The Voice of the Maltese No. 203

Issue 203

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

Fortnightly magazine for the t he Diasp ora

May 7, 2019

Commemorating Anzac 2019

In accordance with long-standing traditions, on April 25 Australians and New Zealanders who lost their lives in action at Gallipoli in 1915 Anzac Day was commemorated all over Australia with the participation of the Maltese community (see pages 4-5).

The day was also observed in Malta where the Australian High Commission held a commemorative and wreath-laying ceremony at a service at the Pieta`Ě€ Military Cemetery led by HE the HC Julienne Hince.

Above: the HC (centre) with His Excellency Dr George Vella attending for the first time in his capacity as President of Malta, and Mrs Jill Camilleri, the Honorary Consul for New Zealand

2 The Voice of the Maltese

Australians called to the polls May 18

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he 2019 Australian federal election will be held on Saturday May 18 to elect members of the 46th Parliament of Australia. The election was called following the dissolution of the 45th Parliament as elected at the 2016 double dissolution federal election. All 151 seats in the House of Representatives (lower house) and 40 of the 76 seats in the Senate (upper house) will be up for election.

The second-term incumbent minority Coalition Government, led by Prime Minister Scott Morrison, is attempting to win a third three-year term against the Labor opposition, led by Opposition Leader Bill Shorten.

Minor parties and independents will also contest the election, particularly Greens and One Nation. The Greens, Centre Alliance, and Katter's Australian Party are defending one House of Representatives seat each. Another party that is contesting the election is Clive Palmer’s United Australia Party (AUP), formerly known as the Palmer United Party (PUP).

Australia enforces compulsory voting and uses full-preference instant-runoff voting in single-member seats for the House of Representatives and optional preferential single transferable voting in the proportionally represented Senate.

Following the parliamentary eligibility crisis, the AEC's form for nomination has been updated to ask detailed questions on whether candidates are disqualified under Section 44 of the Constitution of Australia.

Tuesday May 7, 2019

hour of nomination.

The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) is the government agency in charge of organising the country's federal elections. It is the one that lays out eligibility rules for both the Lower House (the House of Representatives) and The Upper house (the Senate).

To nominate for either house, one must be at least 18 years old, be an Australian citizen and be either enrolled or eligible to be enrolled on The main contenders, Opposition Leader Bill Shorten the Commonwealth (left) and incumbent Prime Minister Scott Morrison electoral roll.

Three Victorian Liberal candidates have The last election required a $1,000 dehad to withdraw based on section 44 is- posit to run for the House of Representasues. tives and a $2,000 deposit for the Senate.

Since the 2016 election, a number of par- For the May 18 election, it's a $2,000 deliamentarians resigned from their seats, posit for each house. while some were disqualified by the High The deposit will be returned to the person Court of Australia in the parliamentary el- who paid the amount, or someone authoigibility crisis as a result of the dual citi- rised by that person in writing, if the canzenship of some MPs. didate is elected or receives at least four However, in the cases of disqualified per cent of the formal first preference House of Representatives MPs, most of votes, or is part of a Senate group that rethese were returned in resulting by-elec- ceives at least four per cent of the formal tions. But some MPs changed their party first preference votes. affiliation or their independent status.

All unsuccessful candidates not meeting Section 44, that was recently passed by these criteria would forfeit their deposit. law as compulsory, Candidates are unable to lodge their nomhas stung a number ination until after the writ for the election of duel-citizen has been issued - when the election politicians and timetable officially commences. forced several byFollowing the Liberal Party leadership elections in recent spill on August 24 last year and the resigyears, as a result, nation of Prime Minister Malcolm Turnthere's been a bull from parliament seven days later, change to the appli- Scott Morrison replaced Malcolm Turncation process. bull as Prime Minister. This triggered a byAt this federal election in his former seat of Wentworth.

The by-election was won by independent election, it is mandatory to fill in a Kerryn Phelps. This, combined with Naqualification check- tional MP Kevin Hogan's move to the list that relates to crossbench and the resignation of MP Julia eligibility under Banks from the Liberal Party, has reduced Section 44. Where the government to 73 seats going into the applicable, it will election; a net three-seat deficit. require documentaFurther dissatisfaction within the Liberal tion to support a Party has seen a number of centrist and contention that a economically-liberal candidates announce person has re- that they will be nominating as independnounced or lost for- ents in wealthy electorates, with a specific eign citizenship. focus on "addressing climate change" Assuming a theoretical nationwide uniThere are certain CatholicCare home care services can help other things that can form swing, the Labor opposition would disqualify a candi- need at least 50.6% of the two-party vote seniors to enjoy living independently in date. For example, (at least a 1.0-point two-party swing) to their own home with comfort and you cannot nomi- win 76 seats and majority government. confidence.

The incumbent Coalition government no nate if you are a Call CCareline to find out more. member of a state or longer holds a majority, and would require CatholicCare CCareline 131819 territory parliament at least 51.5% of the two-party vote (at CatholicCare.org unless you have re- least a 1.1-point two-party swing) to resigned before the gain it.

CatholicCare Home Care Services

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Tuesday May 7, 2019

The Voice of the Maltese 3

New Research into Malta’s Roman beginnings:

The Melite Civitas Romana Project M

alta has always been recognised for its importance as a crossroads of sorts in the Mediterranean. From prehistoric and ancient times through to the modern world Malta has held a prominent position in the expansion of peoples and empires.

Much research and subsequent publications focus on the prehistoric period. It’s popular; what’s not to like and be amazed about? Sites like the Tarxien Temple complex have long been the focus of study at the expense of sites emanating from the Roman period. The Melite Civitas Romana Project hopes to fill in the gaps and shed more light on the Roman period in Maltese history.

This project, breaking ground this summer at the Domvs Romana and the archaeological landscape around it, is a joint archaeological project engaging the research of three groups of researchers who have come together for an initial three-year study.

The project had its beginnings in 2017. Archaeologist and Ancient History teacher Rob Brown stopped off in Malta (not for the first time) to visit some Roman sites as a precursor to his ongoing work in Pompeii Italy. He was invited to the Domvs Romana to meet Senior Curator of Phoenician, Roman and Medieval sites for Heritage Malta, David Cardona.

It didn’t take long for the pair to realise that they had common interests and ideas pertaining to the Domvs and its surrounds and that there were obvious questions of the site that needed answering. Rob’s current PhD research on the significance of the Maltese Islands to the Roman world had already indicated far more needed to be known and understood about the Roman period in Maltese History.

In 2018 Intercontinental Archaeology (the name given to the amalgamation of the research interests of three archaeologists, Rob Brown from Sydney Australia, Andrew Wilkinson from Melbourne Australia and Dr. Benedict Lowe from the University of North Alabama USA) officially partnered Heritage Malta (under the direction of David Cardona) as well as the University of South Florida (under the direction of Dr. Davide Tanasi) to begin a research focus at the Domvs and its surrounding landscape.

The first phase of this project in June and July will involve the scientific study of the site through both 3D and geophysical survey. This will help the team identify areas for future excavation and study in 2020 and beyond.

Approval for a three-year initial project has been given and following the survey work further approval will be needed to excavate areas that will help the project build on the story of the history of Roman Malta.

“This is so exciting. As we move from re-examining the current site excavated over 100 years ago for new perspectives we can move into untouched hinterland surrounding the site and in the area The Intercontnental Archaelogy team of (from left): Robert Brown, Benedict Lowe and Andrew Wilkinson

David Cardona and Robert Brown, on the Domus Romana site

below the walls of Mdina (Roman Melite). We can only guess at what new discoveries we will find” project co-director Rob Brown explained to The Voice magazine.

Rob also explains that the project aims to deliver a modern 21st century archaeological project with excavation and research. This will not only include the use of the latest technology and techniques on site but also in the processes of bringing the work to the community and the public at large.

“If you have ever wanted to be an archaeologist, but just didn’t get around to it, or you have an interest but don’t want to get down and dirty, then we will have a way to get you involved.”

Rob is talking about having excavation and analysis streamed live to an audience from around the world as a subscription service as well as a high profile in social media and on the web.

For those who would like to be more hands-on, the project will be operating a field school and taking on paying volunteers from university archaeology students through to those with an interest in ancient history and archaeology from all walks of life. “We train our volunteers on site when they begin,” he remarks.

“Another of our project aims is to educate the community both in Malta and also the Maltese community in Australia. We will be making ourselves available, giving lectures and presentations to further the knowledge of the history of Malta amongst Maltese students and community members.

“I am hopeful that our on-site volunteers include students from Australian senior high schools and universities who want to be involved in a project that helps them learn more about their heritage.”

Funding for archaeological projects from universities is increasingly hard to come by. Near impossible in reality. The Melite Civitas Romana Project is fully funded by the three partner groups from grants where possible as well as crowdfunding initiatives.

“Our survey work this season is quoted to cost over 20,000 euro and is integral to our work next season and the project moving forward, so our GoFundMe and Kickstarter campaigns are crucial.”

It is also hoped that the Maltese community and business community in Australia might help with support for this joint Australian, Maltese and American project.

Intercontinental Archaeology’s project Facebook Page can be found at https://www.facebook.com/Intercontinental-Archaeology-MeliteCivitas-Romana-Project-1577290875693294/ and Robert Brown (PhD Candidate, Roman Archaeologist, Senior Ancient History HSC teacher and project co-director) can be directly contacted in Australia on +61 0416051418 or at rbrownarchaeology@bigpond.com.

4 The Voice of the Maltese

Tuesday May 7, 2019

The main group of veterans that marched in Sydney

Maltese veterans remember Anzac Day Photos courtesy of Patrick Bartolo

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nzac Day 2019 marked the104th anniversary of the landing of Anzac troops at Gallipoli and the courageous combat and bravery that followed. The Voice of the Maltese followed our war veterans as they paraded with pride in the main streets of Melbourne and Sydney and other related activities.

Thousands braved the chill morning to attend Anzac Day services across Australia while attending other activities throughout the day.

On the eve of Anzac Day, the Consul General of NSW Lawrence Buhagiar attended a commemorative ceremony together with the Maltese RSL sub-branch in NSW in which both the RSL and the Consul General laid wreaths at the Cenotaph in Martin Place.

The following morning Lawrence Buhagiar and other members of the Consular Corps participated in the Star Ceremony. This was the last official activity of HE General David Hurley, Governor of NSW. The Consul General had the honour of laying a Star in remembrance of the Maltese born Charles Emmanuel Bonavia (1887-1915) who served in Gallipoli and whose body was never found. Bonavia’s niece Lea Harding of Curl Curl at age 92 and her son Henry accompanied the Consul General during this ceremony (pictured right).

