The Voice of the Maltese No. 183

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

Issue 183

Fortnightly magazine for the ora t he Diasp Diaspora

July 10, 2018

Gozo’s Cittadella restoration project in Victoria, Gozo is a finalist in the European RegioStars 2018 Awards for its originality and innovation. The restoration carried out through European funds is competing with four other projects.

(See report on page 15)

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The Voice of the Maltese

Tuesday July 10, 2018

Malta passes Bills ensuring it becoming 'Blockchain Island' R ecently Malta took a significant step toward becoming a "Block-chain Island" when Maltese Parliament voted into law three important bills regarding cryptocurrencies, blockchain and distributed ledger technology (DLT) marking it as one of the first jurisdictions in the world to pass such legislation making Malta one of the most desirable locations for setting up blockchain enterprises.

Parliamentary Secretary for Financial Services, Digital Economy and Innovation Silvio Schembri, who pushed through the bills, that were proved unanimously, said he was proud to have driven these bills, a "world first."

He said that once in force, these bills will help Malta deliver its own objective of becoming the “Blockchain Island” The three bills, titled "The Innovative Technology Arrangements and Services Act, The Virtual Financial As-

sets Act and The Malta Digital Innovation Authority Act, are expected to help guide the Maltese government on how to better embrace blockchain and achieve its aim of becoming an international crypto business hub.

One of the bills will see the creation of the Malta Digital Innovation Authority that will primarily be in charge of promoting and developing the blockchain industry in Malta, according to public documents.

The measures also provide for the regulation of initial coin offerings and set out the regulatory powers of the Digital Innovation Authority within the space.

Malta, which, even before these laws, was known for its friendly attitude toward blockchain technology, is proving to be a hub for blockchain businesses. It has already attracted some crypto heavyweights such as Binance and OKEx to set up shop in the country.

Dr. W. Scott Stornetta Ph.D

Malta Blockchain summit attracting over 4,000 delegates Meanwhile, preparations for the Malta Blockchain Summit to be held November 1-2, are well advanced.

It is going to be one of the largest blockchain events in Europe this year in entire Europe with a number of most prominent speakers.

The Blockchain Summit is being described as a melting pot for global influencers in technology, civil society, democracy promotion and innovation.

It is comprised of four conferences covering the field’s government and regulation, marketing and affiliation, fintech, tokenomics and cryptocurrencies, and blockchain for developers.

Boasting over 4000 delegates, 100 speakers and 150 sponsors and exhibitors, it promises to be an innovative

and momentous opportunity for global influencers to network, forge new connections and debate the potential applications of blockchain.

Now the bar has been further raised by the organisers who have invited as speaker one of the Founding Fathers of blockchain W. Scott Stornetta Ph.D., to the November event.

In his reaction to the invitation, Dr Stornetta said, “I was already somewhat aware of the strategy which the government of Malta had adopted to make itself a centre of blockchain activity, and some of the success they have seen in attracting businesses. Recent events have significantly increased my appreciation for how effective the government of Malta has been in taking a lead role to build an industry centre.”

Tuesday July 10, 2018

The Voice of the Maltese 3

Queensland’s badge and Coat of arms feature the Maltese Cross

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any members of the Maltese He therefore recommended, contingent at last month’s XXI “that the accompanying design, Commonwealth Games in the within a wreath of laurel, be Gold Coast, in Queensland have been adopted for the flags of the asking about that state’s badge and coat Colony in lieu of that formerly of arms, in particular about the inclusion advised.” of the Maltese eight-pointed Cross in the He also mentioned that the releQueensland Badge and Coat of Arms. vant facts involved were decided The history of it is interesting and also by officers of his department somewhat inconclusive. In fact, the Mal- from old records and from certese cross has a stranger history than the tain correspondence the Office rest of the elements upon the arms, and had many years previously as a not even the Queensland government is result of a similar enquiry. completely aware of why the Maltese The “design” forwarded with Cross was chosen for the coat of arms. the letter was described as “the The Voice of the Maltese has consulted Maltese Cross with the Crown in a number of people well versed on the the centre”. On July 16 1876, the subject, and though doubts still remain, Lord Commissioners of the Adwe have discovered interesting (though miralty approved the design subsomewhat inconclusive) information that mitted and subsequently four led to the Maltese Cross finding itself to months later, it was officially published feature so promias follows: nently on the “His Excellency the Queensland Badge Governor, with the adand Coat of Arms. vice of the Executive It all started on AuCouncil, has been gust 23 in 1873, pleased to direct that in when the then Secrethe future the Badge of tary of State for the the Colony be emblaColonies advised the zoned in the centre of the various Colonies reUnion Flag for use by garding the adoption the Governor and to the of distinctive badges employment at the for their flags.

Queensland Government When this request shall as herein after deThe Maltese Cross at the top was received in scribed – ARGENT ON Queensland, the Act- of the Queensland badge A MALTESE CROSS ing Colonial Secretary, Mr. W. Hemmant, AZURE A QUEEN’S CROWN wrote to the then Governor, His ExcelPROPER.” lency Mr. W.W. Cairns, telling him: “I Subsequently, on April 29, 1893, the have the honour to advise Your ExcelRoyal Warrant authorised the design to lency that the difficulty of producing be incorporated as part of the Queensupon bunting a fair representation of the land Coat of Arms, the oldest coat of head or bust of Her Majesty has proved arms in Australia. Queen Victoria first so great, and the effect, when produced, granted it in 1893 through the simplest so unsatisfactory, as to render it necesform of heraldic grants; with the shield sary to abandon the idea of using that de- of arms, motto, helmet, mantling and vice for the Queensland Ensign.” crest.

The development of the Coat of Arms continued during Adopted 1893 the year and by the end of that year, the Crest Two stalks of sugarcane surround the Maltese Cross imState Badge, a Maltese Cross with a paled with a crown centred Crown of St. Edward had been incorporated, above the Torse Green and gold shield in between the two stalks of Escutcheon Wheat sheaf, gold rising from a pile of sugar cane. quartz, the heads of a bull and a ram It is not known for certain why the Supporters Red deer and brolga Maltese Cross with a superimposed Motto Audax at Fidelis crown was chosen.

"Bold but Faithful" One popular theory

Emblem Information:

is that as the Victoria Cross was first bestowed by Queen Victoria in 1857, at the close of the Crimean War, and as Queensland became a separate Colony in 1859, it would be a natural association of ideas to ally Queensland with the Victoria Cross which is itself a form of the Maltese Cross with Royal Arms and Lion superimposed.

Another theory is that there was a connection between the Maltese Cross and the first Governor’s wife, Lady Diamantina Bowen, who was thought to have been Maltese, and that it was incorporated in the Coat of Arms in respect to her.

However research has shown that Diamantina was not Maltese at all, but Greek, born on the Ionian island of Zakynthos, on the west coast of Greece, the daughter of Count Candiano di Roma, then President of the senate, and therefore titular head of the Ionian islands.

The development of the coat of arms continued during 1893 and by the end of it, the Maltese Cross impaled with a crown had been incorporated, above the shield in between the two stalks of sugar cane.

In 1902 the heraldic depiction of the British Imperial Crown was standardised to the (symbolic) Tudor Crown. Following 1953, this was switched to a depiction of the actual St. Edward's Crown.

The final and current addition to the coat of arms was created in 1977, during the Silver Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, with the granting of supporting animal. A red deer, to represent the old world and it is a classic animal of heraldry; and a brolga, the state's official bird formerly known as the native companion. It is a common, gregarious wetland bird species from the crane family, of tropical and south-eastern Australia and New Guinea.

It is Queensland’s official bird.

4 The Voice of the Maltese

Tuesday July 10, 2018

Another service offered by The Voice of the Maltese providing legal informa"on to our readers

A Rose amongst the Thornes

by PaulSant

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inding Financial Agreements (BFAs), also known as pre-nuptial agreements and post-nuptial agreements, have received attention in the recent decision Thorne v Kennedy [2017] HCA 49. They are often a cheaper and quicker way to formalise family law property settlements instead of court orders.

These agreements are regulated under Part VIIIA of the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) with some key aspects of the legislation being: ! Sections 90B, 90C & 90D: financial agreements can be made in contemplation of marriage, during marriage and after divorce (respectively) regarding the maintenance of either spouse during the marriage, after divorce, or both; ancillary matters and other matters. ! Section 90F: prohibits the agreement from excluding or limiting the court’s power to make an order about the maintenance of a party if, when the agreement came into effect, the circumstances were such that the party was unable to support themselves (without a pension or other form of welfare). ! Section 90G(1): requires the agreement contains a statement from each party that each party received independent legal advice regarding the advantages and disadvantages of making the agreement and the effect of the agreement on their rights. ! Section 90H: provides an agreement continues to operate despite the death of a party to the agreement, operating in favour of and binding on the legal personal representative of that party. ! Section 90K: empowers the court to make an order setting aside a financial agreement. ! Section 90KA: when determining if an agreement is valid, enforceable or effective, the court is to do so according to the applicable principles of law and equity

for contracts and purported contracts.

Ms. Thorne came to Australia on the basis of marrying Mr Kennedy. He had told her she would have to sign something, but did not give her the documents until 10 days prior to their wedding. He took her and her sister to obtain independent legal advice, waiting in the car.

Though she was advised to not sign the agreement, he told her if she did not sign there would be no wedding. Guests had flown in from overseas and everything was prepared, so Ms. Thorne signed. She also signed an identical agreement 4 days after the wedding.

At first instance in the Family Court the trial Judge set the agreements aside due to finding they were entered under duress, ruling in favour of Thorne. The Full Court of Appeal of the Family Court ruled the trial judge erred in finding duress and held it was unclear which facts had been relied upon to establish duress.

They found no undue influence or unconscionable conduct and held the agreements were enforceable, ruling in favour of Mr Kennedy’s estate. On appeal to the High Court, the decision involved much analysis and discussion around: DURESS: One party applying illegitimate pressure on the other party to enter an agreement – case law provides duress can only be present where there was ‘threatened or actual unlawful conduct’; UNDUE INFLUENCE: Presumed or actual influence by one party over the other party’s decisions to the extent of deriving them of their free will – for example, in Thorne v Kennedy, not being able to make clear, calm or rational decisions resulted in the finding that Thorne was not a free agent, and despite the inclination of BFAs as being imbalanced, an agreement that is ‘grossly unreasonable’ may indicate consent was denied; UNCONSCIONABLE CONDUCT: One party unconscientiously taking advantage of a ‘special disadvantage’ they know (or ought to know) exists that affects

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the other party’s ability to assess their own best interests, and inducing them, for example, to enter an unfair and harsh agreement – the more unfair an agreement is, the more likely a court may find unconscionability: the agreements Thorne signed ‘involved gross inequality even within this class of agreements’ known for being unequal.

The High Court ruled that the two BFAs were to be set aside due to vastly unequal bargaining power between the parties and terms that were largely disadvantageous to the weaker party. The basis in this case was a unanimous finding of an unconscionable dealing and a majority finding of undue influence, with the facts amounting to fait accompli: where a thing has already happened or been decided before those affected by it learn about it, leaving no option but to accept it.

Key criteria indicative of undue influence in the context of BFAs (i) Whether the agreement was offered on a basis that it was not subject to negotiation: it was never suggested in this case that Mr Kennedy was willing to negotiate the significant terms of the BFAs. (ii) The emotional circumstances in which the agreement was entered including any explicit or implicit threat to end a marriage or engagement: Kennedy told Thorne if she did not sign the agreement, the wedding would not go ahead. (iii) Whether there was any time for careful reflection: Kennedy took Thorne to an independent solicitor to review the agreement 10 days before the date of the wedding. (iv) The nature of the parties’ relationship: Thorne, speaking Greek and a little English, came to Australia on the basis of marriage with Kennedy, who stipulated she ‘would have to sign paper, my money is for my children’. (v) The relative financial positions of the parties: Thorne had almost no assets; Kennedy had assets between $18-24 mn. (vi) The independent advice that was received and whether there was time to reflect on that advice: Thorne received advice (whilst Kennedy waited outside in the car) that the BFAs were the worst the solicitor had ever seen, only protected Kennedy’s interests, and she should not sign.

