TThhee VVooiiccee( W ooe affre tftohrh thee G rMMeatera aMalllttta)ee ssee Issue 251 April 20, 2021 A fortnightly print and digital magazine

The clear waters of GHAR LAPSI (limits of Siggiewi) on a beautiful sunny day with Filfla island in background

The new junction project at Marsa the biggest ever infrastructural project in Malta consisting of seven flyovers, with an investment of €70 milion was inaugurated last Thursday by Malta Prime Minister Robert Abela (see report on page 11) 2 The Voice of the Maltese Tuesday, April 20, 2021

The convening of the representatves from the Mal - tese diaspora in the last convention in 2015 at the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta

Wssuehs dealoing w irth tehe Maaltelsel diyaspor a mor rathear whdat we Aanot henr idea is mthat of ae “vi rtaual fborumr” for yoaungd Malt? ese call the Greater Malta rarely make the headlines in Malta living abroad, as well as a ‘Jien Malti’ (I Am Maltese) campaign nowadays. The annual report of the Council of Maltese Liv - to address the decline of interest in community activities among iIng Abroad, which was presented to the Parliamentary Standing descendants of the original diaspora, in countries hosting large Committee, caught the eye of the Maltatoday news portal’s cor - communities of migrants such as Australia, the USA and respondent, James Debono. Canada. Rather than emphasising what the Council has achieved, the The digital campaign would be based on video clips in which writer reported about the Minister for Foreign and European Af - Maltese living abroad speak about what makes them Maltese. fairs Evarist Bartolo, the current chairperson of the CMLA’s Works are also in progress to create a digital platform for the proposal for a forum for Maltese experts living abroad, which teaching of the Maltese language. Members of the council noted will also be open to the public in Malta itself. The forum will that current courses offered by the University were too expen - be tasked with forging a sense of national identity and collabo - sive to entice third-generation Maltese who have lost touch with ration between Maltese “who have made a name abroad”. their language. However, the Council’s report notes various in - The article states that, despite its long history of emigration, stances in which local authorities have scoffed at requests by Malta has rarely nurtured its own diaspora communities with the Council to enhance the link with communities abroad. few figures of prominence carrying the name of their ancestors’ Another proposal is for the PBS weekly TV news in Maltese origin onto the world stage. Yet, few are the names whose per - on SBS Australia to feature subtitles in a way that makes it ac - sona could nurture Malta’s global influence and soft power in a cessible and understood by younger generations of the diaspora way that compen - community. sates for small size The Council also held discussions on the possibility of creating and limited clout. an e-ID for Maltese living abroad through which they can ac - The Forum of Mal - cess government services. Identity Malta has not excluded it tese experts living but has described the request as complicated requiring an addi - abroad would be ex - tional cost and the creation of new software to cater for a new pected to offer a vi - tier of people who are technically ineligible for an ID card. sion for Malta’s The Planning Authority has also shot down a request to start global contribution informing Maltese emigrants about any planning applications in “network of ex - presented in the vicinity of property they own in Malta. The PA pertise.” It would replied that these could still access planning documents on the then “identify PA’s digital information system, even if access to plans requires niches of opportu - an E-ID. nity for common en - Another issue discussed by the Council is the declining cohort deavours”, enabling of clerics serving in the diaspora. However, no call for expres - it to contribute “to a sion of interest issued by the Maltese Curia has been successful. vision of a future Moreover, since the church faces a similar problem at home, it Malta… as an active is unlikely that more Maltese priests will be willing to serve in contributor in both other countries. the regional and Minister Evarist Bartolo global level.” *Reaction by prominent Maltese in Australia on opposite page Tuesday, April 20, 2021 The Voice of the Maltese 3 *from opposite page In view of the importance of these developments, about the decisions by the Council of the Maltese Living Abroad and the article produced in the Maltese newspaper, The Voice of the Maltese has pieced together the views of prominent Mal - tese in Australia. Below is their reaction The reaction by prominent Maltese The members of the Council of the Maltese Living Abroad in their in Australia meeting in 2018 under the chairmanship of Minister Carmelo Abela he article by James Debono in the education (sadly deficient in the original where its citizens were forbidden to settle. April 1 issue of Maltatoday be - cohort), social cohesion, their economic The previous Councils have been making moans the situation in the diaspora status, etc. suggestions for improvement on a regular aTnd deplores the “few figures of promi - In all of these parameters, the Maltese of basis, which have been largely ignored. nence carrying the name of their ancestors' the Diaspora have done very well. Com - They include a dedicated interactive web - origin onto the world stage”. pare the proportion of persons with higher site that has now been established through This gives a skewed vision of the migra - academic qualifications that in the 1950s, the Museum for Emigration at Dar l-Emi - tion process and misses the point about when most migrants left Malta was a grant and by other individuals not men - Maltese settlement overseas. miserly three per cent, and even now, tioned in the article, and certainly other There are now four times as many sec - when at about 30 per cent, Malta have one efforts previously left to Maltese “who ond-and-subsequent generation Maltese of the lowest proportions compared to the have made a name abroad”. compared to the first generation who were rest of the EU. Also missing is any reference to efforts born in Malta, and while the first genera - by members of the diaspora to publica - tion of Malta-born is continuously and Measure of success tions about highlighting the achievements now precipitously declining, the number In Australia, the proportion is nearer of fellow Maltese, such as Prof Maurice of second and subsequent generation 50%. We can add to this almost full em - Cauchi's: Maltese Achievers in Australia, shows a healthy increase. ployment, one of the highest home own - A Who’s Who of Maltese background in The difference is that the remaining num - ership rates compared to other ethnic Australia and NZ, Maltese-born women ber (the Malta-born) first-generation still groups and the general Australian popula - writers in Australia, Lawrence Dimech's largely speak Maltese, have a Maltese ac - tion, and similar criteria that is a far better work in journalism, Manwel Casha's work cent, and largely follow the Maltese cus - measure of success of a community than on maintaining Maltese indigenous music , toms they brought with them. the odd number of members of parliament. Chircop's work on the Egyptian Diaspora, Alternatively, most of the second and The writer refers to the Council for Mal - Mark Caruana’s in research, many others subsequent generations consider them - tese Living Abroad as if it was a recent in - and the work of many Maltese organisa - selves primarily as citizens of their vention, when in fact its first meeting tions around Australia. adopted country rather than as primarily occurred in 2000. Lack of encouragement is the absence of Maltese, and while they have retained Initially, Conventions were held every 10 Maltese citizens who have been recog - some elements of the original Maltese cul - years under the aegis of the Emigrants' nised by the Malta government in the an - ture that is merely a romantic addition and Commission. Later, under the chairman - nual honours list, in contrast to that of the is not their main interest. ship of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Australian Government, where they are far Their culture and outlook are not differ - more frequently. better represented. A mention of this work ent from others born and bred in Australia Although “Malta has rarely nurtured its would have produced a better balance to or their new country of origin. It is curious own diaspora communities” that have been the article of the Maltatoday opinion writer to think left to fend for themselves: the best exam - The lack of interest in the concept of The that what constitutes the success of the di - ple of this is the lack of support when in Greater Malta that constitutes more than aspora can be measured by the undoubted 1956 the Maltese Diaspora in Egypt were half of the Maltese citizens in the world success of a "few figures of prominence"! eliminated and left to find a new home all comes from the top echelons of Maltese More significant would be the degree of over the world with the exception of Malta society and especially the media.

The representatives of the Mal - tese living abroad at the 2015 Convention at the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta 4 The Voice of the Maltese Tuesday, April 20, 2021 Prominent well-connected lawyer and proud of her Maltese heritage The personality nominated for the month of April is a respected lawyer specialising in Industrial relations and proud of her Maltese heritage. She has been married to the Hon Chris Bowen, the Federal Member for McMahon (previously known as Prospect) since 2004. REBECCA MIFSUD

