driven by the voice of its readers

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1 The Voice of the Maltese Issue 113 online magazine (driven by the voice of its readers) readers October 27, 2015 A characteristic of the Maltese streets in old cities and villages is the Maltese closed balcony (commonly known as Il-gallarija), a structure constrcuted mostly of wood and incorporating glass windows built on a stone base. The wooden balconies started to be constructed in the sixteenth century with the arrival of the Knights of St John, and the first such balcony, at the corner of the Grand Master s Palace in Valletta, was probably built in about The balcony became a special characteristic of DominickMDimacale the streets of Valletta (see above in St Paul s street. Other localities followed the trend. Such balconies need a lot of maintenance, therefore to avoid the expense, in the past few years, owners were converting them to steel and aluminium. In order to stop this practice, the government made it illegal for people to do such conversions particularly to structures in the core of the old towns and villages. It also offered grants for owners to help them offset expenses in doing the maintenance work.

2 2 The Voice of the Maltese Tuesday October 27, 2015 The Maltese legacy MelissaGrima Speaking the language, reading The Voice of the Maltese, trying to cook traditional dishes that we love these are all ways in which Maltese-Australians try and emulate our parents and grandparents to hold on to our Maltese roots. We are proud of our last names, emblems and our family nicknames. This connection to our culture started with our grandparents and will continue with us as we start to grow into adulthood and begin to raise our own families. Having dual citizenship is the gift that my grandparents gave me and is part of their legacy. I do feel conflicted in the sense that my nannas were born in Malta and can speak the language, yet upon arriving to Australia were required to naturalise and relinquish Maltese citizenship. I, on the other hand, was born in Australia and am not a natural speaker, yet in the legal sense I am a Maltese citizen. Despite this irony, citizenship is something that I want to pass on to my children, as it is intangible that is far more priceless than an heirloom. It will be an extension of their identity, recognition of our culture and will keep our affinity with Malta strong. I fervently assure the community that the Maltese spirit will continue with my generation. As a student of Anthropology at Macquarie University, I conducted a survey focusing on second-generation Australian perceptions of Maltese heritage. My research showed that descendants of Maltese immigrants feel strongly about maintaining the connections with their ancestors country of origin. It also showed that the Maltese culture is evolving, which is what we would expect. I intend to replicate this study in 2016 to ascertain the degree to which this sentiment is being felt. Culture is dynamic and is always c h a n g i n g. The adaption of English words and concepts into the Maltese l a n g u a g e spoken in Malta attests to this. This is in fact continuity, as the history of Malta is littered with different cultural influences that in turn saw the Maltese acculturate and incorporate aspects of the then foreign influences. The fact that the Maltese assimilated into Australian society s e a m l e s s l y does not mean that the integrity of our culture has been diminished. Rather it has become more widespread. We as Maltese Australians are telling our friends about Malta, encouraging them to go, exposing them to the food and language. My Australian best friend wishes she were adopted into my family, not only because she loves my nanna s ravjul but also because of the relationships we have with each other. Yes we can be excessively loud and emotional yet the bottom line is we know there is nothing more important than the love of the family. Primary and secondary schools are Melissa Grima (centre in a Maltese folk dress) with two of her colleagues, Jacinta Prasad (left) and Kiruba Ranjit, both wearing traditional Indian clothing, during Multicultural Week festivities. known to have celebrations dedicated to harmony, diversity and multiculturalism. Macarthur Girls High School dedicates a week to celebrating diversity, as one of the school s PRIDE values. Multicultural Week sees cultural food being consumed, traditional attire being worn as well as demonstrations and performances of cultural customs. This is one of the ways in which the Maltese heritage can continue to be recognised in Australia, reminding our friends and colleagues of our rich cultural history. A proud sponsor of The Voice of the Maltese website: Breakaway Travel 94 corner of Main & Campbell Streets, Blacktown NSW... for all your travel needs. Tel (02) blacktown@breakawaytravel.com.au