This decision is a rose amongst the thorns, giving more guidance when drafting BFAs and clarifying potentially contestable issues the court may consider if asked to set a BFA aside. Care must be taken with the circumstances of entering BFAs and the terms contained therein. If your circumstances require a BFA, or you or someone you know has been given a BFA and needs advice, contact Family Law specialist Paul Sant at Longton Legal.

Tuesday July 10, 2018

The Voice of the Maltese 5

Malta registers a population growth of over 120,000 since 1950 B ased on the latest United Nations estimates, as of Saturday, June 28 (2018), the current population of Malta is 432,077, which is equivalent to 0.01% of the total world population. Since 1950, Malta’s population has grown by over 120,000 (120,074).

The Malta Population (Live) counter - based on the latest United Nations estimates - shows a continuously updated estimate of the current population of Malta delivered by Worldometers' RTS algorithm, which processes data collected from the United Nations Population Division.

The Population of Malta (1950 - 2018) chart plots the total population count as of July 1 of each year, from 1950 to 2018.

When it comes to the list of countries (and dependencies) by population, Malta ranks number 176.

Malta has a population density of 1350 per Km2 (3,497 people per mi2). Population living in areas classified as urban according to the criteria used by each country shows that 95.9 % of the population (415,731 people in 2018) is urban, that is an increase of 1,334 from 2017.

When it comes to the population there has been quite an increase in the past three decades, but when it comes to size, this has remained the same as when we were learning about the geography and history of Malta in our schooldays, with a total land area of 320 Km2 (124 sq. miles)

The median age in Malta is 41.2 years. In 1955 it was 21.7 A look back – particularly since 1950 when the population was 312,003 – makes for very interesting reading as to the growth of the population. Ten years later, in 1960 the population decreased by 467 to 311,534, but in the following decade (1970) it again increased, to 320,086 and the trend of an increase has continued has every 10 years.

In 1980 the total population of Malta increased to 333,274; in 1990 to 364,431; 2000 to 396,668, in 2010 to 416,110, and to 432,089 up to April 32 this year.

The United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division forecasts that in two years’ time (2020), the population is due to to increase by a further 2,274, to 434, 363. However, it would still be equivalent to 1% of the world population, which is expected to be 7,795,482,309.

Malta is also the smallest among the 28 European Union member states with the smallest population, but with the highest density of population in Malta, that is 1,350 per square Kilometre (Km²). In1955 it was 979 per Km2.

(Source Worldometers)

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The Voice of the Maltese

Tuesday July 10, 2018

In the fourth article in the series we try to figure out the message this tapestry is trying to convey.

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The entry into Jerusalem

he Entry of Jesus Christ the Messiah into Jerusalem gives a calm and yet a triumphant image.

Jesus chose a donkey for his solemn entry because the ass in the Holy Land was quite different from the European ass of today, which is usually a small stubborn animal. In Biblical times the ass was a beautiful, stately, friendly animal. Its colour was usually reddish brown.

It is from the time of Solomon (960 BC), that horses started to be used in Palestine. From then on, warriors rode the horse; those who were travelling peaceably used the donkey.

The two disciples take the colt to Jesus and help him to mount it. As Jesus moves off, they spread their cloaks on the road, and as he is on his way down from Mount Olives his disciples begin to praise God at the top of their voices crying out: “Blessed is He who is coming as King in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest heavens!” (Lk 19, 36-38).

In this tapestry the prominent figure is Christ riding on a donkey. He is easily discernible among the tropical foliage. He is seen blessing the enthusiastic crowd; however, he looks rather sober.

An important figure is the man standing in the foreground who looks as if he is leading the procession. He gives the impression that he holds a high position in the running of the city. On his right is another figure that could be Peter, and on the right is a crowd surrounding Jesus. On the left is a much larger crowd.

There’s also a young man perched on a tree who seems to be handing down boughs of palm fronds to another youth below him.

In front of the donkey is a girl carrying palm fronds, while more palm fronds are placed on the ground. To the left of the donkey is a young lad bowing down. He is holding a red carpet where the donkey is about to step. Next to him is a man with his eyes fixed on Jesus and a woman trying to help this man to cover himself up with a cloak.

Close by is a female figure sitting down embracing a child in her left arm and with her right pointing at Jesus. The way this lady is dressed appears as if she could have been a member of the court of Louis XIV. The circular shape of most of the fronds look as if they are moving; this same movement can also be noticed in the fore left and back right hoofs of the donkey. The main figures in the

tapestry seem to be communicating either with open lips or with eye and hand gestures.

Two figures on the extreme left, with faces that express a look of wonder, look as if they are engaged in earnest conversation.

In contrast, the expression on Jesus’ face is very regal. His eyes are firmly fixed straight ahead; his right hand is raised as he is blessing the enthusiastic population, which reminds us of the Pantocrator.

Jesus might have been visualizing what was about to happen to Him within the next few days, with those now shouting Hosanna, and then shouting ‘Crucify Him’. The Hosanna was a form of a triumphal greeting and an acclamation as King. He knows the course he must take and his look is sober.

The triumphant entry in Jerusalem presents Jesus being acclaimed by God’s elected people, welcomed with an ovation of Hosannas, a loud cry of adoration. Hosanna: is a Hebrew imperative meaning, “Grant your salvation!”

This was a word of praise and victory.

In his Gospel Matthew wrote: “The crowds who went in front of him and those who followed were all shouting Hosanna to the son of David!” (Mt 21,9); while Mark writes: “Blessed is the coming Kingdom of David our Father!

Hosanna in the highest heavens!” (Mk 11,10).

On his part, John wrote”: “They took branches of palm and went out to receive him, shouting: Hosanna! Blessed is He

The Flemish Tapestries in the Conventional Church of the Order of St John in Valletta Dr. DorisCannataci who is coming in the name of the Lord, the king of Israel” (Jhn 12,13).

This is the scene that every year ushers in the Holy Week. It is also known as Palm Sunday, because of the amount of palm fronds as explained supra.

The palm is a symbol of victory, of supreme excellence, the symbol of a prize and a symbol of martyrdom.

Combined with this day are two traditions: 1. The Jerusalem tradition: the blessing and procession with palms; 2. The Roman tradition: with its solemn proclamation of the Passion, inaugurating Holy Week. Palm Sunday is the beginning of the journey to the cross.

References 1. WALTER A. ELWELL, The Marshall Pickering Encyclopaedia of the Bible, I, London 1990, 93.

2. PETER M. STRAVINSKAS, Our Sunday Visitor’s Catholic Dictionary, Huntington/IN 1993, 255.

3. JOHN S. KSELMAN - MICHAEL L. BARRÉ, Psalms, in THE NEW JEROME BIBLICAL COMMENTARY, ed. RAYMOND E. BROWN – JOSEPH A. FITZMYER – ROLAND E. MURPHY, London 1989, rep.1993, 547.

4. The corresponding note in The New Jerusalem Bible states that “Hosanna” is a word of Hebrew origin; its first meaning is “Please save” but it became a mere shout of acclamation, 1643, fn.21b.

5. Ibid. The Messiah-King, 1771, fn.12c 6. PETER M. STRAVINSKAS, Our Sunday Visitor’s Catholic Dictionary, 368.

The Voice of the Maltese 7

Tuesday July 10, 2018

Għajdut, drawwiet u twemmin fil-Gżejjer Maltin (2) Alfred E.Baldacchino

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emm min jgħid li s-serp li gidem lil San Pawl kien wieħed li kien daħal Malta ma’ xi merkanzija. Hemm min isostni li lispeċi ta’ dan is-serp għebet mill-pajjiż. Oħrajn huma tal-fehma li s-serp kien il-lifgħa li d-dbabar tal-kuluri tagħha jixbħu xi serp velenuż mhux Malti[4].

Lifgħa – bħal dik li jingħad li qabdet ma’ idejn San Pawl

Saħansitra hemm minn jemmen li l-gżira li fuqha nkalja l-ġifen ta’ San Pawl ma kinetx Malta, imma gżira oħra Melita fl-Adriatiku, fejn jinstab serp velenuż.

Sal-lum il-ġurnata l-biċċa kbira talMaltin jistmerru u jobogħdu s-sriep u jaħarbuhom jew joqtluhom jekk jiltaqgħu magħhom.

Wara l-miġja ta’ San Pawl it-twemmin dwar is-sriep velenużi, li għadda bil-fomm minn xjuħ għat-tfal, wassal ukoll biex xi wħud jemmnu li San Pawl mhux biss neħħa l-velenu missriep tal-gżira, imma jemmnu wkoll li sriep oħra li jinġabu minn barra minn

Malta ma jibqgħux velenużi u jmutu hekk kif jaslu f’pajjiżna.

M’iniex tal-parir li jekk jinġieb xi serp velenuż hawn Malta xi ħadd itih sebgħu biex jara dan hux minnu!

Il-fantasija, it-twemmin u l-għajdut dwar San Pawl u s-sriep velenużi ma waqafx hawn.

Kif jingħad ukoll, sakemm dam hawn Malta San Paul kien joqgħod ir-Rabat filgrotta li llum magħrufa bħala ta’ San Pawl. U sakemm dam hemm kellu wkoll is-setgħa fuq il-gdim minn sriep velenużi, tant li l-blat tal-franka li minnu kienet magħmula l-grotta sar magħruf bħala Terra melitensis.

Biċċiet minn dan il-blat kien jitfarrak fi trab fin, li kien jitpoġġa ġo vażetti tal-fuħħar jew tal-irħam. It-trab kien jixxarrab bl-ilma, u wara li din l-għabra kienet titħawwad sewwa, kienet tissaffa minn vażett għall-ieħor u wara kienet tiġi mgħarbla b’karta żejtnija.

Min-naqal li kien jibqa’ kienu jsiru tazzi, vażuni u oġġetti oħra li kif kien jingħad kienu jgħinu biex ifejqu lil dawk li kienu jkunu taħt xi effett ta’ velenu kif ukoll kontra l-mard.

Kien hemm talba kbira għal din itTerra melitensis. Dan kollu kien taħt ilkontroll tal-Granmastru tal-Ordni ta’ San Ġwann jew tal-Awtorità tal-Knisja[3].

Il-qlajjiet, it-twemmin marbuta marreliġjon ma għandhom l-ebda tmiem.

Dejjem marbuta mal-miġja ta’ San Pawl f’dawn il-gżejjer, ir-riq ta’ dawk li kienu twieldu nhar il-festa tal-konverżjoni ta’ San Pawl kien ukoll meqjus u wżat għall-kura tal-gdim tassriep u anki l-infjammazzjoni[3].

Il-wiżgħa Il-wiżgħa hija rettilu ieħor, mill-familja tal-gremxul. Fil-gżejjer Maltin insibu

Il-wiżgħa

żewġ speċi: il-wiżgħa tad-dar, u lwiżgħa tal-kampanja. Dawn, bħal ma jagħmlu s-sriep, ibiddlu qoxrithom, għaliex din ma tikbirx magħhom u allura joħorġu minnha.

Imma filwaqt li s-sriep joħorġu millqoxra l-qadima tagħhom u jħalluha kważi sħiħa warajhom, dik tal-wiżgħa titqaxxar ftit ftit sakemm taqa’. Din tkun qoxra fina ħafna u tinqasam ftit ftit biex tgħin lill-wiżgħa toħroġ millqoxra l-qadima b’qoxra ġdida. Ġieli jidhru xi wiżgħa li fuqhom ikollhom il-fdalijiet ta’ din il-qoxra qadima u fina.

U anki hawn, minħabba nuqqas ta’ edukazzjoni u tagħrif xjentifiku, hemm minn jaħseb u jemmem li l-wiżgħa għandhom xi rabta mal-mard tal-ġilda l-aktar mal-ġdim. Dan min-ħabba xebh bejn id-dehra tal-ġilda ma’ dawk li jkollhom il-ġdim u dawk li jsofru millmarda tal-ġilda magħrufa bħala psoriasis li l-effetti tagħha jidhru bħala rqajja ħomor, bil-qxur li jqabbdu l-ħakk.

