The VoWei care f oor thfe Gtrheaeter MMaltaaltese Issue The Voice of the Maltese 247 February 23, 2021 FFoorrttnniigghhttllyy mmaaggaazziinnee Malta 2021 A Carnival with a difference

Photo DOI: Due to COVID-19 restrictions,this year’s Carnival, one of Clifton Fenech the oldest and most popular historical festivals in Malta was different from all others. It was static and lifeless. (see re - port and other pictures on pages, 11, 18 and 19) 2 The Voice of the Maltese Tuesday, February 23, 2021

Malta’s High Commissioner to Australia HE Mario Farrugia Borg (right) presening his credentials to Australia’s Governor General

Malta’s HC to Australia presents credentials he newly appointed High Commissioner for the Republic of Malta to Australia and New Zealand, His Excellency Mario Farrugia Borg, last Wednesday (February 17) presented his cTredentials to His Excellency General the Honourable David Hur - ley AC DSC (Retd), Governor General of the Commonwealth of Australia. During the ceremony which was held at Governor General House in Canberra, H.E. Farrugia Borg discussed the strengthening of Malta-Australia bilateral relations and seeking to keep the interests of Maltese living in Australia at the core of the mandate of the High Commission in Canberra, and the Consulates General in Mel - bourne and Sydney. The ceremony included the High Commissioner for Malta hand - ing the Governor-General the formal documents identifying him as Malta’s representative in Australia, a private meeting and a cer - emonial welcome by Australia’s Federation Guard. H.E. Mario Farrugia Borg inspecting the guard of honour Mr Farrugia Borg said that given the opportunity to serve A group photo after the presentation. Back (from left) : Mr Paul Singer (Official Secretary to the Governor General), Ms Denise Demicoli (Deputy HC of Malta), and the Guard Commander. his country in this role was a Front : Ms Harinder Sidhu (Foreign Minister’s Representa - privilege and an honour be - tive), H.E. Mrs Linda Hurley, H.E. Gen. David Hurley, H.E. Far - yond words. “I want to thank rugia Borg, and Mr Ian McConville (Chief of Protocol) Prime Minister the Hon. Dr Robert Abela and Minister for Foreign and European Affairs the Hon. Evarist Bartolo for the faith shown in me, and as - sure them that I will give this role my total commitment and dedication,” he said. Two days before the presen - tation, the new HC held a vid- eo call with H.E. Dr George Vella, President of the Repub - lic of Malta. They discussed Malta and Australia's excellent bilateral relations and how these can be improved further. Tuesday, February 23, 2021 The Voice of the Maltese 3 Another service offered by The Voice of the Maltese providing legal information to our readers Two spouses at the time of death – it’s more common than you might think, and could even apply to you by Paul (a) Married to the intestate immedi - is registered with an Australian State Sant ately before the intestate’s death, or or Territory. (b) A party to a domestic partnership Simple solution s stigma of leaving a marriage has (e.g. de facto relationship) with the in - not existed for some time, it is not testate immediately before the intes - It is common in our day to day lives to uncommon for a person to re-part - tate’s death. be so busy that, when thinking about tak - ner, after a long-term marriage, and be ing care of important paperwork, such as A Divorce is an important legal step divorce and Wills, you think “I’ll get living in a long-term de facto relationship at the time of death. Obtaining a divorce Order not only al - around to it, when I have some time.” Another not rare occurrence is that a per - lows you to get re-married, but more im - There is no time like the present. If some - son, at the time of their death, technically portantly, changes the status of your thing happens to you, before you make has two spouses: they are in a de facto rela - previous husband or wife in the legal time to address your legal affairs, your tionship, and they are married. This occurs world from spouse to former spouse . loved ones may not only suffer the heart - if, after leaving a marriage, neither the hus - Not doing so can have consequences for break of losing you, but also suffer band nor wife formally obtains a divorce. your current partner, as referred to above, headaches in dealing with your estate. After divorce became more readily eas - if you die without divorcing and without A divorce may also revoke aspects of a ily to obtain, it took some time for society a will. Will that was made when you were married, to be acceptable of divorce. Though it under section 13 of the Succession Act. was acceptable for someone to leave a This problem can apply to your superan - However, it is safer to make a new Will. nuation as well bad marriage, being ‘divorced’ was a Divorce is generally a straightforward label people wanted to avoid. In a previous article we discussed how process Today in some cultures it is almost fash - superannuation often does not form part ionable to be divorced, where in others di - of your estate. Where both husband and wife make a joint vorce is associated with shame. Or it may Super funds are generally bound to fol - application for divorce, neither of you are be personal preference not to get divorced. low Binding Death Benefit Nominations, required to attend court. You will need your In this article we explain unexpected but where you do not have a nomination, marriage certificate (or a certified copy). legal consequences that may result, and or it has lapsed, there can also be ramifi - If your marriage certificate is not in Eng - create unintended difficulties for those cations in relation to payment of your su - lish, you will need a translation of the you leave behind. perannuation entitlements, and any marriage certificate (by a qualified trans - attached death insurance, where you tech - lator). If you were married in NSW, and I have been separated from my wife/hus - nically die with two spouses. are unable to locate your marriage certifi - band for decades. Why does divorce mat - Like the Succession Act , under superan - cate, you can apply for a marriage certifi - ter? nuation legislation, a spouse is defined as cate through Service NSW. Even though you may not, physically another person who: Where you are making a sole applica - and emotionally, be in both relationships (a) Is legally married to you, or tion, you will only be required to attend at the same time, in the words of the law, (b) You live with on a genuine domes - court where there are children under the if not divorced, the Succession Act 2006 tic basis in a relationship as a couple age of 18. The whole process is still rela - NSW defines a ‘spouse’ (where you do (de facto); tively smooth, where you know where not have a Will) as a person who was: (c) You are in a relationship with that your former husband or wife resides. In both sole and joint applications, where there are children under the age of 18, the divorce application must address chil - PAUL SANT dren’s live with and spend time with (or ‘custody’) arrangements, the children’s (SOLICITOR) education, and financial support. PARTNER AT LONGTON LEGAL Wills, and effect of marriage on wills For All Your Legal Needs Whether you have or have not been mar - ried, wills are an important way to record Now at: your wishes of what you wish to happen 21 George Street to your assets when you pass away. If you have made a will, but have since Parramatta married, the law at section 12 of the Suc - Phone: 8599 8877 cession Act will revoke your Will, and you Also at: will need to make a new one. Level 4, 370 Pitt Street, Sydney. Ph: 8355 9999 We have provided you with an overview of the topic above but you should consult Email: [email protected] a professional for advice specific to your Maltese Spoken circumstances. 4 The Voice of the Maltese Tuesday, February 23, 2021 Volunteering is Marlene’s life ur Personality for February is synonymous with volun - teering. In 2001, The International Year of Volunteer - iOng, Marlene was nominated for the Victorian Multicultural Commission’s Volunteers Award. The award ceremony and reception were held at Government House, Melbourne. Fif - teen years later, in 2016 she was awarded a Certificate of Community Award, for services to the community

Marlene Xerri arlene (Caruana) Xerri was born to Carmelo (Charles) Caruana and Antionette Muscat, both from Hamrun, Malta. Marlene is the eldest of four daughters. MAfter the war the Caruana family moved from Hamrun to St. Ju - lian’s and Marlene started her education at St Julian’s Primary School. Later she attended St Louis Girls Grammar School in Sliema, and in January 1964, that is a year after she sat for her Ox - ford Level Certificate, GCE in 1963, the family migrated to Aus - tralia. Marlene enrolled as a Mature Age student at RMIT in 1990 and having completed an approved course in Multicultural Studies, in 1994 she graduated Bachelor of Arts. A year later Marlene received NAATI accreditation as a Paraprofessional Translator in the Maltese language Once in Australia, her family settled in Thornbury, and later that year moved to Thomastown both in Victoria. While living in Thorn - bury, her family was invited to a family wedding where Marlene met Andrew Xerri. They were married in 1967. They have three daugh- ters and two grandchildren. Auxiliary also provided Marlene started her working catering for the annual fete. career at the Government Marlene enjoys several hob - Printing Mint in Brunswick, PERSONALITY bies that include knitting, Melbourne. However, after sewing, reading, cooking, six months, she changed jobs travelling and walking. She and joined Unilever Australia OF THE MONTH also has an interest in the arts to work as an Invoice clerk. In and as a committee member 1968, she left work to stay of the Maltese Cultural Festi - home to raise a family. val, she organised catering for Once her children started school, sho got involved in the the annual Cocktail Party celebrating the opening of the Cultural school’s mother club and helped with the children’s reading and Festivals. excursions. In 1994 Marlene became President of the Ladies Auxiliary, and In the late 1970s, Marlene joined the Maltese Community Council in 2019 the MCCV Inc approached the Ladies Auxiliary to pro - of Victoria Inc (MCCV Inc), as a volunteer. She actively provided vide their logo to be a part of the MCCV mural which is now dis - assistance to welfare clients by filling the Department of Social played at the Centre. As the Ladies Auxiliary did not have a Security (DSS) forms, writing letters to clients’ relatives and Mal - formal logo, the members created an image that symbolises the tese interpreting. Her involvement as a volunteer and Social values of Ladies Auxil - Worker Aide was paramount in the increased profile, growth and iary (right) . expansion of welfare programmes for the Maltese community. Marlene is involved in Marlene also extended her efforts in assisting in many of the so - her local Council as a cial aspects of the Maltese community. Each year, the MCCV Inc member of the carer’s held several social activities to increase community awareness group that provides infor - of the Maltese culture. She identified the importance of cultural mation for seniors and car - awareness to the greater community and with the various com - ers, during monthly mittees and auxiliaries to enhance this cultural awareness. meetings. She is also a The MCCV Ladies Auxiliary was another way to help the com - member of the Heart munity at large, and in 1981 Marlene become a committee mem - Foundation Walking group ber of the Ladies Auxiliary. Initially, the Auxiliary raised money that meets once a week to for the building fund and later for the Council’s welfare pro - walk and socialise over a gramme and for the maintenance of the Centre. cup of coffee. Several activities were identified to raise funds, namely, bingo Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Maltese Community Centre sessions, coach trips to different country areas, catering for func - has been closed until further notice, but Marlene has continued tions, restaurant day trips and overseas trips. The Ladies Auxiliary to contact the group on a regular basis to assure them that once it also sponsored young ladies in the Miss Maltese Community Char - is safe again, the Tuesday bingo sessions would restart. ity Queen Quest that was run by the Maltese Community Council. Marlene values and appreciates the support of her family, the Other donations were made to Bishop Joe Grech Scholarship Ladies Auxiliary committee members, the MCCV Council mem - Fund, the Maltese Olympiad participants and the Museum of bers and numerous volunteers, and is looking forward to the cur - Maltese and Gozitan Migration to name but a few. The Ladies rent year to continue her volunteer work. Tuesday, February 23, 2021 The Voice of the Malte 5 Dar l-Emigrant’s 50th anniversary Mons Philip Calleja leading the ceremony of the laying of the foundation stone

