The Voice of the Maltese No. 185

The Voice of the Maltese

Issue Fortnightly magazine 185 for the Diaspora

(driven by the voice of its readers )

A food display at the fishing village of Marsaxlokk’s main square just in front of the Parish Church.

Photo: visitmalta.com

August 7, 2018

2 The Voice of the Maltese Commentary

Tuesday August 7, 2018

Two weeks into the Egrant inquiry that exonerated Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and his wife Michelle

No matter what ...

Truth will out in the end

T

wo weeks into the revelations of the magisterial inquiry that exonerated Malta’s Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and his wife Michelle of all allegations that they had shares in Panama company Egrant Inc., Malta is still in deep shock.

People are still coming to terms for the way some people not only intended to bring down a legitimately elected government by forging documents, build plans on lies and push their agenda to destabilise a government, but also to destroy a family, the Prime Minister’s family What has changed since those revelations is, that pain at the way a few people who should know better acted, has now turned into anger. This is certainly no way how to do politics.

Whoever said that politics are dirty is very wrong. It is not politics that are dirty but those politicians and their cohorts who give it a bad name by using dirty tricks and try their best, by fair means or foul, to achieve their goals. Using methods that are not honest or fair to reach your objective makes you a dirty harry.

In this case some people used dishonesty as a means to an end. However, as we have seen, truth will out in the end, and eventually the liar will not only be discredited but also pay for the harm he tried to create on others.

The findings by Magistrate Aaron Bugeja after a meticulous inquiry that took him 15 months to complete, interviewing 477 people, and going through documents (that later turned out to be forged), was accepted by both government and the opposition and also by all the sections of the local and international media.

Since the findings Malta has been agog at the idea that a politician, a blogger, a journalist and a Russian nonentity wanted by the police in Malta on fraud charges who fled the island and spitefully started shooting from the hip, seemingly orchestrated the frame up and the bloodless coup. This is Malta not a Third World Country or South America where such coups are so common.

Shame on those who planned the whole frame up!

Originally the intention was to bring down a legitimate government. That they failed is down to a number of reasons. The Prime Minister’s steadfastness in convincing the electorate that it was all lies, was the reason why he managed to lead his party to victory with the biggest margin in history.

From the outset the Muscats strenuously denied any

wrongdoing and described the allegations as “the biggest political lie in the country's history”.

His decision to go to the polls one year ahead of his five-year mandate was over might have deprived the electorate of one year under Labour, but in the end it won Malta five more years under the leadership of Joseph Muscat, with a historic majority of votes.

Slain blogger Daphne Caruana Galizia1, former NP leader Simon Busuttil, journalist Pierre Portelli and the Russian Maria Efimova, now being referred to as “The Gang of Four2 seem to have acted without realising that in the end the conspiracy that has now been found out to have had a lot of flaws, would fail.

Efimova in particular, aided and abetted, has created so many lies that she has become a hated person by the Maltese community, on each side of the fence.

No wonder that the four mentioned are being referred to as “The Gang of Four” from yesteryear.

The Egrant inquiry by magistrate Aaron Bugeja allegations concluded that the declarations of trust handed to him by the machinations of the four in question, that in the end are understood to have been made in order to crucify the Muscat family, were forgeries and even contained falsified signatures.

The plot appears to have been created to show the Labour government in a bad light and to give an advantage to Simon Busuttil as leader of the Nationalist Party, presumably by bringing down a government and getting his party back into power.

With the result of the Bugeja inquiry, the idea has misfired. The “conspirators” failed to carry the burden of proof to the allegations. It has rebounded on the NP and as such has weakened it even more.

On the other hand, the Prime Minister’s claim that the allegation was “the biggest political lie in the country's history” has proven him right and the others wrong.

Now somebody must pay!

J

LC

1.Daphne Caruana Galizia has just been awarded a posthumous medal by the MCC of Victoria, “‘for general services to the broader Maltese Community and her valuable contribution to democracy in Malta through fearless investigative journalism and by exposing corruption within its political system”.

2. The Gang of Four” were the four Chinese Communist Party officials who at the time, through the later stages of the Cultural Revolution (1966–76) where charged with treason through the later stages of the Cultural Revolution.

BELOW: “The Gang of Four”? (from left): Daphne Caruana Galizia, Simon Busuttil, Maria Efimova and Pierre Portelli

The Voice of the Maltese 3

Tuesday August 7, 2018

A prestigious welcome for the new Consul General of NSW

Around the table at the welcoming luncheon: (from left): Louis Parnis, Nancy Serg-Borg, Sr. Giorgina Sultana, Lawrence Buhagiar, Paul Zammit, George Bartolo, Fr Noel Bianco, Emanuel Camilleri, Antoinette Caruana, Lawrence Dimech (partly hidden), Dr Stephen Gatt, Antoine Mangion, Fr Tarcisio Micallef and Charles Mifsud.

P

arliament House Sydney is a very prestigious and interesting place to visit. Paul Zammit, a businessman and former NSW State Member and former Federal Member for Lowe, hosted a welcome luncheon to Sydney at the Strangers’ Private Dining Room for Lawrence Buhagiar, the seventh Consul-General for NSW. The gathering of thirteen persons targeted as community leaders were given a tour of both houses of this the oldest of all State Parliaments by the host. After the luncheon was served a brief discussion was held on a number of issues. One of the suggestions made was that a supreme body is promoted and that this group is to meet again.

The suggestions aired received mixed reactions.

Consul General, Lawrence Buhagiar thanked the host and those present for their support. He said that Malta was going through good times. He also announced that the consul-on-the move project in NSW would commence soon and pointed out that his role in NSW also covers trade and commerce.

At the end of the luncheon, The Hon John Ajaka MLC the

President of the NSW From Left: Consul General Legislative Council ad- Lawrence Buhagiar, Hon John dressed the group and Ajaka MLC and Paul Zammit invited all to his impressive offices within Parliament House. Gifts between the CG and the President were exchanged.

Santa Marija on August 15, the festa of all festas Consul-on-the-Move in Qld

T

he Maltese are very well known for their love of their town or village festa (feast) during the summer months in particular when each village in Malta and Gozo celebrates the feast of its patron saint by decorating the village church and streets, organises musical band marches through the streets, bearers carry the statue of the patron saint around the town or village and put on fireworks displays!

The peak of the festa season is Santa Marija in seven villages, six of which are held on August 15, in Għaxaq, Gudja, Attard, Mosta,

Mqabba, Qrendi, and Victoria in Gozo. Mġarr also celebrate the feast, a week later.

During this time, most factories are in shut down mode so many workers make the trip to the sister island of Gozo where they make merry while enjoying the celebrations there.

Gozo is known as a calm and quiet little island, but on this occasion it becomes noisy and very hectic, something that the Gozitan men in the street don’t really like, but owners of hotels, hotel apartments and farmhouse owners and restaurateurs look forward to this Festa.

he Voice has learnt that the next Consul-on-the-Move visit will take T place in Queensland between August 17-24 in - BRISBANE - MACKAY CAIRNS The project brings consular services closer to Maltese nationals in various states available at Consuls’ offices in Canberra, Melbourne and Sydney.

Contact the Malta High Commission: 026290 1724.

4 The Voice of the Maltese

Tuesday August 7, 2018

Another service offered by The Voice of the Maltese providing legal information to our readers Considering severely disabled children or relatives in Estate Planning:

Special Disability Trusts T

by PaulSant

Two aspects to Special Disability Trusts

hough our government provides support and welfare for persons living with a disability (primarily the National Disability Insurance Scheme), Succession Planning legislation includes Family Provision aspects.

If you have an adult child who has a severe disability, in some circumstances Family Provision requires an amount calculable from the entire value of your Estate to be set aside. It is also important to provide for a severely disabled child in a way that will not impact your child’s ongoing pension payments.

Using a Special Disability Trust can give you peace of mind that: 1. Welfare your child is in receipt of will not be affected when you wish to leave them an inheritance from your estate; and 2. The NSW Trustee and Guardian will not have grounds to make a Family Provision claim against your Estate. As a testator you have a moral obligation to make a provision for your dependants, rather than all maintenance being assumed as coming from the public purse.

What is classed as a severe disability?

A person age 16 and up is eligible to be a beneficiary of a Special Disability Trust if they are impaired to the extent that: 1. They qualify for the Disability Support Pension, or receive a Department of Vet-

erans’ Affairs Invalidity Ser-vice Pension/Income Support Supplement; and 2. They are unable to work more than 7 hours a week; and 3. If they had a sole carer, the carer would qualify for Carer Payment or Allowance; or 4. They live in an institution, hostel or group home where care is provided for people with disabilities that has funding provided to it under an agreement between the Commonwealth, states and territories.

What a Special Disability Trust does

These trusts are created to pay for the reasonable care expenses and accommodation costs of a severely disabled person. This may include medical and dental expenses, private health insurance, and maintenance on trust property assets.

There is also an allowance for discretionary items for wellbeing, recreation, independence and social inclusion, being up to $12,000 for the 2018/19 financial years.

These trusts have some exemptions to means and income testing in relation to the disability support pension. The asset test exemption is indexed on 1 July each year, currently being $669,750, as opposed to $465,500 (non-homeowners) and $258,500 (homeowners).

PAUL SANT (SOLICITOR)

PARTNER AT LONGTON LEGAL For All Your Legal Needs

Now at: 21 George Street

Parramatta Phone: 8599 8877

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

Courts on welfare and Family Provision by estates

In an unreported Estate case from 1995, Whitmont v Lloyd, Justice Bryson said the Court should not disregard the interest of the public in public funds, whilst noting it is not the Court’s job to ‘throw burdens off public funds and onto private estates’.

Because the legislation has a public policy purpose, ‘it is not appropriate, where there is wealth in an estate, to direct it away from the less fortunate eligible person, to enhance their claims to social benefits and maximise the resources of others’.

The significance of social benefits is related to the available resources of an estate.

In 2009 Justice Bereton stated in Taylor v Farrugia that in smaller estates with competing claims, Courts may consider the eligibility of a claimant for a pension when deciding how limited benefits should be shared between claimants, and how to structure them.

However, the exception to ‘the burden of support being borne in the first instance by an estate rather than by social security arises mainly, if not exclusively in smaller estates.’

It is important to discuss these issues with your family and Estate Planner, particularly when deciding who is a suitable trustee for a Special Disability Trust.

If you have a severely disabled child or family member, or know someone who does, Paul Sant can assist to ensure your Estate Planning is up to date to protect him or her and your Estate We have provided you with an overview of the topic above but you should consult a professional for advice specific to your circumstances.

The Voice of the Maltese 5

Tuesday August 7, 2018

Fr Edwin Agius, MSSP, Rector at Parkville addressing the guests

MCCV celebrates its 60th Anniversary

T

he Maltese Community Council of Victoria celebrated its 60th Anniversary from its foundation in 1958 with a Cocktail Party on July 21 at the MCCV Hall in the presence of about 150 guests. It followed a Mass that was celebrated at St. Paul’s Chapel.

After the rendering of the National Anthem, Dr Edwin Borg Manche`, the V/President, of the MCCV, who acted as MC for the night welcomed the guests, among them the Consul General for the Republic of Malta in Victoria, Ms Joanna Pisani, Mr Victor Borg, President, and other executive members of the MCCV the past President of the MCCV, Mr Eddie Micallef, and members from Religious Orders, and various Maltese Associations.

Mr. Borg delivered the first speech for the night that was accompanied with a video presentation about the achievements of the Council throughout the years. He also

thanked all those who gave their help from the very start.

Next to address the occasion was the Consul General for the Republic of Malta in Victoria, Ms Joanna Pisani. She congratulated the MCCV for its achievements and wished them all the best for the future.

Fr Edwin Agius (MSSP) recalled how the first MSSP priests arrived in Australia and how they helped the migrants in all their needs, in finding jobs, lodgings and filling of documents, etc. He explained that they still look after the spiritual needs of the Maltese community.

