The Voice of the Maltese No. 220

Issue 220

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

Fort nightly magazine Fortnightly mag azine for the Diaspora

January 28, 2020

Triton square in Malta’s capital city, Valletta as you’ve never seen it before as it hosted FAIRYLAND IN THE CITY in the festive season (See: Making arts, culture accessible to all on page 4)

fritzphotography

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Tuesday January 28, 2020

Australia Day‌ the Maltese way Holders of the Order of Australia from NSW who were present at the Australia Day commemoration (from left): Prof Stephen Gatt, Susan Templeman MP, Lino Vella, Doris Atanasio, Lawrence Dimech, Nancy Serg-Borg, George Bartolo and Charles Mifsud

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ustralia Day is celebrated in many ways by those that came to Australia. Together with the original inhabitants, they formed a formidable nation.

The Maltese first arrived way back in the 1830s. In 1883, Maltese nationals started to come to Australia in organised groups.

Therefore the Maltese are proud to have given their contribution. On Australia Day one not only remembers and celebrates but also says thank you to the country that gave the Maltese their second home.

A solemn symbolic celebration is held every year organised so well by the Maltese Community Council of NSW at the Waratah Room, Holroyd Function Centre at Merrylands. This year’s function was attended by a number of dignitaries from State, Federal and Local Governments, a clear indication of the respect authorities have for the Maltese.

Fr Tarcisio Micallef MSSP opened the programme with a prayer, while the President of the MCC Emanuel Camilleri spoke about what Keynote speaker A u s tralia Ruby Vella

Day means for him. The keynote speech was delivered by 17-year-old student Ruby Vella. She spoke eloquently about her ancestry and her love of Malta. (Report in more detail in the next issue of The Voice).

The recipients of the Order of Australia attending were presented to the assembly by Susan Templeman, Federal Member for Macquarie. Also present were Julie Finn MP and Councillors from Parramatta and Cumberland Local Councils. There are 38 persons from NSW who had been duly ho-

The organising committee (from left): Antoine Mangion Master of Ceremonies. George Bartolo OAM (Treasurer), Emanuel Camilleri (President), Cumberland Mayor Cr S. Christou and Miriam

noured in the Order of Australia; more were announced this year.

The afternoon was energised by the entertainment provided by the delightful singer Natasha Vella and the always dependable MCA Choir under the direction of Marisa Previtera. The selection of the music was ideal for the occasion.

Cr Steve Christou, the Mayor of Cumberland Council wrapped up the event by giving credit to the Maltese and their contribution to the city of Cumberland (formerly Holroyd).

Both the Multicultural NSW and Cumberland City Council were acknowledged for the assistance in the presentation of The Maltese Cultural Association Choir this event.

A section of the crowd that attended the Austalia Day commemoration

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Tuesday January 28, 2020

Australia Day commemoration in Malta a special one for HC Hince

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n Malta, the occasion of Australia Day was very special as H.E. Ms Julienne Hince, whose term of office as the High Commissioner for Australia in Malta, comes to an end this week, welcomed the guests on board the Catamaran Saint John Paul II, largest commercial catamaran operating in the Mediterranean and the second largest in the world that was built in Tasmania at the Virtu Passenger Terminal.

She offered sincere thanks to the Portelli Family and Virtu Ferries for hosting the reception on the ship that was attended by the President of Malta, HE Dr George Vella and his wife Miriam, and the new Minister for European & Foreign Affairs Evarist Bartolo.

Also present was the Speaker, Dr Anġlu Farrugia, a number of other Government Ministers, members of the Opposition, members of the Diplomatic Corps and other guests, including the representative of The Voice magazine. *Continued on page 13

Australian High Commissioner Ms Juliene Hince addressing the commemoration with (from left): Foreign Minister Evarist Bartolo, Mrs Miriam Vella and her husband President George Vella

Two Maltese Maltese from from NSW NSW named named on on Two Australia Day Day 2020 2020 Honours Honours list list Australia

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wo prominent members of the Maltese community in NSW, Mark Caruana OAM from Marayong NSW and Patrick Joseph Bartolo OAM from Tonngabbie NSW have been named by the Governor-General and Chancellor of the Order of Australia, His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd), in the list of 1,099 recipients of the Order of Australia Honours on Australia Day 2020.

According to the Awards Secretariat, Mark and Patrick are the only two Maltese

Patrick Bartolo OAM

born recipients featured in the list of honours that includes, five appointed Companions of the Order (AC), 59 appointed Officers of the Order (AO), 224 appointed Members of the Order (AM), and 549 awardees of the Medals (OAM).

Announcing the list, David Hurley said that the people recognised on this day are, “Dedicated, committed, selfless” and that “they are outstanding and exemplify the best of Australia.”

On behalf of the Maltese community, The Voice of the Maltese in particular congratulates Mark and Patrick for this honour. Both are true quiet achievers Mark Caruana OAM is a well know Maltese community historian. He was featured in our Personality of the Month feature for May 2018. He is co-founder of the La Valette Social Centre and former President.

He also served as Vice President of the Maltese Community Council of NSW until recently. He worked with the Department of Education and Training and Immigration and Ethnic Affairs dealing in ethnic affairs where he was highly regarded.

Patrick Joseph Bartolo OAM is the official photographer of this magazine and the MCC of NSW and acting conductor with the MCA Choir. He is a member of the Maltese Community Council of NSW and the Maltese Sub-Branch of the RSL. Patrick is also a musician involved with

Mark Caruana OAM

entertaining various age groups and co-ordinates music for various churches. He is a member of the Maltese Community Council of NSW and the Maltese SubBranch of the RSL. There are others with Maltese sounding names that appear on the honours list but who have not declared their ancestry or involvement with the Maltese community.

They include, Joanna Geraldine Agius from South Australia, Antonio Arrigo from Bunyip Victoria, Judith Ann Sammut from Doncaster Victoria, Joseph F. Buhagiar from Yass, and Damian J Demarco from NSW and Michael Said from Victoria.

There could still be others with connections to the Maltese community. If any readers know these people, they are kindly requested to let us know on maltesevoice@gmail.com.

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Another blow for Melbourne’s Maltese community

ommunity Radio Station 3WRB, call sign 97.4FM Stereo has shut down. Its last air date was on January 16. This means that the Maltese Community in Melbourne and surrounds have therefore lost four hours of broadcasting in the Maltese language.

Other ethnic communities broadcasting from this station are also affected.

Ray Anastasi the co-ordinator brought his Wednesday and Thursday teams of broadcasters together for the last Maltese broadcast.

Besides the usual “thank you” that goes with the last

show and the history of the programmes that started way back in October 14, 1990 in a rat-infested container, as stated on the night, no clear reason was given for the closure.

It is still unclear why the station has closed down though it is believed that the government has cut down on its grants, so a lack of funding may have made the station financially nonviable. So, was the station in financial trouble even after the last radiothon? It is believed that the Maltese community had promised about $3,000 via the phones.

Perhaps the community deserves an explanation.

Abysmal system Caption to Front page: Making arts, culture – BOV replies accessible to all D

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ealing with the Bank of Valletta in the last year hroughout 2019 Valletta took adhas caused a lot of sleepless nights to the Malvantage of the publicity it genertese living in Australia. They had trusted this bank ated in 2018 when it was named with their money, especially those who visit the island often and therefore avail themselves of its as the European Capital of Culture, and service while holidaying or doing business in strengthened its claim as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.

Malta.

Malta’s capital stepped up this tag durThe Voice of the Maltese keeps receiving numerous complaints, some we publish, while others are ing the most wonderful time of the year, last Christmas, and the first days of the forwarded to the appropriate destination.

According to some of the complaints reaching us, New Year when the Triton square hosted what is most worrying is the inconsistency of some FAIRYLAND IN THE CITY (pictured) of the replies from BOV. It appears that one section that comprised Christmas Markets, a Ferris wheel and an Ice Skating rink.

Most probably Valletta had never seen that many people for such a long stretch does not know what the other is doing.

You would be told that you account has been of time, and though that activity is now over, Valletta keeps attracting locals and closed, and then you are told that it is not, or that tourists alike.

The Valletta Cultural Agency is determined to keep the momentum going your money has been refunded, but it is not rethroughout 2020 by launching a cultural programme of over 40 large cultural ceived.

All this leads to the complainants concluding that events with the participation of about 300 artists (240 Maltese) who would be communication with the bank is abysmal. The cus- offered the chance to express their talent. This would be an investment of over tomer care section is a disgrace. The Maltese-Aus- €3 million.

A calendar of events has been drawn that is intended to continue strengthening tralian clients are still of the opinion that the BOV has a responsibility and a duty of caring towards its Valletta’s cultural identity.

In the meantime, infrastructure upgrading continues to be regenerated in the customers When Bank of Valletta was contacted it insisted city with the ultimate aim being that arts and culture become accessible to all. that the upgrade to its IT system that was carried out at the end of December was “a success”, this despite customers complaining they still experienced various problems. organised by Horsley Park Community Social Group On complaints by customers not getting through to the bank’s helpline, the bank’s spokesperson admitted that the number of For the Maltese Community & Friends calls going through had increased during Saturday March 7 at Mandavilla Function Centre that period of transition, and said that the bank was in the process of recruiting more Horsley Drive, Horsley Park people to beef up the customer care service.

Entertainment provided by: Heartbeat “The numbers have shot up, and we are aware that some people are not getting Cost $65.00pp: includes Maltese antipasto, 3-course meal, through. We are working on resolving that,” the spokesperson said. Meanwhile, in a beer, wine, soft drinks, tea and coffee and more. statement, the bank’s chief technology offiBookings call: Theresa Quattromani 0402 178-781, cer Joseph Aguis said the upgrade was not Josephine Borg 0402 040 954, a straightforward one for a minor system.

“It involved the decommissioning of Come and join us for a fun time. major banking systems and replacing them within a new state-of-the-art core banking The proceeds of the evening with go to The Cancer Council IT system,” Mr Aguis said.

Lejla Mġarrija

Tuesday January 28, 2020

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The Voice of the Maltese 5

Q. I am 67 years old and on the age pension. My wife is his is a monthly service offered by The Voice of the 61 years old and has just recently lost her job. She has apMaltese in which Marie Louise Muscat from the plied for new start allowance. We still have an outstanding Fiducian Financial Services helps our readers undermortgage of $170,000. My wife has a superannuation fund of $230,000. Is she able to withdraw money from super- stand the complexities associated with financial planning. annuation to pay this mortgage as we are struggling to If you need more advice send an email to Marie Louise via: maltesevoice@gmail.com. keep up the repayments now that she has lost her job?

A. As your wife is not working and she is any, based on your over 60 years of age she has met a condi- assets. Would the tion of release. She can therefore with- rental income and draw any amount that she wants from her another $500 per superannuation tax-free and pay it on month from your suyour mortgage. It can be beneficial if she perannuation be does that now prior to going back into the sufficient to live on? workforce.

You cannot sell a This will give you peace of mind of hav- portion of the proping no mortgage at your age, and also erty if you needed once she is back in the workforce if she $30,000 to go overstarts to make further contributions into seas. If the propthis super fund she will then not be able erty was sold and to make any lump sum withdrawals until the proceeds inage 65. vested in superanQ. I am 59 years of age and my wife is nuation between 58. I work full time and my superan- you and your wife, A. You can definitely lend your son this nuation is around $85,000. My wife is you would create more liquidity for your- money. However I would get him to sign selves and more income in retirement. retired and her superannuation is This is approximately $750,000 to an agreement stating that you have lent around $15,000. I was self-employed $800,000 in super between you and him this money just for everyone’s peace and had purchased an investment around $40,000 p.a. tax free income and of mind. Centrelink will continue to treat property which is worth around access to lump sum withdrawals if re- this money as your asset. Just make sure $650,000 and this was to be our future that your son would be able to pay you it quired. retirement income. We are renting it back if you needed the money urgently. out at $450 per week. Are we doing the Q. I have a term deposit maturing.