The Maltese sub-branch of the RSL (NSW) accompanied by Our Lady Queen of Peace Band marched proudly in the main Sydney

The Maltese RSL Sub-Branch in front of the Maltese Monument at Pendle Hill NSW.

streets led by their President, Charles Mifsud MQR. Some 90 members took part including Frank Balbi 97 years old a veteran of WW2.

On Sunday the same group took part at a ceremony at the Maltese Bi-Centennial Monument at Pendle Hill remembering those Maltese who migrated to Australia and New Zealand and joined the Australian Imperial Force and the New Zealand Expeditionary Force during WW1 *continued on opposite page

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Tuesday May 7, 2019

The Melbourne veterans

In Malta The Voice of the Maltese took part in the Anzac Day Commemoration. Joseph Cutajar (pictured) laid a wreath on behalf of the readers at the Pieta Military Cemetery

*from opposite page

The Maltese Ex-Services Association of Victoria marched in Melbourne

The Maltese Ex-Services Association of Victoria kept the tradition by marching proudly in the main parade in the streets of Melbourne. Alfred Asciak, the organiser and holder of all flags and banners, was unable to march as he was in hospital.

The Maltese Band marching in Sydney

6 The Voice of the Maltese

Tuesday May 7, 2019

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

When grandchildren may and may not be able to make a claim on your Estate

B

by PaulSant

y virtue of the Succession Act 2006 (NSW), grandchildren who lived with you at any time (regardless whether in your house) and were dependent on you at any time, are eligible to make an application for a Family Provision Order: section 57(1)(e)(ii).

Given that it is usual to leave your Estate to your children, on the assumption that it will go to your grandchildren from there, if you have a grandchild that you have taken in, it would be prudent to update your will and provide a specific bequest where the grandchild is primarily dependent on you.

Though prevailing community standards are such that there is no responsibility for grandparents to provide for grandchildren in their wills, family provision claims can be ridiculously costly on Estates, and particularly where there is tension or conflict amongst family members.

Circumstances when grandchildren are likely to be found eligible 1. Where the deceased clearly expressed and intention to leave a property or other provision from their Estate to a grandchild or grandchildren, if proved on the balance of probabilities by credible witnesses; 2. Where the deceased provided accommodation and acted as a primary carer; 3. Where the deceased provided an ongoing and substantial level of responsibility to the grandchild; 4. Where there is special closeness beyond the natural affection of grandparents & grandchildren; 5. Where a level of conflict or tension between family members is demonstrated

by credible witnesses that supports the grandchild’s version of events.

Case example: Ng v Morgan [2014] - The deceased had discussed her intentions of leaving a property to her grandchildren who had resided there for some years with close friends and relatives - The deceased had been more involved than her daughter in providing day to day care for her grandchildren for some time and had assumed the role of their primary carer - The deceased died unexpectedly and had not updated her will for some 40 years. She had seen a solicitor in relation to drafting a new will but had not executed a new will prior to her death - There had been an incident of conflict between the deceased and her daughter who were estranged for the last few years of the deceased’s life, despite her attempts to reconcile with her daughter.

- The grandchildren received the property they resided in unencumbered with the mortgage to be paid out from the Estate.

Circumstances when grandchildren are not likely to be found eligible 1. Where provision was made for payment of education prior to adulthood; 2. Where the grandchildren are mature adults and have not made efforts to further their own life; 3. Where it would be improper given circumstances and facts of a case; 4. Where a grandchild is unable to demonstrate factors that warrant them the status of being a natural testamentary object, that is, circumstance existing that mean their relationship with the deceased is equivalent to that of a spouse or child.

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

Case example: Wilcox & Wilcox; and subsequent appeal Chapple & Wilcox- The Estate primarily consisted of farming and pastoral properties and associated business enterprises, which were left to the deceased’s child – the claimant’s mother.

- The adult grandson was initially awarded $107,000 with $40,000 to be paid to him from the Estate each year for 7 years.

On appeal the court found it was not appropriate to award provision to a mature adult who had been given a better start in life and had an unmeritorious sense of entitlement.

- Further, it was inappropriate as the nature of business and its profits will always be subject to natural events such as drought.

- The grandson received no provision.

If a claimant is found to be eligible, they will then be required to demonstrate factors that give them the status of a person who would generally be regarded as a natural object of testamentary recognition by a deceased. It is not an easy threshold to cross.

Some grandchildren have attempted to use the regular receipt of birthday and Christmas presents or money to meet this requirement, but fear not – the court has held that is insufficient.

What must be shown is something greater, such as the provision of accommodation, or a significant continuing responsibility to the grandchild.

The Court continues to make statements (see for example Bowditch v NSW Trustee & Guardian [2012]) upholding the general rule that grandparents do not have a responsibility to make provision for a grandchild, with that obligation resting firmly on the parent of the grandchild.

If you have concerns about providing for a grandchild in your will Paul Sant and his Estate team will guide you through the process.

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

Tuesday May 7, 2019

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har il-Ħamis 16 ta’ Mejju l-kantanta Michela (Malta) Għawdxija Michela se tirrappreżenta lil Malta fit-tieni semi-finali tal-Eurovision fil-Eurovision Song Contest 2019 f’Tel Aviv, l-Izrael bilkanzunetta Chameleon'. Hi se tkanta fil-11-il post.

Song Contest Michela, ta’ 18-il sena, kisbet id-dritt li tkanta għal Malta wara li f’Jannar li għadda rebħet lfis-16 ta’ Mejju ewwel edizzjoni tal-X-Factor.

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Għall-ewwel darba l-kanzunetta ta’ Malta mhix ta’ kompożituri Maltin imma ta’ tim internazzjonali li jaħdem taħt it-tikketta ta’ Symphonix International, li fost l-oħrajn kitbu wkoll il-kanzunetta tal-Azerbajġan. Isma’ lil Michela: https://www.you tube.com/watch?v=tdyQ-ebzFgk. Il-komunita` Maltija li tgħix f’pajjiżi bi dritt li jivvutaw imħeġġa jagħtu l-vot lil Michaela.

L-Irxoxt fi Blacktown

ull sena flGħid fiċ-ĊenK tru La Valette ta’

Single/vidjow ġdid ta’ Ira Losco

I

ra Losco, l-aktar kantanta popolari bħalissa f’Malta, għadha kemm nediet il-vidjow mużikali għas-single ġdida tagħha bl-isem ta’ High.

Din hi kanzunetta li titkellem dwar il-minoranzi fis-soċjetà li jbatu l-inġustizzji u jiġu mwarrba għax huma differenti.

F’dan l-isfond Ira qed tipprova twassal messaġġ b’saħħtu biex jieqaf il-preġudizzju kontra l-minoranzi.

F’dan il-vidjow/kanzunetta, Ira għal darb’oħra ħadmet ma’ Steven Levi u D.O.P. Matthew Muscat Drago. Il-produzzjoni hi ta’ Howard Keith.

Biex tara l-vdjow mur: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=l_60UNA_fBg

Blacktown fi NSW issir il-festa tal-Irxoxt, il-qawmien mill-mewt ta’ Sidna Ġesu`Kristu.

Hawn ukoll, bħal ma jsir fil-Gżejjer Maltin, issir il-girja tradizzjonali. Din issir mill-kappella saċ-Ċentru fuq ilgħolja.

Din hi okkażjoni li kull sena tkun mistennija mit-tfal li jieħdu sehem fiha b’ċertu entużjażmu.

Fir-ritratt tidher listatwa tal-Irxoxt imdawra minn uħud mit-tfal li ħadu sehem dissena.

Minħabba li flaħħar ħarġa ta’ The Voice ma kienx hemm post għal dan ir-ritratt, ħsibna li mhux ta’ min jitilfu anke jekk biex inferrħu lit-tfal, u sibnielu post għalih f’din ilħarġa.

You’re Invited: Cancer Council Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea

Organised by Horsley Park Community Social Group & Friends On Thursday May 23 at 10 am Mandavilla Events Centre Horsley Park.

Entry: $10 donation.

Morning tea, chocolate wheel, raffle,

lucky door prize, special quests.

Performance by local schools, variety of Stalls.

Contact: Theresa 0402 178 781 Josephine: 0402 040 954

Have your say/Xi trid tghid?

8 The Voice of the Maltese

Tuesday May 7, 2019

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

Inezattezzi a gwadan politiku

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Christopher Muscat minn St Georges Burnside SA jikteb: ħalkemm ilni bogħod minn Malta għal għexieren ta’ snin, xorta waħda għadni ngħożż dak kollu li hu Malti, u ma nissaportix lil min li għallfini ta’ moħħu, l-aktar jekk dawn ikunu politiċi, biex jiskorja xi punti, jaqbeż il-limitu u jmaqdar bla raġuni l-istat Malti.

F’Malta jien kont għalliem u ma tlaqtx minn hemm biex ġejt l-Awstralja għax ma kellix xogħol imma biex niġri wara mħabbti, il-mara li wara żżewwiġt u magħha bnejt familja. Hawn sibt xi tbatijiet għaliex minkejja l-kwalifiki li kelli ta’ għalliem kważi kelli nibda mill-ġdid. Ipperseverajt, irnexxejt u rabbejt familja.

Grazzi għat-teknoloġija għadni nsegwi dak kollu li jseħħ f’Malta, u l-aħbarijiet

Kannoli bla krema

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Joe Ciantar minn The Entrance NSW jikteb: nnutajt l-ittra ta’ Emm. Borg (MV 23 ta’ April) bi tweġiba għal dak li ktibt jien filħarġa ta’ The Voice tas-26 ta’ Marzu.

Fil-kitba tiegħi rreferejt biss għall-elezzjonijiet tal-Unjoni Ewropeja u qatt ma semmejt l-elezzjonijiet ġenerali jew lokali f’Malta.

Iva, jien nemmen li mad-dritt taċ-ċittadinanza għandu jkun hemm ukoll id-dritt talvot (b’ċerti kundizzjonijiet). Dejjem meta nkunu qed nitkellmu dwar l-elezzjonijiet tal-UE u mhux ta’ Malta.

Kont ċar dwar li ktibt. Hemm ukoll l-argument li għax tkun ilek toqgħod Malta ħames snin jew tiżżewweġ Malti/Maltija tista’ tigi kkunsidrat bħala ċittadin u tiġi mogħti l-vot, izda jekk, per ezempju tkun għext 30 sena f’Malta u issa qed tgħix flAwstralja m’għandekx dritt tal-vot.

Taħseb li din ġustizzja?

huma d-delizzju tiegħi, tant li minkejja li m’inix bniedem polemikuż imma kapaċi li niddibatti b’moħħ miftuħ għax ħadd m’għandu bżonn il-vot tiegħi.

Naf x’inhu għaddej f’Malta, dwar issuċċess ekonomiku u fi kważi kull settur.