Then followed the presentation of the MCCV Community Awards for 2017 to a number of individuals that in the view of the Council’s Executive Committee believes made a substantial contribution to the Maltese/Australian Community. They awards were made to: Fr Dominic Degiorgio, Fr Karmel Borg,

and Fr Dr Victor Shields “for their valuable contribution to the Maltese Community in the fields of spiritual leadership and welfare services”.

Sr Lorraine Testa, “for her valuable contribution to the Maltese Community in the fields of education and aged health care service”.

Mr George Saliba, OAM, “for his valuable contribution to the Maltese Community through his leadership and general services to the community”.

They also gave a posthumous Award to the late Mrs Daphne Caruana Galizia, “for general services to the broader Maltese Community and her valuable contribution to democracy in Malta through fearless investigative journalism and by exposing corruption within its political system”.

PaulVella

The recipients of the MCCV Community Awards for 2017: (From left): Sr Lorraine Testa, Mr George Saliba and the MSSP priests, Fr Domi nic Degiorgio, Fr Dr Vi ctor Shi elds and Fr Karme l Borg

6 The Voice of the Maltese

The Elevation of the Cross

Tuesday August 7, 2018

This sixth article in the series tries to explain the message behind the tapestry titled:

T

he central figure of Christ in the tapestry is seen nailed to the cross that is being raised into an upright position. On top of the cross are the words, Jesus Nazarenum Rex Iudeorum (Jesus King of the Jews). Christ’s eyes are fixed towards heaven. In the Crucifixion one witnesses the tragedy of Jesus nailed to the cross.

The scene depicts three groups of people: The one in the middle comprises seven men putting the cross in position. Six of them are elevating the cross.

The second man from left, wearing an armour breastplate, chain mail and gard de reins is holding Jesus’ right arm, as if supporting him.

His eyes turned towards Jesus express a pitiful look. Rubens could have included this figure clad as a Knight because the tapestry was to be hung in the Conventual Church of the Order.

In the group on the left are the Mother of Jesus and St John who is holding Mary’s hand – accepting her as his mother and the mother of all humanity. Both are standing. Mary has her eyes turned towards Jesus, while John is looking fixedly at her.

Lower down are four women, one holding two young children; perhaps representing the women of Jerusalem.

In the right corner in the foreground are two Romans on horseback, one of them holding a spear in his right hand is Longinus; the one next to him is wearing a soldier’s helmet, holding the Romans’ standard, on top of which is a crown of laurel leaves together with a crimson banner.

Christ’s side was pierced on Calvary, blood and water flowed from the wound, evocative of Baptism and Eucharist. It is profoundly moving to realise that man continues to crucify Jesus daily, who continues to forgive, convert and redeem.

At the very back, beyond the thieves, is a curious view in the tapestry – what looks like a far away mountain.

This could imply the mountain where Isaac had to be sacrificed by his father.

When Abraham was about to lead Isaac to the altar of sacrifice, the child innocently kept asking where the lamb to be sacrificed was. That question had to wait for hundreds of years until John the Baptist answered it by pointing to Jesus “Look, there is the Lamb of God, that takes away the sin of the world” (John 1, 29)1.

He was the perfect sacrifice. It could also remind the viewer of Mt Sinai

where God lavished his love and attention on his chosen people.

The scene brings together tremendous straining forces and counterforces as heavily muscled men strain to lift the cross.

Here, Rubens had the opportunity to show the anatomy and the contortions of violent action of twisted figures. The artist placed the body of Christ on the cross as a diagonal that cuts dynamically across the tapestry while inclining back into it.

The whole composition bubbles over with power that comes from genuine exertion, and tense with effort. The tension on Christ’s face is emotional as well as physical.

The crucifixion depicts the human agony of the Passion that was part of an essential homiletic purpose in iconography. A focus of Rubens’ art was the human body freely acting or free to act in an environment of physical forces and other interacting bodies.

In the background, clouds are gathering around the sun, an ominous sign of what is about to happen. Another theological aspect of the death of Christ is: that whereas every man is born to live, Christ was born to die.

His death on the cross was unlike any other. All the others who were crucified died as men. Jesus’s death on the cross was both as God and made man.

By His death on the wood of the cross Jesus merited justification for

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

Dr. DorisCannataci

mankind.2 The fact that Jesus suffered death on a wooden cross was also God’s design that decreed: “life should return by the way whence death had arisen.”3 The serpent that was responsible for the fall of man’s first parents by the wood of a tree was won over by Christ on the wood of the cross.4 It is very difficult for man to understand the mystery of the cross, and it is much more difficult to grasp the fact that man’s salvation depends on the cross.5 By his passion and death Jesus intended to atone for the sins of all ages, “to offer for them to his Father a full and abundant satisfaction.”6 The passion and death of Jesus Christ had opened heaven for man that was closed by the common sin of mankind.7 References

1. The New Jerusalem Bible, 1747, note 1v: “One of the most significant of John’s symbols of Christ” [is the lamb].

2. Ibid., Chapter 7, 673.

3. Catechism of the Council of Trent for Parish Priests, 51.

4. Ibid.

5. Ibid., 52.

6. Ibid., 57.

7. Ibid., 60.

Għajdut, drawwiet u twemmin fil-Gżejjer Maltin (4) The Voice of the Maltese 7

Tuesday August 7, 2018

F

Alfred E.Baldacchino

l-aħħar ħarġa bdejt nagħti tagħrif dwar il-fkieren tal-art, u biex inkompli dwar dan irrid ngħid i demm frisk minn dawn il-fkieren kien jintuża biex ifejjaq kemm is-suffejra (jaundice) u wkoll attakki tal-qamar (epilepsy).

L-irġiel li kienu jsofru minn dan il-mard kienu jgħidulhom biex jieħdu demm frisk minn fekruna tal-art mara u jagħmlu sinjal tassalib fuq il-ġogi tas-saqajn u talidejn. Mill-banda l-oħra, n-nisa kellhom jagħmlu dan bid-demm ta’ fekruna tal-art, imma fe- kruna raġel.

Ix-xorb tad-demm tal-fekruna tal-art kien ukoll maħsub li jfejjaq l-attakki tal-qamar, l-aktar jekk jinxtorob mill ewwel wara xi attakk.

Fawna oħra

L-għajdut u t-twemmin fuq il-miġja ta’ San Pawl li jeżistu fil-gżejjer Maltin ħafna drabi m’għandhom xejn x’jaqsmu ma’ San Pawl. Dawm m’humiex marbuta biss mal-fawna iżda hemm ukoll dawk li huma marbuta mal-flora.

Dawn ukoll nibtu minħabba xebħ, u nuqqas ta’ tagħrif xjentifiku.

Friefet u baħrijiet Meta konna żgħar, ngħid għalija jien, kienet tkun l-hena tiegħi niġri filmergħat mimlijin ġarġir isfar wara lfriefet, nittanta kull gremxula jew serp li kienu jazzardaw jittawlu minn xi toqba fil-ħajt tas-sejiegħ. U mhux jien biss kelli din id-drawwa.

bara tal-mewt jew ta’ xi aħbar ħażina.

Ma setax jonqos li mit-tagħlim talmejda tan-natura fil-klassi, kulħadd kien ikun imħajjar iġemma’ dawk ilħlejqiet sbieħ u mlewna. U ma setax jonqos li anki jien kont inżomm xi ftit minn dawn id-dar, u saħansitra kont niġbor ix-xagħat tal-friefet u l-baħrijiet.

Niftakar li fil-kamra tas-sodda kien ikolli kaxex tal-kartun taż-żraben b’numru ta’ xagħat ta’ friefet u ta’ baħrijiet, kollha jieklu sakemm jasal iżżmien tagħhom biex jinbidlu f’fosdqa u joħorġu bħala farfett jew baħrija, skont l-ispeċi tagħhom.

Darba kelli madwar 30 xagħat talbaħrija tat-tengħud. Dawn kien ikun fihom madwar 7 ċm tul kull wieħed.

Darba ħarbuli mill-kaxxa tal-kartun u kollha bdew tilgħin mal-ħitan talkamra tas-sodda. Meta kienu jsiru fosdqa u jinbidlu fil-baħrija magħmula, ġieli kienu jaħarbu u jduru mhux biss mal-kamra tas-sodda imma mad-dar kollha. Ġieli kelli xi xagħat tal-baħrija ta’ ras il-mewt. Jgħidulha hekk għax fuq daharha għandha ras ta’ mewt kannella safranija fuq dar bellusi kannella fil-blu. Tista’ timmaġina Baħrija lil nanti, Alla jtiha l-glorja talImma fil-bidu tal-ġimgħa dawk li Ġenna, li meta kienet tinduna b’dawn jkunu ħallewna konna malajr nerġgħu kienet dlonk timla taġen bi ftit weraq nibdluhom ma’ oħrajn maqbudin ġod- taż-żebbuġ imbierek, tqabbdu, u ddur da. Dan kien, kif kienu jgħidulna, biex mad-dar tlissen talb biex ibiegħed kull ħażen u kull imrar mid-dar. nitgħallem nħobbu n-natura!

Waqt li kienet iddur u titlob kienet Mill-banda l-oħra d-dar konna nisimgħu qanpiena differenti. Kif nafu l- tpoġġi t-taġen fuq rasna biex ikun friefet u l-baħrijiet fuq ġwinħajhom aktar effettiv. Din kienet drawwa ta’ għandhom qxur żgħar ħafna, forma dawk tal-età tan-nanna. Kemm kienu ta’ għabra fina, li jtihom dawk l-ilwien juruna mħabba innoċenti li għenitna kollha. Għalhekk kien ikollna twissi- biex nikbru u nsiru rġiel u nisa tajbin!

Minn xi daqqiet nistaqsi lili nnifsi: jiet biex meta naqbdu l-friefet ma mmissux subgħajna mċappsa b’dik l- imma minn fejn kienu jġibhom dawn għabra fina ma xagħarna minħabba li il-qlajjiet? Li kieku kellhom xi ftit talverità kieku jien illum lanqas għandi jkien jaqagħlna xagħrna!

U xkienu jgħidulna għall-baħrijiet, xagħra waħda, u kieku s’issa miet xi dawk il-friefet li jtiru matul il-lejl u li tliet darbiet. konna narawhom ma’ xi lampa fit-triq, (fl-aħħar parti ta’ din is-sensiela filjew li xi waħda minnhom kienet tidhol ħarġa li jmiss jingħata tagħrif dwar ilfid-dar jekk tara d-dawl ġewwa?

Fossili tal-kelb il-baħar) Kienu jgħidulna li dawn kienu l-ħabNiftakar li l-iskola primarja kienu jgħidulna biex meta noħorġu fi tmiem il-ġimgħa ma’ tal-Mużew (u dak iżżmien min ma kienx imur il-Mużew?) biex magħna nieħdu vażett u nġibu ftit mrieżep, jew żrinġijiet, jew anke xi friefet li konna naqbdu, biex imbagħad inpoġġuhom fuq il-mejda firrokna tal-klassi, li konna nsejħulha il-mejda tan-natura.

Għadhom stampati f’moħħi dawk ilfriefet b’labra ġo nofs daharhom, imqabbda ma’ xi biċċa sufra, iferfru ġwinħajhom qabel ma jtiru l-aħħar titjira tagħhom lejn il-Ħallieq. U l-istess kienu jagħmlu l-imrieżep ġo vażetti bl-ilma ħadrani, jieħdu ftit arja mill-wiċċ tal-vażett, kif kienu jagħmlu wkoll xi żrinġijiet żgħar.

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Have your say/Xi trid tghid?

8 The Voice of the Maltese

Tuesday August 7, 2018

Your letters/ L-ittri tagħkom ...

The Voice of the Maltese for fortnightly tnightly magazine magazine

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

If you require a printed copy we can also oblige.

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

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

Is the MCC of Victoria for real?

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Joe Attard from Sunshine Victoria writes:

was shocked to hear that the Maltese Community Council of Victoria has given a special award, posthumously, to the late Daphne Caruana Galizia, for general services to the broader Maltese Community and her valuable contribution to democracy in Malta through fearless investigative journalism and by exposing corruption within its political system.