The Q. My husband and I are both age penright thing? interest that I am now being offered is sion age and still working. We are planA. There is nothing wrong in having an in- very little. My son asked if I could lend ning to reduce our working hours to vestment property. However in your case, him the $100,000 and he would pay me three days a week. By doing this we when you do retire you will most probably the same interest as the bank will. will still not qualify for a part age penqualify for a very small part age pension, if Should I do this or not? sion because of our assets.

We are in the process of putting a pool in our backyard and we were quoted around $50,000. These expenses will drop our assets below the asset test limits and we believe entitle us to a small part age pension. Are we able to do this??

A. Prior to applying for the age pension one should always see whether they need renovations or home improvements made.

By doing this prior to applying for the age pension you will be reducing your assets and at the same time fixing up your home to suit your needs.

You should keep receipts of major expenses just in case Centrelink asks you for them, but you can definitely proceed with these renovations and home improvements.

Q. I have just received an inheritance from my aunt’s estate. This was a third share from the sale of her residential home. My share is $330,000. My aunt passed away 18 months ago. How much tax would I have to pay on these funds once I receive them?

A. As these funds are from the sale of your aunt’s residential home, and as she has passed away less than two years ago, her estate would not have any capital gains tax to pay and therefore you would receive your share of the inheritance from this property in full.

Q&A

Engineering, sports, jail and nappies

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ur choice for the first month of the New Year is our columnist Ivan Cauchi. This 51-year-old born in Malta to Gozitan parents has been leading a full and colourful life. The vast experience he has gained from his various paid and voluntary occupations in Malta and Australia has helped him to contribute in many ways to the Maltese community.

Ivan Cauchi, with his No. 1 priority nowadays, his family

Ivan Cauchi

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van was born in Malta and lived with parents at Raħal Ġdid and thereafter at Fgura. He went to school at De La Salle College, Cottonera. Afterwards he attended 6th Form at the New Lyceum in Msida, working with the Public Registry at the Computer Centre at Swatar.

He entered the University of Malta reading Electrical Engineering, majoring in telecommunications and computer system engineering.

He was elected a member of the Kunsill tal-Istudenti Universitarji (KSU) – the university student council. Work experience followed at the Bormla dockyard, with TeleMalta Corporation and the professional audio equipment maker Willi Stüder AG in Switzerland.

He graduated B.Elec.Eng. (Hons.) and was appointed as engineer with TeleMalta, responsible initially for phone line maintenance and planning until joining the IT department of the company, eventually appointed Head of Planning.

He also completed a part-time Masters research degree M.Phil. in multimedia telecommunications.

During this time, he took up part time teaching and lecturing in subjects tied to telecommunications and computer networks: at technical colleges in Kordin for courses by City & Guilds of London Institute, with the University of Malta and the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation.

In 1995, Ivan married Margaret, a pharmacist from Birkirkara, at San Lawrenz in Gozo and went to live in Żejtun.

After leaving TeleMalta, he joined Vodafone Malta, managing a group of engineers and technicians providing several popular mobile phone services, such as text and multimedia messaging, voice mail, mobile Internet and others.

Ivan was a youth leader with the Kerŷgma Movement at Rabat.

He joined the sports arm of Kerŷgma, playing volleyball in the national league and participating in several volleyball marathons as fundaising for Id-Dar tal-Provvidenza at Siġġiewi which takes care of people with disabilities.

For a short period of time, he formed part of the Maltese national volleyball team, one of his best experiences being representing his home country at the Small Nations Games held in Andorra in 1991.

He played tennis for many years, a sport he still loves today. He also played soccer with the engineers’ team at University, the Lija Lions team in the MAFA Division 4 and 3 leagues, and with the Vodafone Malta team in the ISA league.

Ivan was director then coordinator of Mid-Dlam għad-Dawl (MDD), working with prisoners and their families. He helped set

up Victim Support (Malta), an independent organisation working with victims of crime.

Finally, he became one of the founders of the Daritama Foundation which encompassed MDD, a community radio station Radju Kottoner as well as an educational scheme for disadvantaged children.

In 2005, Ivan moved to Sydney with Margaret, to take up a position as IT Infrastructure Architect with Vodafone Australia, and worked amongst others on a large IT project spread over three countries.

For many years, Ivan volunteered with Youth Off The Streets (YOTS), at events for kids in a disadvantaged part of Western Sydney, and looking for kids sleeping rough in the back alleys, and sometimes the main roads, of central Sydney.

He was given the Circle of Courage award by YOTS in 2013 and the Quiet Achiever award by Maltese Welfare (NSW) Inc. in 2017.

For six years he was an Official Visitor on behalf of the NSW Government in the maximum-security Parklea Correctional Centre, fielding inquiries and complaints by inmates and staff and pursuing their resolution.

In Australia, Ivan and Margaret have gone camping with a camper-trailer and a 4WD in all the states and territories of Australia, including Tasmania.

Ivan started teaching Maltese in 2013, first with the Maltese Language School of NSW, then on a private tuition basis with the brand Dwejret il-Malti, teaching from absolute beginners up to HSC level, to individuals and groups, face-to-face at La Valette Social Centre (LVSC) in Blacktown, the biggest Maltese club in NSW, or online as required.

Ivan writes the column Perspettiva (Perspective) in Maltese on the fortnightly digital magazine, The Voice of the Maltese for the diaspora, an English version of which may be found in his blog at https://ivancauchi.blogspot.com. He tackles cultural, social, political, religious, technological, business and other topics.

He is the La Valette SC treasurer and helps its subcommittee MAYC (Maltese-Australians’ Youth Committee), in their efforts to keep the Maltese culture alive with 2nd and 3rd generation Maltese descendents.

Ivan provides IT consultancy on a part-time basis from his extensive experience. He does this through his company FalconICT. His main focus today is being a stay-at-home dad for twins Eliana and Matias, aged three and a half, that he and Margaret have been blessed with. They live in Blacktown in Western Sydney.

PERSONALITY OF THE MONTH

Tuesday January 28, 2020

The Voice of the Maltese 7

Something magical happens each time you enter these city walls. Architectural excellence captivates your visual senses, as every step leads to a landmark of historical value. Walls and pavements that line the grid of narrow streets whisper secrets and mystics to passersby, whilst the air fills up with modern art, live music, and an array of celebrations. The Unesco World Heritage Site could perhaps best be described as a place where history meets the present; where every explorer can find something they love. How will your Valletta story unfold?

Have your say/Xi trid tghid?

8 The Voice of the Maltese

Tuesday January 28, 2020

Your letters/ L-ittri tagħkom ...

The Voice of the Maltese for fortnightly magazine fortnightly tnightly 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, e-mail address and residence of the writer, and be emailed to: maltesevoice@gmail.com.

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

Thank you for the memories

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Chas. Mangion from Melboirne writes:

t gives me great pleasure and fills me with a great sense of patriotism towards my country of origin, Malta, when I read articles such as the latest one by Andy Busuttil in the last issue of The Voice of the Maltese magazine, entitled, ‘For the love of home’.

I have been living and rearing a family in Australia since the early fifties. I have given this continent around 70 siblings with kids of my own, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Like Andy I have never forgotten my roots and this is something that I also have tried to instil in each and every member of the family.

Though I am not that well versed in the Maltese language when it comes to writing, I can still hold my own when I speak the lingo that my parents taught me in the lovely island of Malta, in particular when I visited there every other year to meet the rest of my relatives and the friends I still have at Bormla.

Awguri lill-Prim Ministru l-ġdid ta’ Malta tagħna

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Paul Debono minn Fairfield NSW jikteb: inkejja li ngħix bogħod minn art twelidi, Malta, qalbi tibqa’ Maltija u ngħożż dak kollu li hu Malti u nieħu gost u nifraħ bil-ġid li tipprovdi lill-ġens Malti.

Għalhekk f’isem il-Maltin li jgħixu barra nħoss li għandi nifraħ lill-Prim Ministru lġdid, Robert Abela u nawguri lilu kif ukoll lill-bqija tal-kabinett il-ġdid l-isbaħ xewqat.

Nawguralhom li bi tmexxija għaqlija jissoktaw isaħħu lill-pajjiż li għalkemm żgħir imma hu l-għira ta’ nazzjonijiet kbar.

Nawgura wkoll li l-Maltin li jgħixu hemm li jibqgħu magħquda biex is-suċċess li nbeda jkompli

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

There are still many Maltesers like me in Australia, especially in Melbourne who feel as I do about our country of origin, and when I read articles such as Andy Busuttil’s and all that The Voice offers to us readers every fortnight to show the progress Malta has made in all sectors brings out the best in me.

It is good that people like Andy who has this gift of writing try their best to remind us of those far off days in Malta. Many of us who during our youth, a few years after the end of the war years had been deprived of the luxurious were still a happy lot. If anything, we grew even faster and had the chance to become creative.

When my father decided that the family could have a better future in Australia and against the advice of other relatives brought us to Australia, we had a tough time to start with. It wasn’t easy to settle but by using the skills we had learned and the schooling in Malta we could get by. Eventually we managed to earn the respect of the Australian entrepreneurs and the authorities and established ourselves as first class citizens.

We have made a success of our “adventure” but we will never forget our roots.

Thank you Andy for bring all this up.

Thank you for the memories!

A confession from deep inside Andy’s heart

Augustine J Borg from Cecil Hills, NSW writes:

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ndy Busuttil’s poignant and emotional expression of the deep abiding love he holds for his homeland, was revealed in the January 14 edition of ‘The Voice of the Maltese’. The two-page confession allows no questions at to its veracity. His confession comes from deep inside his heart; the same place where his ethereal music seems to come from.

I had to stop reading several times, as recollections, now more than eighty-years-old, awoke quickly, fresh and quite undimmed, all trying to overwhelm me by waves of sadness and sweet emotions that I did nothing to subdue.

Even as I write, I can still see his nannu, and mine, one smoking his pipe and the other, a ‘home-made’ cigarette of dubious contents, and their wives, always busy, always there, ready to spoon out endless love with their minestra.

Thank you, dear friend Andy. I’m sure you’ve stirred up similar feelings in all your readers, and I’m also sure that, just as you maintain, we all hate the very thought of losing them.

Tuesday January 28, 2020

Matthew Fenech receiving the finalist trophy from the Minister for Agriculture in NSW Adam Marshall MP

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‘Maltese’ 2019 Farmer of the Year runner-up

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atthew Fenech from Horsley Park, a farmer of Maltese descent but born in Sydney has been named as runner up in the 2019 NSW Farmer of the Year Award. Adam Marshall MP, Minister for Agriculture in NSW, presented him with a finalist trophy.

It was a great achievement to be amongst the top three farmers chosen by the judges as finalists. The judging panel included senior members of the Department of Primary Industries, NSW Farmers Association The Land Newspaper and Safe Work Australia.

The finalists met at an informal dinner the night before the announcement. This was a chance to get to know each other and talk about their farming backgrounds. The other finalists were from different parts of NSW. Matthew was the only finalist representing Western Sydney, an urban farm and a poultry farm.

