maltin ma kellhomx ilbarra xi ‘kelma jew tnejn’(?) bejniethom, ma kienx mezzi tal-lum g˙all-˙asil tal-˙wejje©, xorta wa˙da kien jonqos l-g˙ana u l-kant. ikollhom naxra ˙wejje© nodfa xummiema g˙ax wara Xi drabi, minflok ma kienu jmorru fuq l-g˙ejun, xi nisa kollox sa mill-qedem, il-mara Maltija dejjem kienet Maltin kienu ja˙slu l-˙wejje© fil-krietel tal-injam. mag˙rufa g˙all-indafa, l-g˙aqal u l-bΩulija.

Kienu ˙afna dawk ix-xebbiet Maltin li minbarra lIllum, min˙abba l-mezzi moderni, il-˙ajja nbidlet ˙afna ˙wejje© ta’ familthom, biex jaqilg˙u xi ˙a©a kienu u n-nisa Maltin (u anke r©iel) ipo©©u l-˙wejje© fil-magna ja˙slu wkoll il-˙wejje© tal-patrijiet. Allura fil-˙asla tal-˙asil awtomatika u jistg˙u jmorru g˙ax-xog˙ol ˙alli tag˙hom kont tara t-tonok u ˙wejje© o˙ra tal-patrijiet li x˙in ji©u lura jsibu l-˙wejje© lesti, ma˙sula. Wara kemm mbag˙ad jonxruhom biex jinxfu fuq il-bjut tag˙hom. inixxfuhom f’magna o˙ra.

Wara mbag˙ad kienu jridu jg˙adduhom u je˙duhom O˙rajn jippreferu jag˙tuhom lil xi kumpannija tal-˙asil lura lill-fra li jkun jistenniehom fil-jum li jkunu ftehmu u ji©u lura fil-©urnata u l-˙in miftiehem, mg˙oddija u lesti. Naturalment, dawn il-mezzi ©odda tellfu wkoll l-identità Maltija … iΩda l-progress ma jwaqqfu ˙add!

L-G˙ajn tal-Óasselin fl-Imsida minn ©ewwa, u (lemin) ritratt tal-G˙ajn u l-madwar fl-antik

12 The Voice of the Maltese

Tuesday May 23, 2017

Roundup of News About Malta Malta goes to the polls on June 3

It’s decision time in Malta!

The choice: Continuity and the way forward

vs.

Four years and three months after the last general election, on June 3 at the end of 33-day campaign, the Maltese electorate is once again been called to elect a new government. The main political parties are presenting themselves in front of the electorate to be judged at a general election that would decide the winning of the greatest prize in Maltese politics, the ticket to administer the island for the coming five years.

This is a snap election called by the incumbent Prime Minister following allegations against him and his wife, still unproven, that Joseph Muscat believed could destabilise the country and stagnate the economy.

The voters have to choose: the Labour party that is calling for continuity and to keep going forward, or the new beginning as proposed by the NP/PD free from corruption. After weighing up the ongoing campaign, another important issue before the electorate would be to decide who is the more credible between Joseph Muscat and Simon Busuttil and therefore trust him to lead Malta into the future While the LP is defending its record of gains during the past four years, the PN in coalition with the newly-formed PD is seeking a vote that would rid Malta of PM Joseph Muscat and what it describes as the “corrupt government” and to install Simon Busuttil in his place.

So Malta has two leaders vying for the 14th Premiership in Malta’s political history.

In the red corner we have the defending leader, Joseph Muscat and in the blue/orange corner the challenger, Simon Busuttil.

It is not a boxing match but a look-back at the past few days of the campaign, at times it did resemble such an encounter, just shorn of the fisticuffs.

We’ve had proposals and pledges galore and from both sides and will keep on having them up to the eve of the election. The voters need to decide what’s feasible and what’s just gimmick; what’s reality and what’s fiction in the parties’ hunt for votes. By decision day and before casting their vote they must have weighed them up very carefully.

The campaign has been rough

A new beginning free of corruption

and tough, sometimes even verging on being dirty with accusations flying around like confetti at a wedding reception.

One hopes that in the end, common sense, and a sense of decency prevails, if anything to preserve the good name that Malta enjoys with the world and the investors.

Malta boasts one of the highest voter turnout rates in the world, with roughly nine out of every 10 eligible voters showing up on the big day to have their say on who should run the country.

Opinion polls carried out by different media on the island give Joseph Muscat a considerable lead, which he consistently held throughout the legislature following his and his party’s unparalleled victory in 2013.

However, opinion polls are also known to have gone wrong before.

For the sake of Malta, as they say in sports, may the best team win!

Vying for a seat in Parliament The 207 candidates who applied to the Electoral Commission to contest the election (some on two districts), all hoping, not just to get the people’s vote to represent it in a 65-seat parliament but also to put the party on whose ticket they are running, in power to administer the country’s wealth.

The candidates are spread out in 13 districts in Malta and Gozo, with each district electing five candidates, thus they would be vying for all 65 seats (plus any compensatory seats) of the House of Representatives.

Six parties are fielding candidates for the coming election, the most parties fielding candidates since 1962.

The Labour Party has 70 candidates, the PN now in coalition with the PD forming part of the so-called Forza Nazzjonali, are fielding 110 candidates, (99 on behalf of the PN and 11 for Marlene Farrugia’s PD).

Alternattiva Demokratika (AD) (with 10 candidates), Alleanza Bidla (4) and Patriotti (13), are the other parties fielding candidates. There will also be two independent candidates. A number of the candidates will contest two districts.

The Voice of the Maltese 13

Tuesday May 23, 2017

Roundup of News About Malta

The burning question Moody’s, European Commission commend economic burning question during the electoral campaign in Malta is continuously being progress, forecast further growth in Malta’s economy asked to both Prime Minister and leader

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of the Labour Party, Joseph Muscat and the leader of the Nationalist Party Simon Busuttil.

It is in regard to the accusations by the PN and its favourite blogger against Muscat that his wife held an offshore Panama company by the name of Egrant Faced with the accusation, which he vehemently denied, Muscat requested an inquiring magistrate to institute an investigation based on allegations endorsed by the Opposition lead-er.

He believes the investigation could clear his and his family’s name. He and his wife faced the magistrate to clarify what they described as “the biggest political lie in history” in Malta.

The PM had also filed a libel suit but the court did not see any urgency in dealing with it.

Faced with the accusation, Joseph Muscat has said all along that if the inquiry links him and his family to the company he would resign immediately. At the same time he challenged Busuttil, whom he believes is an accomplice in “the attempted frame-up, to do the same if it turns out that he has been lying.

Busuttil would not take up the challenge telling journalists, he sees no reason why he should.

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ollowing up on other international institutions, credit rating agency Moody’s and the European Commission once again made favourable comments about Malta’s economy with Moody’s even indicating that it now expects the country's economy to grow at a faster rate than it had originally projected.

Moody’s expects Malta's economy to grow even better than its previous forecast in January. The growth would be by 4.3 per cent this year, rather than the 3.4 per cent rate it had earlier forecast. It also revised growth forecasts for 2018 from 3.1 per cent to 3.7 per cent and confirmed the country's A3

rating.

Predicting that Malta would achieve a budget surplus this year as well as in 2018, with the country's debt-to-GDP ratio declining to 53.5 per cent it noted, “Malta’s government debt is now converging more quickly to similarly rated peers.”

Meanwhile, in its Spring 2017 Economic Forecast the European Commission is predicting Malta’s GDP growth this year wo-uld be 4.6 per cent, that is three times that of the eurozone, and that Malta would also see more growth in 2018.

