The Voice of the Maltese No.189

Issue 189

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

Fortnightly magazine for the Diaspora

October 2, 2018

Artist’s impressions (above and below) of the way the 38-storey City Centre in St George’s Bay at Pembroke would look when finished in 2021. The controversial €300 million project by db Group was approved by the PA at a special board meeting by 10 votes to four.

Pembroke residents heavily opposed the massive project that will comprise of a 17-storey hotel of 315 rooms and a 38-storey residential

tower on the former Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS) site, claiming it would have a negative impact on their quality of life.

Issue No. 190 of The Voice of the Maltese online magazine to be published October 23

2 The Voice of the Maltese

Where are the Maltese Leaders?

Tuesday October 2, 2018

M

altese in Australia have always conMauriceCauchi commitment by the younger generations stituted a considerable proportion have led to the dissolution of many Maltese of the Australian population. Way Canadian clubs" and, he adds that three back in the 1960s, they were the fourth Maltese Clubs have disappeared, including largest ethnic community. With the passing of time that clubs at St Thomas, Guelph and Oshawa. The most reposition has yielded to the new comers so that now the cent casualty is that of the Maltese Club at London, Ontotal number of Maltese-born is no more than just over tario.

40,000.

In Australia also we have seen not only reduced attenWhile their number is continuously shrinking, the dance at most functions but particularly, a general relucnumber of second and subsequent generations is growtance for younger people to get interested and come ing apace, and it is calculated that it has reached a couforward to take positions of responsibility within these ple of hundred thousand. associations.

What is most worrying is that while the Malta-born There is no doubt that there is still a need that such orpersons were always keen to form associations and ganisations should continue the work they have done keep alive the language and culture of Malta, this is not over the past decades, at least until there is no more the case anymore. One obvious indication of this is the need for their existence. I do not believe that we have lack of participation and membership of Maltese associ- quite reached that stage yet. ations that are slowly becoming denuded of members.

We have also witnessed in other ethnic groups the pheA number of these associations are slowly folding up nomenon of youngsters from the third generation befor lack of members prepared to take over the helm and coming interested in the culture of their grandparents. involve themselves in the running them.

This is something that we should foster.

This problem is felt not only in Australia, but wherever Unless we, the older members of the community enMaltese settled overseas. In a communication from Dan deavour to interest the younger members to become inBrock from London, Canada, a prominent member of volved, and unless we are prepared to work with these the London club remarks, "An aging Maltese Canadian persons, then the end of our clubs might be sooner than population, deaths and a general lack of interest and we would like to think.

Sir Frank Lowy condemns growing hostility towards migrants W hen addressing The Lowy Institute on its 15 anniversary its chairman, Sir Frank Lowy (pictured right) said: “Seventy years ago, Australia was open to people like me. There was a tangible sense of ambition. If we are to grow, we must get that back” The billionaire Westfield founder and bearer of one of Australia’s bestknown migrant stories – has condemned a growing hostility towards migrants and migration in Australian public debate, and urged the country to embrace “an ambitious migration programme”.

“I have … been disturbed by the negative tone of the debate over immigration ... there is a rising crescendo of opinion from columnists and politicians saying we should reduce our immigration intake,” Lowy said.

Lowy, 87, fled Nazi persecution in Czechoslovakia and Hungary as a child. He arrived in Australia via Palestine and Israel in 1952, where he went into business, founding the company that became the Westfield shopping empire, which he ran for more than five decades.

Describing migration as an “act of ambition, imagination and bravery”, Lowy said, “To imagine a better life for yourself and your family and to leave behind all that is familiar requires a special kind of courage,” .

“Australia needs more of that cou-

rage.”

He said the significant reduction in migration last year – and the rhetorical replacement of migration “targets” with “ceilings” – was a troubling trend for Australia’s future prosperity, diversity and global standing.

“We are focusing too much on the problems and forgetting about the opportunities of immigration,” he said.

“Let us learn from our history. Immigration has been great for Australia in the past. I believe it will be great for Australia in the future.

“I believe in a big Australia. I am an advocate for an ambitious immigration program. We are all familiar with the differences between the Australia of the 1950s and Australia of today. We are richer, more productive and more interesting now than we were then.

“This change would not have been possible without a big immigration program. The level of permanent migration to Australia fell to its lowest level in a decade last year, with about 162,000 permanent visas granted last financial year, compared with about 190,000 in the preceding four years”.

A number of politicians, including former prime minister Tony Abbott, have called for substantial and sustained cuts to immigration.

Lowy said his views were shaped by his own childhood experience. “As a

child I learned what it meant to be persecuted. But, even then, at the worst of times, I knew there was good in the world.

“I saw my mother share our meagre food supplies with neighbours. I saw her risk her life, and mine, to practise our religion.

A long time supporter of football in Australia, Frank Lowy was Chairman of the Football Federation Australia (FFA) from 2003 to November 2015.

(Some observers credit him with resurrecting soccer in Australia. A televised "A-League" is now in place, and the country has become a member of the Asian Football Confederation).

The Voice of the Maltese 3

Tuesday October 2, 2018

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

NSW property and conveyancing update: from paper to PEXA

W

by PaulSant

ithout sounding the alarm, we wanted to provide an update about one of the biggest changes to property and conveyancing law and practise in NSW since the Torrens Title system was introduced over 150 years ago in 1863.

In September, the banks were busy converting paper titles they hold for properties with current mortgages to electronic Certificates of Title (referred to as eCTs).

As banks are involved in the majority of property purchase or sales transactions, with at least the buyer or purchaser (if not both) financing funds or using funds to pay out an existing mortgage, a privatised electronic conveyancing service called PEXA has been developed.

Most settlements will now be done electronically using PEXA. Electronic title deeds are ‘held’ by the bank or finance lender who holds theCoRD – “Control of the Right to Deal”.

The outgoing bank, or discharging mortgagee, lodges a “CoRD holder consent” as assurance to the purchaser and incoming bank (or mortgagor) that the CoRD will pass at settlement.

Gone will be the days of booking settlements, gathering around and exchanging documents for cheques.

Gone will be the days of frantically calling solicitors, banks, and relatives, and turning the house upside down trying to find your paper title deed.

Gone will be the days of dealing with the complicated process of replacing a title deed when the original cannot be located.

Gone will be the days of transferring an

unencumbered property without a lawyer or conveyancer.

Hello to the days of PEXA, eCTs and CoRDs (notably this status can only be afforded to Authorised Deposit Taking Institutions – aka banks).

Hello to lawyers and conveyancers ironing out the kinks in applying an electronic system to paper transactions that do not fit the typical outgoing and incoming bank and mortgage scenario.

Hello to higher fees to use a mandatory electronic system.

Hello to data breaches and hackers prowling around property transfer correspondence.

Hello to what will, in time, hopefully be a streamlined, simpler process, saving all parties involved time and money.

Advantages No need to worry about losing or locating your CT, or replacement if it cannot be located – it’s not uncommon for banks and individuals to lose CTs, so transaction turnaround times ideally should be faster.

Documents can be lodged 24/7 which should allow for wider availability and flexibility with settlements. As the process is ‘simplified and shortened’, PEXA anticipates property transactions will be cheaper.

You are able to obtain a paper title when your mortgage is paid out if you so wish.

Disadvantages The system is controlled by banks and effectively outsourced – with the privatisation of the Titles Office, liability and pricing issues are not in the government’s control.

With storage of eCTs being electronic, that may be compromised security issues – there have been a couple of breaches,

PAUL SANT (SOLICITOR)

PARTNER AT LONGTON LEGAL For All Your Legal Needs

Now at: 21 George Street

Parramatta Phone: 8599 8877

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

one where hackers intercepted correspondence in relation to upcoming property settlements and one where hackers changed the settlement details.

PEXA has since filled gaps in their security to answer these breaches.

To complete electronic conveyances you must have a subscription and licence for PEXA. This means individuals will not be able to do this without using a Conveyancer or lawyer who has such access.

So though it has been promoted as a faster process translating to fewer fees, the fees Conveyancers and law firms have to pass on to individuals are slightly higher and professional fees cannot be avoided due to the requirement to be a PEXA subscriber.

It is a strange result where we are acting for the owner who holds the title deed and at settlement money is transferred into the owner’s account but we retain the title deed as having given the consent authority and holding the CoRD. It is thus increasingly necessary for clients to be able to satisfy the required 100 points of identification, which can be done with a current Australian driver’s licence and current Australian passport, but the names match EXACTLY. However, the writer is aware that Service NSW who issue driver’s licences do not necessarily include full names due to a word limit in their system. This is another classic example of intergovernmental communication issues and conflict between departments.

We have also incurred problems where we have been able to do things in the past that the new electronic system does not allow to happen. What we seek to do is legal but “the system does not compute”. The writer anticipates more issues as a result.

If you wish to retain a paper CT for historical purposes, you should contact your bank, and for all your property needs, contact Paul Sant and his property team at Longton Legal.

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

4 The Voice of the Maltese

Tuesday October 2, 2018

This is the third and final part of a three-part article in which Andy Busuttil (right) reflects on the substantial contribution made by Malta and the Maltese to the British forces and the Anzacs during their invasion of Gallipoli in WWI. Anzac Day is one of Australia’s most important national commemorative occasions that marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces. The sacrifice of the Maltese in support of their allies must never be forgotten.

Malta and the Anzacs I

n part 2 of my article I mentioned S.S. Thurlow, a young man from Scone, NSW, the son of C.H. & S.J. Thurlow’, whose name I discovered engraved on one of the gravestones at the Pieta Military Cemetery in Malta when I attended the Anzac Day commemoration service organised by the Australian HC in Malta last April. The young man is one of 202 Australians and 72 New Zealanders buried in Malta, victims of the 1915 Gallipoli campaign.

I doubt that I will live to see that day. of the Turkish Searching further for song Çanakkale for However, in the meantime, when we information about S.S. the Turkish am- do remember events such as Gallipoli, Thurlow I found that bassador at a me- let's do so with overwhelming sorrow his name was Stanley morial event close for those who died, those who never Stevenson Thurlow. to my home in lived because of the death of these His brother was young men and for those who lived Australia.

Charley Clifford It is the only Turk- on with a loss from which they could Thurlow who was ish song I could never recover. also in the Australian If you do get to Malta and have the ever find that was Light Horse. His fapurely dedicated to chance, go and visit Stan's grave. Rether was Charles the young men member his mum Sarah, his dad Thurlow. who had died in Charles and his brother Charley.

What we do know is the hell that was Think of their simple little house in young Stan was only Scone, New South Wales. Think of his the Dardanelles.

21 years old when he It was a scream friends and no doubt the girl who was died of wounds. Furfrom the grave of a sweet on him who lived on wonderther searching tells me young man who ing what those last moments of young he was a painter. He had lost his life and Stan's life would have been and never was single and his now lay buried accept that any war at any time ought mother’s name was under the ground. I to be celebrated. not ‘S.J. Thurlow’. It We had to leave Pieta Cemetery a litspoke with a close was Sarah Jane Thurfriend of mine, tle early on the day. My wife, Denise, low. Ümit Ceyhan, a was ill and the sun was too hot for Sarah lived in a simTurkish musician her. We were there for a short while ple house in Hill with whom I per- though and during that time I sang Street, Scone in NSW Stanley Stevenson Thurlow formed some 'The Band Played Waltzing Matilda' and she was clearly heart-broken when her youngest son Anzac concerts. He told me his grandfa- from start to end, softly as I walked was sent away to the war. Stan was ther was also at Gallipoli and here we through the graveyard. I also sang a verse or two of Çannakale to pay tribonly 20 when he embarked and died were playing music together.

The Turks were merely defending ute to all who died so unnecessarily. within a year of embarking.