Matthew Fenech is a third generation poultry farmer located in a peri urban area that has undergone tremendous demographic change since his grandparents established the business in the 1960s.

Surviving and thriving in a changing landscape has seen Matthew embrace new technology and approaches as he grows and diversifies the operations while still proudly maintaining the company’s small family business roots and values.

Matthew is the son of Joseph and Marion (nee Grima). His father was born in Mosta, Malta. His grandad on his mother’s side, Charlie, was born in Mellieħa. Mathew's grandparents, Charlie and Rose Grima, are well known in Horsley Park where they established an egg farm in the 1960s.

He is married to Pauline (nee Calleja). They have three children: Isabelle, James and Luke. Pauline describes her husband Matthew as the quintessential quiet achiever. His ability to embrace diversification and ongoing investment of time and training into empowering and retaining staff has turned a humble egg farm into an award-winning wholesale and retail business.

The Fenech Family Farm is located at 53-65 Ferrers Rd, Horsley Park, 2175 where they sell fresh farm eggs and other produce direct to the public.

10 The Voice of the Maltese

Perspettiva

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Tuesday January 28, 2020

Coronavirus

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

afna mill-qarrejja ħut fiċ-ċentru tal-pajjiż, u x’aktarx semgħu jew s’issa nxtered f’xi pajjiżi qed isegwu l-aħbarioħra fl-Asja, bħall-Ġappun, jiet dwar virus ġdid li ġie il-Korea t’Isfel u t-Tajlandja skopert fiċ-Ċina f’dawn lfost l-oħrajn. Diversi pajjiżi aħħar jiem. Huwa perikoluż qegħdin għassa għad-dħul għax iwassal għall-pnewmonja u diġà kkawża mijiet ta’ infez- tiegħu fil-pajjiż. zjonijiet u wkoll xi mwiet1. Hemm x’juri li qed jingħadda minn Barra l-Asja, ġew ikkonfermati infezzjonijiet fl-Awstralja, l-Isbniedem għall-ieħor, u għalhekk jista’ jikber f’epidemija. tati Uniti u Franza, kollha b’konnessjoni ma’ Wuhan.

Il-kelma ‘virus’ ilni nismagħha minn meta kont tifel, l-iktar meta nkun invistat minn tabib għal xi riħ, u jinforma lill-ġenituri tiegħi li kont ‘laqqatt virus’.

Kont nimmaġina lil virus bħala xi speċi ta’ annimal żgħir ħafna, forsi xi nemusa żgħira, li kien itir minn annimal għallieħor, jew bniedem għall-ieħor, biex itih kedda.

Kont sorpriż nitgħallem iktar ‘il quddiem li l-virus, għalkemm ħlieqa, mhix strettament meqjusa ħajja, għax m’għandhiex wieħed mill-attributi ewlenin assoċjati mal-ħlejjaq ħajjin, jiġifieri dik li tirriproduċi ruħha waħedha.

Fil-fatt, il-virus l-ewwel tinfetta xi ċellula barranija b’xi mod, iddeffes ilġenomu li jiddefinixxu l-istruttura u l-funzjonijiet tagħha (magħmul millRNA – ribonucleic acid jew mid-DNA – deoxyribonucleic acid) fiċ-cellula, imbagħad tirreplika fiċ-ċellula li tkun qed isservi ta’ lukanda.

Il-kelma ‘coronavirus’ smajtha għallewwel darba fil-kuntest tal-infezzjoni SARS (Severe Actute Respiratory Syndrome) li hija marda tal-pulmun li wkoll kienet tfaċċat fiċ-Ċina fl-2003.

Id-dinja għandha għax tinkwieta bil-coronavirus? Residenti Ċiniżi qrib isIl-kelma ‘corona’ hija waħda Latina li suq tal-ħut ta’ Huana lebsin il-maskri bħala protezzjoni kontra dan il-virus tfisser kuruna jew raġġiera, tirreferi għaddehra tal-proteini b’forma ta’ labar li jkunu mdawrin kompletaGħalkemm hemm tħassib dwar l-implikazzjonijiet ta’ dan kollu, ment madwar iċ-ċellula tal-virus, appuntu qishom ‘kuruna’. sakemm qed jinkiteb dan l-artiklu kienet għadha ma ġietx iddikDawn il-proteini jintużaw biex jinfettaw liċ-ċellula barranija. jarata emerġenza tas-saħħa pubblika mill-Organizzazzjoni Dinjija L-infezzjoni tas-SARS kien taqbeż minn mammalu jismu civet, tas-Saħħa (WHO – World Health Organisation), għalkemm din annimal li narah jixbaħ mhux ħażin lill-possum. Ir-rata ta’ fatalità id-dikjarazzjoni qed tiġi kkunsidrata. hija stmata li hija ta’ 9-12% tat-8,000 infezzjonijiet li seħħew.

Niftakar il-pandemonju li kien qam meta kienu tfaċċaw is-SARS Is-SARS ma kinetx l-ewwel coronavirus li ġiet skoperta. B’kol- u l-MERS, u wisq nibża li ġej żmien ieħor ta’ stejjer ta’ preokkulox hemm sebgħa li ġew misjuba fil-bniedem, l-ewwel waħda fis- pazzjoni, biex inżiduhom ma’ dawk fuq in-nirien mifruxa malsittinijiet, u huma waħda mill-ġnus ta’ virus li jikkawżaw l-irjeħat kontinent Awstraljan li ilhom jaħarqu x-xhur. fin-nies. Eżempji oħra ta’ coronavirus nstabu f’annimali oħra, Alla magħna!

Forsi tiftakru wkoll il-MERS (Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome) li oriġinat fl-Arabja Sawdija fl-2012, u infettat lil xi 2,000 Referenzi ruħ b’fatalità ta’ 30%.

1. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-51185836, retrieved Din il-virus il-ġdid jidher li oriġinat fil-belt ta’ Wuhan, f’suq tal- 21/1/2019

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The Voice of the Maltese 11

Ġlormu Dingli statwarju li ħalla marka bix-xogħol artistiku tiegħu Tuesday January 28, 2020

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alta hija miżgħuda bi statwi, kemm dawk fil-knejjes, dawk li joħorġuhom barra b’purċissjoni f’kull belt meta tasal il-festa talqaddisin patruni tal-post, u wkoll fin-niċeċ li nsibu fit-triqat Maltin u Għawdxin. Tradizzjonalment dawn ikunu xogħol ta’ artisti/statwarji ta’ ħila Maltin. Fost dawn insibu lil Ġerolamo ‘Ġlormu’ Dingli Ġlormu wieled l-Imqabba fl1910 iżda għex u ħadem irRabat Malta. Minħabba f’hekk ħafna kienu jaħsbu li hu Rabti.

Huwa mar ir-Rabat ta’ età żgħira u rritorna, jew ħaduh lura lejn raħal twelidu lImqabba għall-funeral tiegħu fejn ukol indifen. Miet f’Mejju tal-1994, fl-età ta’ 83 sena.

Huwa daħal fix-xena tal-arti Maltija f’nofs is-seklu għoxrin u ħadem bosta statwi fil-kartapesta u xogħol dekorattiv.

Jaffaxxinawni ħafna l-istatwi żgħar tiegħu, speċjalment dik tal-Kunċizzjoni f’Wied Gerżuma (limiti tar-Rabat). Hi statwa ta’ ħlewwa kbira. Wiċċ il-Madonna huwa meravilja.

Personalment inqis din l-istatwa bħala l-aqwa xogħol ta’ Ġlormu Dingli.

Statwa oħra tiegħu hija dik ta’ Santa Katarina f’Tad-Daħla (limiti tar-Rabat). Din hija kopja tajba fil-minjatura ta’ Santa Katarina taż-Żurrieq. Hemm ukoll dik ta’ San Martin talBaħrija, xogħol ieħor ta’ Ġlormu Dingli.

Hu għandu wkoll xogħlijiet oħrajn fir-Rabat, fosthom ta’ San Patrizju (li hemm f’niċċa inti u dieħel mill-Oratorju filKnisja San Pawl), u l-istatwa li turi lil San Domenico Savio (li kien hemm fl-Iskola tas-Subien tar-Rabat u li llum tinsab kif wieħed jidħol fl-iskola l-ġdida fi Triq il-Kulleġġ u tidher minn barra xħin wieħed jitla’ t-taraġ.)

Ma’ dawn insemmi wkoll il-minjaturi sbieħ ta’ qaddisin fil-Knisja San Franġisk Konventwali fir-Rabat li jintramaw fuq laltari fil-jiem tal-Festa talMadonna tasSaħħa.

Għal Ġlormu Dingli r-Rabat kien id-dar naturali tiegħu joqgħod fi Triq Inguanez ħdejn Il-

Ġlormu Dingli

Verdala. Xogħlu proprja kien ta’ infermier fir-Rabat stess f’Santu Spirtu meta kien għadu sptar. Illum il-post huwu ċĊentru tal-Arkivji Nazzjonali.

Anke f’dan il-qasam ta’ infermier Ġlormu, kien iddedikat u kien jieħu kura kbira tal-pazjenti li kollha kienu jispiċċaw ħbieb kbar tiegħu.

L-istudjow tiegħu kien kamra fuq il-bejt tad-dar tiegħu stess.

Hemm kien iħalli x-xogħlijiet jinxfu u wara jdaħħalhom ġewwa u jpoġġihom f’xi kamra.

Mid-dar tiegħu Ġlormu ħareġ diversi xogħlijiet tal-arti sbieħ, fosthom l-istatwa kapulavur ‘Il-Bewsa ta’ Ġuda’ li żżejjen issett vari tal-Ġimgħa l-Kbira talMosta. Bl-istess suġġett insibu statwa oħra f’Ħaż-Żebbuġ u oħra f’Ħal Luqa.

Bejn l-1976 u s-sena ta’ wara, fuq inizjattiva ta’ Dun Anton Vella, il-kappillan ta’ dak iżżmien, Ġlormu Dingli ħadem listatwa ta’ Marija Addolorata

PeterPaulCiantar

għal raħal twelidu l-Imqabba. Ħadem ukoll l-istatwa tadDuluri għan-Naxxar u oħra għall-Imsida.

Huwa beda l-istudji tiegħu tal-arti ta’ etá żgħira fl-iskola tal-Arti tal-Gvern. Tgħallem mas-surmast Anton Micallef, li wkoll għallem ħafna artisti ta’ dak iż-żmien. Il-ħila tiegħu kienet tispikka fix-xogħol tal- kartapesta, dak dekorattiv u wkoll fix-xogħol ta’ restawr.

Għalkemm l-arti kienet it-tieni xogħol ta’ Ġlormu Dingli, xorta ħalla diversi xogħlijiet sbieħ tal-arti li sawru l-arti sagra Maltija, fosthom il-Madonna ta’ Fatima fi Gwardamangia, u erba’ statwi ta’ Kristu Rxoxt f’Ħaż-Żebbuġ, ilMosta, Ħal-Għargħur u Ħal Qormi (San Bastjan), li joħorġuhom ta’ kull sena fil-purċissjonijiet ta’ Ħadd ilGħid.

Huwa jibqa’ wkoll imsemmi għall-istatwa ta’ Malta Rebbieħa li hemm fl-Isla, u ħadem ukoll ħafna għall-privat.

Dan l-istatwarju kien bniedem umli għall-aħħar u talfamilja. Qatt ma ħares lejn il-pubbliċità. Ir-Rabtin kienu jqisuh wieħed minnhom, u anke onorawh, jekk forsi mhux f’ħajtu, wara mewtu billi semmew triq fir-Rabat, dik li tħares lejn l-Imtarfa u tibda minn tL-istatwa ta’ Kristu Rxoxt fil-Mosta ħdejn in-niċċa tal-Ecce Homo.