Ir-raġuni li wasslitni nikteb kienet dak li qalet politikanta f’laqgħa li kellha mal-ġurnalisti ftit tal-jiem ilu.

Kulħadd jaf xi progress għamlet il-mara f’Malta, speċjalment fl-aħħar snin, għalhekk ixxukjatni u skandalizzatni politikanta li qalet li, “il-mara Maltija hija l-agħar fl-Ewropa”, u semmiet affarijiet, meqjusa mhux veritieri, u li skont hi, minflok ‘l quddiem tefgħu lill-mara Maltija lura.

Mhux kompitu tiegħi li nwieġeb lil dil-politikanta, u x’aktarx li mhux se taqra li qed nikteb, allura rrid biss ngħaddi messaġġ lill-Maltin li jgħixu barra pajjiżhom biex ma jagħtux kas ta’ nies bħal dawn. Jekk iridu jafu l-verita’ ta’ x’inhu għaddej f’Malta, isegwu b’attenzjoni mezzi ta’ komunikazzjoni ta’ min jafdahom, jiżnu dak li jaqraw u mbagħad jiffurmaw fehmithom.

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Duty of care

S. Curren nee Borg Brighton East Victoria writes:

y message to the younger generation; please get off your Facebook and get your hands dirty. The community is calling you. You have a duty of care. Your elderly parents are now in need of looking after, so please come forward, jump off Facebook into the real world. Talk is cheap; the community needs action, NOW.

Soluzzjoni temporanja

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ħalkemm il-kumitat ta’ La Valette SC fi Blacktown NSW irnexxielu jsib soluzzjoni temporanja wara li tħalla lamp stampa mingħajr saċerdot Malti, xorta kien hemm ħafna tgergir għax Fr Anthony Xerri anzjan ta’ 88 sena qalilhom li minħabba f’saħtu mhux dejjem ikun jista’ jattendi.

Dan is-sacerdot twajjeb Karmelitan aċċetta li jattendi nhar ta’ Ħamis għallaqgħa li ssir għall-anzjani kif ukoll biex ikun hemm il-quddies tas-Sibt. Iżd’issa minflok zewg quddisiet kif kien isir qabel qed isir waħda biss fil-5.30 pm.

Il-komunita Maltija bir-raġun tinsab mgħaddba bis-sħiħ għax ma semgħu xejn mill-awtoritajiet tal-knisja Maltija u l-anqas mill-Isqof ta’ Parramatta.

Tuesday May 7, 2019

May 12

T

his year Mother’s Day in Malta, Australia and several other countries across the world falls on May 12. This annual day honouring mothers and motherhood is celebrated on the second Sunday of May. It is thought that this day dates back to the custom of mother worship in ancient Greece and the festival of Cybele, the Mother Goddess. Ancient Romans had a similar holiday, called Matronalia, which was dedicated to Juno, during which mothers were usually presented with gifts.

In Europe there were several long-standing traditions where a specific Sunday was set aside to honour motherhood and mothers.

Mothering Sunday celebrations are part of the liturgical calendar in several Christian denominations, including Anglicans. In the Catholic calendar it is marked as Laetare Sunday, the fourth Sunday in Lent, to honour the Virgin Mary and the "mother" church.

Years back on that day, children and young people who were “in service” (servants in rich households) were given a day off so they could visit their families.

The children especially, would pick wild flowers on the way to give them to their mothers as gifts.

It was in 1858 that in order to promote and elevate the important role of mothers, and to help them to create healthier and more hygienic homes, a Christian lady by the name of Ann Maria Reeves sowed the first seeds for the celebration of motherhood. It led to a Mothers’ Friendship Day that eventually developed into an important movement called ‘Mothers’ Friendship Clubs’.

Then in 1870, following the "Mother's Day proclamation" by Julia Ward Howe in the United States, there was the fist call to celebrate Mother’s Day. The proclamation was tied to Howe's belief that women had a responsibility to shape their societies at the political level.

Eventually, by the time Anna Jarvis had already begun her national campaign in the US, on 28th February 1909 International Women's Day was celebrated for the first time.

Just as with most holidays that have been exploited by commercialisation, so has Mother`s Day. It has become a commercialised day of sentiwith ment many mothers receiving gifts, cards, and flowers.

It is also an occasion for most restaurants and other eating houses all over to create succulent dishes in order to entice the families out of their homes in

The Voice of the Maltese 9

Honouring one’s mum

order to treat their mothers to a special meal, for children to give their mums, and men their wives, some much needed quality time out of the kitchen.

Spending the day with one`s mother is also a way for showing one’s appreciation to the woman who gave birth to you. A mother is a selfless, loving human who must sacrifice many of her wants and needs for the wants and needs of her children. She is a also a protector, disciplinarian and friend.

The meaning of being a mother is virtually endless. She is a protector, disciplinarian and friend. A mother is a selfless, loving human who must sacrifice many of her wants and needs for the wants and needs of her children. A mother works hard to make sure her child is equipped with the knowledge, skills and abilities to make it as a competent human being.

10 The Voice of the Maltese

Perspettiva

Tuesday May 7, 2019

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

Kotba Maltin fl-Awstralja

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an l-aħħar tul il-btajjel tal-Għid u t-tifkira tal-ANZAC, b’kumbinazzjoni kont qed naqra l-ktieb ta’ Ġużè Ellul Mercer – Taħt in-Nar, Djarju tal-ewwel sena tal-Gwerra. Dan kien jittratta l-esperjenzi koroh tal-gżejjer Maltin matul it-tieni gwerra dinjija bejn l-1940 u l-1941.

Kien ktieb li ttratta perjodu li seħħ ħafna qabel ma twelidt, imma xorta qajjimli ħafna memorji ta’ diversi taħdidiet li kelli man-nanniet tiegħi dwar il-perjodi tal-gwerra. Ċerti affarijiet kienu kważi kelma b’kelma dak li kont smajt irrakkuntat lili. Waħda minnhom kienet l-impressjoni li l-ajruplani ta’ bumbardjament Taljani kienu qishom jibżgħu mis-sistemi militari tad-difiża f’Malta, u kellhom it-tendenza li jibqgħu fil-ogħli ħafna fl-ajru, jitfgħu l-bombi li jkollhom bi ftit preċiżjoni u jdawru dembhom lura.

Il-kittieb għal ħafna drabi għamel id-distinzjoni mill-forzi tal-ajru tal-Ġermaniżi li kienu bil-wisq iktar effettivi u qliel minn dawk Taljani.

Ellul Mercer daħal f’dettall konsiderevoli dwar il-ħsara li saret, il-ħajjiet li ntilfu, stejjer li jġibulek id-dmugħ f’għajnejk ta’ mirakli fejn nies inħarġu minn taħt sulari mwaqqgħin li wieħed qatt ma basar li għad hemm xi ħajja, deskrizzjonijiet ta’ attakki apokalittiċi li kien xhud tagħhom huwa stess fil-Port il-Kbir, nuqqasijiet fl-affarijiet bażiċi ta’ kuljum, id-dħul ta’ vapuri bi provvisti li waslu flarċipelgu Malti qishom il-manna taqa’ mis-sema eċċ eċċ.

Semma wkoll il-ħafna xelters li kienu tħaffru fil-blat biex fihom jistkenn il-poplu waqt l-attakki mill-ajru. Dawn ix-xelters niftakarhom jissemmew meta kont żgħir bħala ‘xejters’.

Kont ukoll qrajt dwar dawn ix-xelters meta kont iżgħar f’dak ilktieb klassiku ta’ Nicholas Montserrat The Kappillan of Malta, kittieb Ingliż li għadni niftakar lis-sieħba tiegħu toqgħod fir-raħal Għawdxi ta’ San Lawrenz għaddejja minn quddiem dar in-nanniet tiegħi u kultant tieqaf tgħid kelmtejn mal-familjari tiegħi.

Informazzjoni li sibtha interessanti kienet il-figura ta’ 80,000 ruħ li kienu rifuġjati interni waqt il-gwerra. Dan sar meta familji Maltin fil-postijiet li kienu jgħixu l-eqreb tal-miri ewlenini tal-għadu, bħal per eżempju t-tarzna ta’ Malta u l-faċilitajiet militari tal-Ingliżi, marru joqogħdu għand familji li kienu joqogħdu f’postijiet meqjusin relattivament iktar fiż-żgur.

Dawn il-familji tal-aħħar fetħu darhom u qalbhom għal dawn irrifuġjati, madankollu ssemma wkoll li tensjoni bla dubju tinħoloq meta qed tgħix taħt saqaf wieħed ma’ nies li ma tafx.

Meta wieħed jiftakar li l-popolazzjoni ta’ Malta fl-erbgħinijiet kienet ta’ madwar 300,000, dan ifisser li bejn wieħed u ieħor kwart tal-popolazzjoni kienu rifuġjati, u dan huwa persentaġġ qawwi mhux ħażin. Forsi tajjeb li aħna l-Maltin nirriflettu dwar l-esperjenza tal-poplu tagħna stess meta nisimgħu bil-miljuni ta’ rifuġjati Sirjani fil-Ġordan u l-pajjiżi ta’ madwar, jew f’żoni ta’ kunflitti

kitba ta’

IVAN CAUCHI

oħra.

Biċċa informazzjoni oħra li interessatni kienet li d-dijaspora Maltija fl-Eġittu kienu għamlu ġabra ta’ flus u kienu bagħtuha biex jinxtraw provvisti għall-Maltin. Dan ifisser li sal-erbgħinijiet talinqas, ir-rabta tal-Maltin fl-Eġittu ma’ art twelidhom u art twelid missirijiethom kienet għadha pjuttost qawwija.

Jien għadni bix-xewqa li nitgħallem aktar dwar dawn il-komunitajiet tal-Maltin tal-Mediterran, bħal dawk tal-Eġittu u tatTuneżija, li kienu jirrappreżentaw ġenerazzjoni ta’ emigranti ekonomiċi qabel l-emigrazzjoni ta’ wara t-Tieni Gwerra Dinjija fil-pajjiżi tal-allejati – l-Ingilterra, l-Awstralja, l-Istati Uniti u lKanada.

Dan il-ktieb huwa eżempju wieħed tar-riżorsi tal-kitba Maltija li jinsabu hawn f’NSW. F’dan l-istat fl-Awstralja, wieħed jista’ jmur fl-eqreb librerija lokali tiegħu u jistaqsi għal kotba Maltin li jiġu mislufa minn kollezzjoni li tinżamm fil-librerija statali ta’ NSW f’Sydney. Ġeneralment wara xi ħmistax jew tliet ġimgħat, dawn jitwasslu fil-librerija lokali li imbagħad jinfurmawk li jkunu waslu biex tmur tagħżel minnhom. Dan is-servizz hu bla ħlas, sakemm ma tistaqsix għal xi ktieb partikulari, li għalih ikun hemm miżata żgħira. Jien is-servizz nużah spiss, għax insib materjal utli għall-istudenti talMalti li jkolli jew għar-riferenza personali tiegħi, u minnu skoprejt il-ktieb ta’ Ellul Mercer.