Malta divided into 13 electoral districts: District 1: Valletta, Floriana, Ħamrun, Marsa, Pieta, Gwardamangia, Sta Venera.

District 2: Vittoriosa, Senglea, Cospicua, Żabbar, Fgura (part), Kalkara, Xgħajra District 3: Żejtun, Għaxaq, Marsascala, Marsaxlokk.

District 4: Fgura (part), Gudja, Paola, Sta Luċija, Tarxien.

District 5: Birżebbuġa, Kirkop, Mqabba, Ħal-Farruġ, Luqa, Qrendi, Safi, Zurrieq.

District 6: Qormi, Siġġiewi, Luqa.

District 7: Żebbuġ, Dingli, Mġarr, Mtarfa, Rabat, Baħrija, Tal-Virtu’.

District 8: Balzan, Birkirkara, Fleur deLys, Swatar (Birkirkara), Iklin, Lija.

District 9: Għargħur, Msida, Swatar (Msida), San Ġwann, Kappara, Swie-qi, Madliena, Ta’ Xb-iex.

District 10: Gżira, Naxxar (Part) Baħar ic-Cagħaq, Pembroke, St Julians, Pace-ville, Sliema.

District 11: Mdina, Attard, Mosta, Burmarrad District 12: Mellieħa, Naxxar St Paul’s Bay District 13: Gozo

The former Whip of the Labour Party, Dr Godfrey FarruG. Farrugia gia has decided to contest the coming general election on the PD ticket founded by his partner Marlene who in turn to run for has agreed to form a coalition with th Nationalist Party.

In the meantime, Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando a Nationalist PD and JPO Party parlimantarian in the former Gonzi government before resigning his seat, has decided to run on the for Labour Labour Party ticket

It further forecast that although it did not anticipate that the unemployment rate would change much from its current level just below five per cent, between 2017 and 2018, jobs would increase by 2.9 per cent.

The Commission said that could drive further growth and provide an additional boost to investment is the launch of the Malta Development Bank, In its analyses it said that the decision to increase the minimum wage may support private consumption further.

As to the government’s finances, the Commission said that the surplus was explained by the high growth of current revenue.

Dep. PM Louis Grech will not contest ouis Grech, 70, deputy L prime minister in the Joseph Muscat government the

past four years, sitting beside the Prime Minister during a meeting with supporters in the current electoral campaign announced that for personal reasons, he would not seek re-election, as it was time for him to close this chapter of his life.

Joseph Muscat said it was an emotional moment for him. He said however, that Louis Grech has a lot still lot to give, and would continue to attend Cabinet. He would also become consultant to the PM if Labour wins another term of office, Grech, a founding official in the setting up of Air Malta in 1973 and later also chairman, prompted a standing ovation as he thanked Joseph Muscat for giving him the opportunity to serve in the government for the four years. He first entered the political fray in 2004 as a Member of the European Parliament. Shortly before the 2013 general election he was appointed Labour deputy leader and when the LP won the government he was made deputy prime minister.

14 The Voice of the Maltese

Tuesday May 23, 2017

Kampanja ˙arxa ... u kif!

Logo tal-Partit Laburista

S

Kummenti dwar is-sitwazzjoni politika

e nipprova li ma nikkummentax fittul dwar il-kampanja elettorali ta’ b˙alissa f’Malta li tinsab fl-aqwa tag˙ha. Min isegwi l-midja lokali, issocial networks, eçç bla dubju ta’ xejn jaf b’liema qilla u ferneΩija Ω-Ωew© partiti politiçi qed jissieltu biex jiksbu l-appo©© talpoplu Malti u G˙awdxi.

Il-weg˙diet li qed isiru lill-poplu minn kull partit huma bla qies u kultant hemm dubju serju kemm dak li qed ji©i mwieg˙ed se jkun possibbli li jitwettaq.

Mhux ta’ b’xejn li smajna kummenti b˙al “Na˙seb li ftit ie˙or se jg˙idulna li ser jibag˙tulna l-paga d-dar ming˙ajr ma mmorru g˙ax-xog˙ol.”

Li baqa’ konsistenti matul il-kampanja elettorali kien il-mod kif il-partiti qed jippruvaw ibieg˙u lilhom infushom bil-Partit Laburista jibqa’ jinsisti fuq s-suççessi f’kull qasam tal˙ajja matul dawn l-a˙˙ar erba’ snin u li ma nistg˙ux nieqfu f’nofs triq, filwaqt li l-Partit Nazzjonalista, u dawk li jappo©©jawh ta˙t lkappa ta’ Forza Nazzjonali, jippridkaw dwar il-˙tie©a ta’ governanza tajba u jinsistu dwar in-nuqqas ta’ governanza u l-korruzzjoni ta˙t Joseph Muscat.

Filwaqt li Muscat jis˙aq li l-g˙aΩla hi bejnu u bejn Simon Busuttil, il-kap Nazzjonalista jinsisti li l-g˙aΩla mhix hekk imma bejn Malta u Joseph Muscat u l-kilkka ta’ madwaru.

Attwalment fil-mira ewlenija tal-Partit Nazzjonalista u d-Partit Demokratiku li jifurmaw l-hekk imsej˙a Forza Nazzjonali, hemm Joseph Muscat. G˙alihom hu l-kawΩa tannuqqas ta’ governanza u l-korruzzjoni li qed jallegaw li hawn f’Malta. Min-na˙a tieg˙u Muscat jinsisti li l-unika ˙a©a li tg˙aqqad lillPartit Nazzjonalista u l-Partit Demokratiku hija l-mibg˙eda li g˙andhom lejh.

Sadanitant f’daqqa wa˙da fit-toroq imtlejna bil-billboards tal-Partiti. Kul˙add jipprova jimpressjona lill-votanti bil-weg˙diet tieg˙u, b’dak li g˙amel, eçç eçç.

U sintendi ma naqsux il-kummenti fuq is-social media, kummenti li mhux dejjem huma daqshekk kumplimentuΩi.

U xejn ma t˙alla barra mill-politika. Hekk li anke l-Eurovision Song Contest iΩΩeffen fin-nofs b’Ewro Parlamentari Nazzjonalista tg˙addi l-kumment b’referenza çara g˙allakkuΩi li l-PN qed jag˙mel fil-konfront ta’ Joseph Muscat dwar il-˙biberija tieg˙u mal-

Logo tal-Partit Nazzjonalista

Gvern ta’ Azerbaj©an (ara ta˙t).

Min-na˙a l-o˙ra xi ˙add ˙a spunt minn dak li qed jg˙id il-Partit Nazzjonalista dwar ilpossibilta` li l-avviΩ tal-vot jista’ jit˙assar bis-surgical spirit u allura g˙adda dan ilkumment grafiku:

Fil-fehma tieg˙i kien hemm daqsxejn insensittivita` li juΩa ritratt taΩ-Ωjara tal-eks whip Laburista Godfrey Farrugia fil-kwartieri talPartit Nazzjonalista wara li ˙alla l-Partit Laburista biex jing˙aqad mal-Partit Demokratiku mmexxi mis-sie˙ba tieg˙u, Marlene Farrugia. Ir-ritratt ©ie imbag˙bas biex juri lil xi ˙add joffri lill-Farrugia pastizz.

M’hemmx g˙alfejn noqg˙od ng˙id x’kien il˙sieb ta’ min ippublika r-ritratt.