In fact it was only 10 months from the their homeland and they did so with On return I wrote the following time he boarded ship in Australia to sail extraordinary courage and tenacity. to a land he had never heard of prior to Just as our ancestors did during the poem, which my friend Ümit transthe war and his posting that he was many conflicts that landed on the lated into Turkish for me: killed. The record of the entombing of shores of our beautiful Islands.

Don't weep for me for I am gone but weep Gallipoli is never to be celebrated his body is given as: "Pieta Military for my unborn child.

Cemetery (Plot A, Row VIII, Grave No. 2), as anything. It is to be remembered as yet another massive human folly Don't weep for me for I am gone, weep for Europe" No mention of Malta. my mother and my wife.

I wondered about the Turkish families that led to the slaughter of countDon't weep for me for I am gone. Weep for whose sons, fathers, brothers, uncles less thousands of young men. One those whose lives I cut short and for those and husbands had never returned. It of the lines of Eric Bogle’s song who loved them. was with honour that I sang the words refers to a ‘whole generation that was Don't weep for me for I am gone. butchered and damned.’

To say that these young men ‘went Weep for unrequited and heartbroken love. to a higher calling’ or ‘willingly Weep for the children raised without a fagave their lives for their country’ is ther whose life was lived in shock and grief. to turn away from the fact that they Weep also for those amongst you who stand were often sacrificed not to protect by my grave and honour vain death rather their families but in the name of than scream 'enough! ' to the Lords of war. hubris and politics. It is a sacrifice In Turkish that continues and never stops.

It is a sacrifice that continues to Aglama gittim diye, dogmayacak yetimlere ağla, The engraving on the tear boys and now young women Aglama gittim diye, anam’a, yarime ağla, gravestones of out of the arms of those they love Aglama gittim diye, ağlattıklarım’a ağla , Stevenson Thurlow, to be sent to a conflict somewhere Ağlama gittim diye and T. Maclean at the that they may not even understand Pieta Cemetery, Malta Karşılıksız ve kırılmış aşk için ağla to fight an enemy they may not Hayatlarını kederle, acıyla yaşayan ve yetim even be able to see or recognise. bıraktırdığım çocuklar için ağla, Perhaps one day war will end.

Mezarımın yanında durup namuslu ölümü onurlandırmak yerine, Savaş Tanrılarına ‘YETER’ diyenler ve vazgeçmeyenler için de ağla!

Fr Rob is happilly back in full swing

Tuesday October 2, 2018

The Voice of the Maltese 5

The Singing Priest, Fr Robert Galea (right in black) surronded by young people

A

fter 90 days of prayer, study and missionary work Fr Robert Galea, the Maltese-Australian Roman Catholic priest and contemporary Christian singer-songwriter is, in his own words, “happily back in full swing on the evangelisation and parish trail excited in the knowledge that the best is yet to come!”

Fr Robert (perhaps better known as Fr Rob) said that in his time of Sabbatical he got to reflect on God’s faithfulness in his life over the last few years of priesthood and on what He has in store for his future. “As I return to work I am filled with more excitement and enthusiasm to serve the Lord than ever”.

Describing his sabbatical, he goes on to say, “ I started off with thirty days in silence where I was able to stop and listen, and return to Jesus, my first love.

After that I studied for a month in Chicago. It was so good to study Scripture and Liturgy, but I was happy to move on from studies after that month.”

At the end of the 90 days, Fr Robert joined his family for a holiday and then spent a few weeks on mission, raising money for the poor and needy.

He in fact managed to raise over $40,000 through concerts and live events to give to orphanages and to offer scholarships to those who other-

wise could not afford an education.

(January 2008), "Divine Mercy Chap“I am now happily back in full swing let" [Featuring Gary Pinto and on the evangelisation.”

Natasha Pinto] (August 2010) "Reach Robert Galea was born in Malta in Out" (January 2011) and a live concert 1981 and raised by strict Catholic par- DVD and live CD entitles "Fr Robert ents with two siblings. From the age of Galea, Reach Out Live" (July 2011), 14, he "started frequenting nightclubs in "Glorify" Mass Setting (August 2013), Paceville, a hotspot close to his home, and "Something About You" (January “drinking, taking drugs and stealing." 2015).

Then at age 17 he began to learn music Fr Rob has been featured in national and two years later he was signed to a newspapers and magazines particurecord label and toured Europe, larly in Australia and Malta, as well as Galea's performance career combines on Australia’s TV Channel 10's The music with Christian messages. He Project. has written a number of songs for varHe was also contestant in Australia's ious campaigns and international con- 2015, The X Factor but left voluntarily ferences, and was selected to sing in after boot camp due to parish and the international version of the official youth-work commitments.

World Youth Day song, "Receive the He is the author of Breakthrough Power", along with pop idol Guy Se- (2018), a book recently published in bastian and soprano, Amelia Farrugia. the United States by Ave Maria Press.

The Maltese singing priest also per- A movie deal has been signed for it. formed at events before Pope BeneThe Maltese Past Pupils & dict XVI in 2011 Friends of Don Bosco (NSW) Inc. and an estimated 500,000 pilgrims is organising its 31st Annual Dinner Dance on in Sydney.

October 13 at 7.30 p.m. at Mandavilla Function Centre, He has released (1788 The Horsley Drive Horsley Park NSW). eight music projJoe Apap will provide the music. ects, More of You Special guest: Joe Galea (April 2004), Closer (UK reAll proceeds will go towards the Don Bosco missions lease, February Book early. Phone: Marlene 96319295 2006), What A Day

6 The Voice of the Maltese

The triumph of Charity

This tenth article to be reviewed in this exclusive series of tapestries conveys a clear message of love. It is titled:

The picture in the tapestry under review shows the virtues of Love, Peace and Concord, indicating their invincible force. A beautiful lady embracing and holding the three theological virtues personifies charity.

She is standing on a golden triumphal chariot, drawn by two lions.

There’s also an angel mounted on the front lion holding an arrow the bow of which lies in the left hand of one of the two angels at the back of the chariot; in his right hand (the angel at the back) he is holding a burning heart.

These two angels are looking directly at each other conveying the message of concord and love that can suppress rivalry.

The one on the wild lion’s back also symbolizes this. The other angel at the back is burning two serpents with a lighted torch.

In front of Charity, in a very conspicuous position is a pelican. Even in those days this bird was considered as a symbol of Christ offering his body and blood in the Eucharist.

The pelican is known to tear bits of flesh from its breast to feed its young ones.

In the centre, Charity is also surrounded by a host of angels, with torches of burning fire, symbolizing the fire of love. The message the scene wants to convey is the invincible power in destroying all feeling of hostility, and to establish perfect unity among all nations through

Tuesday October 2, 2018

The Flemish Tapestries in the Conventional Church of the Order of St John in Valletta

Love.

Faith and the sacraments, in particular the Eucharist, as a symbol of unity and charity are the means by which Christians can be mentally joined and united together. “For faith, unless hope is added to it and charity too, neither unites him perfectly with Christ nor makes him a

living member of his body.”

According to the apostolic tradition, when preparing catechumens for baptism, they taught them that in order that faith bestows life everlasting it has to be accompanied by hope and charity.

This tapestry shows that Jesus instituted the sacrament of the Eucharist in order to bestow the riches of his divine love towards man.

This sacrament received as the spiritual food of souls to preserve man from mortal sins is the symbol of that one body whose head is Jesus Christ, and all members are closely united in a bond of faith, hope and charity.

The Church as an affectionate Mother had worked hard and wanted to provide salvation for all faithful. The Church wished that all Christians would recognise the same God and redeemer that they may all

Dr. DorisCannataci

say, believe and think the same thing; to trust in the mercy of God with the hope that they will be brought back into the most holy and salutary harmony of one faith, hope and charity.

As Charity passes by, one of the angels at the back is seen burning “writhing venomous snakes” representing human hatred, conflict and rivalry.

In the New Testament, Charity is the term used for love: the love of God for men and the love of men for one another and for God. Charity is a gift of the Spirit of God. Charity is: “The supernatural virtue, infused by God and having Him as its motive and object that flows from God and constantly seeks the good of others.”

According to St Thomas Aquinas, charity is the highest virtue and the source of all other virtues.

Charity is a special kind of love; it is seeing the reflection of God in every man, even in enemies. St Robert Bellarmine used to say that the school of Christ is the school of charity.

When one looks at the tapestry of the Triumph of Charity, one realises the love that brought Christ from heaven to earth. Christ made love the stairway that would enable all Christians to climb to heaven.

Reference

1. Session VI (13 January 1547), Chapter 7, 673.

2. Session XIII (11 October 1551), Chapter 2, 694.

3. KARL RAHNER – HERBERT VORGRIMLER, Charity, in Concise Theological Dictionary, London 4. PETER M. J. STRAVINSKAS, Catholic Dictionary, 128.

5. Ibid.

The Voice of the Maltese 7

Maltese Bishop now the new shepherd of Darwin Australia Tuesday October 2, 2018

I

n a ceremony rich with Catholic tradition and Aboriginal culture, the Diocese of Darwin on September 26 welcomed Bishop Charles Gauci as its new shepherd after his consecration.

Three months ago, in June, Pope Francis announced that Fr Charles Gauci, then-administrator of St Francis Xavier Cathedral in Adelaide since February 2017, would succeed Bishop Eugene Hurley, who had served in Darwin for the past 11 years Bishop Gauci was born in Malta on Mach 31 1952, and in 1964 at the age of 12 moved with his family to Australia. In 1971 he entered the Adelaide Seminary and on December 10 1977 was ordained a priest.

He served in the Adelaide archdiocese and was a Spiritual Director for a great number of parishes as well as being a member in Adelaide’s Youth Council.

He was also Australia’s national chaplain of the Society of Christian Doctrine.

The Pope’s ambassador to Australia, Archbishop Adolfo Tito Yllana read the apostolic mandate from Pope Francis announcing Bishop Gauci’s appointment, while Bishop Hurley served as principal consecrator at an overflowing St Mary’s Star of the Sea Cathedral.

In his homily, Bishop Hurley welcomed Bishop Gauci to the Diocese, but reminded him of the task that lies ahead. He said trust between the people and the Church in Darwin has been built over more than a century.

“This is a sacred trust, well-earned, but it brings with it a grave responsibility to walk with the people as a good shepherd must,” he said.

“Our diocesan family consists of people from almost every part of the world. Many of these people, dislocated from their own culture and homeland, look to the Church for comfort and reassurance. They will look to you as their bishop for understanding and support.”

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Bishop Hurley said that the special bond between the Catholic Church in the Northern Territory and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is a privilege, but there are also significant duties.

“You will need to listen carefully, observe closely and walk humbly with them as you assess the situation which confronts them," he told Bishop Gauci.

“You will find that they need your support and your voice as they search for proper housing, dignified employment and an urgent review of the heartbreaking rate of incarceration of our Aboriginal sisters and brothers, particularly the young people.”

Bishop Gauci had earlier spoken of his commitment to responding to those challenges, among others.

At the conclusion of his ordination Mass, Bishop Gauci declared: “I am now a Territorian – and very, very glad to be here as one of you.”

He expressed his desire to follow the example of Bishop Hurley, who has been “such a good bishop, so loved”, and in “continuing to build the Body of Christ” in the Darwin Diocese.

MCC of NSW Executive for 2018/19

A

t the recent Annual General Meeting of the Maltese Community Council of NSW the following persons were elected to form the council for year 2018/19.

President: Emanuel Camilleri; Secretary: Miriam Friggieri; Treasurer: George Bartolo; Vice/President: Mark Caruana; Asst.

Treasurer: Patrick Bartolo; Asst:Secretary: Tony Pace-Feraud; PRO: Charles Mifsud.

The MCC NSW has its HQ at 59b Franklin Street Parramatta West NSW 2150. Email: mcconnsw@gmail.com –website: mccnsw.org.au

Għall-attenzjoni tal-qarrejja

Il-qarrejja li jixtiequ juru l-fehmiet tagħhom dwar xi suġġett huma mħeġġa jagħmlu dan, u li ma jħallux għallaħħar.