Is the MCC of Victoria aware that this so honoured person who had a complete tunnel vision via anything to do with the Labour Party in Malta has been found wanting by the latest magisterial 15-month inquiry by Magistrate Aaron Bugeja, a report that was accepted, by both of Malta’s main political parties.

The Bugeja investigation found that the said Caruana Galizia was part of a charge sheet of fraud, forgery, defamation, false evidence, outright lies, character assassination and attempting to pervert the course of justice.

Indeed, the late Caruana Galizia seemingly intent of destroying the family of a politician accused Mrs Michelle, wife of the Prime Minister of Malta of fraud and deception. These allegations have been found to be completely unfounded.

It is worth reproducing extracts from an article by The Times of Malta opinion writer Martin Scicluna in reference to DCG. He wrote: “I find it personally extremely difficult to comment dispassionately on the outcome to this magisterial inquiry, given that the central player in this whole incendiary saga is

I

Mark Caruana from Blacktown NSW writes:

n view of the continuing saga of youth participation in our community, I would like to point out that 2010 National Strategy for Young Australians defines youth in

now dead, brutally assassinated several months after the events described in the magistrate’s inquiry for reasons clearly unconnected with this notorious case.

“She has been presented as a martyr to free speech and her death has been turned by some into an international cause celebre. But, sadly, Caruana Galizia’s death cannot be considered without recalling the pivotal part she played in building and promoting the Egrant story.

“She has been raised by some to the status of a secular saint, but this investigation has demonstrated beyond doubt that, despite her undoubted courage as a journalist in following up investigative leads, in this instance, like so many of us, she had feet of clay” The Maltese Community Council of Victoria, a non-political entity has a lot of explaining to do by making the award to DC for the reasons given.

Disprezz lejn Malta

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Tony Spiteri minn Brunswick, Victoria jikteb:

xxukjajt ruħi naqra fin-newsletter talMCC ta’ Victora li onoraw lil Daphne Caruana Galizia u tawha award wara mewtha. Posibbli li dawn li suppost qed imexxu l-komunita` Maltija jħallu l-għamad politiku tagħhom imexxihom?

X’għamlet din is-sinjura li sfortunatament sfat maqtula biex timmerita l-award, wara li tħabbar f’Malta li kienet fost dawk li kkonfoffaw biex iwaqqgħu l-gvern? Dan disprezz lejn Malta!

Definition of youths

general as 12-24 years of age. Other government funding bodies start at 16 years and go to about 35 years as for their definition of youth.

Recent Census data shows that there are very few Malta-born youths. Now, migration from Malta to Australia has dwindled to single digit figures from the late eighties to date, 2018. So, in practice, there are few if any Malta-born youth.

One needs to distinguish between youth of this age bracket and 2nd and 3rd generation Australian-Maltese.

My guess is that today's demography is more of 3rd generation Australian Maltese where the grandparents were Malta born migrants.

Their needs, aspirations are very different.

I agree that a good approach is in a greater appreciation of their Maltese heritage. This is a common binding factor.

I write this, as one need to be clear of the definition of youth to plan accordingly.

Tuesday August 7, 2018

Maria Tabone,

The Voice of the Maltese 9

nibqgħu niftakruha

M

nistax ngħid li kont ilni naf lis-Sinjura Maria Tabone, l-armla tal-eks-President Censu Tabone ħafna snin, jew konna familjari. Id-destin ħadni lAwstralja meta kont għadni żagħżugħ. Iżda meta ltqajt magħha l-ewwel darba bqajt impressjonat u fl-istess ħin umiljat li kont fil-preżenza ta’ mara li tant kellha parti attiva fl-istorja politika ta’ Malta.

Il-mewt ta’ Maria Tabone MGR, fid-19 ta’ Lulju fl-eta` ta’ 98 sena ħalliet l-effett tagħha fuq il-familja numeruża tagħha u wkoll fuq Malta.

Jien u marti Marlene kellna l-unur li niltaqgħu magħha meta fl-okażjoni taċ-ċerimonja Gieħ irRepubblika f’Dicembru tal-2013 fil-Palazz talPresident (dak iz-zmien Dr. George Abela) introduċiena magħha wieħed minn uliedha, Francis Tabone li bejn 2006 u l-2013 kien Kummissarju Għoli għal Malta fl-Awstralja. F’dak l-istess jum, bħali Maria kienet ukoll onorata mill-Gvern.

B’sorpriża għalina, eżattament wara ċ-ċerimonja fil-palazz, il-membri tal-familja Tabone stednuna għal ikla fid-dar tagħhom fl-Imdina. Hemmhekk, flimkien mas-sinjura Maria Tabone li diġa’ kienet fl-eta ta’ 93 sena għaddejna siegħat nifirħu b’xulxin u niċċelebraw l-unuri li konna rċevejna u niftakru wkoll fil-memorji tal-vjaġġi fl-Awstralja ta’ żewġħa fis-snin 1970 u 1993. Fl-1993 kienet akkumpanjat lill-President Tabone fiż-żjara fl-Awstralja u New Zealand.

Kemm għalija u wkoll għal marti, dik li nkunu fil-preżenza ta’ Maria Tabone, sinjura nobbli f’kull sens, kienet okkażjoni memorabbli. Din il-mara qdiet b’dinjita u devozzjoni d-dmirijiet tagħha bħala omm u mart wieħed mill-iktar politiċi popolari li fl-aħħar tal-karriera politika tiegħu anke okkupa l-ogħla pożizzjoni ta’ pajjiżna, Malta.

Is-Sinjura Tabone, imwielda l-Belt Valletta fid-9 ta’ Frar tal-1920, l-akbar fost tmien ulied talMaġistrat Wirth, kienet meqjusa minn ħafna bħala ikona ta’ mara ta’ għaqal u għerf.

Il-funeral tagħha sar fil-knisja parrokkjali tal-Balluta f’San Ġiljan nhar it-Tnejn 23 ta’ Lulju li għadda. RIP

__________

LawrenceDimech

Fl-istampa fuq: Is-Sinjura Maria Tabone fuq quddiem flimkien ma’ binha Francis u martu Anna (bil-wieqfa fin-nofs) ma’ Marlene u Lawrence Dimech fid-dar tal-familja Tabone fl-Imdina f’Dicembru 2013.

10 The Voice of the Maltese

Perspettiva

Tuesday August 7, 2018

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

D

an l-aħħar erġajt ħsibt dwar dan issuġġett, wara li qrajt dwar l-aħħar ‘ċelebrità li kellha wild ta’ età matura.

Qed nirreferi għal Brigitte Nielsen, attriċi magħrufa, li fl-eta` ta’ 54 sena f’Ġunju li għadda welldet bint li semmietha Frida. Dan l-avveniment għandu wkoll xi konnessjoni ma’ Malta, għax Nielsen iżżewġet lir-raġel tagħha ta’ bħalissa, Mattia Dessi f’Malta fl2006.

Jien kont għadni Malta meta Nielsen kienet iżżewġet hemmhekk ukoll lil raġel ieħor, Sebastian Copeland fl-1990 – għadni niftakarha għaddejja f’Mannarino Road miegħu f’karrozzin miftuħ mill-isbaħ dakinhar, għalkemm hi tgħid li dak iż-żwieġ ma kienx legali.1 Nielsen gergret li semgħet lil min qalilha li hi kienet xiħa wisq biex ikollha t-tfal, imma l-istess ġeneralment ma jingħadx lill-irġiel tal-istess età.

Fil-fatt ħafna mill-informazzjoni tikkonċentra dwar ir-risjki fuq il-mara, bħaż-żieda fir-riskju ta’ dijabete bikrija, kolesterol, kanċer tas-sider, pressjoni għolja u oħrajn. Generalment nisa ta’ iktar minn 50 jużaw bajda ta’ mara iżgħar minħabba difetti fil-kromosomi.

Madankollu, ħafna nisa kbar fl-età ikollhom tfal perfettament b’saħħithom, u aktar ma jgħaddi ż-żmien, hemm tendenza li ttfal jitwieldu iktar lil ommijiet b’età avvanzata.

Per eżempju fl-Ingilterra r-rata ta’ konċepiment fl-2016 naqas għal kull grupp ta’ età tal-ommijiet, ħlief għal etajiet ta’ iktar minn 40 sena.1 Forsi wieħed ma jistennix li jista’ wkoll ikun hemm ċerti vantaġġi li l-ġenituri jkunu ikbar; artiklu li qrajt issuġġerixxa li t-tfal ta’ ġenituri kbar jistgħu jkunu aħjar f’suġġetti matematiċi jew tekniċi, possibiltà li jgħixu għal ħajja itwal u jkunu iktar b’saħħithom, il-ġenituri jkunu iktar imħejjija emozzjonalment, finanzjarjament u kif jittrattaw mat-tfal.3 Hemm ukoll l-aspett ta’ x’inhu fl-aħjar interess tat-tfal. Hemm min hu konvint li l-aħjar età ta’ ġenitur tkun fl-għoxrinijiet jew tletinijiet ta’ snin ikbar mill-wild, u iktar minn hekk ikun ta’ ħsara għat-tfal.

Fost ir-raġunijiet li smajt huma li l-ġenituri ma jifilħux għallpiż tat-trobbija (li naraha ġeneralizzazzjoni u potenzjalment applikabbli għal min huwa iżgħar), li jidhru qishom in-nanniet u mhux il-ġenituri (din forsi l-iktar evidenti) u li l-ġenituri huma egoisti (mid-dehra kull min irid xi ħaġa, isibha diffiċli u jibqa’ jaħdem u jippersisti biex jakkwistaha ikun egoist).

Minn jaħseb hekk x’aktarx jgħid li huwa ‘kontra’ li nies ikollhom tfal meta jkunu ta’ ċerta età, ejja ngħidu ta’ iktar minn 40 sena, u jippreferu li l-familji jkunu iktar ‘normali’ b’ġenerazzjoni ssegwi l-oħra ngħidu aħna kull 20 sena.

Li wieħed mhux neċessarjament japprezza hu li wild ta’ ġenituri ta’ età avvanzata, per eżempju ta’ 50 sena, ma kellux l-opportunità li jitwieled meta l-ġenituri kellhom 30. Dak iż-żmien għadda.

Issa l-għażla hi li jew jitwieled lil ġenituri ta’ 50 sena jew inkella ma jitnissilx, u naturalment ma jitwelidx.

Lill-wild ta’ ġenitur anzjan, tkun qed tgħidlu li tippreferi li ma jeżistix, f’wiċċu (jew minn wara daharu).

Naħseb li hawn ukoll l-ideja, li l-ġenituri jagħżlu ‘kapriċċjożament’ li ma jkollhomx tfal meta jkunu fl-aħjar tagħhom, speċjalment dawk it-tfajliet u nisa moderni tal-lum, li moħħhom fil-karriera tagħhom u biex jiddevertu qabel kollox, imbagħad ‘bil-

Brigitte Nielsen bit-tarbija, il-ħames wlld tagħha, Frida

wiċċ tost kollu’ jkunu jridu jkunu ġenituri ‘akkost ta’ kollox’.

Għalkemm hemm elementi ta’ verità f’dan ta’ fuq, hija biss karikatura li ma tgħidx l-istorja kollha.

Ma ssemmiex per eżempju, li mhux bilfors ikollok sieħbek/seħbitek/żewġek/martek fiż-żmien meta jkun ikkunsidrat bijoloġikament jew soċjalment aċċettabbli li jkollok it-tfal.

Jista’ jkun ukoll li wieħed/waħda mill-koppja f’dak il-perjodu ma tkunx mixtieq/a mit-tfal daqs il-parti l-oħra. Jista’ wkoll ikun hemm storja twila, siekta u mobija, ta’ qsim il-qalb, ta’ infertilità.

Jista’ jkun hemm elf raġuni oħra.

Jien ngħid li tajjeb li jkollna opinjoni, u li nesprimuha u niddiskutuha. Ikun itjeb madankollu li noqogħdu attenti li ma nweġġgħux lil min jista’ jkun qed jisma’, billi nitfgħu dell fuq l-intenzjonijiet jew il-karattru ta’ dak li jkun, meta ma nkunux nafu minn xiex ikun għadda u x’diffikultajiet sab fl-istorja mwiegħra ta’ ħajtu.