ebecca Mifsud is an experienced lawyer specialising in employment law and in - dustrial relations. She is also the wife of tRhe Federal Member for McMahon and Shadow Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen. He was also the Federal Treasurer of Australia in 2013 and was briefly interim Leader of the Labor Party in opposition. Chris and Rebecca are raising their children Grace Mary and Max Atticus and two Labradors Tody and Ollie, in the suburb of Smithfield, NSW. Rebecca’s grandfather, Joseph (Giuzeppe Patrick) Mifsud was born in Sliema in March 1918. His mother (Rebecca’s great grand - mother) was Caroline Sheridan, who at some stage migrated from Ireland to Malta. Joseph married Mary Vas - sallo just before the end of World War II in Sliema. Brian and Jackie had two Mary’s father was from Flo - children: Rebecca and riana, and her mother (Mar- Simon. Of course, many gerita Gatt) was from family members remained Senglea. in Malta. Joseph was a gunner and It seems as politics runs in maintenance mechanic on the family. Brian’s cousin, submarines during the war. Adrian Vassallo, a family Like all Maltese during those days, he was a member of a large doctor, served for several years in the Parliament representing the family. He was one of 11 children. Many of his brothers and sis - districts of Ta’Xbiex, Gzira, and San Gwann. Brian’s uncle, Joseph ters lost their lives in bombing raids. (JG) Vassallo, was prominent in the Maltese media as a political After World War II, Joseph and Mary, together with their little commentator. daughter Margaret, made the journey to Australia, along with so Rebecca graduated in Law and Arts from the University of New many other Maltese. The small family settled in East Malvern, in England and worked as a solicitor for many years. She held sen - Melbourne. That ior positions in the trade union movement and for several years is where their son was on the board of Energy Australia. She is currently the Man - Brian was born in ager of Industrial Relations at Sydney Water and sits on the Board 1951. In the of the Whitlam Institute. 1960s, the family Rebecca met Chris Bowen at a Labor Party conference in 2000 moved to Glenn where she was a delegate for the Electrical Trade Union. They Iris. Mary’s father were married in 2002. Their daughter Grace was born in 2005, eventually joined and Max came along in 2008. them in Australia Rebecca’s parents Brian and Jackie have visited Malta on sev - after the death of eral occasions staying in Sliema. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 his wife. crisis delayed Chris and Rebecca’s plans to visit Malta for the Brian eventually first time with their children. moved to Sydney, However, as soon as restrictions allow for international travel a where he met his visit to Malta is high on the list of priorities for the family. now wife of 48 Grace and Max were delighted to meet former President Marie- years, Jackie. Louise Preca when she visited Australia in 2016. They talked EChris Bowen flanked by Grace and Max with her about their proud Maltese heritage. Tuesday, April 20, 2021 The Voice of the Maltese 5 Australia gives green light for April 25 commemoration Malta marks ANZAC Day 2021 with virtual memorial service cross Australia, Anzac hospitals and convalescent Day events on April 25 camps. have been given the Malta has also provided a green light by state govern - burial ground for 229 Aus - Aments to proceed with mark - tralian and 72 New Zealand ing the occasion with crowds, ANZACs and their names are as long as COVID-safe plan - also inscribed on a beautiful ning is in place. However, monument set up by the Mal - overseas services have been tese-Australian Association in cancelled or subdued due to the Argotti Gardens. the pandemic. These include While expressing their deep the memorial service in Malta gratitude to Malta and the and other countries, and the Commonwealth War Graves Anzac Day dawn service held Commission for their care and in Gallipoli as well as Aus - continuing shelter, the repre - tralian-run services held in sentatives of the Australian Italy and France. and the New Zealand govern - In fact, although this year the ments are hoping to again be Australian High Commission able to meet to remember and New Zealand Honorary them in person. Consulate cannot commemo - Meanwhile, in Australia, this rate ANZAC Day because of will be the first full, tradi - the COVID-19 restrictions, tional ANZAC Day to be held they have nonetheless prom - since the COVID pandemic ised to mark it solemnly and forced everyone into lock - meaningfully together in Malta down last year, resulting in with a short, private virtual the alternative yet moving wreath-laying ceremony. driveway dawn service to be The memorial service cere - introduced instead. mony is to be recorded and Anzac Day commemora - posted on social media at tions, including marches, pa - @AusHCMalta and @NZin - rades, dawn services and Malta later that day. They are other remembrance services both inviting anybody to can take place. To protect the watch it when convenient. community and those who Ceremonies to mark the day may be vulnerable, it has been have been held in Australia, The ANZAC Monument at the Argotti Gardens in Floriana proposed that all ANZAC NewZealand, Malta and in Day commemorations should many other countries since 1916, initially to remember be planned for and undertaken in a COVID Safe way. the first landing of the Australia and New Zealand Army Sydney's Anzac Day parade will go ahead with double Corps (the ANZACs) on the Gallipoli Peninsula in the previous number of people allowed after the NSW Turkey. Over the years, their commemoration had come Government granted a special exemption. to encompass all men and women from both these coun - A total of 10,000 people will be allowed to march in the tries who have served in wars, conflicts and peacekeep - CBD on April 25, with 5000 allowed to attend all other ing operations in many capacities. commemorations across NSW. In a message coinciding with the commemoration, Jenny The commemorations in Queensland will take place as Cartmill, the Australian High Commissioner in Malta, normal, with no restriction on numbers at outdoor Anzac and Kevin Bonnici, the New Zealand Honorary Consul events, and marches – including the march to be held in explained that the formation and deployment of the AN - Brisbane's CBD – and dawn services are to be held as ZACs marked the first time that the armed forces of Aus - they would any other year. tralia and New Zealand had been identified separately Queensland's Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young has from Britain’s, and symbolised a growing sense of na - also confirmed that there will also be no requirement for tional self-confidence and identity. people to wear masks. In the eight-month Gallipoli campaign, many thousands In Victoria, Melbourne's Anzac Day march, that was un - on both sides were killed, and many more were able to go-ahead last year to the disappointment of many wounded. The ANZACs did not defeat the Turks, but as coronavirus took hold of Victoria, will be allowed to go both sides admired and respected the other’s tenacity ahead with 5500 people allowed to attend. and bravery. The Australian Capital Territory will still hold its Anzac The ANZACs’ ranks included 48 Maltese Australians Day Dawn Service but it will be a ticketed event with a and six Maltese New Zealanders who gave up everything cap of 4,200 people. A crowd of 3,000 people will be al - to fight for their adoptive countries. In addition, Malta lowed to attend the National Ceremony, which tradition - looked after many of the injured and evacuated troops in ally includes the veterans' march. 6 The Voice of the Maltese Tuesday, April 20, 2021 Recollections of a Maltese octogenarian – My Seventies Malta becomes a Republic and frees itself of foreign domination Joins Malta Tourist Board n 1974 I changed career and joined the Malta Gov - ernment Tourist Board where I was put in charge of tIhe Benelux and Scandinavian desk. Our tourism is closely connected with the history and culture of Malta. The story of our island fascinated me. Since starting work in Valletta in the mid-fifties during my long lunch break, I used to visit the Santa Barbara bastions for a wonderful panoramic view of the Grand Harbour with the remains of the damaged ‘breakwater’, Fort St. Angelo on the tip of Birgu, the ‘vedette’ on the tip of Senglea and the majestic bastions that surround the cities of Cottonera in the background. From this vantage point I would let my imagination run riot. I could imagine the Turks scaling the walls of Birgu and Senglea in the Great Siege of 1565; the attack by the Italian E Boats on the warships in the Harbour on 26th July 1941; HMS Illustrious entering the port among the frenetic attacks by the German warplanes in January 1941; the mighty warships of the Royal British Prime Minister Dom Mintoff is given the oath of allegiance to the Re - Navy, escorting 76 captured and surrendered warships public by Malta’s First President Sir Anthony Mamo. RIGHT: The then of the Italian navy, entering our harbour in triumph in Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Emm. Attard Bezzina 1943, and other episodes that make up the history of our nation. he seventies also marked two of the historic I loved this game. I enjoyed living history as it unfolds events in Malta’s constitutional progress. during the different periods. The first occurred on December 13, 1974 Joseph After its destruction by Italian E boats on 20th July wThen Parliament approved amends to the Consti - Lanzon 1941, the ‘breakwater’, that is 70 meters long took 71 tution for Malta to become a Republic within the years to be rebuilt. Commonwealth of Nations. celebrations that included a fire - It was reconstructed and opened in 2012. For history’s On that cold and bad-weathered works display over the Grand sake, King Edward VII laid out the first stone of the fateful day the Queen of England did Harbour and Trooping the Colour original ‘breakwater’ on 20th April 1903. not remain Malta’s Head of State, parades in St. George’s Square in I was happy to be part of this team working to in - and was replaced by Sir Anthony Malta’s capital, Valetta. crease tourism to Malta, an industry that is one of the Mamo as the first President of the As the Commander-in-Chief of most important pillars for the island's economy. Republic. He was greatly respected Malta’s Armed Forces President Malta is a small island, but it has a lot to offer to the by all the Maltese. Sir Antony Mamo took the salute. tourists, primarily the archaeological remains of Hagar Sir Anthony Mamo had been senior Only two-and-a-half years be - Qim, Ġgantija and the Neolithic temples that go back legal consultant to four Prime Min - fore this important day, on March thousands of years. Here one can get glimpses of the isters, and professor of criminal law 26, 1972 in London, Malta had early peoples that inhabited our islands. at the University. Sir Anthony. He signed the defence and financial Malta is also part of the story of the many nations had earlier been appointed Chief agreement with Britain. that from time to time have occupied our country. They Justice and President of the Court of It gave Britain the right keep sta - have all left behind fingerprints of their culture, tradi - Appeal. tioning its Armed Forces in tions and language. They were the Phoenicians, the The event continued to strengthen Malta. Dependent upon the De - Carthaginians, the Romans, the Normans, the Arabs, the what had been acquired ten years fence Agreement, it also covered Knights of the Order of St. John, the French and the earlier through Independence. the provision of British aid to British. The new Constitution was appro- Malta. Both these ved by two thirds of the House of Agreements had Dom Mintoff (left) and Lord Carring - Representatives made up of govern - been due to run until ton signing the defence agreement ment and opposition members of 1974. at Marlborough House, London Parliament. Out of a total of 55 MPs, The signatories six abstained. were Britain’s De - Malta received several messages of fence Minister Lord congratulations from various Heads Carrington who led of State and Prime Ministers. They the British delega - included Her Majesty Queen Eliza - tion, and Prime Min - beth II, the then British Prime Min - ister Dom Mintoff ister Mr Harold Wilson and the who led Malta’s del - Secretary General of the Common - egation. wealth Mr Arnold Smith. The event was met with various *Continued page 7 Tuesday, April 20, 2021 The Voice of the Maltese 7

Then President of Malta Dr Anton Buttiġieġ and his wife Margery Helen saluting HMS London on it way out of Grand Harbour for the last time on April 1, 1979

Recollections of a Maltese octogenarian – My Seventies/ from page 6 As a result of the agreement with Britain Malta would receive £14 million a year over a period of seven years. Apart from that, Italy promised to grant a further £2.5 million The ‘Vulcan’ plane crash and to provide other economic aid worth £7 million. Malta, therefore, was to gain many advantages that were welcomed by all sectors of the inhabitants. that devastated Zabbar n the afternoon of October 14, 1975, I heard a deafening noise lOike a bomb explosion and rushed out Marking the of the house to see what it was all about. I found that several of my neigh - bours were already out in the street in end of an era an agitated mode. In a matter of min - n 31st March 1979, with the expiry of utes, word got around that a plane had the Defence and Financial Agreement crashed in Zabbar on some buildings, Owith the UK, the last British armed forces and that people had been killed, many left Malta for good, but not before a sym - others were seriously injured. bolic ceremony to mark the occasion was Zabbar was literally a stone’s throw took hours to put the flames out. held on the newly erected Freedom Mon - away, so along with some others, I hurried The two pilots surived by using their ument in Birgu. to the town to witness firsthand what ac - ejection seats. The crash caused extreme The ceremony consisted in the lowering tually happened. However, the Police had damage to several buildings. down of the British flag and the hoisting cordoned off the site of the crash in lower One of the severely injured was a good in its place, the Maltese national flag. Now Sanctuary Street, the town’s main street. friend of mine who later recounted to me Malta was truly a nation on its own. A Royal Air Force Avro Vulcan B2 that, while he had lived through the bomb - As part of the occasion that marked the bomber had aborted landing at RAF Luqa ings of the last World War, this crash was end of the Malta-UK Defence Treaty on exploded in mid-air and its debris includ - a worse frightening experience. Inciden - the morning of April 1 the last UK forces ing its fuel tanks crashed below. Five crew tally, one of the severely damaged houses left Malta on board the Royal Navy de - members and one civilian were killed was rebuilt at the expense of the RAF and stroyer HMS London. while 20 others were injured. Firefighters renamed ‘VULCAN’. It was given the last salute at Grand Har - bour by then President Anton Buttigieg and his wife Margery Helen marking the Secretary to two different Tourism ministers end of an era as Malta ’s long history as a etween 1976 and 1980 I was Secretary ily. But he was charismatic and a brilliant British military base came to an end. to two different Ministers of Tourism, orator. He had the ability to make his au - I followed closely Malta’s courageous fBirst Dr Daniel Piscopo and then to Mr dience laugh or cry. He had the power to steps of its political and constitutional de - Danny Cremona. They were very different move people and to generate enthusiasm velopment in my lifetime: from a colony in character and behaviour. wherever he went. to Independence in 1964 (Independence Piscopo was mild-mannered, calm and However, both Ministers had one common Day); from Independence to a Republic in gentle. He was an excellent negotiator denominator: they had a genuine love for 1974 (Republic Day), and when the last when the occasion so required – and it the common man, always wanting to help troops left the island for good in 1979 often happened – during disputes between those left behind by society, not only those (Freedom Day). the Union and the hotels. from their own constituency, not to gain I wanted to be able to tell the next gener - Cremona on the other hand, was impul - votes or other benefits, but to ease hardship ations of my family that “I was there”. sive and would lose his temper rather eas - and suffering of the common people. 8 The Voice of the Maltese Tuesday, April 20, 2021 Have your say/Xi trid tghid? Your letters/ L-ittri tagħkom ... Success is slowed with bureaucratic requirements JL Bonnici from San Francisco USA writes: heavy fees, and awkward and difficult bu - reaucratic requirements. The Voice of the Maltese he recent article in the Maltatoday The gnawing of such benefits that brought news portal is appreciated because it PPrriinntt && DDiiggiittaall mmaaggaazziinnee Maltese living abroad closer to Malta has shines a light albeit a faint one on soured and disenfranchised the original en - is is a bi-lingual (in English Tthe Maltese Diaspora or better still The thusiasm. and Maltese) fortnightly mag - Greater Malta living away from the shores Other nations not only talk about a strong azine that specifically targets of the island all of us call home. and engaging diaspora, they support it, they all Maltese living abroad with The proposals mentioned in the article make it easy for the members of the dias - emphasis on the Australian have been discussed at nausea. What kind pora young and not so young to keep the and Maltese scenes. of support and traction have they received? flame lit up and shining brightly. Will change happen NOW? We've had CMLA meetings.... many of e magazine can be read in flip - So many bright, enthusiastic, experienced book or PDF format online. A pdf them. We’ve had conventions...many of professionals of Maltese living abroad who them still, but when the delegates return to copy is sent via email on request. brought about big changes in the past such Hard copy subscription is also where they came from, who waters the as the dual citizenship for people of Mal - seedlings sowed in Malta? Who nurtures, available at a cost . tese descent, the eligibility for Maltese encourages, and champions that which was Editors: passport, social security agreements. discussed and agreed upon? Malta: Joseph Cutajar They were huge achievements and big Allow me to say it in Maltese: Il-kliem Australia: successes for Maltese living abroad only to iqanqal iżda l-eżempju u l-azzjoni jkaxkru . Lawrence Dimech: MOM, be slowly eroded away and burdened with OAM, JP Rt email address: We are the lucky ones Ridiculous postal delay Anthony Cassar from St Albans,writes: [email protected] D. Briffa from, Pendle Hill NSW writes: believe that in Australia we should thank eaders will hardly believe that a letter the Almighty that the COVID-19 pan - Letters for publication in The Voice posted in Valletta, Malta on the the13th Idemic had not been so hard or did not af - JRanuary this year arrived in Sydney NSW fect us too much. Yes, we should also give magazine, either in Maltese or English on the 16th April. should include name, e-mail address credit to the authorities in some of the I know we are in the midst of a pandemic states for being quick to take the measures, and residence of the writer, and be e- but this is ridiculous. It is more like a slow and for being strict enough to stop the pan - mailed to: [email protected]. boat to China. The letter weighed 0.060kg demic from spreading. and the cost of postage was €1.61. But the thanks stop there. I also think that Now you can also What has MaltaPost or the Australian one of the reasons that we have been join us on facebook: postal authorities to say about this unbe - spared so much grief is that Australia is so lievable delay? Who is to blame for the far from anywhere, therefore, we have https://www.facebook. delay? been spared the variations that started in By the way, once again, the Thursday 15/4 the UK and spread around most of Europe, com/groups/thevoice - edition of the Maltese programme on including Malta. ofthemaltese SBSTV did not eventuate. Instead, SBSTV I had been informed that 80 percent of the transmitted a basketball game. high numbers of positive cases in Malta a few weeks back had mostly resulted from the English variant, and the irresponsibility Dr Hugh McDermott MP of some people who did not care that much about restrictions or infecting themselves State Member for Prospect and others. I can understand that, as even in some For issues concerning: states in Australia, when the going was Ageing and disability - community tough, some organisations that should have known better, especially those supposedly services -education - environ - looking after the elders, became complacent ment - health - housing - planning much too early and started organising meet - - Police - transport - water ings and social gatherings without even tak - ing the needed health precautions. P: (02) 9756 4766 Now, hopefully we are on the mend, how - ever it is quite disgusting that the roll-on E: [email protected] of the vaccine is taking so long in Aus - 2/679 The Horsley Dr, Smithfield NSW 2164 tralia. That too means complacency from the government’s side. Tuesday, April 20, 2021 The Voice of the Maltese 9 Another service offered by The Voice of the Maltese providing legal information to our readers Cash stash buried in backyard located from handwritten note by PaulSant lecting cash over the years, and wanted me to have it, as my siblings are better off’. ecently, in Victoria, after the You may have some cash yourself, and death of Marija, a handwritten plans for it, that you may, or may not, note in Croatian, signed by Mar - have communicated to some or none of iRja, was found in her safe custody packet your family members, or the nominated at the ANZ bank, which also contained executors of your estate under your Marija’s Certificate of Title. The note Will. was dated one day after the date of Mar - It is not commonplace for a Will to ija’s Will (which was also handwritten). refer to a location of cash and include a The executor arranged for a certified specific gift, such as, ‘ I leave the accounts, real property, personal items, translation of the note. $75,000 cash in my arrowroot biscuit The note gave clear directions for the and cash, forms the rest and residue of jar located at the back of my wardrobe your estate. If you did not leave specific location of $50,000 cash money that to Jennifer.’ was buried in Marija’s yard, ‘to the right items to Charles, Jennifer and Eddie, the Firstly, the amount of cash that you shares, jewellery and car would be sold, of the kitchen window, immediately next have at the time you execute your Will, to the tree and edge of the concrete’ . and become part of the rest and residue could increase or decrease before your to be divided three ways. It authorised the executors named in death. Secondly, as lawyers, it is our job Marija’s Will to send $45,000 to Ilija (a Imagine if you appointed Charles as to flag potential problems, and a prob - your executor, and Charles did not lo - beneficiary who received $20,000 in her lem with a specific gift of cash is that, Will) and her wish was for Ilija to use cate any cash. Jennifer has seen the Will in dealing with cash, it can mysteriously that specifically left her $75,000 cash. some of the money to bury Marija in vanish after a person has died: “what Gorican, where she was born, and build She might feel some distrust toward cash?” Charles. Or, Charles may have located a nice monument. It authorised the ex - Mention of cash in a Will and then a ecutors to keep $5,000 for their help. the cash, counted it up, seen that it is failure to locate any cash, or a different worth far more than the Share portfolio, The executor located the buried cash amount of cash, can naturally lead to money of $50,000, and asked the court and decided he should have some, or all, squabbles between beneficiaries, and for himself. After all, he’s the executor. to make a declaration that the handwrit - lack of trust in those tasked as executor. ten note was an informal Will. The court Eddie may have been living closest to Thirdly, many cash stashes are kept out you in your later years, after you made decided the handwritten note was a of bank accounts to be kept private. Codicil to the Will: Marija had signed the Will, and provided you with much Many Wills do refer to leaving the rest care and comfort. You may tell him the document, she had referred to funds and residue of an estate ‘equally be - being used for her burial, and that the about the cash and that you want him to tween my children, Charles, Jennifer have it (Jennifer has lived interstate note would take effect if she died – it and Eddie’ . The rest and residue encom - contained testamentary wishes. since shortly after you made your Will passes all assets of your estate, unless 15 years ago, and not provided care and What cash? you have specifically dealt with it in comfort you and she previously dis - your Will – for example, you leave your cussed). You may have heard stories of people Share portfolio to Charles, your jew - finding a stash of cash after a family Neither Jennifer or Charles know ellery collection to Jennifer, and your about this conversation, and the only member dies. A friend may have told car to Eddie. you ‘dad told me where he has been col - other person who could verify that a Anything else, such as funds in bank conversation took place, is now perma - nently unavailable to shed any light on the whereabouts or discussions about PAUL SANT the cash. In a worst-case scenario, Jennifer, (SOLICITOR) Eddie and Charles may spend tens of thousands of dollars of their inheritance PARTNER AT LONGTON LEGAL on lawyers and barristers, in Supreme For All Your Legal Needs Court proceedings. Now at: So how do you deal with cash? 21 George Street You are in the best position to tell Parramatta whom you choose about any cash Phone: 8599 8877 stashes you may have buried in your yard, or your wardrobe. Also at: 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. 10 The Voice of the Maltese Tuesday, April 20, 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