Tant kien b’saħħtu dan it-twemmin li n-naturalista Ġużeppi Despott ma kienx ikollu għajuna mit-tfal biex iġibhulu xi wiżgħa biex jistudja fuqhom.

Referenzi 3. Savona Ventura, C. (1990) Maltese Medical Folklore – Man and the Herpetofauna in Malta: a reiew. In: Maltese Medical Journal. II: 41 1990.

4. Savona Ventura, C. (2004) Ancient and medieval medicine in Malta (before 1600 AD), Malta Publishers Enterprises Group (PEG) Ltd.

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8

The Voice of the Maltese

Tuesday July 10, 2018

Have your say/Xi trid tghid?

Your letters/ L-ittri tagħkom ...

The Voice of the Maltese for fortnightly fortnightly tnightly magazine magazine

This 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.

The 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.

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Naħdmu għall-għaqda fost il-komunita` Maltija V. Camilleri minn Norwest NSW jikteb:

K

emm ħadt pjaċir nattendi għallfesti tal-Imnarja organizzati millkomunita` Maltija, kemm dik li saret fiċ-Ċentru La Valette fi Blacktown u wkoll l-oħra mill-kumitat tal-Festa San Nikola fi Plumpton.

Bħala bniedem li bqajt ngħożż dak kollu li hu Malti, u nagħmel minn kollox biex fejn nista’ nagħti palata, irrid ukoll nagħti ħajr lil The Voice of the Maltese talli avżajtu l-attivita`, għaliex li kieku ma kontx inkun naf biha u forsi kont ukoll nitlef lokkażjoni.

Dawn il-festi juru kemm, minkejja tant bogħod minn art twelidna, l-għażiża Malta, xorta waħda għadna nħossuna Maltin. Ingħatat ukoll tweġiba lil dawk li dejjem itambru li l-interess fostna qed jonqos.

Issa smajt li anke l-kumitat tal-festa ta’

Come back home to Malta

George Pace from Perth WA writes: alta is doing well. There are 43,000 foreign nationals working in Malta; Youth unemployment is zilch. Therefore I appeal to the Government of Malta to start a campaign for the return to Malta of Maltese migrants and their grown-up children who left Malta when the employment situation was not favourable, to say the least.

These are the people who should be attracted to return back home. They are Maltese who have gained overseas experience and skills.

Yes, let's encourage them to come back to their birthplace where they belong.

M

Greystanes OLQP għandhom membri ġodda żgħażagħ, fosthom ukoll President u se jagħmlu stħarriġ biex ikunu jafu aktar dwar din il-festa tradizzjonali. Nittama li l-Maltin jieħdu sehem fl-istħarriġ biex hekk ma jkunx hemm xi riżultat negattiv.

Nifraħ u nagħti l-ħajr tiegħi u ta’ Maltin oħra lil kull min jagħmel zforzi ħalli jzomm l-għaqda fost il-komunita’ u mhux xi wħud li b’xi deċiżjonijiet insulari tagħhom joħolqu l-firda.

Kif inbidlet Malta... għall-aħjar Joe Cordina minn Sunshine Victoria jikteb: ont ilni ħafna snin ma nżur Malta, imma ngħidilkom li bqajt impressjonat b’dak li osservajt fl-aħħar żjara.

Hafna qaluli biex nikteb dak li nħoss, u hekk qed nagħmel.

X’laqatni l-aktar? Kif giet irranġata ddaħla tal-belt, il-funtana tat-Tritoni, insomma saret pjazza mill-aqwa. Laqtitni wkoll Kastilja, u wkoll l-organizzazzjoni tal-karozzi tal-linja, għalkemm għandhom bżonn jiżdiedu aktar għax mhumiex ilaħħqu mad-domanda.

Tassew skantajt kif inbidlet il-belt kapitali Maltija. Bil-lejl mimlija nies, postijiet fejn tiddeverti u tiekol. Fi Strada Stretta m’għandekx ċans issib post biex tiekol, fil-waqt li is-suq tal-belt bellezza.

Jien minn Rahal Ġdid. Ħadt gost kif irranġaw il-pjazza li saret waħda mill-aqwa f’Malta. Insomma tant hemm xi tgħid.

Laqatni wkoll li kważi trid tkun lingwist biex tiġi servut fil-ħwienet tal-ikel għaliex il-biċċa ‘l kbira tal-wejters huma kollha barranin. Min-naħa l-oħra lanqas ma tagħti tort lill-Maltin li jidher li qed ifittxu, u jsibu xogħlijiet oħra, ta’ inqas strapazz u li forsi wkoll iħallsu aktar.

Diġa qed tidher l-influwenza tat-tant barranin li qed imorru jaħdmu u/jew jgħixu f’Malta. Osservajt ukoll li hemm ċerta kuntentizza, u anke l-flus bil-but.

Forsi wasal iż-żmien li l-Gvern Malti jniedi kampanja ħalli l-emigranti Maltin u wliedhom jirritonaw lejn Malta fejn jistgħu jsibu x-xogħol u ħajja tajba.

K

The Voice of the Maltese 9

Tuesday July 10, 2018

Il-festa tal-Imnarja fic-ċentru La Valette

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l-festa tradizzjonali tal-Imnarja hija ferm popolari fost il-Maltin fl-Awstralja u diversi għaqdiet jiċċelebraw u jiftakru f’dak li jsir f’Malta f’din il-festa ta’ San Pietru u San Pawl, fil-ġonna tal-Buskett.

Fiċ-ċentru La Valette ta’ Blacktown NSW, imżejjen f’atmosfera ta’ festa, din is-sena ġie organizzat jum mimli bl-attivitajiet konnessi magħha li beda b’quddiesa li fiha Ester Agius u Joe Spiteri għannew l-innijiet.

Fuq barra taċ-ċentru intramaw disa’ stalls bilħaxix, l-għasafar u tjur oħra u diversi annimali.

Fuq gewwa saru wirjiet varji ta’ artiġjan, muniti, kavallieri, xogħlijiet ta’ passatemp antiki u post fejn wieħed seta’ jikseb tagħrif ta’ kull xorta.

Popolari ħafna kien ukoll l-ikel imsajjar fil-kċina mill-voluntieri, u fejn l-aktar ikla popolari kienet tal-fenek.

Dan kollu sar waqt li l-banda OLQP iddevertiet lil dawk li attendew b’marċi addattati għal din ilfesta, filwaqt li DJ Uncle Sam (Sam Mifsud) ħa ħsieb il-mużika popolari.

Imma l-Imnarja mingħajr l-għannejja u l-kittarristi mhix ħaġa, allura Saver Bonanno u sħabu pprovdew serata ta’ għana Malti li paxxa lid-delittanti kollha.

Kienet lejla tassew ta’ gost u mhux ta’ b’xejn li ċ-ċentru La

Prodotti tal-ħaxix għall-ikel ippreżentati fil-wirja tal-festa tal-Imnarja fil-La Valette SC

Valette ta ħajr lil dawk kollha li b’xi mod jew ieħor taw l-għajnuna tagħhom ħalli din il-festa tradizzjonali tkun suċċess.

Australia banning plastic bag usage A

s of the first weekend of July (from July 1), retailers in Western Australia and Queensland started implementing a ban on single-use plastic bags, and as such began to follow most of the other states in banning them from major supermarkets.

The ban on single-use bags is part of a national push to reduce waste. Retailers in four of six Australian states now face fines for using them. Non-compliant retailers in Queensland could cop a $6,300 fine if they continue to supply the bags; in the west it’s $5,000.

Victoria is promising to go further, outlawing the bags from not just major retailers but also takeaway shops and small supermarkets by the end of next year.

South Australia banned the bag in 2009, and the ACT, the Northern Territory and Tasmania followed soon after, leaving NSW the only state not to formally ban single-use plastic bags.

With the major supermarket chain Woolworths introduced a ban on the bags on June 20, ahead of the July 1 deadline. Oth-

ers like Coles and IGA are bringing in their own bans this month (Harris Farm, a big NSW supermarket chain, had already gone plastic-bag free by January 2018; and the German discount chain ALDI has never offered plastic bags in its Australian stores), the NSW government has maintained there is no need to legislate a ban, despite the state being the biggest consumer of the bags.

Australia is following more than 60 countries, led by Bangladesh that put a partial ban on the bags as long ago as 2002 after they were found to have blocked drains during serious floods.

According to the UN, some of the countries have now introduced bans or levies on single-use bags. Among them are more than 15 African nations where transgressors may face heavy fines or even jail time.

In fact, Africa takes the plastic bag problem very seriously. Before the first ban was introduced in 2003, South Africa had actually declared plastic bags their 'national flower' due to their overwhelming presence in trees and bushes.

Denmark was the first country to begin charging a tax on them. Following the introduction of the tax, usage dropped from around 800 million to approximately 400

million bags per year. Malta banned their use some years back.

Recently, the European Union has said that it wants to see an 80% drop in plastic bag use by 2019, which means that all European countries will need to be on board.

Prior to the 2008 Olympic Games, China placed a ban on all thin plastic bags and began requiring retailers to charge a tax on thicker bags.

The Chinese government has said that this has led to a two-thirds reduction in plastic bag use. Other countries in Asia that have bans or taxes in place include Bangladesh, Cambodia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Taiwan.

It is sad to note that in North America, the United States has not yet put a ban on plastic bags into effect. However, some Canadian provinces and territories, and Mexico have measures in place.

Also, an increasing number of US states and cities have taken matters into their own hands. For example, in 2014, California became the first state to ban plastic bags and charge for paper bags.

The UN environment agency estimates that up to 5 trillion single-use bags are consumed worldwide each year. It adds that more than eight million tonnes of plastic ends up in the world's oceans each year. That is why it has called for singleuse bags to be eliminated completely by 2022 Other nations, including the Malta and the UK, are moving even to ban plastic straws and cotton buds.

10 The Voice of the Maltese

Perspettiva

Tuesday July 10, 2018 A version of this series in English may be found in kitba ta’ IVAN the author's blog at: CAUCHI https://ivancauchi. blogspot.com

Messaġġi politiċi fl-isport B

ħalissa bħal ma nafu għaddejja t-Tazza tadXerdan Shaqiri Granit Xhaka Dinja tal-futbol (mhux footie) fir-Russja. Għal min hu dilettant tal-futbol, din hija festa sħiħa b’partiti interessanti, waħda wara l-oħra.

Storja li ħarġet mir-Russja ftit ilu kienet dwar tliet plejers ta’ oriġini Albaniżi tal-Kosovo, Xerdan Shaqiri, Granit Xhaka u Stephan Lichtsteiner li jilagħbu għall-Isvizzera. Fiċ-ċelebrazzjoni, l-ewwel tnejn, wara li skurjaw gowl kontra s-Serbja, u Lichtsteiner għamlu ġest b’idejhom bil-forma tal-ajkla, li tirrappreżenta l-identità Albaniża.

Il-FIFA mmultat lil Shaqiri u Xhaka u wkoll lill-assoċjazzjoni 10,000 Frank Svizzeru (jiġu madwar $A13,732.00), u lill-ieħor CF 5000 (kważi $7,000) għax qieset lill-ġesti bħala aġir mhux sportiv.1 Naturalment, il-ġest ma kienx sportiv – kien wieħed politiku. Il-FIFA mxiet skont ir-regoli tagħha, imma l-plejers għamlu ħażin li għamlu l-ġest? iħoss, b’raġun jew mingħajru, li qiegħed isofri xi inġutizzja, int Jien naħseb li dan jiddependi dwar x’pożizzjoni wieħed jieħu tlumu li jieħu l-okkażjoni biex jivventila l-frustrazzjoni tiegħu? fuq il-messaġġ li qiegħed jingħata.