Naħseb li l-aħjar attitudni hija simili għal dik meħuda min-National Health Service (NHS) tal-Ingilterra. Din tirreferi għal rapport tar-Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) li titkellem dwar ir-riskji ta’ tqala f’età avvanzata, imma imbagħad tistqarr li l-età li fiha mara ssir omm huwa influenzat minn għadd ta’ ċirkostanzi personali, soċjali, professjonali u talħajja, li mhux dejjem jistgħu faċilment jiġu ppjanati.

Tkompli, li n-nisa m’għandhomx jinħasdu mir-rapport, imma jkunu konxji tar-rakkomandazzjonijiet, u li n-nisa tqal kollha, ta’ liema età jkunu, għandhom ikollhom l-informazzjoni kollha, jirċievu l-aħjar kura u għajnuna u l-attenzjoni medika kollha li jista’ jkollhom bżonn.4 Attitudni matura għall-aħħar u mingħajr ġudizzji.

Referenzi 1. https://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20060708/local/the-greatdane-marries-in-malta.48361, retrieved 31/7/2018 2. https://www.bbc.com/news/health-44966341, retrieved 31/7/2018 3. https://www.nbcnews.com/better/health/5-advantages-being-older-parent-ncna775581, retrieved 31/7/2018 4. https://www.nhs.uk/news/pregnancy-and-child/pregnancy-warningfor-older-women/, retrieved 1/8/2018

Patri Mikiel Fsadni OP u l-Girna

The Voice of the Maltese 11

Tuesday August 7, 2018

- għen ukoll fis-sejba ta’ il-Cantalena

M

PeterPaulCiantar

inħabba li ngħix qrib ħafna tal-kunvent tal-Patrijiet Dumnikani tar-Rabat kont nikkomunika tajjeb ħafna magħhom, imma forsi wieħed mill-aktar fost dawn kien Patri Mikiel Fsadni. Dejjem nafu xwejjaħ u l-aktar li kont nitkellem miegħu kien fuq il-karozza tal-linja; jiena waqt li sejjer lejn ix-xogħol u hu ta’ kuljum lejn Santa Luċija biex jara jekk ħuh, iżgħar minnu fl-età, kienx jonqsu xi ħaġa.

L-esperjenzi tiegħi ma’ Patri Mikiel Fsadni huma ħafna. Niftakar meta kont tkellimt miegħu għall-programm televiżiv ‘LArti Siekta’, meta flimkien ma’ Tony Terribile morna nżuru l-Knisja tal-Madonna tal-Għar fir-Rabat.

Miegħu tkellimna ħafna dwar id-devozzjoni kbira tiegħu lejn il-Madonna tal-Għar. Kont narah ta’ kuljum xwejjaħ idur il-kunvent u l-knisja, jagħlaq il-bibien b’mazz ċwievet f’idejh. Kien tassew bniedem mimli bl-għerf u metikoluż għall-aħħar.

Patri Mikiel twieled il-Birgu fil-15 ta’ April 1916 minn Joseph u Giovanna née Cassano. Hu daħal bħala novizz fil-Kunvent tadDumnikani tar-Rabat fl-1933 u għamel l-Ewwel Professjoni fil21 ta’ Ottubru tal-1934. Ġie ordnat saċerdot ħames snin wara, fil-11 ta’ Ġunju 1939.

Patri Fsadni hu magħruf l-aktar għall-kitba iżda kien ukoll jaf sewwa l-fotografija: anzi r-ritratt famuż tiegħu tal-Madonna talGħar bid-dmugħ tad-demm iċarċar minn għajnejha huwa ritratt speċjali tiegħu u ħafna għal qalbu. Kien ħadu eżatt kif seħħ dan il-każ. Fi ħdan il-Provinċja hu jibqa’ magħruf għas-snin twal ta’ riċerka li għamel ukoll fuq il-kunventi tad-Dumnikani li wassluh ukoll biex ippubblika monografiji dwarhom, partikularment dwar it-tlieta l-iktar antiki Il-Patri hu wkoll awtur ta’ għadd ta’ kotba oħra minbarra dwar l-Istorja tad-Dumnikani f’Malta. Ħadem bis-sħiħ mal-Professur Godfrey Wettinger fis-sejba tal-poeżija bil-Malti l-aktar qadima li nafu biha sal-lum: ‘Il-Cantilena’ ta’ Pietru Caxaro. Iżda ismu huwa wkoll marbut mal-famuża ‘girna’. Kien hu li għamel studju bir-reqqa tad-diversi giren f’Malta kif ukoll f’Għawdex.

Il-girna Maltija li bħala wieħed għadu jista’ jsib f’Malta

Biex wasal għal dan it-tagħrif Patri Fsadni għamel ħafna tiftix.

Għalkemm kien diġa` xwejjaħ kont ta’ spiss issibu jterraq b’kamera tar-ritratti f’idejh, ifittex u jistaqsi dwar il-giren li ftit minnhom għadhom jidhru fl-għelieqi tagħna, l-aktar fin-naħa ta’ fuq ta’ pajjiżna. Kien ukoll jieħu r-ritratti dettaljati tagħhom Din il-ħidma ta’ Fsadni ħalliet il-frott. L-ewwelnett grazzi għalih sirna aktar konxji tal-girna. Grazzi wkoll għall-Ordni li kien iħaddan ħalla wkoll kollox bil-miktub u stampat fi ktieb mill-isbaħ li ppubblikatlu l-Ordni.

Fil-fatt, b’dan ix-xogħol ‘Il-Girna - Wirt Arkitettoniku u Etniku Malti’, stampat fil-Gutenberg Press fl-1990, Patri Mikiel rebaħ il-Midalja tad-Deheb u l-Ewwel Premju fil-Konkors Premju Letterarju mniedi mill-Ministeru tal-Edukazzjoni għall-1990. Illum ma ssibx kopji tiegħu għall-bejgħ għax ftit kienu ġew stampati.

Dan l-istess ktieb dwar il-girna, li wkoll ġie maqlub għall-Ingliż minn Louis Scerri għen biex il-qarrejja jżidu wkoll l-għarfien tagħhom għal settur ieħor tal-kultura Maltija. L-iżball kien li ftit kienu ġew mitbugħa (stampati) kopji.

X’ħin tidħol fil-Kunvent tad-Dumnikani fir-Rabat tinħass ilpreżenza ta’ Patri Mikiel ħdejn il-Madonna tal-Għar. Kuljum kien jinżel jgħodd il-bukketti tal-fjuri li kienu jitpoġġew quddiem ilMadonna u jiktibhom ħalli din tkun xhieda ta’ parti importanti mill-istorja tal-kunvent fejn kienet tidħol id-devozzjoni lejn ilMadonna tal-Għar.

Forsi li ftit li xejn nafu dwar Patri Mikiel hu li dan il-patri maħbub u umli kien ikkollabora wkoll ma’ Dun Ġorġ Preca (illum qaddis), il-fundatur tas-Soċjetà tal-MUSEUM, fil-kitba tar-Regola għas-Soċjetà tiegħu, partikolarment fit-taqsima dwar it-tmexxija.

Patri Mikiel kellu karattru sod u determinat f’kollox, anki meta kien f’età ta’ xjuħija. Kien bniedem li ried kollox preċiż u jekk jista’ jkun mingħajr difett. Kellu wkoll memorja preċiza sakemm miet fil-Birgu fit-18 ta’ April, 2013 fl-eta 97 sena. Miet erbat ijiem wara li għalaq sninu u kien baqa’ jaħdem kważi sal-aħħar.

12 The Voice of the Maltese

Tuesday August 7, 2018

Roundup of News About Malta

Malta base for Japanese aircraft leasing company

t the end of a meeting with Hiroyuki Ishig, the Chief A Executive Officer of the Japan External Trade Corporation (JETRO) during which he discussed possible new areas of trade initiatives between Malta and Japan, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat announced that Malta will be the new home for the second largest aircraft leasing company in the world, an emerging sector that shows how diversified Malta’s economy is.

Dr Muscat explained that Malta is much more than the tuna industry when it comes to Japan, and in fact contrary to the perception of many, Malta’s main export to Japan are microchips.

He went on to explain the economic success of Malta raging from the manufacturing industry to the services industry.

JETRO’s CEO said that Malta’s economic success far exceeds expectations and Japan is looking at Malta as a destination that is strategically located to reach Europe and North Africa.

Joseph Muscat also mentioned Malta’s legislation on blockchain that gives certainty to a sector, and said that Malta is the first jurisdiction to have specific legislation for the sector. He also mentioned that there is considerable interest in the sector from Japan.

The meeting of two Prime Ministers in Tokyo. Joseph Muscat (left) and Shinzo Abe

Malta, Japan agree to maintain rules-based maritime order

F

ollowing talks in Tokyo with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Malta’s Prime Minister Joseph Muscat announced that Malta would be leading the way among EU member states to ratify the EU-Japan Partnership Agreement. The talks focused on how the two countries will further consolidate their growing economic and trade relations, Joseph Muscat’s visit to Japan is the first by a Maltese Prime Minister in 28 years.

The two leaders also agreed to closely cooperate in maintaining maritime order based on the rule of law and confirmed the importance of the issue as Malta hosts the International Maritime Law Institute aimed at training specialists in the field.

When it comes to the Partnership Agreement Dr Muscat expressed hope for an early implementation of a free trade agreement Japan and the European Union signed last month. He said that the partnership agreement will translate into more Japanese products entering EU markets and also give the opportunity for more Maltese quality products to enter the Japanese domestic market.

He added that following the excellent inroads and successes Maltese tuna ex-

ports made in Japan, talks with Mr Abe also dwelt on expanding this to other Maltese high quality agricultural products like pork and tomatoes. He mentioned the fact of the increase in the number of Japanese students coming to Malta to study English as a foreign language and following the recent changes in local legislation, will also have the opportunity to work in the island.

The Maltese Prime Minister also referred to talks held during his current visit with leading Japanese corporations and said that he was The signing of an MoM with Nippon Foundation looking forward to conclude agreements, which At Japan symposium: Malta signs MoM have the full support of the Japanese Prime Minfor cooperation about oceans and ister, leading to more inenvironment with Nippon Foundation vestment, know-how and higher innovation side of the symposium or- and Trade Promotion Carmelo and more areas of colganised by the Nippon Abela signed on behalf of laboration between the Foundation in the Japanese Malta and Mitsuyuki Unno, two countries.

Dr Muscat said that capital, Tokyo, Malta and the Executive Director for the Japan can consider Mal- Foundation signed a Memoran- Foundation.

It was made in the presence of ta to be a straight-talking dum of Understanding for an but honest partner in its enhanced co-operation on inter- Prime Minister Joseph Muscat dealings with Japan. national issues pertaining to the and Yohei Sasakawa, Chairman oceans and the environment. of The Nippon Foundation in *Continued on page 13 Minister for Foreign Affairs Tokyo.

A

The Voice of the Maltese 13

Tuesday August 7, 2018

Roundup of News About Malta

PM Muscat emphasises Malta’s commitment to “Blue Economy”

A

Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat addressing the Nippon Foundaton symposium

ddressing the Nippon Foundation symposium, ‘Protecting our Oceans for Present and Future Generations’, in Tokyo, Malta’s Prime Minister Joseph Muscat reiterated his government’s commitment to protecting the oceans and developing its blue economy. As such, Malta has registered a voluntary commitment of 30 per cent of sea areas falling under its jurisdiction as marine-protected areas.

The Prime Minster, a keynote speaker at the symposium pointed out that Malta continues to witness a healthy growth in the number of ships registered under the Maltese flag, and that it currently has the largest ship register in Europe.

He also dwelt on the relations between Malta and Japan that although being so far away from each other, the sea has given both many common interests, some of which he also highlighted in his speech.

Joseph Muscat said that a contemporary maritime linkage between the two countries relates to their trade. For decades the Mal-

A dialogue between like-minded partners *From page 12

Joseph Muscat described the talks with Shinzo Abe as a dialogue between two like-minded partners who share common democratic values, freedom and rule of law and who are beacons of economic progress.