Dar żgħira magħrufa bħala Katrina Cottage

eta ġejna l-Awstralja daqs ħmistax-il sena ilu, waħda Dmjill-aaffarijiert il-ġ oddċa li lk-mara ue jien bjdejnka nagħmn lu iinn kienet li mmorru nikkampjaw, għax f’Malta dan il-pas - Msatemp ma kienx prattikament possibbli, b’diversi minn dawk il- ftit li kienu jipprattikawh aktarx kienu jagħmlu dan b’mod illegali, jew irregolari, għax postijiet bħall-Armier kien jintqal li m’hemmx permess għal din l-attività. Illum nifhem li s-sitwazzjoni nbidlet għall-aħjar. Illum fl-Awstralja nfittxu l-bosta foresti u parkijiet nazzjonali li għandu l-pajjiż, imma fil-bidu konna noqogħdu f’postijiet kum - merċjali tal-ikkampjar. Bil-mod il-mod, f’xi wħud minn dawn il- postijiet, bdejna nindunaw li mhux ir-residenti kollha tal-post tal-kampeġġ kienu hemmhekk b’mod temporanju bħala btala. Skoprejna li ġeneralment ikun hemm sezzjoni tal-post li jkun ris - ervat għal persuni li kienu jgħixu hemm permanentement. Dawn il-persuni ġeneralment joqogħdu f’kabina jew karavan li li m’għandhomx, bħat-Tiny Homes Foundation ta’ Gosford, fi NSW. 1 r-roti tiegħu jkunu mneħħija, u li jkun mgħolli fuq il-briks jew xi Hawn żewġ tipi ewlenin ta’ dawn id-djar ċkejkna, li huma djar struttura permanenti. Ġieli ssib li jkollhom biċċa żgħira ta’ art fejn limitati fil-kobor ġeneralment sa 37m 2 (xi kunsilli jippermettu ikabbru xi ħxejjex, jew xi annimali bħal tiġieġ jew fniek, li kienu ikbar) u li jkollhom il-karattru u l-funzjonalità ta’ dar permanenti. jindikaw li min kien qed joqgħod hemm ma kienx turist. L-ewwelnett hemm dawk li jkunu mibnija fuq qafas bir-roti. Dawn Indunajna li dan hu mod ta’ għixien għal għadd imdaqqas ta’ per - ġeneralment jitqiesu li huma bħal karavans. Għalkemm kull kunsill suni Awstraljani, għal uħud forsi bħala stil magħżul tal-ħajja, għal lokali għandu r-regolamenti tiegħu, ġeneralment wieħed ikun jista’ oħrajn għax forsi tkun l-uniku tip ta’ residenza li l-finanzi tagħhom jpoġġi din it-tip ta’ dar ċkejkna fi proprjetà privata li fiha diġà jgħixu jippermettu. n-nies mingħajr il-bżonn li jintalab permess lill-kunsill. Jekk il-pro - F’dawn iż-żminijiet, il-popolarità tal-hekk imsejħa djar ċkejknin prjetà tkun vojta, aktarx ikun hemm xi limitazzjonijiet. (tiny houses) qiegħed jikber, b’diversità ta’ intrapriżi joffru għadd It-tieninett hemm dawk li ma jkollhomx roti u jkunu mwaħħla ta’ mudelli, b’varjetà ta’ stili, kobor, kumditajiet eċċ inklużi l-arja permanentement mal-art. Dawn wieħed jistenna li jkollhom bżonn kkundizzjonata eċċ li l-prezz tagħhom jista’ jilħaq u anke jiżboq permess biex jinbnew daqs li kieku qiegħed isir żvilupp tradiz - il-mitt elf dollaru. zjonali ta’ proprjetà. Għal min huwa interessat, wieħed irid jagħmel M’għandniex xi ngħidu, dawn il-prezzijiet mhumiex għal dawk ir-riċerka sewwa mal-kunsill ta’ fejn jixtieq joqgħod. li għandhom il-finanzi tagħhom limitati. Għal dawn hemm ukoll Il-moviment lejn dan it-tip ta’ dar kellu avvenimenti sinjifikanti. mudelli li jiswew madwar għaxar sa għoxrin elf dollaru. Fl-erbgħinijiet tas-seklu l-ieħor, kien hemm nuqqasijiet ta’ djar Hemm ukoll organizzazzjoniet li qegħdin jieħdu l-opportunità ta’ minħabba t-tieni gwerra dinjija li kienu mtaffija bi djar pre-fab - dawn id-djar ċkejkna biex jipprovdu dar b’mod sussidjat għal dawk brikati ta’ 64m 2. Aktar riċentement, fl-2005, id-diżastru miġjub mill-uragan Kat - Eżempju tal-hekk rina fl-Istati Uniti wassal biex tiġi żviluppata dar żgħira msejħa magħrufa djar ċke - Katrina Cottage ta’ 28.6m 2 biex ittaffi n-nuqqasijiet tal-akko - jknin (tiny houses) modazzjoni fi New Orleans u l-madwar fl-Istati Uniti. Ukoll kien hemm il-pubblikazzjoni tal-ktieb influenti ‘The Not So Big House’ fl-1998 mill-perit Sarah Susanka li kien intenzjonat li jwaqqaf it-tendenza dejjem tikber tal-arkitettura residenzjali, billi targumenta li djar żgħar għandhom benefiċċji ambjentali. 2 L-interess f’dan il-qasam qiegħed jikber u wieħed jagħmel tajjeb li jħares lejn l-iżviluppi tiegħu. Referenzi 1. https://www.tinyhomesfoundation.org.au/, retrieved 14/4/2021 2. https://www.qshelter.asn.au/elements/2017/06/Tiny-House-Planning-Re - source.pdf, retrieved 14/4/2021 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, April 20, 2021 The Voice of the Maltese 11

Inawgurat il-proġett ta’ €70m har il-Ħamis li għadda l-Prim Min - naħa ta’ isfel ta’ Malta, u li seta’ jsir fl-is - istru Malti Robert Abela fetaħ uffiċ - fond tat-tkabbir ekonomiku li l-Gvern jalment il-proġett massiċċ irnexxielu joħloq fl-aħħar snin. Qal li l- Ngħall-Gżejjer Maltin, il-proġett tal-junction proġett “jirrifletti tliet kwalitajiet ħajjin tal- tal-Marsa, l-akbar investiment kapitali li poplu Malti: l-ambizzjoni, l-għaqal, u qatt sar fi proġett wieħed ta’ toroq f’Malta l-perseveranza" . li sewa €70 miljun. L-inawgurazzjoni tal-proġett li permezz Dan il-proġett, li jinab fir-rotta li tieħduk tiegħu se jonqos it-traffiku, il-ħin tal-ivv - lejn in-nofsinhar ta’ Malta, u li minna jaġġar, u l-emissjonijiet fl-arja kawża tal- jament permezz tat-trasport pubbliku. jgħaddu madwar 100,000 vetturi kuljum, konġestjoni, saret flimkien mal-Ministru Is-Segretarju Parlamentari għall-Fondi jikkonsisti f’seba’ flyovers u 12-il kilometru għat-Trasport, l-Infrastruttura u l-Proġetti Ewropej, Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, qal li l- ta’ korsiji ġodda. Fih ukoll żewġ pontijiet Kapitali Ian Borg u s-Segretarju Parlamen - proġett, li gawda minn €52 miljun f’fondi pedonali, 3.5 km korsijiet għar-roti, u park tari għall-Fondi Ewropej Stefan Zrinzo Az - Ewropej ifisser kwalità ta’ ħajja aħjar għan- & ride bi 380 spazju Ġie msebbaħ ukoll zopardi. nies li jgħixu fin-naħa ta’ isfel tal-pajjiż. b’xogħlijiet artistiċi, u bi 18,000 siġra u ar - Il-Ministru Ian Borg qal li għall-ewwel Skont Il-Kap Eżekuttiv ta' Infrastructure buxell. darba Malta għandha strutturi li jaraw tliet Malta Frederick Azzopardi l-proġett se Mhux ta’ b’xejn li fl-inawgurazzjoni l- livelli ta' toroq fuq xulxin. Hemm seba’ jnaqqas it-tniġġis mill-karozzi bejn 50 u 70 Prim Ministru fisser il-proġett bħala pontijiet u qed tingħata infrastruttura xierqa fil-mija, li jfisser arja aktar nadifa għall- evoluzzjoni tal-pajjiż li biddel il-wiċċ tan- lil min jivjaġġa b'mezzi alternattivi, primar - familji fil-Marsa u f'Raħal Ġdid.