Hemm ukoll xi kollezzjonijiet privati Maltin li mhumiex wisq magħrufa, bħal dik fiċ-ċentru tal-Maltese Community Council of NSW f’Parramatta.

Hemm ukoll xi ħwienet li minnhom jistgħu jinxtraw kotba Maltin.

Waħda mill-problemi għad-dijaspora Maltija hi li jżommu kuntatt mal-lingwa tagħhom. Naturalment, il-lingwa tibqa mitkellma (b’rata dejjem tonqos) fil-familji u fil-komunitajiet Maltin.

Madankollu, il-mezzi tal-komunikazzjoni, bħal ma nafu, fil-parti l-kbira tagħhom huma bil-lingwa tal-kolonizzaturi Brittaniċi. Allura dik il-ħaġa li tkun imdawwar bil-lingwa tiegħek, bejn radju, televiżjoni, gazzetti, kotba u rivisti, hija nieqsa. It-trasmissjonijiet bil-Malti fuq l-SBS u r-radjijiet lokali, tant imfittxija mill-komunità Maltija, huma limitati.

Għalhekk dawn ir-riżorsi fil-lingwa Maltija miktuba nqishom mitqlu deheb. Jista’ jkun hemm riżorsi oħra, inklużi fi stati oħra ta’ NSW, li ma nafx bihom. Jekk hemm min għandu tagħrif relevanti, nistiednu biex jikteb lili fuq il-blogg tiegħi jew lill-editur ta’ The Voice of the Maltese u jgħarraf lid-dijaspora Maltija bihom.

Lill-qarrejja kollha, inħeġġiġhom li jagħmlu użu mill-ftit riżorsi li għandna f’din l-art. L-awtoritajiet mhux se jkunu lesti li jinvestu f’riżorsi f’din il-lingwa ta’ minoranza għall-pajjiż sakemm ma jarawx domanda.

Dari l-għajn il-ħażina kienet wisq fl-imħuh F

The Voice of the Maltese 11

Tuesday May 7, 2019

l-imgħoddi, it-twemmin u s-superstizzjonijiet missirijietna kienu jikluhom bħall-ħobż. Kulħadd jgħid tiegħu u donnu li kulħadd kien jitwemmen. Dawn issuperstizzjonijiet kienu jibdew sa mill-bidunett tal-kreatura fid-dinja u anke qabel, u tant kienu jidħlu fl-imħuħ li anke jekk ma tkunx trid iġeigħluk temmen, inkella jgħidulek li għandek ix-xitan fik! U mhix ħaġa kbira li kont issib xi kappillan iwissik biex tibża’ għall-familja.

Fost is-superstizzjonijiet kient hemm dik li fl-antik ħafna familji, l-aktar dawk fl-irħula kienu jemmnu bis-sħiħ li meta t-tarbija tkun tifla, ta’ erbgħin jum riedu bilfors itaqqbulha widnejha għall-imsielet. Dan ix-xogħol riedet tagħmlu l-majjistra u riedet teħodha l-parrina għand il-majjistra.

Riedu jtaqqbulha widnejha ta’ erbgħin jum biex l-imsielet li kienu jlibbsu lit-tarbija jħarsuha mill-għajn, u b’hekk iddaqqa ta’ għajn ħażina li jista’ jkollha taqa’ fuq l-imsielet ileqqu u jitbandlu u mhux fuq wiċċ it-tarbija. Lanqas titwemmen li ma’ kull ħaġa kienu jżeffnu l-għajn jew ilmagħmul.

Aktar iva milli le dawn l-imsielet kienu jkunu r-rigal talparrina fil-magħmudija u kienu jintlibsu sa meta t-tifla jkollha ħames jew sitt snin. Dan ma kienx kollox, għax meta t-tifla tkun waslet għall-preċett, l-omm kienet tixtrilha par imsielet oħra tat-tfal u dawk tal-parrina kienu jingħataw lill-Madonna tar-raħal.

Bħal kull omm oħra, anke fl-imgħoddi l-ommijiet ma kinux jieħdu pjaċir jaraw lit-tarbija tagħhom tibki, għalhekk kif it-tarbija kienet tibda tixher jew tolfoq bil-biki, lomm kienet terfagħha mill-benniena u tħanninha magħha sakemm torqod. It-talb kienu jivvintawh!

F’dawk iż-żminijiet ukoll, il-benniena kienu jgħattuha bilfiloxx għal kontra n-nemus u kontra d-dubbien. Din xi ħaġa li għadha ssir sal-lum u kulħadd jifhem kemm hi ħaġa tajba li tbiegħed linsetti żgħar

minn fuq wiċċ ittarbija. Ħaġ’oħra, li naħseb li għad hawn min jiftakarha, kienet li meta tarbija kienet titbissem waqt l-irqad kien jingħad li tkun qed tara l-anġli.

Donnu li fl-antik it-trabi kienu jiġu protetti sewwa mill-għajn ħażina

PeterPaulCiantar

jew xi magħmul.

Minbarra dik dwar l-imsielet hemm oħra intereessanti.

Meta tarbija kienet tittewweb l-omm kenet tagħmel salib b’subgħajha fuq fomm it-tarbija…biex ma jidħolx ix-xitan!

Fl-antik ix-xitan kienu jżeffnuh sewwa fil-ħsieb tagħhom.

Oħra kienet li taħt il-libsa tat-trabi, mal-flanella kienu jehmżu labtijiet żgħar li jsiru mis-sorijiet. Fihom x’aktarx li kienu jpoġġu xi biċċa werqa taż-żebbuġ imbierek minn ta’ Ħadd il-Palm… dejjem kontra l-għajn. Qaluli li f’xi rħula din id-drawwa għadha ssir – imma xwejħa qaltli li din issir biss b’devozzjoni!

X’hemm aktar, iva, meta xi ħadd kien ifaħħar lit-tarbija, xi ħadd ieħor kien ikun pront pront iwieġeb ‘Alla jbierek’ jew ‘Binti ħliqa t’Alla’. Dan kien jingħad biex ikunu mħarsin mill-għajn.

Anke meta t-tarbija kienet tagħtas, tingħad din espressjoni oħra, ‘Ġesù Bambin’, inkella, ‘Il-Bambin Miegħek’. Ħafna għadhom jgħiduha din. Hija espressjoni sabiħa iżda qabel, il-ħsieb tagħha ma kienx ta’ espressjoni biss iżda biex ibegħduha minn xi għajn ħażina.

Fl-imgħoddi nsibu wkoll li filwaqt li t-tarbija kienu jdawruha bil-faxex tal-fisqija, l-omm kienet tpoġġi fihom werqa żebbuġa mbierka u xi biċċa xemgħa tat-tniebri, dejjem kontra l-għajn ħażina.

Ikun interessanti ħafna jekk xi ħadd jipprova janalizza sewwa dawn issuperstizzjonijiet u jagħmel xi stud-ju, forsi anke dwar kif dawn daħlu f’pajjiżna.

Tassew tasal tistagħġeb kif u kemm drawwiet kellu l-Malti waqt it- trobbija tat-trabi.

Hekk, ngħidu aħna, waqt li tarbija kienet tingħata l-banju, l-omm kienet tagħmel salib fuq żaqq ittarbija u titlob.

Fl-imgħoddi anke għas-sulluzzu kien hemm rimedju, tant li kienu jgħidu ‘Sulluzzu bulluzzu Mur għand min jobgħodni Jekk m’għandix min jobgħodni Erġ’ejja għandi.’

Din fl-antik kienet tingħad għax dejjem kienu jaħsbu li xi ħadd żgur hawn li ma jkollux grazzja miegħu, allura din qatt ma se terġa’ tiġi lura għandu!

Kemm drawwiet, u kemm superstizzjonijiet. Dawn li ktibt dwarhom huma biss ftit. Ċert li ħemm ħafna qarrejja, laktar dawk anzjani li jafu b’oħrajn.

12 The Voice of the Maltese

Tuesday May 7, 2019

Roundup of News About Malta

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat calls for Malta scores high safeguarding the 4 freedoms of the EU in EU Justice eeting at the Together for Europe rope must be a force of openness both insummit in Warsaw on the occa- ternally and within the global context,” Scoreboard sion of the celebration in Warsaw In the event that was organised by Polish

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of the 15th anniversary since 10 countries – including Malta and Poland –joined the European Union (EU) on May 1, 2004, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said, “Eu-

26,600 youths benefit from free transport

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n the first three months of this year, more than 26,600 youths and students - aged 14 to 20 and all full-time students 21 and over - have benefitted from the free public transport scheme that Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects Ian Borg said was the result of an investment of over €3.3 million.

The Minister said in the first three months of this year, there was an increase of 15% in investment which resulted in more than 15% of scheduled public transport trips to be made as part of this scheme.

He referred to the record achieved in 2018, when more than 53.4 million passengers used the public transport service, which is an average of almost 150,000 passengers every day when compared to an average of a little more than 90,000 passengers every day in 2011.

The figures are bound to improve even further as in the first three months of this year more than 12 million passengers have used public transport.

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Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki and attended by the leaders of the 10 countries, Muscat cited the single market as being the biggest achievement of the European project. He warned that there are forces that are trying to tamper with the ‘four freedoms’, the free movement of goods, capital, and services and labour, which are the founding principles of the EU. He said that these are the principles that all EU member states subscribe to, and must work together to sustain. “We must do everything we can to safeguard them,” he said.

The Prime Minister called on EU countries to be more understanding of each other. “We are one big family, with members coming from different parts of Europe, with different histories. Whether we joined in 2004, before 2004, or after, we are all Europeans. We are all equal member states.

And we are all stronger together,” he said.

alta has welcomed the European Union Commission’s report stating its efficiency in the justice system. It scored highly in the ‘Justice Scoreboard’ just published.

In its report, the EU Commission said that the Maltese public has strengthened its belief in the Judiciary in that it is independent, especially compared to previous years’ reports.

It further underlines the fact that Maltese companies have also strengthened their belief that the Judiciary is independent.

Justice Scoreboard’s report also takes a look at the efficiency of the Judiciary System throughout 2017. It highlights the strengthening of belief in the independence of the system between 2010 and 2017.

igures released both by the National Statistics Office (NSO) and Eurostat show that by registering a surplus of €250.8 million (around $A400 million), equivalent to 2% of GDP, in 2018 Malta made the second highest surplus among the European Union member states..

NSO showed that the major contributor of the surplus is the Extra Budgetary Units

(EBU), which reached €176.8 million, a decrease of €21.1m over 2017.

