The Voice of the Maltese No. 222

The Voice of the Maltese

ly magazine Fortnightly magazine Issue Fortnight for for the t he Diaspora Diaspora 222

February 25, 2020

Carnival Carnivaltime

Malta sticks to five centuries of traditions

(See report on page 12)

Photo - DOI - Jeremy Wonnacott

2 The Voice of the Maltese

CHILD MIGRANTS OF MALTA (CMOM)

Tuesday February 25, 2020

The child migrant monument at Pinto Wharf in Malta’s Grand Harbour

The untold story O

Paul Calleja

n Sunday March 1. 2002, I witnessed the unveiling of the child migrant monument that now adorns the Pinto Wharf in Malta’s Grand Harbour. I was there with the late Profs. Plowman and two other members of the Child Migrants of Malta (CMOM) courtesy of the government of Malta. The unveiling marked the end of six years endeavour by CMOM’s committee to achieve important outcomes for the former Maltese child migrants.

Many within Malta and its Diaspora then, and still probably do, believed they had the complete body of knowledge of Malta’s child migrant narrative. Those still believing this are mistaken. In reality what they have is just the skeletal component, which, on its own, projects a distorted image of the true story.

A skeleton needs the fleshy bits to clad it before the accurate image can emerge. Unfortunately, for those who want the complete picture, much of the fleshy bits can only be found in the Maltese child migrant’s digital archive that I retrieved recently from my computer.

The archive is important for Malta to establish a correct and complete collection of historical material on this significant and unique chapter of its history and equally important to those who write this history for much the same reasons.

The archive contains material from a broad variety of sources under a extensive range of headings including – documents and correspondence from the Australian and Maltese governments, High Commissioners of Malta, the Christian Brothers and a host of other Religious Orders, Perth’s Archbishop, Geraldton’s Bishop, the Catholic Bishops` Committee for Migrants & Refugees, the International Association of Former Child Migrants, the Battye Library of Western Australia's Migrant Communities Archives, Malta’s Migrant Commission, Senator Andrew Murray and the Chief Justice, David Malcolm, to

name but a few.

The archive also holds newspaper articles from the now defunct, Maltese Herald, Times of Malta, Sunday Independent, lOrizzont, Free Xpress Sion and more.

Newsletters of CMOM and Christian Brothers ex residents and Student Services (C- Berss) plus Oral histories C-Berss produced featuring ten former Maltese child migrants in addition to CMOM’s photos collection and information of a host of other topics further enhance the archive.

Two sections can be identified in the archive. The first covers the period from1990 to 2002 and the second from 2002 to 2008.

Material of the first section – 1990 to 2002 – originate from research I conducted for a book I was writing on the history of Maltese settlement in Western Australia. The book was entitled the Maltese of the Western Third.

The Western Third of the title refers to Western Australia. This state occupies one third of the entire Australian continent and is so large that it can accommodate seven countries the size of the UK or five the size of France.

Material of the second section – 2002 to 2008 – commences with my light bulb moment that resulted in the formation of the Child Migrants of Malta.

It’s subject matters are broad and abundant including – the contrasting level of support by three Malta High Commissioners of CMOM between 2002 and 2008, the magnitude of support from Church, State and community, CMOM’s origin, CMOM’s committee and their individual contribution to the cause, CMOM’s influence in the Australian Senate child migrant inquiry and finally the catastrophic Clontarf bus tragedy that killed one Irish child migrant and severely injured six Maltese – one of which lost one leg, the other two.

The archive has always been in my possession because I built it during an 18-year period from researching a book from 1990 to 2002 and as CMOM’s secretary from 2002 to 2008.

Now I feel obligated to make this archive available to migrant organisations and institutions working for migrants and preserving migrant records and other forms of information. To that end I will forward the archive to Directorate for Consular Services and Maltese Living Abroad, Malta Emigrants' Commission and the University of Malta.

It is my genuine hope that at one point in the future a Maltese historian or PhD student would write a complete account of Malta’s child migrant era and publish the results in a book. I believe there would be strong interest in Malta, Australia, Britain, New Zealand and the USA to purchase the book.

Pastimes: Pleasures, Passions and Profits A

Tuesday February 25, 2020

s a child I spent warm, summer holidays’ afternoons dressing my clover stick “doll” with scrap material and remnants donated by dressmakers across the road, in return for running errands to the local haberdashery shop. Eventually, when my mother bought me my first little doll, I learned easy knitting stitches to make some Cinderella style dresses, with some yarn we had at home.

That love of sewing, knitting and other needle craft lasted for many long years throughout my life; sometimes out of necessity, to have the best possible garment with the least fiscal outlay.

Once at High School, life became more hectic.

When not at school, all siblings were too busy doing homework or helping with house chores.

However, I did manage to convince my mother to buy me roller skates. Thus I could join the lunchtime group.

In spite of all the academic work taking so much of our teenage years, my school friend and I managed to spend a couple of hours at the local cinema on Sunday afternoon.

Having completed my Senior High School education, Teacher Training College beckoned.

For all the assignments, and rigorous teaching practices, table tennis and gigantic jigsaw puzzles would also be part of my college life.

But then I discovered the political history and philosophy section of the library. I lost myself reading “The Confessions of Saint Augustine” over a number of evenings, after dinner, as well as other texts that interested me greatly, though not prescribed.

Over the ten years of teaching in Malta, as well as in years of teaching in Australia, I could observe how passionate some of my colleagues Lucy’s advice: take up gardening, it would do you good

The Voice of the Maltese 3

had become in their respective choices of pastimes and hobbies; be they the very expensive philately or the creative and performing arts.

In a way, it was a good outlet for one’s energy; a reprieve from the humdrum of every day life; an expression of one’s talents other than what could be achieved in one’s job or career. That is, until such interests became obsessions and addictions leading, in some instances, to relationships and family breakdowns.

Travel and photography soon became great interests, if not obsessions. But on a Maltese salary, it had to be curtailed. I could only take a trip once every so many years. However, photography took quite a bit of my spare time, including membership of a photography club for some years.

The long School holidays afforded me the time to do more needle crafts and learn to play the guitar as a beginner. Nonetheless, the latter gave me much joy and sense of accomplishment, so I never felt really lonely when I was single and not dating.

For about three years I joined the evening pottery class with the late John Bonnici, at the Secondary School at Paola. Those weekly sessions did wonders for my creative needs. Also, having missed out on learning French at school, so that I could do more Science, I enrolled at the Alliance for three years.

Learning more languages is an excellent way of working the grey matter. It was also useful when I travelled. And here I strongly urge the older members of our community to encourage their younger family members to enrol in Maltese classes, wherever they’re held.

Throughout my years as a migrant, between jobs and child rearing, I continued to have pastimes, and also observe how some people ended up making a living, or supplementing an income, from what may have been a tentative try at something new. I love gardening, although I have not been very successful with indoor plants. I have to be satisfied with a limited success at growing herbs and ornamentals.

Spending time outside the house, albeit not on the smokey days, is very important for our wellbeing. And if we’re not able to do gardening for whatever the reason, we can always enjoy other gardens as we walk around the neighbourhood, or visit botanical gardens. Here’s to the saying, “Stop and smell the roses”.

Whether it’s something we do on our own, such as reading, gardening, listening to our favourite music, trying out a new recipe or something we do in a group, having time out from the grind of every day life is not only beneficial, but essential for our wellbeing. We can all take advantage of what’s available in our circle, our community and the wider world.

by LUCY CALLEJA

Lucy was born at Mgarr Malta. She became a schooldteacher and after 10 years teaching in Malta, she emigrated to Australia to marry Charles, (now deceased).

She has spent 26 years teaching in NSW high schools and for about eight years was the teaching Principal of the Maltese Language School of NSW (INC).

Now retired, she is the mother of two children, and three grandchildren.

4 The Voice of the Maltese

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Tuesday February 25, 2020

Q. I am single, 59 years of age and working full time. I his is a monthly service offered by The Voice of the own my own home and have an investment property Maltese in which Marie Louise Muscat from the worth $500,000 which generates around $23,000 in rental Fiducian Financial Services helps our readers underincome. I have a superannuation fund worth approximately $400,000. I feel I should retire in six months’ time stand the complexities associated with financial planning. when I turn 60 as my health is deteriorating. Do you think If you need more advice send an email to Marie Louise via: maltesevoice@gmail.com.

I have sufficient funds to retire on?

A. For a single person your financial as- should consider sets are quite significant. Depending on using a large porwhat income you need to retire on, you tion of these funds to may have sufficient funds to do so. If your pay down your health is deteriorating than looking after mortgage. You are yourself is very important. Your superan- both young enough nuation fund should be able to provide to have time to build you with around $20,000 of tax-free in- up your superannucome per annum in retirement. ation funds in future You may find that this income plus the years. rental income are sufficient for your daily However, the needs. You should work out a list of all quicker you pay off your expenses and if you find you need your mortgage the help to make a budget you should visit a quicker you can financial planner who would be happy to start working on help you with this. your superannuaQ. I am 43 years old and my wife is 39 tion funds. Given the working four days a week and my years old. We both work full time. Her low interest rates, and potential for super to salary will be around $60,000 per earn more than the mortgage costs, you mother passed away and we came into annum. an inheritance of around $280,000. We could look at using some of the funds to I have been running an account-based contribute to superannuation. have a mortgage on our house of pension since I retired and this was You cannot touch money in your superanaround $450,000. Our superannuation providing me with the income I funds are very small. Mine is around nuation until you are 60 years of age and needed. Now that I will be working that is still a long way off.

It would be ben$63,000 and my wife’s super is around again I will no longer require this in$50,000. Should we pay this inheri- eficial to meet with a financial planner to come. Is it better for me to stop this indiscuss your situation in more detail. tance on our mortgage or should we come stream or should I continue it? put half of it in our super funds to give Q. I am a 68-year-old self-funded reA. You have two options; you can roll them a boost? tiree, and have been retired for just over this income stream back into accuA. You are both quite young and with a rea- over three years. I have been offered a mulation and let it grow or you can consonably large mortgage on your home. You job that I am happy to accept. I will be tinue to receive the payments. If you rolled the funds back into accumulation the earnings in the super fund will pay 15% tax.

If you continued with the account based pension, payments from the accountbased pension are tax-free and earnings within the account-based pension are not taxed. Another option for you is that while you are working you could make non-concessional contributions into superannuation with any surplus income that you may have. No tax will be paid on these contributions.

Q. I am a grandmother of three all of which are under the age of five. I am planning to open an investment for them so that when they are old enough to go to University this money can go towards this expense. I plan to invest a small amount of money into this account every month. Should I apply for a tax file number for these children or should I open the account in their parents’ name?

A. I believe you should open this account in your name in trust for the grandchildren. If it were in their names they would have to pay significant high tax on any earnings above $406 per annum. If it was in their parents’ name they may at some stage need the money and use it on themselves. My recommendation would be to pen the account in your name in trust for your grandchildren.

Q&A

A creative and talented man

Tuesday February 25, 2020

The Voice of the Maltese 5

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he Voice of the Maltese’s selection for the Personality of the Month is a man that has dedicated over forty years of service to the community in the field of it-Teatru Malti fl-Awstralja (Maltese theatre in Australia) as well as in the welfare sector. Eddie Busuttil is the producer/director of four excellent productions that can be classified as “classical” for the Maltese stage in Australia.

Eddie Busuttil

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ddie Busuttil was born in Birkirkara in 1959. As a young boy, he attended il-MUSEUM, ic-Cirklu (Youth Centre) and the Oratory. He enjoyed playing football and other sporting activities. After primary school, he attended St Joseph Secondary Technical School at Paola.

In March 1964, at age 15, he emigrated to Sydney with his family on the MV Roma.

He started life in Sydney as an apprentice fitter and machinist with the NSW Railways, working on steam and diesel engines. In 1978, he joined The Health Department as a health care interpreter (Maltese) working in various Area Health Centres and hospitals throughout Sydney.