Jien l-ewwel eżempju li niftakar li qrajt dwar messaġġ politiku Is-Serbja u l-Kosovo għandhom storja mdemmija, speċjalment fl-isport seħħ ħafna snin ilu. Qed nirreferi għall-1968, meta fuq wara l-gwerra tal-Balkani li wasslet għat-tifrik tal-istat tal-Ju- il-podju tal-Logħob Olimpiku li kien qed isir f’Mexico City, lgoslavja, b’waħda mill-istati li ħarġu minnha tkun is-Serbja li ġo atleti Amerikani suwed Tommie Smith u John Carlos, li kienu fiha kien hemm ir-reġjun awtonomu tal-Kosovo li l-popolazzjoni rebħu midalja tad-deheb u l-bronż rispettivament fil-ġirja tal-200 tiegħu hija predominantement Albaniża. metru għollew idhom bil-ponn f’ingwanta sewda, bħala simbolu Il-Kosovo ddikjara lilu nnifsu indipendenti fl-2008, dikjaraz- tal-qawwa sewda (Black Power). zjoni aċċettata minn ħafna pajjiżi, imma mhux mis-Serbja u paApparti hekk, kienu ħafjin biex jipprotestaw kontra l-faqar, u jjiżi oħra, u fil-fatt il-Kosovo għadha mhix membru tal-Ġnus libsu żibeġ u xalla madwar għonqhom ħalli jissimbolizzaw ilMagħquda. qtil, tas-suwed fl-Istati Uniti.

Nergħu lura għal din il-logħba futbol, li fiha kien hemm partiKien ħa sehem ukoll l-Awstraljan Peter Norman (li miet fltarji Serbi fil-grawnd li libsu flokkijiet b’ritratt ta’ Ratko Mladic, 2006), li kien rebaħ il-fidda, li kien liebes emblema tal-Proġett ġeneral Serb tal-Bosnja, li kien misjub ħati ta’ ġenoċidju waqt il- Olimipiku tad-Drittijiet Umani. gwerra tal-Balkani mit-Tribunal Kriminali Internazzjonali li Għal dan l-ardir, l-atleti qalgħu tgħajjir immedjat mill-folla li twaqqaf apposta. Dawn il-partitarji għamlu ħażin? kienet qiegħda tkanta l-innu Amerikan. Smith u Carlos tkeċċew Min jissimpatizza mas-Serbi x’aktarx jgħid li l-partitarji ukoll minnufih mill-istadju li kienu qegħdin fih, u ma tħallewx m’għamlu xejn itellqu iktar għal pajjiżhom. ħażin, u jikkundanL-Awstraljan Norman qal li ma ntgħażilx aktar għal pajjiżu u naw lill-plejers Al- ġie minsi, (għalkemm il-kumitat Olimpiku Awstraljan jiċħad dan) Tommie Smith (xellug) u baniżi bi tant li riċentement il-parlament Federali Awstraljan ħareġ apoJohn Carlos fil-protesta fuq provokazzjoni.

Min loġija għalih fl-2012, kważi 50 sena wara.2 il-podju waqt il-Logħob jissimpatizza malInt ukoll taħseb li aħjar messaġġi politiċi ma jsirux, biex ma jinOlmpiku tal-1968 fil-Messiku Albaniżi, x’aktarx qalax inkwiet? jgħid il-kontra.

Illum ftit nisma’ ‘l min jgħid li l-atleti Smith, Carlos u Norman Min huwa newtrali għamlu ħażin dakinhar. jew assolutament Aħseb ftit, jekk dan l-inċident tajjeb, u l-ieħor ħażin, allura fejn jiġi jitmellaħ minn se nħożżu l-linja? U min se jħożżha? dan kollu u jrid biss Jien naħseb li kull każ irid ikun mixtarr, u nkun l-ewwel li ngħid jara logħba futbol, li dan il-proċess huwa suġġettiv u kontroversjali, u żgur mhux x’aktarx jgħid li kulħadd se jaqtagħha l-istess. dawn il-ġesti u mesL-atleta Carlos darba qal waqt intervista: “Il-moralità hija forza saġġi simili politiċi ħafna ikbar mir-regoli u r-regolamenti li kellhom”.3 Ma stajtx m’hawnx posthom nagħmel stqarrija itjeb! fil-futbol u lanqas fi sports oħra, u aħjar Referenzi jinqatgħu kompleta- 1.https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/monkeycage/wp/2018/07/02/for ment ħalli ma jin- -albanians-its-not-just-an-eagle-heres-the-deeper-story-those-world-cupfines/?utm_term=.e41ce806776e, retrieved 2/7/2018 qalax inkwiet.

In-nuqqas ta’ gw- 2. http://theconversation.com/i-will-stand-with-you-finally-an-apologyto-peter-norman-10107, retrieved 3/7/2018 erra jfisser li hemm 3. il-paċi?

Il-kwiet https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/retropolis/wp/2017/09/24/theyifisser li m’hemmx didnt-takeaknee-the-black-power-protest-salute-that-shook-the-world-inproblemi?

Min 1968/?utm_term=.d7a67bd1a900, retrieved 3/7/2018

The Voice of the Maltese 11

Tuesday July 10, 2018

Pope names Fr Charles Gauci Seventh Bishop of Darwin F r Charles Gauci (pictured right), currently administrator of St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral in Adelaide, has been appointed by Pope Francis as the seventh Bishop of Darwin.

Australian Catholic Bishops Conference president Archbishop Mark Coleridge has welcomed the appointment of a man (that Fr Gauci) who is known for his deep spirituality and real commitment to evangelisation.

He went on to say; “Fr Charles has ministered to people from many walks of life – as a pastor in parishes, a chaplain to schools, a spiritual director and retreat leader.

“He will be a great gift to the Church in Darwin with all its challenges and also a good addition to the Bishops Conference because of his long and varied experience as priest and teacher of the faith,” Archbishop Mark Coleridge said.

Fr Gauci was born into a faith-filled family in Malta and arrived in Australia as a 13-year-old. He was ordained for Adelaide in 1977 and has served in parishes across the Archdiocese. He has also held a number of archdiocesan leadership roles, including as chairman of the Council of Priests.

He was introduced to the life of the Diocese of Darwin and the faith of the community there when he was invited to lead a retreat for the priests of the Diocese about three years ago.

“I’m full of admiration for the work the priests in the Diocese

carry out, often in very isolated areas where there are none of the comforts and conveniences of suburban life,’ he said.

Fr Gauci is hoping to visit the Diocese – which takes in almost all of the Northern Territory – soon, so he can meet the local people and speak with Bishop Eugene Hurley, who has served in Darwin for the past 11 years and as a bishop for almost 20 years.

Fr Gauci said he was humbled to succeed Bishop Eugene and said he would seek to fulfil the task now entrusted to him.

“I look forward to continuing to learn from all the people of God as their fellow traveller.”

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.

12 The Voice of the Maltese

Tuesday July 10, 2018

Roundup of News About Malta 51 migrants relocated to France

An example of leadership by PM Muscat and President Macron

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rench Ambassador to Malta, Beatrice Le Frapper Du Hellen, highly commended Malta’s Prime Minister, Joseph Muscat and French President Emmanuel Macron Joseph Muscat and Emmanuel Macron for reaching a humane solution in the recent migrants crisis.

In comments to the media after the first group of 51 migrants who arrived in Malta on board the MV Lifeline left the island to be relocated in France the French Ambassador said this was an example of leadership by two heads of state, adding, “This is the kind of solution we have to find in Europe, through solidarity and burdensharing. But it is also about giving migrants adequate care and attention as human beings, which they received while in Malta.”

The migrants left Malta through the ad hoc solidarity procedure that was adopted to resolve a situation that was spiralling into a serious humanitarian crisis. The French immigration authorities assessed the migrants before arrangements were made for their departure to Paris. During their short stay in Malta, the migrants received all necessary care from the Maltese authorities.

EU Council President Tusk supports Malta’s stand in immigration crisis

D

uring a debate within the European Parliament over the immigration crisis, the President of the European Council Donald Tusk said the Council agreed to support the Maltese authorities’ action that sent a message to all vessels, including those of NGO’s operating in the Mediterranean. He said, “The message is clear: respect the law and do not obstruct the operations of the Libyan coast guards.”

At Malta’s insistence, the EU has agreed that the ships by the NGO that used to operate the rescue operations in the Mediterranean should work according to international rules.

At the time of publishing, at least

Air Malta to train Qatar Airways pilots

- A new direct route between the two countries in 2019

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izzi held discussions with the Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker about means of collaboration between them. As a result, in the first quarter of 2019, Qatar Airways will be commencing direct routes to Malta.

Qatar Airways and Air Malta also officially signed an agreement for pilot training, through which Air Malta shall be training 20 Cadet pilots employed with Qatar Airways who would be benefitting from this opportunity of building hours on the Air Malta route network flying Airbus A320s with experienced Maltese training captains.

Minister Konrad Mizzi, who was accompanied by Air Malta Chairman Charles Mangion and MIA CEO Alan Borg, pointed out that the added routes by Qatar Airways would enhance Malta’s connectivity and give easier access to and from Malta and the Middle East. With respect to pilot training, this is in line with the Government’s strategy for the airline, as Air Malta is looking for new opportunities and new revenue streams.

Mr Al Baker said that the new direct route between Malta and Qatar would provide a number of close mutual ties such as this training programme, as well as serving the people of Malta with access to more than 150 global destinations, with one seamless transfer in the Middle East.”

three ships from different organisations are currently in Malta, although only one of them, MV Lifeline, is being investigated through Court procedures. The other two are not being allowed to leave the port towards Libya’s search and rescue zone until investigations are carried out as to whether they are operating lawfully.

The MV Lifeline was allowed to enter Malta after eight European Union member states, later joined by Norway, agreed to ‘share’ the immigrants. The vessel had been stranded between Malta and Libya for six days, after a dispute between Malta and Libya over who should take in the vessel.

The detention of these ships created controversy with a number of organisations and expressing their disapproval because they believe it could lead to more loss of life among immigrants trying to escape from Libya towards Europe.

Minister Konrad Mizzi and Qatar’s Akbar Al Baker seal the deal in the presence of Air Malta’s Chairman Charles Mangion (left) and MIA’s, Alan Borg

The Voice of the Maltese 13

Tuesday July 10, 2018

Roundup of News About Malta Maltese Judge appointed President of UN Tribunal

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ollowing extensive consultations with the 15-member United Nations Security Council, the UN Secretary General has appointed Maltese Judge Carmel (Lino) Agius as President of the United Nations International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMICT). The appointment takes effect from January 19 2019 and last until June 30 in 2020.

The IRMICT is an international court established by the UN Security Council in 2010 to perform the remaining func-

Maltese Judge Carmel Agius

Malta has the lowest youth unemployment rate in EU M

alta is the country among the 28 EU Member States with the fifth lowest unemployment rate. It also ranks first with the lowest youth unemployment rate.

Eurostat statistics on the unemployment rate in May show that Malta’s unemployment is at 3.9% which is the same as the Netherlands. The lowest rates were registered in the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary and Poland.

The unemployment rate in Euro zone countries in May was 8.4%, more than

twice that of Malta. Throughout the EU, there are more than 13 million people registering for work.

At 4.8%, Malta also has the lowest rate of unemployment among those under 25.

In other EU countries there are more than three million unemployed people under the age of 25.

The problem is mostly felt in Greece with more than 43% of young people unemployed, while in Spain the rate is 34% and in Italy it is 32%.

43,000 foreign workers in Malta

tions of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) following the completion of those tribunals’ respective mandates.

In 2002 Judge Agius was elected to the Tribunal by the General Assembly to hear the appeal hearing of Ratko Mladic who stood accused of genocide and other criminal actions during war.

During his tenure at the ICTY, Judge Agius presided over several trials including the multi-accused trial of Popovic et al. that dealt with the Srebrenica genocide. He also served as appeals judge in both the ICTY and the ICTR in many appeals.

Then in 2015 he became the first Maltese Judge to be appointed President of an International Tribunal when he was appointed ICTY President. He served in this position to the end of 2017.

Before taking up his post at the ICTY in 2001, from 1977 until 1982 Mr Justice Agius served as magistrate and afterwards as Judge of the Superior Courts of Malta in the Court of Appeal and the Constitutional Court.

He retired from the Maltese judiciary in August 2010. And in 2015 he was made an Officer of the National Order of Malta (Ġieħ ir-Repubblika).