MINISTRY FOR FOREIGN AND EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

High Commission & Consulates of Malta in Australia

Avviż lill-qarrejja 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 The Voice of the Maltese Tuesday, April 20, 2021 Roundup of News About Malta EU, Central Bank expect Malta’s economy to grow by 4.5% – 5% in 2021 Malta forecast to he European Commission’s win - pected fall in real GDP of around 9%, ter forecast has given Malta a which came after robust growth of 5.3% register highest 4.5% expected growth rate for in 2019. 2021 and 5.4 per cent in 2022. This Investment fell, mainly due to a sur - economic growth T alta has gained another good certifi - year’s growth is to be mainly driven by prise drop in construction, while private net exports and domestic consumption, consumption was dampened by contrac - cate from the International Monetary as inbound tourism and global trade re - tions in sectors such as retail and hospi - FMund (IMF) that in its forecast on global cover gradually. tality. The toll on the economy, however, economic trends said that it will not only In fact, the rollout of vaccinations this has been partially mitigated by govern - have the lowest rate of unemployment year and a gradual easing of restrictions ment stimulus measures. within the eurozone this year, but also the in the EU should set the tourism sector The second wave of restrictions glob - highest rate of growth in 2022. in Malta back on the path to recovery ally has placed additional strain on the In the wake of positive forecasts by the and re-invigorate domestic demand. highly open economy in the last quarter European Commission, IMF experts are At the same time, the Central Bank of of 2020 and continues to weigh in the also forecasting that this year the Maltese Malta (CBM) expects that as a result of first quarter of 2021. economy will register a 4.7% growth. The Monetary Fund experts are forecast - the pandemic, after an estimated con - Compared to its December 2020 pro - ing that Malta’s Gross Domestic Product traction of 8.2 per cent in 2020, Malta’s jections, and due to the impact of strin - this year will be 2.8% higher than in 2019. gross domestic product (GDP), will gent containment measures that spilled They said that this is the best achievable re - grow by five per cent in 2021, by 5.5 per further into 2021, CBM has revised is sult among European countries dependent cent in 2022, and by 4.7 per cent in GDP growth for 2020 and 2021 down - on tourism. 2023. wards In their recent Spring Report the IMF ex - In its report the EU further forecasts It had projected Malta’s economy to perts are projecting that Malta’s economic that in 2022, Malta’s economy should contract by 7.5 per cent in 2020, now up growth will be 0.3% higher than the aver - expand by 5.4% as net exports return as to a contraction of 8.2 per cent, and it age growth in the eurozone. the main contributor to GDP growth projected a 5.9 per cent 2021 growth In their forecast for next year, the IMF while domestic demand makes a slower rate, now down to five per cent. states that Malta will have the highest rate but steady contribution. However, GDP growth is being revised of growth in the eurozone, with the econ - By the end of 2022, the tourism sector upwards for 2022 and 2023, with GDP omy expected to register a 5.6% growth, is expected to recover close to pre-pan - in 2023 expected to be at a similar level whereas the average in the eurozone is ex - demic levels and international trade to that projected in December 2020. pected to be 3.8%. should be significantly restored. CBM thus maintains its expectation IMF also forecasts that the rate of unem - Last year the Maltese economy regis - that 2019 GDP levels are to be recouped ployment in Malta this year will be 4.3%, tered a severe contraction with limita - towards the end of 2022, conditional on the lowest rate in the eurozone, which has tions on air traffic, tourism and social the successful rollout of a vaccine in an average being 8.7%. Unemployment in activities mainly to blame for an ex - 2021. Malta next year is projected to drop to 4.1%, and 8.5% within the eurozone. Historical law that ensuring Malta ratifies the UNESCO gender parity in Parliament he House of Representatives has approved a historic Convention on Protecting the law that will strengthen the presence of women in Par- lTiament, ensuring gender parity in Parliament. It introduces Underwater Cultural Heritage measures for equal representation of men and women in alta has ratified the UNESCO Con - Parliament vention on the Protection of the The corrective mechanism law that introduces measures MUnderwater Cultural Heritage. Robert for equal representation in Parliament, was approved in the John Micallef, the First Secretary at the Third Reading stage by 63 votes in favour and only two Embassy of Malta in Paris, deposited the against. It will become law in time for the next election. Instrument of Ratification on behalf of What it means is, that if the under-represented sex com- Malta prises less than 40% of all seats after the election outcome This follows the official ratification that is known, the mechanism will kick in to elect a maximum was signed by Minister for Foreign and of 12 additional MPs – six on either side of the House. European Affairs Evarist Bartolo on the 5th of March 2021. It will only kick in if two parties are elected to parliament This UNESCO Convention was adopted in November 2001 with the in - and remain in force for 20 years. tention of enabling states to better protect their submerged cultural her - The bill will now be presented to the President of Malta itage, mainly through: (i) their obligation to preserve underwater cultural for his approval and published in the Government Gazette, heritage, (ii) ‘in situ’ preservation as the first option, (iii) no commercial thus becoming a Parliamentary Act. exploitation, and (iv) training and information sharing. Tuesday, April 20, 2021 The Voice of the Maltese 13 Roundup of News About Malta Malta offers money incentives to revive tourism iming to revive the tourism industry and get ahead of rival destinations, Malta is to offer foreign visitors a handout of up to €200 if they stay at least three days oAn the island this summer. Announcing the scheme as part of Malta’s tourism recovery plan, Tourism minister Clayton Bartolo said that with most COVID restrictions expected to be lifted by June 1st, tourists booking summer holidays directly through local hotels would receive the handout. Data shows that directly and indirectly the tourist industry accounts for more than 27% of Malta's economy, but the sec - tor has been hammered by the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2019, the year before the pandemic, Just one part of he Grand Harbour, one Malta attracted more than 2.7 million for - of the most popular sites with tourists eign visitors, but since the virus was de - those struggling in the tourism industry and tected in March 2020 figures have fallen by putting Malta's hotels back in a very com - more than 80%. petitive position. Minister Bartolo said that tourists booking Malta has the highest virus vaccination accommodation at a five-star hotel will get rate in the European Union. It has seen a €100 from Malta’s Tourism Authority, sharp drop in new COVID-19 cases, with which will be matched by the hotel for a the positivity rate - the percentage of tests total of €200. that show a positive result - down to In a similar arrangement, those opting for 2.6%.The Maltese government has also a four-star hotel will receive a total of €150 been urging the EU to introduce vaccine and those booking a three-star hotel will re - passports to facilitate travel.having given at ceive €100. least one dose to 42% of adults. Bartolo said that the rate of the vaccine With the UK serving as Malta’s biggest will be more satisfactory by June than the travel market accounting for a third of rate it is at currently, and European coun - tourist arrivals, and with UK citizens ex - tries will also have a satisfactory rate of pressing an interest in travelling to Malta, vaccination by early June too. Therefore he the Minister wishes to capitalise on this in - expects to see tourists arriving in Malta par - terest, so he intends to have talks to encour - ticularly from Europe and specifically the age travel between Malta and Britain. United Kingdom by early June as they For the time being however, the tourism would feel safer. industry and the health authorities will only Minister of Tourism and Consumer Therefore, with international tourism re- allow people hailing from red, amber and Protection Cayton Bartolo starting, the scheme is aimed at helping green listed countries if they present a neg - ative PCR test. The plan was certified with the help of the health authorities, in order to safeguard the MaltaAir announces five new Malta health of the general public. The tourism industry is also considering routes to Italian cities and Greece a green pass for Maltese citizens: a digital eanwhile Clayton Bartolo has an - Government is preparing to welcome the certificate that will allow those who have nounced during a joint press confer - first tourists in the first days of June in a taken the vaccine to move from one country eMnce with MaltaAir Chief Executive gradual and responsible manner,” he said. to another with no restrictions holding them Officer David O’Brien, that as part of He appealed to the Maltese public to stay back. Malta’s summer 2021 schedule RyanAir vigilant and to respect the measures out - Minister Bartolo has also announced two subsidiary, MaltaAir would be operating lined by the local Health Authorities. further schemes valued at €5.5 million twice-weekly flights to four new Italian Mr David O’Brien said that as the vacci - aimed at helping the tourism operators. cities, Brindisi, Cagliari, Genoa and Tra - nation rollout programmes continue, air They include €4 million to refund some pani, and another to Chania in Greece. traffic is set to soar and it was with great expenses of every those attending a confer - Minister Bartolo said that being an island satisfaction to announce these five new ence in Malta and Gozo. They vary be - in the heart of the Mediterranean, it is cru - routes as part of Ryanair’s biggest ever tween those whose expense will be between cial that Malta continues to strengthen its Maltese summer schedule. €600 to €800, to be refunded €75, and those air connectivity. He added that after the To celebrate their five new Malta routes, exceeding €800 who will get a refund of COVID-19 pandemic, Malta has started Ryanair has launched a seat sale with fares €150. Those eligible need to attend a con - walking the road of recovery through the available from just €19.99 for travel until ference for more than 10 people and spend introduction of schemes aimed at incoming the end of October 2021. at least two nights in Malta. tourists and the hospitality sector. For the upcoming summer season, Another scheme worth €1.5 million di - “I believe that we have started seeing the RyanAir will be having 6 Malta-based air - rectly benefits boutique hotels, guest - light at the end of the tunnel. The Maltese craft, 57 routes and 155 weekly flights. houses, and two star hotels. 14 The Voice of the Maltese Tuesday April 20, 2021

hux soltu tiegħi, Marmara u li ġie ppub - ħlief f’xi każijiet likat fi It-Torċa . Intres - rari li nibda l-kitba santi kien il-fatt li bejn Mtiegħi billi nittratta stħarriġ Dak l-imbierek stħarriġ! wieħed ieħor taw l-ist - dwar is-sitwazzjoni tal-mexxejja u tal- Imma llum bdejt propju b’dan is-suġġett ess riżultat. partiti politiċi, għalkemm il-gazzetta Mal - għax nhar il-Ħadd, 11 ta’ April kellna r- Ir-riżultati ta’ wasslu għad-diskussjoni li tatoday hi magħrufa għal stħarriġ bħala riżultat ta’ żewġ stħarriġ: tal- Maltatoday fiha ntervjena direttament anke l-mexxej dan li jsir kważi ta’ kull xahar. u dak li sar mill-istatista magħruf Vincent tal-Partit Nazzjonalista Dr Bernard Grech. X’kien ir-riżultat? e nibda b’dak li għandu x’jaqsam maż-żewġ mexxejja, u bl-istħarriġ ta’ Vincent Marmara, li wera li l-Prim SMinistru Robert Abela, baqa’ jitqies bħala l- aktar fdat biex imexxi l-pajjiż billi huwa fdat bi kważi 12% aktar mill-Kap Nazzjonalista, Bernard Grech. Fil-waqt li 49.5% wieġbu li jafdaw l-iktar lil Robert Abela, 37.6% wieġbu li jafdaw lil Bernard Grech. Kien hemm ukoll 5.7% li qalu li ma jafdaw lil ħadd, 6.6% qalu li ma jafux u 0.6% li jafdaw oħrajn. ADPD jew partiti oħrajn għandhom l-ap - Min-naħa l-oħra, filwaqt li jikkonferma li poġġ ta’ 1.6% tal-elettorat. l-akbar fiduċja hi f’Robert Abela, l-istħarriġ elezzjoni llum lil min tivvota? Id-distakk li mill-istħarriġ tal- Maltatoday ma tal-Maltatoday, iniżżel id-differenza bejn il- Fil-każ tal-istħarriġ ta’ Marmara d-distakk kienx daqshekk kbir billi f’termini ta’ voti mexxejja għal 11%. L-istħarriġ juri li waqt bejn iż-żewġ partiti ewlenin, il-PL u l-PN kien ta’ maġġoranza ta’ madwar 26,000 għall- li Abela huwa fdat minn 47.2%, Grech huwa kien ta’ 10%, bil-Partit Laburista jikseb Partit Laburista, għax skont l-istħarriġ il-PL fdat minn 35.8%. 54.2% tal-elettorat u l-Partit Nazzjonalista kien jikseb 41.8% tal-voti u l-PN 35.6% Imbagħad meta niġu għall-partiti l-mis - 44.2%. F’termini ta’ numri dan ifisser Il-maġġoranza għall-Partit Laburista fl- tqosija ewlenija kienet: Kieku kellha ssir maġġoranza ta’ 32,000 vot għal-Labour. L- aħħar elezzjoni kienet ta’ 35,280 vot.