Five years later, in 1983, Eddie gained an Associate Diploma in Welfare Work at TAFE and joined the NSW Public Service where he worked as a Senior Child Protection Caseworker. For some He also featured in other comedy plays such as Islifni l-Mara time, he also worked as well as a Maltese Development Worker at Għan-Nofs Siegħa, It-Tieġ ta’ Karmena Abdilla, L-Imħabba filLa Valette Social Centre, Blacktown. Ġnien with id-Dulli, L-Għira, He married Monica nee Mamo In-Neputi jrid jiżżewweġ, Qron(deceased) from Mosta, who was fol u Friefet, and L-Aġenzija a great support to him in his contaż-Żwieġ to name but a few. tribution to the Maltese commuOver the years, he also formed nity in Sydney. They have three folk-style groups singing Malchildren, Mark, Marija and Antese songs and in the 1990’s degela, and seven grand children. veloped a singing duo with In the early 70s, Eddie became Vince Bezzina, Ix-Xlendi involved in the Maltese comBrothers. munity as a member of the MalOver the years Eddie has been involved with Maltese associations tese Welfare (NSW) and also as delegate to the Maltese holding various committee positions, or with producing and diCommunity Council of NSW. With the Maltese Welfare (NSW), he prepared and presented a recting shows and concerts. His involvement with the Maltese number of seminar papers. In 1981, he assisted in the publication community in Australia spans well over the last 40 years. Eddie is of the second edition of “The Maltese Community Directory”, and the current Vice President of the La Valette Centre at Blacktown in 1988, he was co-founder of the Maltese Cultural Association. NSW. He was at the forefront with the formation of the MCA Singing In short, Eddie is a man of many talents who has contributed so much to many aspects of Maltese culture in NSW. Choir which is still performing.

In 1976, when the Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish Band was formed, Eddie was A summary of some of the musical productions credited to Eddie Busuttil: one of the first to join. Prior of this, he was a 1976: Assisted with the first fund-raising Maltese Monument at Pendle Hill, NSW. member with the First Royal NSW Lancers show for the MSSP, the Fr David Az- 1989: Initiated the project to have a Folk Military Band based in Parramatta, where he zopardi Concert.

Mass “Il-Quddiesa bl-Għana Malti”. played the cornet.

1977: Wrote and produced a socio-reli- 1992: The Musical: “Jiena It-Triq, Il-VerAs an actor, in the early 70’s, he was ingious musical play “Kulħadd Għall- itá u l-Ħajja”. volved with Theatre of Maltese Migrants Ġenna”.

2000: Produced and directed the Musical (TOMM) and directed and took part in a Mal1978: First of a serious of musicals, Il- for the Maltese Cultural Association tese historical feature when singers Joe Grech Passjoni, “Ikun Li Trid Int”. Three were “Malta 1919” and in 2001 “Gensna” a and Mary Spiteri visited from Malta and perperformed at the Sydney Opera House. rock opera. formed at the Sydney Opera House.

1983: Co-authored the first Għana in Eng- 2004: Produced and directed the Musical Eddie Busuttil joined the Cittadini Theatre lish with Joe Galea “The Centenary Song”. for the MCA, Manwel - Il-Bandiera talCompany, acting various roles such as in 1988: Directed the music of Il-Ballata tal- Maltin. the musical Qalb ta’ Kampanjol or in the Maltin ta’ New Caledonia.

2010: The Musical: Jiena t-Triq, il-Veritá drama passion play Tigi Saltnatek playing 1988: Formed part of the MCC NSW Bi- u l-Ħajja, Central Coast, Wollongong & the role of Jesus; as the blind man in the Centennial Sub-Committee, that built the Sydney. play about the life of Dun Gorg Preca.

PERSONALITY OF THE MONTH

6 The Voice of the Maltese

Tuesday February 25, 2020

Sir Cliff Marisma riding Paco (right) and Sir Phillip Leitch riding Valiant make contact shattering their lances during the days Joust of War at Kryal Castle

Malta-born Clifford makes a name for himself as a jouster

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lifford Formosa is a professional equestrian in Australia who keeps gaining popularity for himself and for his spectacular ‘sport’, jousting. The 42-year-old who goes by his professional name of Sir Clifford Marisma was born in Malta. He moved to Australia over 30 years ago.

Sir Clifford has studied classical horsemanship and competed as a rodeo bull rider and has now also become a rider and trainer of national renown.

For the past 12 years he has indulged his passion for vaquero methods of training at his stud in Ballarat. His skill has resulted in clients from all over the country seeking him out to train their prized mounts.

In his first appearance at the Abbey medieval tournament he was named 2015 champion

Malta-born Equestrian Clifford Formosa, professionally known as Sir Clifford Marisma in full regalia

of the joust.

In 2015 Clifford won that year’s “Timeline Festival” joust, and the next year also won the Keith Ryall” memorial tournament and “St Ives Medieval Faire”.

His professionalism and skills have earned him a reputation and popularity around Australia and also abroad. He reached a high standard in 2018 when he competed in France and won the Tournament of St Michel by overcoming a field of international jousters.

Clifford is also a member of the “Order of the Star” an elite group of knights whose mission is to inspire and aid others to excel. During his jousting the Maltese ‘knight’ who seems to pride himself by putting an apparel or costume on his horse with the eight-pointed Maltese cross, wears a 15th century Italian weighing 36kg. He goes by the motto of, Stand and go forth.

JOUSTING is a martial game between two horsemen wielding lances with blunted tips, often as part of a tournament. The primary aim was to replicate a clash of heavy cavalry, with each participant trying hard to strike the opponent while riding towards him at high speed, breaking the lance on the opponent's shield or jousting armour if possible, or unhorsing him.

The joust became an iconic characteristic of the knight in Romantic medievalism. The participants experience close to three and a quarter times their body weight in G-forces when the lances collide with their armour.

Tuesday February 25, 2020

The Voice of the Maltese 7

Il-funtana li dari kienet iżżejjen Pjazza San Ġorġ fil-belt Valletta PeterPaulCiantar

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iena fost dawk il-ħafna li jistqarru li l-Kavallieri ta’ San Ġwann ħallewlna l-kapitali tagħna, il-belt Valletta post mill-isbaħ, belt li ma kien jonqosha xejn. Il-Kavallieri bnew belt b’arkitettura Barokka sabiħa, sistemi preċiżi u ippjanata bil-ħtiġijiet kollha.

Il-Kavallieri ħallewlna wkoll belt b’għadd kbir ta’ palazzi sbieħ u knejjes sbieħ, bl-aqwa fosthom il-Kon-katidral ta’ San Ġwann (waħda mill-isbaħ knejjes fl-Ewropa kollha), bereġ u entratura mfassla biex verament tilqgħek xħin tidħol fiha.

Illum li kbirt naqra fl-età ngħid li tassew jiddispjaċini nistqarr li dak li seħħ fil-belt Valletta wara l-Kavallieri, lewwel mill-Ingliżi u mbagħad komplejna aħna stess ilMaltin, ma narahx li xeraq lill-belt kapitali tagħna.

Illum qed nikteb dwar funtana li kien hemm fi Pjazza San Ġorġ, dik il-pjazza tant sabiħa quddiem il-Palazz, illum ilPalazz tal-President. Għedt kien hemm, għax din il-funtana llum tinsab fi Ġnien San Filippu l-Furjana, dak il-ġnien ta’ taħt l-Argotti.

Din il-funtana mill-isbaħ li kienet iżżejjen il-pjazza ewlenija fil-belt, f’Misraħ San Ġorġ tinsab kważi moħbija. Ħarsa lejn ir-ritratt tal-pjazza malajr tintebaħ kemm din ilIl-funtana meta kienet issebbaħ Misraħ San Ġorġ qabel neħħewha minn hemm l-Ingliżi

Il-funtana li tinsab fi Ġnien San Filippu, il-Furjana pjazza mimlija storja kienet tassew sabiħa u dinjituża.

Dik il-kolonna twila bl-iljun fuqha li kienet man-naħa talġenb ta’ Triq l-Arċisqof, u dik il-funtana sabiħa fiċ-ċentru tal-misraħ, kienu tassew jagħtu dehra ta’ eleganza kif titlob il-belt Barokka tagħna.

Din il-funtana f’nofs din il-pjazza neħħewha l-Ingliżi ħalli jagħmlu wisa’ biex jagħmlu l-parati militari. Huma affarijiet li bilkemm jitwemmnu!

Tajjeb li wkoll jingħad li din il-funtana kienet l-ewwel waħda li nbniet wara l-Akwidott ta’ Wignacourt. Kienet ġiet inawgurata fi żmien l-Għid, fil-21 ta’ April, 1615. Dakinhar tal-inawgurazzjoni ġew organizzati festi kbar bi spettaklu tan-nar, logħob u tlielaq.

Inħeġġeġ lil min qed jaqra dan l-artiklu biex jagħti titwila lejn din il-funtana. Wieħed jista’ jasal għaliha mid-daħla xejn ċentrali għal Ġnien San Filippu, tefgħa ta’ ġebla bogħod minn ħdejn il-Knisja tal-Metodisti, illum sala talkunċerti.

Dan il-ġnien hu wkoll magħruf bħala «Il-Ġnien tal-Ġeneral » Jekk forsi wieħed jaqta’ qalbu li jasal sa ħdejha, allura nissuġġerilu li jagħtiha titwila min-naħa ta’ ġewwa ta’ Ġnien l-Argotti.

Din il-funtanta għandha tassew dehra spettakulari … u tikkonsisti f’ħawt kbir tond isfel bi ħwat oħra fuqu f’forma ta’ arzell tal-baħar, kull wieħed iżgħar minn dak ta’ taħtu.

Dawn huma miżmumin fuq pedestall bi tlett idniefel b’denbhom ’il fuq. Il-funtana hija kbira mhux ħażin u kienet toqgħod preċiż fid-dehra wiesgħa ta’ Pjazza San Ġorġ.

Ta’ min jgħid li għal xi żmien id-dħul għal dan il-ġnien li kien jifforma parti mis-sezzjoni privata tal-Ġnien Bottaniku tal-Argotti li wkoll kien jintuża mill-Universitá ta’ Malta għall-istudji, kien ristrett. Imm’issa huwa aċċessibbli għallpubbliku.

Biex tidħol għalih trid tinżel rampa minn wara grada u qabel tasal għall-ġnien, hemm niżla oħra fuq ix-xellug li tieħdok għal dak li darba kien stazzjon tal-ferrovija.

Il-ġnien hu sabiħ ħafna imma li jispikka fih hi appuntu lfuntana f’nofsu.

Have your say/Xi trid tghid?

8 The Voice of the Maltese

Tuesday February 25, 2020

Your letters/ L-ittri tagħkom ...

The Voice of the Maltese for fortnightly magazine fortnightly tnightly magazine

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

If you require a printed copy we can also oblige.

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

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

Australian generosity

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Mark Bailey from Tamworth, NSW writes:

ustralia has always had a fire season, with naturally occurring blazes sparked during the dry summer, but this year's has been unprecedented in the scale and intensity of the fires. The fires have killed at least 33 people and destroyed thousands of homes But I dare say that something good has come out of the devastation of the Australian bushfires this year. It has generated an outpouring of generosity amongst Australians. The response from the huge benefit concert special in Sydney is a case in point.

The money generated from this 10-hour fundraising event that was organised to raise A$10m for communities devastated by bushfires in New South Wales, the worst-hit state, has shown that we do care

Hate speech from Malta

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Paul Calleja from Bolton, UK writes:

don’t know if there’s a law against hate speech or hate mail in Malta, but if there isn’t, I believe there should be. In particular it should be directed at stopping the knowalls from expressing their venom, especially political, in their comments at the end of reports published in the majority of news portals in English emanating from the island.