Italians top the list alta’s current workforce includes almost M 43,000 foreign workers hailing from over 140 different countries. Most of them, 30,564

are workers from European Union countries.

The rest, 12,407 are from non-EU countries.

The greatest amount of EU workers, 7,778, come from Italy, followed by 4,819 from Britain. Next come the Bulgarian workers with 2,439.

The sharpest rise was seen among Spanish workers. In December 2008 only 34 were employed in Malta; the number has reached 1,230.

There are also 1,359 workers from Sweden Workers coming from third countries include 2,413 Philippine workers and 2,329 from Serbia.

Minister for Education and Employment Evarist Bartolo gave out the figures in answer to a Parliamentary question.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister said that the number of foreigners with a residence permit in Malta is currently 29,246.

The statistics cover the amount of foreign workers currently in Malta with a full-time and part-time job as their main employment.

Gaming industry generates over €1bn n 2017 the Gaming industry generated an increase of 10% over the previous Ieconomy more than a €1 billion in the Maltese year. with the Malta Gaming AuThere was also an increase of about althority CEO, Heathcliff Farrugia claiming it was one of the most exciting years for it, having registered an income of over €66 million from company licences, taxes and administrative fines.

The annual report of the Malta Gaming Authority indicated that thanks to an increase of 500 new jobs, last year, direct employment in the industry has now reached over 6,600. The report further indicates that in the economy the industry generated €1.1 billion which is

most €4 million, for a total of €66 million, from licences, taxes and fines on companies. By the end of December, the Gaming Authority had 625 licensed operators.

CEO Farrugia stated that the new legislation, which will enter into force this year also helped in the Gaming Authority’s success story. He stated that the authority has increased its enforcement and carried out more than 14,826 inspections in gaming establishments.

14 The Voice of the Maltese

Tuesday July 10, 2018

Miljun għall-Partiti Politiċi I

l-Partiti Politiċi Maltin, bħal ħafna partiti f’pajjiżi oħra, m’għadhomx dak li kienu daqs tletin u erbgħin sena ilu, kemm f’dik li hi organizzazzjoni kif ukoll fil-finanzi.

Għal żmien twil li kienu jitmexxew x’aktax mill-volontarjat, kemm bħala amministrazzjoni, kif ukoll fil-ħidma ta’ kuljum, illum il-Partiti ewlenin għandhom kwartieri f’binjiet kbar, attrezzati bl-aqwa apparat u teknoloġija.

Fuq kollox għandhom ukoll staff jaħdem full time imexxi minn management imħarreġ sewwa. Iż-żewġ partiti l-kbar għandhom ukoll il-mezzi u l-midja tagħhom li jinkludu mhux biss dik stampata, imma wkoll ir-Radju u t-televiżjoni.

Sintendi, il-volotarjat għadu jagħati sehmu wkoll, iżda għalkemm dan hu importantissmu, l-aktar meta joqorbu l-elezzjoni, xorta l-emfasi issa tinsab fuq l-impjieg permamenti.

Biex iżommu dan kollu, il-partiti politiċi jinħtieġu fondi kbar kemm biex ifornu u jmantnu l-bini u l-apparat meħtieġ, kif ukoll biex jinħarġu l-pagi u jitħallsu l-ħaddiema, u servizzi oħra.

Il-ħtieġa ta’ dawn il-fondi jkomplu jikbru meta joqorbu l-elezzjonijiet. Għax il-kam-

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panja elettorali tal-lum m’għadhiex dik ta’ dari, imma tqum eluf kbar, jekk mhux miljuni ta’ Ewro.

Veru li l-Partiti għandhom ċertu dħul, fosthom mir-reklami li jsiru fuq il-mezzi taxxandir tagħhom, kif ukoll xi dħul sostanzjali ieħor mis-servizz tat-telefonija (ilPartit Laburista jdaħħal flus ukoll mirRedtouch – sistema tat-telefonija ċellulari (mobile phone).

Iżda dawn mhux żgur iservu biex ikopru l-ispejjeż marbuta mal-midja, għalhekk ilpartiti jibbażaw ukoll ħafna fuq id-dħul mill-ġabriet li jagħmlu matulek is-sena f’diversi attivitajiet.

Għal ħafna snin il-partiti politiċi ma kienux obbligati jippublikaw rendikat taddħul u l-ħruġ tagħhom, għalkemm filverita`, il-Partit Laburista, sa ċertu punt, kien jagħmel dan kull sena.

Issa permezz tal-Liġi tal-Finanzjament tal-Partiti Politiċi, dawn obbligati li jagħtu rendikont dettaljat lill-Kummissjoni Elettorali. Dawn isiru pubbliċi u kulħadd jista’ jkun jaf dwar dawn il-finanzi.

Infatti għadu kif ħareġ fil-pubbliku laħħar tagħrif dwar dawn il-fondi tal-partiti għall-2017.

Skont dawn il-figuri, il-partit li l-aktar li

rnexxielu jiġbor flus matul dik is-sena, li niftakru kienet is-sena tal-elezzjoni, kien il-Partit Nazzjonalista li b’kollox ġabar €3.36 miljun. Il-Partit Laburista ġabar ftit aktar minn €1.98 miljun. Imqabbel ma’ tal-PN u l-PL, il-ġbir tal-Partit Demokratiku u l-Alternativa kien insinifkanti għax bejniethom ġabru biss ftit ta’ eluf ta’ Ewro.

Il-liġi tesiġi wkoll li l-Partiti jispeċifikaw bid-dettal għotjiet minn individwi jew entitajiet li jagħtu aktar minn €7,000 billi jispeċifikaw minn għamel dawn l-għotjiet.

Hanwhekk insibu li l-Partit Laburista kellu żewġ għotjiet kbar li flimkien ilaħħqu €25,000, filwaqt li l-Partit Nazzjonalista rċieva somma waħda kbira li kienet ta’ €10,320.

L-akbar dħul għall-partiti kien ġej minn għotjiet ta’€500 jew inqas, bil-Partit Laburista jiġbor €1.24m mingħand 28,285 kontributur. Kien hemm €380,600 li ngħataw minn kontributuri f’somom ta’ bejn €7,000 u €500.

Min-naħa tal-Partit Nazzjonalista l-akbar dħul ġie minn dawk li taw bejn €7,000 u €500 billi 525 donatur taw lil dan il-Partit €1.5m. Kien hemm imbagħad 17,738 li bejnithom taw kważi €1.29m f’somom ta’ anqas minn €50.

Il-ġbir u l-elezzjoni

nteressanti l-fatt li filwaqt li l-Partit Nazzjonalista kien laktar partit politiku li ġabar flus matul is-sena tal-elezzjoni, kien il-dak Laburista li rnexxielu jikseb il-maġġoranza tal-voti.

Forsi tgħidulu dan għandu x’jaqsam?... Forsi iva u forsi le.

Inħallu l-fatt li waqt il-kampanja elettorali mhux darba u tnejn li l-Partit Nazzjonalista sostna li l-Partit Laburista kellu ħafna

aktar x’jonfoq fil-kampanja elettorali, issa l-fatti juru xort’oħra, u nħarsu ftit lejn id-donazzjonijiet.

Hawn joħroġ ċar li l-Partit Nazzjonalista ġabar l-aktar flus imma mingħand inqas nies, filwaqt li l-Partit Laburista żamm mal-għajta tiegħu ta’ “il-ftit mingħand ilħafna.”, għalkemm ma naqasx li jiġbor żewġ għotjiet sinifikanti.

Wieħed ma jridx jinsa wkoll il-fatt tax-xogħol li jsir waqt il-kampanja elettorali mill-volontarjat fejn forsi l-Partit Laburista jsib aktar għajnuna mill-Partit Nazzjonalista.

Imma l-fatt li aktar nies ikkontribew għall-fondi tal-Partit Laburisti jista’ jirrifleti fuq l-għadd kbir ta’ voti li kiseb il-partit.

Tuesday July 10, 2018

The Voice of the Maltese 15

Il-Ħaddiema barranin Il-Ħajja Għoliet? f’Malta u l-ekonomija L

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ħalissa f’Malta għandna madwar 43,000 barranin jaħdmu fid-diversi setturi, u jekk il-ħidma ekonomika tibqa’ għaddejja kif inhi, u dan lgħadd, se jissokta jikber u fi ftit snin oħa mistenni’ jilħaq is-70,000.

Dan l-influss ta’ ħaddiema barranin qed joħloq ċerti problemi fosthom lgħoli tal-kera, problemi tat-traffiku, kultant problemi ta’ kultura, pressjoni fuq is-servizzi edukattivi u dawk tas-Saħħa eċċ eċċ.

Il-kap tal-Partit Nazzjonalista Dr Adrian Delia wera t-tħassib tiegħu u wasal jistqarr li Malta mhi tieħu xejn minn dawn il-ħaddiema billi “dak kollu li jaqilgħu hawn jibagħtuh lura f’pajjiżhom.”

Dan wassal għal kritika mill-midja li tappoġġja lill-Gvern u li ġibdet l-attenzjoni li matul l-2016, Malta daħħlet €101 miljun f’taxxa tad-dħul (income tax) minn fuq dawn il-ħaddiema. Dan minbarra l-ħlas fuq il-bolla.

B’kollox, mill-income tax u l-bolla l-ħaddiema barranin kienu qed jiġġeneraw kważi 10% tad-dħul kollu tal-Gvern. Dan id-dħul jgħin sewwa lekonomija tal-pajjiż, u l-ħlas tal-bolla qed jagħmel tajjeb biex il-Gvern ikun jista’ jiffinanzja l-pensjoniet u servizzi soċjali oħra.

Barra dan li mingħajr l-għajnuna ta’ dawn il-ħaddiema ħafna mix-xogħolijiet u servizzi f’Malta jkunu fil-periklu li jieqfu. Fost dawn hemm ukoll is-servizzi tas-saħħa billi fost kollox m’hemmx biżżejjed ħaddiema, fosthom infermiera, biex ilaħħqu max-xogħol fl-isptarijiet u postijiet oħra.

Saħansitra l-affarijiet bażiċi, fosthom il-ġbir tal-iskart, jistgħu jieqfu mingħajr ħaddiema barranin billi dan is-servizz hu mħaddem fil-maġġoranza kbira tiegħu minn ħaddiema barranin.

Tassew li kull ħaġa għandha t-tajjeb u l-ħażin tagħha.

(Ara wkoll ir-rapport: Gaming industry generates €1bn f’paġna 13)

Iċ-Ċittadella t’Għawdex finalista fil-European RegioStars Awards

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l-proġett mill-isbaħ ta’ restawr li sar fiċ-Ċittadella f’Victoria, f’Għawdex huwa finalista fil-Premjijiet magħrufa bħala l-European RegioStars 2018 Awards għall-oriġinalità u l-innovazzjoni tiegħu. Dan il-proġett sar u tlesta bil-għajnuna tal-fondi Ewropej.

Il-proġett ta’ restawr taċ-Ċittadella qed jikkompeti fil-Kategorija 5 flimkien ma’ erba’ proġetti oħra, minn Wales, il-Portugall, l-Awstrija, il-Kroazja, l-Ungerija, isSlovakja u s-Slovenja (flimkien), u mill-Irlanda.

Il-ġurija magħmula minn 15-il membru se titmexxa mill-MEP Lambert Van Nistelrooij u l-MEO Kerstin Westphal.

L-għażla finali se ssir mill-pubbliku. Ilvotazzjoni għall-Premju għall-Għażla Pubblika tal-2018 tinsab miftuħa. Min jinterressah jista’ jivvota għall-proġett taċĊittadella sa nofsillejla tas-7 ta’ Ottubru.

(Ara r-ritratti fl-faċata ta’ quddiem)

-influss ta’ daqshekk barranin f’Malta qed jeffettwa wkoll l-għoli tal-ħajja, bl-aktar li jispikka l-għoli tal-kirjiet li f’dawn l-aħħar snin minħabba l-għatx kbir għar-residenza għola ħafna. Ħafna drabi l-barranin jifilħu jħallsu ċerti kirijiet billi jingħaqdu fi gruppi u jikru post, appartament, eċċ flimkien u jaqsmu il-kirja bejniethom. Mhux l-istess il-Maltin li jkunu qed ifittxu fejn joqgħdu għax sintendi jridu joħorġu l-kirja mill-istess but, dak tal-familja.