Kif xejn ma jag˙mel ©ie˙ lil minn fuq ilfacebook g˙adda dan il-kumment (ta˙t), laktar li min kitbu kien eks-segretarju ©enerali tal-Partit Nazzjonalista u hu wkoll avukat:

Ag˙ar minhekk kien meta kien hemm min ma llimitax ru˙u billi juΩa’ l-mezzi elettroniçi tal-llum u mar g˙ad-drawwiet l-antiki talelezzjonijiet li b’xorti tajba konna nsejnihom.

Dan uΩu Ω-Ωebg˙a (aktarx spray) fuq qatg˙a ta’ blat li hemm f’Sant’Iermu jg˙addi l-kummenti tieg˙u kontra Salvu Mallia u Marlene Farrugia (stampa ta˙t).

Kien att ta’ min jikkundannah u li sintendi kul˙add ikkundanna, iΩda li wkoll qajjem polemika billi kien hemm min uΩa dan il-fatt biex jpo©©i f’dell ikrah lil min jappo©©ja lPartit Laburista

The Voice of the Maltese 15

Tuesday May 23, 2017

Tliet kandidati tal-AB riedu fuq 12-il distrett L-isqfijiet jag˙tu jo˙or©u in id-darba fl-elezzjoni testaw g˙al aktar minn Ωew© disD se˙˙et xi ˙a©a li safejn naf tretti. Fil-fatt, Grech Mintoff wkoll sehemhom jien qatt ma ©rat qabel u li jidher ikkandidata ru˙u g˙al 12-il disli çerti partiti li se jo˙or©u l-kan- trett, Joseph Giardina g˙al 11 u if ji©ri kull meta tkun se biex kemm jista’ jkun ma didati g˙aliha lanqas biss jafu r- Saviour Xuereb g˙al 10.

K ssir elezzjoni l-Isqfijiet jidhrux li qed ixaqilbu lejn xi regolamenti.

Biss meta g˙alaq iΩ-Ωmien biex ˙ar©u pastorali j˙e©©u lill- partit poltiku. IΩda s’intendi Kampanja elettorali (2)

Maltin u l-G˙awdxin biex imorru jivvutaw skont il-kuxjenza u jΩommu quddiem g˙ajnejhom il-˙idma kommuni tal-poplu u l-pajjiΩ.

Kienet pastorali qasira fejn lIsqfijiet, Mons Arçisqof Charles Scicluna u l-Isqof t’G˙awdex Mons Mario Grech qag˙du ferm attenti

b˙as-soltu kien hemm min interpreta dak li ntqal kif jaqbel lilu jew kif ja˙sibha hu.. u maljar ukoll nibtet polemika dwar dan ukoll. G˙all-inqas ilmexxeja tal-partiti politiçi u lpartiti nfushom Ωammew lura u ma g˙amlu l-ebda kumment fil-pubbliku dwar din il-pastorali.

Sa minn meta bdew l-elezzjonijiet ©enerali, kif nafuhom illum dejjem kien hemm kandidati li kkontestaw f’Ωew© distretti, li hi xi ˙a©a normali, biex wara, jekk jitilg˙u minn Ωew© distretti, jçedu wie˙ed minnhom u posthom jie˙du xi ˙add li jkun ikkontesta u wiret il-ma©©oranza tal-voti tag˙hom.

Imma did-darba kellna fenomenu ©did meta tliet kandidati talPartit Alleanza Bidla mmexxi minn Ivan Grech Mintoff ikkon-

il-kandidati jitfg˙u n-nominazzjonijiet tag˙hom, l-G˙aqda Patrijotti Maltin, li wkoll qed tikkontesta l-elezzjoni, ipprotestat dwar dan mal-Kummissjoni Elettorali billi nsistiet li l-Li©i Elettorali tg˙id li kandidat jista’ jikkontesta biss f’Ωew© distretti.

M’g˙andniex xi ng˙idu, ilKummissjoni Elettorali tathom ra©un, u allura, kif g˙andu jkun, dawn it-tliet kandidati issa se jikkontestaw biss fuq Ωew© distretti kull wie˙ed.

X’se˙˙ fl-elezzjoni tal-2013 a’ min jag˙ti ˙arsa x’kien Kamra tad-Deputati tinkiseb T se˙˙ fl-elezzjoni ©enerali ta’ b’dak il-partit li jkollu 33 si©©u.

Min˙abba li fl-2013 ilqabel din meta wara kwaΩi 25

Sa nibtu l-˙ampers ukoll

xi ˙a©a li ma tantx hi tasU soltu li tfaççat f’din ilkampanja elettorali kienu g˙otjiet lill-eletturi f’forma ta’ hampers minn xi kandidati: G˙alkemm fuq il-plakki ta’ wara taqraw “Mediçini in Stock” fil-fatt fil-pakketti m’hemmx mediçini, jekk wie˙ed ma jqisx li l-imbid hu mediçina. Sintendi l-istiker qieg˙ed hemm biex ifakkar li l-Ministru Fearne, li sintendi qed iqassam dan il-pakketti, kien responsabbli biex ma

jkunx hemm nuqqas ta’ mediçini g˙al dawk li jie˙du lmediçini b’xejn.

U l-kandidati li ma g˙amlux ˙ampers aktarx spiççaw jag˙mlu xi riçeviment biex b’xi mod jiltaqg˙u mal-eletturi u j˙ajjruhom jivvutawlhom.

Nissuspetta li jkun hemm mhux ftit li jmorru jieklu u jixorbu g˙and kull minn joffri u l-vot u xorta jtuh lil min kellhom f’mo˙˙hom mill-bidu.. jekk mhux ukoll lil tal-partit oppost.

Kumment pjuttost poΩittiv

I

ntemm dawn il-kummenti b’wie˙ed li xejn mhu negattiv, anzi, anke jekk je˙odna xi ftit lura fiΩ-Ωmien meta kummenti b˙al dawn kienu aktar kommuni: Nhar il-Ìimg˙a 19 ta’ Mejju nin©abru fit-talb u s-sawm u nitolbu ˙alli Malta ter©a’ tie˙u r-ru˙.Niftakru li l-Madonna dejjem g˙enitna meta ©ejna g˙as-si u n-no.

Hi taf x’inhu tajjeb u xieraq.

Din inizjattiva li ˙adha ˙addie˙or. InniΩluha fid-diary ˙bieb ˙alli ma ninsewx

sena ta’ tmexxija mill-Partit Nazzjonalista, il-Partit Laburista, li kien qed imexxi minn Joseph Muscat g˙all-ewwel elezzjoni tieg˙u wara li kien ilu li ng˙ata l-mandat mill-imsie˙ba tal-partit madwar ˙ames snin qabel, fis-6 ta’ Ìunju tal-2008, irnexxielu jikseb ir-reb˙a.

Kienet l-akbar reb˙a minn xi partit fuq ie˙or fl-istorja biex seta’ jiggverna, wara ma©©oranza ta’ 36,000 vot.

Minkejja li l-Parlament Malti normalmanet mag˙mul minn 65 si©©u (mag˙duda xi si©©ijiet o˙ra b˙ala kumpens g˙al g˙add ta’ voti li jiffurmaw kwoti fuq ilpartit l-ie˙or) il-ma©©oranza fil-

ma©©oranza tal-Partit Laburista fejn kellhom x’jaqsmu l-voti kienet ta’ 54.83%, huwa ing˙ata 39 si©©u, filwaqt li l-perçentwal ta’ 43.34% tal-Partit Nazzjonalista ssarfu fi 30 si©©u.

Lejn l-a˙˙ar tal-le©islatura, min˙abba xi Ωbalji fl-g˙add talvoti, il-Partit Nazzjonalista ng˙ata Ωew© si©©ijiet o˙ra b˙ala kumpens.

Matul l-istess le©islatura, Giovanna Debono tal-PN irriΩenjat mill-PN u marret Indipendenti.