I am not much familiar with the Maltese language, therefore, as The Voice of the Maltese is only published fortnightly, sometimes I would need to resort to these portals to be aware with the goings-on. I keep telling myself they could be hazardous to my health. But it seems that I never seem to learn!

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

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

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

2/679 The Horsley Dr, Smithfield NSW 2164

for each other.

Profits from the concert are to be passed on to rural fire services, communities affected by bushfires and animal welfare groups.

I must say that the fact that so many of us have been reaching into our pockets during this difficult time is not surprising as according to the World Giving Index Australia is the fourth most generous nation in the world.

I did some research and found that Australians have been giving directly to charities such as the Red Cross, the Salvation Army and others working on the ground to support survivors. Previously, many of us contributed to appeals such as Celeste Barber’s, for the NSW Rural Fire Service.

Qaddisin imperrċa

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Alfred. Borg minn Stanmore NSW jikteb: inn xi daqqiet nitħasseb għax fil-komunitá Maltija nsibu wkoll dawk ta’ twemmin lemini estrem li minflok joħorgu fil-beraħ jinħbew f’tixwix sottili anke kontra l-istess art twelidhom.

Dawn jidher li jaħsbu li t-twemmin politiku tagħhom jagħtihom d-dritt li jkasbru, ixewxu u jdawwru l-veritá kif taqbel lilhom Dejjem issibhom jiftaħru kemm huma indipendenti politikament. Sintendi, indipendenti u kostruttivi sakemm ikun fil-poter il-Gvern li jappoġġjaw jew xi ħadd jikxifħom fil-beraħ.

Illum ma tistax tinħeba iżjed għax il-midja soċjali tesponik. Ma fiha xejn li tiddikjara li int Laburist jew Nazzjonalist, l-agħar ikun meta tkun mgħaffeġ fit-tajn politiku u tipprova turi li int qaddis, u li int pur.

Grazzi ta’ rivista utli u ferm interessanti

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Mario Griscti minn Ta’ Xbiex, Malta jikteb:

razzi ħafna tal-ħarġa Nru 221 ta' The Voice of the Maltese, li bħall-ħarġiet kollha ta’ qabel toffri qari tajjeb ta' aħbarijiet kontemporanji, artikli ta' tagħrif u tagħlim li jkomplu jagħmlu din ir-rivista bilingwi interessanti u li toffri mogħdija ta' ħin ta' utilitá.

Bis-saħħa tagħkom għalija din ir-rivista saret appuntament ta’ interess qawwi.

The Voice of the Maltese 9

Tuesday February 25, 2020 Mattia Preti’s ‘Boethius and Philosophy’

Who is Mattia Preti?

attia Preti (1613-99), is the artist most associated with M adorning the baroque churches

of Malta. He painted the vaulted ceiling in the Co-Cathedral of St. John in Valletta that depicts the life of St. John, as well as numerous altarpieces and works for parish churches across the Islands.

His work on the vault of St. John's took some five years to complete.

Other fine Preti works are in the National Museum of Fine Arts, Valletta, and some are found in parish churches across the Islands, especially in the Church of St. Lawrence, in Vittoriosa.

Govt. acquires Preti painting for €1.323m.

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he Maltese Government has managed to acquire the 17th century monumental oil on canvas painting by Mattia Preti , a Calabrian, titled Boethius and Philosophy for the sum of €1,323,000. The artist painted it in around 1680 or just after that date.

The National Development and Social Fund who will own the asset and contemporaneously lend the masterpiece for an indefinite period to Heritage Malta for the benefit of present and future generations have financed the acquisition.

The work is considered as “one of the masterpieces of Preti’s last years, and indeed of Mattia Preti’s entire career”. Professor Keith Sciberras also considers it as a “major and sophisticated example of Preti’s themes of a philosophical imprint depicted in Malta”.

Minister for National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government José Herrera, said that this acquisition is proof of the government’s commitment to continue to protect and enrich the cultural and artistic heritage of our country.

Beyond the inherent prestige of such works of art, Boethius and Philosophy, like the artist himself, has strong links with the country. The paining is believed to have been commissioned by Andrea di Giovanni, Knight of the Order of Malta.

Preti (pictured) was born in Taverna, in Calabria, and became known as 'Il Cavalier Calabrese'. He spent some 30 years in Malta, during which time he was admitted to the Order of St John.

Preti was more than an artist, and besides transforming the interior of St. John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta with a huge series of paintings on the life and martyrdom of St. John the Baptist (1661–1666), he was also responsible for the magnificent baroque interior of St. John's.

The intricate stone-carved walls are made up of Maltese crosses, coats of arms, gilded flowers and other insignia and symbols.

In Malta one also can find many paintings of Preti in private collections and in parish churches. His in-

creased reputation led to an expanded circle of patrons, and he received commissions from all over Europe He also painted several of the altarpieces in the side chapels.

10 The Voice of the Maltese

Perspettiva

Quo vadis, PN? B

ħal ma tafu, reċentement kien hemm terremot politiku f’Malta ikkawżat mir-riżenja tal-Prim Ministru ta’ dakinhar Joseph Muscat, konsegwenza ta’ deċiżjonijiet politiċi li kienu ttieħdu waqt l-investigazzjonijiet dwar il-qtil brutali ta’ Daphne Caruana Galizia (DCG). Ħafna Maltin għadhom isegwu minuta b’minuta x-xiehda li qiegħda toħroġ fil-Qrati Maltin, u jidher li l-investigazzjonijiet għadhom għaddejjin. Il-konsegwenzi ta’ dak li qed jingħad għadhom iseħħu, bħar-riżenja tal-Ministru għal Għawdex Justyne Caruana.

Issa li l-kawżi legali jidhru li qabdu ċertu ritmu, xi ftit jew wisq l-attenzjoni daret fuq il-Partit Nazzjonalista (PN), li kellu ħafna x’jiggwadanja politikament mill-allegat involviment ta’ diversi membri tal-uffiċċju tal-Prim Ministru (OPM) ma’ min huwa allegatament li kellu direttament x’jaqsam mal-qtil.

Dan il-vantaġġ politiku jidher li ma mmaterjalizzax, u ħafna attenzjoni qed tingħata lill-kap tal-PN, Adrian Delia.

Fi stħarriġ tal-fehma pubblika dwar min mill-kapijiet tal-partiti l-kbar f’Malta huwa l-iktar fdat, li ġie ppubblikat fil-MaltaToday tat-2 ta’ Frar li għadda jidher li Delia huwa fdat biss minn 13.5% ta’ min ipparteċipa, filwaqt li Robert Abela, il-kap tal-Partit Laburista (PL) u Prim Ministru l-ġdid, għandu 62.5%.

Għal Delia dan ir-riżultat huwa agħar mir-riżultat tal-istħarriġ ta’ qabel (21.3% għal Delia, u 50.5% għal Muscat) li kien sar fl2019.

Anke fost il-partitarji Nazzjonalisti, il-popolarità ta’ Delia huwa baxx (34%), u dak ta’ Abela huwa sorprendentement għoli (22.5%). B’kuntrast, il-popolarità ta’ Abela fil-partitarji tal-PL huwa ta’ 95.5%.1 Kemm ilu kap tal-PN minn Settembru tal-2017, wara r-riżenja ta’ Simon Busuttil konsegwenza tat-tkaxkira fl-elezzjoni ta’ dik is-sena (PN 43.68%, PL 55.04%), Delia mexxa lill-PN għal telfa fil-Kunsilli Lokali tal-2019 (PN 39.8%, PL 57.96%) u għallmembri parlamentari fl-Unjoni Ewropea (PN 37.9%, PL 54.29%).2 S’issa, Delia għadu ma mexxiex lill-partit tiegħu f’elezzjoni ġenerali.

Dr. Delia jidher li qatt ma kellu x-xorti li jgawdi l-appoġġ mifrux li jkollu kull kap wara li tkun għaddiet l-għażla demokratika fil-partit. Huwa ċar li għandu l-appoġġ tal-maġġoranza tal-membri u tal-kunsilliera tal-PN (52.7% tal-membri fl2017 meta sar kap, 67.5% tal-kunsilliera fl-2019 meta sar vot ta’ kunfidenza interna)3, 4.

Huwa ċar ukoll li hemm minoranza qawwija fil-partit, inklużi membri tal-parlament, li l-kap tagħhom ma jinżlilhomx. Ir-raġunijiet jistgħu ikunu varji, u x’aktarx jinkludu allegazzjonijiet koroh li kienu saru fil-konfront tiegħu minn DCG innifisha meta xlietu li kellu x’jaqsam mal-prostituzzjoni f’Londra5, ħaġa li

Tuesday February 25, 2020

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

Delia ċaħad.

Il-kumment tiegħi hu li x-xogħol tal-kap talpartit huwa wieħed li jgħaqqad lill-partit tiegħu u jkun kompetittiv biex jirbaħ lelezzjonijiet.

Dan s’issa jidher li hemm lanqas riħa fil-bogħod tagħha.

Huwa veru li Adrian Delia rebaħ il-voti interni fil-partit, imma hu u l-partit li jirrapIl-kap tal-PN, Adrian Delia preżenta li jridu jirbħu lura voti li llum mingħajr eżitazzjoni jivvutaw lill-partit l-oppost.

Ftit ilu ikkritika lil dawk li jopponuh fil-PN bil-kumment li lpartit mhux tagħhom. Jien inżid li b’dan ir-raġunament il-partit mhux tiegħu lanqas, u nistaqsi x’se jiġri jekk l-elezzjoni ġenerali li ġejja fl-2022 terġa’ tirriżulta fi tkaxkira oħra bħat-tnejn li għaddew? Li ġew injorati s-sinjali kollha li dehru?

Diġà ktibt darb’oħra6 dwar ix-xbiha ta’ Messija li ħafna partitarji jidhru li jattribwixxu għall-kap tal-partit tagħhom, ta’ kull lewn.

Hija xbiha ottimista li tinftiehem, imma hija wkoll perikoluża.

Iċ-ċittadini tal-pajjiżi dejjem ikunu nervużi jistennew ir-riżultat tal-elezzjonijiet, u l-partitarji aktarx xi ftit (jew wisq) iktar. Hawn fl-Awstralja, l-elezzjonijiet ġenerali għall-parlament federali għandhom terminu ta’ tliet snin, filwaqt li f’Malta t-terminu huwa ta’ ħamsa. Il-konsegwenzi ta’ riżultat elettorali f’Malti għalhekk huma iktar dejjiema.

Referenzi

1.https://www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/data_and_surveys/100114/abela_d elia_trust_barometer_february_2020#.Xks1QeFS9wA, retrieved 18/2/2020 2. ara https://electoral.gov.mt/ 3. https://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2017-09-16/local-news/Voting-ends-in-PN-leadership-election-new-leader-to-be-announced-in-theearly-hours-of-the-morning-6736179104, retrieved 18/2/2020 4. https://www.tvm.com.mt/en/news/adrian-delia-updated-updated-2adrian-delia-wins-vote-of-confidence-with-67-5-vote-deliawins-vote-of-confidence-with-67-5-vote-delia-arrives-at-dar-centraliresult-on-his-future-to-be-announced-so/, retrieved 18/2/2020 5. https://daphnecaruanagalizia.com/2017/08/around-1-millionmoney-london-prostitution-processed-adrian-delias-barclaysinternational-account-jersey/, retrieved 18/2/2020 6. The Voice of the Maltese, No. 113, Perspettiva

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Tuesday February 25, 2020

“Ġabu ruħhom magħna bi ħlewwa liema bħalha”

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inn xi ġimgħat lil hawn, u wara li fl-10 ta’ Frar, fi tmiem il-quddiesa pontifikali solenni filknisja ddedikata lil San Pawl fil-kapitali Maltija Valletta fil-festa tan-nafraġju talqaddis meqjus bħala “missier Malta kattolika” fuq stedina tal-Arċisqof Charles Scicluna, il-President ta’ Malta George Vella qara d-dikjarazzjoni maħruġa mill-Vatikan bit-ħabbira li lPapa Franġisku se jżur Malta fil-31 ta’ Mejju Ii ġej (stampa lemin), bdiet ittħejjija għal din iż-żjara.