Dar l-Emigrant today

ebruary 10th, 2021, marked the 50th anniversary of the lay - charged, no irrelevant questions asked and the whole procedure is Ain g off thei Fotundattion iStone of Dgar l-E mitgranrt, Caistile bconuductedt by ee xperienced priests and lay people in total privacy.” Place, Valletta. Mgr Calleja enjoys various international and local recognition FThe building was erected as a permanent symbol of Maltese for his lifelong sterling work for Maltese emigrants and asylum tribute to Maltese emigrants and a monument witnessing Malta’s seekers reaching Malta. bond with them. Its foundation stone was laid by Prime Minister On March, 16, 2010, Dr Stephen Gatt, president of the Federa - Dr George Borg Olivier, and blessed by Archbishop Mgr Michael tion of Maltese Abroad presented Mgr Calleja with a plaque with Gonzi. the following inscription: “In recognition of a life time of service, This special anniversary is a timely opportunity to express ap - labour and travail well in excess of the call of duty in the interests preciation to all those who have always had the best interests of of Maltese Migrants across the diaspora.” Maltese emigrants and their families at heart, primarily Mgr On September 23, 2004, Mgr Calleja was also granted a certi - Philip Calleja, the indefatigable former leader of the Emigrants’ fication by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Commission. (UNHCR). “in appreciation for years of dedicated service and Mgr Calleja dedicated his life to up-rooted people, first as the close collaboration”. champion of post-war Maltese migrants and their families and The Emigrants’ Commission was UNHCR’s Operational Partner then as the leading pioneer defender of refugees seeking protec - in Malta from 1987 to 2004, when UNHCR’s role in the island tion and help in Malta. had taken a new form considering Malta’s Refugees Act. Up to March 2020, at the venerable age of 91, Mgr Calleja was On November 1, 2019, Mgr Calleja was also honoured by the Uni - still regularly making himself available at Dar l-Emigrant to help versity of Malta, acclaiming him “a meritorious candidate for the whoever knocks on his door seeking his advice or assistance. It Degree of Master of Letters (Honoris Causa) of this Alma Mater.” was only the COVID-19 pandemic and the indispensable precau - In its motivation, the University recognised “the significant con - tions that had to be taken, that kept him away from Dar l-Emi - tribution made by Philip Calleja to the social wellbeing of our grant and what is most dear to him: helping others. communities, especially through his persevering commitment to On the occasion of the 25th Anniversary of the Emigrants’ Com - the welfare of migrants and his contribution to the process of re - mission, the late researcher and historian Fr Lawrence Attard OP location; through his role as a founder of the Emigrants’ Com - wrote in the Times of Malta (24 June 1975): mission and of Dar l-Emigrant to serve as a hub to meet the “The history of migration from these islands, especially post- holistic needs of migrants; and a person who had the foresight to war migration, is now to a great extent the history of the Emi - act in favour of immigrants and to create services out of sheer al - grants’ Commission. That Commission was providentially truism and love for humanity.” fortunate in that since 1953 it has had as its driving force, Mgr Dar l-Emigrant, which today also houses a digital Migration Philip Calleja, who since then has dedicated his priestly life to Museum that was intended to be officially opened in 2020. How - migrants and to all people whose life has been affected by emi - ever, the opening had to be postponed because of the pandemic. gration. It is a fitting tribute not only to Maltese emigrants, but also to its “The enthusiasm of Mgr Calleja has inspired a dedicated group founder: Mgr Philip Calleja, who became known as “The Emi - of people who willingly offer their services to prospective mi - grants’ Priest” and “The Refugees’ Samaritan”. grants, to their dependants and to Maltese abroad. These services are given to all who seek the help of the Commission; no fees are Charles Buttigieg 6 The Voice of the Maltese Tuesday, February 23, 2021 Recollections of a Maltese octogenarian – My Sixties Important experiences that Joseph Lanzon

s the Sixties started theirl moemen f- tof t hea evennings, t he ivoince of dan olde monlk iWbar. Mlidweifery semrvices waere arvailakble at tous 10-year reign, I was just over was heard reciting the rosary. In reply, you the hospital since 1939. 23 years of age but had begun inter - could hear the voice of long-suffering pa - The maternity scheme for Maltese civilian Aesting myself in the political, social and tients in the large ward. They were like women was introduced in the late fifties sporting worlds not only around me in cries of dying men - “Mercy on us! Mercy and continued to function until 1967. It was Malta but also around the world. on us!" To the patients struggling for dear run on the traditional British model of dis - During this period there were significant life, it killed them before their time. cipline, efficiency and cheerfulness. milestones in my personal life. There was In such demoralised circumstances, my my marriage, the death of my father and the father went to meet the Maker with his A tramp and a genius birth of my son. There was also an impor - family by his side. He looked like a tramp, like the down- tant milestone for my little island, which and-outs one meets on the London Under - from a dominated colony became an inde - The 1962 General Election grounds. He was an old and tired man - a pendent nation. According to local political analysts, the battered hat on his head, trousers too short After the austerity of the Fifties after the 1962 general election was until then, the and shoes too big for him. war, the eventful years of the Sixties fiercest and hardest fought in Malta. The Kelinu had spent his working life as a brought a marked change in people’s atti - protagonists were George Borg Olivier, boilermaker at HM Dockyard but long after tudes and behaviour. They were known as leader of the Nationalist Party; Dom. retirement he still trudged and roamed the the ‘Swinging Sixties’ as people world - Mintoff, leader of the Malta Labour Party; streets near his old work place like a lost wide, including Malta, indulged in a frenzy and Mons. Michael Gonzi, the Archbishop man. I grew to know him . of social activities and abundance. of Malta Under this façade of a humble and com - Mintoff and Gonzi hailed from my district mon man, was one of the most intelligent My Marriage persons I have ever I was married to my The Prime Minister Dr George Borg Olivier waves to the crowd after met, a treasure chest of Liz on a scalding Sun - signing the Independence Day documents on September 21, 1964 knowledge on all sub - day morning on 28 Au - jects. He was also like - gust 1960 at the little able and charming with church of S. Paul in a heart of gold. While Bormla after which a still at the dockyard, he reception was held at spent his Saturday the St. George’s Band mornings at the Na - Club. tional Library in Val - The church of St. Paul letta delving into books holds an important tra - and documents. dition in the history of I used to accompany Bormla. It is held that him from Gavino Gulia while the Apostle St. Square to St. Paul’s Paul was shipwrecked where he lived, and in St. Paul’s bay in AD during these walks, he 60, he left the Island six would impart his months later from the knowledge to me, gen - sheltered inlet of erally history but also Bormla, where the little church now stands. of Cottonera where the residents are con - on several other subjects. I would ask ques - tions and he would reply with facts, figures Goodbye to my Father sidered hard and not open to compromise. Before the election, the church issued a and anecdotes. My 56-year-old father died after a short Pastoral Letter that was read in all churches Kelinu was also a genius with mathemat - illness on February 13, in 1961. I had a spe - of the diocese warning electors that they ics and would solve a complex problem cial pass to visit him in hospital in the would be committing mortal sin by voting mentally, explaining intricate problems in mornings as my work precluded me from for the Labour party. In the prevailing cir - simple language. An unbelievable man! visiting during the official afternoon visits. cumstances, the Nationalist Party was Baptism as a Civil Servant After a week, a grim-faced sister at recep - elected to govern Malta. tion barred me from making any more vis - I entered the Civil Service in 1960. Ten of its. “You will not be allowed to make Welcome to my Son us newly-recruited clerical officers were further visits in the morning. This is your In this heated atmosphere, our son was assigned to the Department of Social Serv - last,” she told me. born on February 17, 1962 at King George ices. The Head of the Department ex - As I was entering the ward, the nurse ap - V hospital in Floriana. Looking out of the plained to us the work being assigned to us. proached me and told me that my father was hospital window, I clearly heard the din and As the Department had about 12 area of - to be given the last rites. I froze. To this day, noise of the NP supporters celebrating their fices where we were to start work, he asked over 60 years later, the memory of this shat - party’s victory with carcades, singing and each one of us what areas we preferred. tering moment brings tears to my eyess. I flag-waving. When my turn came I said, “I work any - prayed with the priest with more devotion However, I had no time for politics. My where however, if possible, I prefer not to than ever. Episodes of his life as I knew it, mind and body were focused on the birth be stationed in my home town of Bormla”. passed through my mind like a slide show. of my new-born son. “I understand Joe,” he said with a smile on The hospital was an ugly place. Death The King George V Hospital was built in his face, “I’ll see what I can do”. stalks the wards and corridors. And to make 1922 as a memorial to the men of the Mer - matters worse, in the silence and dim lights chant navy who died in the First World *Continued on page 7 Tuesday, February 23, 2021 The Voice of the Malte 7 The Friends of Malta GC in the UK