This was Muscat and Abe’s second meeting in 15 months. They last met in Malta in May 2017 when the Japanese leader stopped on the island on his way home from the Group of Seven nations' summit in Italy.

Mr Abe highlighted the excellent relations between the two countries and said that in

recent years the number of Japanese tourists visiting Malta more than doubled in number. He welcomed the civil aviation agreement between the two countries, and said that following Muscat’s visit economic and commercial relations between the two countries are bound to strengthen.

The PM Joseph Muscat was leading a trade delegation of Maltese entrepreneurs.

The two Prime Ministers further agreed to work together in resolving outstanding issues surrounding North Korea, including Japanese nationals abducted by Pyongyang in the 1970s and 1980s.

tese have prized Japanese products that enjoy an excellent reputation. “This led to years of a trade deficit in favour of Japan.

In the last few years, Maltese tuna has gained tremendous popularity in Japan and has resulted in a favourable balance of trade for Malta,” he said.

He also briefly referred to some of the major threats that he believes risk causing irreparable harm to the oceans, including a huge amount of illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing, further compounded by ecological problems facing our planet. He added that pollution from industrial activities continues to grow at an alarming rate, and a recent concern is the plastic pollution that is currently choking the oceans.

Joseph Muscat said he supports efforts to establish an integrated global ocean governance strategy - under the direction of the United Nations General Assembly, and proposed that the General Assembly should request the UN’s Secretary-General to consider the possibility of the establishment of a panel to coordinate the work being carried out on the subject of ocean governance, both within the UN and outside it.

It is expected that the new mechanism or panel will make recommendations with a view to provide options to the General Assembly on the formulation of a global strategy, to ensure that all problems of ocean space are considered as a whole in the spirit of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. “We are confident that this will promote a more sustainable and effective global ocean governance,” Dr Muscat said. “I hope that our initiative will receive widespread support to ensure its implementation in the interest of present and future generations.

Our oceans need our protection as much as humanity needs them for their survival.”

14.5% increase in tourism arrivals June Fitch rating agency confirms Malta’s

T

he total number of tourists visiting Malta in June this year showed an increase of 14.5% over the same period last year. Statistics published by the National Statistics Office (NSO) indicate that in June 265,823 tourists visited Malta .

The major part of the visitors came from EU member stats, primarily from the UK, Italy, Germany and France.

Of the total, 16,694 visited Malta for work purposes.

The highest percentage of tourists (38.9%) was aged

between 25 and 44 years followed by the 45-66-age bracket with 31.4%.

The NSO calculates that the June tourists increased Malta’s coffer by more than €212.6 million, an increase of over 9.7% over the same period last year.

Tourism figures for the fist six months of the year amounted to 1,162,344, an increase of 17.4% over the first six months of 2017. Between them they generated €840.9 million in Malta’s economy, 11.6% more than last year’s period.

A+ rating with stable prospects

W

hile confirming Malta’s credit rating in A+ level with stable prospects, International credit rating agency Fitch’s economists further indicated that they expect the Maltese economy to grow by 5.6%, and that the Government will register another surplus in its finances, Fitch experts stated that while the country’s debt compared with the gross domestic product will continue to decrease, when compared to countries in the A level, the economic growth and the Government’s financial situation, together

with Euro membership, Malta’s rating reflects the average income.

Commenting on the Government’s debt reduction compared with the GDP, the agency said that banks working in the local market have a solid base. Fitch economists predict that this year the Government will have a balance of 1% of GDP in the budget.

They added that due to an increase in Government’s income from taxes and the citizenship investment programme, Malta’s financial targets may even be better than those predicted by the Government.

14 The Voice of the Maltese

Tuesday August 7, 2018

One TV jirrapporta l-aħbar tal-inkjesta li l-Egrant mhix Prim Ministru Joseph Muscat jew familtu

Kif irrapporta l-aħbar Net TV b’Delia jaċċetta r-riżultat tal-inkjesta

Il-kwestjoni Egrant

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ma' Egrant; iNews: Egrant mhijiex tal-Prim should resign at once Ministru, martu jew membri tal-familja U l-Partit Laburista malajr ħareġ stqarrija tagħhom; Onenews (tal-Partit La-burista): jgħid: “Jekk Simon Busuttil ma jitlaqx Inkjesta ċara u inekwivoka: EGRANT MHIX waħdu, għandu jneħħih Adrian Delia”.

TAL-PRIM MINISTRU U MARTU. Għalkemm tħabbar li: Independent: PN Malta Independent: Egrant inquiry cle- leader says his predecessor must 'assume ars PM and his wife, finds that signatures responsibility, Delia suspends Simon on declarations were falsified.

Busuttil from PN Parliamentary Group The Times of Malta: Egrant inquiry finds after Egrant inquiry conclusions, u Busutfalsified signatures, differing testimonies til says PM’s call for his resignation ‘ridiand no proof. culous,’ biggest question remains, imma Malta Today: Nothing linking Muscat jidher li mhux l-istess ħasibha l-mexxej talfamily to Panama company, inquiry finds. Partit Nazzjonalista, Dr Adrian Delia, għax Magistrate says Panama company not Mus- f’inqas minn satgħtejn ħarġet l-aħbar: The cat’s, PM calls for Busuttil’s resignation Times: Busuttil removed as shadow minisDawn is-siti ma naqsux jagħtu wkoll ir- ter by Delia, who asks him to suspend himreazzjoni tal-Prim Ministru għall-aħbar: self - PN leader says his predecessor must iNews: “Ma setgħux jaslu għalija u għal- 'assume responsibility' hekk ippruvaw iweġġgħu lil familti” … IlAktar reazzjoni ta’ Dr Busuttil: The PM viżibbilment emozzjonat - Il-PM Mus- Times: Busuttil refuses Delia's request to cat: “L-ikbar gidba politika fl-istorja ta’ suspend himself from PN u sostna li, pajjiżna ċċertifikata”.

Adrian Delia is siding with Joseph Muscat.

Malta Today: Joseph Muscat sheds tears Malta Independent; Delia sided with of relief after 15-month ordeal; Magistrate Muscat instead of strengthening PN says Panama company not Muscat’s, PM against corruption – Busuttil; Illum: Delia calls for Busuttil’s resignation. 'jkeċċi' lil Simon mill-PN. Simon jisfidah u Onenews: “Illum bdiet issir ġustizzja ma’ jgħidlu li mhux se jirreżenja. familti u mal-pajjiż” – Joseph Muscat One News ikkwota liIl-Partit Laburista The Times: Emotional Prime Minister re- jgħid: Delia fl-aħħar ħa deċiżjoni tajba fillieved Egrant "nightmare" is over - Tears konfront ta' Simon Busuttil, u kompla, into Simon Busuttil, says he Busuttil jakkuża lil Delia li jrid jeħles minnu.

Isfel ir-ras tal-artiklu tal-iNews dwar l-aħintendi l-midja kompliet tiffoka says PD -Parliament's third party bar tat-talfuq l-istorja l-għada t-Tnejn, meta questions Adrian Delia's behaviour. ba ta’ Delia l-qarejja kellhom quddiemhom mhux Biss il-Partit Nazzjonalista baqa’ biex Bubiss ir-riżultat tal-inkjesta, iżda l- deċiż dwar Busuttil: The Times: PN suttil jirinkwiet li daħal fih il-Partit Nazzjon- piles pressure on Simon Busuttil to riżenja alista, speċjalment bil-passi li ħa suspend himself from party - 'Nobody l-mexxej tal-istess partit Adrian Delia. is bigger than the party,' administraTkellmu wkoll tal-Partit Demokra- tive council says unanimously. tiku bit-Times tirrapportahom jgħidu: 'Egrant inquiry is a distraction,' *Ikompl f’paġna 15

aħseb li f’Malta ftit kellna stejjer li ddominaw l-aħbarijiet, il-kummenti u d-diskussjonijiet daqs li kellna fl-laħħar ġimagħtejn wara r-rapport tal-in-kjesta mill-Maġistrat Aaron Bugeja dwar Egrant.

Biex wieħed jikteb u jikkummenta dwar dak li ntqal u seħħ, jinħtieġ aktar minn ħarġa waħda ta’ dan il-magażin. Għalhekk deherli se nillimita ruħi għat-titli ewlenin ta’ xi ġurnali elettroniċi li nittama li b’hekk tingħata stampa ta’ kif il-midja Maltija ttrattat dan l-episodju u nħalli f’idejkom ilkummenti li tistgħu taslu għalihom.

Fl-20 ta’ Lulju ġriet l-aħbar li r-rapport talMaġistrat Bugeja dwar l-inkjesta Egrant kien intbagħat lill-Avukat Ġenerali u li issa kien f’idejn dan l-Avukat Ġenerali jekk jippublikahx.

Jumejn wara, il-Ħadd 22 ġriet l-aħbar li lPrim Ministru kellu jsejjaħ konferenza stampa li deher fiċ-ċar li kienet dwar dan ir-rapport, u l-portals tal-aħbarijiet malajr ħarġu bl-istejjer tagħhom.

In-NetFM (tal-Partit Nazzjonalista) kien xott u sempliċament ħabbar: Ippubblikati lkonklużjonijiet tal-inkjesta mħejjija millMaġistrat Aaron Bugeja.

Imma mhux hekk il-ġurnali l-oħra: Illum: Xejn li jorbot lil Michelle Muscat ma' Egrant - firem foloz fuq dokumenti relatati

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Delia jitlob lil Busuttil biex iġorr irresponsabbilta`politika u jirriżenja

Firda fil-Partit Nazzjonalista

The Voice of the Maltese 15

Tuesday August 7, 2018

*min paġna 14

Illum: L-Amministrazzjoni tal-PN tappoġġja lil Delia biex Busuttil jirriżenja.

Onenews irrapporta li s-Segretarju Generali tal-PN qal lil Busuttil: “Irriżenja u itlaqa ma’ Marlene” – Clyde Puli (b’referenza għall-Marlene Farrugia tal-PD).

Hawnhekk ħarġet fil-beraħ il-firda li għal xi xhur ilha tisemma fil-kamp tal-PN bilġurnali jħabbru li, The Times: PN MPs lend their support to Simon Busuttil, 'Not in my name' and 'stronger together', PN leadership told Times Number of PN MPs back Delia’s call for Busuttil’s auto-suspension.

Malta Independent: Former PN deputy leaders, 9 MPs come out against Delia’s call for Busuttil's auto-suspension.

It-Tlieta mbagħad il-Partit Demokratiku ħareġ jaqbeż għal Busuttil: The Times: PD would support no confidence motion against Delia - Marlene Farrugia calls Delia a 'poodle'; Malta Independent: Marlene and Godfrey Farrugia would support motion of no confidence against Adrian Delia; illum: Marlene Farrugia tgħid li Delia aġixxa qisu l-'poodle' tal-Prim Ministru.

Iżda Delia baqa’ jżomm fehmtu: Malta Today: Delia says PN must accept inquiry findings if it truly believes in the rule of law; illum: Ma nistgħux nibqgħu ngħidu li Egrant hija ta' Muscat ...tkun arroganza.

Sadanittant jidher ċar li minn wara l-kwinti dawk li jappoġġjaw lil Busuttil kienu qed jaħdmu bi sħiħ: Malta Today: Simon Busuttil’s faction trying to rally support for anti-Delia move.

Dan l-inkwiet fi ħdan il-Partit Nazzjonalista, li saħansitra wassal biex edituri tal-ġurnali jikkummentaw dwaru, wassal li ikun hemm min jipprova jidħol bħala medjatur

Wara r-riżultat tal-inkjesta Maġisterjali dwar Egrant

bejn il-fazzjoni ta’ Delia u dik ta’ Busuttil: Malta Independent: Chris Said offers to mediate between two PN factions.

Ma’ Said kien hemm oħrajn, fosthom leks Prim Ministru Lawrence Gonzi li offrew li jagħmluha ta’ medjaturi, u jidher li l-medjazzjoni sa ċertu punt kellha success, għax tlett ijiem wara t-talba biex Busuttil ma jibqax bħala membru Nazzjonalista filParlament tħabbar, Netnews li: Riżolta ssitwazzjoni, u bil-ġurnali l-oħra jagħtu l-laqta tagħhom għal din l-aħbar.