Fid-dikjarazzjoni ntqal: “Il-Qdusija Tiegħu l-Papa Franġisku jilqa’ l-istedina tal-President tar-Repubblika ta’ Malta, tal-Awtoritajiet u talKnisja Kattolika tal-Pajjiż, u se jagħmel Vjaġġ Appostoliku f’Malta u Għawdex fil-31 ta’ Mejju 2020. Il-programm talvjaġġ se jitħabbar iktar ‘il quddiem”.

M’għandniex xi ngħidu, l-aħbar intlaqgħet bl-akbar ferħa, u kemm il-President, kif ukoll il-Prim Ministru Robert Abela, qalu li qed jittamaw li ż-żjara tgħin biex tisseddaq l-għaqda nazzjonali. IlPrim Ministru żied jgħid li ż-żjara turi li minkejja ċ-ċokon tagħha, Malta għadha tgawdi r-rispett tal-mexxejja dinjin.

Min-naħa tal-Arċisqof qal li ż-żjara tfakkar fit-tradizzjoni ta’ Malta bħala refuġju u ta’ merħba għall-emigranti li jiżbarkjaw fuq il-gzejjer Maltin.

Din li se tkun l-ewwel mawra tal-Papa Franġisku barra mill-Vatikan għal din issena, u r-raba’ żjara papali f’Malta f’dawn l-aħħar 30 sena, se ssir fil-jum tal-Għid ilĦamsin. Imma hemm x’juri li minħabba li

skont il-programm li qed jiġi mfassal mhux se jkun possibbli li lPapa jżur il-postjiet kollha f’Malta u

Għawdex f’jum wieħed, x’aktarx li ż-żjara tibda s-Sibt 30 ta’ Mejju wara nofsinhar meta jżur Għawdex u l-Knijsa ta’ Pinu, u tissokta l-għada l-Ħadd f’Malta.

Għal din l-okkażjoni l-Isqfijiet Maltin diġá ħarġu l-messaġġ tagħhom f’pastorali li nqrat fil-knejjes, fejn fakkru li meta f’Jannar li għadda kien qed jagħmel ir-rifleassjonijiet tiegħu dwar is-silta mill-Atti tal-Appostli li titkellem dwar kif l-Appostlu San Pawl wasal Malta finnawfraġju, il-Papa qal: “Il-Maltin huma twajba, huma ġentili, huma akkoljenti, diġá minn dak iż-żmien.”

L-isqfijiet qalu li l-Papa sejjaħ lill-Maltin “poplu hekk qalbu tajba”, u li reġá kkum-

The Voice of the Maltese 11

Ġabu ruħhom magħna bi ħlewwa liema bħalha” Atti 28,2

menta dwar din is-silta meta għamel irriflessjoni waqt il-Ġimgħa ta’ Talb għall-Għaqda bejn l-Insara. Dakinhar il-Papa qal: “meta rifsu Malta, daqu lospitalitá tan-nies tal-gżira, il-ħlewwa u l-umanitá tagħhom.”

B’rabta ma’ din is-silta li tant laqtet lillPapa Franġisku, it-tema magħżula għal din iż-żjara f’Malta mill-Knisja Maltija hi: “ġabu ruħhom magħna bi ħlewwa liema bħalha (Atti 28-2). Il-logo uffiċjali ġie ipprezentat ppuntu b’dawn il kliem mill-Arċisqof Scicluna li mbagħad fi tmeim il-quddiesa fil-knisja ta’ San Pawl fil-belt, ippreżentah lill-Ministru Josè Herrera f’isem il-Gvern Malti.

L-isqfijiet qalu li ż-żjara “għandna tgħinna biex dak li l-Kelma ta’ Alla ta’ Alla tgħid dwarna l-Maltin ikompli jkun ta’ ispirazzjoni kontinwa f’pajjiżna.”

Aħbar ta’ mewt:

Alfred Buħaġiar

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-festa tan-nawfraġu ta’ San Pawl hija ferm għal qalb l-Maltin minħabba li dik lljgħixu okkażjoni hija meqjusa bħala t-twelid tal-fidi kattolika f’Malta. Anke l-Maltin li barra jħossu l-ħtieġa li jfakkru din il-ġrajja, u mhux biss f’dawk il-pajjiżi bħallAwstralja, ir-Renju Unit, il-Kanada u l-Istati Uniti fejn hemm konċentrazzjoni qawwija ta’ Maltin.

Il-festa tan-nawfraġju ġiet imfakkra wkoll f’Ruma waqt quddiesa solenni ċċelebrata fil-Knisja ta’ Santa Maria fi Trasportina ta’ Via della Conciliazione f’Ruma, mill-Patri Karmelitan Michael Farrugia. Miegħu ikkonċelebraw 12-il saċerdot ieħor Malti. Għaċċelebrazzjoni attendew l-Ambaxxatur Malti għall-istat Taljan Joseph Cuschieri, l-istaff tal-Ambaxxata Maltija f’Ruma u komunità mdaqqsa ta’ Maltin li jgħixu Ruma.

’sogħba kbira nħabbru l-mewt ta’ Alfred Buħaġiar li mar jiltaqa’ malMulej fis-9 ta’ Frar 2020 fl-etá ta’ 80 sena. Il-mewt seħħet f’Malta.

Qatt minsi mill-partner tiegħu Carmen, uliedu Joseph u martu Rose, Lawrence u martu Rosieanne, Piju u martu Andrina, in-neputijiet Janice, Clint, Michael, Amy u Yana, ħutu, in-nisa u lirġiel tagħhom, bosta qraba u ħbieb.

Mulej agħtih il-mistrieħ ta’ dejjem.

Alfred kien missier Lawrence Buħaġiar, il-Konslu Generali ta’ Malta fiNSW, li minħabba il-mewt ta’ missieru kellu jinżel Malta. Se jkun lura f’Sydney għall-ewwel ġimgħa ta’ Marzu.

12 The Voice of the Maltese

Tuesday February 25, 2020

Roundup of News About Malta €200m foreign investment projects (800 jobs) to be completed this year

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he Minister for the Economy, Investment and Small Businesses Silvio Schembri said that Malta’s economy is about to enter an interesting phase shifting the emphasis on the quality of growth with 19 expansion projects that will lead to the creation of 800 new jobs and an injection of €200 million into the island’s economy.

Minister Schembri made the announcement at a press conference during which he gave a detailed presentation on current economic results and the way forward, in view of the five economic reports published in January and February, by DBRS Morning Star, International Monetary Fund, Fitch, Moody’s and the European Commission.

He pointed out that these expansion projects, pertaining to key companies operating from Malta are a show of

confidence and sustainability of the country’s economy. The expansion projects are related to pharmaceuticals, software and cloud computing, video and game development, and aviation’.

He added that local companies would also continue expanding with the completion of 102 projects.

Minister Schembri explained that, these investments would translate into the creation of quality jobs and better standard of living.

“Most importantly, companies that have been operating in Malta for years shall continue to operate for a great number of years, meaning that what we’re experiencing is sustainable growth with a long-term effect,” the Minister said.

The economic assessment reports stated that between 2013 and 2019, Malta experienced a growth of 7%.

Malta supports arms embargo on Govt. to relinquish power to appoint Libya at AFC country’s Police

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ttending his first Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) meeting the new Minister for Foreign and European Affairs Evarist Bartolo supported and praised, in the spirit of cooperation, the measures proposed for a newly mandated arms embargo monitoring operation in Libya.

At the meeting in Brussels Libya again featured prominently on the agenda, including the re-modification of the mandate of Operation Sophia, with a re-focused mandate and operational rules of engagement, geared towards the effective and efficient implementation of the arms embargo.

While underlining that this operation is just one measure to approach the Minister Evarist Bartolo (left) at the FAC problem – an important one nonethelation, he emphasised the need for stability less – Minister Bartolo urged member in the country and in the wider region. states “to tackle Libya holistically".

“Whether we acknowledged it or not, the Noting the acutely severe situation affect- unique geo-political position of Malta caning a high percentage of the Libyan popu- not be ignored", he said.

Commissioner

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f a legal amendment currently being discussed in Parliament were accepted, for the first time since Independence in 1964, the Government would relinquish its right to appoint the Police Commissioner.

The amendment moved by the Minister for Internal Affairs, Byron Camilleri would introduce a transparent and competitive process that would be managed by the Public Service Commission made up of members agreed upon by the Government and the Opposition.

The Opposition is opposing the amendment and advocating for the appointment to be made through a two-thirds vote by the House of Representatives.

For the past 56 years the Prime Minister had the right to nominate the Police Commissioner himself.

It’s Carnival time when Malta sticks to the traditions of merriment

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ince last Friday - and until this Tuesday - Malta has been enjoying the spirit of Carnival as hundreds, if not thousands of people, adults as well as kids, have been revelling with enthusiasm to commemorate this so-called reign of foolishness that has had an important place on the Maltese cultural calendar for around five centuries.

It is that time of year when many let their hair down and for five days join together to make merry and help others to join in the fun.

This year has been no exception. As always, Valletta was the centre of attraction mostly due to the parade of the artistic Carnival

floats in the main streets of the city and the dancing competitions.

Floriana and Ħamrun have also become part of the festivities. One had the chance to admore the fancy dress costumes donned by the dancers, and grotesque masks. They were of the highest calibre.

Many villages in Malta and Gozo have organised their own spontaneous carnivals, in particular in Għaxaq, Malta, and Nadur in Gozo.

But wherever activities are being held, the crowds have been responding and even school children have been given the chance to be part of this colourful feast.

Tuesday February 25, 2020

The Voice of the Maltese 13

Roundup of News About Malta

Malta hosts 3,000 delegates for 11-day Samsung Forum 2020

For 11 days, Malta hosted around 3,000 delegates Samsung Forum with the participation of 3,000 delegates from all around the world. The decisive factors that let to the multi-national company to chose Malta for this year’s Forum for the launching of launching of over 100 new products was the splendour of the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta.

The MCC provided a showcase of the company’s latest products, considered among the biggest screens companies in the world, which included a major model that uses artificial intelligence technology.

Benjamin Braun, Chief Marketing Officer of Samsung Europe, said, “We are here with thousands of people from Europe, Middle East, Latin America and Russia, to show them 316 Samsung products. The reason we are here on Malta is because we looked for something that is nice and warm, with friendly people and amazing food, and that for us is Malta. “The Samsung Forum enables Tourism Minister Julia Farrugia Portelli (extreme right) with Samsung’s us to demonstrate to our partners our commitment CEO Mr Benjamin Braun (left) and Mr Pierre Fenech, MCC’s CEO to pioneering the technology of tomorrow, today,” Mr Braun said.

“Having 3,000 delegates from various countries for eleven consecutive days on such an international project is an honour. We have aln his opening speech at the Anti Money Launder- MFSA while complying with OECD and EU re- ready started talks to see ing and Financial Crime Conference organised quirements, which permitted us with our successive how we can strengthen this emerging relationship”. jointly by ARQ and MBA and entitled 'The Road to applications to join the EU." Minister Farrugia Portelli Meaningful Reform', Minister for Finance and FiHe commended the sterling work carried out by also referred to technology nancial Services Edward Scicluna said he was con- the authorities' regulators and said that his strong fident that Malta is on the road to implementing a belief in the regulatory institutions and the officials as another crucial factor in meaningful reform. who populate it is borne by experience. However, the tourism industry as The Minister stated; “I cannot stop my mind going they need to be reformed from time to time to meet “technology is connecting tourists worldwide and is back to the past in order to answer a fundamental the changing exigencies. question: 'who are we – really? Us Maltese?' BeHe said that change and reform were necessary: one crucial tool by which cause we really need to understand the driver, who "What was acceptable then is no longer acceptable our country can be promoted”. is expected to drive up the road to meaningful re- today. The bar “The Samsung Forum enform – and that is us. At stake there is our credibility has been raised ables us to demonstrate to – the rest is detail.” significantly, our partners our commitMinister Scicluna highlighted the journey so far; and so must our ment to pioneering the tech"We committed some foolish mistakes, like going own institutional nology of tomorrow, today,” for an offshore financial centre in 1989, the same standards. More explained Mr Benjamin year the G7 set up the FATF and the OECD started i m p o r t a n t l y, Braun, Chief Marketing Ofwork on defining 'harmful tax competition'. But we credibility relies were very quick to correct that mistake, as 1994 saw on effectiveficer of Samsung Europe. our switch to 'onshore' legislation with the set-up of ness."