Malta’s surplus has led to a decrease in debt with figures indicating that the debt rate compared to the wealth being generated by the Maltese economy standing at 46%. The lowest rates were measured in Estonia and Luxembourg while the highest were recorded in Greece and Italy.

Malta with second highest surplus in EU

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The Voice of the Maltese 13

Tuesday May 7, 2019

Roundup of News About Malta

Malta has the highest employment rate of recent graduates in Europe

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alta currently has the highest employment rate of recent graduates in Europe. It stands at 94.5%, which is even better than Germany, with 90.9%, and the Netherlands, in the third position with 90.4%.

Education and training specialists theknowledgeacademy.com dived into the data to find out the current employment rate of recent graduates. It found that Mal-

PM proposes granting automatic citizenship to adopted children

tese graduates are the most likely to find employment.

Meanwhile, Eurostat figures just published indicate that just over 34% of Maltese youths in the 30 to 34 age group have achieved tertiary education. Malta’s target by 2020 is that 33% of youths in this age group will have concluded tertiary education. Malta is ahead of Italy, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, and Romania

It also shows that Malta is one of 16 European Union countries that have achieved or exceeded their targets about youths with tertiary education, However, although since 2006 the percentage of early school-leavers in up to 2018 in Malta has dropped from 31% to 17.5%, along with Spain and Romania, Malta still places in the lower reaches standing

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arents of adopted children have welcomed Prime Minister Joseph Muscat’s proposal to amend the adoption law in order for adopted children to be automatically granted Maltese citizenship when they are adopted by Maltese couples.

The Prime Minister made the proposal when he addressed a national conference on adoptions. As things stand, adoptive parents have to resort to the Court in Malta for children to be granted Maltese citizenship and then wait for a number of months before the children are granted Maltese citizenship.

Muscat also informed the conference that soon, Maltese couples would soon also be able to start adopting children from Bulgaria, and discussions have also given instructed to look into making Nepal another possible destination for adoptive parents.

Since 2013 a record number of 154 children have been adopted from a number of countries. The number includes the adoption of 25 Maltese children by Maltese adoptive parents.

In order to ease the financial burden on adoptive parents, some months ago the Government has started to give a €10,000 grant to them as part of expenses incurred during the adoption process.

In the last few months, Maltese delegates managed to conclude discussions with Bulgaria, Moldova, Poland, and India in order to make the first step into adoption an easier task for Maltese parents.

Malta hosts Disability Rights meet

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alta hosted 26 EU-Arab countries to the first High-Level Meeting for Disability Rights (above) at the end of which they signed the first political declaration for more regional co-operation for rights of persons with disability. Through it the countries re-affirmed their commitment to abide by the principle of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Sustainability Development Goals.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives Dr Anglu Farrugia presided over the meeting that was attended by delegates from Arab and European countries, including representatives of the League of Arab States and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). They discussed and shared their experiences in re-

Second edition of Blockchain Summit May 22-25

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he first edition of the Malta AI & Blockchain Summit in November last year turned out to be a monumental success with the participation of around 8500 people. A second edition of the stellar show is taking place May 22-25.

The speaker line up is to feature top names within the industry along with Malta’s Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and Parliamentary Secretary for Financial Services, Digital Economy and Innovation Silvio Schembri. Sophia the Robot, will also be making her second visit to the island.

spect of the adoption of measures at upholding the rights of and improving the living conditions of persons with disabilities.

Speaker Anġlu Farrugia held that the democratically elected representatives of the people are morally obliged to speak on behalf of disadvantaged persons and to advance their causes till their legitimate demands are legally acknowledged, and action and measures are duly taken by governments to secure social justice and social order, and the rightful place of persons with disabilities in society.

In his concluding remarks, Parliamentary Secretary for Persons with Disability and Active Ageing, Anthony Agius Decelis, whose secretariat organised the event, said that as governments one needs to lead by example through the provision of accessible services, promotion of inclusive policies, allocation of funds and development of new initiatives.

He said that as a country Malta should be proud to have initiated the dialogue between European and Arab delegations through such a meeting. He encouraged all participating countries to continue working together for the benefit of persons with disabilities in our respective countries.

14 The Voice of the Maltese

Tuesday May 7, 2019

Qabel u wara l-25 ta’ Mejju

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l-aħħar ħarġa ta’ The Voice ikkummentajt dwar il-konsegwenzi li jista’ jkollu r-riżultat tal-elezzjonijiet talmembri tal-Parlament Ewropew u l-Kunsilli Lokali li se jsiru nhar il-25 ta’Mejju.

Fost kollox semmejt il-possibilta’ li l-Prim Ministru Malti jżomm il-wegħda tiegħu li jagħmel biss żewġ leġislazzjonijiet imbagħad jitlaq, kemm minn Prim ministru kif ukoll minn mexxej tal-Partit Laburista.

Dan minħabba li ħafna jbassru li wara li jirbaħ dawn l-elezzjonijiet Muscat jirriżenja biex jagħi żmien biżżejjed lil min jilħaq minn floku biex jirranka qabel tasal l-elezzjoni li ġeneerali li jkun imiss.

Sintendi, din il-possibilta xejn ma tinżel tajjeb mal-maġġoranza assoluta tal-partitarji tal-Partit Laburista billi f’Muscat jaraw il-possibilta, kważi ċ-ċertezza, ta’ aktar suċċessi għall-istess partit.

Dan minbarra l-biża’ li tellieqa għal mexxej ġdid tista’ toħloq sfidi u perikli bħal ma seħħ fi ħdan il-Partit Nazzjonalista li nqasam waqt it-tiġrija għall-ħatra talmexxej, xi ħaġa li baqgħet hemm anke wara l-elezzjoni u li poġġiet lil dan il-partit f’diffikulatjiet kbar.

Għalhekk wieħed ma jistgħaġibx bl-appelli li saru lil Joseph Muscat minn diversi kelliema, fosthom id-deputati mexxejja tal-Partit Laburista waqt il-Konferenza Ġenerali tal-partit ħalli jibqa’ fit-tmun.

Iċ-ċapċip li laqgħa d-diskors ta’ Muscat fil-konferenza meta stqarr: “Ngħidilkom li għad fadlilna ħafna x’nagħmlu flimkien bħala partit, bħala moviment u bħala pajjiż” wera biċ-ċar is-sentiment tal-partitarji laburisti li f’dan il-kliem raw il-possibilta li Muscat jibqa’ jmexxi l-partit. L-applaws kien ferm akbar meta lejn tmiem id-diskors tiegħu stqarr, “Nassigurakhom li Joseph mhux se jitlaq zopptu.”

Allura ma’ l-ewwel ċans li kellhom il-ġurnalisti staqsewh x’kienu eżattament ilpjanijiet tiegħu. Iżda l-Prim Ministru ħarab mill-mistqosija billi wieġeb li hu qed jif-

foka fuq il-kam- Interessanti wkoll wieħed iħares lejn il-logos li l-partiti għażlu panja elettorali għal din il-kampanja elettorali. billi beħsiebu jżur Il-Partit Nazzjonalisti beda juża’ dan il-logo: kull rokna ta’ Malta u Għawdex.

“Ma rridx nispekola fuq x’se jiġri wara l-elezzjonijiet.”, filwaqt li b’nofs daħka żied jgħid li jekk Fil-waqt li min-naħa tiegħu l-Partit Laburista il-Partit Laburista jitlef l-elezzjoni, ħareġ dan il-logo tiegħu propju f’dan l-aħħar jiem: il-Partit żgur li jqalftu ‘l barra.

Sadanittant iż-żewġ mexxejja taw sinfikat differenti lil din l-elezzjoni, għax filwaqt li l-kap Nazzjonalista Adrian Delia stqarr li din ma kienetx elezzjoni ta’ għażla bejn il-partiti, iżda waħda bejn il-kandidati li ħerġin għall-elezzjoni tal-Parlament Ewropew, ('Din mhijiex elezzjoni bejn il-partiti' - Delia illum 28.04.2019 ) il-mexxej Laburista sostna li din kienet għażla bejn ittmexxija tiegħu u dik tal-kap Nazzjonalista.

Fl-aħħar jiem f’intervista li AdrianDelia ta lil The Times of Malta stħarriġ li qed isir, fejn id-differenza fl-ap(01.05.2019) bidel il-verżjoni tiegħu u ġie poġġ bejn il-mexxejja huwa attwalment rrappurtat, “The choice, the Opposition akbar milli bejn id-differenza ta’ appoġġ li leader insisted, was between the National- jgawdu l-partiti. Wieħed jista’ jinnota li lemfasi fiż-żewġ każi huwa fuq pajjiżna ist and a Socialist party.”

Hu ċar li l-mexxej Laburista jrid jagħmel Malta, li juri li fuq kollox iż-żewġ partiti użu sħiħ mid-differenza fl-appoġġ għall- fehmu li l-poplu, fuq quddiem nett għandu mexxejja taż-żewġ partit politiċi minn kull l-ġid tal-pajjiż.

Ta’ 14 żgħar wisq għall-politika?! aqt il-Konferenza ġenerali tal-Partit diskussjoni sħiħa fil-ġurnali u l-midja soċW Laburista ġiet approvata mozzjoni jali, b’uħud isostnu li 14-il sena kienet eta fejn l-eta biex wieħed jissieħab fil-partit, żgħira wisq biex wieħed iħaddan partit minn 16-il sena tniżżlet għal 14. Biex issa kull min jagħlaq dik l-eta jjista’ jkun membru tal-Partit Laburista.

Meta tħabbret din id-deċiżjoni qamet

Dr Hugh McDermott MP State Member for Prospect For issues concerning:

Ageing and disability - community services -education - environment - health - housing - planning - Police - transport - water

P: (02) 9756 4766 E: prospect@parliament.nsw.gov.au

2/679 The Horsley Dr, Smithfield NSW 2164

politiku.

Min-naħa l-oħra kien hemm dawk li sostnew li l-istess jiġri f’diversi pajjiżi Ewropej u ma kien hemm xejn ħażin li żgħażagħ ta’ 14 jissieħbu ma’ partit politiku biex ikunu jistgħu jagħtu l-idejat tagħhom u jwasslu leħinhom fejn ikun meħtieġ.

Waqt din il-kritika lejn il-Partit Laburista, xi ħadd ġibed l-attenzjoni li din ma kienetx xi ħaġa ġdida għal Malta, minħabba li sentejn ilu l-Partit Nazzjonalista kien ukoll niżżel l-eta ta’ sħubija għal 14-il sena, imma dakinhar ma kien hemm l-ebda reazzjoni.

Kien hemm min ipprova jgħid li dan seħħ billi fil-każ tal-Partit Nazzjonalista dawk li jissieħbu ta’ 14 ma kellhomx id-dritt li jivvutaw għall-ħatra tal-Kap u l-viċi-kapijiet tal-Partit Nazzjonalista.