L-istess g˙amlet ftit wara Marlene Farrugia minn mal-PL. Hekk li fl-a˙˙ar il-PL spiçça lle©islatura bi 38 membru parlamentari u l-PN 33.

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16 The Voice of the Maltese

Tuesday May 23, 2017

A quick glimpse at Australia

B udget 2017:

I

winners and losers

n what is always described as the biggest night of the year in Canberra, the presentation of the budget, the second one by Federal Treasurer Scott Morrison, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull defended the government's move to increase the Medicare levy for most taxpayers, saying it will benefit future generations. He told ABC24 the hike, which will apply to those earning more than $75,000, was essential to ensure the scheme continued into the future.

Since 1994, with a couple of exceptions, the budget has been handed down on the second Tuesday in May. A closely followed ritual takes place: at precisely 7.30pm the treasurer stands up on the floor of parliament and starts his speech, giving all the key points and government messages.

In his comments on ABC24 the Prime Minister said, "We haven't been able to secure the savings through the Senate to fund it (Medicare) through savings, so we are increasing the Medicare levy from 2019 to ensure the National Disability Insurance Scheme is fully funded."

He went on to say, “We are guaranteeing Medicare, restoring indexation, creating a Medicare guarantee fund and we are ensuring that schools funding confirms with David Gonski's recommendations. Labor never did that.

"Schools funding will be national, consistent, needs-based, transparent and fair. "It is a very fair budget, it is a responsible budget, and it is, of course, driving a massive investment infrastructure."

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten hit back at the suggestion the scheme, put in place by former Labor Prime Minister Julia Gillard was unfunded, saying the government was trying to find money for "other purposes". “The fact of the matter is if you want to fully fund schools or going to university or Medicare or the National Disability Insurance Scheme, don't give a $50 billion-plus company tax cut," he said.

More than 2000 new migrants will be barred from the age pension or disability payments in 2018 under tighter eligibility requirements announced by the government as part of the 2017 Budget.

Pensioners and those claiming the disability support pension (DSP) will be required to have lived in Australia for up to 15 years continuously in order to continue receiving the payments.

The savings measure will save $119 million over five years by imposing stricter residency rules for those claiming the two welfare payments.

From July 2018, applicants will have had to have lived in Australia for at least 15

While visiting Malta Stay at: The Diplomat Hotel, 173 Tower Road Sliema

Email: sales@diplomat.com.mt Tel: (00356) 23497000

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull (left) and Federal Treasurer Scott Morrison years continuously before being eligible for either the pension or DSP. Items of general interest: Housing: Retirees who sell family home can add non-concessional $300k into super.

Community housing associations can borrow money at lower rates of interest.

Communications: Gambling ads banned during live sports broadcasts before 8.30pm, and for five minutes before and after the start of play.

Families: One-off energy payments for pensioners ($75 for singles, $125 couples).

GP Medicare rebate to be lifted from $37 a visit, costing $2.2b over four years.

Medicare levy to be raised by 0.5 percentage points in two years time.

Welfare: Demerit point system means payments deducted if job interviews skipped. The drug-testing trial will see 5,000 welfare recipients put on voucher system if they test positive.

Infrastructure: Melbourne-Brisbane inland rail link gets $8.4b with construction to begin this financial year; A second airport for Sydney at Badgerys Creek $5.3b over ten years; $844m to upgrade Bruce Highway; $550m Victorian regional rail fund, $30m for the airport link business case.

The Voice of the Maltese 17

Tuesday May 23, 2017

A quick glimpse at Australia

NEW VISA for Fair deal for Catholic schools migrant parents C

s many as 15,000 people each year will A be able to pay up to $20,000 to bring their parents to Australia for up to a decade, following the Turnbull Government’s latest immigration shakeup.

Under the new visa, their children will shoulder the financial burden of healthcare for migrant parents, with sponsors legally required to pay for their private health insurance.

The children will also need to act as financial guarantor on any extra healthcare costs their parents rack up in Australia.

“There's a great expense to the taxpayer in relation to health costs over time with elderly parents,” Assistant Immigration Minister Alex Hawke told SBS News. “That's the problem that governments around the world have been wrestling with.”

Under the new scheme, applicants could seek a three-year visa for $5,000 or a fiveyear visa for $10,000, with the opportunity of a single renewal for another five years at the same price.

The visa rules would help the government limit rising healthcare costs and, if legislated, could deliver hundreds of millions in visa fees to the Budget bottom line. If the 15,000 quota were filled in the first year, the Treasury could bank $150 million in fees alone.

The high cost of this visa has already been criticised by many migrants’ experts, as the costs look extremely high for a temporary visa.

atholic schools want a fair Gonksi deal, not special treatment, writes Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP (right) in the Australian Financial Review.

No school should get more than its fair share. If some independent schools have been getting too much – whether are Catholic or non-Catholic – they should get less.

But for all the talk about elite schools, its run-of-the-mill systemic Catholic schools, charging the lowest possible fees so poorer families can attend, that will carry the burden of the new model announced last week.

The Catholic sector is not asking for a special deal, it is asking for a fair deal.

We applaud the government for increasing school spending and for focusing resources on the neediest schools. But governments have long recognised that Catholic systemic schools fulfil a similar position in our educational ecology to their neighbouring state schools and deserve similar support.

In fact, nationally, most students in Catholic systemic schools already attract significantly less support from government (Commonwealth and state grants combined) than do their neighbours in government schools. And now – out of the blue and with absolutely no consultation with the Catholic sector – the Turnbull government has decided the gap should grow bigger and bigger over time.

The government claims Gonski 2.0 will see a funding increase of 3.7 per cent.

That's great. But the devil will be in the detail – if and when we get it. What's already apparent is that the government's

Abortion law reform defeated proposal to decriminalise abortion has pletely and Tasmania and Victoria have A been voted down in the NSW Parlia- also successfully pursued abortion law rement. Greens MLC Mehreen Faruqi’s abor- form.

tion law reform bill was defeated 25 to 14 in the upper house.

Votes in support of he bill came from five Greens, eight Labor members, and an Animal Justice Party member. Not a single vote in support came from the government, while three Labor members voted against it.

The defeat means that abortion will remain an offence in the NSW Crimes Act, and unlawfully procuring abortion will continue to be punishable by up to 10 years’ imprisonment under the act.

Unlawfully supplying a drug or instrument for an abortion will also continue to be punishable by up to five years' jail.

Abortions in NSW are currently made legal by an interpretation of the Crimes Act by the NSW district court in 1971. That interpretation, known as the Levine ruling, allows doctors to approve an abortion if a woman’s physical or mental health is in danger, and taking into account social, economic or other medical factors. he ACT has decriminalised abortion com-

But similar attempts in Queensland ran into difficulty and were delayed earlier this year, following opposition from the state’s Liberal National party.

new "capacity to pay formula" will force fee rises of over $1000 for a very significant number – at least 78 – of the Catholic primary schools in Sydney alone.

Modelling in other states has found the same. Despite initial increases, declining grants in real terms will be the lot of many Catholic schools across the country before the decade is out.

Manus Island centre to close

ustralia's refugee processing centre on Manus Island will commence closure A in a few days with asylum-seekers told to

“consider their options”, reports the Canberra Times.

The long-awaited closure will be complete, as Immigration Minister Peter Dutton has previously indicated.

Those who have been found to be refugees will have access to temporary accommodation, while those who have not are being encouraged to go home voluntarily.

A Papua New Guinea immigration official, believed to be centre co-ordinator Jeffrey Kiangali, told asylum-seekers: “PNG, with Australian support, will close the Manus RPC [regional processing centre]

by October 31, 2017.”