Ma jistax jonqos li s-sidien japprofittaw ruħhom mis-sitwazzjoni u kulma jmur qed jgħollu l-kirjiet.

B’danakollu minkejja l-għoli tal-kirjiet, bħala skont l-istatistika, dawn il-kirjiet mhux qed jaffettwaw ħafna l-għoli tal-ħajja, billi Malta tinsab fuq quddiem fejn jidħlu l-familji li huma sidien ta’ djarhom.

Dan joħroġ minn rapport tal-Eurostat li jagħti stampa tal-għoli tal-ħajja fid-diversi pajjiżi, fejn jirriżulta li filwaqt li fejn jidħol l-ikel (ħobż, ċereali, prodotti bħal żjut, ħaxix, frott u aktar) l-indiċi ta’ Malta huwa ta’ 109.8, allura ogħla mill-medja Ewropea (100).

Minkejja dan Malta xorta tibqa’ pajjiż relattivament u ġeneralment irħis, billi servizzi oħrajn huma irħas mill-medja Ewropea. Infatti f’dak li jirrigwarda l-elettriku, l-ilma, il-gass u fjuwils oħrajn kif ukoll manutenzjoni tad-dar, Malta għandha fost l-irħas prezzijiet fl-Ewropa.

Il-prezzijiet f’pajjiżna huma daqs il-medja jew ftit iktar f’diversi servizzi fosthom, l-edukazzjoni.

Fil-komunikazzjoni, u allura prezzijiet tat-telefonija, TV, internet u tagħmir elettroniku, Malta hi kważi daqs il-medja tal-prezzijiet fl-UE, filwaqt li l-prezzijiet huma ftit ogħla mill-medja f’dak li jirrigwarda alkoħol (spirti), tabakk, inbid u aktar.

Dak li ma tgħidx l-istatistika, iżda li żgur jgħin biex il-ħajja ma tkunx daqshekk għolja huma dawk is-servizzi li għalihom f’ċerti pajjiżi jsir xi ħlas, imma f’Malta huma b’xejn, fosthom ledukazzjoni fl-iskejjel tal-Istat, is-servizz tassaħħa, li jinkludi l-għoti ta’ pilloli u mediċinali b’xejn lill-għadd kbir ta’ pazjenti.

Insomma jidher li meta wieħed iqis kollox ilħajja f’Malta hi affordabbli għall-maġġoranza kbira tal-poplu.

Dr Hugh McDermo! MP State Member for Prospect For issues concerning:

Ageing and disability - community services -education - environment health - housing - planning - Police transport - water P: (02) 9756 4766 E: prospect@parliament.nsw.gov.au 2/679 The Horsley Dr, Smithfield NSW 2164

16 The Voice of the Maltese

Tuesday July 10, 2018

Western Australia apologises

Archbishop sentenced to 12 mths’ detention

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delaide (South Australia) Archbishop Philip Wilson, 67 (pictured above) was sentenced to 12 months' detention for concealing historical child sexual abuse. Magistrate Robert Stone adjourned the matter to August 14 while Wilson is assessed for home detention. He will be eligible for parole after six months.

In May a Newcastle (NSW) Local Court found him guilty of concealing the sexual abuse of children between 2004 - 2006 at the hands of paedophile priest Jim Fletcher in the 1970s.

Sentencing him Mr Stone said “there is no remorse or contrition showed by the offender”.

In his opinion the sentence should not be suspended as it does not support the terms of general deterrence. On that basis, the only available remaining option was full-time imprisonment or home detention. Now Archbishop Wilson sister’s home will also be assessed for home detention ahead of next month’s decision.

In a statement issued following the sentencing, the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference acknowledged that the effects of sexual abuse “can last a lifetime”, but said the bishops hoped the custodial sentence “brings some sense of peace and healing” to those abused by Fletcher.

“It takes great courage for survivors to come forward to tell their stories. Survivors have been vital in helping us learn the lesson of our shameful history of abuse and concealment, which was laid bare in the Royal Commission into Institutional Reponses to Child Sexual Abuse and state inquiries, including the Cunneen Inquiry,” the statement said.

“The Church has made substantial changes to ensure that abuse and cover-up are not part of Catholic life and that children are safe in our communities.

Archbishop Wilson will appeal the sentence.

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estern Australian Premier Mark McGowan (pictured right) has become the first Australian premier to formally apologise to people who suffered sexual abuse in state-run institutions.

Mr McGowan made an emotional video statement via his Twitter account in response to the “landmark” the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse after the WA State Government announced it would sign up to the National Redress Scheme.

Mr McGowan said past institutional abuse was a “burden” the State Government must acknowledge, but not erase from history.

“In order to create better future we need to acknowledge the mistakes of the past, the government of Western Australia and other institutions had a duty of care for the children in their protection and we have often failed in that duty,” he said. “I apologise to all victims, all survivors”.

NSW won’t force priests to break seal of confession

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

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

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he New South Wales Government has avoided tackling the issue of forcing priests to reveal abuse they learn about in the confessional in its formal response to the child sexual abuse royal commission.

But the recommendation to force priests to break the seal of the confessional to report abuse is among 14 recommendations being subjected to further consideration.

The response differs from South Australia, where the state government removed the exemption for priests from mandatory reporting when the information was divulged during confession.

From October 1, South Australian clergy will be legally obliged to report any confessions of child sex abuse or face a $10,000 fine.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian (pictured left) said the government's response would ensure institutions that care for children provide safe places to learn, play and live.

However, while the royal commission recommended the new "failure to report" offence apply to knowledge gained during religious confession, the NSW government has stopped short of that.

In its response to that recommendation, it said: "Whether or how the offence will apply to members of the clergy where the information about an offence was gathered through religious confessions is a complex issue that has been referred to the Council of Attorney's-General for national consideration."

The Voice of the Maltese 17

Tuesday June 26, 2018

How big a problem is plastic?

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he scientific evidence has been growing for decades: plastic pollution is a major, ever-growing problem on land and in our waterways.

Clean Up Australia says “every year over six million tonnes of rubbish is dumped into the world’s oceans, 80 per cent of which is plastic, and a further 10 per cent of this being plastic bags.

“Plastic is responsible for killing one million seabirds and over 100,000 sea mammals each year. Turtles, whales and seabirds mistake rubbish for food or get entangled in it, resulting in painful injuries, or even death.”

Australians have been using plastic bags at a staggering rate.

“Australians throw away about 7,150 recyclable plastic bags a minute, with 429,000 recyclable plastic supermarket bags dumped into landfill every hour,” Clean Up Australia says.

The Queensland government estimates that almost one billion shopping bags are used in the state each year, with close to 16

Hazem Shammas with the Logie Award

Powerfull speech at the Logies

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n his speech after winning a TV Week Logie Award for his role in TV show Safe Harbour, actor Hazem Shammas delivered a powerful speech addressing xenophobia and racism in Australia.

As a Palestinian-born Australian with parents who moved to Australia in search of a better life, Mr Shammas praised the show's ability to tackle topical issues such as xenophobia. “It is the fragility and the preciousness of life that makes me realise now how amazing something like ‘Safe Harbour’ is,” Mr. Shammas said.

“Life is too fleeting to deal with xenophobia and the racism and the hatred that we don’t want to talk about. It’s because of SBS and Matchbox, and their courage to create this drama and these kinds of characters is why I’m here and why I’m so proud to be a part of this. This is surreal."

He finished his speech on a touching note, dedicating the award to his late-father for risking everything to bring his young family to Australia in the hope of a new life.

million polluting the environment. WA used seven million a year according to the government’s estimate.

A 2016 NSW Environment Protection Authority review estimated that two billion plastic bags are consumed in the state each year, with only 14 per cent being recycled.

As a result, environmental groups and social media campaigns have pushed hard for action to reduce our plastic use nationwide. (See: Australia banning plastic bag usage on page 11).

Smartphones or a book in the class?

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SW Education Minister Rob Stokes said in a statement“While smartphones connect us to the world in ways never imagined just a decade ago, they raise issues that previous generations have not had to deal with,” Former St Paul’s Catholic College principal Mark Baker, who banned the use of mobile said while smartphones can be “fantastic” for learning they often distract students and allow them to access inappropriate material or bully others in the class. There’s been a blind rush to embrace technology; children are totally immersed in it,” As a teacher for 42 years, Mr Baker believes NSW should look at South Korea’s policy, which bans students from

using any electronic device until they reach grade 5.

“It’s the land of Samsung, and their mantra is the book. They recognise the most powerful thing in a school is a book, not an electronic device,” he said.

Smartphones and other devices were part of the 21st century, and their use by students was well entrenched. Is it beneficial to continue that use during school hours or restrict it, and how any restriction would work and be enforced?

18 The Voice of the Maltese

Tuesday July 10, 2018

Il-Fratellanzi f’Malta

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an l-aħħar f’Malta jidher li qed jerġa’ jqum l-interess fil-fratellanzi. Fost dawn hemm dik talKarmnu taż-Żurrieq li nammira ħafna. L-aktar fil-jum tal-festa tal-Madonna tal-Karmnu f’dan ir-raħal, minkejja li tkun sħana kbira f’Lulju, il-fratellanza tkun numeruża ħafna. Imma ta’ min isemmu wkoll l-aktar fratellanza antika f’Malta, dik ta’ San Gużepp fir-Rabat.

Il-fratellanzi tassew iżejnu l-purċissjonijiet f’Malta.

Id-dehra tagħhom b’dik il-muzzetta fuqhom li l-lewn tagħha jvarja minn fratellanza għall-oħra jagħtu dehra kkulurita lill-purċissjonijiet, l-aktar fl-irħula antiki.

F’Malta ssib għadd sabiħ ta’ fratellanzi, li minbarra li jagħtu xiehda tat-twemmin tal-membri tagħhom, ikunu wkoll qed juru kemm misserijietna għarfu jgħaqqdu flimkien ilħidma tal-ġisem mal-ġid tar-ruħ.

Fl-imgħoddi l-fratellanzi, jew konfraternitajiet, ma kienu xejn għajr xirkiet ta’ nies ta’ snajja li kienu jħarsu l-ħidma u l-jeddijiet tal-membri tagħhom. Fi ftit kliem kienu bħall-għaqdiet tal-ħaddiema jew aħjar it-trade unions tal-lum. Fost il-ħaddiema li kellhom il-fratellanza tagħhom sa kien hemm il-ħaddiema tad-deheb u l-fidda, il-ħaddieda, il-ħajjata, l-iskrapan u l-mastrudaxxi.

L-aktar importanti għall-imseħbin tal-fratellanzi kien li jħarsu d-dmirijiet tagħhom bħala nsara ta’ bilħaqq. Is-sehem tagħhom fil-purċissjonijiet kien wieħed mid-dmirijiet ewlenin.

Il-mexxeja ta’ dawn il-fratellanzi huma msejħa l-Prokuraturi, li x’aktarx kienu jkunu qassisin li kienu jieħdu ħsieb il-bżonnijiet spiritwali ta’ l-imseħbin. Il-ħwejjeg li kellhom x’jaqsmu malħidma u s-sengħa tal-ħaddiema kienu r-responsabbilita’ ta’ dak li kien magħruf bħala r-Rettur, bniedem importanti ħafna li kien ikollu s-siġġu tiegħu fil-Kunsilli tal-Poplu.

Ta’ min jgħid li l-importanza ta’ dawn il-fratellanzi kienet tidher mill-fatt li kienu magħrufa kemm mill-knisja u wkoll mill-Gvern, u sa kienu jgawdu wkoll privileġġi ċivili.

Min-naħa l-oħra fost il-fratelli mseħbin kienet issaltan fosthom għaqda sħiħa u għaldaqstant il-fratellenzi kienu b’saħħithom u kellhom leħen f’ħafna mill-ħidmiet li kienu jsiru f’dik li hi tmexxija tal-pajjiż.

PeterPaulCiantar Il-fratellanzi kisbu d-drittijiet li dejjem xtaqu li jkollhom.