-ewwel reazzjoni min-naħa tal-midja l-partit għadu ma wasalx, u stqarr li biex il- taż-żewġ partiti kienet ta’ sodisfaz - PN jimxi ‘l quddiem wasal iż-żmien li jit - Lzjon, bin- Net News (PN) jgħidu: Ikompli tieħdu d-deċiżjonijiet bla biża’ jew favuri. jonqos id-distakk bejn iż-żewġ partiti: l- Ir-reazzjoni Huma ħafna li qed jistaqsu x’inhuma dawn aqwa riżultat għal Bernard Grech billi id-“deċiżjonijiet iebsin” li semma’ Grech. mill-aħħar elezzjoni il-Partit Nazzjonalista naqqas id-distakk bejn iż-żewġ partiti Ftit tal-figuri ... b’terz u b’żieda ta’ aktar minn 10,000 vot fl-aħħar xahar. inn l-istħarriġ joħroġ ċar li l-ħatra ta’ Dan minkejja li kien hemm tnaqqis marġi - MGrech, u probabbli l-fatt li bħalissa nali bejn iż-żewġ partiti b’żieda għall-PN, l-Gvern qed iħabbat wiċċu mal-COVID, u filwaqt li Bernard Grech irreġistra l-ogħla allura żgur li ċerti deċiżjonijiet jimpattaw perċentwal ta’ fiduċja fost in-nies, ta’ fin-negattiv fuq il-Gvern, taw spinta 35.8%, żieda ta’ 1% fuq ix-xahar ta’ qabel. kemm lill-mexxej tal-PN u l-partit. Min-naħa l-oħra l-ġurnal elettroniku tal- Bħalissa Grech qed igawdi appoġġ aktar Partit laburista One News ħareġ jgħid: Żewġ qawwi mill-mexxej ta’ qablu u l-PN kiseb stħarriġ jagħtu riżultat b’saħħtu favur l-aħjar riżultat mill-aħħar elezzjoni. Robert Abela u l-PL , u sostna li l-istħarriġ Roseylyn Borg Knight “Evidently the PN is Min-naħa tal-PL żgur li sodisfatt li t-telf ta’ It-Torċa , juri li l-partiti politiċi qed playing a broken record, its music does not fil-fiduċja tal-mexxej tiegħu u t-tnaqqis fl- iżommu r-riżultat fl-istess ilma tal-elezzjoni resonate with the young and those who de - appoġġ tal-partit, għal darbtejn wara tal-2017, bil-Laburisti jżommu vantaġġ ta’ serted will not return when they see that the xulxin fl-istħarriġ mill-Maltatoday fix- 10% fuq in-Nazzjonalista u Robert Abela reasons they left are still there” xhur li għaddew issa nbidlu, u minflok fdat 12% aktar minn Bernard Grech. matul is-snin kif ukoll liż-żgħażagħ. Sost - hemm żieda ta’ 7% mill-aħħar stħarriġ Anke l-istħarriġ tal- Maltatoday juri li niet li, “biex jimxi ‘l quddiem il-PN għal Abela Robert Abela jgawdi fiduċja ferm akbar jinħtieġ politika ġdida u wċuh rilevanti”. Fejn għandhom x’jaqsmu l-partiti, skont bid-differenza tlaħħaq il-11%. Imqabbel Saħansitra meta ġie mistoqsi dwar dan l- l-istħarriġ tal- Maltatoday mix-xahar ta’ mal-aħħar stħarriġ tal-istess gazzetta, Ro- istħarriġ, filwaqt li qal li għall-Partit Naz - qabel l-appoġġ tal-PN żdied bi 3% u dak bert Abela żied il-fiduċja b’iktar minn 7%. zjonalista, dawn l-istħarriġ kienu Laburista bi 2.6%. IImma ż-żieda xorta Imma, ma laħqux għaddew 24 siegħa, li inkoraġġanti hekk kif juru tnaqqis fid-dis - tissarraf f’vantaġġ kbir għall-Laburisti. l-kandidata prospettiva u segretarju Inter - takk bejn iż-żewġ partiti politiċi l-istess Anzi skont l-istħarriġ ta’ Marmara, nazzjonali tal-PN, Roselyn Borg Knight, mexxej tal-partit iżda ammetta li kien għad imxebbaħ mar-riżultat tal-elezzjoni tal- fuq Facebook , ma ħarġitx tgħid li l-PN baqa’ xi jsir biex il-partit jirnexxi. 2017 isib li filwaqt li kien hemm tnaqqis mhux qed jiġbed lejh jew jirbaħ votanti Grech nsista li għalkemm hu sodisfatt li l- minimu ta’ 0.8% għall-partit, hemm ż- ġodda, daqskemm ukoll mhux jiġbed lura poplu qed jibgħat messaġġ li jrid iħares lejn żieda tal-PN hi ta’ 0.5% Tal-ADPD jew lejh dawk il-votanti li kienu abbandunawh il-PN u qed jieħu pjaċir bit-tiġdid li sar s’issa oħrajn żiedu żieda 0.3%. Tuesday, April 20, 2021 The Voice of the Maltese 15

Malta fuq quddiem -aħħar aħbarijiet dwar il-pandemija Battibekk huma inkoraġġanti, għax f’dawn l- abel inħalli x-xena politika tajjeb Maħħar jiem, għax minbarra li naqsu l-każi insemmi fil-qosor battibekk li naqsu wkoll l-imwiet fejn ġieli kien hemm kellna bejn il-Ministru Carmelo jiem li lanqas biss kien hemm mewt waħda. QAbela u d-Deputat Nazzjonalista Dr Jason Sadanittant it-tilqim miexi b’rata mgħaġġla Azzopardi li għal xi jiem iddomina l-midja tant li l-viċi-Prim Ministru u Ministru tas- Maltija. Saħħa Chris Fearne qed ibassar li sa tmiem Kollox beda meta Abela għadda kum - Ġunju 70% tal-popolazzjoni se tkun ħadet ment fuq il-Facebook dwar Azzopardi. tal-inqas l-ewwel titqiba tal-vaċċin. S’issa Dan immedjatament wieġeb bit-tweġiba ħadu l-vaċin aktar minn 270,000 ruħ. tiegħu mill-ewwel tingħata prominenza Min. Carmelo Abela Jason Azzopardi Il-Kummissjoni Ewropeja wkoll ikkonfer - mill-midja. Dan minħabba li Azzopardi ta mat li Malta u erba’ pajjiżi oħra biss tal-Un - wieħed x’jifhem li l-Ministru Abela kien il-Ministru, u billi meta sar it-tentattiv joni Ewropeja rnexxielhom jilħqu l-mira li imdeffes fit-tentattiv ta’ serq li kien sar fuq Abela kien impjegat tal-Bank, malajr sa l-aħħar ta’ Marzu kellhom jitlaqqmu 80% il-HSBC Bank fl-2010. bdew jiġru x-xniegħat. tal-anzjani ta’ aktar minn 80 sena. Attwal - Azzopardi saħansitra indika li Abela kien Ħadd ma’ semma’ lil Abela b’ismu pub - ment Malta għaddietha sewwa billi kienu se jingħata €300,000 minn dawk li kienu blikament, għalhekk meta Azzopardi tlaqqmu 95%. se jwettqu s-serqa. ħareġ b’din l-istorja qam furur sħiħ. Sin - Sadanittant tħabbar ukoll f’Ġunju mistenni Għal dawk li forsi ma’ jafux, meta dan l- tendi kulħadd kien qed jistenna r-reazzjoni li jibda t-turiżmu u t-turisti li jkunu mlaqqma aħħar Vince Muscat kien qed jixhed fil- ta’ Abela. jkunu faċilment jistgħu jidħlu Malta jekk każ tal-qtil ta’ Caruana Galizia, allega li Din malajr ġiet, għax mhux talli kien juru ċertifikat ta’ tilqim. (ara paġna 13) . kien hemm Ministru mdaħħal fit-tentattiv hemm iċ-ċaħda tiegħu, imma saħansitra, Malta kienet fost xi pajjiżi oħra tal-Unjoni tas- serqa mill-HSBC u li l-persuna tard bil-lejl, sa mar il-Qorti u fetaħ libell Ewropeja li ressqu l-proposta biex l-UE konċernata kienet għaddiet ċertu tagħfri li lil Azzopardi. toħroġ speċi ta’ passaport tat-tilqima tal- min kien se jagħmel is-serqa. S’issa l-każ waqaf hemm, imma nisten - Covid li bih wieħed ikun jista’ jżur pajjiżi Imma Muscat ma qalx min seta’ kien dan new x’se joħroġ mil-libel. oħra tal-Unjoni Ewropea.

Għill-aibglħa dG żmiħnijieat swaru tdentaettixvi mill-Port il-Kbir biex is-servizz ta’ komunikazzjoni Mmarittmu bejn iż-żewġ gżejjer Maltin jitjiebu, u issa anke bdejna naħsbu biex ikollna triq fil-baħar u ma niddependux aktar għal kollox fuq s-servizzi marittimi. Ħasda kbira ... u kif Imma xorta dawn is-servizzi huma es - awk l-entitajiet, fosthom il-Commu - senzjali. Allura dawk li jaqsmu bejn nity Chest Fund. Id-Dar tal-Providenza Malta u Għawdex dejjem jitolbu għal uD ż-żewġ partiti politiċi ewlenin li għamlu servizzi aħjar li kemm jista’ jkun ikunu bla waqfien u jekk jista’ jkun inaqqsu l-ħin ta’ traġitt. ġabriet matul il-jiem tal-festi tal-Milied u l- U dak propju jidher li se jseħħ minn Ġunju li ġej, għax għadu kif ġie tħabbar li minn dak Ewwel tas-Sena u wżaw is-sistema tat-tele - ix-xahar se jkun hemm żewġ kumpaniji li se jħaddmu servizz bil-katamaran bejn il-Port fon tal-GO bħala mezz biex jirċievu tal-Imġarr u l-Port il-Kbir. l-għotjiet mingħand il-pubbliku, ħadu ħasda Is-servizz li jidher li se jiġi milqugħ minn ħafna nies, u ċertament li għandu wkoll jattira kbira meta l-GO ħabbret li kien hemm t-turiżmu lejn Għawdew, se jieħu biss madwar45 minuta. Imma s-servizz se jkun limitat ħsara teknika li wasslet biex attwalment in - biss għall-passiġieri. Min irid jaqsam bil-vettura tiegħu irid juża l-vapur miċ-Ċirkewwa. għata stampa falza ta’l-ammonti li attwal - ment inġabru. Il-problema teknika wasslet biex ikun hemm reġistrazzjonijiet doppji ta’ donaz - zjonijiet bi pledge waqt diversi maratoni ta’ ġbir ta’ fondi matul is-sena li għaddiet, li fisser li l-ammont reali miġbur kien ta €1.4 miljun inqas milli oriġinarjament kien maħsub. Biex inġib eżempju, jekk bit-telefon wegħdet €20 fuq l-iscreens ta’ min qed jirċievi l-għotja kien jimmarka li daħlu €40. “Let Our Family B’xorti tajba għal min għamel l-għotjiet il- Help You Through” problema teknika ma effetwatx il-flus li taw Richard Spiteri Castle Hill imma daqshekk ħallsu. 0407 202 167 Seven Hills – Fost l-aktar entitajiet li ntlaqtu kien hemm (02) 9659 0900 Windsor and Ħalli l-familja id-Dar tal-Providenza u l-Caritas li attwal - all suburbs tagħna tgħin lill- ment sabu li b’hekk tilfu €654,000, li se jaf - fettwaw il-pjanijiet tagħhom, b’impatt familja tiegħek dirett fuq il-ħidma ta’ matul din is-sena ta’ dawn l- istituzzjonijiet ta’ karità tal-Knisja. 16 The Voice of the Maltese Tuesday, April 20, 2021