At wbas frorimerlyf k nohwni as Ttheo Asrsoycia - tion of Maltese Communities of Egypt, that traces its origin to 1854. The title Iname of THE FRIENDS OF MALTA GC was incorporated within the name of the Association in June 1992, and since Janu - ary 2007 became the main title. It knows its beginning when a small num - One of the FoMGC’s annual acti - ber of Maltese workers grouped themselves tivies, a mass for deceased members around their local Church in Alexandria, since 1854, followed with a buffet Egypt and formed the KONFRATERNITA tese, were ejected from Egypt, they trans - having continuously kept an uninterrupted TAL MADONNA TAL KARMNU (The Con - ferred their social and welfare activities to link with the British Monarchy following fraternity of Our Lady of Mount Carmel). England joining them together into the “As - the pledge taken by the original Members Through the years the association ex - sociation of Maltese Communities of Egypt” of their own free will in the early 1800s. panded its activities to Mutual Help, which, in effect, took over the function pre - The Association administers a Welfare Benevolent Societies, Clubs, Philodramatic viously discharged by the Central Council. Fund, organises social events, cooperates and Philharmonic Groups, Ladies Unions, Like all other Europeans living in Egypt, fully with other Malta connected associa - Scouts, Guides, Football teams, etc. in the Maltese, were not subject to Egyptian tions, and publishes a Newsletter biannu - four main cities of Egypt: Alexandria, Laws. As British subjects they came under ally which is read in several countries Cairo, Port Said and Suez. the Law of England, and therefore never where members of the Association have In the 1920s all these independent Asso - lost their identity. During WWII they were settled down since the end of WW2. ciations were grouped into four Commu - also subject to conscription, and several The Friends of Malta GC is open to all, ir - nity Councils (one for each town) and in even joined the three Services. respective of nationality or origin, who the 1930s in turn came under the umbrella By living in England, the Association have a love of the Maltese Islands and its of the Central Council of the Maltese Com - prides itself not only of being the oldest As - people. It continues with the traditions cre - munities of Egypt. sociation of Maltese origin established ated by the original members of the Kon - When in 1956 as British subjects the Mal - overseas, but also by being the only one fraternita in 1854. Invitation to Young Maltese Recollections: Living Abroad - Roots & Routes The Sixties years .... *from page 6 When the postings of the new recruits were pinned on the Head Office notice board I found that out that I was assigned to Bormla! The nickname of the Head of Department at the time hrough its was ‘II-Gedidu’ because he was all amicable, pats and smiles youth policy when talking to you but, behind your back, he was anything but. by the name of RToots & Routes, the An Embarrassing Incident National Youth When I was at the Bormla office I was told of an incident that Agency of Malta occurred only two years earlier by a witness of the incident, the (Aġenzija Żgħażagħ) messenger of the office. It was a Tuesday and the corridor was is seeking to reach full of people waiting for their monthly pension. out to the young Mal - The office manager in his little room at the back of the corridor tese Living Abroad heard an unusual commotion and noise that disturbed him no aged between 16-30 end. He hurried out of the office in an angry mood and saw a years to give them a man in khaki shorts at the centre of the commotion as if he was voice by podcasting a the cause of the entire disturbance. series of interviews to discuss Participating young people Pointing a finger at him, he told him angrily: “You, get behind their specific concerns with will be involved in a recorded the queue or I’ll call the Police to throw you out” . Then he told their roots and to explore their short conversation (about 10 the messenger to sort things out and hurried back to his office identity, nationality, migration minutes) with a youth worker slamming the door behind him. and global mobility. from Agenzija Żgħażagħ ex - However, the noise increased. The messenger, understanding The project seeks to encour - ploring their connections with the reason for the commotion, hurried to the manager’s office age the creation of a wider Malta. and, for the first time, opened the door without even knocking. community that is sensitive to Those interested to participate “Sir” , he blurted out agitated, “that man you just berated is the needs and concerns of are requested to get in touch Dom Mintoff the Prime Minister of Malta” . young people, particularly in with Maria C Borg, the Senior In the meantime, the office staff held the angry people in the relation to the narrative of Youth Worker Agenzija Zghaz - corridor from going en masse threateningly into the manager’s young migrants. agh at St. Joseph High Road office all the while explaining the genuine mistake of identity. It is open for first, second Sta Venera, Malta, email: The manager held his head in his hands for a full minute, then third and fourth generation mi - [email protected]. packed his briefcase and was out of the office from the back grants (Maltese young people Website: youth.gov.mt or on door. He did not return to the branch ever again. 16-30 year-olds). Facebook - Agenzija Zghazagh (to be continued in the next issue) 8 The Voice of the Maltese Tuesday, February 23, 2021 Have your say/Xi trid tghid? Your letters/ L-ittri tagħkom ... Jalla l-qażba ċċaqċaq għal xejn Carmel Muscat jikteb minn Bathurst NSW: kollha, l-Isqof Foley kien għarraf lill-Isqof Mario Grech (illum Kardinal) li ma hux biss għax jien Għawdxi, u kienux instabux provi kontra l-qassis. bħal ħafna fl-istati ta’ NSW u Qed nitlob mill-qalb u fl-istess waqt nit - Victoria jiena wkoll mix-Xagħra, tama li din id-darba wkoll, il-qażba tkun iMmma l-aktar għax għadni ngħożż r-re - ċaqċqet għal xejn għax inkella ħsara kbira The Voice of the Maltese liġjon Nisranija. tkompli ssir lir-reliġjon fi żmien meta ż- ffoorrttnniigghhttllyy mmaaggaazziinnee Hu għalhekk li ninsab iddispjaċut bir-rap - porti li ħerġin dwar l-allegazzjonijiet ta’ żgħażagħ donnhom li xi ħaġa ħażina bħal is is a bi-lingual (in English abbużi minn ċerti saċerdoti fid-djoċesi dik ikunu jridu biex ikomplu jitbiegħdu and Maltese) fortnightly mag - Għawdxija u li għamiltu tajjeb li wkoll it - mill-knisja. azine that specifically targets trattajtuhom fl-aħħar ħarġa ta’ The Voice all Maltese living abroad with of the Maltese. News or basketball? emphasis on the Australian Inħoss dieqa nisma’ u naqra dwar dawn l- Mark Meli from Lalor Park NSW wites: and Maltese scenes. allegazzjonijiet, għax anke jekk wara kol - e magazine can be read in flip - lox dawk mixlija ma jinstabux ħatja, imma n the January 26 issue of The Voice of the book or PDF format online. A pdf xi tebgħa żgur li se tibqa’ fuq ir-reliġjużi. IMaltese , you kindly published my com - copy is sent via email on request. Niftakar meta xi 12-il sena ilu ħabib ments on SBSTV Viceland and the Maltese tiegħi fi Brisbane kien bagħatli kopja ta’ programme. I cannot believe it; SBSTV Hard copy subscription is also paġna ta’ gazzetta li kienet ippubblkata have done it again! available at a cost . f’Cairns li rrappurtat allegazzjonijiet dwar At 8 a.m. on Sunday 14th February they Editors: saċerdot Għawdxi, li inċidentalment failed to air the Maltese news and instead Malta: Joseph Cutajar bħalissa wkoll jinsab jiffaċċja akkużi sim - they transmitted basketball from USA. Australia: ili fil-Qorti Għawdxija. Can you believe these people? Basketball Lawrence Dimech: MOM, Tgħidx kemm konna ħadniha bi kbira. (that can be shown later) gets preference to OAM, JP Rt Kien permezz tal-aħbarijiet fil-Voice li the NEWS. They really have adopted an email address: għaddiet li sirt naf li wara dawn is-snin ideal name VICELAND. Their vices are [email protected] blinding them. Ħallelin jiġri fostna Joe Mizzi minn Sunshine Victoria jikteb: Victor Borg’s portrait Letters for publication in The Voice ost il-komunitá Maltija tfaċċaw ħallelin John Vella from Box Hill Victoria writes: magazine, either in Maltese or English bla skuplu, u li mank għandhom żejt should include name, e-mail address hank you for The Voice of the Maltese Ff’wiċċhom. Jisirqu propjetá intellettwali (who else?) for bringing to light through and residence of the writer, and be e- tal-kittieba li tkun imxandra jew ippub - yTour Melbourne correspondent the story of mailed to: [email protected]. likata u jisirquha biex tidher f’naħat oħra the new portrait of the late Victor Borg. mingħajr l-approvazzjoni tagħhom. Victor was one of the most prominent Mal - Now you can also Mank ikun hemm nitfa ta’ ringrazzjament. tese in the State of Victoria and also a former join us on facebook: Dan hu serq sfaċċat li qed idejjaq lil president of the MCC of that state. kulħadd. Programmi tar-radju, artikli fuq Let us always remember Maltese who have perjodiċi jew gazzetti litteralment qed jin - worked so hard for our community. How - https://www.facebook. sterqu. Qisu xejn mhu xejn. ever, this story left us somewhat perturbed, com/groups/thevoice - Le, il-komunitá ma għadhex injuranta kif as we were not told where this portrait is to hawn min jaħsibha. Dan serq, u min jisraq, be hung. ofthemaltese ikun xi jkun, huwa ħalliel tal-prima klassi Let’s have a Republic Day Dr Hugh McDermott MP Joe Busuttil from Kellyville NSW writes: State Member for Prospect enjoy reading Joseph Buttigieg’s letters. I do not agree with him all the time but For issues concerning: tIhen again, why having a newspaper if you cannot express your opinion? It is a histor - Ageing and disability - community ical fact that the white race, Capt Cook, his crew and the convicts were not the first set - services -education - environ - tlers. The aboriginals go back some 60,000 ment - health - housing - planning years. They were the first arrivals. - Police - transport - water Therefore celebrating Australia Day on the anniversary of the arrival of sailor Cook P: (02) 9756 4766 is not appropriate. If not, what is a good oc - E: [email protected] casion to unite the nation? Australia should become a republic with 2/679 The Horsley Dr, Smithfield NSW 2164 our national day to be on that memorable day in our history. Tuesday, February 23, 2021 The Voice of the Maltese 9

(Part 2) Recording the memories In this second instalment, I am providing some questions that focus on family history, birth and infancy, school days and childhood and home life 4. Childhood and Home Barry York Life – Focus on fam ily – What was the economic s I said last time, make sure to pay – Did your birth have any marked effect condition of your family during your in - attention to audio quality and aim on your mother's health? fancy? for a conversational style in the – Do you have any memories of yourself – How would you describe your material Arecorded interview. However, some peo - as a baby? standard of living at that time? ple might even like to just write down an - – Who nursed and cared for you as a child? – Did your parents own their own home? swers to the questions and type them up – Who trained you to do simple tasks? – Did you live in the same house during as a personal record for the benefit of their – Do you have any memories of learning your infancy and childhood or did your children, grandchildren, etc. The ideal, to speak? To read? family move? If so, from where to where, though, is a recorded interview which pre - – Any memories of early play experi - and how many times? serves the unique voice. ences? – Did your parents have special friends 1. Family history – Did you have favourite toys? and acquaintances? – Any memories of pets? – Did people other than your parents and - Do you have memories of your grand - – Do you remember nursery rhymes or brothers and sisters live in the family home? parents? other songs from your childhood? – Were you closer to your mother or your - What were your grandparents' names – What degree of material comfort did you father? and birthplaces? -– Do you have any childhood memories – What were the qualities you most liked – Please tell me about your grandparents' of difficult or disturbing or traumatic ex - about your mother and your father? (i) occupations, (ii) level of periences (accidents, diseases, death, etc)? – How would you describe the role of income/wealth, (iii) political views, (iv) – Before you went to school, did you have your mother in the home? religious beliefs, (v) recreational and so - any special friends? – Were there things you didn't like about cial activities, (vi) appearance and (vii) grow up in? your parents? personalities. 2. School days – Were you close to any adults other than – When and where did your grandparents your parents? pass away? Please tell me the name(s) and location(s) – In your childhood period, were you part Now I'll ask you about your parents of the schools you attended. of any family rituals (social, religious or – Can you tell me about your parents? – Why did you change schools? cultural) in the home? For instance what were their (i) names, (ii) – What was your attitude towards attend - – What was the typical family routine, as places of birth, (iii) education levels, (iv) ing school? you remember it, for week days and week - occupations, (v) standard of living at the – What did you like about it? What didn't ends? time of your birth, (vi) political views, you like? – Describe a typical evening scene in your (vii) religious beliefs, (viii) appearance – How old were you when you com - home when you were a child. and (ix) personalities. menced and completed school? – Who looked after you as a child? – Did your parents have nicknames? – Do you have any memories of early – Did you help around the house? Did your parents or grandparents have any learning experiences (good and bad)? – Did your parents have a radio and/or a particular sayings or favourite proverbs? – Do you have special memories of any gramophone? – Did they ever talk about their achieve - teachers? – Did anyone in the home play a musical ments and disappointments in their lives? – Do you remember any students in par - instrument? – Did they tell you about any special ex - ticular? – Did you have a childhood best friend? periences or interests? – What were the methods of punishment – Would you say that you had a happy – What were their ages at the time of your and encouragement at your school? childhood? birth? – What subjects did you study? – What are your fondest childhood mem - – How did your parents meet? – Did school teach you any values? If so, ories? – Would you say they were they well which ones? matched? – Did you have a favourite subject? (I’m happy to be emailed for further – How would you describe their personal - – What were the sporting and recreational advice: [email protected] ities and interests? activities? – Do you recall any habits or mannerisms – Did you sing songs or learn a musical Joe Debrincat (left) interviewed by Barry of either parent? instrument? York at Fairy Meadow, Wollongong in 1984 – Were your parents happy? – What were your parents' attitudes to 2. Birth and Infancy your education? – How did you travel to school and with – When and where were you born? whom? – What is your full name? – How far was the school from your – Why were you given those names? home? – Are there any family stories about your – What was the daily routine at school? birth? – Was it a co-educational school? – What was your parents' attitude to your – What did you want to be when you grew birth? up? – Where did you rank in the family? – Did you attend or belong to any Church- – Were you a healthy child? related or Parish societies? 10 The Voice of the Maltese Tuesday, February 23, 2021

A version of this series in kitba ta’ English may be found in the author's blog at: IVAN https://ivancauchi. CAUCHI Perspettiva blogspot.com X’hemm komuni bejn il-vodka u l-ġl-elezzjobni tael-Prelsid? ent il-ġdid Amerikan Joe Biden, dawk li huma inkwetati mhux ftit bil-kriżi tat-tibdil tal-klima u l-effetti ċari li qed ikollha fuq l-ambjent ħadu ftit tar-ruħ. DBan għaliex hu ċar li l-President Biden beħsiebu jagħmel il- ġlieda kontra t-tibdil tal-klima waħda ċentrali tal-amministraz - zjoni tiegħu, u jidher determinat li jkaxkar lill-bqija tal-pajjiżi l-oħra miegħu. Dan huwa nifs ġdid fjamant u ħelu, wara l-vandaliżmu sfrenetiku u stinat tal-predeċessur tiegħu kontra kull pass ta’ fejda Sors Blue Planet Ltd li kien ittieħed f’dan il-qasam. Bħalissa, il-kunsens fuq il-mira tat-tniġġiż tal-karbonju hu li d- 2 kunvertit fil-ġebla tal-ġir (limestone) li minnha huma magħmulin dinja kollha ma titfax diossidu tal-karbonju CO2 , il-gass l-iktar prattikament id-djar kważi kollha ta’ Malta. Il-kumpannija Blue responsabbli għat-tibdil tal-klima, fl-atmosfera iktar milli jit - Planet Systems Corporation, mill-ġdid fl-Istati Uniti, tgħid li tista’ tieħed minnu sas-sena 2050. tipproduċi ramel, ġebel u siment minn dan il-gass b’sistema pro - Biex inkunu ċari daqs il-kristall, anke jekk il-pajjiżi kollha tad- prjetarja li żviluppat hija. 2 dinja jirnexxielhom isibu il-kuraġġ li jimplimentaw dan it-tibdil S’issa dan il-materjal tal-kostruzzjoni jista’ jintuża fil-konkrit u neċessarju fl-ekonomija tagħhom, dan ikun ifisser li l-klima mhux direttament bħala knaten bħal ma jintużaw fil-kostruzzjoni tkompli tinbidel, u bħala medja madwar id-dinja t-temperatura f’Malta. Immaġinaw ftit però li huwa possibbli li biex tibni strut - tkompli togħla sal-2050. Jiġifieri li l-klima se tkompli teħżien tura m’hemmx għalfejn barrieri, u l-binja l-ġdida tiegħek ma tfis - minn sena għall-oħra għal mill-anqas tletin sen’oħra! sirx li tkun żidt b’mod żgħir il-problema tat-tibdil tal-klima imma Din il-ġlieda għandha ħafna truf. Hemm l-inizjattivi li huma l-iktar li naqqastha. magħrufa, bħall-enerġija minn riżorsi sostenibbli bħar-riħ u x-xemx, Ftit ftit qed insir daqsxejn ottimist, jew inqas pessimist, li forsi tnaqqis fit-tniġġiż mill-biedja, l-elettrifikazzjoni tat-trasport eċċ. l-bniedem jirnexxilu jsalva xi parti mill-pjaneta mid-diżastri am - Hemm ukoll inizjattivi oħra ta’ inġinerija tal-klima li huma in - bjentali li qed nikkundannawha għalihom. Aħna li qed naqraw teressanti, għax dawn għandhom l-għan li jieħdu id-diossidu tal- dan l-artiklu meta nkiteb, mhu se nħossu xejn ħlief deterjorament karbonju direttament mill-atmosfera u jdawruh ġo xi prodott. tas-sitwazzjoni, mill-inqas sal-2050. Wieħed li qrajt fuqu dan l-aħħar huwa l-produzzjoni tal-vodka 2 Imma, min jaf, forsi mhux it-tfal, imma t-tfal tat-tfal tagħna mis-CO2 . Dan huwa proċess li l-ewwel jipproduċi l-etanol u jkunu jistgħu jkejlu t-tnaqqis fil-frekwenza u/jew l-intensità tan- minn tal-aħħar issir il-vodka. nirien u tal-maltempati, il-biedja terġa’ tibda ssir vijabbli, il-livell Il-proċess ġie żviluppat minn Air Company, fi Brooklyn, New York 1 tal-baħar jieqaf fil-mixja tiegħu ‘l fuq, ir-rata ta’ żieda tal-aċidi - Stati Uniti tal-Amerika. L-etanol jista’ wkoll jintuża bħala fjuwil. fikazzjoni tal-oċejani tieqaf. Din ġdida li tista’ tmur ġo xi bar wara x-xogħol, u sserraħ il- Forsi, min jaf, xi farka mill-Great Barrier Reef tkun għadha kuxjenza li iktar ma tixrob huwa tajjeb għall-ambjent! ħajja, u n-neputijiet tiegħi jkunu jistgħu jinżlu fuqha għexieren Teknoloġija oħra li ilha tissemma hija Carbon Capture and Stor - ta’ snin oħra u jikkomparaw il-vidjo (jew xi teknoloġija għad age , li hija intenzjonata għall- power stations konvenzjonali (taż- 2 mhux maħluqa) li jiġbdu taħt il-baħar ma’ dak li kien inġibed żejt, faħam jew gass) jew fabbriki tas-siment, fejn is-CO2 jiġi meta mar fl-istess post nannuhom, u jaraw liema speċje ta’ ħut, ppumpjat xi żewġ kilometri taħt l-art f’formazzjonijiet li jew fkieren u ħlejjaq oħra ġew tard wisq biex jaraw b’għajnejhom. ikollhom faxx fiżiku li minnu ma jkunx jista’ jgħaddi jew issir trasformazzjoni kimika li jkollha l-istess effett. Dan il-proċess Referenzi s’issa għadu ma ġiex ippruvat kummerċjalment. 1. https://aircompany.com/pages/science, retrieved 17/2/2021 Aktar interessanti għalija huwa varjazzjoni fejn is-CO2 2 jiġi 2. https://www.blueplanet-ltd.com/, retrieved 17/2/2021 A proud sponsor of The Voice of the Maltese