Mr Braun said that the collaboration that is possible at the forum enables them to adapt, to innovate, and to continue offering the prodn 2019 residents in Malta made low cost airlines, a 14% increase. ucts that consumers truly almost 707,000 trips abroad, an In the last quarter of 2019 (Ocwant; products that last, are increase of almost 40,000 on the tober-December) trips abroad by future-ready, and unique. previous year the National Statis- Maltese residents amounted to Minister for Fi“These partnerships are vital tics Office, NSO, has revealed. around 194,000. Italy and the UK nance and Fifor us to stay at the forefront This is an increase of 6% over were the most popular destinanancial of innovation in this new ex2018. Expenditure increased by tions. But there was also an inServices Edperience-led age,” said Mr 7.6% to just over £606 million. crease in travel to non-European ward Scicluna Braun.

Half of the travellers made use of destinations.

Finance Minister: Malta is on the road to implementing a meaningful reform I

14% increase in trips abroad in 2019

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14 The Voice of the Maltese

Tuesday Febraury 25, 2020

Protesti fuq protesti

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ara li f’dawn l-aħħar ġimgħat forsi ktibt aktar milli xi wħud jixtiequ dwar il-politika Maltija, illum se nipprova kemm jista’ jkun inħalli dan is-suġġett fil-ġenb. Nagħmel dan mhux għax m’hemmx dwar xiex tikkummenta... anzi tant inkiteb u ntqal fil-midja lokali dwar is-sitwazzjoni, prinċipalment tal-Partit Nazzjonalista, li fl-ispazju li għandi diffiċli tkun fidil ma’ dak li ntqal u nkiteb.

Iżda l-Maltin ma jipprotestawx biss dwar kwestjonijiet politiċi, imma nista’ ngħid li dieħla kultura ta’ protesti tant li, tajjeb jew ħażin, sirna nistennew protesta dwar linqas ħaġa li tingħad jew tinkiteb.

Issa saħansitra qed issir protesta dwar dak li nkiteb mill-Isqfijiet fil-Pastorali tagħhom dwar iż-żjara tal-Papa. Veru li fis-snin l-imgħoddija ġie li kien hemm kritika ħarxa dwar xi pastorali, iżda dan x’aktarx kien minħabba raġunijiet politiċi. Din iddarba r-raġuni hija waħda purament ‘reliġjuża’ u saret billi fil-lejl tal-jum li fih inqrat il-Pastorali, mal-bibien u t-twieqi tal-Kurja tpoġġew tabelli ta’ protesta.

Dawn twaħħlu minn dawk li sejjħu lilhom infushom bħala l-Assoċjazzjonijiet Publiju ta’ Malta, u ikkwotaw versi mill-Atti talAppostli fejn fost kollox intqal kif Pubbliju, il-prinċep li dak iż-żmien kien jamministra l-Gżejjer Maltin laqa’ lil San Pawl.

Skont din l-Assoċjazzjoni, li ġiet imwaqqfa tmien snin ilu, kien hemm nuqqas kbir min-naħa tal-Isqfijiet li fil-Pastorali ma semmewjx lil San Publiju. Qed jinsistu li kien Publju li laqa’ lil Pawlu u lill-276 persuna li kienu fuq il-ġifen li nkalja malblat Maltin.

Saħqu li Publju seta’ tefa’ l-ħabs lil dawk li ma’ Pawlu kienu priġunieri u kienu fi triqithom lejn Ruma, iżda ma għamilx hekk.

“L-umanità tiegħu impressjonat lil Luqa (li kiteb l-Atti) u faħħru għall-virtuwijiet tiegħu,” saħqet l-Assoċjazzjoni. Insistew li apparti li huwa figura reliġjuża,

Il-Kurja fil-Furjana bit-tabelli ta’ protesti

Publju,huwa wkoll importanti għall-istorja ta’ Malta, għax apparti li kien l-ewwel Malti uffiċjalment iddokumentat, skont ittradizzjoni, Pawlu kien għamlu l-ewwel Isqof ta’ Malta.

Fi kliem l-Assoċjazzjoni, Publju huwa lpredeċessur tal-President tar-Repubblika u l-Arċisqof, u kien għalhekk li appellaw biex waqt din iż-żjara tal-Papa f’Malta, Publju jingħata l-importanza li jistħoqqlu.

Il-protesta ġabet reazzjoni minn xi wħud li żgur li ma għoġbotx lil din l-Assoċjazzjoni. Dawn sostnew li filwaqt li fl-Atti tal-Appostli tissemma Malta f’konnessjoni mal-għarqa tal-ġifen li kien fuqu San Pawl, m’hemm xejn fl-Atti dwar li

Publiju kkonverta wara li San Pawl fejjaq il-missieru.

Sa kien hemm min mar aktar bogħod minn hekk u kkwota storiċi magħrufa Maltin li sostnew li m’hemm l-ebda prova fiżika li San Pawl attwalment ġie Malta.

Kif ukoll li anke jekk San Pawl ġie Malta, il-fidi nisranija li ġab San Pawl kienet intilfet bil-ħakma tal-Għarab li għal aktar minn 220 sena ħakmu fuq il-Gżejjer Maltin bir-riżultat li daħħlu r-reliġjon Islamika u għalhekk x’aktarx li m’hemmx kontinwitá ta’ suċċissjoni.

Issa nistennew li l-polemika bejn dawn iżżewġ naħat tkompli u minflok niffukaw fuq il-fidi, nispiċċaw niffukaw fuq l-istorja.

jerġa’ jaħsibha dwar il-proġett tal-mina bejn Malta u Għawdex, u minflok jippjana sistema ta’ metro b’konnettività ma’ Għawdex. B’danakollu l-Ministru għat-Trasport, Infrastruttura u Proġetti Kapitali, Ian Borg qal li l-gvern hu impenjat li jwettaq ilproġett tal-mina.

elettorali. Fl-istess waqt il-Ministru qal li lidea li f’Malta jkun hemm sistema ta’ trasport pubbliku taħt l-art (metro) għadha wkoll fil-pjani tal-gvern.

Anzi ikkonferma li l-istudju dwarha jinsab fl-aħħar fażi u hu mistenni li jitressaq quddiem il-Prim Ministru.

Sadanittant, il-Kamra tan-Negozju f’Għawdex qalet li filwaqt li taqbel ma’ għadd ta’ rakkomondazzjonijiet li saru mill-Kamra tal-Kummerċ, ma taqbilx li lGvern għandu jirrikunsidra l-proġett talmina. Anzi sostniet l-argumenti tagħha favur il-proġett tal-mina biex Għawdex jikun jista’ jilħaq il-potenzjal ekonomiku tiegħu.

Min-naħa tal-Ministru Borg qal li bħalissa qed isir xogħol fuq 50 triq oħra madwar Malta. Barra minn dan, ħabbar li fil-jiem li ġejjin se jibda x-xogħol fuq 150 triq oħra. Żied jispjega li dawn huma minbarra lproġetti f’toroq ewlenin li qed isiru b’investiment ta’ €64 miljun

Mhux biss mina imma wkoll metro l-Kamra tal-Kummerċ u l-Intrapriżi f’doHuwa ikkonferma l-wegħda li l-gvern Iviżjoni kument li ppreżentat lill-gvern dwar il- għamel mal-Għawdxin dwar il-mina, u li lekonomika, qalet li l-Gvern għandu wegħda wkoll kienet marbuta f’manifest

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

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

The Voice of the Maltese 15

Tuesday February 25, 2020

MIXI 2.1%

TAXI 0.6%

Biex tivvjaġġa jew tasal minn post għallieħor, x’tuża?

TAL-LINJA 13.6%

Diffiċli tibdel kultura

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KAROZZA 73.3%

assew hu diffiċli li tibdel ċerti kulturi u abitudnijiet tan-nies. Nistgħu ngħidu li sal-bidu tas-sebgħinijiet ilkotra tal-poplu Malti kienet imdorrija tmur minn post għall-ieħor bil-mixi (meta d-distanza ma kienetx tkun bogħod) u permezz ta’ vetturi pubbliċi (tal-linja) għal distanzi aktar twal.

L-użu tar-rota, l-aktar fl-irħula, u f’postijiet oħra, fosthom Għawdex, fejn it-trasport pubbliku ma tantx kien frekwenti, kien mezz ta’ trasport użat sew.

Imma minn dak iż-żmienl-għadd ta’ nies li setgħu jaffordjaw jixtru l-karozza tagħhom beda jiżdied mhux ħażin, sakemm daħlet ilkultura li kważi kull wild li jagħlaq it-18-il sena jaħseb l-ewwel biex jikseb il-liċenzja ħalli jista’ jkollu l-karozza tiegħu.

Issa li kull ma jmur l-għadd ta’ karozzi qed jikber u minkejja t-twessiegħ tat-toroq u lbini ta’ toroq ġodda, qed joħloq diffikultajiet kemm fit-toroq, u aktar fl-ipparkjar.

Dan wassal għall-bidu ta’ moviment qawwi biex kemm jista’ jkun wieħed iħalli lkarozza privata tiegħu d-dar.

Saru diversi inizjattivi u ttieħdu diversi miżuri ħalli aktar nies jitħajjru jużaw ittrasport pubbliku. Ninsabu f’sitwazzjoni fejn dawk ta’ bejn l-14 u l-20 sena jivvjaġġaw b’xejn fuq tal-linja. L-istess dawk ta’ ‘il fuq minn 75 sena, filwaqt li l-anzjani l-oħra jħallsu noll tassew baxx..

Iżda xorta jidher li l-kultura tal-użu talkarozza privata biex tivjaġġa minn post għall-ieħor għadha b’saħħitha fost ilMaltin.

Tant li fi stħarriġ li sar mill-gazzetta ILLUM, irriżulta li l-karozza privata hija l-mezz ta’ trasport favorit ta’ 75.3% talMaltin, filwaqt li huma biss 13..6% biss jużaw il-karozza tal-linja.

Attwalment jidher li l-ivjaġġar tal-Maltin b’tal-linja għadu ma qabadx l-art għal kollox, għalkemm ta’ kull sena l-għadd ta’ vjaġġi li jsiru minn dawk li jużaw dan imezz ta’ trasport dejjem jikber. X’aktarx

Il-Coronavirus: Kull min jidħol Malta se jibda jiġi ċċekkjat

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inn din il-ġimgħa se jibda jseħħ f’Malta pjan ta’ azzjoni mill-Awtoritajiet tas-Saħħa biex jiġi evitat il-periklu tal-virus COVID19 li kompla jinfirex barra ċ-Ċina u sa anke laħaq pajjiżi Ewropej, l-aktar l-Italja. Issa, l-passiġġieri kollha li se jaslu fl-Ajruport Internazzjonali ta’ Malta, u wkoll fil-portijiet permezz ta’ cruise liners jew il-Katamaran se jibda jsirilhom l-hekk imsejjaħ thermal screening.

Permezz ta’ dan li screening gruppi ta’ nies jiġu analizzati u jekk xi ħadd minnhom jiġi identifikat li għandu d-deni, jitwaqqaf u jiġi eżaminat f’iktar dettall.