The Census is on again ustralia's next Census will take place this August 10. The both parents born country’s largest survey is conducted every five years by overseas. the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and is compul - But the statistics Asory. It aims to counts every person and home in Australia and es - also show people sentially provide a snapshot of the nation and how it is changing. in Australia from As well as Australian citizens, visa holders, tourists and interna - CALD back - tional visitors including students studying at Australian universities grounds (Maltese all need to take part. included) are less “The Census form asks questions about things like your age, likely to complete country of birth, religion, ancestry, language used at home, work the Census. There and education.” will also be 'fill- The data collected is then "used to inform important decisions in-the-form' sessions - including in languages other than English - about transport, schools, health care, infrastructure, and business. around the country to provide face-to-face support with filling in It also helps plan local services for individuals, families, and com - the Census, including at migrant resource centres and community munities". hubs. But it's a huge task, involving around 10 million households and “If you want a voice, you need to complete the Census,” That is 25 million people. One of the biggest takeaways from the last Cen - why we strongly appeal to all Maltese not only to complete the sus in 2016 was how diverse Australia is becoming. It found nearly census but rtp eply to questions correctly about their ancestry es - half of people in Australia were either born overseas or had one or pecially the language spoken at home. National summit on women’s safety July national summit on women’s only appointed Minister for Wom- safety will be held in July in a en's Safety recently, said a national Adeal between federal and state min - plan to end violence against women isters to canvass new programmes to and children immediately launched prevent violence amid calls for an a new inquiry and held an online urgent injection of $150 million to meeting with her state counterparts help families in need. to agree on July 29 and 30 as the Senator Anne Ruston who was dates for the summit. She declared that the next agree - Hhe Morrisuon Gsoviernmengt is becing rurgieds to invs est in ment would go beyond the goals set social housing in its upcoming Budget to help end in the last plan, which offered $328 TAustralia’s homelessness and housing affordability crisis. million over three years but runs out In a pre-Budget submission, Everybody’s Home – a na - at the end of this year. tional campaign to end homelessness – said recent eco - While federal and state leaders held nomic modelling showed homelessness was expected to a similar summit in Adelaide in Oc - surge nine percent this year, while housing stress is fore - tober 2018, with about 100 dele - cast to increase by 24 percent. The figures show how cru - gates debating policy measures, this cial it was for the Government to act now year’s event could be bigger given A number of Catholic organisations are members of the calls on governments for greater the Everybody’s Home campaign, including Jesuit So - action on the problem. cial Services, St Vincent de Paul Society, Sacred Heart Domestic violence services are Mission, St Vincent’s Health and a number of diocesan asking the Morrison Government to Catholic Care agencies. repeat injection of $150 million an - In its pre-Budget submission to the Government, the or - nounced last year on the grounds ganisations recommended a joint Commonwealth/state- that services cannot wait for the next territory investment of $7.7 bn to construct 30,000 new national plan to start next year. homes over the next four years and a 50 percent increase to Commonwealth Rent Assistance to more adequately ESenator Anne Ruston, the new subsidise private rental costs for low-income tenants. Minister for Women's Safety

Ahe rende of thae $9l0 lbil lioon JofbK eueper sg linrg sectoars tol relplyace thei wnage sutbsihdy imsoda tiotn aond rgecreeatiotn shervicees trhat h? ave payment is being met with trepidation scheme and offset major job losses. depended on JobKeeper are predicted to in - bTy many hundreds of thousands of Aus - Treasury’s latest estimates are that up to crease in defaults and closures. tralians. 150,000 jobs may be lost. Other economists Many workers who were on the $1000 per While industry groups, unions and social predict this to be closer to 200,000 jobs. fortnight JobKeeper and lose their jobs, service advocates continue to urge the Gov - Many small businesses in food and bev - will shift to JobSeeker, which has been re - ernment to provide extra support to strug - erage, transport, personal services, accom - duced to $620.80 per fortnight. Tuesday, April 20, 2021 The Voice of the Maltese 17

A nation of sceptics? he result of a survey carried secular. I think that intellectuals are out by McCrindle Research mostly secular or are required to for the Centre for Public pretend that they are. But broader TChristianity suggests that as a na - people are very varied …” tion, Australians may not be as This new survey backs up Mur - sceptical as they think they are. ray’s intuition. The survey of 1000 people asked For example, on the question of respondents about their openness miracles: roughly a third of people to the existence of a range of spir - (31.2 per cent) responded, “I be - itual realities: ghosts, miracles, an - lieve this exists”; almost another gels, a higher power/God, the soul, third (29.1%) said, “I am open to ultimate meaning or purpose in the possibility that this exists”. life, and life after death. Some opted for “unsure” or “un - In 2005, in an interview the poet likely”, but only 13.8% were will - Jerry and Vicky Bugeja ‘always present’ at the Show Les Murray was asked how com - ing to say they did not believe fortable he felt with being “an ec - there’s any such thing as a miracle. centric Australian voice, a rural Surprisingly, it was the youngest Jerry’s 100kg pumpkin poet speaking for an urban culture, age group – 18-26-year-olds – who a Roman Catholic speaking for a expressed the most openness to the at the Royal Easter Show largely secular people.” non-material: 49% said they be - he Royal Easter Show, one of the most popular He replied: “I just speak as I am. I lieve in the soul, and 48% in life events in the NSW calendar was cancelled last am a Catholic and I don’t believe after death (in both cases, another year at a cost of $10 million due to the coron - that other people are necessarily 28% were open to the possibility). aTvirus pandemic but farmers, growers and local produc - ers made a grand return this year. It was only the third cancellation in the show's almost 200-year his - tory. This year only 60.000 000 ticket holders The Duke 1921-2021 were allowed on each day under COVIDsafe ollowing the death of Prince Philip, the guidelines. FDuke of Edinburgh and husband of Her Sydney Royal Easter Show General Manager, Majesty Queen Elizabeth, Australian Prime Murray Wilton says this year’s show would not Minister Scott Morrison said in a message: “Australians send our love and deepest have been possible without federal government condolences to Her Majesty and all the support, in the form of a $15 million grant. The Royal family”. funds were part of $36 million allocated to help Prince Philip died at Windsor Castle at the agricultural show societies recover from the ef - age of 99, just months away from celebrat - fects of the pandemic. ing his 100th birthday. He was born in Mon Jerry Bugeja, from Austral, has displayed his Repos on the Greek island of Corfu on June homegrown vegetables at the show for the past 10, 1921, but his family was exiled from 10 years and is known for growing giant vegeta - the country when he was eighteen months bles. He was part of the Southern Districts exhibit old. The family then relocated to Paris and team which won best display this time around. later Prince Philip moved to England to live His biggest pumpkin this year weighed in at 100 with his Mountbatten relatives. kilograms. “It takes five months to grow, and it In 1942 he was made a full lieutenant in is a lot of work,” he says. “But it's lovely to be the Royal Navy, serving on board HMS back and to see the crowds. It's really fantastic. Wallace as second-in-command. We love it.” In 1947 he married then Princess Eliza - beth in Westminster Abbey and took the title Duke of Edinburgh, Earl of Merioneth and Baron Greenwich. The couple moved to Malta, where they lived for two years as he continued to serve in the Royal Navy. Michelle Rowland MP The couple were married for 73 years and Shadow Minister for Communications Prince Philip became the longest-serving consort in British history. Federal Member for Greenway The Governor-General of Australia, David Hurley described his death as a “sad and his - toric day” and gave thanks for the Duke’s “commitment to Australia”. He said that Prince Philp had visited Australia 21 times, the one in 2011. “He was a popular, en - gaged, and welcome visitor to our shores. Level 1. Suite 101C, 130 Main Street, Blacktown “His impact was profound – not least on PO Box 8525, Blacktown NSW 2148 the more than 775,000 young Australians who have participated in The Duke of Ed - (02) 9671 4780 [email protected] inburgh’s International Award since it MRowlandMP www.michellerowland.com.au began here in 1959,” GG Hurley said. Prince Philip’s funeral was held last Sat - urday. 18 The Voice of the Maltese Tuesday, April 20, 2021

Tagħrif dwar il-kitba Maltija u dawk li matul

Iil-ksitti-esb lei qked linġiib ħgħaall-adttemnzjouni t agl-qaħrreajjal lllum- hiu żvkittiielb uta’ pgħapdd tat’ kaotbla- u ipolesżijii. Heu wnko llM profaessolrt tail- magħruf f’għadd ta’ oqsma, imma ċertament li hu wkoll filosofija fl-Universitá ta’ Malta. JOE FRIĠĠIERI –awtur tal-kotba, drammaturgu, poeta, u filosofu l-Professur Joe Friġ- nali fl-1992 tant kienet ġieri twieled fir-raħal popolari li ddawret f’serje ta’ Ħal-Lija fl-20 ta’ televiżiva. MIarzu 1946. Hu magħruf Fl-2010 kien ukoll ippub - bħala filosofu, awtur, blika ktieb ieħor dwar Ron - kemm ta’ kotba u wkoll nie, Aktar Stejjer drammaturgu, b’xogħljiet tar-Ronnie , u għal tliet tal-palk ta’ ċerta popolaritá, snin, bejn l-1971 u l-1974 direttur teatrali, poeta, u kien l-editor ta’ pubblikaz - membru tas-Senat tal-Uni - zjoni dwar l-arti, u bejn l- versitá ta’ Malta 1975 u l-1980 tal-gazzetta Friġġieri, li hu miżżew- ta’ kull xahar Illum. Hu weġ lil Therese, waħda kien ukoll l-editur fundatur minn tliet attriċi aħwa, (l- tal-pubbikazzjoni tal-Kun - oħrajn Jane Marshall u sill tal-Arti, Kultura 21 . Ninette Micallef), kien l- Il-Profs Friggieri kiteb ewwel professor fil-fakultá ukoll għadd ta’ xogħlijiet tal-filosofija fl-Universitá oħra għall-palk u wkoll id - ta’ Malta li ma kienx saċer - derieġa wħud minnhom hu dot kattoliku. Hawnhekk stess. Hu regolament jiġi ingħata l-ħatra hekk kif il- wkoll mistieden jieħu Professur Peter Serracino sehem f’diskussjonijiet Inglott irtira fl-1966. pubbliċi, l-aktar fuq ir-radju Huwa kiseb id-dottorat u t-televiżjoni, fosthom mill-Universitá kattolika programmi kulturali li hu ta’ Milan u wkoll ta’ Ox - stess ipproduċa. ford fl-Ingilterra. Fil-karriera tiegħu Joe kiseb għadd Baqa’ wkoll jissemma għal Linguaggio e Fost kollox hu wkoll kien riċerkatur mist - ġmielu ta’ għotjiet (awards) letterarji, fos - Azione , l-ewwel ktieb dwar il-filosoija ieden tal-Universitajiet ta’ Venezja u Gen - thom, għal tlett darbiet il-Premju Nazzjon - minn awtur Malti li ġie ppubblikat fl- ova fl-Italja, Amsterdam tal-Olanda, St ali Letterarju. Dawn kienu, fl-1993 għal Italja. Andrews u Durham tar-Renju Unit, u Kadenzi , 1998 għal Mid-Djarju ta’ Sara , Bejn l-1990 u l-1993 Friġġieri mexxa l- Augsburg tal-Ġermanja. u fl-2003 għal Żewġ Drammi , li kienu jin - kumitat maniġerjali tat-Teatru Manoel, Bħala kittieb, Friġġieri għandu b’ismu, kludu ż-żewġ stejjer għall-palk, Tkun dar - bejn l-1993 u l-1996 kien membru tal-Aw - tliet volumi ta’ poeżiji, tliet kollezzjonijiet b’oħra Mikelanġ, u Trappisti . torita’ tax-Xandir, u bejn l-2003 u l-2005 ta’ stejjer qosra, għadd ta’ stejjer miktuba Fost ix-xogħlijiet l-aktar popolari tiegħu mexxa l-Kunsill tar-Arti. għat-teatru, kif ukoll l-ewwel storja ta’ hemm L- Istejjer tar-Ronnie , li ġie ppubb - Bħala direttur tal-palk idderieġa, seba’ pubblikazzjonijiet Maltin dwar il-filo- likat mill-Klabb Kotba Maltin fl-1994. drammi ta’ Shakespeare, kif ukoll dram- sofja f’żewġ volumi bil-Malti bl-isem ta’ Dan jittratta serje ta’ stejjer qosra dwar il- mi klassiċi u kontemporanji ta’ drammi li In-Nisga tal-Hsieb , l-ewwel wieħed fl- karattru ta’ Ronnie, mekkanik ta’ mezza hu stess ittraduċa, l-aktar mill-Ingliż, kien 2000 u t-tieni wieħed seba’ snin wara. etá u missier ta’ erbat itfal,. Il-kitba oriġi - id-direttur artistiku ta’ opri ta’ Verdi u Puc - cini, kiteb il-librett tal-ewwel opra bil- Malti kompożizzjoni ta’ Charls Camilleri, Il-Wegħda , kiteb il-lirika ta’ kompożiz - Josephine Spiteri 1930 –2021 zjonijiet oħra ta’ Camilleri, fosthom Għan - he funeral of Josephine Spiteri (right ) from Went - jiet Minn Malta ; li ġew irrekorjdati worthville NSW was held at the Our Lady of Mt mill-kantanta Mary Rose Mallia, u Mal- TCarmen Church. Her burial followed at the Memorial Kant tal-Baħar bil-mezzo-Soprano Soph- Park, Minchinbury. Josephine passed away on the 3rd ia Grech. of April at the age of 90. Għadd ta’poeżiji minn tiegħu ġew ukoll Josephine was born in Msida. She was married to Joe mużikati mill-mibki surmast Għawdxi Joe Spiteri the ex-President of OLQP Festa Committee at Vella, filwaqt li xi stejjer qosra ġew Greystanes at St Mary’s Cathedral in 1955, two years tradotti għall-Ingliż minn Paul Xuereb, u after they arrived and met in Australia. Deeply missed għall-Franċiż minn Thomas Burgel, Julie by her husband and children Jeff, Mary, David John, the Miclot, u Sophie Taze. extended family, and friends. The Voice extends deepest Fl-2008 ġie onorat bl-Ordni Nazzjonali condolences to the Spiteri family. RIP. tal-Mertu (MOM) Tuesday, April 20, 2021 The Voice of the Maltese 19