12 The Voice of the Maltese

Tuesday January 28, 2020

Roundup of News About Malta

PM Robert Abela building bridges

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ince January 13 when he was sworn in as Malta’s new Prime Minister, Dr Robert Abela has been busy building bridges. He had pledged continuity and to be close to the people, and that is what he has been doing in his first two whirlwind weeks. He has also shown that he is a man of action and that even when it comes to taking unpopular decisions, he does not shy away from responsibility.

As of his first message to the nation, Robert Abela said he was humbly welcoming the responsibility to serve the people and that Malta needs to keep moving forward to create more prosperity that can reach everyone and be better distributed.

He pointed out that that people wanted stability and peace of mind in order to continue to move forward. He promised work to carry out the electoral manifesto that elected the LP in 2017.

Dr Abela said there needs to be national unity, which has always won over fear. “It is unity that has always made the Maltese people stronger,” he said. His intention is to find out that which brings people together rather than what divides them.

He added that the country needs to continue succeeding with a strong economy and the creation of more employment.

He said he entered politics to help people and promised that he world work to strengthen social mobility so that everyone is given the opportunity to reach his aspirations and to go forward.

The Prime Minister Robert Abela’s family (wife Lydia and daughter Georgia Mae) getting used to the Prime Minister’s office at the Auberge de Castille Photo: DOI-Omar Camilleri

A double act of solidarity

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housands of people that included Prime Minister Robert Abela, a number of cabinet ministers, and other deputies from both sides of the House of Representatives, on Sunday morning joined President George Vella in the first Solidarity Fun Run. At the end of the 11th edition of the Solidarity Fun Run, organised by the President’s office in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund Foundation the President said that the people had shown a double act of solidarity, solidarity with each other as a people, and solidarity with those in need.

The activity, a run/walk that started from four main points, attracted the crowds. In the last phase the runners and walkers con-

verged as one to enter Valletta and finish the event at St George’s Square where they were addressed by the President, the Prime Minister, and the deputy leader of the PN. The President thanked and expressed great satisfaction as the people heeded the appeal to join the run that had been postponed from just before Christmas because of inclement weather. He said, it has proved the greatness of the Maltese people.

He said that by taking part in this event the people had shown a double act of solidarity, solidarity with each other as a people, and solidarity with those in need.

He repeated what he had stated when he had been named as President, that he would continue to work towards national unity until the end of his term.

Malta reaches aviation targets alta’s 9H aircraft registry has reached M an important target that the government set in 2019, that of reaching 400 registered aircraft. A goal that the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects Ian Borg said was achieved thanks to the dedicated work of Transport Malta and the Civil Aviation Directorate within it.

A satisfied Minister went on to describe aviation as a very important industry for Malta, since as an island it is dependent on connectivity by sea and air for commerce and transport to and from other countries.

He said that the results mean more economic growth and more employment opportunities and the government would not stop at achievements, in fact it is looking beyond all this and this year it wants to reach 460 aircraft. The amount has already reached 411. “We want to increase the number of operators,” he said.

An Air Operator Certificate was presented to Galistair, an efficient and sustainable Spanish operator that provides aviation services as well as aircraft charters with commitment towards the environment. There are five more applications for Air Operator Certificates and three more interested training organisations.

The country’s targets for the sector also include better environmental standards towards improved sustainability.

The Voice of the Maltese 13

Tuesday January 28, 2020

Roundup of News About Malta

Commemorating Australia Day in Malta

The outgoing Australian High Commissioner to Malta Ms Juienne Hince with Minister Evarist Bartolo at the farewell luncheon

*continued from page 3 Ms Hince’s address for the occasion also served as her farewell speech. She mentioned the catastrophic fire conditions Australia is currently suffering from and said it was very grateful for the outpouring of support for Australia including the many offers of assistance and donations from Malta.

She also mentioned the work of the Australia-EU Free Trade Agreement and that five rounds of negotiations have already been concluded.

She maintained that the strong relationship between Malta and Australia is outstanding and that she thoroughly enjoyed meeting with the Maltese community when she was at home in Australia too, and pointed out that roughly 50,000 Australians visited Malta in 2019.

The Australian High Commissioner ended by wishing the new Government of Malta harmony and success.

Malta’s President George Vella also addressed the occasion.

(A full report dealing with the speeches about the Australia Day commemoration in Malta by President George Vella and HC Juliene Hince will be carried in the next issue of The Voice of the Maltese)

Minister Bartolo hosts Australian HC alta’s newly assigned Minister for European & Foreign to farewell luncheon Affairs Evarist Bartolo and

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his wife Gillian hosted a farewell luncheon at the Ministry in honour of H.E. Ms Julienne Hince the High Commissioner for Australia in Malta whose three-year term ends this week.

It was also attended by His Excellency Zyed Bouzouita Ambassador of Tunisia, the British High Commissioner in Malta Mr Stuart Gill, staff members from the

Australian High Commissioner pays farewell visit to Mr Speaker

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s Julienne Hince also paid a farewell visit to the Speaker, Anġlu Farrugia who expressed his gratitude to the High Commissioner for her hard work during her tenure of office in Malta that enhanced the very close relations that exist between Malta and Australia.

He also expressed his sympathy to the Australian people for the suffering endured during the recent fires that brought Australia to its knees.

The discussion between the two dignitaries also included the recent political events in Malta, the meetings of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and international relations, particularly with China.

Ministry for Foreign Affairs, the representative of Malta’s President, and Joseph Cutajar on behalf of The Voice.

In a short message, Mr Bartolo wished Ms Hince well in her next assignment as she continues her diplomatic career.

On her part the Australian HC thanked the Minister and Malta for a pleasant and fruitful term in Malta and said that she would continue to follow Malta’s progress.

Maltese songs, artists on first digital compilation by German CAP-Sounds

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hirty years since its foundation, CAPSounds, a German production and music publication agency, has launched its first digital compilation of songs in Maltese by the name of Maltese Hits, giving a voice to some of the country’s most established singers and a number of new emerging local talent.

The company was set up in 1989 and has been supporting Maltese artists since 1996 when it assisted then Malta’s Eurovision Song Contest participant, Miriam Christine.

This first compilation consisting of 20 songs by established singers like Fabrizio Faniello, Thea Garrett, Philip Vella, Miriam Christine and Janice Mangion, and a number of young talented singers.

You can listen to them on on Spotify or on: https://backl.ink/104507309 .

14 The Voice of the Maltese

Tuesday January 28, 2020

‘Vittmi’ tal-investigazzjoni

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-investigazzjonijiet dwar il-qtil ta’ Daphne allegament kien dak li ħallas għal qtil tagħha, qed Caruana Galizia, barra li wasslu għal tliet per- jitqies li ħalliet “vittmi” oħra, fosthom, Ministru, lsuni mixlija bil-qtil tagħha u persuna oħra li istess Prim Ministru, u ġurnalist.

Il-Ministru

aħda mill-vittmi kienet il-Ministru għal Għawdex, Dr Justyne Caruana, li propju ftit jiem biss wara li ħadet il-ġurament ta’ Ministru spiċċat biex tirriżenja għax indirettament ġiet involuta fl-investigazzjonijiet tal-qtil ta’ Caruana Galizia.

Ir-raġel ta’ Caruana huwa l-eks-Assistent Kummissarju, Silvio Valletta, li oriġinarjament kien qed jinvestiga l-qtil ta’ Caruana Galizia, li mbagħad kellu jitlaq dan il-każ minn idejh fuq oġġezzjoni mill-familja ta’ Caruana Galizia li sostniet li dan seta’ kellu konflitt ta’ interess minħabba li mejta kienet kemm-il darba kkritikat li mart Valletta, il-Ministru Justyn. Aktar tard Valletta saħansitra irriżenja mill-korp tal-pulizija.

Li wassal għar-riżenja tal-Ministru Caruana kien rapport f’ġurnal dwar li f'Settembru tal-2018, fi żmien meta l-Pulizija kienu tefgħu ħarsithom fuq Fenech. Valletta kien mar ma' l-istess Fenech, jaraw logħba taċChelsea fl-Ingilterra.

Wara, il-pulizija sabet ukoll filmat ta’ Valletta fuq il-mobile ta’ Fenech fir-Rolls Royce ta’ dan tal-aħħar.

Malli ħarġet din l-aħbar, mall-ewwel bdew jidhru kitbiet fil-midja li l-Ministru Caruana kellha tirriżenja, fosthom tal-Kaptal-Oppożizzjoni li saħansitra qal li dan kien l-ewwel test tal-Prim Ministru: Għalkemm Valletta nsista li meta siefer ma’ Fenech kien hu li ħallas għas-safra tiegħu u li dakinhar ma kienx jaf li Fenech kien qiegħed taħt suspett, il-Ministru Caruana ħasset li fis-sitwazzjoni kellha tirriżenja minn Ministru Fl-ittra ta’ reiżenja lill-Prim Ministru Robert Abela, Dr Justyne Caruana saħqet li: “fid-dawl tal-istorja li ħarġet illum, għalkemm jien totalment estranja għaliha u għalkemm m’għandi l-ebda konnessjoni mal-fatti, qed nissottometti r-riżenja tiegħi minn Ministru b’mod immedjat.”

Il-Prim Ministru laqa’ din ir-riżenja filwaqt li qal, “Illum tajna eżempju ċar u konkret tal-livell ta' etika li hu mistenni”.

Insista mal-ġurnalisti li l-Gvern kien ta eżempju tal-livell ta’ etika li huwa mistenni.

Barra minhekk, wara li l-Kap tal-Oppożizzjoni kien qal, li kien il-waqt qal li dan kien l-ewwel test tal-Prim Ministru Robert Abela u li jekk verament irid juri kemm hu kapaċi jieħu d-deċiżjonijiet, li verament jemmen fil-governanza tajba, li jrid paġna ġdida u huwa Prim Ministru ta’ pajjiż normali, fit-tweġiba tiegħu għall-isfida, ilPrim Ministru wieġeb billi qal: “Nittama li

Adrian Delia juża l-linja ta’ etika li użajna aħna miegħu nnifsu u madDeputati tiegħu.”

Il-Prim Ministru ħalkemm m h u x kulħadd jaqbel, leks-prim Ministru Joseph Muscat kien il-vittma lieħor, li hu stess stqarr li qatt ma stenna li kien se jkollu jħalli lkariga tiegħu b’dan il-mod. L-eks Ministru Justyn Caruana u l-eks PM Joseph Muscat Sostna li hu kien spiċċa vittma għax qgħod lura bi stejjer xejn sbieħ dwar ilgħamel dmiru: Gvern preżenti u l-Partit Laburista.

“Filwaqt li fl-aħħar mill-aħħar huma nGħalhekk ħafna kienu li baqgħu b’ħalqnies li jiddeċiedu meta dan il-każ jingħalaq hom miftuħ meta tħabbar li kien tkeċċa għal kollox, lil hinn mill-proċessi tal-Qorti, minn xogħlu. sodisfatt li dan qed isir anke jekk il-prezz li Meta ikkonfermaw din l-aħbar id-diriġenti kien imħallas minni kien l-ogħla possibbli tal-gazzetta stqarrew li Camilleri tkeċċa dan għaliex ma xtaqtx li nħalli din il-kariga wara li waslu għandha bosta fatti dwar senl-mod ta’ kif ħa nkun qed inħalliha, iżda fl- siela ta’ każijiet li kien involut fihom. aħħar mill-aħħar għandi s-serħan il-moħħ Fost dawn kien hemm l-allegazzjoni li li dak kollu li stajt għamilt, għamiltu.”