Minħabba dan, ix-xogħol tagħhom beda jsir aħjar, u kienu jsibu min jgħinhom f’kull ma jinqala’. Kellhom ukoll lil min iħarishom mill-qerq. M’għandnix xi ngħidu l-ħlas tagħhom sar aktar xieraq.

Il-ħidma tal-fratellanzi kienet imqassma b’dan il-mod: • Kienu jħallsu xi ħaġa tal-flus kull sena għall-ħtiġijiet tagħ• hom.

• Kienu jiltaqgħu minn żmien għal żmien u matul il-laqgħat bkienu jitkellmu dwar ħwejjeġ li jolqtu s-sena tagħhom.

• Kienu jieħdu d-deċiżjonijiet li jorbtu lil kulħadd.

• Kellhom ukoll id-dmir li jgħinu lil sħabhom li jkunu jinħtieġu nl-għajnuna, l-aktar waqt il-mard u l-imwiet.

• Kienu wkoll jaraw li kulħadd jagħmel ix-xogħol tiegħu birnreqqa ħalli l-parruċċani ma joħorgux igergru.

Dawk kienu fost id-dmirijiet li kellhom bħala ċittadini, imbagħad bħala xirka reliġjuża, kull fratellanza kellha tieħu ħsieb ukoll li tħares xi dmirijiet oħra, fosthom li taħseb biex tagħżel artal fil-knisja fejn titwaqqaf il-fratellanza. Dan l-artal kien ikun iddedikat lill-qaddis li l-fratellanza taħtar bħala patrun tagħha. Laktar li jintgħażel dan il-qaddis kien minħabba li f’ħajtu kien ikollu xi rabta ma’ din jew dik is-sengħa.

Il-fratellanza kienet tieħu ħsieb ukoll tagħmel festa mill-aħjar lill-qaddis tagħha, u dakinhar tal-festa l-imseħbin kienu jieqfu mix-xogħol ħalli jkunu jistgħu jiċċelebraw il-festa sew.

Kull fratellanza kellha wkoll id-dmir li tagħżel lewn għall-istandard tagħha li joħroġ fil-purċissjonijiet. Il-lewn kien jingħażel ukoll għall-muzzetta li l-imseħbin jilbsu fuq il-konfratija.

Fost id-dmirijiet ewlenin tal-fratelli kien hemm ukoll li jridu jieħdu sehem fil-purċisjonijijiet li jsiru fil-parroċċi tagħhom u jimxu wara l-istandard u s-salib b’żewġ lanterni (stampa xellug).

Bħala ħidma ta’ karita’ l-imseħbin tal-fratellanzi kienu jridu iżuru l-morda, ix-xjuħ, l-iltiema u l-ħabsin, u li jieħdu sehem filfunerali ta’ sħabhom u jagħmlu quddies għal ruħhom. Barra dan kellhom jagħmlu għemejjel oħra ta’ ħniena ma’ nies oħrajn li ma kienux imseħbin magħhom.

Din kienet Malta ta’ l-imgħoddi marbuta mal-fratellanzi.

The Voice of the Maltese 19

Tuesday July 10, 2018

Tagħrif dwar il-kitba Maltija

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.

EZEMPJI TA’ PRONOMI MEHMUŻIN MA’ NOMI (ikompli) Minn dan, innisslu dawn ir-regoli l-oħra: 63. Il-pronom imnissel tat-tielet persuna, fil-ġens raġel li jinhemeż mal-verb, man-nom jew mal-partiċella huwa h.

Jinħass u jinkiteb u meta l-kelma tispiċċa b’konsonanti.

Ara: qalb, qalbu; dar, daru; qatel, qatlu; għand, għandu; kull, koll, kollu.

Jinħass ħ u jinkiteb h meta l-kelma tispiċċa b’vokali jew bil-konsonanti j jew w.

Ara: sallbu, sallbuh; ġiebu, ġibuh; qara, qrah; fi, fih; bi, bih; għal(i), għalih; lej(n), lejh; raw, rawh.

64. Il-pronom imnissel tat-tieni persuna fil-ġens raġel u mara, li jinhemeż mal-verb, man-nom jew mal-partiċella, huwa k. Jinħass u jinkiteb k mal-kelma li tispiċċa b’vokali jew bil-konsonanti j jew w.

Ara: ra, rak; jara, jarak; ġiebu, ġibuk; ħadu, ħaduk; ħdej(n), ħdejk; għaddew, għaddewk, bi, bik; fi, fik; għali, għalik.

Il-vokali tal-aħħar dlonk jiġri li tbiddel il-leħen tagħha.

Ara: tefa, tfiek; għabba, għabbiek.

Jinħass u jinkiteb ek, ak jew ok mal-kelma li tispiċċa b’konsonanti.

Ara: qatel, qatlek; xorob, xorbok; oħt, oħtok; ħobż, ħobżok; għand, għandek; kull, kollok; qata(għ), qatgħek; biegħ, biegħek;

ta(għ), tiegħek.

65. Il-pronomi mnisslin tat-tielet persuna -ha (femminil, singular), hom (plural), tat-tieni persuna -kom (plural) kif ukoll tal-ewwel persuna -na (plural), jinhemżu ma’ tarf ilverb, in-nom, u l-partiċelli sew jekk dawn jispiċċaw b’vokali, kemm ukoll jekk jispiċċaw b’konsonanti.

Ara: (1) ta, taha; tafa(għ), tefagħha; rabat, rabatha; ħadu, ħaduha; tefgħu, tefgħuha; dar, darha; qabar, qabarha; ruħ, ruħha; bi, biha; għand, għandha; minn, minnha; ta(għ), tagħha; għal(i), għaliha. (2) ħa(d), ħadhom, ħadkom, ħadna; ta, tahom, takom, tana; tefa, tfiehom, tfiekom, tfiena; tafa(għ), tefagħhom, tefagħkom, tefagħna; bierek, berikhom, berikkom, berikna; ħalq, ħalqhom, ħalqkom; ħalqna; xufftej(n), xufftejhom, xufftejkom, xufftejna; għand, għandhom, għandkom, għandna (għan’na); fi, fihom, fikom, fina.

66. Il-pronom tal-ewwel persuna, għadd farrad, ġens raġel jew mara huwa (1) -ni meta jinhemeż mal-verbi u ma’ xi partiċelli, (2) -i meta jinhemeżman-nomi u ma’ xi partiċelli u (3) -ja meta jinhemeż ma’ nomi mżewġin jew ma’ partiċelli, sew jekk dawn kollha jispiċċaw b’vokali, kemm ukoll jekk jispiċċaw b’konsonanti.

Ara: (1) ġabar, ġabarni; ħa(d), ħadni; saq, saqni; qata(għ), qatagħni; ra, rani; bi, bini, għatx, il-ġuħ); koll, kollni, (2) riġel, riġli; sieq, sieqi; żaqq, żaqqi; għand, għandi; fuq, fuqi; ta(għ), tiegħi, (3) riġlej(n), riġlejja; idej(n), idejja; fi, fija; bi, bija; għal(i), għalija; lej(n), lejja.

Aktar regoli u tifsir fil-ħarġa li jmiss.

Printed copies of The Voice of the Maltese available at your home by mail

Important Notice to the readers of The Voice

T

W

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).

A printed copy would be an ideal present for mum, dad or a relative who either do not have Internet access or are not computer literate.

If interested, contact us on: maltesevoice@gmail.com for further information.

We are not only an online publication, but also print on demand.

he Voice of the Maltese wishes to thank the many readers that have responded to our request to confirm their email address. The replies with added messages of encouragement have been overwhelming.

However, there are others who have not as yet replied. Therefore as we are in the process of updating our database, readers are kindly requested to tell us if they still want to receive The Voice, the only magazine in circulation dedicated to all the Maltese in the diaspora.

The request is still open. Therefore please confirm as soon as possible with your full name, your email address and locality/country or state to: maltesevoice@gmail.com.

If you neglect to advise us we may have to delete your name from our database.

The Administration

20 The Voice of the Maltese

Tuesday July 10, 2018

Awstraljana xandara ġdida fuq il-programmi tal-Malti fuq 3ZZZ

L

iz Phillips, mara mwielda l-Awstralja li għandha ferm għal qalbha lil Malta u dak kollu li hu Malti, u saħansitra taf titkellem tajjeb ħafna bilMalti, għad kif issieħbet max-xandara talprogrammi bil-Malti fuq ir-radju komunitarju f’Melbourne t-3ZZZ. Liz, li kkwalifikat bl-unuri kollha bħala xandara wara kors ta’ għadd ta’ ġimgħat, qed tkun fuq il-panel kull ġimagħtejn tmexxi l-programm tas-Sibt. Issa se tieħu wkoll f’idejha l-programmi tat-Tnejn meta tkun tista’ minħabba li għadha taħdem.

Kollox seħħ wara talba għall-għajuna fittelefonati lis-semmiegħa tat-3ZZZ fil-programm ta’ nhar ta’ Sibt, ‘Inservik’ li fih is-semmiegħa jċemplu biex jagħmlu ddediki tagħhom. Liz kienet fost tal-ewwel li ċemplet u wriet ċerta ħila tant li għamlet ħafna ħbieb mas-semmiegħa.

Wieħed mix-xandara ewlenin tal-pro-

gramm, Paul Vella mill-ewwel issuġġerielha tieħu l-kors ta’ xandara u issa li kkwalifikat u ngħatat iċ-ċertifikat, ġiet mogħtija l-inkarigu ta’ programm biex tissieħeb max-xandara l-oħra, Paul Vella u Mario Sammut Ftit tal-ġimgħat ilu l-programmi tal-Malti tilfu lix-xandar ta’ esperjenza Lewis Stafrace, imm’issa bil-wasla ta’ Liz Phillips l-iskeda tista’ tkompli bi programmi mxandra mitTnejn sal-Ġimgħa bejn il-5 u 6 pm u s-Sibt bejn l-10 u l-11 am.

Dawk li joqogħdu fi Stati oħra minbarra Victoria, u anke jekk imxerdin mad-dinja jistgħu jisimgħu l-programmi online minn fuq l-internet minn fuq is-sit ta’ http://3zzz.com.au kemm direttament

Il-Convenor Paul Vella jippreżenta ċ-ċertifkat ta’ xandara lil Liz Phillips inkella on demand li jdumu fuq is-sit għal madwar xahar. Għal aktar tagħrif iktbu lil paul.vella44@gmail.com.

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

Australian High Commission on facebook; HC on twitter

he Australian High Commission’s in TtheMalta has its own Facebook page, while High Commissioner has a Twitter account. Both be accessed by the readers.

Community Wheels Inc.

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

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

GRUPP FESTA SANTA MARIJA Sydney: 2018 ANNUAL DINNER DANCE

SATURDAY AUGUST 4 at the Balmoral Centre BLACKTOWN: 6.20p.m. With a four-course meal. ENTERTAINMENT to be provided by CHARLIE MUSCAT and THE BRANDY BAND. SPECIAL GUEST: KATLYN VELLA, and introducing young NATASHA TATARINOFF. Also in attendance: OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE band.

SUNDAY AUGUST 5: The FESTA at La VALETTE Social Centre.

Mass starts at 3.00p.m. with the MCA CHOIR A variety show by Charles Muscat, Wayne Place and Natasha Tartarinoff. Club opens at 1.00 p.m.

Maltese food and drinks served at the restaurant and bar.

For more information and tickets: AGNES: 029626 6753 Mobile: 0432 714 735; GREF: 0411 517 187

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

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

Dan hu 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

Be better informed and prepare for your future

Another information session on Wednesday August 15 at La Valette Social Centre 175 Walters Road Blacktown NSW at 7.30 pm (after the mass at the Chapel) Subject: Highlight of the Federal Budget 2018 Downsizing your Home: Is this the right move for you?

Guest speaker: Ms Marie-Louise Muscat (Fiducian Financial Services Tel: 9231 213)

Free entrance

Organised by the Maltese Welfare (NSW) Inc.