Dehra tal-orgni fil- knisja tal-Għarb, u (lemin) kif jidher bl-armar tal-knisja

Ir-restawr tal-orgni fl-Għarb tit tal-jiem ilu bdiet l-aħħar fażi tar- ġistru differenti li fihom total ta’ madwar restawr tal-orgni tal-Knisja Parrokk - 1250 suffara. Mill-G ira jali tal-Għarb. Ix-xogħol li qed isir Qabel beda r-restawr tiegħu fl-2019, l- ż mill-kumpanija Taljana Mascioni, kien orgni kien ilu snin twal bil-ħsara tant li ħafna G awdxija iFnbeda f’Ottubru 2019. Din il-kumpanija noti ma kienx għadhom idoqqu tajjeb. Il- Mascioni Charles Spiteri ta’ fama internazzjonali twaqqfet fl-1829 ġlud tal-imniefaħ u ta’ partijiet oħra mill- ħadmu bħ’mod u ilha tintiret minn ġenerazzjoni għall- orgni kienu therrew u minħabba xoghol professjonali ħafna u ħadu ħsieb jir - oħra, sa minn dakinhar. ħażin ta’ manutenzjoni fl-imgħoddi ġiet rispettaw is-sistema pnewmatika oriġinali L-orgni tal-Għarb huwa wieħed mill- ikkaġunata ħafna ħsara fis-sfafar infushom. ta’ Cavalli biex il-valur storiku ta’ dan l- akbar li nsibu fil-Gżejjer Maltin. Il-preġju Mascioni bdew ix-xogħol fuq dan l-orgni istrument mużikali jiġi mħares. tiegħu mhux biss fil-kobor u d-diversità ta’ billi żarmaw ħafna partijiet minnu u Ix-xogħol li jirregola il-ħoss tas-sfafar u ħsejjes li jista’ jipproduċi, imma wkoll fil- ħaduhom għar-restawr fil-ħwienet tax- l-ikkurdar mill-ġdid se jibda dalwaqt. kwalità ta’ binja tiegħu. xogħol tagħhom f’’Varese l-Italja. Dawn B’hekk ir-restawr ikun komplut u l-knisja L-orgni, li kien ġie maħdum b’sengħa il-partijiet irrestawrati inġiebu lura l- tal-Għarb tkun tista’ terġa’ tgawdi dan l- kbira mid-ditta Gaetano Cavalli fl’1910 Għarb dan l-aħħar f’container biex issa istrument liturġiku u kunċertistiku li mis - b’sistema pnewmatika, fih sbatax-il re- tpoġġew lura f’posthom. sirijetna tant ħadmu għalih. Il-Kamra tan-Negozju bit-tieni webinar għall-imsieħba l-Kamra tan-Negozju għal Għawdex organizzat it-tieni webi - Assistance Scheme , skema ta’ għajnuna għall-għaqdiet volontarji nar minn sensiela li kull sena torganizza u li jkunu ta’ interess Għawdxin, imnedija mil-Ministeru għal Għawdex. gIħal dawk fin-negozju. L-aħħar webinar sar b’kol - laborazzjoni mal- Europe Direct Information Centre ta’ Għawdex u l-Bank of Valletta, u kien dwar l-im - patt tal-Brexit fuq in-Negozju. Minħabba r-rabta qawwija bejn ir-Renju Unit u Malta l- webinar , li ittratta l- EU-UK Trade Coopera - tion Agreement li daħal fl-1 ta’ Jannar li għadda u li ħalla ħafna inċertezzi, iġġenera interess sostanzjali, bil-parteċipanti jagħmlu mistoqsijiet anke dwar as - petti mhux relatati direttament man-negozju, bħall- aċċess għas-servizzi soċjali mill-Ingliżi li jgħixu fil-Gżejjer Maltin, u l-akkwist ta’ propjetá minnhom. Il- webinar , li tmexxa minn Daniel Borg, Kap Eżekuttiv tal-Kamra tan-Negozju, kellu bħala kel - liema ewlenin rappreżentanti tal-Bank of Valletta, il- Ministeru għall-Affarijiet Barannin u Ewropej, tad-Dwana, u milll-Kummissarju tat-Taxxi Interni. Intqal li minkejja l-ħafna inċertezzi, il-Kamra tan- Negozju se tagħmel dak kollu possibli biex iżżomm lill-imsieħba tagħha aġġornati bl-iżviluppi kollha f’dan il-qasam. Il-Kamra ġabret ukoll it-tagħrif kollu meħtieġ fuq paġna fis-sit elettroniku tagħha. L-inizjattiva sabet ukoll l-appoġġ tal- MGOZ NGO Daniel Borg, il-Kap Eżekuttiv tal-Kamra tan-Negozju li mexxa l-webinar 20 The Voice of the Maltese Tuesday, April 20, 2021 The St Francis of Assisi Parish of Warrawong, NSW (1956-2021) Building a Church The Maltese contribution-Part 2 school top priority here were already two Maltese OFM Conv. friars in the parish of Warrawong, Fr. Francis Muscat and Fr Anthony Zahra. They were joined by Fr Richard Murawski a Pol - Tish-American friar from the same order who had spent several years as a missionary in the Ryu-Kyu islands also known as Amami Oshima in Japan. Fr. Murawski came to Warrawong from Right: The main the USA to look after the Polish migrants. door of the church Unfortunately some time after his arrival as it was in 1964 at he suffered a massive heart attack and died the wedding of on his way to the hospital. George and Lourdes As the church building was also being Bartolo nee Fenech used as a school, the then parish priest Fr. Later, Fr Francis Sebastian acquired more adjacent land so Muscat, from he could build classrooms that were not Birkir-kara, re - connected to the church building. perior for the Franciscans Conventual Fri - Fr Sebastian’s stay at Warrawong was ars in Australia) in May 1970. very short. He was also a priest of many George Bartolo Between 1967 and 1970 there was the or - talents. He was a good handyman and re - dination of two local priests. Fr. Leonard structured an impressive sanctuary in the placed Fr Grech as parish priest. Testa OFM Conv., who lived with his par - Church. He was also a good preacher and In the Annual Statistics for Roman Re - ents at Cringila, was ordinated in Rome in had a very pleasant and friendly character. port, signed by Fr. Francis on the 25th Au - December 1967 and on returning to Aus - Everybody loved him. gust 1968 the Catholic population tralia settled in the Warrawong parish. An - On the 9th April 1964, Fr John Grech continued to grow. It reached 1971 parish - other diocesan priest, Fr. Peter Caruana who OFM Conv., a Gozitan priest from Victo - ioners. With more residential areas also lived with his parents at Lake Heights ria, was appointed parish priest, with fel - opened, there was a great influx of people said his ordination mass on 15th of August low friar from Senglea Malta, Fr Leone into the parish. 1970 at the parish of St. Francis of Assisi. Gambin as his assistant. They were joined Another OFM Conv., Fr. Andrew Tabone The parish had two blocks of land at by Fr Gratian Kolodziejcyzk, a Polish from Valletta, who took over from Fr. Cringila, bought by Fr Bonello for a future chaplain, who was a missionary in Mon - Muscat, who was subsequently elected as church. These were sold and as the church golia before coming to Warrawong. Custos-General (the official title of the Su - was built of weatherboard and was show - ing its age it was decided to cover it with face bricks. A steeple with a bell was in - cluded in the plans. The work was made possible with the finances generated from the sale of the land. Celebrating Il-Vittorja The feast of Our Lady of Victories (Il-Vit - torja) celebrated on the Sunday 9th of September 1974 was special. The statue of Our Lady arrived from Malta in August of that same year and His Lordship Bishop Thomas McCabe was invited to say High Mass, bless the statue and take part in the procession that followed. The feast and procession are still held annually. Two months later, in November, Fr. Leonard Testa OFM.Conv. was elected as Custos-General of the Franciscan Order. As more children were enrolling in the school the need to build more classrooms was becoming an urgent necessity. More land was bought on the western side of the church and the school was extended in two stages. Fr. Bonello returned to the parish as parish priest and immediately undertook the second stage of the school with work starting in May 1975 through a $120,000 grant by the Federal Government. Fr. Leonard Testa with his father Frank after his ordination in Rome *Continued on opposite page Tuesday, April 20. 2021 The Voice of the Maltese 21 St Francis of Assisi Parish Warrawong, (1956-2021) *Continued from opposite page The work was completed a year later co - inciding with the 20th Anniversary of the foundation of the parish. Fr. Leonard Testa the new Custos-General celebrated the Anniversary Mass and Bishop William Murray blessed the new school extensions in the presence of the Federal Minister for Fr.Bonello (centre) together with some of the guests at the Mayoral reception in his Education, Senator Carrick performed the honour. The Lord Mayor of Wollongong is standing at the back behind Fr Bonello official opening cere - mony. For the forthcom - The St Francis of Assisi school at Warrawong as it is today Grace Joseph Mercieca ing academic year, four accompanied by Monsi - hundred children were en - gnor Philip Calleja vis - rolled. ited the parish of St. Fr. Bonello was well Francis of Assisi of known and respected by Warrawong and the St. all those who knew him. Francis school. The then Lord Mayor of Archbishop Mercieca Wollongong councillor and Fr Calleja were Frank Arkell admired his welcomed by the nuns untiring work and energy. was bought and the factory demolished and the students, and later in the day the On Fr. Bonello’s return to Warrawong making way for a friary for the priests and Archbishop said High Mass and attended in the latter part of 1975. The Lord Mayor a church hall. The extensions were blessed a reception in his honour. together with George Bartolo, the then and officially opened on Sunday the 10th A local joins the priesthood Another young man joined the priest - hood. He was Fr. Rick Micallef who was born in the area, attended the parish of St. Francis of Assisi and started his education at the parish school. He was ordained at St. Michael’s Cathe - dral Wagga Wagga on the 17th of May 2003 and said his first mass of thanksgiv - ing a day later.

president of the George Cross Club organ - Below: The Friary that was built in 1978 ised a Mayoral Reception in his honour. It and then demolished again in 1993 to was attended by a large number of people. make way for the new church Next door to the church was a small py - of September 1978. jama-making factory and some land. It In 1983 the Archbishop of Malta His The Archbishop of Malta, Joseph Mercieca visits the school. Also in picture, Sr. Grace Cini and the school principal Sr. Giovanna Gauci with kids from the school