Dawk li jkunu jivjaġġaw fil-pajjiżi milquta u jista’ jkollhom problemi respiratorji, qed jiġu mħeġġa biex jikkuntattjaw lit-tabib tagħhom u jekk ikun hemm dubju, kemm jista’ jkun malajr joqogħdu għal screening.

Skont l-awtoritajiet, s’issa f’Malta ingħad li żewġ każi suspettati ta’ COVID19 ġew ittestjati u irriżultaw fin-negattiv filwaqt li tliet persuni bħalissa jinsabu fi kwarantina wara li kienu fuq il-cruiseliner Westerdam, il-bastiment li kien fiċ-ċentru tal-attenzjoni wara li passiġġier abbord minn Hong Kong żviluppalu l-COVID19. Ħadd mit-tliet passiġġieri Maltin ma wera sintomi ta’ dan il-virus.

iżda li ż-żieda hija dovuta wkoll għallgħadd kbir ta’ turisti li jużaw il-karozzi tallinja għax isibu s-servizz tat-trasport pubbliku effiċjenti u bi prezz raġonevoli.

Wieħed aktar jitħasseb meta jara li minkejja, li kif ktibt, it-trasport bejn l-14-il sena u l-20 sena huwa b’xejn huma dawk tal-etá żgħira li l-inqas li jużaw it-trasport, għax skont l-istħarriġ huma 5% biss ta’ dawk ta’ bejn it-18 u l-35 sena u 6% biss ta’ dawk bejn is-36 u l-50 sena li jippreferu jużaw ilkarozza tal-linja. Dawn huma l-aktar l-mezz favorit ta’ trasport fost 87.5% taż-żgħażagħ u 84.3% ta’dawk ta’ mezza età.

Is-sabiħa hi, li imbagħad hu propju dawk li għandhom bejn it-18 u 35 sena li huma l-aktar konxji dwar il-ħtieġa li l-ambjent ikun protett u allura l-importanza li, li fost kollox, jintużaw mezzi alternattivi L-GĦAQDA KULTURALI ta’ trasport.

L-istess nistgħu MALTIJA TA’ NSW ngħidu għal dawk li għandhom livell se tippreżenta lir-rock tenor, għoli ta’ edukazzjoni, li suppost li Ludwig Galea huma l-aktar nies (li ġej apposta minn Malta), konxji mill-ħarsien tal-ambjent. f’kunċert kompletament ġdid Istab li dawk li rċevew edukazzjofil-Wentworthville Leagues Club ni terzjarja huma lnhar il-Ħadd 22 ta’ Marzu fis-2:00 p.m. aktar li jużaw ilkarozza privata u Miegħu se tieħu sehem il-kantanta l-inqas li jagħmlu użu mill-karoizzi popolari żagħżugħa, Maltija/Awstraljana, tal-linja.

Natasha Vella.

Huwa ċar li hemm baħar x’Dħul $22 u tfal taħt il-15 $10. jaqsam bejn l-ideoloġija, dak li Għall-biljetti għal dan il-kunċert speċjali jingħad u dak li minn artisti ta’ talent kbir, u għal aktar attwalment isir biex dak li tagħrif ċemplu lil Miriam fuq 0419 476 924. nemmnu fih inwettquh.

16 The Voice of the Maltese

Tuesday February 25, 2020

Dying before they receive redress

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buse survivors who were supposed to benefit from the National Redress Scheme have labelled it “appalling”; with some saying that people are dying before receiving compensation. It has been more than 18 months since the National Redress Scheme was introduced to help compensate survivors of child sexual abuse According to ABC News, Roy Janetzki, 74 (pictured right), said he spent his teenage years in three orphanages, where he endured physical, mental, and sexual abuse at the hands of four Catholic clergymen. After applying for redress, he waited four months for his claim to be assessed.

“That’s a long time to be on tenterhooks and not knowing if you’re going to get anything,” Mr Janetzki said. He then received a cash amount as part of his compensation. “It will pay for my funeral,” Mr Janetzki said. “People are dying before they receive the redress, or just after they receive the redress.”

Federal Social Services Minister, Anne Ruston, conceded the scheme, which now has 162 non-government institutions participating, needed improvement.

“It’s been a much more complex and complicated scheme to stand up than I think anybody ever imagined, We are currently in the process of making some quite significant improvements to the scheme so that we are able to process claims much more quickly,” she said.”

Meanwhile, the High Court of Australia has set a date to hear Cardinal George Pell’s 78 years appeal against his convictions for abusing two choirboys in 1996 while he was Archbishop of Melbourne.

The case will be heard in Canberra on the 11 and 12 of March 2020

High Court rules Aboriginals are not aliens and cannot be deported T

he Australian High Court has ruled Aboriginal Australians cannot be considered "aliens" under the constitution, presenting a significant hurdle to the deportation of two men.

The four-three majority decision of the High Court is a big victory for indigenous

You cannot blame the Whites S -Pauline Henson

enator Pauline Henson, the leader of One Nation Party, said in Federal parliament that “The biggest problem facing Australian and Aboriginal Australians today is their own lack of commitment and responsibility to helping themselves,” Henson attacked Indigenous mums and dads for being behind poor school attendances, noting one school with 400 children enrolled often had a 50 per cent attendance rate.

“Whose fault is that? Lazy parents. You can’t blame the whites when it’s your own negligence,” the senator said.

Labor and Greens senators slammed her for racism after the Senator branded Closing the Gap “complete rubbish” and a “joke”.

The One Nation leader said that Closing the Gap was a marketing term used by politicians and bureaucrats to pretend they’re doing something to “lift remote First Nations people out of their self-perpetuating hellholes, Indigenous people should “stop playing the victim”.

Ms Hanson has been criticised throughout her career for racism but denies she discriminates against people.

people. The two men in front of the court did not hold Australian citizenship, but both identify as Indigenous, and each has one Australian parent.

Each had an Australian visa until it was cancelled in 2018 - after the two men were jailed for serious crimes. Claire Gibbs, a lawyer, acting on behalf of the men, addressed the media following the landmark decision, stating: "This case isn’t about citizenship, it is about who belongs here."

“What this means, the real significance of this case is that Aboriginal people, regardless of where they are born, will have protection from deportation," she said.

In a statement, acting Immigration Minister Alan Tudge said the Department of Home Affairs is considering methods to review other cases which may be impacted. "On the face of it, it has created a new category of persons; neither an Australian citizen under the Australian Citizenship Act nor a non-citizen.

The Government is currently reviewing the decision and its implications. "This may have implications for both the operation of the Australian Citizenship Act and the Migration Act."

They are now coming by plane not by boats

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hey do not come by boat anymore but they still come by plane. Migration law experts have cautioned against fasttracking the deportation of people who arrive in Australia by plane and have their asylum claims rejected, warning it will become an "unmitigated disaster".

The number of people who had their claims rejected after arriving by air increased to nearly 50,000 at the end of January, according to government figures.

Another 37,913 plane arrivals were also waiting for their refugee status to be determined.

There are now 46,391 people still awaiting deportation, up from 46,142 in November 2019, with fewer than two dozen deportations last month.

The number of people waiting for their refugee status to be considered has increased by 2,468 people since November last year and 1,136 people since December.

Tuesday February 25, 2020

More money for bushfire recovery

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The Voice of the Maltese 17

Celeste Barber

ore than 70,000 people poured into ANZ Stadium in Sydney that raised $9.5 million for Australia’s bushfire recovery. Hosted by comedian Celeste Barber, who has raised more than $50 million for bushfire relief became emotional when she thanked the volunteer firefighters.

The entire stadium then erupted into a standing ovation and deafening cheer for many of the volunteers who were given tickets to the benefit.

Barber also wore a T-shirt late in the night with a picture of PM Scott Mr Morrison in a Hawaiian shirt saying “Merry Crisis” in reference to the backlash to the PM being on holiday in Hawaii when the fires ripped through the nation.

Meanwhile, The bushfire crisis impacted three out of four Australians either directly or indirectly. The Australian National University survey also found Prime Minister Scott Morrison's approval rating has taken a beating since the crisis, with less than he Holden car brand will be no more, with General Motors one-third of Australians confident in the Morrison government. opting to dump the name synonymous with Australian moThe survey estimated more than 75 per cent of Australians were affected either directly or indirectly by the fires. This included the toring by 2021.

Holden interim chairman and managing director Kristian estimated 14 per cent of Australians directly impacted by lost, damAquilina said that given the significance of Holden through its aged or threatened property, or who were advised to evacuate.

Those not directly impacted included people who were exposed to history, it was critical the company worked with all stakeholders smoke, forced to to deliver a dignified and respectful wind-down "Holden will always have a special place in the development of change travel plans or our countries. As Australia and New Zealand grew, Holden was felt worried by fires. a part of the engine room fuelling that development," he said.

"Today's announcement will be felt deeply by the many people who love Holdens, drive Holdens and feel connected to our company which has been with us for 160 years and is almost ubiquitous in our lives.

"Unfortunately, all the hard work and talent of the Holden family, the support of our parent company GM and the passion of our loyal supporters have not been enough to overcome our challenges."

After 60 years no more Holden cars

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Off to Eurovision 2020

op singer Montaigne (above) has won the opportunity to travel to the NetherP lands for a chance at Eurovision glory. She

will join Malta’s representative 17-years old Destiny Chukunyere born in Birkirkara of Nigerian descent, Montaigne will head to the Netherlands in May to represent Australia at the 2020 Eurovision Song Contest after being declared the winner of SBS’ Eurovision – Australia Decides. The singer, whose real name is Jessica Cerro, beat nine other contenders for the right to represent Australia at the competition with her original song, "Don't Break Me".

All ten contestants performed before a live studio audience on the Gold Coast with the contest broadcast to the rest of the country on SBS

18 The Voice of the Maltese

Tagħrif dwar il-kitba Maltija

Tuesday February 25, 2020

L-ewwel l-grammatika tal-Għaqda tal-Kittieba tal-Malti fl-1924

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kont Dr Mario Cassar, il-President tal-Akkademja tal-Malti, li wkoll kiteb l-Istorja tal-Ilsien Malti, kien fl-1924, li l-Gvern aċċetta li jippubblika lgrammatika tal-Għaqda tal-Kittieba tal-Malti, it-Tagħrif fuq il-Kitba Maltija, miktub minn Ninu Cremona u Ġanni Vassallo. Dan sar bis-saħħa ta’ mozzjoni mressqa millmembru parlamentari Laburista Turu Mifsud, Sal-lum dan il-ktieb għadu meqjus bħala x-xogħol fundamentali fuq l-ortografija u l-grammatika tal-Malti.

Fis-snin tletin, imbagħad, l-istess Cremona, bl-għajnuna ta’ Ġanni Cilia, ħareġ Tagħlim fuq il-Kitba Maltija – LEwwel Ktieb: Ortografija u Gramamtika (1934) u Tagħlim fuq il-Kitba Maltija – It-Tieni Ktieb: Grammatika u Sintassi.

Ninu Cremona Fil-fehma ta’ ħafna, dawn iż-żewġ volumi flimkien jikkostitwixxu, l-aħjar gramKliem Malti antik: matika ta’ lsienna li qatt ġiet ikkompilata.

Intant, fl-Istorja tal-Ilsien Malti, Dr Mario Cassar, jgħid li l-eqdem dokument li jsemmi l-Ilsien Malti, kien dak talĊurniena 1364, li jgħid li l-patrijiet Benedittini ta’ Katanja ma setgħux jiftħu monasteru orża żgħira tad-drapp li tintraf’Malta għax ma kinux jafu bil-Malti. b bat b’qafla minn fuq.