website: www.breakawaytravel.com.au Tel (02) 9622 7799 Breakaway Travel 94 corner of Main & Campbell Streets, Blacktown NSW blacktown@breakaway- travel.com.au ..... Will be back soon.....watch this space Tuesday, February 23, 2021 The Voice of the Maltese 11 l-Karnival ta’ Malta huwa fost l- mill-isbaħ u wkoll iż-żifniet li kapaċi eqdem u wieħed mill-aktar festi KKaarrnniivvaall bb’’ddiiffffeerreennzzaa joħolqu għal mużika popolari. Dawn it- storiċi u tradizzjonali fil-Gżejjer Maltin. Il-bidu tiegħu jmur tliet elementi jagħmlu l-Karnival ta’ Malta wieħed uniku. Ikważi ħames sekli, sa minn żmien il-Kavallieri ta’ San Ġwann. Minħabba r-restrizzjonijeit kaġun tal-pandemija COVID-19, din Minn dejjem kien okkażjoni ta’ brijju fi Frar, ftit jiem qabel jibda is-sena, il-Karnival ħa xeħta differenti, imma d-dilettanti xorta taw r-Randan, il-jiem tas-sagrifiċċu qabel il-jiem tal-Ġimgħa l-Kbira. kontribut siewi permezz tax-xogħol artistiku tagħhom li wrewh fil- F’din l-okka- bini ta’ għadd ta' installazzjonijiet u karrijiet li ma darux mat-toroq, żjoni kull darba imma kienu statiċi, imqiegħda madwar it-toroq tal-Belt Valletta. L- tispikka ħafna l- istess f’Għawdex (ara paġni 18 u 19) . ħila artistika ta’ Minkejja li l-Karnival ġie ċċelebrat b'mod differenti, l-ilwien dilettanti li sena spettakolari u l-artistrija tas-soltu fl-istallazzjonijiet, tgawdew mill- wara l-oħra jib - familji kemm f’xi toroq ewlenin u l-aktar fil-belt Valletta. brillaw bl-ideat u Minbarra dan saret ukoll wirja ta' kostumi tal-Karnival mill-isbaħ, l-kreattivitá tagħ- (uħud jidhru hawnhekk) kemm dawk reċenti u ta’ snin passati fi hom fil-bini tal- Spazju Kreattiv. Xi ħaġa li hemm il-ħsieb li tibqa’ biex anke karrijiet , kostumi tigawda minn min użur Malta ‘l quddiem.

MINISTRY FOR FOREIGN AND EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

High Commission & Consulates of Malta in Australia

High Commission of Malta - Canberra H.E. Mr. Mario Farrugia Borg High Commissioner for Malta to Australia 38 Culgoa Circuit, O’Malley, ACT 2606

(02) 6290 1724 / 1426 / 1573 0433 799 947

www.foreignandeu.gov.mt [email protected]

Consulate General - Sydney Consulate General - Melbourne Mr. Lawrence Buhagiar (Consul General) Vacant St. Martins Tower, Suite 10.04, Level 10, 31 Market St, Sydney NSW 2000 Suite 613, 6th Floor, 343 Little Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000

(02) 9262 9500 0430 402 177 (03) 9670 8427 0413 621 177 (02) 9264 4722 [email protected] (03) 9670 9451 [email protected] [email protected] 12 T he Voice of the Maltese Tuesday, February 23, 2021 Roundup of News About Malta Central Bank forecasts a 5% increase in GDP ollowing the decrease of 8.2% because of the pandemic situation. in GDP last year, the Central Bank of However, the Bank revised its forecast for Malta is anticipating that in the com - the next two years and is predicting that Fing year, the country’s Gross Domestic GDP will attain the same level as last De - Product (GDP) will grow by 5%, by 5.5% cember's GDP. in the following year and then by 4.7% in the year to follow, in 2023. In forecasting economic development Salesians to promote over the next three years, the Bank said its spiritual tourism niche forecasts last December are being revised when a decline in GDP was being forecast he Ministry of Tourism and Consumer Protection and the Salesians of the Na- tTional Federation of Past Pupils and Friends Maltese entrepreneaurs are optimistic of Don Bosco have signed an agreement alf of the Maltese entrepreneurs be - carried out every three months among en - through which cooperation between them lieve that their business will start re - trepreneurs, shows the Maltese are more would be strengthened with the aim of at- Hcovering in the next six months. However cautious about their financial prospects tracting a new tourist niche, that of reli - they would need a year to start seeing an compared to their foreign counterparts. gious tourism. increase in their revenue once again, a sur - Vistage Malta said that the survey shows Through this agreement, the Government vey carried out by Vistage has found. that more than 50% of the participants are will hand to the Salesians a sum of €200,000 This survey the first of a new index to be predicting a good recovery in the next six for them to perform infrastructural works in months; and 34% believe that within 12 a building used to unite young Catholics months they will have a positive recovery. who choose Malta as their primary destina- Gozo property registers Meanwhile, the President of the Chamber tion for their spiritual journey. of Commerce, David Xuereb said that The Salesians will be given another highest price increase through this exercise, the situation in Malta €60,000 over five years with the aim of ad- vertising Malta to the 230 countries where tatistic published by D can be compared with what is happening jar (homes), in the Salesians of Don Bosco are represented. collaboration with EY, shows that prop- in other countries. eSrties in Gozo have registered the highest price increase during the Fourth Quarter of 2020 compared to the same Quarter in the Malta endorses Declaration Against previous year The statistic shows that Għasri in Gozo the Use of Arbitration Detention experienced the greatest rise – 8.1% – alta is a t mong the en- izen must be afforded the hroughout all localities in the Maltese is- dorsers o la f the Cana - dignity and rights all human nds. dMian-Drafted “D Ot eclaration beings deserve the right to her Gozo localities to experience price Against the Use rises of Arbi - equality, freedom from dis- included Marsalforn (4.6%), Nadur, trary Detention in S Qala, X tate-to- crimination, the right to life, ewkija, Munxar and San Lawrenz. State Relations”. The The hig Mi- liberty, personal security, hest registered increase in Malta, nister for Foreign and E was in M uro- freedom from slavery and anikata by 7.2%, followed by pean Affairs, Evarist B Kalkara (6 ar- freedom from torture and .7%) and Santa Luċija (2.3%). tolo (right) made the end On increa or- degrading treatment, and re- ses in Malta were registered in rsement on behalf of Mal Madliena (2 ta called that these rights were .9%), Mtarfa (2.5%) and Val - when he participated in th letta (2.2%). e formulated by persons com- The survey finds that Cotton- virtual official launch of the era localities experienced price decreases ing from different political Declaration systems, cultures and reli- The Declaration brings to- gions to apply to everyone gether 58 countries as a co- Bartolo stressed that arbitrar- in the world. Call for reforms in EU alition of international par- ily detaining people, one’s “Promoting them should survey commissioned by the Euro - tners that denounce the use own citizens and nationals of not be seen as interfering in pean Commission found that 44% of of arbitrary detention of for- other countries; depriving the internal affairs of our EMuropean citizens believe that a change is eign nationals to exercise them of any of their rights countries,” Minister Bar- needed on the way the European Union and leverage in state-to-state re- and subjecting them to ill tolo said. its institutions are run and have called for lations; that is contrary to in- treatment or punishment; He added, “Let us not great reforms so that it will remain relevant ternational law. can never be justified. weaponise human rights by for today’s circumstances. The Canadian Minister of “From time to time differ- invoking them selectively Foreign Affairs hosted the ences are bound to arise in and only when and where it event. Other participants in- our relations with each other is politically convenient for Drop in road accidents cluded Amal Clooney, rep- as states, but we need to pa- us”. igures released by the National Statis- resentative of the Internatio- tiently persevere to resolve These rights were en - tics Office, indicate a drop in the num- nal Bar Association’s Hum- them peacefully through di- shrined in the Universal bFer of traffic accidents last year. In an Rights Institute alogue within the frame- Declaration of Human 2020, 11,950 traffic accidents were re - (IBAHRI) and Barrister at work of the rule of law. Let rights after the catastrophe ported, which is nearly 3,900 less than for Doughty Street Chambers, us not use our citizens as of the Second World War, the previous year. London (UK) and Kenneth bargaining chips or political and are as relevant as ever. Injuries for last year slightly exceeded one Roth, Executive Director, tools in our negotiations,” He conclided by saying thousand in number, and twelve persons Human Rights Watch. Minister Bartolo said. that "They are not only our lost their lives because of traffic accidents. In his address, Minister He reiterated that every cit- past but also our future”. Tuesday, February 23, 2021 The Voice of the Maltese 13 Roundup of News About Malta Mediterranean youths have much to offer for the Mediterranean region he President of Malta, Dr Foremost among the recom - George Vella believes that Malta President mendations were two specifi - Mediterranean youths Dr George Vella cally linked to education, that is, hTave much to offer for the that children should be taught Mediterranean region to become about migration from a young a mosaic of opportunities. age, and that parties should in - The President was speaking at clude in their curricula whole the end of a week-long regional programmes that encourage crit - seminar organised by the ical thought. Mediterranean Academy for The President said that a model Diplomatic Studies (MEDAC) Mediterranean parliamentary as - and the Anna Licdh Foundation sembly made up of youths from and financed by the EU about across the region helps inform leadership skills considering international organisations’ deci - Young Mediterranean Voices, sion-making. Twenty-seven youth youth lead - President Vella said that such a ers from 18 countries, participated model parliament could meet pe - in the virtual meeting that in - riodically and present its propos - cluded also included youths from als to members of the 5 + 5 Algeria, Austria, Libya, Syria, Western Mediterranean Dia - Finland and Malta. logue, the Union for the Mediter - President George Vella pre - ranean, and the European sented several proposals, including the setting up of a Parliamen - Commission for necessary action. tary Assembly of the Mediterranean, consisting of youths to Earlier, he stressed upon the importance of South-South coop - debate themes that can translate into a policy of cooperation be - eration in all sectors that helps to develop a strong, dynamic tween the countries. Mediterranean identity. The seminar, that put the youths in touch with international lead - He noted that we often restrict ourselves to thinking of student ers, including European members of Parliament, journalists and mobility from South to North, when the educational and cultural teachers, offered them the opportunity to suggest opportunities benefits of South-South exchanges between Mediterranean, that can be adopted by countries. North African, Middle Eastern and Gulf youth could be limitless. Equity in the provision of education inister for Education Justyne Caruana ing challenges,” Minister Caruana said. emphasised the importance of further She pointed out that in this regard, Malta Mmainstreaming the notion of equity in the prioritises equity in both compulsory provision of education, both in compulsory schooling and further education and addi - schooling and in higher education when she tionally, Autism Friendly Guidelines have actively participated in the informal video - been launched to improve the school envi - conference of the Ministers for Education ronment for all. of the European Union. The conference also discussed the strate - The conference discussed the concept of gic framework for European cooperation in equity in education and training, an impor - education and training toward the European tant topic that merits greater attention, par - Education Area and beyond (2021–2030). ticularly considering the difficulties Minister Caruana said that Malta has ex - brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. ceeded the Europe 2020 national target by Minister Justyne Caruana said that “Malta 5.1 percentage points. Malta's tertiary edu - prides itself on distinguishing, both in pol - cation attainment has also registered a Minister Justyne Caruana icy and in practice, between equal educa - gradual year-on-year increase since 2015 tion and providing equitable access to and now stands at 38.1%. the promotion and provision of an educa - education for all children and students The Minister reiterated Malta's commit - tional system that can truly cater for the throughout their educational paths". ment to be an example of good practice, for needs of all its students. She added that fostering the notion of eq - uitable access to education would provide one with a better understanding of the Malta’s underwater heritage exhibited needs of the students, and that by using eq - alta’s Blue Wonders is the title of an exhibition set up by the Environment and Re - uity as a yardstick, gaps in education and sources Authority (ERA) at the Malta National Aquarium, featuring Malta’s under - training can be more easily identified and wMater heritage through photography. therefore provided for. It exhibition, featuring several new habitats and species around the Maltese islands dis - “An equitable and inclusive education covered through the LIFE BaĦar Project, is intended to raise awareness of local marine promises to prepare a cohort of students habitats and the importance of their collective protection. ready to fully engage and succeed in emerg - ERA has designated over 35% of Malta’s waters as Marine Protected Areas that have ing market economies, and resilient to aris - also been added to the European network of Natura 2000 sites. 14 The Voice of the Maltese Tuesday, February 23, 2021