Camilleri għadda tagħrif lill-allegat manMin-naħa l-oħra kien hemm dawk, fos- datarju tal-qtil ta’ Caruana Galizia, Yorgen thom: is-soċjeta ċivili, il-Partit Nazzjonal- Fenech, lejlet li dan ipprova jaħrab minn ista u oħrajn, li xlew lil Muscat li kien jaħti pajjiżna fuq il-jott ltiegħu. ta’ dak li seħħ billi għalaq għajnejh għal li Il-Maltatoday irrappurtat li isem Ivan kien qed jiġri madwaru bil-Kap Nazjonal- deher f’messaġġi li rat il-pulizija bejn Yorista Adrian Delia jgħid: gen Fenech u zijuh Ray Fenech.

“Qatt kont nistenna li l-uffiċċju tal-Prim Jidher li raġuni oħra kienet rapport fil-MalMinistru se jispiċċa investigat fuq assass- tatoday dwar li Camilleri kien inqabad jisraq inju ta’ ġurnalista? Le qatt ma kont naħseb (shoplifting) minn supermarket fin-Naxxar li se naslu s’hawn,” Dak inhar li ħarġet l-istorja tal-allegat Saħansitra hemm min irid jara lil Muscat serq, The Times ħarġet tiddefendi lill-ġurinnifsu jiġi investigat. nalist tagħha; issa l-istess gazzetta bidlet Biss jidher li minkejja dak kollu li seħħ, u stqarrija ta’ difiża fil-konfront ta’ Camilleri. minkejja l-akkużi ta’ korruzzjoni u l-kriżi Oriġinarjament, The Times kienet qalet li li ħakmet lil Malta, xorta għadd hemm dan il-każ ma kien xejn għajr wieħed ingħadd kbir ta’ Maltin li għadhom jammiraw noċenti li seħħ bi żvista u sostniet li b’mod lil Muscat għall-ħidma tiegħu biex poġġa malizzjuż Saviour Balzan tal-Maltatoday l-ekonomija Maltija fuq saqajha, biex bidel kien interpreta l-affarijiet b’mod ħażin.

Issa t-Times ma komplietx tkun ħajt talil-qagħad f’impjiegi, eċċ, eċċ... u jsostnu li kenn għal Camilleri u spjegat li kompliet hija ħasra li kellu jispiċċa kif spiċċa.

Imma hekk fid-dinji, filli jgħolluk mas- tinvestiga l-allegazzjonijiet u skopriet afsema u filli jridu jitfgħuk fil-qiegħ tal-ab- farijiet kontraditorji dwar il-każ li ġew ikkonfermati min-numru ta’ individwi. bissi.

Intant wara t-tkeċċija, Ivan Camilleri Ġurnalista ħareġ jattakka lit-Times fejn qal li lieħed minn dawk milquta serjament, kumpanija li kienet timpjegah kienet interiżda li ftit li xejn ingħata mportanza, essata biss li ssib skuża biex twaqqaflu kien wieħed mill-ġurnalisti ewlenin ta’ The xogħlu. Ċaħad li kien wassal xi informazTimes, Ivan Camilleri li ħafna drabi kien zjoni lil Jorgan Fenech. joħroġ bi stejjer investigattivi, u ma joMa nafx jekk il-każ hux se jieqaf hemm.

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The Voice of the Maltese 15

Tuesday January 28, 2020

F’10 snin l-ikel barra mid-dar juri żieda

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Karnivalesk??!!

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ħalkemm il-Karnival għad jonqsu madwar xahar biex jibda, diġá bdejna bil-polemika dwaru.

Bl-iskuża tal-libertá tal-espressjoni u lbidla fil-kultura Maltija, fl-aħħar snin, ir-regolamenti stretti tal-karnival, fejn kellhom x’jaqsmu karrijiet politiċi, jew li jolqtu lkleru, eċċ, ma baqgħux jiġu emfasizzati.

B’hekk uħud li jibnu l-karrijiet u l-maskaruni tal-Karnival mill-ewwel ħadu lokkażjoni biex ideffsu fin-nofs il-politiċi u wkoll xi membri tal-kleru.

Dis-sena jidher li se jkunu aktar avventurużi, infatti ritratt tal-abbozz ta’ karru li għadu qed jinħadem u li deher fil-midja soċjali juri lill-Arċisqof Charles Scicluna fl-isfond ta’ żewġ xjaten u l-faċċata ta’ Dar San Ġużepp, bil-messaġġ ‘Jude’s hell’.

(Jude huwa t-tieni isem tal-Arċisqof.)

Dan qed jiġi nterpretat bħala kritika fina għall-każi ta’ abbużi fuq it-tfal li fil-passat seħħew f’din id-dar fuq tfal residenti.

F’messaġġ fuq il-midja soċjali, wieħed milli jmexxu din il-kumpanija tal-Karnival tella’ ritratt tal-karru u kiteb: “Ħallu t-tfal jiġu għandi”. Dan waqt li żewġ figuri rġiel jidhru jżommu jdejn xulxin f’figura ta’ żwieġ bejn persuni tal-istess sess.

Fi stqarrija d-Direttur ta’ Dar San Ġużepp, Fr Louis Mallia, fisser il-karru bħala malizzjuż u libelluż, u jekk jibqa’ l-pjan li l-karru jkun parti mill-Karnival, il-Kon- gregazzjoni lesta tieħu kull pass legali.

Kelliem għall-Arċisqof Scicluna iddikjara, li filwaqt li hu mhux kontra s-satira, iżda jidhirlu li l-karru ma jixraqx għal avveniment nazzjonali li għalih jattendu ħafna tfal. Żied jemfasizza l-impenn li jibqa’ jistinka għall-promozzjoni tal-protezzjoni tat-tfal.

Jidher li anke l-Gvern qed jieħu pariri legali dwar dan il-karru, waqt li t-tmexxija tal-Karnival mistennija tiltaqa’ biex tiddiskuti din il-kwestjoni.

Infatti l-Ministru l-ġdid tal-Kultura, Jose

Fr Louis Mallia Herrera stqarr li filwaqt li hu u l-Gvern kienu diġà wrew li kienu favur il-libertà artistika, iżda fil-fehma tiegħu l-karru kien insensittiv lejn l-Arċisqof u d-Dar San Ġużepp li tieħu ħsieb tant tfal.

Min-naħa tal-karristi sostnew li l-idea ma ġietx mifhuma u li l-pubbliku interpreta ħażin il-messaġġ tal-karru. Spjegaw li lfiguri tat-trabi fuq il-karru ma jirreferux għat-tfal f’Dar San Ġużepp iżda għat-trabi li jitwieldu bil-proċess tal-IVF. Issokta jgħid li r-referenza għal Dar San Ġużepp mhi intiża li tweġġa’ lil ħadd. Anzi qegħda biex issir ġustizzja ma’ dawk irresidenti li qabel kienu hemmhekk u sar abbuż fuqhom, u li sal-lum għad ma saritx ġustizzja magħhom.

Il-karru ma kienx se jingħata ċans jieħu sehem imm’issa ġie aċċettat li jsirlu xi tibdil biex jista’ joħroġ fil-parata.

i l-Maltin iħobbu żaqqhom hija xi ħaġa magħrufa mhux biss f’pajjiżna, imma anke lil hinn minn pajjiżna, l-aktar fejn hemm konċentrazzjoni ta’ emigranti Maltin, bħal fl-Awstralja u lKanada, Iżd’issa jidher li l-Maltin qed isiru wkoll magħrufa għal kemm jmorru jieklu barra minn darhom f’ristorant, allura mhux ta’ b’xejn li kull fejn tħares qed jinbtu r-ristoranti ġodda. Infatti jista’ jingħad li waħda mill-ħarġet ewlenin tal-Maltin, laktar fi tmiem il-ġimgħa hi li wieħed imur mal-familja jew mal-ħbieb jiekol barra inkella f’lokalitajiet tax-xorb li llum qed saħansitra joffru l-ikel.

Dan kollu ġie rifless fi stħarriġ tal-aġenzija tal-Unjoni Ewropea, il-Eurostat.

Skont din l-aġenzija bejn l-2008 u l-2018 Malta irreġistrat l-ikbar żieda fejn jidħol infiq tal-familji fuq ikel barra d-dar. Skont din lis-statistika f'dawn l-10 snin iż-żieda kienet ta' 4.4%, minn 8.2% fl-2008 għal 12.6% fl-2018.

Wara Malta f'dawn l-10 snin ġiet l-Irlanda b'żieda ta' 2.9% u mbagħad l-Ungerija fejn iż-żieda kienet ta' 2.5%. Mit-28 pajjiż imsieħeb fl-UE kien hemm erbgħa li raw tnaqqis fl-infieq fuq ikel barra birRumanija tara tnaqqis ta' 2.9%. Spanja, isSlovakkja u r-Renju Unit kienu t-tliet pajjiżi l-oħra li raw tnaqqis fl-infieq mentri fil-Lussemburgu l-infieq baqa' stabbli.

Fl-2018 il-familji fl-Irlanda kienu l-iktar li nefqu f'ikel barra b'14.4% tan-nefqa taddar segwita minn Spanja bi 13% u Malta bi 12.6%.

Hawn min isostni li ż-żieda ġejja, lewwelnett minħabba t-titjib fl-ekonomija Maltija, imma wkoll għall-fatt li minbarra li l-ikel Malti huwa meqjus bħala taħlita ta’ togħmiet “eżotiċi”, ħafna mir-ristoranti saru kapaċi joffru dixxijiet varji li jolqtu lpalatt ta’ min iħobb jiekol.

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

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

16 The Voice of the Maltese

Tuesday January 28, 2020

Attenborough criticises Canberra’s approach to climate change

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oting the destruction prompted by Australia's wave of bushfires, Sir David Attenborough, 93-years old British naturalist, criticised Canberra's approach to climate change, saying the government's support of coal mines suggested it does not care about the environment.

David Attenborough says the "moment of crisis" has come in the fight against climate change, warning that governments' targets for decades in the future are not enough to save the planet. The British naturalist also David Attenborough called on China in particular to reduce its carbon emissions, saying he thought other countries would follow if China set a lead.

The moment of crisis has come - we can no longer prevaricate, David Attenborough raised public awareness around the world of the danger of plastic pollution in oceans with his television series Blue Planet II. “We have been putting things off year after year, raising targets and saying 'Oh well if we do it within the next 20 years...',” he told the BBC in an interview.

Unlock housing wealth to fix aged care

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atholic Health Australia’s chief executive Pat Garcia writes that the aged care-funding crisis is now so deep the Government can’t realistically fix it with taxpayers’ money. The waiting list for home-care packages now has 120,000 names on it. As the aged care royal commission noted, many seniors are now dying in discomfort well before they win the lottery for a package.

The Government, recognising the problem, last month announced a fresh $500 million for home-care packages enough to provide an extra 10,000 places. A welcome step, but not nearly enough.

To actually clear the list would cost several billion dollars, and that would just be to deal with the backlog. Demand would continue to rise sharply from then on as the population ages.

We need to find better ways of unlocking some of the resources older Australians have accumulated over their lives, to better ensure they are happy and comfortable in their final years. So what is needed from Government is significant structural reform – a process that will be difficult and contentious.