Indirizzaw l-emails lil maltesevoice@gmail.com. Ittri għallppubblikazzjoni indikawhom: Letters to the editor.

Have your say/Xi trid tghid?

8 The Voice of the Maltese

Tuesday October 2, 2018

Your letters/ L-ittri tagħkom ...

The Voice of the Maltese for fortnightly tnightly magazine magazine

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

If you require a printed copy we can also oblige.

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

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

What a wonderful island tiny Malta has become!

I

Noel Scerri from Alice Springs writes: am just back from a wonderful fiveweeks holiday in Malta. It turned out to be an unforgettable experience. It was my first visit in 20 years. I am now old enough to say that it would be impossible for me to promise to visit again in 20 years’ time, but am young enough to promise to visit again in the next two or three years and perhaps even after that.

I was so impressed to see what Malta has become, and am in agreement with what one reader wrote some time back, that the island has truly “become a heaven”. Whoever visits and thinks otherwise would be doing a disservice to the nation.

On this trip I was accompanied by my son and daughter, and their young siblings, their visit to Malta. They too were very surprised to find that what they had been reading in The Voice about Malta was 100 percent true.

They dragged me with them to many interesting places around the island, including the festas. The only times I declined to accompany them were on visits to various musical

Wrong interpretation

Molly Farrugia from Rockingham WA writes: I was surprised to read a letter to The Voice in reply to comments I made about the talented Violeta Bozanic-Grima. J. Busuttil got me completly wrong and misread the interpretation of my comments. I DID NOT, infer that the girl’s parents were pushing her too hard, or that in any way, with the attention they give her they could hinder her progress. Mine was just an advice. As I said, the Maltese community is proud of her and would like her to achieve even more.

programmes. They are not my type The only regret is, that my wife was not with us. She died three years ago. She would have loved to visit and witness for herself the changes that have made the south of Malta (where we both come from, her from Raħal Ġdid and me from Bormla) a magnet for locals and tourists.

I was also most impressed with the large number of Maltese-Australians who have been holidaying in Malta, among them many I know. We did make the most of it, especially at a fenkata at Mġarr.

Freedom of expression in Malta is not a cliché

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Louis Mallia from Ispwich, Qld writes:

t saddens me to see that there is still a minority in Malta that wants to take the country back to the bad old days when members from the same family used to fight each other over their adverse political views.

Having spent an exciting summer in Malta where I could witness a country that has become most modern and ethnic, giving ‘refuge’ to so many people from other European countries, but not only, I found that when it comes to politics the mentality of the young people in particular has changed a lot. Politics have ceased being the be-all of their lives.

Two months in Malta taught me, that young people are not afraid any more to openly declare their political allegiance or discuss matters that were regarded as taboos. Freedom of expression is not just a cliché.

In the sixties, youths of my generation did not even dare show they had adverse political views to those of the party in power.

From what I could witness during my last visit, the authorities are not afraid to give the youths the space they need and are ready to listen to them.

The only people I found to refrain from changing their mentality are those, who either are afraid to leave their comfort zone after years of luxury, or those who have lost hope of changing things.

There is a new way of doing politics in Malta.

People are more prepared to question decisions and to understand what’s good for the country.

Despite their political allegiances they don’t allow themselves to be spoon-fed.

Malta today is bearing the fruit of very important decisions made by policy makers who know their business and put the people in the forefront of such decisions, to make Malta the envy of many other much bigger nations.

Tuesday October 2, 2018

Independence Day 2018

Maltese HC in Australia celebrates the occasion The Voice of the Maltese 9

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he Maltese High Commission in Australia hosted a reception in Canberra on September 21 to commemorate Malta’s 54th Anniversary of Independence.

Chief of Protocol, Ms. Lyndall Sachs, and the High Commissioner for Malta to Australia, H.E. Mr. Charles Muscat (above), performed the ceremonial toast in the company of the distinguished guests members of the diplomatic corps, led by the Deputy Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Ambassador Andres Unga, the Head of the EU Delegation, Ambassador Michael Pulch and the Papal Nuncio, H.E. Arch. Adolfo Tito Yllana.

Also ipresent were officials from the Department of Foreign

Affairs and Trade, HC Charles Muscat (second left) with the Royal Com- Austrian Ambassador Bernard Zimmonwealth Soci- burg (first left), Mr. Thomas Albrecht, ety and members UNHCR Reg. Rep., and Swiss Amof the Maltese basador Perdo Zwahlen at the MalCommu- tese High Commission’s Indepennity, led dence Day reception in Canberra

by Mr. John Vassallo, President of the Maltese Australian Association in Canberra and Queanbeyan.

After a short welcome address by the High Commissioner, Hon. Carmelo Abela, Foreign Minister of Malta delivered a video National Day message. The celebration continued with the guests enjoying the warm and hospitable atmosphere, typical of a Maltese celebration.

Please Note

Issue No. 190 of The Voice of the Maltese online magazine to be published October 23

Australia's economy hits 3.4% annual growth rate ... exceeding expectations

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ollowing better-than expected growth in the June quarter, Australia’s economy is growing at a strong annual rate of 3.4% with figures showing the economy grew by 0.9% over April, May, and June, beating expectations of 0.7% growth, in seasonally adjusted terms. It has pushed the annual rate up from 3.1% in the March quarter New treasurer Josh Frydenberg said this is the strongest growth since the height of the mining boom in 2012, and that by any calculation the Australian economy is strong, the fundamentals are good, and the momentum has continued.

Paul Dales, the chief economist of Capital Economics, said the first half of this year had been “very good” for the economy, but cautioned against celebrating too much, saying the 11-month decline in house prices had yet to bite properly.

In the June quarter, growth in domestic demand accounted for over half the growth in GDP.

10 The Voice of the Maltese

Perspettiva

Tuesday October 2, 2018

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

Jum (ta’ għaqda?) nazzjonali I

l-Prim Ministru l-ġdid Awstraljan, Scott Morrison għadu kif qajjem kjass fil-pajjiż bis-suġġeriment tiegħu li jonħoloq jum nazzjonali ġdid li jirrikonoxxi n-nies aboriġini u dawk tal-gżejjer ta’ Torres Strait,1 separat minn dak stabbilit tas-26 ta’ Jannar (Jum l-Awstralja) li jjfakkar il-wasla fl-Awstralja tal-kmandant Arthur Philip bil-vapuri mimlija ħabsin f’Sydney f’dak il-jum tal1788.2 Ta’ min ifakkar li n-nies aboriġini u dawk tal-gżejjer Torres Strait iqisu sal-lum dak il-jum tal-1788 bħala l-bidu tal-invażjoni ta’ arthom, storja li kellha twassal għal massakri sħaħ ta’ nieshom, ġenerazzjonijiet misruqa ta’ tfal meħuda biex jitrabbew mill-bojod, qerda ta’ kulturi antiki u trawma inter-ġenerazzjonali li l-effetti tagħha għadhom jinħassu bil-kbir.

Mhux ta’ b’xejn li dawn in-nies, l-ewwel popli li mxew fuq dan ilkontinent, kieku kellhom jiċċelebraw Jum l-Awstralja tal-lum għalihom iħossu li jkunu qiegħdin jiżfnu fuq l-oqbra ta’ missirijiethom.

Osservaturi ċiniċi tal-politika Awstraljana jistgħu jaslu għall-konklużjoni li l-PM moħħu biss biex jiddevja l-attenzjoni mill-intriċċi riċenti tal-Partit Liberali li wassluh biex isir mexxej, fejn inkixfet firda kbira fuq direzzjoni tal-partit u anke karba minn diversi nisa membri Liberali eletti tal-parlament, li ħassewhom diskriminati u intimidati mill-partit tagħhom, u stqarrew dan apertament.

Jekk dan iċ-ċiniċiżmu hux ġustifikat ma jinteressanix daqs issuġġett innifsu, li naħseb li l-pajjiż ikun għaqli li jilqa’ s-suġġeriment tal-PM biex jiddibattih bis-sħiħ.

L-ewwel osservazzjoni tiegħi hi r-raġuni li ta l-Prim Ministru Morrison għalfejn issuġġerixxa jum ġdid. Huwa kontra li l-ġurnata ta’ Jum l-Awstralja tinbidel mis-26 ta’ Jannar, bħal ma qiegħdin jitolbu ħafna u anke bħal ma beda jiġi aċċettat minn xi kunsilli lokali, għall-frustrazzjoni tal-gvern.

Għalih, dak il-jum jirrappreżenta l-mument meta l-Awstralna nbidlet għal dejjem, u ma nistgħux nippretendu li dan mhux minnu, kompla.

Jien naħseb li wieħed jista’ leġittimament jaqbel ma’ din l-istqarrija, mingħajr ma jasal għall-konklużjoni li dan il-jum hu wieħed ta’ ċelebrazzjoni.

Il-proposta ta’ Morrison li jiġi dikjarat jum ieħor nazzjonali biex jiġi ċċelebrat il-wirt tas-60 elf sena tal-ewwel popli Awstraljani, naraha bħala difiża ta’ Jum l-Awstralja kif inhu definit illum, u rikonoxximent li l-ewwel popli Awstraljani għandhom ikunu ċelebrati wkoll mill-pajjiż kollu.

Il-proposta hija waħda pragmatika, u tfakkarni fid-deċiżjonijiet mittieħda mill-gvern Malti ta’ Eddie Fenech Adami, li meta ġie biex jiddikjara l-Jum Nazzjonali Malti, spiċċa biex iddikjara ħames dati ta’ importanza nazzjonali bħala Jiem Nazzjonali, u m’għażel l-ebda wieħed minnhom bħala predominanti.

Li hemm komuni hu li d-dibattitu li dejjem jitqajjem f’dawn ilkażijiet ma jiġix żviluppat sal-punt li tittieħed deċiżjoni li jkun hemm qbil wiesgħa fuqu (mhux kunsens, li dan narah impossibbli). F’Malta, d-dibattitu fuq il-jum nazzjonali ġeneralment huwa purament partiġġjan, fejn in-Nazzjonalisti jiffavorixxu Jum l-Indipendenza, u l-Laburisti Jum il-Ħelsien jew Jum ir-Repubblika.

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kitba ta’

IVAN CAUCHI

Id-deċiżjoni li Malta jkollha ħames festi nazzjonali kien pass pragmatiku, fejn kulħadd ħass li rebaħ xi ħaġa, imma proprjament ma solva xejn. Sal-lum nies ta’ kull naħa politika jirrikonoxxu li s-sitwazzjoni hija redikola li m’hemmx mument fl-istorja tiegħu li tgħaqqad lill-poplu Malti kollu. Dawn jinkludu anke l-President ta’ Malta Marie-Louise Coleiro-Preca u dak ta’ qabilha George Abela.3 Jekk il-proposta tal-Prim Ministru Awstraljan tiġi aċċettata u jkun hemm jum nazzjonali li jiċċelebra l-wirt tal-ewwel popli, u qed jinstemgħu ilħna favur u kontra, dan xorta nħoss li mhux se jwassal biex l-ewwel popli Awstraljani jaċċettaw lil Jum l-Awstralja tallum. L-għan tal-għaqda tal-poplu ma jkunx milħuq. Nispiċċaw ikun hemm grupp kbir ta’ Awstraljani li jiċċelebraw jum wieħed biss, u grupp kbir ieħor jiċċelebraw l-ieħor biss.

U jien xi ngħid?