Jgħid ukoll li fl-atti tan-Nutar A. de Hi wkoll basket żgħir bħal dak li Manuele tal-1426, il-Malti hu msejjaħ jdendlu ma’ spallithom il-kaċċalingua arabica. Imbgħad għaxar snin turi meta joħorġu għall-kaċċa. wara, fl-1436 il-Malti jissejjaħ b’ismu Fisqija għall-ewwel darba, bħala: lingua maltensi fit-testment ta’ ċertu Pawlu Peregrino. rapp li fih kienet titgeżwer ittarbija biex tkun protetta millmard meta din tkun għadha Serduk jew serduq? tad-dirgħajn.

Dan id-drapp kien ikun issikkat emm serduk kif ukoll serduq jinbiex jgħin lis-sinsla tad-dahar stemgħu fil-Malti standard u għalhekk niktbuhom skont kif ngħiduhom. L-istess iżżomm dritta. il-pari: daħak – daħaq; ċagħak – ċagħaq; Hekk fil-Vanġeli nsibu li lkagħak – qagħaq.

Madonna “fisqietu (lil Ġesú) u medJista’ jagħti l-każ li waħda minnhom ditu f’maxtura.” (Luqa 2,7) qiegħda kulma tmur tintrabat ma’ xi dialett

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Xi jfisser?

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Julia Finn MP

L-eqdem poezija?

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Giovanni Francesco Bonamico Mejju Ġie bil-Ward u ż-Żahar

ħal ħafna snin Mejju Ġie bilWard u ż-Żahar (c. 1672) kienet meqjusa bħala l-eqdem poeżija bil-Malti. Għalkemm hemm min jgħid li fil-fatt kienet it-tieni l-eqdem.

Il-poeżija ssawret minn Giovanni Francesco Bonamicoli li kien it-tabib tal-flotta tal-Ordni ta’ San Ġwann. Ġeneralment, Bonamico li għex bejn l-1639–1680, (allura għex sa 41 sena), kien jikteb bit-Taljan u l-Latin.

Il-poeżija saret magħrufa grazzi għal DeSoldanis li kitibha fit-tieni grammatika tiegħu. Hija poeżija ta’ tifħir għall-Gran Mastru Cottoner.

Tinsab merfugħa fil-Biblijoteka Nazzjonali f’bilt Valletta

reġjonali u għalhekk biż-żmien issir djalettali u l-oħra tibqa’ fl-istandard. Iżda minħabba n-nuqqas ta’ riċerka wieħed ma jistax jitkellem fis-sod. Għalhekk wieħed jista’ jiktibhom it-tnejn, kif iħossu komdu.

It-tagħrif dwar il-kittieba Maltin jissokta fil-ħarġa li jmiss.

The office of Julia Finn MP will be temporarily relocating in order to renovate our current premises.

From Monday 10 February 2020, our new address will be : Suite 38/285 Merrylands Road Merrylands 2160.

Our phone and email remain the same.

Julia Finn MP Member for Granville Phone: 9637 1656. granville@parliament.nsw.gov.au

Sħana jew xita il-festi jsiru xorta

Tuesday February 25, 2020

The Voice of the Maltese 19

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s-soltu tkun sħana tremenda iżda dis-sena l-festa tal-patrun Don Bosco ġabet magħha xita qalila u rifnu esaġerat. Kienet għodwa miżerabbli. Dawk li bi qlubija attendew filknisja tal-Madonna tal-Vitorja f’Horsley Park xorta ċċelebraw il-quddiesa ta’ Fr Dominik Kamas CSMA, kappillan tal-parroċċa.

Wara, dawk li attendew, ħadu wkoll sehem fil-purċissjoni bil-vara fil-knisja stess akkumpanjat minn talb u rużarju mid- direttur spiritwali tal-Maltese Past Pupils & Friends ta’ Don Bosco NSW Fr Carmelo Sciberras.

L-organizzaturi rranġaw biex il-vara ma tkunx merfgħuha fuq l-idejn iżda tiġi mbuttata fuq ir-roti, innovazzjoni sensibbli u ferm aktar sigura minħabba li ħafna mir-reffiegħa huma mdaħlin fiż-żmien.

Il-President tal-għaqda, Mark Caruana OAM ta ħajr lil dawk kollha li mhux biss attendew iżda wkoll ħadu parti wkoll fir-riċeviment li sar wara fil-Marion Hall.

L-istess maltemp qalil ħakem lin-naħat ta’ Blacktown fejn kellha ssir il-festa tannawfraġju ta’ San Pawl li f’Malta hija festa kmandata.

Il-quddiesa fiċ-Ċentru La Valette tqaddset minn Fr P. Gambin li ġie apposta minn Melbourne għal din l-okkażjoni iżda l-festi ta’ barra ma sarux minħabba l-maltemp.

Lemin: Il-vara mdawra mal-knisja c

Uħud minn dawk li attendew għall-festa quddiem l-altar maġġur tal-knisja parrokkjali ta’ Horsley Park NSW

20 The Voice of the Maltese

Tuesday February 25, 2020

... Jinġabru $A18,405 għal Puttinu

Minn Malta – fenkata ma’ Ċavett Esperiment li rnexxa

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a kienx diffiċli li nintervista lil Ċavett u Karl għax huma tnejn mill-aħjar persuni b’karattru mill-aktar ferrieħi u fabbli għall-aħħar. Dawn iz-zewġ kokijiet ta’ ħila ġew minn Malta għall-belt ta’ Sydney fejn daħlu għall-proġett innovattiv u diffiċli li jsajjrulna ikla Maltija ta’ veru, u fl-istess waqt jagħmlu dan għal għan filantropiku, biex jiġbru fondi għall-organizzazzjoni f’Malta, Puttinu Cares. Fil-fatt inġabru $A18,405 Antoine Azzopardi ta’ 45 sena mill-Imtarfa u sieħbu Karl Micallef ta’ 22 mill-Mosta għażlu ċ-ċentru La Valette fi Blacktown NSW biex iwettqu l-ħolma tagħhom li mhux biss irnexxiet, izda li b’mod professjonali u effettiv mexxew l-operazzjoni u kisbu ħafna tifhir u ħajr.

Skont Antoine, li għamel żmien isuq mini-van tat-tfal tal-iskola, “Ċavett” mhux xi laqam tal-familja izda kien il-laqam ta’ sewwieq anzjan tal-karozzi tal-linja li b’xi mod weħel miegħu għax in-nies kienu xebbħu miegħu wara vidjo li tperreċ fis-social media. “Għal dawn l-aħħar ħdax il-sena, sirt “ic-Ċavett”, qalli.

Il-ħajra lejn it-tisjir nibtet fih fl-inħawi ta’ Buqara fejn missieru kellu l-għelieqi. Kultant, hemmhekk beda jorganizza xi barbecues u l-ftit nies saru ħafna. Wara seba’ snin induna li kien hemm talba għall-mod kif kien isajjar u jorganizza. Dan wasslu biex daħal f’qasam ferm kompetittiv meta sentejn u nofs ilu fetaħ ir-ristorant Cavett Place fi Triq il-Kbir wara l-knisja tal-Imġarr, f’Malta.

Cavett Place sar popolari ħafna jispeċjalizza fil-laħam, il-ħut u l-fenek bil-birra Blue Label. Sar popolari wkoll fuq il-programm tal-televiżjoni Maltija (TVM) ta’ kull filgħodu fil-programm Niskata mmexxi minn Angela Agius. Qalli li għandu klijentela qawwija mill-Maltin-Awstraljani li jżuru Malta fil-btajjel tagħhom.

Din hi t-tieni żjara tiegħu fl-Awstralja. Kien ġie għall-ewwel darba 20 sena ilu. Imma din id-darba ġab miegħu lill-ommu Mary “tar-Rangu” li għadha kemm għalqet t-80 sena.

Iċ-Ċavett hu magħruf għall-genoriżitá tiegħu f’diversi oqsma, tant li s-sena l-oħra rebaħ il-premju prestiġjuż tal-‘Ħaddiem tasSena’, għall-mod kif jgħin b’mod karitattiv lil ħafna għaqdiet. Ilqliegħ minn din iż-żjara tiegħu f’Sydney fejn ġiet organizzata Ikla Fenkata Night fiċ-ċentru La Valette mar kollha għal Puttinu Cares.

Antoine ġab miegħu kok ieħor biex iħejju l-ikla, liż-żagħżugħ Mosti Karl Micallef li għalih din kienet l-ewwel żjara fl-Awstralja. Min-naħa tiegħu Karl qalilna li qabel ma’ ngħaqad maċĊavett, li jqisu daqs li kien missieru, ħadem fil-lukanda San Antonio u tal-Kaptan.

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ntant, l-ikla specjali u l-ispettaklu li ġie offrut mill-kantant Malti Mike Spiteri li wkoll jinsab hawn minn Malta, kienu mhux biss suċċess iżda skont l-istess membri tal-kumitat taċ-ċentru, “aktar minn suċċess”.

Għall-ikla attendew 300 persuna, għax daqshekk tesa’ s-sala.

Tant kien hemm stennijja għal din l-okkażjoni, li l-organizzaturi qalulna, “Stajna mlejna s-sala għal darbtejn. Konna booked-out

Karl Micallef (xellug) u Antoine, iċ-Ċavett

minn gimgħat qabel”.

Osservazzjoni oħra kienet li għal din l-okkażjoni attendew ħafna wċuħ godda.

Min-naħa talgrupp ta’ Ċavett faħħru u taw ħajr għallkoperazzjoni sħiħa li kellhom miċ-ċentru Malti. ta’ Blacktown Cavett qalli li Antoine rebkien kuntent bieħ ’Ħaddiem ferm kif marru tas-Sena’ ma’ l-affarijiet ommu Mary “ħaditilna saħħitna iżda ċert li ħadd ma kellu għax igerger. Tant ħdimna b’ko-ordinazzjoni mal-voluntieri u ċ-ċentru li zgur li se nimmisjahom meta mmur lura Malta.”

Kien hemm tifħir ukoll specjali għall-kantant Mike Spiteri li kanta għal madwar siegħa u nofs, u b’talba ġenerali se jibqa’ fi NSW biex ikanta f’serata speċjali fiċ-ċentru nhar l-ewwel ta’ Marzu li ġej .

Lawrence Dimech

Parti mill-folla li attendiet għall-ikla fil-LVSC

The Voice of the Maltese 21

Tuesday February 25, 2020

‘An Italian Artist in Malta’ at Il-Ħaġar Museum

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Gozo

Don Bosco members commemorate feast

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round and about

temporary exhibition entitled ‘An Italby Charles ian Artist in Malta’ was inaugurated at Il-Ħaġar museum in Victoria. The exhibition is about Filippo Venuti, who also worked for some time in the Maltese islands. Charles Azzopardi from Bank of Valletta inaugurated the exhibition, part sponsors of the project.

The exhibition forms part of a restoration project on five of Venuti’s paintings by Sara Mattioli at the museum, (below seen restoring one of the paintings).

ast and present members of the Don Bosco Oratory pose for a group photo on the occasion of the feast of St John Bosco. Bishop Mario Grech and Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri were also present.

Spiteri

To mark the feast of St John Bosco, whose motto was ‘Give me souls, take away the rest’, Mgr George Tabone blessed pets at St Augustine Square, Victoria (above), while Mayor Josef Schembri presented tokens to pet owners.

Victoria hosts 2nd edition of Valentine Street Theatre

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he second edition of the Valentine Street Theatre, organised by the Gozo Creative Theatre Club in cooperation with the Gozo Ministry, was held recently at St George’s Square in Victoria.

The events, under the artistic direction of George Mizzi, included painting, wood and clay sculpture, flower arranging, cake decoration, music and song.

A couple with flower girls was the centre of attraction, while Mary Grace Xuereb, in the role of Pierrot, presented a rose to every woman present.