Wara li Delia mar lura mid-deċiżjoni dwar Busutill, NetNews jirrapporta: Riżolta s-sitwazzjoni fil-PN

Min-naħa fi breaking news tal-Onenews sostnew fuq One TV li Delia kien ċeda għall-pressjoni li għamlu fuqu “il-medjaturi” u reġa’ lura minn kelmtu (xellug kif irrappurtat mill-One).

L-inkwiet fil-PN mistenni jissokta

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Fil-fatt il-portals tal-aħbarijiet irraportaw hekk: The Times: PN truce: Busuttil to stay on as MP; Malta Independent: PN says De-lia-Busuttil situation ‘resolved’, former party leader to stay without portfolio; Malta Today: Delia backs down on resignation call, Busuttil loses good governance role.

awn min jsostni li attwalment l-inkwiet għall-Partit Nazzjonalista għadu ma ntemmx, għax hu diffiċli li wara li ntqal daqshekk kliem, l-affarijiet se jibirdu malajr.

Anzi wħud isostnu li b’dak li seħħ Delia ddgħajjef u postu bħala mexxej tal-PN huwa preġudikat.

Infatti (fil-31 ta’ Lulju) fl-editorjal tagħha, filwaqt li sostniet li għal dawn l-aħħar xhur il-kap tal-PN Adrian Delia baqa’ ċass quddiem lavenimenti li ġraw, The Times qalet: “The Nationalist Party looked on helpless, as ‘civil society’ tried to fill the void. Because that is what the PN had become, a void.” Żied: If Dr Delia cannot get the party behind him, then he should just let go of the leadership.

Imsomma, is-sitwazzjoni xejn ma hi sabiħa mhux biss għall-partit Nazzjonalista, iżda wkoll għall-pajjiż, għax ma jistax pajjiż ikollu governanza tajba jekk ma jkollox Oppożizzjoni soda u b’saħħitha.

Dr Hugh McDermott MP L-Istampa Barranija

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

L

-istampa barranija ma naqsitx li wkoll tati mportanza lil din l-istorja, u ma setax jonqos meta kemm-il darba kienet tkellmet dwar din il-kwestjoni.

Il-midja internazzjonali irreaġixxiet għallkonklużjonijiet tal-inkjesta La Repubblica: Malta, Muscat acquitted in inquiry opened on revelations by Daphne Caruana Galizia Politico: Maltese PM and wife cleared of wrongdoing in graft case Reuters: Maltese PM's wife cleared in inquiry over offshore shell company The Guardian: Panama papers: Maltese prime minister cleared of wrongdoing.

16 The Voice of the Maltese

Tuesday August 7, 2018

Archbishop Wilson resigns after child abuse cover-up

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ope Francis has accepted the resignation of the Archbishop of Adelaide, Philip Wilson (pictured right), who was convicted of concealing child sexual abuse.

On handing his resignation, Archbishop Wilson said, “I had hoped to defer this decision until after the appeal process had been completed. However, there is just too much pain and distress being caused by my maintaining the office of Archbishop of Adelaide, especially to the victims of Fr [James] Fletcher.

“I must end this and therefore have decided that my resignation is the only appropriate step to take in the circumstan-

ces”.

The archdiocese will continue to be run

by Apostolic Administrator Bishop Greg O’Kelly SJ until a new Archbishop of Adelaide is appointed.

Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, president Archbishop Mark Coleridge said Archbishop Wilson had been praised for his work supporting survivors of sexual abuse, however, the conviction meant that he could no longer continue in his role.

Archbishop Coleridge said Archbishop Wilson had decided that staying in his role would “continue to cause pain and distress to many, especially to survivors, and also in the Archdiocese of Adelaide”.

Adopt Australian values, we are told

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he Australian Federal Minister for Citizenship (Dept Home Affairs) Alan Tudge in a speech delivered in London warned immigrants “must blend into the fabric of our nation” and can’t expect to bring “their entire practices, language and culture … with little expectation placed upon them to share or mix with the local community”.

Mr Tudge discovered that more than 28 per cent of Australians are born overseas. He said the current situation is “far from perfect”.

“Some of the challenges to social cohesion that we are facing today are similar to ones that the UK is facing – such as ethnic segregation and liberal values being challenged”. Mr Tudge said Australia’s model was “integrated multiculturalism” not “assimilationist model, where people must leave their heritage behind”.

“We don’t want or expect that, but of course where there are conflicts in cultural behaviours, Australian law and values must prevail,” he said.

The junior Home Affairs minister said Australia’s “relative success” in ensuring social cohesion despite high, diverse immigration was “careful immigrant selection” along with an “insistence on immigrant integration”.

“Careful immigration selection means that we choose who comes into the nation. We don’t outsource this choice to people smugglers,” he said.

Warning against assisted dying octors should not be the gatekeepers – D the judgements required go beyond their professional competence and provid-

ing lethal drugs is incompatible with clinical care,” said Ilora Finlay, Baroness Finlay of Llandaff (left), during her presentation at the Australian Medical Association Western Australian End-of-Life Choices and Palliative Care Symposium.

Professor Finally is a University of Cardiff professor of palliative medicine and an independent crossbench member of the British House of Lords.

She pointed out significant loopholes in assisted dying policies as they exist in various jurisdictions around the world, warning West Australians on the clinical and societal risks and concerns of saying yes to euthanasia and assisted dying.

She explained that there appeared to be a pressure to legalise assisted dying in societies that are “comfortably off and enjoying increased longevity and, often also, social fragmentation”.

Professor Finlay said both the Westminster and Scottish parliaments commissioned in-depth studies, with parliamentary committees asking searching questions of experts, before rejecting legalisation of assisted dying.

“The committees provided a firm and sound evidence ne of the defining faces of the Special base for rational discussion Broadcasting Service, Lee Lin Chin, by legislators,” she added. is departing the SBS network after nearly 30 years behind the news desk. Known for her authoritative presenting style and fashionable flair, she has been a mainstay for viewers wanting to learn more about the world.

A Gold Logie nominee, Chin has told some of the world’s biggest stories including the Port Arthur massacre, the September 11 attacks and the death of Nelson Mandela. Having spent the bulk of my professional life at SBS, this isn't by any means an easy decision," Chin said.

"I shall be leaving a happy and satisfying role as a newsreader. My friends and colleagues for whom I have fervent respect will be deeply missed."

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

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

Leaving SBS after 30 years

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The Voice of the Maltese 17

Tuesday August 7, 2018

Biggest media deal I

n one of the biggest media deals ever seen in Australia, Nine and Fairfax have announced plans for a $4 billion merger that will see the name “Fairfax” disappear from the nation’s media landscape.

The merger will cut costs for both the broadcaster and the publisher, setting up a single entertainment giant with exposure to network television, streaming and news delivery.

Nine shareholders will own 51.1 per cent of the combined entity and Nine CEO Hugh Marks (left) will lead the new company. Fairfax shareholders will own the remaining 48.9 per cent.

In a memo to Fairfax staff, company CEO Greg Hywood confirmed that the merged company “will be called Nine” although he also stated that there would be “plenty of Fairfax Media DNA in the merged company and board”.

Following the announcement, Fairfax shares rose 13 per cent and Nine shares dropped by 6.5 per cent.

The deal is expected to be completed before the end of the year, subject to approvals.

Masterchef: Sashi gets highest score in history to win title

Funerals can cause tensions S

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re funerals for the dead, or the living? It can be a difficult question to answer, especially for families who disagree about the role religion should play in the send-off of a loved one.

Prof Clare Johnson, the director of the Centre for Liturgy at Australian Catholic University knows an elderly man who worries his funeral wishes won’t be considered paramount. “[He is] a lifelong practicing Catholic and wants to have a Catholic funeral, and it means an enormous amount to him. His children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, the faith doesn’t mean as much to them. He’s quite concerned that even though he would like a Catholic funeral with all the bells and smells, literally, he may not be given that,” she said.

But in order to fulfil his wishes, the man’s children may end up sitting through a funeral that makes them feel awkward or uncomfortable.

“Definitely there is a discontinuity, and it’s part of the outcome of the falling practice of religion in Australia,” Professor Johnson said.

Even when family members share the same religion, there is room for conflict over end-of-life wishes.

Professor Johnson came across a situation where a practising Catholic got very upset that his two children hoped to one

day have their ashes scattered. While the Church allows cremation, it takes issue with the scattering of ashes.

ashi Cheliah, the 39-year old father-oftwo who has worked as a prison officer in South Australia has been crowned as the winner of the 10th season of MASTERCHEF Australia by securing the show's highest-ever score.

During the two-part cook-off Sashi obtained 93 points out of a possible 100 to take home, not only the 2018 title, but also a cash prize of $250,000.

For nearly a decade before he relocated to Australia in 2011, Sashi was part of an elite Police Force Unit in Singapore.

He obtained his massive score at the end of a marathon five-and-a-half hour test in the second half of the grand final.

Tagħrif dwar il-kitba Maltija

18 The Voice of the Maltese

Tuesday August 7, 2018

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

TEHMIŻTA’ PARTIĊELLI Tehmiżtal-Prepożizzjoni L mal-verbi u mal-pronomi 68. Il-prepożizzjoni l hija partiċella mqassra minn ’il li hi wkoll imqassra minn lil (bl-l żejda quddiemha – prostetika) u tidħol bejn il-verb u l-pronom. Tingħaqad mal-pronomi mnisslin -i, -ek(k), -u(h), -ha, -na, -kom, -hom u ssir li, lek, lu, lha, lna, lkom, lhom.

Ara: ġieb, ġiebli, ġieblek, ġieblu, ġibilha, ġibilna, ġibilkom, ġibilhom, fejn l-l taħbat bejn żewġkonsonanti tieħu vokali talleħen quddiem (it-Tlieta u Tletin Regola – l-Ewwel Taqsima) u din il-vokali twaqqa’ l-vokali ta’ bla aċċent. Ara: seraq, serqilha, serqilna, serqilkom, serqilhom.

T.ċ. Il-verb kien (meta jfisser il-verb Taljan avere) mehmuż maż-żieda ta’ li, lek, lu, lha, lna, lkom, lhom jinħass u jinkiteb kelli, kellek, kellu, kellha, kellna, kellkom, kellhom flok kenli, kenlek, eċc.̇ (Ara Għadd 45). Meta kien ifisser il-verb Taljan essere, ma’ dawn il-partiċelli jinħass u jinkiteb: kienli, kienlek, eċċ.

69. Il-pronomi mnisslin -h u -ha bil-plural tagħhom -hom, bħala akkużattivi tal-verb, jingħaqdu wkoll maż-żieda ta’ li, lek, -lu, -lha, -lna, -lkom, -lhom li jfissru d-dattiv.

Ara: minn xórob għandna xorobhuli, xorobhulek, xorobhulu, xorobhulha, xorobhulna, xorobhulkom, xorobhulhom, xorobhieli, xorobhielek, eċċ.

Hekk naraw illi: (1) Flok -u għall- -h, tidħol -hu u għalhekk flok xorobuli, xorobulek, kif wieħed jisma’, għandna niktbu xorobhuli, xorobhulek, eċċ. (Ara Għadd 62).

(2) L-ha titbiddel f’hie billi biż-żieda ta’ sillaba li tibda b’konsonanti, l-aċcė nt tal-kelma jaqbeżgħal fuq il-vokali a (ara s-Sitta u Għoxrin Regola – lEwwel Taqsima).

Ara: minn xórob, xoròbha nagħmlu xorobhielu, xorobhielkom, xorobhielna, eċc.̇ Hekk ukoll minn râ

nagħmlu raha, imbagħad rahieli, rahielu, eċċ., minn ġíbed, ġibìdha, ġibidhieli; séraq, seràqha, seraqhieli, eċċ.