Jien għalija l-prijorità għandha tkun li tissokta d-diskussjoni dwar trattat bejn il-gvern Awstraljan u l-ewwel popli. Din id-diskussjoni waslet sal-punt fejn l-ewwel popli fl-2017 ħarġu l-hekk imsejħa Stqarrija ta’ Uluru mill-Qalb4 fejn talbu leħen garantit mill-kostituzzjoni, talba li l-gvern Awstraljan fil-pront ma’ aċċettax bl-għajta li din it-talba ma jkollix l-appoġġ tal-poplu Awstraljan f’referendum.

Ma sar l-ebda progress minn dakinhar, madwar sena ilu. Jekk ittaħdidiet jissuktaw biex il-forma ta’ din il-vuċi tiġi ċċarata u maqbula, u jsir referendum fejn il-poplu Awstraljan ikollu l-opportunità li japprovah, dan ikun pass kbir ‘il quddiem biex jibdew ifiequ l-ġerħat tal-passat u tal-preżent.

Dak il-jum, fejn l-ewwel popli indiġeni u dawk imnissla mill-immigranti jagħmlu paċi ma’ xulxin u id f’id flimkien jibdew jibnu l-futur tagħhom u tal-pajjiż, tassew ikun jistħoqqlu jissejjaħ Jum l-Awstralja.

Referenzi 1. https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/sep/25/scott-morrisoncalls-for-new-national-day-to-recognise-indigenous-people, retrieved 25/9/2018 2. https://www.australiaday.org.au/about-australia-day/history/, retrieved 25/9/2018 3. https://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20180909/local/presdentcalls-for-sole-national-day.688668, retrieved 25/9/2018 4. https://www.referendumcouncil.org.au/sites/default/files/201705/Uluru_Statement_From_The_Heart_0.PDF, retrieved 25/9/2018

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Tuesday October 2, 2018

The Voice of the Maltese 11

Roundup of News About Malta

”When solidarity works, complex issues could often have simple solutions”

Malta PM Joseph Muscat tells 73rd UN General Assembly:

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ddressing the world leaders during the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly at its headquarters in New York, Malta Prime Minister Joseph Muscat called on the international community to work together in order to find solutions to the problems facing the world, as when solidarity works, complex issues could often have simple solutions.

At the session with the theme of the general debate being, ‘Making the United Nations Relevant to All People: Global Leadership and Shared Responsibilities for Peaceful, Equitable and Sustainable Societies’, Dr Muscat also spoke, about the pollution of our seas from plastic, the problem of immigration, the access to technology by for everybody, and the unity between different nations.

He expressed concern that some countries are trying to solve global problems through local salutations, thus giving the illusion of working in the short-term, but which may fail.

He said that being a member of both the European Union and the Commonwealth, Malta knows only too well that no single nation, however big or small, can tackle global phenomena alone.

He went on to say, “Of course, we must respect the sovereignty of all nations, and we have no right to stand before you to judge.

But those who are closing themselves off to debate are falsely believing they will escape certain issues.”

He spoke about problems such as the use of plastic products that pollute the seas, and also mass immigration that is leaving an efPrime Minister Joseph Mus- fect both on immigrants as well as the societies that welcome cat (left) with US President them, “two problems, that are Donald Trump and First affecting Malta directly”.

Lady Melania at a Diplomatic Reception in New York PM Muscat said Malta has

Dr Joseph Muscat addressing the UN General Assembly been facing the difficulties that immigration brings with it for a long time, “even before the international community had recognised that there was such a problem” “With a global strategy to deliver incisive blows to migrant smugglers, we can disrupt their online recruitment efforts, their payment methods, as well as their continued supply of sea vessels: most importantly, we can, together, stop these people profiting from a practise that often results in the death of innocent people” he said.

Dr Muscat said that head to head Malta has the largest number of applications from immigrants for refugee status, yet despite its size; it has not gone back on its international obligations. In fact, over the last few weeks, it has worked with other countries for a number of immigrants to be relocated to a safe place.

He pointed out that when solidarity works, complex issues could often have simple solutions.

“Although I am under no illusion and know this was just a temporary respite to a much bigger problem, actions like these can provide the foundations for a longer-term solution if all European Union member states come together as one,” the Maltese PM said.

He dwelt on other issues, including the current increase in nationalism and tighter borders threatening to hamper democratic decisions and feeding extremisms of all kind.

He said that they must have faith as in the 73 years of the UN’s existence the going had always been tough and past leaders faced much worse crisis. However, “through unified approaches solutions were sought and nations survived, and each time we came together we emerged stronger as an institution, as a global community”.

Turning to the issue of climate change, he said this poses the greatest threat to life in our history. “As we solve one issue, another will replace it. This is life. But the important thing is that we continue striving and working towards the greater good. But we can only do this together, the Prime Minister said.

He believes that a way forward that Malta advocates is the harnessing of new technology such as blockchain, in which Malta is investing and has in fact become the first country that has a regulatory framework for it.

“Whether it is for immigration or technology, solutions do not come from closing doors. The digital economy needs to be seen as an opportunity, without nevertheless thinking that we can best harness its opportunities without evolving the current social contracts in place,” Joseph Muscat said.

He said that it is the accessibility to advanced technologies that will lead to solutions, hopefully for the whole world.

The PM ended his speech by saying that the forum showed that “we stand to gain through dialogue and cooperation which will always triumph over division and self absorption, because in unity we do and we can have hope.

12 The Voice of the Maltese

Tuesday October 2, 2018

Roundup of News About Malta

Malta President MLCP appointed UNIDO Goodwill Ambassador

At a ceremony during a high-level meeting organised by the UN Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, President of Malta Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca was officially appointed Goodwill Ambassador by UNIDO Director General Li Yong.

The President was also one of the keynote speakers at a highlevel meeting on enhancing global partnerships for the Third Industrial Development Decade for Africa (2016-2025), and together with other heads of state, was also appointed Champion for the Third Industrial Development Decade for Africa.

UNIDO is aimed at actively promoting the role of inclusive and sustainable industrial development within the IDDA III framework and to increase awareness of this important initiative at the national, regional and global level.

President of Malta Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca getting her appointment from UNIDO Director General Li Yong

Maltese Govt. assures Libya of its support IMF: Malta meets major alta’s Minister for Foreign Af- African neighbourly country. fiscal transparency code

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fairs and Trade Promotion, Carmelo Abela expressed to his Libyan counterpart Mohamed Taha Siala, the Maltese Government’s support to the Libyan people for the country to achieve stability.

The two ministers who met in New York spoke about the bilateral relations between the two countries and also other issues such as immigration and the current situation in Malta’s North

Minister Abela assured Siala that Malta would be supporting the elections in Libya scheduled to take place in December.

This meeting was one of a number of similar bilateral meetings in New York that Minister Abela, who was accompanying a delegation led by Prime Minister Joseph Muscat had in New York in preparation for when Malta will hold the non-permanent seat at the UN Security Council in 2024.

Paceville area to become 10% increase in number superyachts - now 800 an upmarket destination of ince last year Malta has had an in-

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he Paceville area, one of the most frequented venues, particularly by youths and tourists for night entertainment, is to be transformed into an upmarket tourist destination and one of the best in the Mediterranean.

Minister for Tourism Konrad Mizzi announced, at a meeting with all stakeholders involved in the Paceville region that his ministry along with the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA) and the Mediterranean Tourism Foundation has embarked on an embellishment programme and has allocated a budget of €10 million for the project.

The project is aimed at strengthening infrastructure to support this ever-growing destination and address the current challenges.

Minister Mizzi explained that this touristic hub accommodates around 21% of all guest nights in Malta and around 25% of tourists, amounting to around 600,000 visits to Paceville annually.

During the coming months, a process of engagement consultation and information mapping will be adopted, and a vision and high-level design will be drafted.

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crease of 10% in the number of superyachts registered under its flag.

The number has now reached 800 During an official visit to Monaco for the Monaco Yacht Show, Transport Minister Ian Borg said that commercial yachts can now benefit from a tax scheme on tonnage approved by the EU, and that this scheme should attract even more yacht owners to register their yachts in Malta.

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n assessment carried out by the International Monetary Fund found that Malta meets the IMF’s major fiscal transparency code and that its standard is good or advanced level practice in 21 of the 35 principles. It also met the basic practice on a further 12 principles.

The report was released at a news conference in Malta that was addressed by Torben Hansen, deputy division chief of the IMF’s fiscal affairs department, and Malta’s Finance Minister Edward Scicluna who said that it was Malta itself that had requested the evaluation, and an IMF delegation visited Malta for this purpose last May. Torben Hansen said that compared to other European countries Malta came out quite favourably in the fiscal transparency evaluation but it could make some improvement in fiscal risk management.

The IMF made seven recommendations that the Minister said would be taken on board.

“It is good that as a country we are peer reviewed because it benchmarks us with other countries and helps identifies our weaknesses…

Malta compares very well with the EU average,” the Minister said.

S&P’s affirms Malta’s positive ratings nternational Ratings agency Standard ened supervisory standards and co-ordinaIlong-term and Poor’s has affirmed Malta ‘A-/A-2’ tion with respect to the country's internaand short-term ratings saying tional financial sector.

the country’s economy has continued to expand at a fast pace, facilitating employment growth and government debt reduction.

S&P’s said that outlook remained positive and indicated that it could raise the ratings on Malta over the next 12 months if economic growth and government fiscal and debt metrics performed in line with its expectations, and the authorities strength-

The agency said its ratings on Malta were supported by its strong growth performance, recurring current account surpluses driven by its large services exports, and the improving general government budgetary position and fiscal management.

After growing by 6.7% in 2017, S&P’s projected Malta's economy would expand by 5% this year with contributions from both domestic demand and net exports.

The Voice of the Maltese 13

Tuesday October 2, 2018

Roundup of News About Malta

Malta commemorates 54th Anniversary of Independence Day

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President, Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca flanked by Prime Minister, Joseph Muscat (left) and Opposition Leader Adrian Delia at the Independene Day celebrations

October 3-5: Malta to host its first official blockchain event

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alta celebrated the 54th Anniversary of independence Day on September 21 with all the pomp normally reserved for such National Days and with the authorities, led by President, Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, the Prime Minister, Joseph Muscat, and Opposition Leader Adrian Delia leading the commemoration.

The day itself started with a Pontifical Massa at St John's Co-Cathedral concelebrated by Archbishop Charles J. Scicluna, during which he delivered an homily befitting the occasion.

The celebrations continued in Floriana with the laying of wreaths at the Independence monument by the President, the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition.

alta, which has gained a reputation as a “blockchain island” on account of its positive attitude to digital assets and distributed ledger technoogies (DLT), will host the Delta Summit, its first official industry event to cement its position as a regulated digital currency and initial coin offering (ICO) hub October 3-5.

The event, which will provide a perfect platform for finding partners or job and business opportunities while also allowing participants to meet investors and get involved in the blockchain space, is poised to become Malta's official platform for promoting business opportunities for blockchain companies and fostering the development of the technology.

Technology innovators, business leaders,

ever recorded in Malta, made up of 11 tons of cannabis resin that had a street market value of €28.5 million The discovery was made on inspection of four containers at the Freeport that were transiting through Malta on their way from Syria to Libya.

After two scans by special equipment, the authorities found bundles of brown substance hidden in three of the containers that on declaration supposedly were carrying crockery detergent. On closer inspection narcotic field-tests confirmed the contents as 'potential high risk’, cannabis resin.

Malta makes largest-ever drugs haul he Malta Customs Department recently valued at €28.5m Tdiscovered the largest haul of narcotics

influencers, and experts attending the Malta summit will be expected to exchange ideas and discuss a wide range of topics vital for CEOs, investors, regulators, software developers, and crypto enthusiasts.

The summit participants will include Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, Parliamentary Secretary Silvio Schembri, Binance founder and CEO Changpeng Zhao, and Wikipedia co-founder Larry Sanger, They will engage in discussions on various topics related to DLT and cryptocurrencies, and provide insights on the industry’s development, while companies will get the opportunity to introduce their blockchain solutions.