Il-Kera – biċċa wġiegħ ta’ ras ħalkemm Malta hi wieħed mill- pajjiżi fejn l-aktar għandna familji li għandhom id-dar jew fejn jo - qGogħodu tagħhom, xorta għad hawn eluf li jikru fejn jgħixu. Maż-żmien, il-kera beda jogħla u fl-aħħar snin, fost kollox bil- miġja ta’ għadd ta’ barranin li bdew jikru fejn joqogħdu f’Malta, dawn il-kirjiet tel - għu mas-smewwiet. Hekk min seta’ beda jibni appartamenti u jikrihom. Imma bis-saħħa ta’ Liġi li saret fl-1979 l-għoli tal-kera ma effetwax lill-maġġo - ranza tal-Maltin li ilhom jgħixu fid-dar jew appartament mikri lilhom għal għadd ta’ snin. Skont din il-liġi l-kirjiet ta’ qabel l-1 ta’ Ġunju 1995 huma protetti u b’hekk l-inkwilini jistgħu jgħixu fl-istess propr - jetà sakemm jonoraw l-obbligi kollha tagħhom, inkluż il-ħlas tal-kera fil-ħin. Peress li dawn il-kirjiet huma protetti s- sidien ma jistgħux jgħollu l-prezz tal-kera kif iridu anke jekk dan ma jirriflettix il- prezz tas-suq. Apparti minn hekk, dawn il- kirjiet jistgħu jintirtu minn iben/bint/ulied tibqa’ bir-rata diġà stabbilita, imbagħad jiet tal-llum u jibżgħu li jistgħu jispiċċaw l-inkwilini, imma għal darba waħda biss. tibda tiżdied kull tliet snin b’mod pro - bla saqaf fuq rashom. Biex dan iseħħ, l-ulied iridu jkunu jgħixu porzjonali skont l-indiċi tal-inflazzjoni. Dan qed wġigħ ta’ ras għall-Gvern għax fil-proprjetà mikrija meta tiġi nieqsa l-per - Imma din ma solvietx il-problema, l- fuq naħa jaf li s-sidien għandhom raġun ji - suna (l-omm jew il-missier). aktar meta l-kirjiet dan l-aħħar għolew tolbu kera xieraq (għalkemm mhux Sintendi, għal snin twal il-propjetarji ta’ mas-smewwiet u post li bħalissa qed esaġerat), u min-naħa l-oħra jaf li hemm dawn id-djar u appartamenti, kienu u għad - jinkera b’madwar €120 fis-sena, jista’ aktarx eluf ta’ kerrejja li ma jifilħux iħallsu hom sal-lum jipprotestaw u jeħduha kontra faċilment jinkera għal xi €900 fix-xahar. l-kirjiet tal-llum. din il-liġi għax isostnu li mhux talli ma jist - Quddiem din is-sitwazzjoni, xi propje - Waħda mill-proposti tas-sidien hi li l- għux jieħdu lura l-propjetà’ tagħhom, imma tarji marru quddiem il-Qorti Ewropeja li Gvern jibda jissusidja l-kera ta’ dawk li lanqas qed jieħdu kera xieraq. konkludiet li l-liġi tal-1979 kienet qed permezz ta’ mezzi tal-inkwilin (jaraw id- Fl-2009, Gvern Nazzjonalista kien tikser id-dritt tas-sidien li jgawdu il-propr - dħul li għandu u kemm jiflaħ iħallas). emenda din il-liġi, biex il-liġijiet tal-kera jetà tagħhom u tathom kumpens ta’ eluf ta’ Attwalment il-Gvern diġà qed jgħin lil xi ma baqgħux jgħoddu għall-kirjiet ġodda Ewro, li sintendi spiċċa biex iħallashom il- nies li vera huma fil-bżonn biex iħallsu l- ta’ wara l-1 ta’ Ġunju 1995, kif ukoll li Gvern. kera, imma mhux fuq skala hekk kbira. dawk il-kirjiet ta’ qabel din id-data, ir-rata F’xi każi, kawżi bħal dawn wasslu saħan - Sintendi kien hemm min oġġezzjona għal tal-kera dovuta minn wara l-1 ta’ Jannar sitra għal żgumbrament tal-inkwilin, u sistema bħal din. tal-2010 kellha titla’ għal €185 fis-sena. wassal biex ħafna Maltin li għandhom Il-Gvern wiegħed li qed jaħdem biex F’każ fejn ir-rata ta’ kera kienet diġà kirjiet baxxi jinsabu nkwetati għax hemm isolvi l-problema li Gvern wara l-ieħor ftit aktar minn €185 fis-sena, ir-rata kellha uħud li mhumiex f’qagħda li jħallsu l-kir - li xejn għamlu dwarha.

ara l-istorja tal-abbużi għal din il-possibbiltà. Għa - M-aħiħxar -xeXjriete mnill-qaasa m taplar-tiC minonuv x’iakdtarx- 1do9vut X’mkinnu xil lme mwbri atal- ħhdekk ame taw t-tifkel koellul sleb! a’ tal-COVID-19 juru li nin- għall-fatt li għadd kbir ta’ anz - kWleru, li semmejna fl-aħħar snin u beda beda jiżviluppa, sLabu l-bogħod milli naraw jani diġá rċevew il-vaċċin kon - ħarġa, fl-aħħar jiem ħarġet beda jieħdu għand prostituta u tnaqqis sostanzjali fit-tixrid tal- tra l-pandemija. Mhux biss, storja oħra, li wkoll għandha jġiegħla jkollha x’taqsam mat- infezzjonijiet. Dak li qed naraw imma Malta kompliet iż- x’taqsam ma’ abbuż sesswali, tifel. Fl-istess ħin kien jhedded huwa tlugħ u nżul tal-figuri li żomm fuq quddiem fejn jidħol imma din id-darba minn mis- lit-tifel li jekk jitkellem dwar tal-inqas jagħtu xi ftit tan-nifs it-tilqim. sier li llum għandu 65 sena, u li hekk kien jitfgħu fl-istitut. għax mhux qed ikollna dawk Skont l-aħħar statistika r-rata għandu żewġt iqraba subien Jidher li wara xi żmien iż- iż-żidiet qawwija fl-infezzjoni - tat-tilqim f’Malta hi kważi d- gay. Meta tnax-il sena ilu kellu żewġ prostituti li kellhom x’ - jiet bħal f’ċerti pajjiżi. doppju ta’ dik tal-pajjiż li jin- tifel dan beda jinkwieta li se jaqsmu mat-tifel marru għand Imma sfortunatament ħarġet sab warajna billi għal kull mitt jispiċċa bħal qrabatu u jitla’ il-pulizija u rrapurtaw dak li l-aħbar li l-pandemija wasslet persuna, pajjiżna diġà laqqam gay. kien seħħ. Wara stħarriġ, il- għall-mewt ta’ aktar minn 300 12-il persuna, jew 12% meta r- Il-missier jidher li tant inkwe - pulizija ressqet lir-raġel il- persuna. rata ta’ dawk ta’ warajna, id- tah dan il-ħsieb, li ddeċieda li Qorti li sabitu ħati u waħħlitu Il-pożittiv hu li l-infezzjoni - kienet ta’ ftit inqas minn 7%, minn kmieni jipprova jilqa’ tmien snin ħabs. jiet fost l-anzjani qed jonqsu, kważi n-nofs ir-rata ta’ Malta. Tuesday, February 23, 2021 The Voice of the Maltese 15