Fil-fehma tiegħi dan ftit li xejn jagħmel differenza, għax fiż-żewġ każijiet l-eta tassħubija niżlet għal 14-il sena.

The Voice of the Maltese 15

Tuesday May 7, 2019

Malta u l-Venezwela

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għiduli x’għandha x’taqsam Malta mal-kwestjoni ta’ bħalissa filVenezwela? Attwalment ftit li xejn, ħlief li qablet mar-riżoluzzjonijiet tal-Unjoni Ewropeja dwar li qed jiġri f’dan il-pajjiż.

Bħall-bqija tal-membri tal-UE Malta temmen li l-kwestjoni politika kellha tiġi solvuta politikament u mhux militarment.

Iżda kif ġieli jsir, Malta spiċċat tiżżeffen fin-nofs bla ħsieb.

Dan billi l-Awtoritajiet Russi talbu lillGvern Malti biex ħalli ajruplani militari Russi li kienu qed itiru mis-Sirja għallVenezwela jgħaddu mill-ispazju tal-ajru Malti. Skont it-talba Russa, it-titjiriet kellhom ikunu ta’ natura umanitarja biex jinġarru provvisti tal-ikel, tobba, tekniċi u inġiniera li għandhom bżonn id-diplomatiċi Russi fil-Veneżwela. Intqal li l-ajruplani ma kienux qed iġorr armi, splussivi jew materjal perikoluż. Il-Gvern Malti ċaħad din it-talba.

Ftit tal-ġimgħat qabel, Malta kienet approvat talba simili mir-Russja u ajruplani militari Russi kienu ntlemħu fl-ajruport talkapitali tal-Veneżwela, Caracas.

Sintendi l-Awtoritajiet Russi ma kienux

kuntenti b’din iċ-ċaħda u saħansitra l-BuzzFeed News qalet li r-Russja kienet se tpattiha lill-Prim Ministru Joseph Muscat, billi jibdew kampanja ta’ informazzjoni skorretta waqt jew wara l-elezzjonijiet tal-Parlament Ewropew f’Mejju li ġej.

L-allegazzjoni ġiet miċħuda minn kelliema tal-Ministeru tal-Affarijiet Barranin Russu li sostniet li r-Russja kienet tqis li lazzjoni ta’ Malta kellha “unfriendly connotation” u li dan kien se jittieħed f’kunsiderazzjoni f’relazzjonijiet biliterali bejn iż-żewġ pajjiżi.

Min-naħa l-oħra l-Gvern Malti ġie mfaħħar mid-Dipartiment tal-Istat Amerikan li ħeġġew lil pajjiżi oħra jsegwi l-passi ta’ Malta, u l-Istati uniti fissret id-deċiżjoni ta’ Malta bħala “turija ta’ tmexxija soda u strateġika u li tappoġġja l-politika tal-Unjoni Ewropea u dik Amerikana dwar ilVenezuwela."

Mhux magħruf uffiċjalment x’kienet irraġuni li l-Gvern Malti ħa din id-deċiżjoni.

Biss rapporti nternazzjonali rraportaw li ttitjira tal-ajruplani militari Russi li kienet għaddiet mill-ispazju tal-ajru ta’ Malta qabel bl-approvazzjoni tal-Gvern Malti,

Venezwela

attwalment kienet ġarret tagħmir u personnel militari.

Mistqosi dwar l-inċident il-Prim Ministru qal li dik li tkun newtrali ma’ jfissirx li tagħlaq għajnejk għal dak li jiġri madwarek u Malta ħadet l-aħjar deċiżjoni fiċ-ċirkostanzi, ibbażata fuq l-informazzjoni li kellha.

Sadanitant il-Ministru tal-Affarijiet Barranin, Carmelo Abela qal li filwaqt li l-Minisreru tiegħu jipprova jżomm l-aqwa relazzjonijiet ma’ kull pajjiż, xorta jrid jieħu ċerti deċiżjonijiet. Spjega li meta jsir hekk, ikun hemm min jieħu gost u min le.

Qal li dan hu proprju dak li ġara fil-każ talVenezwela. Il-Ministru Abela qal li l-pożizzjoni ta’ Malta hi differenti minn dik tar-Russja, u li hi l-istess bħal tal-Unjoni Ewropea.

Susan Templeman qegħda tiġġieled għall-komunita` Maltija lokali tagħna.

Susan Templeman is fighting for our local Maltese community.

1300 519 482 / susan.templeman.mp@aph.gov.au

Authorised by S. Templeman Australian Labor Party (NSW branch) 299 George St. Windsor NSW 2756

This is a paid advertisement

16 The Voice of the Maltese

Tuesday May 7, 2019

Things you should know about the election

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he Federal election is on Saturday 18th May, but pre-polling voting has already started. (See page 2 for a comprehensive article about the election). It is often asked, can candidates lie in their campaign material?

According to Mr Ekin-Smyth, from the Australian Electoral Commission – the government body tasked with managing elections – electoral laws do not “regulate the truth” in election commu- clear they are not responsible for “deternication or advertising. He said when it mining whether an election or political adcomes to claims and counterclaims around vertisement is misleading or untrue”. Mr policies or political material, this is cer- Ekin-Smyth said it’s up to the voter to stop tainly not the AEC’s role to be in there and and look for the source of the material. to validate one way or the other.

“It's not a frivolous thing casting a vote.

The Australian Communications and And obviously, you get informed by elecMedia Authority, the peak body for regu- tion communication along the way. So stop lating broadcast advertising, also makes and carefully consider it and go into the polls well-informed,” he said.

Last year, changes were made to the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 to make it clearer what election advertising was paid for by who. hile enrolment numbers for the Federal Declarations election are at record highs, according All political communications made to a Grattan Institute report, the trust voters for the “dominant purpose of influhave in politicians is at its lowest since 1969. encing the way electors vote in a fedIt also found that just a quarter of voters beeral election” on behalf of a lieve politicians will do the right thing. “candidate or political party” must "While there are many causes of falling trust declare who paid for or distributed and exasperation with the political establishthat message. ment, one is the growing sense that people in There is one exception to the rule government look after their own interests, or that electoral laws don’t regulate those of powerful groups, rather than the pubtruth in campaigning, and that is lic interest," the report said. when it comes to misleading voters The 2016 election saw the highest number of about the voting process itself. informal votes ever recorded, with 720,915 “A good example of this is when people casting an informal vote in the House somebody encourages somebody to of Representatives, while 567,806 voted invote on Sunday rather than Saturday formally in the Senate. saying that was polling day deliberThe Australian Electoral Commission says ately to try and get them to miss out,” 96.8 per cent of eligible Australians are enMr Ekin-Smyth said. rolled to vote this election, including a record He added that this type of misleadnumber of 18 to 24 years old at 88 per cent ing behaviour does not happen often, enrolment. but pointed to false information in-

Trust in politicians at its lowest since 1969

W

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

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

fluencing the way people number their forms – for example, telling someone that a number one next to candidate A and it will count for candidate B – as something the AEC will be looking out for.

There are also strict rules around offering “inducements” to people so they vote a certain way. According to the electoral law, “a person cannot ask for, receive or obtain, or give or confer, any property or benefit with the intention of influencing the vote or candidature of a person at a federal election.”

Mr Ekin-Smyth reminds everyone that at the ballot box they are completely free to number the boxes in whatever order they please. It is also illegal for any friends or family that have come to the polls with you to try and influence your vote.

“We have a free vote. It's completely your decision. It's a secret ballot,” he said “Your vote is absolutely your vote. You decide who you vote for so make sure you take the opportunity to visit one of our voting centres in the election period and make sure you think about it and cast your vote for whoever you want to vote for.”

“Preference One Nation last”

T

he Federation of Ethnic Communities' Councils of Australia (FECCA) has called on all political parties to preference One Nation last in the upcoming Federal Election.

“Frankly, anything less than last lets down multicultural Australia,” said Mary Patetsos the chair of FECCA. “Hate speech in our parliament is very dangerous and makes Australia a less safe place for its citizens. The shootings in Christchurch are a tragic reminder of the consequences of racist ideology.

“Pauline Hanson has described Islam as a disease that needs to be vaccinated, and it’s One Nation that is responsible for having Fraser Anning elected to the Senate.

"One Nation's objective is to divide Australia, when our political institutions should be working to bring Australians from all backgrounds closer together.

“That is why we are calling on all political parties to do the responsible thing and preference One Nation and Fraser Anning last.”

Tuesday May 7, 2019

Australian teachers at risk

E

ducation professionals have revealed the abuse they claim to have received at the hands of parents, putting the physical and emotional safety of Australian teachers at risk.

A comprehensive report by the Australian Catholic University found that last year 45 per cent of school principals were threatened with violence by parents. Many claimed “parental anxiety” over the pursuit of a perfect education has resulted in the line between parents and teachers fast becoming a frontline.

Evidence also points to increasing numbers of teachers being bullied – physically, emotionally and electronically – by parents who claim they know best when it comes to their children’s education.

It has resulted in a catastrophic blow for the education system, with almost half of all teachers who graduate today expected to leave the profession in five

years.

Former primary school teacher George Allertz said he felt forced to leave the profession for a variety of reasons, which included increasing criticism of his work, as well as physical and digital confrontations with parents that left him “broken”.

“It comes to a point where it's like, ‘You know what? I'm trying absolutely my hardest, and I'm doing it for your kids, and you're abusing me, or threatening me, or undermining me, and I'm doing everything I can so that I can teach your children the best that I can.’ I can't do that any more.” Mr Allertz said.

The Voice of the Maltese 17

Catholics under siege? atholic Archbishop C of Sydney Anthony Fisher (pictured)

said after hearing of a recent "catalogue of fires" at churches in France, “it really struck me that we are, in some ways, under siege.”

“Particularly at this time, we know there are those in the world who are opposed to all religion or opposed to our religion and it looks like some of them are determined to make that clear by burning down our buildings.

“I hope that's not what was behind what happened at Notre-Dame Cathedral. I think the determination of the French people to rebuild it is a very Christian response.

“It says we won't give in to such evil; that we know there's a rhythm of death and resurrection in all our lives - and that's true even for our church buildings.”.

Conspiracies around what caused the fire have also flourished in the wake of the devastating blaze. However, investigators believe the blaze, which destroyed most of the roof of the 850-year-old architectural icon, was an accident possibly linked to renovation works.

ROWLAND, Michelle LABOR

This is a paid advertisement Authorised by Michelle Rowland MP, Australian Labor Party, 230 Prospect Highway, Seven Hills NSW 2147.