Malta is the world’s first country to adopt comprehensive cryptocurrency and blockchain regulations. Its favourable environment transformed it into a buzzing crypto hub, encouraging large companies and small startups alike to take commercial root in Malta.

14 The Voice of the Maltese

Tuesday October 2, 2018

Bdiet is-sena skolastika

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’Malta għadha kif fetħet is-sena skolastika b’madwar 60,000 studenti jerġgħu lura lejn il-klassijiet tagħhom wara tliet xhur ta’ btajjel.

Forsi din ta’ tliet xhur btajjel taħsad xi ftit lil dawk li ma jafux is-sistema edukattiva Maltija, billi f’pajjiżhom l-iskejjel qatt ma jagħlqu għal daqshekk tul ta’ żmien, għalkemm imbagħad għandhom aktar btajjeli matul is-sena.

Bħala eżempju, fl-Awstralja l-itwal btajjel jiġu waqt ix-xhur tas-sħana, minn bejn wieħed u ieħor nofs Diċembru u tard Jannar... imma mbagħad ikollhom ħmistax il-jum ta’ btajjel bejn kull term.

Madankollu xorta l-jiem tal-iskola huma aktar minn dawk ta’ Malta billi f’talewwel jaħdmu madwar 200 jum fis-sena, filwaqt li f’Malta l-istudenti jattendu għal madwar 185.

Għal dawk li ilhom neqsin minn Malta lqasam edukattiv ra tibdiliet kbar. Hekk fejn qabel kważi f’kull belt u raħal, kien ikun hemm skola għall-bniet u oħra għassubien, mis-sebgħinijiet l-affarijiet inbidlu, għax issa s-subien u l-bniet tħalltu flimkien u jattendu fl-istess skola u saħansitra fl-istess klassi... xi ħaġa li żgur ma kienetx aċċettata fi żmien ta’ dawk li llum għandhom ċerta eta’.

Issa minn sena/sentejn ilu studenti taliskejjel sekondarji saħansitra wkoll qed jattendu flimkien. Din bidla li attwalment kien hemm min ma qabel xejn magħha, iżda li jidher li marret tajjeb... anzi hawn min isostni li dan il-pass ġab aktar progress edukattiv fost l-istudenti.

Mhux il-post li wieħed jidħol fil-bidliet fis-sistemi tat-tagħlim li ġabu magħhom iż-żminijiet u l-introduzzjoni tal-mezzi moderni ta’ kommnukazzjoni u tal-komputers, meta saħansitra f’dawn l-aħħar snin, il-Gvern beda skema biex jipprovdi lil kull tifel u tifla fl-iskejjel Primarji tal-

Gvern, dawk tal-Knisja u l-privati b’tablet li dawn it-tfal jużaw mhux biss fl-iskola, imma anke id-dar.

La semmejna l-iskejjel ta’ min jgħid li filGżejjer Maltin għandna tliet tipi ta’ skejjel: dawk statali, li qabel konna nafuhom bħala tal-Gvern, tal-Knisja, li fil-biċċa ‘lkbira huma mmexxija minn Ordinijier Re-

liġjużi, u tal-Privat, immexxijin minn individwi jew entitatjiet privati.

Minn xi snin ‘l hawn, wara ftehim malKnisja dwar xi artijiet u propjeta’ oħra li kellha l-Knisja, il-Gvern beda wkoll joħroġ is-salarji tal-istaff tal-iskejjel talKnisja, kif ukoll jagħti xi għajnuna għallmanutenzjoni tagħhom.

Servizzi li jgħinu t-tagħlim S

intendi, l-għan ewlieni tal-Iskejjel hu t-tagħlim, iżda fis-soċjeta’ moderna fl-iskejjel qed jiġu offruti ferm aktar servizzi li jikkumplimentaw it-tagħlim u jgħinu sewwa soċjalment mhux biss lit-tfal, imma wkoll lill-ġenituri.

Fi klima fejn l-Awtoritajiet qed iħajjru aktar nisa biex joħorġu jaħdmu, f’dawn l-aħħar ftit snin żdiedu sewwa s-servizzi li qed joffri l-Gvern biex jagħmluha aktar faċli għallommijiet biex joħorġu jaħdmu.

Servizz li ġie ntrodott f’dawn l-aħħar ħames snin huwa taċ-childcare. Permezz ta’ dan is-servizz, fejn qabel il-ġenituri li jaħdmu riedu jaraw fejn iħallu lil uliedhom ta’ taħt ittliet snin (billi fl-eta’ ta’ tliet snin jibda s-servizz tal-Kindergarten) ma’ xi ħadd (ħafna drabi n-nanniet), issa l-ġenituri jistgħu jħallu lil uliedhom f’dawn iċ-ċentri li huma mxerrda ma’ Malta u Għawdex.

Dan is-servizz hu offrut b’xejn, li jpoġġi lil Malta fost il-pijunieri fl-Ewropa fejn jiġi offrut servizz ta’ childcare bla ħlas għall-ġenitur kollha li jaħdmu.

Servizzi oħra li qed jgħinu biex aktar nisa joħorġu jaħdmu huma dawk tal-Breakfast Club u Servizz ta’ 3 to 6.

L-istat Malti joffri childcare b’xejn Permezz tal-Breakfast Club, il-ġenituri jistgħu jsserħu moħħhom mhux biss li mas-7 ta’ filgħodu jistgħu jieħdu lil uliedhom fl-iskejjel Primarja tallokal fejn ikun hemm min jieħu ħsiebhom, iżda wkoll li dawn it-tfal jiġu offruti kolazzjon (breakfast) sustenzjuż. Anke dan is-servizz, inkluż il-kolazzjon huwa bla ħlas.

Fejn għandu x’jaqsam is-Servizz tat-3 to 6, dan hu għal dawk il-ġenituri li jixtiequ jħallu lil uliedhom liskola wara li jispiċċaw il-lezzjonijiet.

Illum l-iskejjel primarji tal-Istat, jibdew fit-8.30 am u jispiċċaw fis-2.30pm. Fejn fi ċkunitna l-break ta’ nofsinhar kien ta’ xi satgħtejn illum sar ta’ xi nofs siegħa u allura t-tfal kollha jibqgħu l-iskola taħt il-ħarsien tal-għalliema tagħhom anke waqt il ħin tal-break.

Dan kollu jfisser li llum l-Istat qed joffri lill-ġenituri sistema fejn uliedhom li jattendu l-iskejjel primarji, jistgħu joqogħdu l-iskola mis-7.00amsas-6.00pm.

The Voice of the Maltese 15

Tuesday October 2, 2018

It-trasport b’xejn

għall-istudenti kollha

M

inn żmien twil ilu l-gvern dan is-servizz, imma fil-fatt il-parti lbeda s-sistema li jipprovdi kbira tal-ġenituri applikaw. Dan kien trasport b’xejn għal dawk it- ifisser il-ħtieġa ta’ ferm aktar vetturi tfal li joqogħdu mil (illum tniżżel għal aktar minn qabel biex ikunu jistgħu kilomteru) bogħod mill-iskola mhux jlaħħqu mal-iskejjel kollha. biss għat-tfal tas-sekondarji, imma Inħolqot problema kbira għall-awtoriwkoll tal-iskejjel primarji. tajiet għax instab li ma kienx hemm Qabel l-elezzjoni ġenerali li għaddiet iż- vetturi biżżejjed biex ilaħħqu mad-dożewġ partiti politiċi wiegħdu li se joffru manda, xi ħaġa li l-gvern ammetta, tant trasport b’xejn mhux biss għall-iskejjel li sal-aħħar minuta kien hemm madwar tal-Istat, iżda għal tal-iskejjel tal-Knisija 800 student li ma nstabilhomx mezz u Privati (hekk imsejjħa wkoll Indipen- biex jużaw dan is- servizz., u li wassal denti). Wiegħdu wkoll li f’kull vettura li għal ċerta kritika, fejn kien hemm minn ġġorr l-istudenti jkun hemm ukoll per- sostna li l-Gvern għaġġel wisq biex suna biex tagħmel superviżjoni. idaħħal is-sistema, u li messa ġiet inMeta saret din il-wegħda, il-partit trodotta ftit ftit. politiċi ma kienux qed iħarsu biss lejn Il-Partit Nazzjonalista nsista li l-probserviżż ġdid biex jgħinu lill-ġenituri, lemi nħolqu għaliex il-Gvern naqas li iżda wkoll lejn il-problema tat-traffiku. jippjana tajjeb “Government's lack of Dan minħabba li ħafna mill-ġenituri ta’ planning solely to blame for school studenti li jattendu fl-iskejjel tal-Knisja transport problems – PN” (The Times) jew privati, għal diversi raġunijiet (fosMin-naħa tiegħu filwaqt li ammetta li thom il-ħlas għoli li kienu jintalbu kien hemm xi problemi li kien għad għas-servizz tat-trasport) kienu jwasslu iridu jiġu solvuti, il-Prim Ministru, lil uliedom bil-vetturi tagħhom fil-ħini- sostna li l-proġett kien suċċess, minjiet tad-dħul u lħruġ mill-iskejjel, u ħabba l-għadd kbir ta’ ġenituri li appDOI: Clifton Fenech hekk kienet tinħoloq konġestjoni tat- likaw biex jużaw s-servizz tat-trasport traffiku. għall-iskejjel b’xejn.

Biex iżomm Meta fetħu l-iskejjel l-affarijiet imxew m a l - w e g ħ d a ħafna aħjar milli mistenni, xi ħaġa li tiegħu, minn ammettew l-istess ġurnali li kienu l-programm ta’ ċittadinanza b’investiment (IIP), li ġie ntrodott mill- din is-sena sko- bassru li se jkun hemm kaos.

“Stakeholders said that yesterday mornGvern Laburista meta ħa t-tmexxija għadu fil-mira ta’ min ma jaqblix lastika l-gvern preżenti idde- ing’s feared traffic congestion on the first miegħu, kemm f’Malta u wkoll f’ċerti kwartieri tal-Unjoni Ewropeja.

Saħansitra xi delegeazzjoni u individi tal-UE mhux darba jew tnejn ikkri- ċieda jdaħħal day of the free school transport system did tikawh bl-aħrax għalkemm ġielu kellhom ukoll kritika għal programmi din is-sistema not materialise and, instead, it was an tat-trasport b’x- overall success in terms of consistent flow simili li hemm f’diversi pajjiżi tal-EU. Jidher li l-Oppożizzjoni mhix tant ċara dwar dan il-programm, għax fil- ejn għall-istu- of traffic.” – Malta Independent. Ġie nutat ukoll li kien hemm titjib fitwaqt li meta tħabbar ħarġet għal kollox kontrih, tant li wasslet li l-pro- denti kollha.

Kien hemm traffiku meta mqabbel ma’ tas-snin li gramm jiġi diskuss mill-Parlament tal-UE, meta mbagħad ġie mplementat, intqal li dan kien se jinżamm minn Gvern Nazzjonalista, iżda jiġi rivedut. dubju kemm ġe- għaddew. Sintendi dan kien riżultat Iżda, propju, ftit tal-jiem ilu, il-Kap tal-Oppożizzjoni Adrian delia, meta nituri ta’ skejjel mhux biss tat-trasport b’xejn għall-ismistoqsi stqarr li l-Gvern Nazzjonalista kien ineħħih. Xi osservaturi politiċi privati kienu se tudenti, imma wkoll għax-xogħol li sar japplikkaw għal f’dawn l-aħħar xhur fit-toroq Maltin. wrew dubju jekk din kienetx il-fehma ta’ Delia jew deċiżjoni tal-PN. Donnu li l-Gvern ħa l-okkażjoni tal-inċertezza biex ħabbar li grazzi għal din liskema kien daħħal aktar minn €432,miljun fil-Fond Soċjali tal-Iżvilupp Nazzjonali.