L-Universitá ewlemija ta’ Malta f’Tal-Qroqq Uħud “gawdew” fil-pandemija ilwaqt li għal ħafna, fosthom imprendituri, l- pandemija tal-COVID-19 fissret nuqqas ta’ xogħol, u ta’ dħul u ħafna azjendi marru lura, kFien hemm ukoll min mar tajjeb ... anzi pjuttost li gawda xi ftit ukoll. Fost dawn kien hemm l-iżvilup - paturi tal-bini li baqgħu jaraw żieda fin-negozju tal- propjetà. Infatti l-Assoċjazzjoni Maltija tal-Iżviluppaturi (MDA) fissret ix-xahar ta’ Jannar, bħala li ra rekord ta’ bejgħ tal-proprjetà. Tant hu hekk li ħabbret li matul l-ewwel xahar tal-2021, kienu rreġistrati 1,157 konvenju b’valur ta’ €274 miljun, żieda ta’ 174 u €59 miljun fuq Jannar 2019. Dan ikompli fuq is-suċċess ta’ matul is-sena li għaddiet, bl-MDA tgħid li minkejja li fl-2020 faqqgħet il-pandemija, matulha l-industrija ġġen - erat €3 biljun f’bejgħ ta’ proprjetà. Intqal ukoll li dan hu l-istess ammont iġġenerat fl-2019 meta ma L-Universitá ta’ Malta kienx hawn pandemija L-2020 jidher li kienet ukoll l-aqwa għal dawk li jipproduċu u jbiegħu l-għamara billi aktar nies in - minn fost ta’ quddiem vestew f’darhom, sintendi minħabba wkoll ix-xiri kont studju li sar mis-sit prominenti Politico Europe , l-Università ta’ tal-propjetà’ li wasslet li wieħed jixtri aktar għamara. Malta hi fost l-aqwa 10 li fihom studjaw uffiċjali tal-Unjoni Ewropeja Hemm min jistaqsi, kif meta għaddejjin min kriżi qabel ma’ ingħaqdu f’istituzzjonijiet u entitajiet tal-blokk Ewropew. bħal din qed isir dan il-bejgħ? SMill-kampjun meħud għall-istudju jirriżulta li l-għadd ta’ uffiċjali Ewropej It-tweġiba t-tajba jidher li hi ta’ Aldo Grixti li attendew din l-Università kien ta’ 1.8%, li jpoġġi lill-Università fis-disa’ wieħed mid-Diretturi ta’ Grixtimobili li qal li waqt post fost l-aqwa 25 universitajiet. żjara fil-fabbrika tal-għamara mill-Ministru għall- Dan hu riżultat eċċellenti meta wieħed iqis li Malta hija l-iżgħar pajjiż tal- Ekonomija u l-Industrija, Silvio Schembri qal: Unjoni Ewropea f’termini ta’ popolazzjoni u ngħaqdet fl-Unjoni Ewropea “Ħadmet favurina għall-fatt li n-nies ma sifrux, fl-2004. Għalhekk trid tikkompeti ma’ pajjiżi li għandhom ħafna aktar stu - qattgħu ħafna ħin aktar id-dar, u minflok investew denti minn Malta u allura aktar gradwati li jfittxu xogħol bħala mal-Unjoni f’safra, investew fid-dar tagħhom. Xi ħaġa li tgħin Ewropeja. ukoll peress li l-Malti huwa s-sid tad-dar tiegħu Mill-kampjun meħud għall-istudju jirriżulta li l-għadd ta’ uffiċjali Ewropej għax il-persentaġġ kbir tal-poplu Malti għandu l- li attendew din l-Università kien ta’ 1.8%, li jpoġġi lill-Università fis-disa’ owndership tad-dar, mhux se jiddejjaq jinvesti għax post fost l-aqwa 25 universitajiet. meta bniedem jikri mhux ħa jibdillek kċina imma jekk int għandek id-dar tiegħek, tagħmel kuraġġ li tibdilha kċina.” Il- Wage Suppliment taffa t-tbatija Insomma kif jgħidu l-Ingliżi “Every cloud has its tit tal-jiem ilu l-Prim Ministru Robert Abela ħabbar li l-Gvern għandu pjan silver lining”. Ħasra hi li s-“silver lining” ma biex il- wage supplement bħala miżura biex ittaffi t-tbatija tal-ħaddiema u ta’ tolqotx lil kulħadd. Fmin iħaddem li kienet mistennija li tiġi fi tmiemha f’Marzu , tista’ wara kollox tiġi es - tiża anke sa wara Marzu. Huwa saħaq dwar l-importanza ta’ din l- għajnuna lill-kumpanniji privati l-aktar issa li resqin f’mument fejn l-ekonomija jin- ħtieġ li tibda tirkupra mill-impatt tal-pan - demija. S’issa l- wage supplemen t sewa lill-Gvern ‘l fuq minn €92 miljun. L-għajnuna mill-Gvern fil-forma tal- wage supplement ilha fis-seħħ sa mill-bidu tal- pandemija, bil-ħsieb inizjali jkun li l- “Let Our Family iskema tintemm f’Marzu, ix-xahar li suppost għandu wkoll jimmarka t-tmiem Richard Spiteri Castle Hill Help You Through” ta’ għadd ta’ miżuri fosthom l-għeluq tal- 0407 202 167 Seven Hills – barijiet u l-każini. (02) 9659 0900 Windsor and Ħalli l-familja B’danakollu għad ma tteħditx deċiżjoni all suburbs dwar hekk. Il- Gvern qed ikun kawt ħafna tagħna tgħin lill- qabel jasal li ineħħi xi miżuri għax ma jix - familja tiegħek tieqx li jseħħ dak li ġara meta fil-passat kienu ttaffew xi restrizzjonijiet. 16 The Voice of the Maltese Tuesday, February 23, 2021

Victoria to ban Gay Culturally and conversion therapy linguistically ay conversion therapy has been banned in the State of Victoria despite concerns about the legislation from psychiatrists, re - ligious organisations and lawyers. appropriate GThe law, which could mean up to a decade in jail or fines of almost he Australian Federal Government wants to en- $10,000 for anyone found trying to suppress or change another per - sure that people from multicultural communities son’s sexuality or gender identity, passed the Legislative Council 27 are vaccinated against COVID-19, with the first votes to nine.. doses of the Pfizer jab that has arrived in Australia. Liberal MPs Bev McArthur and Bernie Finn crossed the floor and T Health Minister Greg Hunt released the government's defied Opposition Leader Michael O’Brien to vote against the Gov - plan to ensure that targeted vaccine information reaches ernment legislation. culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) commu - The vote came after the Law Institute of Victoria expressed concern nities in appropriate languages and formats. about the bill, joining a long list of organisations that have urged the “The government recognises that people from multi- government to amend the legislation. Those organisations included cultural communities are a significant part of the health, the Australian Medical Association, Royal Australian and New aged care, child care and disability workforce and will Zealand College of Psychiatrists, Islamic Council of Victoria, Mel - be among the first people in Australia to receive vacci- bourne Catholic Archdiocese and Victorian Women’s Guild. nations,” he said. In a letter to the Government, Law Institute president Tania Wolff The government has allocated $1.3 million, as part of said their members were concerned that the bill “may impose limita - its now $31 million COVID-19 vaccine rollout cam - tions on conversations between children and their parents or other paign, that will include translating materials into over family or caregivers on the issue of gender identity or sexual orienta - 60 languages, Mr Hunt said. Hopefully, this will in - tion”. clude the Maltese, often forgotten by the Government. Objection to the vaccine ome faith leaders are telling parish - ioners they can request which COVID- S19 vaccine they receive, but the Commonwealth Government is saying most people won’t have a choice. Catholic and Anglican archbishops told The Sun-Herald and The Sunday Age while it was ethical for people with con - cerns to take the AstraZeneca vaccine if necessary, they should be entitled to re - quest a different jab. A spokesman for Sydney Archbishop An - ers confirm “under all circumstances” it thony Fisher OP said the Archbishop was would be “medically appropriate”. a strong advocate of vaccinations but “like State Government data shows there are three any medicine, they must be safe and ethi - Rally against or fewer adoptions a year of locally born chil - cally obtained.” dren but more than 4000 terminations. Religious concerns about the AstraZeneca Several politicians, from both Liberal and vaccine arise from its use of decades-old abortion law Labor paries, who are fighting the bill ad - aborted foetal cells in the development dressed the crowd. The bill has passed the process, which is a common scientific Legislative Council and is due for debate in practise that some Christians find objec - refboout 4r000m prote stierns bra vSed tAhe rain the House of Assembly. tionable. to join the Walk for Life March that gathered at Adelaide Oval before mandatory but “encouraged” where social mAoving to Adelaide Parliament House, Mass on Sundays distancing is not possible. Congregational South Australia ydney Catholic Archdiocese has re - singing is still not permitted for indoor The protesters waved signs and gave emo - laxed rules across the Greater Sydney Masses and choirs are limited to five peo - tional speeches protesting against the Termi - rSegion including Wollongong, Central ple. Now that the two metres square rule nation of Pregnancy Bill, currently before Coast and Blue Mountains; an unlimited has been reinstated, Archbishop Anthony the South Australian Parliament. number of people can attend Mass, pro - Fisher has lifted the dispensation from our The bill seeks to decriminalise abortion and vided that a one person per two metres Sunday Mass obligation,” allows for termination beyond 22 weeks and square rule is observed. “The Catholic faithful are once again six days’ gestation if two medical practition - Mask wearing in church is no longer obliged to attend Mass on Sunday. Tuesday, February 23, 2021 The Voice of the Maltese 17

It’s time to care about aged care ore than 20 gov - About Aged Care” cam - ernment aged care paign. reviews in 20 A Flinders University sur - yMears have failed to ade - vey, investigated the aged quately address the growing care experience of 1000 eld - problem of an inadequate erly men and women found care system for older Aus - that people in residential tralians. Understaffing, un - care, 24 per cent said all derfunding, a lack of choice their needs were always met, and long waiting lists are while the figure for home just some of the ongoing care was 20 per cent, num - problems to plague the sec - bers the report said were tor. “alarming”. “We can no longer afford to An interim report described leave the aged care system the aged care system as a the way it is. For too long as tale of neglect which is fail - a nation, we have failed to ing to meet the needs of prioritise the needs of our older and often very often older Australians. That has to vulnerable people. The com - change," Catholic Health missioners said aged care Australia chief executive Pat services were underfunded Garcia said. and did not deliver uni - “It has taken a royal commission to bring the inadequacies of formly safe and quality care. the aged care into sharp focus, laying bare the problems that have An alliance of more than 1000 organisations that deliver the bulk been left unaddressed for two decades. of government-subsidised care, including Catholic Health Aus - More than 1000 organisations are behind the “It’s Time to Care tralia, urged the Morrison Government to increase sector funding. A new executive for the MCC of NSW uring its Annual General Meeting at the La Valette Social Centre at Blacktown in the presnce of all its affiliated members, the Maltese Com - Dmunity Council of NSW elected a new executive for 2021. The MCC meeting was held at La Valette SC and not at the MCC HQ because it is a covid free venue. Miriam Friggieri who had occupied the role of secre - tary for the last couple of years was elected as the new president replacing Emanuel Camilleri who did not seek re-election. The role of secretary is now occupied by Frances Mon - tesin, while George Bartolo remains as the treasurer. An - toine Mangion is the v/president, and Patrick Barolo is the assistant treasurer. All were elected uncontested. The position of ass/secretary is to be filled later. Sandra Grech was appointed PRO. Jim Borg acted as returning officer. The assembly unanimously gave Emanuel Camilleri a vote of thanks for his services to the MCC, to Maria DeCarlo for her services Michelle Rowland MP to the Language School, and also expressed its gratitude to The Voice of the Maltese for Shadow Minister for Communications its co-operation and assistance. Federal Member for Greenway The MCC nominated the President of Malta as patron together with Chris Bowen MP (Federal) and Dr G. Lee (State) The MCC of NSW operates from its HQ at Parramatta West, which is currently closed due to the pandemic. However, the new Pres - ident said it would soon be operational once Level 1. Suite 101C, 130 Main Street, Blacktown again. PO Box 8525, Blacktown NSW 2148 Pictured above is the new MCC Executive. Standing (from left) : Patrick Bartolo and (02) 9671 4780 [email protected] Sandra Grech. Sitting: George Bartolo, MRowlandMP www.michellerowland.com.au Miriam Friggieri, Antoine Mangion and Frances Montesin 18 The Voice of the Maltese Tuesday, February 23, 2021 Il-Karnival t’Għawdex 2021: mill-mitluf tieħu li tista’ inħabba l-pandemija, din is-sena, bħal f’Malta, l-karnival sual and Performing Arts School, li ħadet ħsieb li tibni l-karru f’Għawdex kien differenti għall-aħħar mis- snin mgħod - trijonfali r-Re tal-Karnival, b’ħidma sfiqa tal-għalliema tal-arti dija. Minbarra hekk, anke dak spontanju fir-raħal tan- Denis Mompalao, Rudoph Cauchi, Brian Borg u dak tad-drama MNadur u li ssoltu jkaxkar warajh eluf ta’ nies baqa’ ma sarx. Jamie Camilleri, li ħadmu taħt it-tmexxija tal-Kap tal-iskola Vin- B’danakollu, fir-Rabat, matul Triq ir-Repubblika kif ukoll fi ce Caruana. Pjazza Indipendenza (It-Tokk) wieħed seta’ jinnota għadd ta’ kar - Kien hemm ukoll il-gruppi ta’ George Vella, Silvan Grima u rijiet u maskri grotteski b’tema Karnivaleska, biex wieħed seta’ George Zammit, li ħadmu numru ta’ karrijiet, is-Sezzjoni jgawdi ftit minn dak li normalment joffri l-Karnival Għawdxi. Żgħażagħ Pawlini Munxarin u l-Għaqda Armar Xewkija, b’tal- Tfaċċaw ukoll diversi tfal akkumpanjati mill-ġenituri tagħhom aħħar taħt id-direzzjoni ta’ Shaun Parnis u Giovann Buttigieg, lebsin xi xorta ta’ kostum biex din il-“festa” ma tintnesiex għal rispettivament li kellhom għall-wiri maskri grotteski kif ukoll kollox. Donnu kienet okkażjoni li mill-mitluf tieħu li tista’. trakk tat-tfal li ħadu ħsiebu Clyde Cauchi u Joe Mifsud minn San Fost id-diversi ġemgħat li ħadu sehem kien hemm il-Gozo Vi - Lawrenz.