Refugees could reside in the PNG community or live temporarily at a transit centre in East Lorengau, the men were told, but “no one will be resettled in Australia”.

Refugees are awaiting acceptance for resettlement by the United States under an agreement struck between Malcolm Turnbull and former US president Barack Obama.

The Manus Island facility has previously been slated for closure by October or the end of 2017 after the PNG Supreme Court ruled it unconstitutional.

18 The Voice of the Maltese

Tuesday May 23, 2017

Maltese granny’s Melbourne hobby farm now worth millions

M

elbourne’s urban sprawl has turned a western suburbs Maltese grandmother’s hobby farm into a property gold mine. Helen Muscat, 73, stands to make millions when her last patch of grass in Truganina is auctioned soon according to a story by Scott Carbines in The Herald Sun. Back in 1985 Ms Muscat and her late husband Peter bought the 13.35ha property at 6 Blake Court for just $40,000.

Now, the remaining 5600sq m, featuring the original farmhouse she called home for almost three decades, is on the market with price hopes of $2 million to $2.5 million. Developers are salivating at the prospect to build up to 22 houses in one of of Melbourne’s most rapidly developing suburbs.

When the grandmother of five moved into the lot most of the roads were unpaved, and theirs was the only house for vast stretches. Ms Muscat said a lot had changed since they moved to the area in 1988 after her husband was drawn to living on a farm as he had done in Malta.

“It was all grass. We had cows; we had sheep, we had horses,” Ms Muscat said. “When he passed away, I didn’t want to sell because I thought we'd got the kids and I was happy there, but it got a bit too much when I was on my own the past couple of years.

“There are a lot of memories. Every time I go there I cry, I say ‘why did I have to sell,’ but it’s too much to look after, you know what I mean?” Ms Muscat, who has five children and five grandchildren, is set for a big windfall as developers circle the property ahead of the auction.

Ms Muscat said she was not sure what she would do with any profit just yet – but it could involve some travelling. “I don’t know … maybe I will buy a unit and retire in it,” Ms Muscat said. The family sold the majority of the original property to developers for $1.25 million in 2001 as City of Wyndham grew rapidly around them.

Ray White, Truganina, director Mark Srivastava said 15 houses or 22 townhouses could be built on the site.

Information session for Greystanes Maltese Seniors

he Greystanes Maltese Seniors Group T had an Information Session from The Council of the Ageing (COTA) on, ‘Your

Wellbeing Your Plan’ (above).

The presentation and other such information sessions are provided for the Maltese Seniors Groups through the Welfare Service of the Maltese Community Council (MCC) of NSW. For more information one should contact the Welfare/community Officer, Marisa Previtera, tel: 0414 863 123

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The Voice of the Maltese 19

Tuesday May 23, 2017

Tag˙rif dwar il-kitba Maltija ktar regoli u tag˙rif uffiçjali dwar kif wie˙ed g˙andu jikteb il-Malti. Dan Askont kif ma˙ru© mill-Kummissjoni fi ˙dan l-Akkademja tal-Malti.

TISWIR IL-VERB Il-verbi li ma jmorrux mar-regola (Regola 24 ikompli) IΩda minn ˙a(d) nag˙mlu ˙a, nie˙u, tie˙u, jie˙u, nie˙u, eçç. " " ra " ara, nara, tara, jara, naraw, eçç. " " (ag˙)ta " âti, nâti, tâti, jâti, nâtu, eçç. " " ©ie " ejja, ni©i, ti©i, ji©i, ni©u, eçç.

IΩ-Ωieda tal-vokali u f’tarf il-kelma twaqqa’ mill-a˙˙ar taqsima l-vokali ta’ bla aççent.

(Ara d-Disg˙a u G˙oxrin Regola – l-Ewwel Taqsima).

G˙alhekk minn (i) g˙amel, ag˙mel, (ii) qata(g˙), aqta(g˙), (iii) bierek, bierek, (iv) ©elled, ©elled, ng˙idu u niktbu: (i) nag˙mlu, tag˙mlu, jag˙mlu u mhux nag˙melu, tag˙melu, jag˙melu; (ii) naqtg˙u, taqtg˙u, jaqtg˙u u mhux naqtag˙u, taqtag˙u, jaqtag˙u; (iii) nbierku, tbierku, jbierku u mhux nbiereku, tbiereku, jbiereku; (iv) n©elldu, t©elldu, j©elldu u mhux n©elledu, t©elledu, j©elledu; kif ukoll i©bed, ni©bdu, ti©bdu u mhux ni©bedu, ti©bedu, ji©bedu.

G˙alhekk inqisu li fuq dawn niktbu: Sura ewlenija Passat Imperattiv PreΩent Futur (i) ça˙ad iç˙ad n-t-j-iç˙ad n-t-j-iç˙du (ii) wasal asal -asal -aslu (iii) karkar karkar -karkar -karkru (iv) qara aqra -aqra -aqraw (v) ˙ass ˙oss -˙oss -˙ossu (vi) djieq* (i)djieq -idjieq -idjiequ (vii) rtâb* (i)rtâb -irtab -irtabu (viii) sab sib -sib -sibu (ix) wieΩen wieΩen -wieΩen -wieΩnu (x) g˙ammed g˙ammed -g˙ammed -g˙ammdu (xi) seksek seksek -seksek -seksku (isseksek, isseksku flok itseksek) flok itseksku) (xii) tqarraq* (i)tqarraq -itqarraq -itqarrqu (xiii) nqasam* (i)nqasam -inqasam -inqasmu (xiv) stenba˙* (i)stenba˙ -istenba˙ -istenb˙u * Ara l-G˙add 22 T.ç. – It-Tieni Taqsima.

Iç-çelebrazzjoni annwali tas-7 ta’ Ìunju (Sette Giugno 1919) fis-Civic Park Pendle Hill NSW il-Óadd 4 ta’Ìunju fil-11 am Ing˙aqdu mal-Maltese Community Council ta’ NSW biex ti©i mfakkra b’solennita` u qima din il-©rajja storika li f’Malta hija festa nazzjonali.

F’dan il-jum il-©ens Malti jfakkar dak li se˙˙ 98 sen’ilu meta rvella kontra l-okkupazzjoni militari IngliΩa u erba’ eroj Maltin, Manwel Attard, ÌuΩe` Bajada, Lorenzo Dyer u Carmelo Abela sfaw maqtula.

Kul˙add mistieden. L-g˙aqdiet Maltin huma m˙e©©a j©ibu mag˙hom l-istandardi.

Se jitpo©©ew ukoll fjuri fuq il-monument.