Qal li dan il-Fond kien investa total ta’ State Member for Prospect €130,576,332 f’investimenti lokali reġistrati fuq il-Borża ta’ Malta flimkien ma’ For issues concerning: Stokks tal-Gvern, l-MGS. Ageing and disability - community F’Jannar din is-sena, l-Aġenzija li tieħu ħsieb dan il-fond għamlet għotja soċjali ta’ services -education - environment €950,000 lid-Dipartiment tal-Kardjoloġija health - housing - planning - Police tal-iSptar Mater Dei għal modernizzar tażtransport - water żewġ swali magħrufa bħalha catheterization suites u wkoll ikkommettiet somma ta’ P: (02) 9756 4766 €55m. oħra għal inizjattivi fl-oqsma ta’ soE: prospect@parliament.nsw.gov.au cial housing u titjib fis-servizzi tas-saħħa.

Sintendi figuri bħal dawn żgur li jim2/679 The Horsley Dr, Smithfield NSW 2164 pressjonaw lil ċerti nies.

Ċittadinanza b’Investiment I

Dr Hugh McDermott MP

16 The Voice of the Maltese

Tuesday October 2, 2018

Celibacy for married priests?

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he National Council of Priests (NCP) will push for optional celibacy and married priests in its submission to the Plenary Council 2020.

The NCP believes Pope Francis would approve a request from Australia’s bishops to allow married priests in remote parts of the country where the lack of priests is a critical and long-standing issue, council chair Fr James Clarke said after a conference which considered the findings of the royal commission into child abuse.

The council’s submission to the Plenary Council 2020 will argue priests who have left priestly ministry to marry should be allowed to return to the priesthood as married priests.

The NCP backs a full debate of all aspects of the Church’s current rules on mandatory celibacy at the Plenary Council, after the child abuse royal commission concluded it was an “unattainable ideal” for many priests that led them to lead double lives, and contributed to “a culture of secrecy and hypocrisy” in the Church.

The royal commission, however, said that no causal link had been established between celibacy and child sexual abuse. Fr Clarke said a majority of priests were “in favour of

NCP chair Fr James Clarke optional celibacy from the point of view of opening the priesthood to married men”, and that “it’s a request not only coming from priests but from the people,” he said.

The many priests who left their vocations because they found the celibacy requirements “too burdensome” were a great loss to

the Church, he said.

“We’re very pleased they’ve accepted the bulk of the recommendations and have begun to implement some of them, but priests see the royal commission as a very cathartic experience,” Fr Clarke said.

Meanwhile, visiting US Cardinal Edwin O’Brien, the Grand Master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, in Australia to invest new members into the order was asked about news reports that the National Council of Priests would push for optional celibacy and married priests in its submission to the Plenary Council 2020.

He said: “I don’t think we are ready for that.

I think there’s more generosity amongst our men to step forward; I don’t think we should give up on that and don’t sell them short,” he said.

“We might be turning a corner, but if the bishops of the world think that is necessary – let them do it – but I don’t think we’re ready for that. There are divisions, tensions, no question. The Holy Father is trying to bring it together,” he said. “It is a very divided Church wherever you go today. I think we are just going to have to pray for him to see what he can do.”

Crackdown on tax bludgers ABC boss sacked; chairman

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p to 150,000 Australians will be banned from heading overseas if they refuse to pay outstanding debts to the tax office, Centrelink or another federal agency.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Australia’s strong economy was not there to pay for “welfare fraud” or support a “fiscal fat fund”, declaring an international travel ban is being slapped on debt dodgers to help recover up to $800 million owed to government agencies.

Announcing the international travel ban, the Prime Minister said he did not want the fruits of Australia’s strong economy to be squandered by bludgers who refused to pay their bills to the Australian Taxation Office, Centrelink and other government agencies. “I don’t want a stronger economy to pay for welfare fraud.

I don’t want a stronger economy to pay for tax fraud,” he said.

“It’s not there to create some largesse, it’s not there to create a fat fund, a fiscal fat-fund, it’s there to ensure that you can put the investments into hospitals and the schools. “It’s not an anti-welfare thing, it’s an anti being treated like a mug thing,” he said.

then resigns he ABC board has announced that Michelle Guthrie (right) T will no longer serve as managing

director of the broadcaster. In an immediate reaction she said that she is “devastated” and would consider possible legal action.

“When I joined ABC in 2016, I knew I had an enormous challenge in front of me to break down some of the internal barriers to progress as well as continuing to deliver quality programming for all Australians. As the first female Managing Director of the ABC, I felt a tremendous responsibility and unique privilege to lead Australia's most important cultural institution.”

Chairman Justin Milne said fresh leadership would benefit the organisation in the long term., and that the decision was for “the longterm interests of our own people and the millions of Australians who engage with ABC content every week”. Minister for Communications and the Arts Mitch Fifield thanked Ms Guthrie on behalf of the government.

ABC chairman Justin Milne has since resigned amid an ongoing scandal at the national broadcaster, with a government department now investigating allegations of political interference.

ABC Managing Directors are appointed by the Board that has legislated independence in relation to management appointments.

The Government respects the Board’s role.

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

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

Tuesday October 2, 2018

Cases of abuse in aged care facilities prompt royal commission

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n a move welcomed by Catholic Health Australia, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced a royal commission into Australia’s aged care system, ABC News has reported. The inquiry will focus on residential and in-home aged care for seniors but will also cover care for young people with disabilities who live in aged care homes.

Mr Morrison said he had been particularly shocked by a “disturbing” trend of noncompliance and failures in the aged care sector, highlighted in briefings he had received over the three weeks since he became Prime Minister.

“I think we should brace ourselves for some pretty bruising information about the way our loved ones, some of them, have experienced some real mistreatment,” Mr Morrison said. “And I think that’s going to be tough for us all to deal with. But you can’t walk past it.”

The terms of reference, timeframe and cost have not yet been determined, but Mr Morrison said they would be worked out over the next few weeks, in consultation with the sector.

Hanson about our past ne Nation SenaO tor Pauline Hanson has issued a defiant response to Prime

Minister Scott Morrison's call for a special day to honour and recognise Indigenous Australians. She labelled the Prime Minister's suggestion to celebrate Indigenous Australians on a day other than January 26 as another “token gesture”.

“We need to accept our past and learn to celebrate our shared country's bright future together as one nation. Offering indigenous Australians another token gesture in the form of a public holiday won't help or change anything.

“Australia Day must remain on the 26th of January. We need to accept our past and learn to celebrate our shared country's bright future together as one nation” the controversial Senator from Queensland said.

In a statement, Catholic Health Australia said it supports Mr Morrison’s call for a royal commission into aged care “so that the future of care for Australia’s elderly can be properly and independently addressed”.

CHA chief Suzanne Greenwood (pictured right) said the royal commission should be used as an opportunity to ensure that the aged care system is fit-for-purpose for the care of older Australians. “This royal commission should not be used as an excuse to ‘down tools’ on progressing the significant reforms to improve the aged care system that are already underway or recommended in recent reports.

“These reforms stem from the Tune Report and the Carnell Paterson Report, and focus on improving quality regulation, increasing informed consumer choice and control of services, and securing the resourcing of the ever-burgeoning need for aged care services,” Ms Greenwood said.

Ms Greenwood said the royal commission could be a defining moment in aged care if the terms of reference were properly targeted.

“CHA welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the development of the terms of reference, and to contribute to the royal commission.”

The Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA) welcomed the announcement, with its Chairperson, Mary Patetsos saying that as the peak body representing older Australians of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) background, FECCA looked forward to assist-

The Voice of the Maltese 17

ing the inquiry as much as possible.

“More than one in every three older Australians was born overseas,” Ms Patetsos said. “People of CALD background face particular issues as they age and require help to access and understand the services they need. All older Australians, regardless of their background, deserve our respect and care. They have the right to make decisions for themselves, to live full and active lives and to be assured when they are vulnerable that they will be safe.

“For some time, FECCA has been working with the Government to emphasise the needs of people from CALD background and to recommend improvements.

“We welcome the rigour which a Royal Commission will bring to an examination of this industry and will assist wherever we can,” Ms Patetsos said, adding that FECCA also welcomed the support given to the proposed Royal Commission by the Opposition Leader, Bill Shorten.

By 2021 four million Australians will be aged 65 years or older. By the time they are 85 of age 62 per cent of women and almost 50 percent of men will need residential care.

18 The Voice of the Maltese

Tuesday October 2, 2018

The Sacred Heart of Jesus feast at St Mary McKillop his year the Sacred Heart Fontana Association celebrated the feast T of the Sacred Heart of Jesus at St. Mary McKillop on Friday September 14. It is the first time that it was not held on its original date

in June. This was due to the Parish in Keilor Downs in Melbourne being busy with first Communion recipients.

The festa started with mass, followed by refreshments and a concert at the Parish Hall by the Maltese United Brass Band.

On the morrow the Festa Dinner Dance took place with DJ David providing the dance music, while later in the evening the Maltese United Brass Band entertained those present with sprightly marches that kept everybody happy.

On Sunday, festa day, Mons. Fr. Charles Portelli the parish priest of St Mary McKillop Keilor Downs celebrated mass to the accompaniment of the Maltese Choir of Victoria and afterwards the Statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus was brought out in the forecourt of the Church.

Two bands, the Maltese Own Band and the newly formed MMG Concert Band of Victoria added to the merriment, while various associations took part with their standards in the short procession, and due to bad weather conditions those present all gathered in the Parish Hall for a concert given by the two mentioned bands followed by DJ Dominic.

Congratulations are in order to the President Emmanuel Cassar and his committee for a well-organised and most successful event.

EmmanuelBrincat

New laws targeting incitement of violence

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ndividuals who incite or threaten violence against people based on their race, religion or sexuality will risk a three-year jail sentence under new laws to be introduced into NSW Parliament.

Attorney General Mark Speakman said, “People who incite violence are a threat to community safety. If passed, these laws will help protect individuals and groups from being targeted by cowards who seek to cause physical harm to innocent people.”

“We’re not saying people can’t have opinions or express their views, but if they cross the line into threatening and inciting violence they will not go unpunished”.

The legislation will create a new offence in the Crimes Act of publicly threatening or inciting violence against people on the grounds of race, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, intersex or HIV/AIDS status, including a maximum penalty of three years imprisonment and a fine of $11,000.

The Bill will abolish offences in the Anti-Discrimination Act that presently carry a maximum sentence of six months in prison. “The new laws will send a very clear message to offenders that we will not tolerate behaviour which risks people’s safety simply because they belong to a particular group,” Mr Speakman told The Voice of the Maltese.

“Our new laws will boost police powers allowing them to target offenders and better protect a broader range of people, including those belonging to religious groups,” Mr Speakman said.

The Premier, Gladys Berejiklian MP said in 1989, it was the NSW Liberal & National Government that was the first government in Australia to introduce laws to support targeted individuals and groups.

Every person in our community should be able to go about their lives without fear of violence because of who they are, or what they believe.

The Voice of the Maltese 19

Reskeon’s Feast of Maria Bambina

Tuesday October 2, 2018

O

nce again this year, on behalf of the Missionary Society of St. Paul, the Reskeon Maltese Association Seniors Group Inc. (RMASGI) organised over three days – September 6-8-9 – the feast of Maria Bambina (Il-Vitorja) on behalf of the Missionary Society of St. Paul, that consisted of church activities and all that constitutes a Maltese traditional festa.

The events started on the 6th with a mass

by Fr Lonnie Borg, mssp, in St. Paul’s Chapel, next to the Maltese Centre in Parkville, Melbourne that was concelebrated by the Rector of Parkville Fr Edwin Agius, mssp; Fr Lonnie Borg, delivered the homily. Afterwards, the attendees were invited for refreshments at the foyer of the Maltese Centre provided by the Reskeon Group.