Meanwhile, a Valentine’s artisan fair was held at Villa Rundle Gardens. Gozo Min-

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

T ister Clint Camilleri (above right) visited the fair where he chatted with visitors and the people manning the stalls.

hey showed us unusual kindness was the theme of an ecumenical service held at the St Paul’s Shipwreck Church in Munxar as part of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.

The service was organised by the Legion of Mary (Gozo), in collaboration with the Gozitan Diocese and the Anglican community. It included readings, prayers and hymns.Mgr Joseph Attard, Canon Simon Godfrey, and the Chancellor of St Paul’s Anglican Pro-Cathedral, Valletta, delivered messages.

22 The Voice of the Maltese

Tuesday February 25, 2020

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. Established in 1999

Learn the Maltese language; the culture, lifestyle, cuisine, traditions, and about the amazing history of the magnificent islands of Malta and Gozo Our trained and experienced teachers are qualified in language teaching and have Maltese study credentials.

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

Classes are held at Horsley Park Public School 1759 The Horsley Drive, Horsley Park NSW (entry from Walworth Road) On Saturday morning from 9.15 to 11.15 am.

For more information email: malteselanguageschoolnsw@hotmail.com Mobile: 0400-376-607

Please Note

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

Community Wheels Inc.:

Connecting you with your community

Community Wheels is your local community organisation that provides door-to-door transport services to eligible people (+65 yrs old) to: * attend medical appointments * go shopping (including assisting clients with shopping bags) * meet a friend for a chat or coffee, and *go on bus tours etc.

Available in the Parramatta City Council and parts of Cumberland Council areas.

For information call: 88681400

Għall-attenzjoni tal-qarrejja

Qarrejja li jixtiequ juru l-fehmiet tagħhom dwar xi suġġett imħeġġa jagħmu dan b’email li jindirizzaw lil maltesevoice@gmail.com.

Maltese Community Council of Victoria Inc.

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

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

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

L-aħbarijiet tal-PBS (Malta)

Il-PBS ta’ Malta tforni lill-SBS fl-Awstralja bis-servizz tagħha, imma l-qarrejja xorta mħeġġa biex jidħlu fil-website tal-istazzjon Malti: www.tvm.com.mt. għall-aħbarijiet kemm bil-Malti u bl-Ingliż.

L a Val e t t e So c i al C e n t r e

La Valette Social Centre Inc. 175 Walters Road, Blacktown Tel. 96225847

Saturdays: Kitchen and Bar open from 5.00pm Traditional Maltese Cuisine. 6.00p,: Boċċi. 8.00p.m.: Live DJ and Bingo.

Last Saturday of the Month: - Għana Night with Saver Bonanno and friends Every Thursday: Maltese Respite Care Service: Mass in Maltese in the Main Hall at 10.15am.

Tuesdays: From 9am: BOĊĊI for members and friends For more information contact the centre ___________________________________ MASS TIME: Saturday: St Francis Chapel: 5.30 p.m. (when a priest is available)

Lejla Mġarrija

organised by Horsley Park Community Social Group

For the Maltese Community & Friends

Saturday March 7 at Mandavilla Function Centre Horsley Drive, Horsley Park Entertainment provided by: Heartbeat Cost $65.00pp: includes Maltese antipasto, 3-course meal, beer, wine, soft drinks, tea and coffee and more.

Bookings call: Theresa Quattromani 0402 178-781, Josephine Borg 0402 040 954,

Come and join us for a fun time.

The proceeds of the evening with go to The Cancer Council

Events for 2020

Sunday March 8 Fete Sunday July 5 Lejla fil-Buskett Sunday October 18 Fete Saturday November 14 Dinner Dance Sunday December 6 Festa San Nikola

The Voice of the Maltese 23

Tuesday February 25, 2020

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

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

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

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

MELBOURNE: STEREO 974 (93180930): 97.4FM Wed (Maltese Magazine) & Thursday (Merħba): 6.00pm to 8.00 pm Co-ordinator – Ray Anastasi On SBS Radio Day Time Analogue and Digital Tuesdays and Fridays: 12:00-13:00 97.7fm SBS 2.

minn Malta, mużika, tagħrif, kultura, avviżi u suġġetti ta’ interess.

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. SYDNEY: listen to the MCC radio programmes on 2GLF FM 89.3.

Isma’ l-programm tar-radju bil-Malti mill-Kunsill Malti ta’ NSW minn fuq listazzjon 2GLF 89.3FM. (Jista’ wkoll jinstema’ On Demand minn fuq l-Internet: www.893fm.com.au)

On Demand: Ethnic Maltese Council 11am)

Il-Ħadd 11.00 am: l-aħħar aħbarijiet

Maltese Community Radio Adelaide:

Maltese Programmes on 5EBI 103.1fm: Sunday: 7.30am; Monday : 8.00 am; Monday 6.00pm Contact: Bernadette Buhagiar: 0420 944 205. Email bernadettebuhagiar@gmail.com Ron Borg: 0418 843 850. Email ronborg@mac.com

Maltese Seniors Social Welfare Day Groups

month at the Llandilo Community Hall, Fairfield Active Maltese Seniors Meets on the last Tuesday of the Month. Seventh Avenue, from 11am to 1 pm.

Group meets in Parish Hall, cnr of Stella Maltese of Bankstown Street & The Boulevard, Fairfield Heights at Group meets 3rd Wednesday of month 10 am. in the Bankstown CBD area.

Every other 3rd Thursday an outing.

Maltese Seniors Central Coast Have to contact our Welfare Officer for an Enquiries call: Sam 9534 2357 appointment. For all information and reGreystanes Maltese Seniors ferral matters call Censina Cefai: 02 439 Meets on the second Monday of each 000 12 or 0414 267 652 month at the George Preca Centre of OLQP Church, 198 Old Prospect Road, Daceyville Maltese Seniors Meets the last Wednesday of the mon-th Greystanes from 10 am to 12 noon in the Meeting Room One, No. 3 General The Sutherland & St George Bridges Crescent, Daceyville.

Maltese Group Note: The Groups also arrange regular Bus Trips Meets every First Wednesday of the Join us and make new friends.

Month from 10:00am-1:00pm.

Merrylands Social Maltese Seniors Meetings/Get Togethers are interestMeets every second Friday of the ing, informative & entertaining, so come month: Miller Room, Memorial Avenue Join us and make new Friends Merrylands from 10.30am to 12.30 am Llandilo Maltese Seniors Meets on the first Wednesday of each

For more info 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).

SBS Radio 2 on Channel 38.

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 SBS2 TV 32 ( (Viceland) on Thursdays and Sundays at 8am.

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

Presenter: Nathalie Gatt.

Web streaming: www.coastfm.org.au SBS MALTESE NEWS: L-Aħbarijiet are now on SBSTV Viceland HD Channel 31 every Sunday at 8.00 a.m. and on Thursday at 8.00 a.m.

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

Avviż lill-qarrejja

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

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nfakkru lill-qarrejja li The Voice of the Maltese, mhux biss magazine online, iżda wkoll l-uniku tax-xorta tiegħu flAwstralja li wkoll jiġi ippubblikat.

Fil-fatt huma ħafna dawk li ilhom li bdew japprofittaw ruħhom minn dan u abbonaw ħalli anke jibdew jirċevu kopja pprintjata bil-posta d-dar bi ħlas.

Minħabba l-bogħod li hawn fil-kontinent Awstraljan, il-ħlas tal-posta minn stat għall-ieħor tvarja, għalhekk dawk kollha li jixtiequ li jibdew jirċevu kopja pprintjata tal-magazine kull darba li joħroġ biex ikunu jistgħu jżommuha f’idejhom, huma mħeġġa biex jabbonaw għal sena sħiħa ħalli jagħmlu żgur li jkollhom kopja kull darba.

Biex dan isir wieħed għandu l-ewwel jikkomunika b’email ħalli jagħmel ittalba lil maltesevoice@gmail.com fejn jitlob tagħrif dwar il-ħlas ta’ abbonament għal sena fl-istat fejn jgħix. Imbagħad jekk ikun irid jissieħeb ma’ dawk kollha li mhumiex kuntenti biss li jaqraw il-magazine online, imma wkoll li jkollhom kopja tiegħu, jgħarrafna.

24 The Voice of the Maltese

Sports

Tuesday February 25, 2020

Athletics, Waterpolo claim top honours in 2019 SportsMalta/Għażliet awards

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Jordan Guzman

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portsmen from two disciplines, Athletics and Waterpolo claimed the top honours in the 60th edition of the SportMalta Awards l-Għażliet Sportivi Nazzjonali (2019).

Jordan Guzman, won the Sportsman of the Year award and Lisa Marie Bezzina was voted as the Sportwoman of the Year. For the second year running, Karl Izzo won the award for the Coach of the Year after leading the Malta team to the finals of the LEN Championships. ISA presi-

dent Joe Caruana (waterpolo) was named as the Official of the Year.

Jordan Guzman is an Australian of Maltese descent.

He was born in Australia and even became Australian 5000m champion but last year he relinquished his right to represent Austalia and chose to run for Malta. He won two gold medals for Malta in the Small Nations Games of Europe in Montenegro.

The Voice of the Maltese will run a special feature

Floriana, Valletta still top despite disappointments

ith less than two thirds of Football’s Premier League in Malta played, four clubs have decided to change their head coaches. Few were surprised that Gżira, Ħamrun Spartans and Sliema Wanderers sacked their mentors for failing to live up to expectations. The surprise was Valletta’s parting with Darren Abdilla.

After a disappointing start Abdilla had managed to take Valletta to the RESULTS - Day 19 top where they started Valletta v Gzira U 1-0 sharing the position Floriana v Tarxien 4-0 with Floriana. But on B’kara v Hibernians 2-1 Day 18, when they had Sirens v Sliema W 0-0 the chance to take sole 2-1 command of the Mosta v Ħamrun 2-0 league ladder, after Balzan v Gudja Sta Lucia v Senglea 5-2 Floriana had surprisingly lost to Gudja, Day 18 Gudja U v Floriana 1-0 Valletta were soundly Birkirkara v Valletta 4-1 beaten by Birkirkara Hibernians v Mosta 3-1 by 4-1.

Sirens v Sta Lucia 2-0 Nobody saw it comGzira U v Balzan 3-1 ing, and Abdilla himĦamrun S c Senglea 1-0 self was shocked and Sliema W Tarxien 1-0 clearly expressed his

Lisa Marie Bezzina about Gordon in the next issue.

He was not present to receive the award, as he is currently training in the US. Lisa Marie Bezzina was the top athlete during 2019. She was very emotional at winning the award.

The awards, were announced at a ceremony at the Hilton Malta organised by SportMalta and the Sports Journalists’ Association who was celebrating its 50th year since its foundation

amazement with the sacking. He had joined them in the summer and led them to victory over F91 Dudelange of Luxembourg to reach the third round of the UEFA Europa League. No other Maltese team had managed it before then.

Valletta also won the BOV Super Cup after defeating Balzan and though despite their poor start to the league campaign, in Round 17 joined Floriana as front-runners in the Premier League.

After Floriana’s unexpected loss against lowly Gudja, Valletta were everybody’s favourites to beat Birkirkara to claim sole command of the ladder. But in a strange weekend of results, they were thrashed.

In that round Hibernains came with- NSW NPL4 kicks off March 7 ing a point of the leaders, but last he new NSW NPL4 league season for weekend came a cropper against a 2020 kicks off on Saturday, March 7. much improved Birkirkara who keep improving after a slow start and man- Fresh from their success in the Maltese aged to claimed their second high Cultural Cup, Parramatta Eagles FC are level scalp after that of Valletta the raring to go. Their first commitment will be in Lithgow to play Western NSW FC at the previous week.

Top placings: 38 pts: Floriana, Valletta; Marjorie Jackson Field. The Under 18's 35: Sirens; 34: Hibernians; 32:Gzira; will play at 12pm, the Under 20's at 2pm, 30: Birkirkara; 25 Balzan, Ħamrun and the 1st Grade at 4pm.

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