Nag˙rfu wkoll niktbu kliem ie˙or b˙al dan: Sura Ewlenija Passat Imperattiv PreΩent Futur (i) ça˙ad iç˙ad n-t-j-iç˙ad n-t-j-iç˙du (ii) wasal asal -asal -aslu (iii) karkar karkar -karkar -karkru (iv) qara aqra -aqra -aqraw (v) ˙ass ˙oss -˙oss -˙ossu (vi) djieq* (i)djieq -idjieq -idjiequ (vii) rtâb* (i)rtâb -irtab -irtabu (i)

sahar baΩa(g˙) i (ii) waqa(g˙) wa©a(g˙) (iii) werwer gerbeb

ishar bΩa(g˙) aqa(g˙) u©a(g˙) werwer gerbeb

n-t-j-ishar -ibΩa(g˙) -aqa(g˙) -u©a(g˙) -werwer -gerbeb

n-t-j-ishru -ibΩg˙u -aqg˙u -u©g˙u -werwru -gerb’bu jew -gerbu* (iv) rag˙a irg˙a -irg˙ -irg˙u dag˙a idg˙i -idg˙i -idg˙u (v) g˙oΩΩ g˙oΩΩ -g˙oΩΩ -g˙oΩΩu (vi) xjie˙ xjie˙ -ixjie˙ -ixjie˙u (vii) twâl twâl -itwâl -itwâlu (viii) g˙âb g˙îb -g˙îb -g˙îbu (ix) wieg˙ed wieg˙ed -wieg˙ed -wieg˙du (x) qadded qadded -qadded qadd’du* qaddes qaddes -qaddes -qaddsu (xi) gerger gerger -gerger -gergru (xii) tarraf tarraf -tarraf -tarrfu (xiii) nsama(g˙) (i)nsama(g˙) -insama(g˙) -insamg˙u nqata(g˙) (i)nqata(g˙) -inqata(g˙) -inqatg˙u (xiv) stag˙na(j) (i)stag˙na -istag˙na -istag˙new sta˙ba(j) (i)sta˙ba -ista˙ba -ista˙bew

* Flok ngerb’bu, tgerb’bu, eçç., nqadd’du, eçç. nistg˙u niktbu: ngerbu, tgerbu, jgerbu; nqaddu, tqaddu, jqaddu.

(Ara l-G˙add 46 u 47 l-G˙add 22 – It-Tieni Taqsima).

Aktar regoli u tifsir fil-˙ar©a li jmiss

Malta fails to qualify to Eurovision final; Australia 9th as Portugal wins for first time ever after 53 years

ortugal played the right notes at the recent EuroP vision song contest in the Ukraine capital, Kyiv as singer Salvador Sobral ended his country’s 53-year

drought to take home his nation's first ever win in the competition with a staggering 758 points. Bulgaria finished second with a song perforemed by 17-yearold, Kristian Kostov.

Malta, represented by Claudia Faniello in the second semi-final failed to make it to the grand final of 26 countries from the continent. Claudia’s song, “Breathlessly” did not get enough votes to reach the stage. She got none from the public vote. Hers were only obtained from the judges who would have placed her eighth.

Australia qualified to the final from the first semifinal, with the song, “Don't Come Easy” performed by Isaiah Firebrace. But only finish ninth with 173 points on the important night.

20 The Voice of the Maltese

Tuesday May 23, 2017

Mother’s Day: Reskeon Seniors celebrate occasion with luncheon

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number of Maltese associations all over Australia organise special occasions to celebrate Mother's Day. A few days before the actual day, one of the largest and most active seniors groups, the Reskeon Maltese Association Seniors Group (RMASG), organised a Mother’s Day Luncheon for its members and friends.

Secretary Paul Vella, who acted as MC on the day, welcomed the guests and invited them to stand for the Maltese and Australian National Anthems. Afterwards the male members were requested to offer a toast for all the Mothers in attendance, and a five-course meal.

In her message for the occasion president Salvina Vella wished a good day to all the mums and asked to remember and pray for all those mothers who were no longer around. She wished all members to enjoy the day with their mothers and, as mums themselves, to enjoy the day with their families.

The MC then read a list of the members who were celebrating their birthdays around this time, as well those celebrating their wedding anniversaries, among them Paul and Frances Schembri who were celebrating their Golden Anniversary (50 years of marriage). They were presented with a flower arrangement.

Other presentations by president Salvina Vella followed. They included trophies to the winner, Cathy Gatt, and runners-up of the Ladies’ Bocce Competition, Agostina Sultana (first runner-up) and Carmen Topolcsanyi (second runner-up).

At the end of the event, MC Paul Vella said that although it might not appear proper coming from him, as her husband, he thanked the president, Salvina Vella, who was responsible for the success of this function. He also thanked

Paul u Frances Schembri at the presentation of the flowers by Salvina Vella (left) on their Golden Anniversary all members for being present to enjoy the day together as one big family. Music was provided by DJ Dominic.

A number of distinguished guests were also present.

They included a number of RMASG life members, current committee members as well as the Rector at Parkville, Fr Edwin Agius, mssp.

The function was heavily subsidised by RMASG. PaulVella

Edgar John Azzopardi 1932-2017

-Played vital role in exposing police misconduct

BELOW: Cathy Gatt, the winner of the Bocci competition (centre) flanked by the runners-up, Carmen Topolcsanyi (on her left) and Agostina Sultana

dgar John Azzopardi (aka Eddie) born in 1932 and E renowned for waging a dogged

fight against police corruption in NSW passed away recently aged 85 in his home in Minchinbury with his family by his side.

In November 1969, Malta-born Eddie who reached Sydney in 1949, was wrongly charged with negligent driving while driving his five-year-old daughter to the doctor. That was followed by a series of events with police being accused of harassment and unexplained fire at his house. The confrontation resulted in two inquests.

Eddie Azzopardi kept persisting with his allegations against the police, claiming he was a victim of police high-handedness, assault, harassment and injustices through perjury.

It is said that his persistent scrutiny contributed greatly to reform of the NSW police and shifted public opinion away from silence and apathy.

In 1994, for his hurt and suffering, and as a payout for police harassment, Azzopardi was finally awarded compensation by the State.

Eddie Azzopardi is survived by his wife, Pamela, and children, Bernadette, Mark and Chris.

The Voice of the Maltese 21

Tuesday May 23, 2017

C Co om mm mu un ni it ty y N Ne ew ws s MALTESE LANGUAGE SCHOOL OF NSW

A Division of the Maltese Community Council of NSW Inc.

Learn Maltese!

Classes are available for students from six 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.

Teachers urgently needed - Paid positions

For more information and enquiries Phone 9601 2189 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.

Horsley Park Community Social Group & Friends Invite you to their Morning Tea Fundraiser for the Cancer Council Venue: Mandavilla Event Centre, Horsley Drive, Horsley Park Date: May 25, 2017 Time: 10.00am onwards Come along, bring your friends and join in the fun Special Guest Speaker Performance by Marion School & Horsley Park Public School Raffle will be drawn at 3.00pm Chocolate Wheel & Variety of Stalls Entry by $10.00 donation For further information or if you wish to make a donation (receipts provided) CONTACT: Theresa on 0402 178 781 or Josephine on 0402 040 954.

Grocery donations towards our chocolate wheel can be left at Horsley Park Community Hall on Tuesdays between 10am and 2pm

AV VIIÛ A VV Û L-g˙aqdiet tal-Maltin li jkunu ridu juΩaw is-servizzi tag˙na billi jippubblikaw xi avviΩ fil-magazine jew jirreklamaw xi attivita` huma m˙e©ga ja˙sbu kmieni u ma j˙allux g˙all-a˙˙ar, anzi g˙andhom jibag˙tu l-avviΩi tag˙hom mill-inqas tmint ijiem qabel il-˙ar©a li jixtiequ l-avviΩ fiha.

Jekk ma jsirx hekk ma nistg˙ux niggarantixxu li tali avviΩ se ji©i ppubblikat fil-˙ar©a li jixtiequ.

Come with us: enjoy & relax On Sunday May 28 the Maltese Past Pupils and Friends of Don Bosco (NSW) is organising a visit to the stunning Japanese Gardens with teahouse, koi pond and pavilion.

We visit GosPord Regional Gallery at East Gosford (Free entrance), and the Ettalong Beach Market, all under cover.

Depart: near Wenty Leagues (Smith Street) at 8.30am $30 bus only.

Contact: Marlene 9631 9295 *Reminder: Annual Dinner Dance October 14

ST HELENA MALTESE/AUSTRALIAN S.C.