Dawn ir-ritratti fuq żewġ paġni tal-Karnival ta’ Għaw- dex huma esklussivament xogħol il-fotografu u kor - rispondent ta’ The Voice f’Għawdex Charles Spiteri li Mill-G ira żar ir-Rabat u ġibed għadd ż ta’ ritratti biex jibqa’ mfak- G awdxija kar il-Karnival ta’ waqt il- Charles Spiteri pandemija COVID-19. ħ Tuesday, February 23, 2021 The Voice of the Maltese 19 Ghal ftit tal-jiem insejna d-dieqa tal-pandemija Kif jista’ jonqos li fiż-żmien straordi - narju li għaddejja minnu d-dinja bħalissa, bil-pandemija tal-COVID- 19 jew koronavirus ma jkollokx lil min ipoġġi fuq quddiem din it-temi waqt il-Karnival fil-Gżejjer Maltin? F’Għawdex kellna lil min uża s-sens umoristiku biex inessi ftit mis-ser - jeta’ tas-sitwazzjoni u anke jdaħħak biha, imma fl-istess waqt jitfa’ fuq quddiem u jfakkarna fl-sforzi tal- frontliners , it-tobba u l-infermiera fl-isptarijiet, u fl-istess waqt iġibna wkoll insé tal-gravitá ta’ din il-pan - demija li qed tħalli warajha l-imwiet u d-dieqa f’għadd ta’ familji. Għal ftit tal-jiem stajna ninsew l- għawġ li bħalissa hawn magħha.

Karrijiet Karnivaleski ipparkjati fi Triq ir-Repubbika, l-ewlenija fir-Rabat f’Għawdex fejn in-nies setgħu mhux biss igawdu xi ftit mill- atmosfera ferm imnaqqsa ta’ din is-sena ta’ din l-okkażjoni ikulurita, imma wkoll jammiraw ħilet dawk li bnew il-karrijiet 20 The Voice of the Maltese Tuesday, February 23, 2021

Jesmark Scicluna in Luzzu and (right) filmdirector Alex Camilleri

rare locally-produced film that is portive of his trade. However, Jesmark Scicluna makes the film also about Malta itself, and features “Fishing is a nice way to spend the sum - compelling nonetheless, and it’s clearly that actual Maltese, “Luzzu” marks the mer,” his spiteful mother-in-law tells him. he could be guiding Camilleri and his cam - Adebut of director Alex Camilleri with a Meanwhile, most of his fellow fisherman era, and not the other way around. Léo vérité fishing drama populated by non-pro - have sold out to an EU-backed programme Lefèvre’s granular cinematography, mean - fessional actors. transitioning them into other industries — while, provides a dreamy complement, cast - A neorealist telling in the tradition of the a course that, as the film progresses, looks ing the coast in rich blues and the city with Dardenne brothers, who also work with lo - inevitable for Jesmark. an almost dusty, world-worn quality. cals on their films, “Luzzu” is beautifully Everyone’s chagrin over Jesmark tightens Finally, while Jesmark might be at odds shot, if at times emotionally restrained, in its like a noose. Unable to sell the fish he’s with the world and how it wants to force centering around a man who’s occasionally laboured over catching at the local market him to grow up, it’s his relationship with difficult to read. However, it boasts a true – a chaotic scene of scrabbling buyers and his boat that towers over all, and the ten - discovery in the casting of Jesmark Scicluna, sellers – Jesmark finds himself roped into derness with which he cares for it is deeply a real fisherman who plays a version of him - a black-market operation the equivalent of touching. self, and here playing a struggling parent try - Maltese gangsters peddling fish in the When he finally has to confront his future, ing to eke out a living along the docks. shadows, along with other surreptitious which could mean saying goodbye to Ta A luzzu is a traditional Maltese fishing acts of smuggling and sabotage. Palma, it’s a crushing final note. boat, and a veritable 20th-century relic At one point, Jesmark tries to sell off gas Ryan Lattanzio compared to the more advanced trawlers of he’s ciphoned at a lower price to enraged, today. Jesmark’s luzzu , an old wooden tonier locals who, probably due to the dark - thing with more charm than functionality ness of his skin, all but laugh in his face. he calls Ta Palma, has a leak. As he descends deeper into a life of crim - Director Alex Camilleri That puts him at a great disadvantage in a inality, Jesmark meets plenty of colourful “Luzzu” is Maltese American filmmaker competitive fishing market plagued by di - locals who Camilleri, a documentary film - Alex Camilleri’s most recent feature- minishing harvests. Barely scraping by, maker making his narrative feature debut length directorial debut that offers a rare Jesmark also has a baby and a girlfriend, here, plucked from the Maltese scene. glimpse into Malta’s fishing industry. Denise (Michela Farrugia), to care for. They provide for charming banter, espe - Before winning him acclaim at the Sun - When he comes home empty-handed after cially during one late-night fishing expedi - dance Film Festival, it also won national an especially unlucky day at sea, Denise’s tion on a trawl hurtling through the funding in Malta and was chosen for the disappointment is less nonplussed than a moon-dappled Mediterranean Sea, that prestigious Les Arcs Works-In-Progress shrug, and she decides to move out of their give us a window into who Jesmark is, a screening. bare-bones apartment and into her mother’s hard worker who just wants to care for his Camilleri’s short film and documentary place. Making matters worse is the baby’s family, but with an allegiance to tradition, work has screened globally, winning stunted growth, and the ensuing pile-up of passed down from his father and his fa - such awards as “Best Student Documen - medical bills. ther’s father and so on, that makes it diffi - tary” at the Emerging Filmmaker Show - Jesmark, whose skillset is limited to the cult to move forward. case at the 63rd Cannes Film Festival. As family tradition of fishing he’s been carry - Scicluna plays Jesmark as a sun-stained an editor, his work has screened at ing out all his life, is running out of options, monument of stoicism, and having spent Venice, Telluride, and Toronto. and people who believe in him. Neither his his whole life on the docks, he can’t really Credits include “Keep The Change” mother-in-law, with whom he has a visibly navigate the emotional world outside them. (Best Film & Best Director, Tribeca strained relationship made apparent when The dramatic arc of “Luzzu” is slight, with 2017) and “Blood Kin” (Venice 2018, he tries visiting his child when Denise is Camilleri more interested in people and Sconfini), and as an Associate Editor on out of town, nor Denise are especially sup - place than telling a captivating story. HBO’s “Fahrenheit 451.” Tuesday, February 23, 2021 The Voice of the Maltese 21

lthough nowadays, large blocks of apartments have taken over the Balluta Buildings in full glory Sliema seafront replacing several Aarchitectural gems inherited from the British that used to dot the Sliema land - scape, one can still find majestic remnants of Malta’s British past. Balluta Buildings overlooking Balluta Bay in St Julians is one such icon. After years of neglect, it is set to get a sensitive restoration that should respect the building’s natural beauty. When the British landed on Malta in 1800, they were not much interested in asserting their power through any architecture, at least not until late 1814, when they added the colonnaded portico to Valletta’s Main Guard (guard house), nowadays the Office of the Attorney General. With time, their in - terest in making a more permanent foothold in Malta grew, and as colonial trade and sea traffic increased, along with a growing navy, Malta became an important part of the British colonial fist. The building's site originally consisted of terraced fields, which were incorporated into the garden of the nearby Villa St Ig - natius in the early 19th century. name. protection as a Grade 1 monument and is Then, in the 1920s, the villa and its The building originally contained some listed on the National Inventory of the Cul - grounds were divided and sold off. The im - of the largest and most luxurious apart - tural Property of the Maltese Islands. pressively enormous enigmatic Balluta ments in Europe, and it became a presti - The main façade of the building consists Buildings, with its weird yet alluring mix - gious address in Malta. Due to rental laws, of a massive block of three connected ture of styles, Art Nouveau, Neo-Gothic many tenants and their heirs kept the blocks of flats, with three vertical struc - and Neo-Baroque was built in 1928 for the apartments for a small nominal rent. Out tures having long vertical arched openings Marquis John Scicluna. It was constructed of the twenty apartments, sixteen remain protruding from the rest of the building to designs of Maltese architect Giuseppe in the hands of the tenants' heirs, three have topped with keystones decorated with a Psaila, (1891–1960), and is also regarded returned into the possession of the owners, carved putto. The blocks are joined to - as Psaila's masterpiece. and one was sold to a third party. gether with verandahs on the lower floors It was possibly the largest building in Listed as a Grade 1 monument and a plain façade on the upper levels. Malta in its heyday and it is still considered The openings are flanked with a row of to be among the finest of the few surviving The building, constructed out of local double windows and pilasters joined by Art Nouveau architecture in Malta. The limestone remains intact and in relatively floral decorated architrave and framed by building's name is derived from the oak good condition, although over the years, it decorative surrounds on either side. The trees (Maltese: ballut) , which grew in the suffered deterioration and is in need of three main blocks are joined together by a area in front of it, that also gave the bay its restoration. It enjoys the highest level of plain façade with two upper floors and ve - The building’s impressive facade randas on the lower floors. The architraves below each have these in - scriptions BALLUTA (left block) BUILD - INGS (right block) and A.D. MCMXXVIII (central block). The windows, pilasters and other parts of the building display intricate floral and geometric decorations. A structure that contains several shops but - tresses the entire building at street level, contributing to its three-dimensional quality. According to reports, the dark crust layer that has accumulated beneath cornices and other decorative elements of this majestic building is to be removed. The restoration works that envisage the subdivision of some apartments to ensure that they meet the requirements of contemporary living, are foreseen in a planning application sub - mitted by the Marquis Marcus Marshall’s The Vintage Company. 22 The Voice of the Maltese Tuesday, February 23, 2021 New 2021 executive for the FMLS n its first newsletter for 2021, the Federation of Maltese Language Schools in Australia announced the formation of the new FMLS Executive that was elected uncontested iOn its AGM on December 6 through ZOOM. It is made up of: President: Edwidge Borg (VIC); V/President: Miriam Friggieri (NSW); Treasurer: Fred Flask, (ACT), and Secretary: Patricia More material for the learning of Maltese can be downloaded Grech (QLD). from: malti.skola.edu.mt and on yutube at Agenzija Nazzjonali The FMLS Executive said it is always looking for fresh team tal-Litteriżmu. members with experience in teaching Maltese in Australia, to as - Another interesting segment about the Maltese Language is, sist it in its endeavours to support the Maltese Language mainte - malti-il-bierah-illum-u-ghada https://www.tvm.com.mt/mt/tvmi/ nance in Australia. programmes/il-malti-il-bierah-illum-u-ghada/ which will be Regarding the new scholastic year it states in its report that available only for a few days. COVID -19 made the 2020 year a hectic and disruptive year, and MALTESE LANGUAGE CERTIFICATE that face-to-face classes required extra resources to comply with State COVID guidelines. Now all the schools are once again busy he VCE/HSC Maltese is now not offered at Year 11, and it is advertising the Maltese Language Classes in their community. the last year for Year 12 examination for Maltese. Work is Some schools in NSW have embraced classes online combined bTeing undertaken to study the viability of replacing this certificate with face-to -face classes where permitted, while in Victoria with another recognised academic achievement. classes had to be made online using various software. The MCCV On February 15 representatives from the various FMLS affili - Maltese Language classes used ZOOM. Two licences were ac - ated schools held virtual meeting and discussed several proposals. quired to cater to all classes. The meeting agreed to research the option available within the Meanwhile, The Council of Maltese Living Abroad (CMLA), has Education Department and the resources needed to sustainably forwarded the following links https://malti.skola.edu.mt/: malti- offer this qualification to students wishing to achieve an academic barranin/il-malti-ghall-barranin-primarja/smigh-mlb-primarja/ qualification in Maltese.