The PM, climate change and volunteers

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Colonel Pierre Schaller

rime Minister Scott Morrison announced under some pressure that he would “continue to evolve” his government’s climate change policy while also flagging a royal commission into this summer’s tragic and ongoing events. He admitted that he was in the wrong when he took a flight to Hawaii with his family during Australia’s bushfire crisis and that he could have “handled things on the ground much better”.

People in Australia are rushing to join volunteer fire fighting services in record numbers as bushfires continue to rage across the country, with more than five times the usual yearly number of applicants expressing interest in joining the

NSW Rural Fire Service since November.

In the two-and-a-half months since the start of the fire season, the RFS has received more than 25,000 membership enquiries, community engagement manager Anthony Bradstreet told SBS News, compared to an average annual application intake of approximately 4,000.

The RFS is the biggest volunteer fire service in the world, with more than 70,000 members across 2,002 local brigades.

Colonel Bruno Ulliac, the leader of a team of five French fire-fighters, has almost 40 years’ experience fighting fires across Europe and South America, but says he was still shocked when he came face-to-face with Australia's devastating bushfires. His team were still grappling with the sheer size of the Australian crisis.

Colonel Pierre Schaller is also part of the French team and said even 45 years on the job had not prepared him for the scale of the Australian bushfire crisis. He said in Europe fires are considered “big: when they cover around 1,000 hectares, but in Australia we have learnt to make a different count, with millions of hectares – it changes completely the philosophy and the operational practice that you have to implement in these situations,” he said. “We saw fires that ran about 10kilometres per hour, we [have] never seen this.”

As we went to print it was reported that 5.1 million hectares were razed by megafire, 55 national parks burnt out, 24 per cent of koala habitat scorched and 35 per cent of natural rainforest destroyed.

The Voice of the Maltese 17

Tuesday January 28, 2020

Priestly celibacy must be discussed

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Hailstorm ravages the city of Canberra

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ick Brodie historian and writer, writing in t was not fire this time but hail the astating crops of wheat, barley, Eureka Street says that debates about size of golf balls left their mark on legumes and cotton. The research body priestly celibacy are almost as old as the buildings and hundreds of cars in a had been growing the material on-site Catholic priesthood itself, but they should be a feature of Australia's upcoming Plenary Council 30-minute frenzy before the sun reap- to improve crop sustainability, but Debates about priestly celibacy and sexual con- peared. Emergency services worked those efforts now appear to have been tinence. Progressive-minded commentators will through the night to respond to roof and in vain. usually point out than the strict, universal rule for window damage, fallen trees and elec“For projects that potentially might Latin-rite priests is of medieval European origin. trical hazards. have been close to the end of say two Car windscreens were obliterated at or three years of work, that is really disConservative-minded commentators tend to highlight that historic married priests were peri- the Australian National University and tressing; unfortunately, most of those odically discouraged from having sex until they Old Parliament House, while a wind projects will be totally lost.” CSIRO gust of 117km/h was recorded chief operating officer Judi Zielke told gradually abandoned the at Canberra Airport. A catastro- the ABC. habit of marrying in the phe was declared in the first place and that the wake of a fierce hail storm. last half a millennium The Commonwealth Scienbears witness to the ideal tific and Industrial Research of sexual continence Organisation (CSIRO) have Whether Australia’s been surveying the damage bishops are willing to diswith several valuable recuss seeking a local research projects in tatters. laxation of the rule of It is estimated at least 65 mandatory celibacy, this We offer legal services in Melbourne CSIRO glasshouses were is one of the big ques(Lt Collins Street) and Werribee.

Nick Brodie damaged in the storms, devtions of Plenary 2020.

Donations will not cover the repair bill

he more than $250 million donated to T charities for bushfire relief in recent weeks is “probably not enough” to repair

the damage caused by blazes across the country, the head of St Vincent de Paul Society NSW said.

As fires continued to burn across New South Wales, Victoria and on Kangaroo Island, Vinnies NSW chief executive Jack De Groot said the amount of money given to help those affected had been overwhelming.

“We’re at $11.7 million of donations from the public for the Vinnies appeal in Queensland, New South Wales, ACT, Vic-

toria and South Australia,” he said.

“I’ve never seen this sort of generosity for a bushfire appeal across multiple states. We’re only halfway through a bushfire season, too, so I think people will continue to be very generous.”

But while the Morrison Government had also allocated $2 billion to the recovery effort, Mr De Groot said more would be needed to address the scale of destruction.

It is the second-largest amount the charity has received for a cause after the public donated $400 million in 2009 to help communities recover from Black Saturday bushfires in Victoria.

Family law is our specialty.

• wills, powers of attorney, • manage deceased estates, and provide • purchase and sell property • purchase and sell businesses.

Marlene Ebejer (speaks Maltese) an accredited family law specialist • divorce, children, property, • child support, intervention orders.

• Maltese Wills, Powers of Attorney • Maltese Property matters.

Phone: 03 9741 1722 www.ebejerlawyers.com.au) email reception@ebejerlawyers.com.au

We get to the point, provide the right advice and get the work done at a reasonable price.

18 The Voice of the Maltese

Tagħrif dwar il-kitba Maltija

L-aċċent u l-apostrofu

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i wħud, meta jkunu qed jittajpjaw fuq il-kompjuter isibu diffikultá dwar kif jiktbu kliem li fih jidħol l-aċċent. Fost ilkliem komuni li ġieli jħawwdu lil xi wħud hemm il-kelma, kumdità li ssib min jiktibha kumdita’ (bl-apostrofu), kumdita, jew kumdita`.

Il-kelma t-tajba hija kumdità.

Wieħed irid jifhem li ż-żewġ sinjali – l-apostrofu u l-aċċent – fil-kitba Maltija jintużaw għal għanijiet differenti.

Nispjegaw

L-appostrofu (’) jiġi wżat biex wieħed juri li hemm xi ħaġa nieqsa jew imqassra, bħal ngħidu aħna xi vokali li waqgħet (eż. f’April minflok fi April), jew il-konsonanti għ f’tarf il-kelma (eż. reġa’ minflok reġagħ).

Mela l-forma kumdita’ hija ħażina, għax mhemm xejn nieqes jew imqassar.

L-aċċent (`) jurina li f’dik il-kelma l-qawwa tal-leħen qed taqa’ fuq laħħar sillaba (verità, kafè, Marì, bijambò, tribù). B’hekk wieħed jagħmel differenza bejn koppji jixxiebħu bħal: mara onesta mżejna

bl-onestà, il-Papa (ta’ Ruma) u lpapà (missier).

Mela l-forma kumdita hija ħażina għax nieqsa mill-aċċent li juri lleħen u tiġi tinqara bħal qarnita.

L-aċċent jinkiteb dejjem fuq ilvokali, mhux warajha, għax huwa parti mill-ħoss tal-istess vokali. Hija vokali aċċentata.

Mela l-forma kumdita` mhix tajba għax hawn l-aċċent inkiteb fl-ispazju ta’ wara l-vokali, minflok fuqha.

Xi wħud, minflok l-aċċent fuq ilvokali, jiżbaljaw u jiktbu l-aċċent (jew l-appostrofu) wara l-vokali (kumdita`, kumdita’).

Meta wieħed juża l-kompjuter kulma jrid jagħmel hu, li jagħfas ilbuttuna Alt Gr u l-vokali li jrid flimkien.

Tuesday January 28, 2020

Meta kas u meta każ

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ieli nirċevu mistoqsijiet mingħand xi qarrejja dwar kif għandhom jiktbu ċerti kliem bilMalti, l-aktar dwar kliem li jinstema’ l-istess imma li għandu tifsir differenti, u ma jinkitibx l-istess. Fost dawn hemm il-kliem, kas u każ.

Bħala spjega jista’ jingħad li: każ (plural każi jew każijiet) tfisser “xi ħaġa li sseħħ” jew “okkażjoni partikolari” u tintuża bħal meta, ngħidu “fil-każ li ma jiġi ħadd; fil-każ ta’ ħruq, kien każ ta’ omiċidju jew dawn huma każi speċjali”. kas tfisser “attenzjoni” u tintuża biss fl-espressjoni ta’ kas, bħal: qatt ma ta kas it-tfal; ma jagħtux kashom; għalih fejn laqat laqat, ma jagħti kas xejn u ħadd.

Minn stħarriġ sibna li l-kelma kas hi ta’ nisel Rumanz (Sqalli casu, Taljan caso) u daħlet fil-Malti f’żewġ għamliet differenti, f’żewġ perjodi jew komuntajiet differenti. Għalhekk għandha żewġ tifsiriet u fonetikament iġġib ruħha b’mod differenti.

Il-konsonanti tal-aħħar turi d-differenza. Meta warajha wieħed jorbot tarf li jibda b’vokali, tinstema’, jew ‘ż’ (bħal: każi, każijiet) jew ‘s’ (bħal: kasek, kasu, kasi, kasna).

Il-Munxar mhux biss raħal f’Għawdex

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in hu midħla tal-Gżejjer Maltin jaf li f’Għawdex hemm raħal magħruf bħala l-Munxar li jinsab finnofsinhar tal-gżira, qrib ir-raħal ta’ Sannat. Imma x’aktarx li ftit jafu li l-isem ta’ dan ir-raħal ġej minn tip ta’ serrieq li s-snien tiegħu jidhru wkoll fl-arma tal-lokal (lemin).

Hemm żewġ srieraq b’dan l-isem, wieħed magħruf bħala lmunxar taż-żewġ u l-ieħor il-munxar tad-tidwir.

It-tnejn juntużaw fil-bini tad-dgħajjes.

IL-MUNXAR TAŻ-ŻEWĠ Il-munxar taż-żewġ kien jinsab f’għadd ta’ qisien. Kien speċi ta’ frejm tal-injam tar-ruvlu u x-xafra stirata fin-nofs. Jissejjaħ taż-żewġ għax kien jitħaddem minn tnejn min-nies, wieħed f’tarf jiġbed u l-ieħor fittarf l-ieħor jimbotta. Kien jintuża l-Istorja tal-Lingwa Maltija għall-isserrar ta’ injam oħxon. Ġie l-Għarbi u qaxxar kollox IL-MUNXAR TAD-TIDWIR u snin wara mbagħad reġa' bniha, Dan il-munxar hu magħruf ukoll skont hu, aħjar minn qabel. bħala s-serrieq ta’ San Ġużepp.

'Ma fuq kollox ħalla l-lingwa, Kien ukoll jintrama f’għamla ta’ għall-bidwi, għas-sajjied u għall-kċina.

IL-MUNXAR TAŻ-ŻEWĠ frejm imma x-xafra tiegħu, minImma l-moħħ intesa. flok fin-nofs tkun fuq ġenb Wara snin ġie l-Ewropew, wieħed u dejqa. Il-frejm ikun għani, kolt, qaxxrilna ġidna magħmul b’tali mod li f’ġenb u ftit li xejn biddel il-kliem. minnhom ikun xafra, fin-nofs Dawk il-ftit ta' nies struiti għuda u fil-ġenb l-ieħor lenza mitħalltu sewwa mal-ġirien bruna u stirata li biha jistiraw ixu f'daqqa waħda tilef xafra. l-Għarbi nofs il-lingwa.

L-irjus ikunu tal-injam. Fit-truf fejn ikun hemm ix-xafra jkun Aktar tard, il-mistednin hemm il-maqbad, għamla ta’ pum baqgħu fostna għal bosta snin kull naħa. Jintuża biex jaqta’ fitu ma' l-ingliża ħawwlu lingwa, tond. Jista’ jintuża minn raġel stramba, barranija. waħdu imma ġeneralment minn U llum min ser ilumna tnejn ikun dejjem aħjar. jekk diffiċli niddistingwu din l-imbierka identità?