La Valette Social Centre

June 10 – Sat.: BYO Function at Errington Hall, St Albans.

Jul 8 – Sat.: BYO Function at Errington Hall, St Albans.

Aug. 25 – Fri. Feast Mass at Croatian Church Ardeer.

Aug. 26 – Sat.: Dinner Dance at Melrose Tullamarene.

Aug. 27 – Sun.: Feast at Croatian Church/Hall Ardeer.

Sept. 9 – Sat.: BYO Function at Errington Hall, St Albans.

Sept. 23 – Fri.: Family function at Klabb G˙annejja Maltin St Albans.

Oct. 14 – Sat.: GM meeting at Albion (2.p.m).

Oct. 22 – Sun.: BYO Function at Errington Hall, St Albans.

Nov. 12 – Sun.: BYO Function at Errington Hall, St Albans.

Dec. 16 – Sat.: Xmas Function at Melrose Tullamarene.

SATURDAY 27 Mejju: 8.00 p.m.

G˙ana fiç-Çentru

Events: June- December 2017

G˙ana ma’ Saver u s˙abu.

D˙ul b’xejn. Il-bar u l-kçina jkunu miftu˙in g˙al min irid jag˙mel uΩu minnhom.

G

L-a˙barijiet tal-PBS (Malta)

˙alkemm il-PBS ta’ Malta tforni lill-SBS fl-Awstralja bis-servizz tag˙ha, il-qarrejja m˙e©©a li x’˙in iridu jistg˙u jid˙lu fil-website tal-istazzjon: www.tvm.com.mt. Din bil-Malti u bl-IngliΩ.

Il-website hi a©©ornata tul il-jum kollu bil-©rajjiet li jkunu jew se˙˙ew inkella qed ise˙˙u dak il-˙in.

Saint Nicholas Festa Committee Main events for 2017 Sunday July 2: Lejla filBuskett Sunday October 15: Fete Saturday Nov. 11: Dinner Dance Sunday December 3: St Nicholas Feast For more information: Joe Fenech 0412 009 957 or PRO Emm. Vella 045 677 064

For issues concerning: Ageing and disability - community services education - environment - health - housing planning - Police - transport - water

22 The Voice of the Maltese

Tuesday May 23, 2017

C Co om mm mu un ni it ty y N Ne ew ws s Tune In to Radio and Television

Maltese Radio Programmes MELBOURNE, on 3ZZZ 92.3FM or on www.3zzz.com.au. Mondays 5-6 pm, Fridays 5-6 pm and Saturdays 1011am.

MELBOURNE on 98.9 North West FM, every Friday 6.00 - 7.00p.m. and Mondays 7.00 to 8.00pm. 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. Thursdays 2 4p.m: Martese Caruana presents Golden Mix. Available on demand.

Follow same procedure as for MCC programmes, except select programe in reference.

In BRISBANE listen to the Maltese Programme on 4EB on Tuesdays 6.00 8.15am; Sundays 4.15pm to 5.15pm Listen to John Borg & Ronnie Borg every Saturday at 1.00 p.m. on RADIO 2RRR 88.5FM or on the Internet www2rrr.org.au ON DeMAND

The SBS MALTESE NEWS

Isma’ l-programm tar-radju bilMalti 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 tal-Óadd 11.00 am: l-a˙˙ar a˙barijiet minn Malta, muΩika, tag˙rif, kultura, avviΩi u su©©etti ta’ interess.

UNCLE SAM DJ (Maltese Radio) tune in to link: www.unclesamdj.com 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.

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

Presenter: Nathalie Gatt.

Web streaming on: www.coastfm.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

Maltese Seniors Social Welfare Day Groups

Fairfield Active Maltese Seniors Meets on the last Tuesday of the Month.

Group meets in Parish Hall, cnr of Stella Street & The Boulevard, Fairfield Heights.

Maltese Seniors Central Coast

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

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 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

Llandilo Maltese Seniors Meets on the first Wednesday of each month at the Llandilo Community Hall, Seventh Avenue, from 11am to 1 pm.

Maltese of Bankstown

Group meet 3rd Wednesday of the month at New BCRG offices 15 Kitchner Parade, Bankstown NSW (opposite RSL Club).

Every other 3rd Thursday they have an outing. For enquiries call Sam 9534 2357

IL-MALTESE BOWLERS SOCIAL GROUP TA’ NSW Jistiednu nisa u r©iel Maltin li j˙obbu l-lawn bowls biex jing˙aqdu mag˙hom, jie˙du sehem fil-log˙ob u jag˙mlu ˙bieb ©odda.

• Jilqg˙u wkoll lil dawk li jridu jitg˙allmu jilag˙bu dan l-isport, li jing˙ataw lezzjonijiet b’xejn.

• Jilag˙bu log˙ba darba fix-xahar fir-Rosehill Bowling Club u klabbs o˙ra.

• G˙al aktar tag˙rif çemplu lis-segretarju, Tony Pace-Feraud (0400 376 607) jew email lil: maltesebowlersnsw@hotmail.com Il-logħba li jmiss se ssir nhar ilĦadd 11 ta' Ìunju fis-1:00 pm. firRosehill Bowling Club.

Australian High Commission on facebook; HC on twitter

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he Australian High Commission’s in Malta now has a new Facebook page, and the High Commissioner a Twitter account that could both be accessed by the readers.

The High Commission’s Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/A usHCMalta/ The Commissioner’s Twitter handle is: https://twitter.com/AusHCMalta 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 Meets every First Wednesday of the Month from 10:00am-1:00pm. Meetings/Get Togethers are interesting, informative & entertaining, so 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.

*(All Groups are co-ordinated by The Maltese Community Council of NSW) with a sponsorship from Multicultural 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).

The Voice of the Maltese 23

Tuesday May 23, 2017

Sports on 2 pages

Woollongong’s Baldacchino called up for Malta U/21 national team training camp

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ollongong Wolves midfielder James Baldacchino is currently in Malta taking part in a four-week Under 21 National Team training camp that will include two friendly matches in Italy.

He will return to his club on June 23.

James (pictured right) was invited to join the camp by the Maltese national team coaches on the strength of footage of him playing for the NSW in the PS4PL, the same championship as Parramatta Eagles FC. In his reaction to the call James said, “It’s a fantastic opportunity to trial for the Malta U21s squad and a strong showing here could see me press for inclusion in the firsts team.

It all came about as a little bit of a surprise but I intend to take full advantage.

“It’s very exciting. This is very special to me and very important to my family. I know being offered a chance to represent the country of my family’s background is a proud

moment for all of us.”

His coach at Wolves, Jacob Timpano was full of praise for his young midfielder. He said that James has been recognised and acknowledged for all the hard work he has put in.

Timpano added that Malta have obviously done their homework. “James has great talent and ability and works really hard at all aspects of his game. He has been a strong performer for us over the last few seasons, and while we will be losing him for 4 to 5 weeks, this is a great chance for him and the club was never going to stand in his way.”

James, a Wolves junior, has progressed through the ranks to become an integral part of the first-grade squad. He expressed his belief that playing for Wollongong Wolves has improved him a lot as a player.

“The Wolves have been awesome in taking my game to another level and selection in the Maltese national train on squad is a great reward for all the hard work. I’ve got no doubt this camp is going to be great for my football development and I know I will be an even better player when I get back to Wolves for the latter part of our season,” he said.

Ronnie Cocks dies, aged 73 ne of Malta’s best ever wingers, the former O Sliema Wanderers and Malta international Ronnie Cocks (left), has died aged 73.