A alrnoivalo in Mkalt a bconjaurecs mkany : nCity ina NrSWn alsoi cvelebarateld Caornivfal ocomlmdotio n ithnat th eN BeauSty aWnd the memories among members of in some form or another. Beach costume caused at Kings Cross the Maltese community in Aus - The group in the photo were support - when the cars carrying the partici - tralia. Before emigrating from Malta, ers of the Melita Eagles FC. The Beauty pants”stalled” and the guys and dolls Cseveral of them used to take an active on the Beach participants toured vari - had to push the car down the road part in the traditional celebrations and ous suburban halls, including a func - with a police escort. even participated in the decorated tion at Leichhardt where they had to We were unable to identify all the par - floats, companies in costume, dancing compete against a group wearing the ticipants in this photo. Some are still and other celebrations. traditional Maltese costume. The final with us today, such as Charles and One of our avid readers sent us this decision as to the best carnival costume Tessie Agius, Eddie and Mary Calleja, photograph to remind us that way was not that well received. Lawrence and Marlene Dimech, Paul back in the sixties the Maltese commu - Moreover, our reader remembers the and Rose Mamo, the Frendo and Mif - sud brothers and Carmen Meli-Cachia. Can you name others? If so, get in touch with us at [email protected] . Avviż lill-qarrejja Din in-nota biex navżaw lil-qarrejja li minħabba nuqqas ta’ spazju u għax hemm xi artikli u ritratti li ma setgħux jistennew, f’din il-ħarġa kellna nħallu barra l-artiklu ta’ Peter Paul Ciantar “Kul - tura u drawwiet Maltin” u dak dwar il-kitba Maltija. B’danakollu dawn jerġgħu lura fil-ħarġa li jmiss – Nru 248 tat-8 ta’ Marzu – meta jkollna wkoll aktar artikli inter - essanti li jinżlu għasel mal-qarrejja u aħbarijiet kurrenti li l-aktar jolqtu mill-qrib lill-komunitá Maltija li tgħix barra. Tuesday, February 23, 2021 The Voice of the Maltese 23 CCoommmmuunniittyy NNeewwss

www.coastfm.org.au SBS MALTESE NEWS: L-Aħbarijiet TTuunnee iinn ttoo are now on SBSTV Viceland HD Channel 32 every Sunday at 8.00 a.m. RRaaddiioo aanndd and on Thursday at 8.00 a.m. BRISBANE listen to the Maltese Pro - gramme on 4EB on Tuesdays 6.00 - . METTLBOeeURllNeEe: vvon ii3ZssZZ ii92oo.3FnMn or 8.15am; Sundays 4.15pm to 5.15pm on www.3zzz.com.au. Mondays 5-6 Maltese Community Radio Adelaide: pm, Fridays 5-6 pm and Saturdays Maltese Programmes on 5EBI 10-11am. mand on l-Internet: www.893fm.com.au ) 103.1fm: Sunday: 7.30am; Monday: MELBOURNE: on 98.9 North West On Demand: Ethnic Maltese Council 11am) 8.00 am; Monday: 6.00pm . FM, every Friday 6.00 - 7.00p.m. and Il-Ħadd 11.00 am: l-aħħar aħbarijiet Contact: Bernadette Buhagiar: 0420 Mondays 7.00 to 8.00pm. Presenter: minn Malta, mużika, tagħrif, kultura, 944 205. Email bernadettebuha - Emmanuel Brincat. avviżi u suġġetti ta’ interess. [email protected] Ron Borg: 0418 843 850. Email [email protected] On SBS Radio SBS Radio 2 on Channel 38 . Pro - 97.9 FM Melton Tuesday Maltese Day Time Analogue and Digital grammes can be accessed online Tuesdays and Fridays: 12:00-13:00 Programme: 6.00 To 8.00 pm (live/catch up) at: sbs.com.au/maltese Presenter Miriam Vella 97.7fm SBS 2. (mobile), using the SBS Radio app. To tune into digital radio you need a Programmes on 89.3 Fm 2GLF receiver or device with a DAB+ chip. For television news from Malta - A Solid Gold: music programme with Tuning in is by station name not fre- SBS2 TV 32 ( (Viceland) on Thurs - English and Italian timeless favourites quency. Digital radio can also be days and Sundays at 8am. Fridays 11.00am to 1.00 pm. heard via digital TV. VIVA MALTA on COAST FM 96.3 Maltese voices: One hour of Maltese SYDNEY: listen to the MCC radio pro - Community Radio in Gosford Central talent, songs from Maltese artists. grammes on 2GLF FM 89.3. Coast NSW. Aired on Thursdays every Sundays @ 12.00 pm to 1.00 pm Isma’ l-programm tar-radju bil-Malti fortnight from 6 pm -7 pm. Also listen on “Tune in“ by downloading mill-Kunsill Malti ta’ NSW minn fuq l- Presenter: Nathalie Gatt. app and search for the station 2GLF ~ istazzjon 2GLF 89.3FM. Also On De - Web streaming: 89.3 Fm - by Ma rthese Caruana MALTESE LANGUAGE SCHOOL OF NSW

A division of the Maltese Community Council of NSW Inc. Established in 1999

We offer legal services in Melbourne Learn Maltese (Lt Collins Street) and Werribee. All age students are welcome to Family law is our specialty. enrol in our classes held on Saturday mornings at Horsley Park, NSW. • wills, powers of attorney, Online classes are also available on Tuesday evenings • manage deceased estates, and provide and Saturday afternoons. • purchase and sell property • purchase and sell businesses. Applications are also welcome for paid positions from people • divorce, children, property, to assist in language teaching and/or administration. • child support, intervention orders. • Maltese Wills, Powers of Attorney For more information, call 0419 476 924. • Maltese Property matters. Email: [email protected] Marlene Ebejer (speaks Maltese)is an accredited family law specialist Phone: 03 9741 1722 www.ebejerlawyers.com.au) La Vale tte Social Ce ntr e email [email protected] 175 Walters Road, Blacktown Tel. 96225847 We get to the point, provide the right ad - La Valette Social Centre Inc. vice and get the work done at a reason - The Centre is now open again two days a week, Thursdays, Saturdays able price. The Centre is a registered Covid-Safe Venue and all special requirements are in force including social distancing, restricted numbers, temperature tak - ing, patron register and Covid-Marshall. L-aħbarijiet Flexible Respite is operating normally but Centre-Based Respite is re - stricted due to low numbers that can be transported. tal-PBS (Malta) Charlie's Family Restaurant is open Thursdays and Saturdays Il-PBS ta’ Malta tforni lill-SBS fl-Aw - for lunch and dinner. stralja bis-servizz tal-aħbarijiet tagħha, Bocci pitches are operating again with some restrictions. imma l-qarrejja xorta huma mħeġġa Bingo : Saturda_y_s_ o_n_ly_ a_t_ 8_._0_0p_m__ p_r_e_ce_d_e_d_ _b_y _s_h_or_t _M_a_l_te_s_e_ m_ ovie at 7.30pm. biex jidħlu fil- website tal-istazzjon Malti: www.tvm.com.mt . għall-aħbari - MASS: Thursday: 10.15am; Saturday: 5.30 p.m. (subject to availability of a priest.) jiet kemm bil-Malti u bl-Ingliż. 24 The Voice of the Maltese Tuesday, February 23, 2021 SSppoorrttss Malta FA launches first-ever strategy for Maltese football he Malta Football Association has Reaffirming his Associa - launched its first ever strategy plan tion’s commitment to de - covering the period 2020–2024 in - liver the key projects and Ttended to serve as the basis for its commit - objectives set out in the ment to raise the standard of the game of newly launched Strategy, football across all levels. Mr Vassallo thanked the The plan that reaches several goals by Government for its support, 2024, is the culmination of a wide consul - which, he said, is essential tation process with internal and external for football to maintain and stakeholders as it seeks to gain a compre - strengthen its positive im - hensive understanding of the challenges pact on society. facing Maltese football and chart the way He said the Government’s forward by establishing clear targets. backing for the Malta FA The plan, which s based on the ratification strategy is crucial to take by the Association’s Executive Committee Maltese sport forward, also (right) of the MFA president Bjorn Vassallo’s 2019 in terms of sustainability. Malta FA President Bjorn Vassallo presenting the document Vision 2027 was also presented He added that the MFA’s 2020 –2024 Strategy plan to Prime Minister Dr Robert Abela to Prime Minister Dr Robert Abela and vision is to boost its investment to build a performance and achieve results, focusing later also to the Minister for Education stronger foundation, prioritising long-term on the following important areas: Justyn Caruana. development and the sustainability of Mal - • Further technical and infrastructural de - tese football across all levels, from commu - velopment; Melita on the move nity, grassroots, amateurs, women and • Growth and sustainability of football arramatta Melita Eagles Sports Club Ltd, youths all the way to the elite, clubs and na - clubs, strengthening protection through a celebrating 65 years since its foundation tional team selections. legal framework; Pin 1956 has its annual general meeting at The role of football as a catalyst for posi - • Broadening the exposure and commer - their club-rooms at the Melita Stadium in tive change, including enhanced education, cial value of the Association and domestic South Granville on Sunday, March 14 at 10 social responsibility and a healthy lifestyle, competitions; am. was then discussed during a meeting Bjorn • Improving good governance by strength - Only financial members are eligible to at - Vassallo had with Dr Justyne Caruana. ening the compliance and integrity aspects. tend; however, one can renew his member - The two entities are willing to strengthen The pillars complement the MFA’s Mission ship before the meeting that will elect the their collaboration through the signing of Statement, which is “to continue growing President, Secretary, Treasurer and direc - an MoU covering the educational and so - and improving the game of football and the tors of the club cial projects included in the newly- people in it at all levels; fostering a positive David Frendo, the current President, launched MFA Strategy 2020-24. social change to embrace a sporting culture; wishes to appeal to all past members of the Inspired by its conviction that, ‘We Can and championing national pride and unity as club through The Voice, to return so that to - Perform Better’ as a footballing nation, the it strives to achieve high standards and in - gether “we can rebuild for the future”. Malta FA Strategy aims to up the level of spire people. PREMIER Results Malta Premier League 2020/21 Match Day 21 Gzira U. strengthen Ħamrun v Balzan 3-2 Hibernians v Lija A 5-0 amrun Spartans and Hibernians keep following Gzira U v Zejtun C 4-0 each other at the top of the league ladder. How - challenge to top two Birkirkara v Sliema W 2-2 Mosta v Sirens 0-0 ever now have to contend with another chal - ous four games, Valletta finally registered their first Valletta v Sta Lucia 1-0 lenger, Gzira United, who added two more points to win under coach Antonio Jose Cardoso Mendes, then Floriana v Gudja U 1-0 H Tarxien v Senglea A 4-2 their tally after being awarded a 3-0 win over Gudja lost again against Birkirkara and again recovered with following a protest to their original final result of -1-1. a 1-0 win over Sta Lucia Match Day 20 All three won their matches on the last two match- Struggling Floriana returned to winning ways after Ħamrun v Birkirkara 2-0 Hibernians v Mosta 2-0 days, therefore Ħamrun stay top with 50 points, two two months by defeating bottom team Senglea and Gzira U v Lija A 1-0 ahead of Hibernians, while Gzira are two points fur - then Gudja. The win against Senglea came after their Sliema W v Gudja U 1-1 Sta Lucia v Tarxien R 7-0 ther behind on 46. An interesting situation! elimination from the FA Trophy and the resignation Valletta v Sirens 1-0 The table toppers obtained a similar 2-0 result on of coach John Buttigieg who failed to register a win. Floriana v v Senglea 2-0 Day 20, then in the weekend Hamrun had to work Enzo Potenza was reappointed. Balzan v Żejtun C pp hard to beat Balzan 3-2 while Hibernians had a nap After five draws from their previous six outings, Sta Other Results of matches postponed due to COVID hand victory over Lija. The Spartans ahave won their Lucia registered an impressive 7-0 win over Tarxien. Birkirkara v Valletta 2-0 last six matches, while Hibernians and Gzira are un - The latter bounced back with a win after coach Steve Mosta v Gudja U 1-0 beaten in eight. D’Amato who took over from Winston Muscat . Lija A v Senglea A 3-1 On the same day, after four consecutive defeats, Gudja, who had earlier been on the wrong end of a FA Trophy: End of the road for holders Balzan protest by Gzira, managed a 1-1 draw with Sliema. olders Balzan, League champi - Balzan lost 1-3 to Mosta; Floriana The Wanderers and Birkirkara dropped further ons Floriana and Sliema Wander - were eliminated by the same score by points in their 2-2 draw on Saturday, which almost Hers were all knocked out of the FA Sta Lucia, while Sliema suggered a 1- completely them rules out of a title challenge. Trophy. Their challenge was halted in 0 loss to St Andrews from the Chal - After only managing one point from their last previ - the Round of 32. lenge League.