IL-MUNXAR TAD-TIDWIR It-tagħrif dwar il-kittieba Maltin jissokta fil-ħarġa li jmiss.

MauriceCauchi

Tuesday January 28, 2020

Gozo Tourism Awards 2019 he Gozo Tourism Association has awarded the Said brothers, Joe and George with the Lifetime T Achievement Award in Tourism at the 12th edition of the Gozo Tourism Awards held recently. The brothers were commended for their investment and achievements in the tourism sector along the years, which contributed towards job creation and economic on Gozo.

Other winners dMinister Julia Farrugia Portelli in the 2019 awards also included Charlayne Galea, a diving company secretary based in Xlendi, who was named Worker of the Year.

The awards, organised by the Gozo Tourism Association are The winners of the awards were: intended to acLifetime Achievement Award - Joe and George Said knowledge, Gozo Tourism Worker of the Year – Charlayne Galea Gozo Young Tourism Worker of the Year – Megan Cauchi commend, encourage and Gozo Tourism Entrepreneurship – Francis Azzopardi Gozo Cultural/Social Achievement – Dwejra Environ- thank all the workers, entremental Educational Centre preneurs and enSpecial Recognition Award – Daniel Cilia tities who distinguish themselves in the performance of their duties and activities in the vital touristic industry in Gozo.

For the first time an award was presented to Mifsud Brothers as a nonGozitan organisation that worked in favour of tourism in Gozo. This year, the tourist agency will bring the 100th cruise liner to Gozo.

These awards were presented to the respective winners by the new Minister for Tourism, Julia Farrugia Portelli, Dr. Gavin Gulia Chairman of the Malta Tourism Authority and Paul Scicluna Chairman GTA. Addressing the occasion, Tourism Minister Julia Farrugia Portelli said that, together with the Gozo Minister, she would be drafting specific programmes and initiatives in order to strengthen the Gozitan tourist sector.

Gozo

The Voice of the Maltese 19

round and about

by Charles Spiteri

Creating awareness for local environment among students

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day before the beginning of the second term, the Gozo College Rabat Primary Student Council and the Eko Skola Committee, teamed up with the Victoria Scout Group to organise a 7.5km hike for the students. The starting and finishing point was the village of San Lawrenz, taking the students as far as Dwejra Bay and beyond.

The aim of the three-hour activity was to create more awareness in students as regards the local environment and to show solidarity with the Australian people who were experiencing bushfires. Teachers and parents accompanied the students.

Traditonal feast of St Anthony the Abbot Gozo Business Chamber is 20 years old

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n January 19 Xagħra celebrated the annual traditional feast of St Anthony the Abbot. The programme included a concelebrated Mass by Gozo bishop Mario Grech at the chapel dedicated to the saint at the TalQaċċa area, and street marches by the Victory Band of Xagħra. Rector Can. Michael Galea then blessed horses and the statue of St Anthony was carried around followed by a re-enactment, by the Xagħra Historical Reenactment Organisation.

Dr Edward Warrington

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he Gozo Business Chamber celebrated its 20th year anniversary at the San Lawrenz Kempinski hotel, the same venue where 20 years ago the public deed that constituted the same organisation was signed. The commemorative evening was highlighted by speeches from the Chief Executive Officer of the organisation, Daniel Borg, Associate Professor within the Department of Public Policy, Dr Edward Warrington, the permanent secretary of the Ministry for Gozo, John Borg, (on behalf of the Minister for Gozo) and Joseph Borg, the President of the Gozo Business Chamber.

A video presentation outlining the history of the organisation and its contribution to Gozo’s socio economic development was also shown during the event.

An important part of the evening’s celebration was the presentation of mementos to present and past Council members and former presidents. The interventions during the day focused on various aspects, including the Gozo Business Chamber’s contribution to Gozo’s achievements throughout the years, the need for good governance, and how the Chamber should develop in the coming years.

20 The Voice of the Maltese

Se jħallu Warrawong wara 65 sena

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ar magħruf li bħalissa għaddej proċess biex l-Ordni Franġiskana Konventwali li ilha fil-parroċċa ta Warrawong (limiti ta’ Wollongong) għal dawn l-aħħar 65 sena tirtira minn din il-parroċċa minħabba nuqqas ta’ saċerdoti.

Dan ikun ifisser li lO r d n i Franġiskana jkollha tagħti lura din il-parroċċa li tant ħadet ħsieb il-bżonnijiet tal-Maltin f’dawn in-naħat lid-djoċesi ta’ Wollongong. Ifisser ukoll li, minn idejn l-Ordni Frangiskani Konventwali l-parroċċa se tiġi mmexxija millIsqof ta’ Wollongong.

L-aħħar saċerdot Malti talOrdni Franġiskana Konventwali, Fr Leonard Testa (xellug) jinsab irtirat minħabba saħtu għalkemm xorta għadu residenti f’dawk innaħat.

Skorba concert honours our Island Malta’s rich history

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Tuesday January 28, 2020 Il-knisja tal-parroċċa ta’ Warrawong

In-nuqqas ta’ saċerdot Malti fl-inħawi ta’ Blacktown

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uwa wkoll magħruf li ċ-ċentru La Valette ta’ Blacktown NSW għadu ferm bogħod milli jsolvi l-problema tan-nuqqas ta’ saċerdot Malti, mhux biss għall-membri tiegħu imma wkoll għall-maġġoranza tal-komunitá li tgħix fl-inħawi tal-western suburbs.

Bħalissa l-La Valette SC qed jinqdew b’saċerdot li mhux Malti, iżda anke hawn jidher li hawn xi problemi minħabba li l-visa ta’ dan is-saċerdot waslet biex teskjadi.

Saru ħafna interventi li qanqlu ħafna nteress minn individwi mal-kurja ta’ Malta iżda l-komunikazzjoni tal-Kurja maċĊentru mhux dejjem kienet mill-aħjar.

Ittra mibgħuta miċ-ċentru lillKurja ta’ Malta fit-22 ta’ Mejju tas-sena l-oħra lanqas biss ġiet imwieġba, imma fit-13 ta’ Novembru, aktar minn ħames xhur wara qalulhom li rċevewha.

ndy Busuttil’s Skorba band that performs music about periods in Malta's history will be performing at the Petersham Bowling Club, 77 Brighton Street Petersham in Sydney on February 16th at 7:00 p.m.

The concert of music will be about 'L-Assedju ilKbir' of 1565. It will be the story of The Great Siege of Malta in music, narrative, and images on a screen.

The occasion promises to be a night of great music with support act Mara and Llew Kiek presenting a great selection of music from the Balkans and Asia Minorrepresenting the region from which the Siege was launched.

Anybody interested to attend should get in touch with Andy for further informationon https://bluemountainsound.com.au/ Andy’s message is: “Come and be proud Learn the Maltese language; the culture, lifestyle, cuisine, traditions, and of our little nation's history and what we about the amazing history of the magnificent islands of Malta and Gozo have contributed in ourmighty smallness!”

The online ticketing for the Skorba concert Our trained and experienced teachers are qualified in language teaching is https://www.trybooking.com/596249. and have Maltese study credentials.

Classes available for students from six years to adult at all levels of ability in the Maltese language.

Classes are held at Horsley Park Public School Anybody interested in adver1759 The Horsley Drive, Horsley park NSW tising on The Voice of the Mal(entry from Walworth Road) tese magazine in order to On Sunday morning 9.00 a.m-11.15 a.m.

Please Note

reach the widest audience possible, partcularly among the Maltese diaspora is requested to write for details to: Maltesevoice@gmail.com

ENROLMENT DAY Saturday February 1, 2020: 9.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m.

Classes for Term 1 commence on Saturday February 8.

For more information email: malteselanguageschoolnsw@hotmail.com Mobile: 0400-376-607

The Voice of the Maltese 21

In book co-autored by Malta-born, Vietnamese assendean parish priest Fr Kim Son Nguyen has published a book priest recounts his family’s quest describing his family’s 10-year quest for freedom from communist-confor freedom from Vietnam War trolled Vietnam. The paperback, titled

Tuesday January 28, 2019

B

Son of Vietnam, was co-authored with Fr Kim Son (NguBedford parishioner Paul Calleja The Perth priest moved to Australia in 1991 and yen left) and Paul was ordained to the priesthood in 2000 after years Calleja with the of formation at St Charles’ Seminary in Guilford. book He said that the idea for the book was to pre- (The eRecord/Matthew Lau) serve his family’s stories for future generations.

Writing in The eRecord, Joshua Low said that the topics addressed in the book are religious freedom and the practice of faith.

The 179-page book was released last year as a gift to mark Fr Nguyen’s parents’ 60th wedding anniversary. “My father wished to write a book a long time ago in Vietnamese,” Fr Nguyen said.

“Millions and millions of people suffered more than we did.”

Although he usually attends Mass at Bedford parish, Paul Calleja grew up in Bassendean and came to know Fr Nguyen through the duty of regularly driving his elderly father to Mass.

“Dad was 89, [he] couldn’t drive safely. It coincided with Fr to him. After some time, he said his family were interested for Son arriving at Bassendean,” Mr Calleja recounted. him to go ahead with it.”

“Fr Son was using his homilies to get his parishioners acSon of Vietnam took more than five years to develop and is writquainted with him. He told stories of Vietnam, I listened intently ten in English. because I am interested in history – my brother was called to serv“The generation [of Vietnamese people] reared in Australia can ice in Vietnam. have a deeper knowledge and appreciation of the sacrifices and “I had just finished another project and was just fascinated with contribution that their ancestors have made to allow them to Fr Son’s story, so I approached him, and put [the idea of a book] enjoy these benefits,” Mr Calleja told The eRecord. fetaħ uffiċjalment Il-bijografija ta’ Mons Philip Calleja fi ktieb il-Mużew tal-Mitit ilu saret it-tnedija tal-ktieb biografija ta’ Mons. Philip grazzjoni. Fil-fatt il-Kummisjoni tinsab f’kuntatt mal-uffiċċju FCalleja, fundatur u president tal-Kummissjoni Emigranti tal-E.T. il-President ta’ Malta George Vella biex ikun hu li jiftaħ (KE). Kien mument sabiħ ħafna u interessanti għall-membri dan il-Mużew. mira tagħha li jin-

kollha tal-Kummissjoni Emigranti għax għalkemm il-ktieb jitratta dwar il-ħajja tal-Monsinjur fl-istess ħin hemm l-istorja talKummissjoni stess.

IL-Kummissjoni Emigranti u Monsinjur Philip Calleja huma sinonimi, ħaġa waħda. Dawk li jkunu Malta u jkunu jixtiequ jakkwiista kopja jistagħu jgħaddu sa ‘Dar l-Emigrant’ fil-kapitali Maltija Valletta u jistaqsi għall-ktieb lid-Direttur tal-KE, Mons. Alfred Vella Matul din is-sena l-Kummissjoni Emigranti tixtieq li tilħaq il-

Monsinjur Philip Calleja jiġi mogħti kopja tal-ktieb bilbjopgrafija tiegħu

Hi x-xewqa tal-Kummissjoni li dan il-Mużew ikun ġrajja ħajja u minjiera ta’ tagħrif dwar l-istorja tal-emigrazzjoni f’Malta.