On the actual day of the feast, September 8, Reskeon organised the annual Vittoria Dinner Dance that was well attended. The Consul General for the Republic of Malta in Victoria, Ms Joanna Pisani, past and present members and life members of the Group, as well as representatives from the MCCV were among the distinguished guests.

MC for the night was Mr Joe Cutajar, while DJ King Charlie provided the entertainment, and Martin Gauci regaled the audience with four beautiful numbers. After welcoming the guests and thanking Reskeon President, Salvina Vella, the MC invited everybody to be upstanding for the

The congregation at the Holy Mass at the St Mary Star of the Sea Church singing of the Maltese and Australian Na- tions, and representatives of different viltional Anthems. lages and towns in Malta and Gozo that celBirthdays and anniversaries were then ebrate the Bambina as their patron saint read, while the MMG Concert Band of Vic- were also present with their banners. toria, created the merriment for the night, A church service, including a mass consimilar to that of a Maltese Festa. celebrated by Fr Frank Buhagiar, and mssp On Sunday, 9th, Reskeon organised the members followed, while Fr Edwin Agius feast again on behalf of the MSSP at St delivered the homily. The Maltese Choir of Mary Star of the Sea Church, West Mel- Victoria under the direction of Mr Charles bourne, It was at- Schembri and Ms Lydia Gusman provided tended by among the music and singing during mass. others, representaAt the end of the mass, Fr Edwin thanked tives from the all those present, the organisers and all the MCCV executive, participants, including the Maltese Own the Sovereign Mili- Band Philharmonic for there marches. tary Hospitaller Due to inclement weather the procession Order of St John of with the Bambina statue had to took place Jerusalem, of Rhod- inside the Church to the accompaniment of es and of Malta, and the Maltese Own Band. representatives of Later, Reskeon served refreshments to the religious Orders and distinguished guests and the helpers in the societies. foyer of the Maltese Centre.

A large number of Maltese AssociaPaulVella The Maltese Own Band playing marches on the feast of Il-Bambina

The procession wth the statue of Maria Bambina inside the church in Melbourne West

Tagħrif dwar il-kitba Maltija

20 The Voice of the Maltese

Tuesday October 2, 2018

ktar regoli u tagħrif uffiċjali dwar kif wieħed għandu jikteb il-Malti. Dan skont Akif maħruġ mill-Kummissjoni fi ħdan l-Akkademja tal-ilsien Malti f’Malta.

EŻEMPJI TA’ PARTIĊELLI MEHMUŻA MAL-ARTIKLU

għedna ’ll-ġenniena, ħriġna ’ll-kelb jew ’lġenniena, ’l-kelb.

Minn dan kollu li għedna naraw li l-partiċella lil imqassra (4) Lill- (bl-artiklu) titqassar u ssir ’ll- jew f’ ’il jew f’ ’l, meta tkun mingħajr artiklu mehmużmagħha, ’l- meta qabel jew wara għandha vokali. ma tingħaqadx mal-kelma ta’ wara bil-ħażżta’ linja: meta Ara: tlabna ’ll-ommijiet jew ’l-ommijiet; mbagħad tieħu l-artiklu, quddiem konsonanti, tingħaqad rabbejt ’ll-ulied jew ’l-ulied flok lill-ommibil-ħażżta’ linja. jiet, lill- ulied; għedna ’ll-ġenniena, ħriġna (1) Lil titqassar u ssir ’il bejn żewġkonsonanti. Ara: rajt ’il ’ll-kelb jew ’l-ġenniena, ’l-kelb.

Karlu, kellimt ’il missierek, ’il żewġek, ’il sid id-dar minflok rajt GĦELUQ lil Karlu, kellimt lil missierek, lil żewġek, lil sid id-dar.

(2) Lil titqassar u ssir ’l qabel kelma li tibda b’vokali jew Ġabra ta’ Regoli fuq il-Kitba tal-GĦ) wara kelma li tispiċċa b’vokali.

L-iktar għeltijiet li jittieħdu fil-kitba Ara: kellimt ’l Anni, ’l ommok; tlabt ’l Alla flok lil Anni, lil Maltija huma dawk tal-ittri vokali a, e u ommok, lil Alla; rajna ’l Karlu, rajna ’l missierek. Hekk ukoll o u l- konsonanti għ, meta dawn jaħbtu flimkien billi lniktbu weġġaħ ’l ommok, fejn l-l hija biċċa mill- pronom lil widna ma tfehimniex jekk il-għ tkunx trid toqgħod qabel u mhux l-artiklu l-. vokali, wara vokali jew bejn żewġvokali.

(3) Lill- (bl-artiklu) titqassar u ssir ’ill- meta taħbat bejn Nagħtu ftit regoli li bihom nistgħu nuru fil-qosor fejn u żewġkonsonanti: għedt ’ill- ġenniena, ħriġt ’ill-kelb flok lillliema minn dawn l-ittri (waħda mill-vokali u l-konsonanti ġenniena, lill-kelb.

(4) Lill- (bl-artiklu) titqassar u ssir ’ll- jew ’l- meta qabel jew għ) għandha tiġi quddiem u liema wara: (1) Fil-passat tal-verbi ewlenin ta’ tliet konsonanti u żewġ wara għandha vokali. Ara: tlabna ’ll-ommijiet jew ’l-ommijiet; rabbejt ’ll-ulied jew ’l-ulied flok lill-ommijiet, lill- ulied; vokali, il-konsonanti għ, għandha tinkiteb qabel – fis-suriet l-oħra tal-verb, il-konsonanti għ timxi wara lvokali; għalhekk ikteb: għámel, għáfas, għótor (verbi fil-passat), waqt li mbagħad għandek tikteb: agħmel, agħfas, ogħtor (verbi fl-imperattiv).

Hekk ukoll magħmul, magħfus, tagħmel, tagħfas, tagħżel, tagħrok, eċċ.

(2) Fil-verbi mnisslin mill-ewlenin (barra mittorox u l-moħfijin) li jibdew bil-konsonanti st, ilkonsonanti għ, bħala l-ewwel fost it-tlieta tal-għerq, tmur wara l-vokali.

Ara: stagħġeb, stagħna, stagħdar; nistagħġeb, nistagħna, nistagħdar; mistagħġeb, mistagħna, mistagħdar.

(3) Fil-verbi ta’ erba’ konsonanti, il-għ, bħala lewwel fost l-erba’ konsonanti tal-għerq, tinkiteb dejjem quddiem nett. Ara: għarbel, ngħarbel, mgħarbel, għarbilna, jgħarbel.

(4) Fil-verbi moħfijin (concavi), li fit-tielet persuna ġens raġel tal-passat għandhom żewġkonsonanti bejn vokali twila, il-konsonanti għ tmur Drinks purchased on the night. qabel. Ara: għêb, għâm, għêx, għên, għêr, hekk ukoll fl-imperattiv għib, għum, għix, għin, għir.

(5) Fil-verbi torox (sordi), li fit-tielet persuna ġens raġel tal-passat, għandhom tliet konsonanti bejn Live Entertainment vokali maħtufa bl-aħħar konsonanti mtennija, ilall night by konsonanti għ tmur qabel. Ara: għadd, għożz,̇ hekk THE FALCONS ukoll fl-imperattiv għoddni, għożżni.

(6) Fl-aġġettivi tat-tixbih (comparativi), il-konsonanti għ tinkiteb wara l-vokali: agħar, egħref, ogħla, ogħna, kif il-konsonanti ħ u żta’ oħla, iżgħar.

Hekk ukoll fl-aġġettivi li jfissru l-lewn, il-kruha tal-ġisem u l-għada. Ara: agħma, agħwar, agħrax kif isfar, aħmar, ismar, aħdar, oħxon, artab, ifqam fejn lewwel konsonanti qiegħda wara l-vokali.

(Plenty of OFF Street Parking Available) *Aktar Regoli fuq il-Kitba tal-Għ, fil-ħarġa li jmiss.

Tickets: Adults $45, Children Under 12: $15 For more information please contact: Kids Under 5 Free. No Door Sales President: Emmanuel Vella 0405 677 064 Tickets Non-refundable Public Relations Officer: Jacqui Vella 0433 320 944

Proudly Sponsored by:

Kultura u Drawwiet Maltin

Minħabba nuqqas ta’ spazju l-artiklu solitu ta’ Peter Paul Ciantar dwar Kultura u Drawwiet Maltin ma kienx possibbli li ninkluduh f’din il-ħarġa. Imma jirritorna fil-ħarġa li jmiss, Nru. 190 tat-23 ta’ Ottubru

The Voice of the Maltese 21

Tuesday October 2, 2018

T

he Federation of Maltese Language Schools Australia Inc. (FMLS) was founded in 2008. Its main objective is to coordinate the work performed by the Maltese Language Schools in Australia and to assist them in their work.

In 2016 the federation received a grant from the Ministry of Education in Malta. Through which it has been able to continue with its work in promoting the learning of the Maltese Language in Australia. The FMLS has no other sources of revenue.

Each year affiliated schools receive a small portion of this grant to cover some of their running expenses. Such grants were given in 2016 and 2017, and this year $1,600 will be given to affiliated financial Schools.

Since 2016 the FMLS has also offered an AUD$100 “Scholarship Assistance” to residents of Australia sitting for the Maltese Language VCE/HSC/SACE exam. It is again offering the same grant this year to the first five successful candidates who apply according to the selection criteria of Scholarship Grant 2018.

Two students from NSW, Michael Cuschieri and Naomi Sant successfully applied for

Sussidju mill-FMLS lil ħames studenti tal-ilsien Maltin

Il- Federazzjoni tal-Iskejjel Maltin fl-Awstralja (FMLS) qed tniedi sussidju ta’ $100 għal studenti li joqogħdu u jispiċċaw l-eżami fil-lingwa Maltija tal- VCE/HSC /SACE f’din is-sena li aħna fiha, l-2018.

Din l-iskema tgħodd għallewwel ħames studenti fl-ordni li japplikaw.

Għad-dettalji u formula biex jinkiseb dan is-sussidju, wieħed għandu japplika lill-Federazzjoni Tal-Iskejjel Tal-Malti: edwigeborg@hotmail.com inkella: federationofmalteselanguageschoolaustralia.com

the 2017 grant that will be presented to them later this year.

The FMLS Executive Committee that is based nationally meets regularly on SKYPE. Once a year at their Annual General Meeting delegates from all affiliated schools congregate at a different state. Meetings have been held in Adelaide, Canberra, Sydney, McKay and Melbourne.

This year’s AGM will be held in De Piro House, 19 Stanley Street, East Sydney NSW, on Saturday December 15 to be followed with a working lunch and a professional development seminar.

The aim of the profession development seminar is to develop better learning strategies in the teaching of the Maltese language.

22 The Voice of the Maltese

Tuesday October 2, 2018

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

The Ċittadini

present direct from Malta:

W

Printed copies of The Voice of the Maltese are now available by mail

e are now in a position to arrange for you to receive a printed full-colour hard copy of The Voice of the Maltese at home every fortnight (24 publications) at the low cost of $120. (Australia only, other countries by request).

Contact us by email on: maltesevoice@gmail.com for further information.

La Valette Social Centre

Attivitajiet sa tmiem is-sena

La Valette Social Centre Inc. 175 Walters Road, Blacktown Tel. 96225847’ Email: lavalette@bigpond.net.au

Malta’s Queen of Country Music

Also brilliant comedy by The Cittadini: Is-Senduq in Sydney on October 14 at 2pm at the Wentworthville League Club

For tickets phone: Monica Ledger: 9896 0712 or 0414 859386; Joe Borg: 96 242280; Julie Farrugia: 96 367679; Dorothy Gatt: 96 361834.