Fr Rick Micallef the day he was ordained a priest in the parish of St. Francis of Assisi Every year the parish celebrates the feast of Our Lady of Victories with High Mass by the bishop of Wollongong followed by a procession with the statue, that originally, was held in the church and the school grounds. Later it began to include the streets of Warrawong around the church. *Continued in next issue 22 The Voice of the Maltese Tuesday, April 20, 2020 JOE CILIA – wassal lir-Rabat li jiktbu l-isbaħ paġni fil-futbol ’dan l-aħħar artiklu tiegħi għalissa se niffoka fuq sez - zjoni oħra tal-kultura Maltija, l-isports, u l-aktar il-fut - bol, li tant daħal f’qalb il-Maltin, imma speċjalment se nikteb dwar personaġġ li f’Malta jibqa’ jissemma fix-xena Fsportiva, l-eks futboler u kowċ Rabti, Joe Cilia. Fil-fatt, din tiegħi hi l-ewwel darba li qatt ktibt artiklu li fih jidħol l-isports, imma llum se nagħmel eċċezzjoni, għax se nagħmel dan dwar wieħed mill-aqwa sportivi li qatt kien hawn f’Malta, futboler imwieled ir-Rabat li anke għamel isem fl-Awstralja. Joe Cilia twieled fit-22 ta’ Ottubru 1937 u miet ta’ 79 sena fil-5 ta’Awwissu 2017. L-ewwel darba li kellimt lil Joe, kien fl- 2004 meta kont qed nippreżenta l-ispettaklu ‘Jum ir-Rabat’ fl-Awditorium ta’ Sant’Agata. Dakinhar is-sindku tar-Rabat Dr Frank Fabri ip - preżenta lil Joe Cilia bl-akbar unur ta’ din il-belt, ‘Ġieħ ir- Rabat’. Dan il-futboler ingħata it-titlu bħala apprezzament tal-50 sena tal-ħidma kontinwa tiegħu fil-qasam tal-futbol marbuta wkoll mal-għola unuri għat-tim tal-lokal tiegħu, ir- Rabat Ajax. Dakinhar li ngħata ‘Ġieħ ir-Rabat’ kont tkellimt xi ftit ma’ Joe. L-impressjoni li ħadt tiegħu kienet li hu bniedem uml. Ħassejt ukoll li joqgħod xi ftit bogħod mill-pubbliċitá. Saħansitra l-kitba li qrajt dwar il-ħidma tiegħu u dwar i- raġuni għaliex ir-Rabat ħass li kellu jonorah kienet imħejjija Il-ġentlom Joe Cilia minn ħuh Paul li dejjem għożż it-talenti speċjali ta’ Joe . Ir-Rabtin jafu ħafna dwar għall-kowċing. Irnexxielu Joe. Jafu li mindu beda jilgħab jikkowċja wħud mill-aqwa fil-futbol organizzat u l-kom - timijiet f’Malta. Bejn l-1983 u petizzjonijiet magħrufa, kiseb l-1985 mexxa lil Valletta u l-aqwa unuri li l-futbol Malti wassalhom għar-rebħ tal- seta’ joffri u laħaq il-quċċata li kampjonat. kull futboler jaspira li jilħaq Il-ħila bħala kowċ spikkat f’dan l-isports. sew meta ssieħeb mal-klabb Joe wera t-talenti tiegħu fil- l-aktar għall-qalbu, Rabat futbol sa minn ċkunitu u ta’ Ajax meta għal sentejn, bejn 18-il sena fl-istaġun 1955-66 l-1984 u l-1986 wassalhom ifforma parti mit-tim ta’ Rabat PeterPaul Ciantar għar-rebħ tal-aqwa unuri, il- Ajax. Il-ħila tiegħu kienet evi - Kampjonat, għal sentejn denti u klabbijiet oħra ġrew wara xulxin, u fit-tieni sena warajh, fosthom Valletta FC li żied ukoll l-FA Trophy. rnexxielhom jikkonvinċuh biex jir - Suċċess kemm f’Malta u fl-Awstralja Kienu s-snin tad-deheb għall-Ajax reġistra magħhom. FC. Tul il-50 sena li dan il-klabb kien Joe, tant spikka bħala difensur ċentrali li ta’19-il sena l- ilu mwaqqaf qatt ma kien irnexxielu jirbaħ unuri maġġuri kowċ tat-tim nazzjonali tal-fubol tefa’ għajneh fuqu u sej - jew jikteb xi paġna tad-deheb fl-istorja tal-klabb. Imma taħt jaħlu biex jifforma parti mit-tim leġġendarju ta’ Malta li fi il-gwida tal-kowċ Rabti Joe Cilia rnexxielhom jirbħu l-kam - Frar tal-1957 lagħab l-ewwel partita internazzjonali fl-Em - pjonat u l-aqwa trofej li joffri l-futbol Malti. pire Stadium tal-Gżira kontra l-Awstrija. Joe Cilia kien l- Niftakar sewwa dak iż-żmien. Fir-Rabat kienu saru festi iżgħar plejer f’dak it-tim li tilef 2-3. kbar fosthom fil-pjazza ewlenija tal-lokal. Jien kont hemm Wara dakinhar Joe baqa’ jkun għażla awtomatika għat-tim bil-mikrofonu f’idejja nsellem lill-benjamini tat-tim tal-lokal. nazzjonali Malti, u bejn l-1959 u l-1964 anke ngħata l-faxxa Il-kowċ rebbieħ Joe Cilia kien taħt l-arkati josserva kollox ta’ captain. Dak iż-żmien it-tim nazzjonali ftit kien ikollu bil-kalma u bi tbissima ta’ sodisfazzjon, għax it-tim ta’ raħal partiti, imma d-disgħa li kellu Joe lagħabhom kollha. twelidu (ir-Rabat) rebaħ unuri importanti fil-futbol Malti.. Mhux biss, imma Joe baqa’ jkun il-captain ta’ kull tim ieħor Anke ż-żewġ baned tar-Rabat, il-L’Isle Adam u l-Konti li lagħab miegħu, inkluż tal-Valletta li baqa’ jilgħab f’uħud Ruġġieru ngħaqdu flimkien f’din il-manifestazzjoni ta’ ferħ mill-isbaħ snin tagħhom sal-1964. F’dawk is-snin hu nnifsu u ħbiberija biex jiċċelebraw dan l-avveniment storiku. Ir- rnexxielu jirbaħ l-unuri kollha li kien joffri l-futbol Malti, fos - Rabat kien tassew magħqud dakinhar. thom sar l-ewwel plejer li għal darbtejn ingħata t-titlu tal- Wara r-Rabat, Joe Cilia qatta’ l-aħħar sentejn tiegħu bħala Futboler tas-Sena. kowċ mal-Hibernians, u anke għamel xi żmien jikkowċja t- Fl-1964 emigra lejn l-Awstralja, imma xorta baqa’ jilgħab tim nazzjonali ta’ taħt il-21 sena. Fl-2003 ngħata wkoll il- il-futbol, l-ewwel mal-Corinthians imbagħad kompla Westin Malta Football Award. jagħmel isem ma’ wieħed mill-isbaħ żmienijiet tal-Melita Ea - Inħoss li donnu Joe Cilia ġabar l-esperjenzi kollha tiegħu gles fi NSW li magħhom anke rebaħ l-unur tal-Aqwa Fut - fil-qasam tal-futbol, bħala plejer kbir u kowċ, u kebbishom boler tas-Sena. fil-qlub tal-plejers tat-tim tal-lokal tiegħu. Il-ħeġġa tiegħu Fl-1971 irritorna Malta u għal darb’oħra kompla l-karriera ġiet ittrasforma fi plejers bħall-Bużu (Carmel Busuttil). ta’ futboler għal żewġ staġuni oħra – 1971-1973 – mal-Val - Ir-Rabtin tal-etá tiegħi żgur li qatt m’huma se jinsew dawn letta. Kif irtira minn plejer beda jiddedika ruħu għal kollox il-mumenti sbieħ fl-istorja tar-Rabat Ajax. Tuesday, April 20, 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 • Maltese Property matters. 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] La Valette Social Centre Inc. 175 Walters Road, Blacktown Tel. 96225847 We get to the point, provide the right ad - vice and get the work done at a reason - The Centre is now open again two days a week, Thursdays, Saturdays able price. Next event: Mother's Day Luncheon on Sunday May 2 from 12 noon. 3- course meal including wine & soft drinks. Entertainment by Joe Apap (il-Kan - garoo). Tickets $55 members, $60 non-members. Flexible Respite and L-aħbarijiet Centre-based Respite are operating normally. 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 : Saturdays only at 8.00pm preceded by short Maltese movie at 7.30pm. biex jidħlu fil- website tal-istazzjon www.tvm.com.mt . Thursday: 10.15am; Saturday: 5.30 p.m. (subject to availability of a priest.) Malti: għall-aħbari - MASS: jiet kemm bil-Malti u bl-Ingliż. 24 The Voice of the Maltese Tuesday, April 20. 2021 SSppoorrttss ĦĦaammrruunn SSppaarrttaannss MMaallttaa’’ss 22002200//2211 CChhaammppiioonnss amrun Spartans FC have been de - clared the 2020/21 Malta’s Premier Football League champions by Ħvirtue of the decision by the Executive Committee of the Malta Football following the nationwide ban on organised sports events announced by the Government and the Public Health Authorities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is the second year running that the league has been brought to a premature end, following Floriana FC's triumph last year. The current decision was reached during a meeting via videoconference that dis - cussed the pandemic situation and its im - pact on the 2020/21 domestic competitions. In its analysis of the repercussions caused by the prolonged ban on sporting activity, the Executive Committee took into consid - Ħamrun Spartans, winners of the Malta Premier League 2021/21 eration the following factors: – The period of sporting inactivity since the played shall be deemed final, provided that enforced suspension of all domestic com - all clubs have one-fourth or less of the petitions on March 10, and the subsequent competition yet to play”. Spartans’ eight extension of such restriction; In the Premier League all clubs have – The lack of direction from the Authorities played 76.67% of their matches, meaning Championships as to when the ban on contact-sport training that the 75% requirement has been met. and sports events would be lifted; Hence, the classification after the last or Ħamrun Spartans this is their – The position that had already expressed match day (23) was declared final and to first Championship for 30 years. by the Executive Committee should the stand. FIt is also their eight in the club’s his - Legal Notice be extended beyond the 12th Therefore Ħamrun Spartans who were oc - tory. The last time they won the title April cupying top position in the classification of was in the 1990/91 season. – The timeframes established by UEFA, es - the Premier League, five points ahead of They also managed the success in the pecially the June 1 deadline, for the sub - second-placed Hibernians (56 points to 51), first year of Gozitan entrepreneur Joe mission of the names of the Maltese clubs and were therefore declared champions. Portelli as the club president and competing in the 2021/22 UEFA Club The clubs positioned second to fourth, that sponsor, and coach Mark Buttigieg, Competitions. is, Hibernians, Gżira United and Birkirkara who is also a Gozitan. The Association’s Executive Committee have qualified for the 2021/22 UEFA club Their other winning seasons were: concluded that the eventual resumption of competitions. 1913/14, 1917/18, 1946/47, 1982/83, the 2020/21 domestic competitions was not The four clubs occupying the last four po - 1986/87 and 1987/88 and 1990/91. possible in the current circumstances, sitions – Żejtun Corinthians, Tarxien Rain - therefore it terminated all competitions, in - bows, Lija Athletic and Senglea Athletic – National Amateur Super Cup, and all other voking a new rule introduced last year, that have been relegated. KO competitions have been declared aban - the classification following the last match The FA Trophy, National Amateur Cup, doned. Final League Standings Georgies make it four from Parramatta Eagles suffer The teams in the Premier Lea- gue were occupying the fol - four to top league ladder two successive defeats lowing postions in the league eorge Cross beat Altona City 2-0 to make it four fter a bright start to the NSW NPL4 season ladder when season was bro- wins in the opening four rounds to take sole com - that resulted in four straight wins in the league ught to a premature end: mGand of the V ictoria State League Division 1 ladder aAnd two in the FFA Cup, Parramatta Melita Eagles with maximum points. They obtained their win with came a cropper in their last two league outings. two first half goals in a two-minute spell with goals They not only lost both games but also conceded by Daniel Kuczynski (26th) and Ryan Newman. 10 goals in the process, replying with only two. In the previous round George Cross travelled to In Round 5 they lost 6-0 at Hurstville FC, and then on Saturday went down 4-2 at home to P GD Pts Banyule City to obtain an easy 2-0 win over their hosts Ħamrun S. 23 36 56 with goals by Rhys Saunders and a deflected own goal Newcastle Utd. Where after finding themselves two down by the interval, managed to level the Hibernians 23 33 51 from Francesco Stella's corner-kick. Gżira Utd 23 28 46 The Georgies dominated proceeding throughout the score with goals by Adrian Epifanino (65th) and Zoran Kolundzic (70th), only to first lose their Birkirkara 23 20 44 match, but poor finishing and the good form of the Sliema W 23 8 40 home team's goalkeeper kept the score respectable. captain, Kolundzic injured and then also letting in two more goals for a disappointing loss. Mosta 23 5 36 Milestone 2000th match Valletta 22 -8 33 In the FFA Cup Parramatta first beat Nepean 3-0 Sta Lucia 23 3 29 George Cross' Round 6 home match against Brimbank in their Round 3 rearranged fixture with goals by Sirens 23 -8 28 Stallions on Saturday, May 1 will be the club's 2000th Ali Dulleh (2) and Clement Woci, and in Round 4 Floriana 23 -8 27 league game since the first league match was played won a five-goal thriller against South Granville Gudja Utd 23 -6 27 in the inaugural 1948 season. home with a hat-trick by Clement Waoci Balzan 23 2 27 Żejtun C 23 -12 24 Lija Ath. 23 -23 21 Tarxien R 23 -21 20 Senglea A. 23 -49 2