Eżempji ta’ Pronomi mehmużin mal-verbi Minn refa(għ): refagħ-ni refgħek = ref(a)għ-ek refgħu = ref(a)għ-u refagħha = refagħ-ha refagħna = refagħ-na refagħhom = refagħ-hom refagħkom = refagħ-kom

Minn qatel, fehem: qatilni = qatil-ni qatlek = qat(e)l-ek qatlu = qat(e)l-u qatilha = qatil-ha qatilna = qatil-na qatilkom = qatil-kom qatilhom = qatil-hom

fehemni = fehem-ni fehmek = feh(e)m-ek fehmu = feh(e)m-u fehemha = fehem-ha fehemna = fehem-na fehemkom = fehem-kom fehemhom = fehem-hom.

Aktar regoli, eżempji u tifsir fil-ħarġa li jmiss.

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

Rizorsi lingwistici tal-Malti

D

r Thomas Pace, Direttur Eżekuttiv tal-Kunsill Nazzjonali tal-Ilsien Malti għarraf lil The Voice of the Maltese li bil-għajnuna ta' Dr Michael Spagnol midDipartiment tal-Malti fl-Università, il-Kunsill , iffinalizza l-ewwel verżjoni tal-lista biblijografika ta' riżorsi lingwistiċi tal-Malti, stampati u diġitali.

Din il-lista ġiet imqassmha f’ġeneri differenti u għal kull pubblikazzjoni qed jingħata isem l-awtur/i, is-sena tal-pubblikazzjoni u l-pubblikatur (fejn japplika).

Għar-riżorsi diġitali, li huma aċċessibbli mill-internet, qed ukoll jingħata l-indirizz fejn wieħed jista’ jidħol u jsibhom. Ix-xogħlijiet qed jidhru f’ordni kronoloġika u wieħed jista' wkoll tfittex fihom.

Dr. Pace qalilna li l-lista se tibqa’ tiġi aġġornata minn żmien għal żmien b'pubblikazzjonijiet u riżorsi lingwistiċi ġodda li joħorġu u b'oħrajn li forsi jkunu qabżulhom.

Il-kompilaturi ta’ din il-lista qed jistiednu lill-pubbliku u lill-emigranti Maltin biex jekk jafu b’kotba jew b’riżorsi oħra tal-Malti marbuta mal-lingwistika (mhux letterarji) li mhumiex fiha, biex jinfurmahwhom dwarhom ħalli dawn jiġu nklużi.

Dr Thomas Pace jista’ jiġi kkuntattjat fuq: kunsilltalmalti@gov.mt, filwaqt li l-lista tinsab hawn: http://kunsilltalmalti.gov.mt/news-details?nwid=182&ctid=20& ctref=pubblikazzjonijiet.

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.

The Voice of the Maltese 19

Presentation of donation by Friends of Providence House to Dar tal-Providenza Tuesday August 7, 2018

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few weeks ago I attended the opening of the 10th edition of the Volleyball Marathon held on the grounds of Id-Dar tal-Providenza in Siggiewi, Malta that was officially inaugurated by H.E. Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, President of Malta.

She visited the Home and was given a warm welcome by the director of the Home, Fr Martin Micallef who in a brief address thanked the volunteers for their support all the year round, He also thanked the players who not only participate in the marathon but also undergo two months of grueling training to make it to the final cut.

He told them, “This marathon rests on pillars that are very dear to us – solidarity and sport. The altruistic spirit of everyone involved shines throughout the event, showing that ‘where there is a will there is a way’. We are humbled by the public’s support year after year.”

Fr Martin then gave an overview of the manner in which the Home evolved, saying that the big project for the coming year is the opening of another home in Balluta as well as a much needed overhaul of Dar iż-Żernieq in Siġġiewi, the very first Home in the Community for the residents of Id-Dar tal-Providenza.”

It was indeed an honour for me to also meet H.E. the President who also thanked the Maltese people in Australia for their support to this Home. I was also able to deliver in person, the donation of $15,000 (equivalent to €10,000) raised on behalf of

At the presentation (from left): Marisa and Sebastian Previtera, Fr Martin Micallef, Marika Mizzi and Dorothy Gatt The Friends of Providence House NSW. community.

The majority of this money was raised Over $8,000 were raised on the night itthrough the fantastic fundraising concert self as well as a couple of very substantial held earlier this year at the La Valette So- donations by two individuals from the cial Centre in Blacktown in NSW that was Maltese community and our group’s major so strongly supported by the local Maltese sponsor, Breakaway Travel Blacktown, who supports our fundraising tours and events.

Fr Martin acknowledges and appreciates the generosity of the Maltese people in Australia and asked me to thank them all for their continuing support. in the social sector, particularly with chilFr Martin took my family and me on a tour dren and adolescents. of the Home and showed me the facilities The Dar Osanna Pia caters for young men that include a ‘State of the Art’ Heated between the ages of 16 and 25. The Dar Therapy Pool as well as the recently opened Mamma Margherita, which is an extension Music Therapy Room. We were able to see of Dar Osanna Pia, offers young people a first hand where the money is being spent residence until alternative accommodation and the first class care being given to not can be found at a reasonable price. It offers only the residents who live there but also to them a presence that would accompany those individuals who come to the Home and guide them. for a respite period.

Through their residences the Salesians It was also wonderful to meet some of the welcome among others children who for residents, workers and volunteers who some reason would have been removed give up their time to help with the running from parental custody. of this Home.

The government’s assistance will This visit encourages me, together with also include paying for services Jim Borg, who is the Co-coordinator of the and products that the foundation group, to continue our fundraising efforts would be seeking to run the in NSW in order to help this Home and its homes. residents.

Social Solidarity Minister Anyone wishing to donate to this cause Michael Falzon has declared that can go to any CBA Bank in Australia: AcGovernment will continue to assist count Name: Friends of Providence House social entities, including entities NSW BSB: 062 416. Account No: 1019 working with prison inmates, vic- 9448. tims of domestic violence and per(Report & Pics - MarisaPrevitera) sons who end up homeless.

Government guarantees Salesians of Don Bosco €720,000 in asistance

An agreement has been signed between the Government of Malta and the Salesians of Don Bosco, whereby, over a threeyear period, the Salesians is guaranteed a sum of €720,000 in Government assistance.

Through this agreement, two Sliema homes in the community run by the Salesians, the Dar Osanna Pia and Dar Mamma Margherita would be providing ten and seven beds respectively to the Appoġġ Agency.

The Don Bosco Salesians carry out work

The signing of the agreement

20 The Voice of the Maltese

Alfred Deakin

Tuesday August 7, 2018

Australia’s history and the Christian connection

- The Father of the Nation

T

AlanCurrie

wo men were walking down a street in Melbourne CBD late one afternoon in 1878, deep in conversation. The older distinguished looking man, David Syme founder of the Age newspaper was serious and quite determined, but the younger one, Alfred Deakin an up and coming Age Journalist, was quite brilliant and was putting up a good fight as they debated one of the most important issues of that day.

The two men had been grappling with the issue for weeks, the question was “Should Australia be a country that protects its merchants by having trade protection in the form of tariffs or should it have open borders and allow free trade between the colonies and ultimately the entire world?”

Syme finally managed to convince his young protégé to become a trade protectionist and Deakin later said he felt he had crossed the Rubicon. Syme became Deakin’s greatest supporter for many years and was the main reason why Alfred was given the opportunity to enter politics in 1879.

By the end of 19th and most of the 20th Century trade protection and tariffs was the accepted standard, but in 21st Century the world has moved on to embraced free trade and globalization.

At only 22 years old, Alfred Deakin stepped into the political limelight only to resign on his very first day in Parliament because of a mistake made at the polling booth. The polling booth had run out of voting forms and had to close with forty more people still to vote.

Deakin’s decision to resign on principle, even at the cost of his own career, gained for him the colonies admiration, but it caused shockwaves for Premier Berry’s Government.

For 10 years from 1890 to 1900 Deakin decided not to accept a better paying ministerial position, but rather as a colonial back bencher, he worked tirelessly promoting federation believing he had a duty to encourage Australia to fulfil its divine destiny and become a great unified nation.

He loved books and during his youth would often get lost in adventure stories like Robinson Crusoe and Aladdin in Arabian Nights.

It was said that he would read 100

books per year, which gave him an amazing breadth of knowledge and insight. He could converse with anyone on any subject and speak with amazing power and grasp of the English language.

Concerned for Deakin’s preoccupation with his imaginary world, his high school teacher inspired him to apply himself to his studies, which eventually caused him to go on and pass a law degree at Melbourne University.

Alfred had grown up during the time of the gold rush, when it seemed everyone in the world wanted to come to Australia to start a new life and maybe strike it big on the Victorian gold fields.

All this amazing new wealth ($100 Billion in today’s money) and immiParliament House portrait of Alfred gration caused a massive land Deakin by Frederick McCubbin, 1914 boom that eventually ended in an economic bust in the early 1890’s as said: “Jesus Christ is the life of the the gold ran out. Along with many present, the light of the future and the others, Deakin was caught up in the hope of the world.” In his private jourland speculation and lost his and his nal between 1884 and 1913 he wrote father’s savings, but unlike others he down over 400 prayers to God. kept his promise and paid off all his Alfred Deakin was loved and appredebts. ciated by the Australian people and An interesting fact of history is that was respected by many leaders home Abraham Lincoln was also a lawyer and abroad. He was a great ambassawho got into financial trouble, but he dor for Australia in world affairs and also was very diligent to pay off his his contribution to the foundation of business partner’s debts. the country is profound. He gave his Once Federation was secured Deakin life to the service of the nation he loved became Australia’s first Attorney Gen- and Australia was the beneficiary. eral and served under Edmund BarThe editorial in the Brisbane Daily ton, Australia’s first Prime Minister.

Mail at the time of his death stated: In those early years as Attorney Gen“It is perhaps quite safe to say that no eral and later the 2nd 5th and 7th great leader in Australian public life Prime Minister, Deakin was instru- has been gifted with the attractive permental in introducing important leg- sonality, instinctive courtesy and inislation that established the High nate gentlemanliness that Court, the Australian Navy, copyright characterised Alfred Deakin. None laws, animal protection, Customs, Tar- amongst us could be named more iffs and Quarantine laws plus the Bu- worthy of respect.” - The Daily Mail reau of Meteorology.

Brisbane - 9th Oct 1919 “He harmoniously combined all that All of Alfred’s life he had a keen desire to understand spiritual truth. He goes into the making of a fine man. He knew God was enabling him to do his held and sustained the highest ideals work and fulfil his duty to his country. with high standards and worthy pracIn a letter to his children in 1890 he tice in all the relations of life.”

Deakin was offered many titles like said, “Christ himself is the central figure of humanity and marks the great- Sir and Lord but he rejected them all, est height yet attained in moral insight preferring to simply be known as Mr. in religious feeling. No character in Deakin but many who loved him history no founder of a religion, no knew him as “Affable Alfred”.

He died on 7thOctober 1919 and is moral philosopher, no religious buried in the St Kilda Cemetery in teacher, can be placed beside him.”

And as Prime Minister in 1905 he Melbourne.

Ilhom imwaqqfa 18-il sena

The Voice of the Maltese 21

Tuesday August 7, 2018

F

in-naħat ta’ Llandilo qrib Penrith hemm joqogħdu għadd ġmielu ta’ Maltin li darba fix-xahar jiltaqgħu taħt il-ħarsien ta’ Helen Azzopardi f’wieħed mill-ikbar gruppi entużjażmanti li hemm fi NSW. Kelli x-xorti li nattendi għall-aħħar laqgħa tagħhom fis-sala li hemm f’Seventh Avenue u tkellimt magħhom dwar The Voice of the Maltese għax hemm ħafna fosthom li jaqraw b’mod regolari l-magażin, kemm bħala hard-copy (magazine stampat), kif ukoll online permezz tal-Internet.

L-okażjoni kienet ukoll waħda biex fiha jilqgħu u jiltaqgħu ma’ Carolyn Farbrother minn Lendlease li jmexxu retirement living f’Pemulwuy u anke fin-naħat ta’ Penrith li kellmithom dwar il-vantaġġi ta’ din it-tip ta’ ħajja. Kelliema oħra kienet Marisa Previtera li tgħin lil dan il-grupp bhala parti mill-attivitajiet tagħha mal-Maltese Community Council ta’ NSW, u Joseph Vella li huwa real estate agent f’dawk l-inħawi.