Malta Stakes claim as Tech Hub For Medical Cannabis

18 The Voice of the Maltese

T

he Production of Cannabis for Medicinal Use Act 2018 that the Parliament enacted last year, is being described as a big step for the future of the industry in Malta, one of the countries that are vying to become the hub of medical marijuana and to embrace this nascent business.

As investors, medical researchers and policy makers from multiple continents are recognising the world-changing potential of cannabis for medical use, over 2,000 delegates from the Medical Marijuana industry, probably one of the most interesting and innovative technologies in the world right now, will be converging on Malta for the Cannabiz Summit World to be held November 4-5.

The participants in the inaugural Summit would be discussing legislation, education, investment and technology, and a number of producers would be showcasing their products at the expo and network with top global industry professionals.

Meanwhile, writing on the Europe edition of Forbes Now, Monty Munford* said that Malta with a history as a Tech Hub, last year staked a claim to be the ‘blockchain island’ and is also active in promoting AI businesses to set up business there.

He went on to say….

The Maltese government and in particular, Prime Minister Dr Joseph Muscat, is a strong believer in the medical cannabis industry and what it can offer for this island in the middle of the Mediterranean; the name of the sea being a word that in Latin means ‘centre of the world’.

When speaking during the introduction of the Medical Marijuana bill last year, Dr Muscat outlined his vision for a global, reliable and secure Maltese medical marijuana industry.

He said that Malta would allow the use of medical marijuana locally, but that it would also be a trusted player that produces and exports cannabis to global markets.

When a government and its Prime Minister get behind something, innovation quickly prospers, but as controversy around medical cannabis weakens as legislation loosens, public perception is still vital to its success.

One of the most important chemi-

Tuesday May 7, 2019

cals is cannabidiol, also known as CBD. This molecule mimics one of the endogenous or native chemicals in human brains. Some experts claim that CBD can produce many positive effects, such as reducing anxiety, controlling nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy and stimulating appetite and weight gain in people with cancer and AIDS. Another important chemical is THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol. This tends to have a different effect and makes users relaxed and sleepy.

THC is linked to the ‘classic’ features of using marijuana and why people get stoned.

There are tens of hundreds of strains that vary in their CBD and THC content. This melange means different strains can cater to different needs in different patients, depending on their individual needs and problems.

Other beneficial benefits include epilepsy, glaucoma, chronic pain, Alzheimer’s, Crohn’s disease and in mental health conditions such as schizophrenia and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Malta is also active in bringing more players into the medical cannabis ecosystem and trade shows are crucial for any tech hub if it is to grow and prosper.

* Monty Munford is a regular contributor for The Economist, MIT Tech Review, Mashable, TechCrunch and Wired UK, and has a weekly column for UK’s The Telegraph. He is a sought-after speaker around the world in places such as London, San Francisco, Lagos, Dublin and Oxford University, and the BBC BBC World Service

Forum for policy-makers

he Malta Cannabiz Summit is a forum for industry executives, so-called T thought-leaders and policy-makers to come to Malta to take the industry forward. It is aiming to continue the momentum that has already been established in the past months featuring a number of global speakers who are spearheading medical cannabis.

One such is neurologist Professor Mike Barnes. He has focused on cannabis medicine for several years. Among his most important achievements was pressure to change UK law to allow cannabis to be prescribed by UK doctors from Nov. 2018.

This came after the widely reported health travails of youngster Alfie Deacon, who was initially denied the use of medical cannabis that subsequently created a petition that was signed by 718,418 supporters.

Professor Barnes is now focusing on the education of medical practitioners on cannabis medicine, as well as assisting with the development of the cannabis industry in the UK and Europe.

Other speakers at the Cannabiz Summit include Hannah Deacon, the mother of Alfie Deacon who currently works with Professor Barnes on medical cannabis issues and also works with the End Our Pain campaign group, which is assiduously working for medical cannabis on prescription.

Malta’s Labour Party and European Socialist MEP Dr Miriam Dalli, who is currently on the Committee for the Environment, Public Health and Food Security, who has also pushed for more research into new technologies such as medical cannabis on a pan-European level will also speak at the summit.

10 applications for production awaiting approval

he country’s Malta Enterprise mission which is also involved in the sector, T rcently approved 10 applications for the production of medical cannabis, with the companies holding the letter of intent now subject to the approval of the Medicines Authority.

In other moves, Canadian firm Nuuvera acquired Maltese pharma company ASG Pharma for €5 million project to turn it into a hub for the production and distribution of oil-based medical cannabis products to the emerging European medical cannabis market.

Finally, Malta Enterprise announced that it had approved five projects with a total investment of €30 million that are expected to create 185 new jobs.

Three of the projects are Canadian while the others are Australian and Israeli. Last year also saw the Production of Cannabis for Medicinal and Research Purposes Act, 2018 approved and enacted by parliament.

While many believe medical cannabis can be pernicious to health, the smart money may be on the very opposite. As sad stories such as Alfie Deason’s plight in the UK have raised public awareness of medical cannabis, so Malta’s drive to host companies involved in this industry may be similarly powerful.

Following Malta’s declaration to be the blockchain island, it will be interesting to see if it does become the hub it aspires to be or whether those dreams, like many previous cannabis products, will go up in smoke.

The Voice of the Maltese 19

Tuesday May 7, 2019

The enhancement of our Maltese culture T

he (above) photograph taken recently at Horsley Park, the central location of the Maltese Language School of NSW ought to fill one’s heart with hope. For the past 20 years this school, which was established in January 1999, has provided Maltese language classes to thousands of students.

The school that during these years has been wholly supported by the Maltese Community Council of NSW has given importance to the history of emigration to

Australia. It has also placed the Maltese language within a “real” context and allowed children and adults an insight into the cultural and historical heritage. These elements have increased student retention once they’ve started their studies by making the language course more immediately relevant to them.

The Maltese Language School of NSW is by far the largest such schools in Australia. It currently runs three classes of various ages and abilities.

The Maltese language teachers take every opportunity to attend professional development sessions to update their knowledge and methods in communicative language teaching to assist them in delivering the best outcomes for their students.

Those interested in teaching Maltese (paid positions) and those wishing to learn the language and culture of the Maltese nation can do so by contacting via email the school at: malteselanguageschoolnsw @hotmail.com.

Obituary

Anthony Psaila

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From left: Maltese language teachers Maria De Carlo, Mary Pace-Feraud and Sandra Grech at the recent Annual Conference organised by the NSW Federation of Community Language Schools held at Sydney University

t is with sadness to announce the death of Anthony Psaila, aged 90, who died last month. His funeral took place on April 24.

Anthony was from Żabbar. He used to live at Bungaribee Rd, Blacktown and then moved to The Entrance. He was very popular as a volunteer at the La Valette SC and helped build the very first bocci pitch. He was the brother of the late Professor of Medicine, Angelo Psaila MOM of Malta.

20 The Voice of the Maltese

Tagħrif dwar il-kitba Maltija

Tuesday May 7, 2019

Mil-lum, fit-tkomplija tagħna fejn għandu x’jaqsam it-Tagħrif dwar il-Kitba Maltija, se nibdew nibdew sensiela li fiha nagħtu ħarsa lejn uħud mix-xogħlijiet u l-persunaġġi ewlenin li matul is-sekli ħadmu għall-iżvilupp tal-ilsien Malti, kif imsawwar filktejjeb: MIXJET IL-MALTI: Minn Caxaro sa Aquilina.

Pietru Caxaro - Il-Kantilena

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ogħol letterarju li jikseb popolarita` sena f’April ta’ sitt sini ilu. kbira fil-jiem tal-Karnival f’Malta Kien l-ixjeħ patri Dumnikan li huwa Il-Kantilena, meqjusa bħala l- qatt għex f’Malta.

Hu skopra Il-Kantalena waqt ewwel kitba li għandna bil-Malti u li għandha l-forma ta’ poeżija. Din ġiet mik- li kien qed jirriċerka fuq ħwejtuba minn Pietru Caxaro fis-seklu ħmistax jeġ storiċi. Il-poeżija sabha flu għalhekk hi miktuba b’Malti Medjevali. atti notarili ta’ Brandano de Pietru Caxaro imwieled l-Imdina li għex Caxario, miżmuma f’reġistru bejn l-1400 u l-1485, huwa magħruf fil-let- ta’ 1533 sal-1536. Wara sentejn teratura Maltija bħala l-ewwel poeta li kiteb li flimkien mal-Professur Godbil-Malti. Il-ġenituri tiegħu kienu Ljuni u frey Wettinger Fsadni ippruvaw Żuna. Kellu l-professjoni ta’ nutar pubbliku u kien iħobb it-tagħlim, tant li hu meqjus bħala poeta, filosfu, u oratur ta’ FUQ: Silta minn Il-Kantilena ta’ Pietru Caxaro ħila.

Wara l-istudji tiegħu f’Malta kien mar juża xi kliem millPalermo biex jagħmel l-eżami qudLatin imħallat ma' diem il-protonutar, u fl-1 ta’ April, dak Semitiku (li 1438 laħaq nutar pubbliku għall-gżejkien predominanjer Malti. imma jidher li ftit ħadem ta’ ti), jitkellem dwar nutar, għax f’Ġunju ta’ l-istess sena perjodu ikrah li nħatar imħallef għal Għawdex, u ġieli għadda minnu (falgħamilha wkoll ta’ mħallef f’Malta filliment fl-imħabqrati tal-gvern u tal-isqof. ba), li minħabba Bejn l-1450 u l-1483 Pietru Caxaro fih iħossu mdejjaq. kien ukoll wieħed mill-kunsillieri ta’ l- Patri Mikiel Fsadni, u (lemin) Caxaro jinqeda bilImdina u għamel żmien segretarju tal- Profs Godfrey Wettinger metafora tad-dar li kunsill ta’ l-Imdina. Huwa baqa’ mhix mibnija fuq għażeb u miet fis-sajf tal-1485. Indifen fil- isibu t-tifsira tal-poeżija, flpedament sod. kappella tal-Madonna tas-Sokkors li nbniet 1968 xandruha.

Imbagħad fit-tieni Il-poeżija, li ġiet imsejħa “Xidew il-Qada’ strofa hemm bidla - il-poeta jidher li reġa’ minn flusu stess fil-knisja tad-Duminkani jew ‘Cantilena’, jingħad li salvaha Bran- beda jikseb it-tama u minn bniedem li fir-Rabat, Malta.