The likeable footballer, one of the key players, and certainly an icon for the Wanderers’ team during one of their best stages during which they won several of the top honours Maltese football had to offer, established himself on the right flank soon as he joined the Blues in season 1962/63.

Cocks, a GΩira United product who showed his potential soon after his debut for the club in the 1956/57 when still joined Sliema and won the hearts of their supporters as between 1964 and 1972 helped them win five national championships and five FA Trophy medals. He also played 25 games for Sliema in UEFA competitions.

Ronnie made his debut for Malta in the 1-0 friendly home victory over Libya in February 1966, and went on to make a total of 21 appearances for the national team, 13 of them as captain, including the game against England at Wembley in September 1971.

Cocks, who scored once for Malta, and won the MFA Footballer of the Year award in season 1965/66.

Along with three others players, in 1967 Cocks also had a short spell with Pittsburgh Phantoms in the NASL. Later he turned out for Óamrun Spartans and Pietà Hotspurs.

After his retirement as a player Cocks turned to coaching and was in charge of several clubs, including Gzira U., Pietà Hotspurs, Mosta, Marsa, Msida SJ, St George’s and Pembroke Athleta.

leeping rough on June 22 is getting closer and as you can S see from the photo, I am getting all my gear together to survive the night. This experience will give me a true reflection of how I would have lived had I been down on my luck.

We are still $7000 below target and I am counting on YOU to help us achieve this important fund-raiser to assist the Homeless.

You can donate twofold, either: a) By cheque to be mailed to SVDP Locked Bag 4800 Box Hill VIC 3128.

Attach a note stating that you would like your donation to go towards the 2017 CEO Sleepout, specifically Sue Cattermole (Herbert) campaign. b) Or by visiting Sue’s profile at www.ceosleepout.org.au/ceos/ vic-ceos/sue-cattermole/and clicking on Donate to Sue All donations are tax deductable and a receipt will be issued.

I will also acknowledge each donation with a personal thank you note.

Follow-me on the night on Facebook by visiting https://wwwfacebook.com/herbert.portanier On behalf of SVDP, thank you.

Herbert Portanier

24 The Voice of the Maltese

Tuesday May 9, 2017

Sports on 2 pages Floriana players and officials celebrate their 20th FA Trophy victory on Saturday

Photo: Christine Borg

Successive away defeats for Parramatta lthough showing an im- NPL NSW league, a point A provement, Parramatta FC behind Sutherland. Against Eagles suffered two more succes- Sutherland a late goal from sive away defeats, first against Sutherland (Day 10) where they were dominated by their hosts and lost 3-1, and then on Saturday lost 3-2 at Bonnyrigg.

These defeats pushed Parramatta to the bottom rung of the PS4

17th Small Nations Games

M

Gio Cerasoli proved to be just a consolation for Parramatta.

Against Bonnyrigg Daniel Rezo (45th) and Gosue Sama (92nd) scored for the Eagles in a 3-2 loss.

RESULTS: DAY 11

Bonnyrigg v Parramatta Blacktown v Sydney U Rockdale v APIA Manly U v Hakoah Sydney O v Sutherland Sydney FC v Wollongong

3-2 0-0 0-0 1-1 3-1 2-1

DAY 10

Sutherland v Parramatta Sydney U v Manly U APIA v Blacktown Hakoah v Sydney O Wollongong v Rockdale Bonnyrigg v Sydney FC

79 athletes to represent Malta at San Marino

3-1 2-1 1-0 0-0 2-0 3-3

Floriana make it 20 Trophy wins

loriana became the first winners of the new FA trophy after beating old firm riF vals Sliema Wanderers 2-0 in the competition’s final to make it 20 victories overall since the competition started in 1935. It was also the two sides’ 14th direct clash in the Trophy’s history.

Floriana won with a goal in each half. Enzo Ruiz put the Greens ahead after four minutes, and Clyde Borg added a second in added time.

The game brought the curtain down on the football season. It earned Floriana a Europa League UEFA participation along with Balzan and Valletta. Champions Hibernians will play in the Champions League.

Sunshine George Cross end their winless streak NPL2 (Rd 14): Whittlesea R. 1 George Cross 1 Rd 15: George Cross 0 v Northcote C. 0 unshine George Cross ended their 14game winless streak with this 3-1 win at Epping Stadium over Whittlesea Rangers.

Goals by Souheil Agazane and Chris Dib. Ranges gave the Cross a 2-0 lead at half time.

Rangers pulled a goal back and went close to equalising, but George Cross assumed control late in the game and new captain Chris Dib grabbed his second goal in added time. *George Cross continued their good form by holding run-away league leaders Northcote City to a scoreless well-deserved draw at Chaplin Reserve. The Georgies surprised Northcote with their tenacity and determination to completely dominate the first half. But unfortunately the crossbar and some desperate clearances by the visitors denied them. The second half was much more even with neither team able to find that elusive winning goal.

S

alta will be partures the NOCs of eight ticipating along European small states with eight other whose population does nations participating in not exceed the half a milthe 17th edition of the lion. Cyprus is the only Games of the Small States exception, however its of Europe (GSSE) to be population was below held in San Marino May one million in 1984 when 29 – June 3. the idea began being dis- NPL 1 (Rd 13): Pascoe Vale 1 Green Gully 1 Rd 14: Green Gully 0 Bentleigh Green 2 The other participants cussed.

MOC president Julian reen Gully left it very late to grab a point are, the hosts, Andorra, This will be the third Pace Bonello presenting in a 1-1 draw against Pascoe Vale who Cyprus, Iceland, Liechtentime that San Marino is the Maltese flag to Charstein, Luxembourg, Monahosting the event after the went ahead in the 68th minute and looked to lotte Wingfield co and Montenegro. They first GSSA, and then once have done enough to earn all three points until will compete in 12 disciplines, Archery, Ath- again in 2001. Malta organised the Games in Alex Caniglia stepped up to score the equalising goal in the 93rd minute. letics, Basketball (2), Bowles, Cycling, Judo, 1993 and in 2003.

Shooting, Swimming, Table Tennis, Tennis, In the all-time medals table, Malta sits sixth *Green Gully have scored against every team Volleyball (2) and Beach volleyball (2). place with 363, with 63 gold, 123 silver and this season except for Bentleigh Greens, who The Malta Olympic Committee has con- 177 bronze. Those who have done better for a second time this season kept Gully scorefirmed that Team Malta’s athletes (79 after than Malta are, Iceland, with 1144 medals, less as they ran out the victors at Green Gully the dropping of one of the athletes) will be Cyprus (1136), Luxembourg (988), and Reserve by 2-0. In the battle of the Greens the visitors went ahead after seven minutes and competing in all 12 events. The contingent Monaco (453). added a second before the break. Gully tried led by the MOC president Julian Pace Bonello also includes a number of coaches The poor crowd at the Epping Stadium in Mel- to get back in to the game, but the visitor’s defence was well marshalled and in control. and medical staff. bourne at the game th Sunshine George Cross UK-based athlete Charlotte Wingfield will v Whittlesea Ranges match. The question that crops to mind is,"Where are the Sunshine George be Malta’s flag-bearer at the opening cere- Cross supporters?" This is the club's 70th anniversary season and it is so disappointing to see mony in the San Marino Stadium on Mon- so few followers of the oldest Maltese organisation in Victoria. The plea: get day May 29. In previous games Charlotte behind the club to ensure this historic club survives in the future. won two Gold medals in GSSE 2015 in Iceland and has in the European Games in Baku (2015) and the Olympic Games in Rio 2016.

The GSSE is a biennial, multi-sport eventthat was launched by the Republic of San Marino in 1985. It is organised by, and fea-

G