Donation of $20. Kids: $12

Saint Nicholas Festa Committee Main events for 2018

Sunday October 14 : Fete Saturday Nov. 10: Dinner Dance Sunday Dec. 2: St Nicholas Feast

Events are held at the Good Shepherd parish hall, 130-136 Hyatts Road, Plumpton NSW

Il-Ħadd 7 ta’ Ottubru: Ħarġa għal Canberra għall-“Floriade Show”.

Il-bus titlaq minn Blacktown fis-6.00am, u fis-fis-6.30am minn Greystanes. Ħlas $40 u jekk bil-coach $50.

Il-Ħadd 28 ta’ Ottubru: Bus għar-Rock & Roll and Hot Rods Festival.

Tluq: fit-8.00am minn Blacktown u 8.30am minn Greystanes. Ħlas $30.

Il-Ħadd 4 ta’ Novembru: fil-5.00pm: Quddiesa għal qrabatna mejtin fiċ-Ċimiterju ta Pine Grove. Fl-4.00pm: Il-Banda Our Lady Queen Of Peace iddoqq Marċi Funebri .

It-Tlieta 6 ta’ Novembru: Melbourne Cup’s Lunch fis-Sala ta’ La Valette. Morning Tea plus 2-Course Lunch. (Hat Parade – Sweeps – Lucky Door Prizes). Dħul fl-10.30am. Mistiedna: The Mifsud Brothers.

Biljetti: Membri $25; Non-Members $30.

It-Tlieta 4 ta’ Diċembru: Coach għal Orange għal CHERRY PICKING. Prezz $55. Tluq fis-6.00am Blacktown; 6.30am minn Greystanes.

31 ta’ Dicembru: New Year’s Dinner Dance. Divertiment ipprovdut minn JOE GRIMA u l-banda tiegħu. (Dettalji aktar ‘l quddiem).

Għal aktar tagħrif: Frances (Tel.: 0412 320 432) jew iċ-Ċentru (9622 5847)

L-aħbarijiet PBS (Malta)

Il-PBS ta’ Malta tforni lill-SBS fl-Awstralja bis-servizz tagħha, imma l-qarrejja xorta mħeġġa biex jidħlu fil-web- site tal-istazzjon www.tvm.com.mt. għall-aħbarijiet kemm bil-Malti u bl-Ingliż Il-website hi aġġornata tul il-jum kollu, hekk wieħed jista’ jieħu stampa ta’ li jkun iseħħ

MALTESE LANGUAGE SCHOOL OF NSW (A Division of the Maltese Community Council of NSW Inc.)

Learn Maltese!

Classes are available for students from six years to adults at all levels of ability in the Maltese language. We have trained and experienced teachers qualified in language teaching and with Maltese study credentials.

Learn the Maltese language, the culture, lifestyle, cuisine, traditions and about the amazing history of the island.

Teachers urgently needed - Paid positions

For more information and enquiries Phone 9601 2189 or Email: malteselanguageschoolnsw@hotmail.com (Supported by the Minister of Education and ) Training and the NSW Community Languages Schools Programme.

Member of the NSW Federation of Community Language Schools of NSW; Member of the Federation of Maltese Language Schools of Australia; Supported by 16 Maltese associations affiliated with the MCC of NSW. The Maltese Language School of NSW is a Not-For-Profit organisation.

Sam Mifsud (PRO)

Community Wheels Inc.

Connecting you with your community

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

Available in the Parramatta City Council and parts of Cumberland Council areas For information call 88681400

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

The Voice of the Maltese 23

Tuesday October 2, 2018

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

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

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

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

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

On Demand: Ethnic Maltese Council 11am)

Il-Ħadd 11.00 am: l-aħħar aħbarijiet minn Malta, mużika, tagħrif, kultura, avviżi u suġġetti ta’ interess.

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

To tune into digital radio you need a receiver or device with a DAB+ chip.

Tuning in is by station name not frequency. Digital radio can also be heard via digital TV.

SBS MALTESE NEWS: L-Aħbarijiet on SBSTV twice a week nationwide; Sunday 8.00 am on SBS2 (Chan. 32) Thursdays at 8.00 am on SBSTV32.

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

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

Maltese Seniors Social Welfare Day Groups

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

Group meets in Parish Hall, cnr of Stella Street & The Boulevard, Fairfield Heights at Maltese of Bankstown 10 am.

Group meets 3rd Wednesday of month

in the Bank-stown CBD area.

Maltese Seniors Central Coast Every other 3rd Thursday an outing.

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

Daceyville Maltese Seniors

Note: The Groups also arrange regular Bus Trips

Join us and make new friends.

Maltese Group

Meets every First Wednesday of the Month from 10:00am-1:00pm.

Merrylands Social Maltese Seniors Meetings/Get Togethers are interestMeets every second Friday of the ing, informative & entertaining, so month: Miller Room, Memorial Av- come Join us and make new Friends enue Merrylands from 10.30am to For more information contact our Co12.30 am ordinator: Llandilo Maltese Seniors

Meets on the first Wednesday of each

Charles Mifsud J.P.Phone (02) 9501 5525 – mobile 0421 662 298.

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

SBS Radio 2 on Channel 38.

Programmes can be accessed online (live or catch up) at: sbs.com.au/maltese and via mobile phone, using the SBS Radio app.

For television news from Malta SBS2 TV 32 ( (Viceland) on Thursdays and Sundays at 8am.

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

Presenter: Nathalie Gatt.

Web streaming: www.coastfm.org.au BRISBANE listen to the Maltese Programme on 4EB on Tuesdays 6.00 -8.15am; Sundays 4.15pm to 5.15pm

L-MCCV qed jilqa’ applikazzjonijiet għal għalliem/a tal-ilsien Malti

Min japplika jrid ikollu għarfien sew tal-Malti, miktub u mitkellem.

Dan xogħol volontarju (bla ħlas).

Min hu interessat jibgħat l-applikazzjoni bid-dettalji akkademiċi lil:edwigeborg@hotmail.com Għal tagħrif ieħor ċempel fuq 0412 115 919. Ħalli nnumru tattelefon u nċemplulek lura.

Australian High Commission on facebook; HC on twitter

he Australian High Commission’s in T Malta has its own Facebook page, while the High Commissioner has a Twit-

ter account. Both be accessed by the readers.

The High Commission’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AusHCMalta/ The Commissioner’s Twitter handle: https://twitter.com/AusHCMalta

Join us on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/g roups/thevoiceofthemaltese

24 The Voice of the Maltese

Sports...

Malta’s Football Premier League

A

Gzira Utd retain top position

t the end of match day five last weekend, the Maroons of Gzira United came from behind to beat Birkirkara 2-1 with a penalty goal that helped them retain the top of the league ladder a point from Balzan and Sliema Wanderers. It followed their 3-2 win over Hibernians on Day 4.

Hot on Gzira’s heels are Balzan and Sliema thanks to the six points they collected in the last two rounds, Balzan after wins against Mosta and Pieta, and the Wanderers with victories over St An-

Malta set for two more internationals in a three-day span

I

Tuesday October 2, 2018

n the next few days Maltas’ national football team will play two international matches away from home as part of the participation in the newly introduced UEFA Nations League. On October 11 Malta travel to Kosovo for their third outing in the competition, and three days later, on the 4th face Azerbaijan in the return tie of the drawn 1-1 match against Azerbaijan at Ta’ Qali last month.

Malta currently has one point from two matches at the bottom of Group D3.

drews and Tarxien.

After losing their opening two matches, Valletta are back in the fray.

With their new recruitment from Balzan, Bojan Kaljevic in top form, Valletta have become a well-oiled striking machine by not only winning their last three outings and scoring 14 goals in the process, but with Kaljevic also getting a hat-trick in their 5-1 over bottom team Senglea on Saturday Birkirkara’s loss against Gzira came after a 2-0 win the previous week against Floriana.

In the same programme Tarxien’s loss against Sliema a week after halting Ħamrun Spartans’ three-match unbeaten sequence with a 2-1 win. In that game Ħamrun also conceded their first goals.

In the next match the Spartans could only figure in a scoreless draw with Mosta.

So after five matches, Gzira lead the standing on 13 points, followed by Balzan and Sliema Wanderers on 12, Valletta, Birkirkara and Hibernians on 9; Ħamrun Spartans with 8; Mosta with 7, followed by Tarxien on 6, Qormi 4, St Andrews 3, Pieta Hotspur 2 and Senglea bring up the rear with just a point.

Results Day 5 Gzira Utd v Birkirkara Sliema v Tarxien Balzan v Pieta H. Ħamrun S. v Mosta Hibernians v St Andrews Valletta v Senglea Floriana v Qormi

2-1 3-1 1-0 0-0 2-0 5-1 3-1

Day 4 Gzira Utd v Hibernians 3-2 Birkirkara v Floriana 2-0 Balzan v Mosta 3-1 Valletta v Qormi 6-0 Tarxien v Ħamrun S. 2-1 Sliema v St Andrews 2-0 Senglea A v Pieta H. 1-1

Last gasp goals, extra time victory enable Green Gully to retain NPL status

G

Green Gully v Moreland City 3-2 reen Gully retained their NPL status by the skin of their teeth when they defeated Moreland City 3-2 in the relegation play-off at AAMI Park on September 23.

Green Gully were flat and uninspiring throughout the match and looked a well beaten side, heading for relegation when Moreland City took a 2-0 lead by the 88th minute.

But to their credit the players in green stormed back to pull a goal back from super-sub Manny Muscat in the 90th minute and equalised a minute later through Callum Richardson to send the match into extra-time.

The momentum was now in Gully's favour and though Moreland had their chances it was Nick Krousoratis who sent the Gully supporters into raptures when he slotted home the winner on 116th minute.

Relegation a bitter pill to swallow for George Cross

T

he Georgies of Sunshine George Cross bid farewell to NPL1 the fifth time they had to deal with relegation since 2001. For a club with such a proud record, the latest relegation, was indeed a bitter pill to swallow.

There were many reasons for the demise, but the poor start to the season was a major setback the team never fully recovered from. Other unstabilising factors can also be attributed to the team's downfall including the use of four coaches and the lack of experienced players especially in goal.

Young goalkeepers Ryan Gauci 17 and Cyrus Gbatu 16 have a tremendous future in the game, but they could have done with someone far more experience to guide them along.

George Cross FC reached the highest ranking of Victorian football in 1958 and competed at this level for 26 successive seasons before moving to the National Soccer League for the next eight seasons.

When Sunshine George Cross returned to Victorian football in 1992 the team played in the Premier League and remained at the highest level until the wheels began to fall off in 1999. The club went close to disbanding after two relegations in three seasons that saw the team playing third

division football.

A push was made to revive the ailing club and for a while it looked promising as Sunshine George Cross surged back to the top level with successive promotions.

Then self-interest and infighting took hold of the club and ever since it has been like swimming against the tide.

Many people could see no end to the conflict and walked away, as George Cross went from having one of the best-supported teams in the state to playing in front of the lowest crowds on record.

The latest relegation episode is a culmination of the damage done over the past two decades that unfortunately continues to linger on. It is something that must be addressed to ensure the survival of George Cross FC. The club has a great opportunity to put its house in order when it moves into state of the art facilities at Taylor’s Hill next season.

For the first time in their long history the George Cross football club will have some-

thing to offer supporters at the modern facilities being built. This will be a great opportunity to attract a new following from the many young families living in the area. It will also be a great opportunity to try and entice the many old faces that for one reason or another have drifted away.

The question now is how will the club re-group and which players will remain in the return to the tough State League community football competition.

Providing the club’s interest is put first and foremost above everything else there is no reason why the doom and gloom that has engulfed George Cross cannot be lifted immediately. Relegation is always hard to digest, but the latest setback is one the club can and will overcome.

The infrastructure being put in place will see a launch in the not too distant future to make the George Cross FC one of the leading clubs in Victoria once again.

– VictorBrincat