22 The Voice of the Maltese

Tuesday January 28, 2020

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

ST NICHOLAS FESTA COMMITTEE Sunday 2nd February Good Shepherd Parish Hall 130-136 Hyatts Road, Plumpton Sydney NSW (Opposite the shopping centre)

RFS FUNDRAISING

Hall will be open from 11 a.m.

Music & entertainment by Martin Vella – Katelyn Vella & much more, with lots of music for your enjoyment Lots of fantastic prizes to be won from Raffle & Chocolate Wheel.

There will be drinks and food for sale, including Pastizzi, ħobż biż-żejt, hot chips and sausage sizzle Entry is free and plenty of parking So come along, bring your family and friends. Enjoy an afternoon of fun and raise money for our RFS team!

Community Wheels Inc.:

Connecting you with your community

Community Wheels is your local community organisation that provides door-to-door transport services to eligible people (+65 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

Maltese Community Council of Victoria Inc.

L-MCCV qed jilqa’ applikazzjonijiet għall-pożizzjoni ta’ għalliem/a part-time tal-ilsien Malti fil-binja tagħhom f’14 Watt Street, Sunshine, Victoria.

L-applikanti għandu jkollhom għarfien sew tal-Malti kemm miktub kif ukoll mitkellem.

Ibgħat applikazzjoni bid-dettalji akkademiċi lill: admin@mccv.org.au Għal tagħrif ieħor ċempel fuq: 0412 115 919. Ħalli n-numru tattelefon u nċemplulek lura.

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. għall-aħbarijiet kemm bil-Malti u bl-Ingliż.

Feast of St Paul at La Valette SC

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

On Sunday February 9: La Valette Social Centre is celebrating the feast of the Shipwreck of St Paul Mass will start at 5pm in the Main Hall Our Lady Queen of Peace Maltese Band MANWELL GRECH DJ will provide the entertainment The Bar and the Kitchen will be open Everyone is Welcome For Information contact the centre 9622 5847 ___________________________________ MASS TIME: Saturday: St Francis Chapel: 5.30 p.m. (when a priest is available)

FESTA TA’ GENEROŻITA`

IN AID OF ID DAR-TAL-PROVIDENZA, MALTA organised by The Friends of Providence House NSW Sunday 23rd February 23 from 2.00 pm La Valette Social Centre,175 Walters Road, Blacktown Featuring: Charlie Muscat & James Cassar Supported by: Martin Vella, Natasha Tatarinoff, Brittany & Katelyn Vella, and The MCA Choir Enjoy An Afternoon of Great Entertainment, Prizes & Family Fun! Lucky Donor Envelope Prizes & Raffle Drawn onThe Day Maltese food & drinks available from 12 Noon Donation: Adults $10 Children u/15yrs: free Bookings from: Jim Borg: 9636 7767 or Miriam 0419 476 924 PROUDLY SPONSORED BY La Valette Social Centre

Tel: 9622 7799

Tel: 9622 5847

Events for 2020

Sunday March 8 Fete Sunday July 5 Lejla fil-Buskett Sunday October 18 Fete Saturday November 14 Dinner Dance Sunday December 6 Festa San Nikola

The Voice of the Maltese 23

Tuesday January 28, 2020

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.

minn Malta, mużika, tagħrif, kultura, avviżi u suġġetti ta’ interess.

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. 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)

On Demand: Ethnic Maltese Council 11am)

Il-Ħadd 11.00 am: l-aħħar aħbarijiet

Maltese Community Radio Adelaide:

Maltese Programmes on 5EBI 103.1fm: Sunday: 7.30am; Monday : 8.00 am; Monday 6.00pm Contact: Bernadette Buhagiar: 0420 944 205. Email bernadettebuhagiar@gmail.com Ron Borg: 0418 843 850. Email ronborg@mac.com

Maltese Seniors Social Welfare Day Groups

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

Group meets in Parish Hall, cnr of Stella Maltese of Bankstown Street & The Boulevard, Fairfield Heights at Group meets 3rd Wednesday of month 10 am. in the Bankstown CBD area.

Every other 3rd Thursday an outing.

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

Maltese Group Note: The Groups also arrange regular Bus Trips Meets every First Wednesday of the Join us and make new friends.

Month from 10:00am-1:00pm.

Merrylands Social Maltese Seniors Meetings/Get Togethers are interestMeets every second Friday of the ing, informative & entertaining, so come month: Miller Room, Memorial Avenue Join us and make new Friends Merrylands from 10.30am to 12.30 am Llandilo Maltese Seniors Meets on the first Wednesday of each

For more info contact our Coordinator: 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 SBS MALTESE NEWS: L-Aħbarijiet are now on SBSTV Viceland HD Channel 31 every Sunday at 8.00 a.m. and on Thursday at 8.00 a.m.

BRISBANE listen to the Maltese Programme on 4EB on Tuesdays 6.00 -8.15am; Sundays 4.15pm to 5.15pm.

Avviż lill-qarrejja

Tixtieq li jkollok kopja f’idejk ta’ The Voice ?

I

nfakkru lill-qarrejja li The Voice of the Maltese, mhux biss magazine online, iżda wkoll l-uniku tax-xorta tiegħu flAwstralja li wkoll jiġi ippubblikat.

Fil-fatt huma ħafna dawk li ilhom li bdew japprofittaw ruħhom minn dan u abbonaw ħalli anke jibdew jirċevu kopja pprintjata bil-posta d-dar bi ħlas.

Minħabba l-bogħod li hawn fil-kontinent Awstraljan, il-ħlas tal-posta minn stat għall-ieħor tvarja, għalhekk dawk kollha li jixtiequ li jibdew jirċevu kopja pprintjata tal-magazine kull darba li joħroġ biex ikunu jistgħu jżommuha f’idejhom, huma mħeġġa biex jabbonaw għal sena sħiħa ħalli jagħmlu żgur li jkollhom kopja kull darba.

Biex dan isir wieħed għandu l-ewwel jikkomunika b’email ħalli jagħmel ittalba lil maltesevoice@gmail.com fejn jitlob tagħrif dwar il-ħlas ta’ abbonament għal sena fl-istat fejn jgħix. Imbagħad jekk ikun irid jissieħeb ma’ dawk kollha li mhumiex kuntenti biss li jaqraw il-magazine online, imma wkoll li jkollhom kopja tiegħu, jgħarrafna.

24 The Voice of the Maltese

Sports

Tuesday January 28, 2020

Melita Eagles first winners of Maltese Cultural Cup P

arramatta Melita Eagles beat Altona City 5-3 in the final on Monday to become the first winners of the tournament for the Maltese Cultural Cup. The tournament between six club teams with roots in the Maltese community organised by Caroline Springs at City Vista, Plumpton (Victoria) was such a huge success that it is anticipated to become an annual event over the Australia Day weekend.

The Eagles and Altona City won their respective groups on goal difference after the

I

t has been announced that former George Cross and Floriana footballer, Tony Vella died on Sunday. More about him in the next issue

participating groups on goal difference after all teams inished level on three points. The competition started on January 23 when Altona City beat North Altona 4-0. Then on Friday a good-sized crowd saw Green Gully beat Caroline Springs George Cross 2-1.

In the other matches on Saturday Parramatta Melita Eagles surprisingly emphatically beat Green Gully 3-0 and Keilor Park defeated Altona City 2-1. On Sunday the Eagles were beaten 2-1 by hosts Carolina George Cross, but managed to score the all-important goal six minutes from time. In the other match Altona North beat Keilor Park 2-1.

Josie Urpani dies aged 83

T

he football community in Malta was deeply saddened by the news that the former Valletta and Malta inside forward, Josie Urpani has died aged 83.

Josie as he was affectionately known, was born in St Julian's on October 12, 1936 and started his football education with the Floriana Colts when he was still very young.

He showed his potential from a very young age and when still a student at Stella Maris College signed amateur forms for Mosta Athletic.

He joined the Valletta minors team in the 1953-54 season, and on November 28, 1954, and at the age of 18, he made his first-team debut for the Citizens in their 20 victory over Birkirkara.

During that season he only played seven times for the first team but then became the team’s schemer-in-chief and subsequently established himself as a key member of the Valletta team that won three league championships and other major domestic honours, including the FA Trophy (twice), the Cassar Cup and the Scicluna Cup. Josie Urpani was known as a player with superb ball-control and for his remarkable quickness of thought He won his first championship with Valletta in 1958-59. That season he played in all his team’s matches and ended the season with a tally of eight goals.

Always elegant in his appearance in and out of the football field, Josie thrilled the stadium crowds. In the FA Trophy, Josie scored two of Valletta's five goals against Marsa but then in the quarter-finals, he sustained an injury that kept him out of the

game for the rest of that season.

Urpani was again one of Va l l e t t a ’ s mainstays when they rethe tained league title in 1959-60 and then again in 1962-63 That same season he won his only FA Trophy when Valletta defeated Sliema 1-0 in the final. He scored the all-important goal.

In 1963-64 he scored 10 more league goals, but the following season he managed four league appearances and at the end of the1967-68 he called it a day.

Pictured: Malta Cultural Cup organisers George Cross (white kit) before their game with Green Gully won by the latter

Disappointing participation

M

alta’s national waterpolo team had a most disappointing participation in the European Championships in Hungary where it lost all its five matches coneding 89 goals and scored only 30 in the process to end the tournament last among 16 teams.

The greatest disappointments were in the Group matches and the defeats against Turkey (10-13), and against hists Hungary (0-26).

GROUP C matches Malta v Spain 7-23 Malta v Turkey 10-13 Malta v Hungary 0-26 Match for 13th-14th place Malta v Slovakkia 4-8 Match for 15th-16th place Malta v Holland 9-19

D’Agostino scores to earn Olyroos OG qualification

icholas d’Agostino of Perth Glory FC N scored the decisive goal against Uzbekistan U-23s to secure the Olyroos’ first qual-

ification to the Olympic Games since 2008.

Nicholas of Maltese descent is the son of Joseph.

Both Joseph and his father James played for Melita Eagles. His aunt Doris Drury was also president of the Maltese club.

Nicholas was featured in an article on The Voice of April 23, 2019.

FA Trophy: Floriana taken to extra time by Senglea

he past weekend the Premier League in Malta made way for the fourth round of the T FA Trophy in which four teams from the lower divisions, two of them from Gozo joined 11 from the Premier. As a result, the ony team from a lower division to make it to

the next round was Division 1 Pieta who defeated Gozo’s Xewkija 2-1.

Aside of Pieta, the other seven teams to make it to the Qtr Final stage were, holders Balzan, League leaders Floriana who were taken to extra time by Senglea, Hibernians, Birkirkara, Valletta, Ħamrun and Gudja.

Gzira sacked Italian coach Gio- FA TROPHY Round 4 RESULTS - Day 15 vanni Tedesco and replaced him Birkirkara v Mosta 2-1 Floriana v Balzan 3-1 with with Paul Zammit after the Balzan v Sta Lucia 2-0 Hibernians v Tarxien 4-0 surprise defeat against Sta Lucia on Pieta H v Xewkija 2-1 Valletta v Sliema W 2-1 Day 15. Zammit signed a two-and Floriana v Senglea 2-0 Sta Lucia v Gzira U 2-1 a-half year contract.

Hibs v Pembroke 4-0 2-0 Floriana retained top position on Ħamrun S v Swieqi U 3-1 Sirens v Mosta Birkirkara v Senglea 1-1 15 points, four ahead of Hibernians Valletta v Sirens 4-1 Ħamrun S. v Gudja 1-1 after beating Balzan by 3-1 Victoria H. v Gudja U 1-3