Wara ġiet organizzata ikla a la`Maltija.

Wara kulħadd ħareġ b’rigali agrikoli generożament mogħtija mill-bdiewa Maltin ta’ dawk in-naħat.

B’sorpriża għalija, Helen Azzopardi fakkritini fil-fatt li konna jien u Maria DeCarlo li tmintax-il sena ilu tajna bidu għal dan ilgrupp. Mhux ta’ b’xejn li ltqajt ma’ ħafna Maltin li kont naf u ġeddejna l-ħbiberija. Ħeġġewni biex inkomplu bil-ħidma tagħna ħalli nkomplu naqdu l-ħtiġijiet tal-komunita` Maltija f’dawk innaħat imbiegħda. Is-subborg ta’ Llandilo jinsab madwar 54 km bogħod mil-qalba tal-belt ta’ Sydney.

Lawrence Dimech

Il-laqgħa f’Llandilo

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

Australian High Commission on facebook; HC on twitter

T

he Australian High Commission’s in Malta has its own Facebook page, while the 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

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

Learn Maltese!

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

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

Teachers urgently needed - Paid positions For more information and enquiries Phone 9601 2189 or Email: malteselanguageschoolnsw@hotmail.com Supported by the Minister of Education and Training and the NSW Community Languages Schools Programme.

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

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.

22 The Voice of the Maltese

Tuesday August 7, 2018

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

The Ċittadini

present direct from Malta:

Malta’s Queen of Country Music

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

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

Donation of $20. Kids: $12

Saint Nicholas Festa Committee Main events for 2018

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

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

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

L-aħbarijiet PBS (Malta)

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

Il-website hi aġġornata tul il-jum kollu għalhekk wieħed jista’ jieħu stampa ta’ li jkun qed iseħħ

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

Avviż lill-qarrejja

Il-qarrejja li jixtiequ juru l-fehmiet tagħhom dwar xi suġġett parikolai, kemm jekk għall-paġna tal-ittri, kif ukoll xi artiklu partikulari li jaġsbu li jista’ jkun ta’ interess ġenerali, huma mħeġġa jagħmlu dan.

Il-qarrejja mħeġġa wkoll ma jħallux għall-aħħar. Ibagħtu l-kitbiet b’email lil: maltesevoice@gmail.com.

Join us on Facebook:

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

Xagħra Assoc of NSW Inc: Fr Anthony Bajada NSW Programme

Sept 13: 7:30pm: Celebrates welcome Mass @ St John the Evangelist Riverstone Sept 14: 7:00pm Concelebrates mass @ Horsley Park Church Sept 15: 7:00pm: Guest of Honour @ Annual tal-Vitorja Dinner Dance, Balmoral Function Centre, 49 Balmoral Road, Blacktown. Tickets refer to contacts below Sept 16: 2.00 pm: Horsley Park Festa: Procession with Statue of Our Lady of Victories.

3:00pm: Concelebrates Mass @ Horsley Park Church - Our Lady of Victories.

Sept 18: 7:00am: Outing to Wollongong – Bus will be organised, refer to contacts below Sept 20: 10:15am: Mass for the Elderly who meet weekly for respite @ La Valette SC Sept 21: 7:30pm: Mass @ St John the Evangelist Riverstone Sept 22 6:00pm: Celebrates Vigil Mass @ Our Lady Queen of Peace - Greystanes 7:20 pm: La Valette SC to meet the Maltese community who socialize there Sept 23: 7:00 pm: Ħamrun Club to meet the Maltese community who socialize there Sept 28: 7:30 pm: Celebrates Farewell Mass @ St John the Evangelist – Riverstone Sept 30: 7:00 am: Outing for the day, Bundeena Ray/Josephine Bigeni: 9627 4182 or 0439 974 182 Vicki Micallef: 0425 210 436

La Valette Social Centre

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

The La Valette Social Centre is organising two special bus trips

Sunday August 12: Bus for the Festa ta’ Santa Marija at the Central Coast Cost $30 includes coach & morning tea. Bus leaves Greystanes 8 am and at 8.30 am from the Centre.

Sunday September 9: Bus to St Mary’s Cathedral for the Festa tal- Bambina. Bus leaves the Centre at 12pm and Old Prospect Rd Greystanes at 12.30 pm.

Cost $20Everybody is wlecome Contact Frances 0412320432 or the Centre 9622 5847

Stedina...

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

tal-Vitorja

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

Dawk li għandhom xi għaqda, mistiedna jieħdu magħhom ilbnadar 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.

The Voice of the Maltese 23

Tuesday August 7, 2018

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

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

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

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

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

On Demand: Ethnic Maltese Council 11am)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Maltese Seniors Social Welfare Day Groups Fairfield Active Maltese Seniors

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

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

Group meets 3rd Wednesday of month in the Bank-stown CBD area.

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

Have to contact our Welfare Officer for Enquiries call: Sam 9534 2357 an appointment. For all information and referral matters call Censina Cefai: 02 Greystanes Maltese Seniors 439 000 12 or 0414 267 652 Meets on the second Monday of each month at the George Preca Centre of 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.

Merrylands Social Maltese Seniors

Maltese Group

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

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: Charles Mifsud J.P.Phone (02) 9501 Llandilo Maltese Seniors Meets on the first Wednesday of each 5525 – mobile 0421 662 298.

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

SBS Radio 2 on Channel 38.

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

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

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

Presenter: Nathalie Gatt.

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

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

24 The Voice of the Maltese

Sports...

Tuesday August 7, 2018

Maltese clubs’ adventure in UEFA competitions for this season is over

Slender agg. goal defeats for Balzan, Valletta

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BALZAN v Slovan Bratislava 2-1, 1-3 (agg. 3-4)

he adventure of the two remaining Maltese clubs in UEFA competitions was ended when Valletta and Balzan were eliminated from the Europa League following defeats in the return ties.

Balzan came to within a goal to qualify to the third round of the competition, but two goals in as many minutes put paid to all their hopes when they were beaten 3-1 by Slovan Bratislava in Slovakia to lose 4-3 on aggregate.

With 2-1 down from the first leg in Malta, Slovan exerted pressure on the Balzan defence early on and scored after just seven

2018/19 season kicks off Aug 17

Valletta start defence of title against Sliema W.

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ootball’s Premier League season 2018/19 in Malta kicks off on August 17 with newly promoted Qormi v Senglea.

Champions Valletta start their defence of the title with a clash against Sliema Wanderers on the 18th. The rest of the first day’s programme will be: Hibernians v Pieta H; Birkirkara v Balzan, Ħamrun Spartans v Floriana; Mosta v St Andrews and Tarxien Rainbows v Gżira United

minutes through Aleksandar Cavric to level the score but that would have taken them through on the away goals rule.

The hosts could have doubled the score in the second half when they were awarded a penalty, but Sultana in Balzan’s goal saved Andraz Sporar’s kick. The striker however made amends by scoring twice in a 60 seconds (70th and 71st minute). Balzan pulled one back through Kadu (75th) and gave Balzan hope that another goal could put them through on away goals. They just failed.

In the first leg at the Centenary Stadium Balzan went beyond expectations to beat Slovan Bratislava 2-1 for their second victory in the UEFA Europa League.

Balzan gave a most impressive performance and even managed to take a two-goal lead through Bojan Kaljevic (16th minute) Ubos Ljubomirac on (67th). But Slovan pulled a goal back through Vukan Savicevic (82nd).

VALLETTA v Zrinjski M. 1-1, 1-2 (agg. 2-3) fter their elimination from the Champions League Valletta competed in the Europa League and drawn to meet Zrinskji of Bosnia Herzegovina. But they could not get any further than the second qualifying round after losing 3-2 on aggregate following a 2-1 home loss in the return tie.

A

Still hope for Sunshine George Cross

NPL 2 West: Langwarrin SC v SGC 2-3 Sunshine George Cross v Melbourne C. 2-2 here was tremendous joy at Langwarrin when the referee blew the final whistle that gave George Cross a 3-2 win. They came back from a goal down after 30-seconds by John Kuol to win. They then took control of the game but had to wait till the 70th minute to level terms from a Jungho Kim free kick. Eight minutes Karl Baricevic gave them a 2-1 lead, only for Langwarrin to equalise, again through Kuol (84th).

The Georgies reacted strongly and scored what proved to be the winning tally through Ben Mammone. The win was somewhat dampened later in the evening when Ballarat also won to maintain their seven points lead over SGC These two sides meet on Saturday in a game the Georgies must win to keep their slim hopes of survival alive. *A week earlier SGC drew 2-2 against Melbourne City. It was a cruel blow for the George Cross faithful. They took a 50-second lead from Ben Marrone and frittered away a lot chances before Danny Baraket made it 2-0 midway through the first half.

City scored on the stroke of half time, and Georgies’ fans were stung when City scored an undeserved equaliser in the 94th minute.

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NPL Vic: Green Gully v Sth Melbourne 2-3 Bentleigh G. v Green Gully 2-0 espite having the best of their crucial match against South Melbourne Hellas in the weekend Green Gully could not avoid their fifth loss on the trot, and their 12th for the season and now slip into a relegation battle. In a five goal thriller, Green Gully lost their home match by 3-2.

Nick Krousoratis gave Gully a 6th minute lead and the hosts dominated the first half.

They were disappointed to concede before half-time when Marcus Schroen scored for Hellas, let in a second in the 62nd minute through Milos Lujic and a third six minutes later through Schroen. Green Gully reduced the arrears on 81 minutes through George Lambadaridis.

It is now imperative that Green Gully win at least one of the remaining three matches. *In the previous game at the end of a lacklustre performance GG lost 2-0 at Bentleigh Greens, who took the lead on 14 minutes, and Gully can thank Lucas Spinella for keeping the score down for the rest of the half.

Gully's only effort in the first half was a shot that smashed against the upright.

Bentleigh ended this match as a contest with a second goal on 75 minutes.

D

After drawing 1-1 away, Valletta hoped to make use of their home advantage to qualify. But though they did try hard, they missed some good chances and paid dearly for that as Hrvoje Barisic put Zrinskji ahead on 30 minutes.

Valletta made a reaction in the second half and their chances grew when Galic was red carded and they levelled the score (57th) through Steve Borg. But that lasted only eight minutes when Milos Filipovic scored Zrinskji’s all-important goal.

In the away first leg at Bosnia, Mario Fontanella scored at the death for Valletta to earn them a valuable 1-1 draw. Valletta shared the exchanges throughout, but after a scoreless first half, Zrinsjki went ahead with a Nemanja Bilbija goal. Valletta’s leveller arrived in stoppage time.

European Waterpolo Championships

Malta finish 16th

M

alta’s participation in the LEN European Waterpolo Championships in Spain ended in disappointment after losing in a shoot-out to Turkey in the match for 15th place. Malta had enough chances to win but missed opportunities let them down and by the end of normal time the two were level at 7-7. In the shoot-out Turkey won 13-12. So Malta finished the event in 16th place, one place lower than the last edition.

NPL 2 NSW

Five without a win

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ailure to beat Western Sydney Wanderers on Sunday at the Melita Stadium keeps Parramatta Melita Eagles struggling to avoid finishing wooden spoonists. They seemed to have lost their way and offered little resistance in losing 3-0. They also finished with 10 men after Neram Yalda was sent off.

The three-point lead they currently enjoy over the two bottom sides is not safe considering the fact they play two of their last three matches away from home, two against top-four teams.

Parramatta have failed to win in their last five games, and this one comes on top of the disappointing home 1-1 stalemate in the previous round against Macarthur Rams, a team below them in the league ladder.

In that game both sides took extra steps of caution and chances were few and far between. At one point Parramatta had the ball in the back of the net but it was disallowed.

With 10 minutes left the Rams had a player sent off and Parramatta were awarded a penalty, which Abou Serhal scored. The Rams equalised through a Simon Zahra freekick two minutes from the end.