The Voice of the Maltese 21

Tuesday July 10, 2018

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

The Ċittadini

present direct from Malta:

Ħamrun Club Rock $ Roll Night

San Gejtanu Festa DINNER DANCE

Saturday August 11 at 6.p.m.

3-course meal, drinks included.

TICKETS: Members $55; Guests $60

Feast of Our Lady of Mt Carmel

On Tuesday July 17 At Neighbourhood Centre 21-31 Collins Ave, Altona East 9 a.m: Confession; 9.30 am: Rosary; 10 am: Mass. Priest: Fr Victor Shield Light refreshments will be offered _________

(100 Jackson Street, Marsden Park NSW 2765)

July 21 at 6 p.m. Entry fee $5 DJ: Zarby’s Entertainment Contact:s George Zahra (040743465) or Albert & John Zarb (0420324429)

Maltese Association - Hobsons Bay Inc.

Christmas in July

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

Come and help us celebrate Christmas in July On Saturday July 21 at 6.30 pm DJ: King Charlie; Cost $10 BYO or buy from the bar For further Info phone: Joe: 0400 035 001; Carmen: 0413 386 714

Stedina...

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

Il-Fathers Maltin tal-Arċidjoċesi ta’ Sydney jistiednu lill-Komunita` Maltija, u l-familji għall-festa tradizzjonali fid-9 ta’ Settembru:

L-aħbarijiet PBS (Malta)

Saint Nicholas Festa Committee

Il­PBS ta’ Malta "orni lill­SBS fl­Awstralja bis­servizz tagħ­ha, imma l­qarrejja xorta qed jiġu mħeġġa biex x’ħin iridu jistgħu jidħlu fil­website tal­istazzjon Mal% kemm bil­Mal% u bl­Ingliż: www.tvm.com.mt.

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

Fis-2.30 pm tibda l-purcissjoni fejn jingħad ir-Ruzarju, u wara tibda lquddiesa fil-Katidral ta’ St Mary’s College Street Sydney.

Dawk li għandhom xi għaqda, qed jiġu mistiedna jieħdu magħhom l-bnadar jew standardi tal-għaqda.

Familji li għandhom xi tfal jew żgħazagħ li jkunu jridu jilbsu xi kostum Malti jew tal-preċett, u jimxu fil-purcissjoni, iċemplu lil: Antoinette Mascari 9899 1938.

Sunday 12: FIREWORKS (Free event)

For tickets, and more details contact: Joe Borg 0414 429 391; or Rita (0409 640 164)

Il­website hija aġġornata tul il­jum kollu għal­ hekk wieħed jista’ jieħu stampa ċara tal­ġrajjiet li anke jkunu qed iseħħu f’dak il­waqt

Main events for 2018

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

La Valette Social Centre

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

Every Thursday: Maltese Respite Care Service

10.15 a.m.: Mass in Maltese in the Main Hall Morning Tea and Lunch, Bingo and Boċċi Everybody is wlecome Every Saturday: Kitchen and Bar open from 5.00 p.m.

Taditional Maltese cuisine, rabbit, ravioli and pastizzi; Boċċi from 6.00 p.m. Live Dj from 6.00 p.m.

Bingo starts at 8.00 p.m. with jackpot from $100 to $500 DJs Emanuel Grech and Sam Mifsud (alternate Saturdays) Last Saturay of month: Għana Night with Saver Bonanno and friends ___________________________________

MASS TIMES: Saturday: St Francis Chapel: 4.45 p.m. and 6.15 p.m. Sunday: St Dominic’s Chapel: 9.00 a.m.

tal-Vitorja

Xagħra Association of NSW Annual Tal-Vitorja Dinner Dance on Saturday, September 15

Guest of Honour: Fr Anthony Bajada

Come and join us at Balmoral Function Centre, 47-49 Balmoral Rd, BLACKTOWN from 6:30pm onwards 5-Course Meal, beer, wine & soft drinks, tea/coffee Entertainment by Roc-A-Tac & Giuseppe Verdi Brass Band

Contact: Josephine/Ray: 9627 4182 or 0439 974 182; Vicki Micallef: 0425 210 436

22 The Voice of the Maltese

Tuesday July 10, 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

Maltese Radio Programmes

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

(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

97.7fm SBS 2.

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

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

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 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

Central Coast

Santa Maria Festa Day

Celebrated at St Mary MacKillop Church Warnevale (Cn Minnesota & Sparks Road Woongarrah).

Friday August 10: 11 am: the new statue will be placed next to the sanctuary.

Sunday August 12: 3 pm: Solemn Mass and blessing of the new statue of Santa Maria.

4pm: Procession with the statue in the parish grounds followed by the congregation.

Tuggerah Lakes Show Band will entertain until the fireworks display at 6 pm.

Tea, coffee and drinks sold.

Sunny Confectionery in attendance.

The Santa Maria Festa Committee welcomes you all.

For more information contact Charlie on: O404 194020

The Voice of the Maltese 23

Tuesday June 26, 2018

S po r ts.. on 2 pages

Past winners eye coveted trophy A World Cup that has everything

A

nyway you look at it, the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 is turning out to be one of the finest in the competition’s history. Last Saturday marked the end of the quarter-final stage, and on Tuesday and Wednesday the four still in contention will pit their wits against each other in the semis to try and emulate their opponents to reach the final on Sunday and earn the chance of winning the coveted trophy.

Of the last four, France (1998) and England (1966) have already been there. As past winners, the two, perhaps even more than their opponents, will be eyeing the coveted trophy.

On Tuesday France take on Belgium while England face Croatia. All four are hoping for more glory on Sunday.

The 21st edition of the FIFA World Cup is turning out to be a splendid memorable feast for football. It has got everything one would wish for in such a tournament.

Thus far we’ve had thrills, drama, emotions, suspense, great goals, rare goalkeeping errors and surprising results in a peaceful atmosphere, and there’s more yet to come for sure. There has not been a dull moment so far.

Some of the teams have, and others will be returning home as unforgettable heroes.

The FIFA World Cup also has a long his-

tory of players, who made few waves in the opening rounds, yet became heroes as the competition reached its crescendo.

Who will be the heroes in 2018?

The golden boot award is also there for the taking. England’s Harry Kane leads the way with six goals, followed by Romelu

Lukaku with four. With 14 goals Belgium are the top scorers; England have 11.

Some Statistic:

- 157: The number of goals scored in the 56 matches played; - 2.6: Average goals per match - Four: Red cards handed out - 205: Yellow cards - 1 The number of games without a goal

Winners of the previous 20 editions 1930 1934 1938 1950 1954 1958 1962 1966 1970 1974

Uruguay Italy Italy Uruguay West Germany Brazil Brazil ENGLAND Brazil West Germany

1978 1982 1986 1990 1994 1998 2002 2006 2010 2014

Argentina Italy Argentina West Germany Brazil FRANCE Brazil Italy Spain Germany

Gold for Malta’s basketball team in Small Nations Championship

he Malta men’s basketball national T team players and officials celebrate the winning of the gold medal at the re-

cent FIBA European Championship for Small States by beating Norway in the final in Serravalle, San Marino, by 75-59.

The Maltese, guided by coach Andrea Paccarie gave a commanding performance, not just in the final but also throughout the competition, during

which they won all their four matches.

On the way to the final Malta beat Andorra and Ireland in the group stage, and then Gibraltar in the semi-final.

Bronze for the ladies *Meanwhile, in Cork, Ireland, the women’s basketball team won bronze in the same competition for females. In the third place play-off match Malta defeated Norway 67-59.

24 The Voice of the Maltese

S p o r t s. . on 2 pages

Tuesday June 10, 2018

Maltese clubs in UEFA competitions

Maltese football teams commenced their commitments in UEFA’s club competitions for 2018/19 with Gzira United and Birkirkara the first to get into action in the Europa League.

Historic qualification for Gzira Utd

Balzan, the other club in the Europa Leagu get into the fray on Thursday 12th while Champions Valletta play in the Champions League on Wednesday 11th.

Gzira United players and officials celebrate their victory

- Birkirkara eliminated

T

he first two football clubs from Malta to take part in the 2018/19 UEFA club competitions, Gzira United on their return to Europe and Birkirkara, met with mixed fortunes. In their first legs of the first qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League, Gzira managed a historic qualification into the next round, while Birkirkara pulled one back in the closing stages of the game Birkirkara were eliminated. through a Marcelinho header.

Gzira obtained a 4-1 aggregate win over Andorra’s Sant Julià folalzan, who finished runners up in the League, kick off their lowing a 2-0 away success in the first leg, and a 2-1 victory in Malta.

Europa League commitments in the First Qualifying Round The Maltese side scored a goal in each half to beat US Sant Julià of the competition this coming Thursday with a home game against 2-0 in the first leg with goals by Amadou Samb who gave them the Kesla of Azerbaijan. The return tie takes place a week later (on the lead from a penalty on 20 minutes, and debutant Jorginho in the 87th 19th of the month). minute. Gzira escaped lightly when the Andorians missed a penalty. alta’s sole representatives in the Champions League, Valletta, In the return tie on Thursday Gzira came form a goal down scored start with an away tie in the First qualifying round draw in

by Joel Mendez Del Rio after 62 minutes. Amadou Samb levelled Albania against Kukës on Wednesday. The return is scheduled for the score two minutes later from a penalty, and Edison Bilbao the previous week (July 18) in Malta.

Zarate clinched the winning tally in stoppage time.

In the next round, the First Qualifying Round the Maroons NPL 2 NSW face Serbia’s Radnicki on Thursday 12th, with the return on July 19. irkirkara were eliminated by Faroe Island’s KI Klaksvik rimming with confidence after a death with a Zac Elrich goal. with a 2-3 aggregate score. They first failed to go behard fought victory last week, at *In the previous round at the Melita yond a 1-1 draw at home and then lost the return on Thurs- the weekend Parramatta Melita Ea- Stadium against Blacktown Spartans day by 2-1 gles managed an away 1-1 draw at a victory was vital especially for the On his debut for Birkirkara Michael Mifsud scored his Northern Tigers. They found them- Eagles. After an even scoreless first side’s goal on 72 minutes, while Deni Pavlovic levelled for selves in arrears after 25 minutes, half Parramatta pushed forward perthe visitors in the 88th minute. but tried to overcome the setback by sistently and deservedly scored the At the Faroe Islands Deni Pavlovic gave Klaksvik a half going forward in search of the lev- winner 10 minutes from the end time lead and Pall Klettskard added a second (58th min.). eller, which they obtained at the through Jack Musgrave

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A win and a draw for Parramatta

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Green Gully, Sunshine George Cross suffer identical 2-0 defeats

0-2 NPL Vic: Green Gully v Pascoe Vale 0-2; Oakleigh Cannons v Green Gully 0-1 NPL 2 West: Moreland Z v SGC SGC v Eastern Lions 2-1 n the latest round at the weekend Green Gully lost to 2-0 to Pascoe Vale unshine George Cross failed to impress against highand George Cross to Moreland Zebras. flying Moreland conceding two late goals to add furGully's loss to Pascoe Vale was a severe setback in their pursuit of a place in the finals with five teams still in the hunt to fill the final two spots. Al- ther frustrations in their bid to move off bottom spot. Their though only one point separates these sides, Gully's form of late doesn't in- plight wasn't made any easier with several players missing spire confidence. Pascoe Vale eased through this game with a goal in each from their line-up reflecting in the poor performance. *For the first time this season Sunshine George Cross had half to open up a nine-point lead over fifth place Green Gully. *In the previous round Green Gully ended their long win-less streak with become aware that there's light at the end of the tunnel this narrow 1-0 win away at Oakleigh Cannons. The home team doninated after a 2-1 home win over Eastern Lions. They began well the first half and kept Gully keeper Lucas Spinella on his toes throughout. and opened the score after 10 minutes from Ahmed AbdiThe young keeper was up to the task and repelled every Cannon attack to rahman. The Lions levelled on 37. But SGC knew how keep the game score-less at half-time. It was a different Green Gully team in important it was to claim all three points to save their seathe second half as they pinned Oakleigh in their own half for long periods son and retook the lead through Jungho Kim in the 53rd and scored the winning goal on 86 minutes from a penalty by Kieren Dover. minute.

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