Fejn għanda x’taqsam il-letteratura dano de Caxaro li kien nutar u qarib tal- jaqta’ qalbu jsir wieħed li b’determinazMaltija l-akbar xogħol tiegħu jibqa’ Il-Kan- awtur Pietru Caxaro billi kitibha kif kien zjoni jerġa’ jsib il-fiduċja. Fl-aħħar strofa talena li nstabet minn Patri Mikiel Fsadni jiftakarha hu fuq wieħed mill-volumi fejn jistqarr li ħadd m’għandu jaqta’‛qalbu u (OP) fl-1966. Patri Mikiel Fsadni, magħruf kien iżomm il-kuntratti. wieħed dejjem jista’ jsib ix-xorti xi mkien Fil-poeżija l-awtur, li biex kitibha kien ieħor. bħala storiku mill-Birgu miet fl-eta` ta’ 97

Highlighting Maltese background persons in Victoria uliet M. Sampson (left) is an award win- there.

She lives in Melbourne and her other inning author. Dance Demons, her third J novel won 2016 Book of the Year in the terests are travelling, dancing and sketchReader’s Choice Awards in the AusRomToday competition.

She was also one of ten finalists for 2016 Author of the Year in the same competition.

Her other three books are Behind the Mask, Bon Voyage! and Outback Wonder.

Her first picture book Grace’s Mystery Seed has just been released.

After several successful years as a primary teacher, Juliet made a commitment to full time writing and became a novelist. She loves to inspire others and her quote ‘spread sunshine and inspiration,’ has reached a global audience.

Juliet’s father was born in Malta and she is proud to have a connection with the Maltese community. She has visited Malta many times and still has family who live

ing.

Grace’s Mystery Seed is available from popular bookshops all around Australia.

For more information visit Juliet’s website: http://www julietmsampson.com.au/

The Voice of the Maltese 21

Tuesday May 7, 2019

C Co om mm mu un ni it ty y N Ne ew ws s Community Wheels Inc.: La Valette Social Centre Connecting you with your community

Community Wheels is your local community organisation that provides door-to-door transport services to eligible people (+65 yrs old) to: * attend medical appointments * go shopping (including assisting clients with 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

La Valette Social Centre Inc. 175 Walters Road, Blacktown Tel. 96225847

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

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

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

MASS TIMES: Saturday: St Francis Chapel: 5.30 p.m.

Sunday: St Dominic’s Chapel: 9.00 a.m.

SONGS IN MALTESE, TURKISH & ENGLISH

VOCALS, SOPRANO AND ALTO SAX, WHISTLES AND PERCUSSION

BOUZOUKI, GITERN, BAGLAMA (TURKISH LUTE) AND GUITAR VOICE AND CELLO OUD, GUITAR AND TAMBURA

Sunday May 26th 2:00 p.m.

La Valette Social Centre, 175 Walters Road Blacktown Kitchen open for lunchat 12.00

In Cost: $20, $10 Pensioner Concession, Children under 12 free Collaboration Tickets from La Valette, Maltese Cultural Association, with the Maltese (online): Eventbrite.com.au Search for Skorba Great Siege.

Cultural Association Information:

Andy 0414837367, Marisa 0414 863 123, La Valette 96225847 Miriam 0419 476 924, Charles Mifsud 0421 662 298

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-aħbarijiet tal-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. għallaħbarijiet kemm bil-Malti u bl-Ingliż Il-website hi aġġornata tul il-jum kollu.

22 The Voice of the Maltese

Tuesday May 7, 2019

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 Bankstown CBD area.

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

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

Daceyville Maltese Seniors

Note: The Groups also arrange regular Bus Trips

Join us and make new friends.

Maltese Group

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

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

Meets on the first Wednesday of each

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

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

SBS Radio 2 on Channel 38.

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

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

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

Presenter: Nathalie Gatt.

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

L-MCCV qed jilqa’ applikazzjonijiet għal għalliem/a tal-ilsien Malti Min japplika jrid ikollu għarfien sew tal-Malti, miktub u mitkellem.

Dan xogħol volontarju (bla ħlas).

Min hu interessat jibgħat lapplikazzjoni bid-dettalji akkademiċi lil: edwigeborg@hotmail.com Għal tagħrif ieħor ċemplu fuq 0412 115 919. Ħalli nnumru tat-telefon u nċemplulek lura.

Saint Nicholas Festa Committee

Main events for 2019

Sunday June 30: L-Imnarja Sunday October 20: Fete Saturday Nov. 9: Dinner Dance Sunday December 1: Feast

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

Sports on 2 pages

Tuesday May 7, 2019

The Voice of the Maltese 23

Green Gully now fifth, GC downed 4th loss in a row for Eagles

NPL Vic Men Green Gully 1 v Hume City 0 A headed goal in the 40th minute from Daniel Jones gave Green Gully a very important win over Hume City who went into this match a point above Gully in the league ladder; at the end of the day the Greens leap-frogged over their opponents into 5th. Gully were the more composed side and should have taken the lead well before they did. The surface at Green Gully seems to hinder the players with lots of sand flying around with every step they took.

Melbourne Knights 2 Green Gully 1 *Green Gully came unstuck by 2-1 against the Melbourne Knights. They suffered defeat despite taking an eighthminute lead with a goal from Tim Purcell and being the better for the rest of the half. They just could not add to the score. The Knights were a different team in the second half and drew level after 72 minutes with a Tim Watson header.

Four minutes later they were in front from another header by Tom Uskoke following a free-kick. Two poorly defended set pieces cost Green Gully all three points.

State League 1 North-West Altona City SC 3 George Cross 1 After leading 1-0 at the break George Cross fell apart in the second half and conceded three goals. They began brightly and scored after only three minutes through Nelson Salvatore, a lead they deservedly held at halftime. It was a different story altogether after the break with Altona dominating throughout and once they drew level in the 63rd minute grew in confidence and scored two further goals to run out deserved winners.

Essendon Royals 1 George Cross 4 *George Cross recorded their best win for two seasons when defeating Essendon Royals 4-1. The Cross trailed through an own goal early in the game, but it didn’t take them long to get back on level terms when George Tsiakalakisa headed in the rebound following a long-range free kick that smashed against the crossbar. The Cross took the lead with a superbly taken 20 metres free kick from Yuji Kin. Within one minute Essendon wasted the chance to equalise when they blasted a penalty over the bar. The Georgies took full control in the second half and scored two quick goals from Dominic Swinton to coast home for a second victory.

NPL 3 NSW Men’s Hawkesbury City FC 2 Parramatta FC 1 On Saturday Parramatta were desperate to return to winning ways at Hawkesbury City FC, but in the end they suffered their fourth defeat in succession and their seventh from nine games. The hosts took the lead after six minutes and a defensive mix-up on 20 gifted the Hawks a second goal. With two goals down the Eagles piled on the pressure in the second half and got a goal from a penalty by Zac Watters on 70 minutes. Despite pressing for the leveller, the hosts held out for a 2-1 victory.

Gladesville RM 1 Parramatta FC 0 The Round 8 match at Christie Park against Gladesville, was predicted to be the Eagles’ toughest matchup in 2019, and with both sides coming off a loss, it promised to be a classic match. In the end, in a match where opportunities were few and far between, it took one flash of brilliance three minutes into the second half to ensure that the hosts ran away with the three points, defeating the Eagles 1-0 on the night.

Hyundai A-League Results

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Melbourne V Wellington P Adelaide v Melbourne C

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24 The Voice of the Maltese

Sports on 2 pages

Tuesday May 7, 2019

Dramatic end to 2018/19 season as Valletta win 25th title in shoot-out

Photo Dominic Borg

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Valetta had started the day two points ahead minutes from the end extra time, the match went into a penalty shoot out that Valletta of Hibernians but faced a team in Ħamrun Spartans set on getting the chance to return won 4-2.

A full programme of 26 matches had failed to Europe participation after an absence of to produce a winner, as both sides finished 25 years.

Eventually, on the final day’s programme, level on points (58) therefore it had to go beĦamrun Spartans ruined Valletta’s celebrayond for the title to be decided.

As it turned out, at the end of an ex- tions when they scored an equaliser at the citing match watched by the season’s death.

Hibernians, who started the day two points biggest crowd, Valletta retained the crown that they won last season. On behind at the Hibs’ Stadium got all three points by thrashing Balzan 5-1. Then had to the day they deserved it too.

The race for the title in particular but wait for a few moments for Valletta’s game also the fight between three teams for at the National Stadium to finish. he Malta Olympic Committee has announced What a contrast! All of a sudden Hibernia fourth-place finish and possible a shortlist of 80 athletes in its contingent to participation in the UEFA Europa ans’ supporters erupted in shouts of delirium compete in eight disciplines at the forthcoming League on Saturday April 27th, as Valletta conceded leaving the defending Games of Small States of Europe (GSSE) to be Champions’ fans heartbroken. proved very exciting. held in Montenegro May 26 - June 1.

MOC President Mr. Julian Pace Bonello will Final Rd Day 26 be accompanying the athletes, and Mr. Paul SulFinal Placing FA Trophy reaches S/Finals tana will act as Chef de Mission in the 18th ediValletta v Ħamrun S 1-1 TEAMS Pl Pts he FA Trophy competition has Hibernians v v Balzan 5-1 tion of this event, reached the s/finals with Balzan St Andrews v Gzira U 1-0 Hibernians 26 58 Malta will participate in Athletics, Basketball, 26 58 ( beating Tarxien 2-0), Birkirkara Sliema W. v Pieta H. 2-1 Valletta Beach Volley, Judo, Shooting, Swimming, Table Gzira U. 26 50 (beat Mosta 2-1) and Gzira (beat 3-2 Senglea v Birkirkara Tennis and Tennis. A number of coaches and Pieta 2-1) all through. The other Floriana v Tarxien 2-1 Hamrun S. 26 46 medical officials will also be forming part of the Sliema W. 26 45 quarter final will be between Hiber- Mosta v Qormi 1-1 Balzan contingent.

26 43 nians and Valletta on Wednesday.

This is the first time Montenegro,that joined Birkirkara 26 39 Results Day 25 The draw for semi-finals has been the GSSE family in 2009 will be hosting these Floriana 26 32 made. It is: Balzan v Birkirkara and Hibernians v Senglea 1-1 Mosta 26 29 Games.

Birkirkara v Qormi 2-1 Gżira v Hibs or Valletta Shooter Gianluca Chetcuti will be the continFlorian av St Andrews 2-0 Tarxien R. 26 26 Senglea A. 26 26 gent's flag bearer at the opening ceremony that *Qormi, Pieta and St Andrews are relegated. St Andrews St Andrews 26 24 will take place in the Old Town in Budva on by losing 4-1 against Sta Lucia in a promotion/ relegation Qormi 26 20 Monday May 27. play-off match on Sunday. Sta Lucia are promoted.

Pieta H 26 13

he Premier Football Championship in Malta could not have had a more exciting finale that had to be decided in a play-off match and a shoot-out that resulted in Valletta beating Hibernians and winning their 25th league title. After a1-1 in 90 minutes and a dramatic equaliser by Hibs three

MOC names 80 Athletes for GSSE T

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