3 Tuesday October 27, 2015 The Voice of the Maltese 3 MALTA: Echoes from the past DorisCannataci We at The Voice of the Maltese are glad to announce the addition of a new contributor to our online magazine, Dr. Doris Cannataci, who graciously accepted to join out team and to write about her experiences of life in Malta, particularly, during World War II, and how the Maltese community coped during those turbulent years. She will write about the Victory Kitchens, the Ration Cards; the Shelters; how Malta lived during the War; about Transport; Schools; Religious Functions; the End of the War and the Aftermath of War. Doris enjoys a very positive perspective of life. In spite of what she had been through during World War II, and all the ups and downs throughout her 83 years she says she always sees the bright side of things. Her motto is: If you cry you get a wrinkle, so why not laugh and get a dimple? In her first article, Doris (pictured below) introduces herself. A Maltese Citizen I was born and bred in Malta and am very proud to be Maltese. I am 83 years old but very young in spirit. A widow for the past two years; I have two children and three grand daughters. Although I have never been to Australia I read a lot about this beautiful country and also used to follow several TV programmes about it particularly through Waltzing Matilda. Two of my classmates immigrated to Australia in the early fifties. Lilian Abdilla Baker married in Malta to Arthur Manche`; both have passed away. The other is Connie Cassar. She got married to Tony Desira in Australia, with whom I used to correspond regularly. Although we are so far away Connie comes to mind quite often. We always used to hold a class reunion every time she returned to Malta on holiday. Lately I came to know Joseph Cutajar, Malta editor of The Voice of the Maltese magazine who invited me to write about my past experiences. Reading the No 111 issue of the magazine, I was pleased to learn that through this magazine readers are kept au courant of all that happens on our tiny island, Malta. I particularly enjoyed reading the article Il Bandiera tal- Maltin by Ivan Cauchi. I share his view; or rather I can confirm that the George Cross on the Maltese flag is in remembrance of the courage and bravery of the Maltese during World War II, rather than a characteristic of a British Colony. The George Cross is the highest civil award for the heroism and devotion of the Maltese that will long be famous in History. The courage and bravery of the Maltese people during that war earned the admiration of the whole world. Even reports from enemy sources have praised the unbroken spirit of the people. Malta was the only exception. It is the only time the George Cross has been awarded to a country. It is something we as Maltese should be proud of. In fact I myself always put like to put GC after Malta on every address I write. Ilived through the war. I was an eight-year-old girl when war broke out, but I remember it very well. I intend to write what we went through during those years, and about all the hardships we had to endure. In fact that is what my contributions will be about: how we lived during World War II. There may be quite a few compatriots who still remember those terrible days; but I will also be writing about that time for the sake of younger generations, particularly those of Maltese descent who are interested in the history of their motherland. They should be proud to know how Malta survived and saved not only the British Empire at the time, but also Europe. Here I must add that it was not only the courage and bravery of the Maltese that played a very important role during WWII; it was also the FAITH of the Maltese. In 1939 when Britain and France declared war on Germany, dark clouds were gathering over Europe and there were rumours of a world war. In Malta, being a British Colony, we were ordered to rehearse certain queer activities in case war broke out, such as putting on gas-masks, blackout and to improvise a shelter at home. We covered our mahogany dining table with sandbags. We did not have much time to rehearse as at 7.00 p.m. on Monday evening of June 10, 1940, while the whole family was gathered in our the dining room eager to hear the news over the radio, a voice over Rome Radio rang out loud and clear from Piazza Venezia announcing that Il Duce, Benito Mussolini had joined his fellow-dictator Adolf Hitler and declared war against Britain and France. Being a British Colony Malta was therefore to play her part in this theatre of war. We did not have long to wait neither, to experience what Mussolini declared that evening. Early the following morning, at 6.55 a.m. on Tuesday June 11, the wailing of the sirens announced the first air raid, the first enemy action. A good number of the population were attending Mass in various churches throughout Malta, I was attending the 6.30 am Mass at the St Venera Church together with my brothers, Joseph and Paul. The war marked the beginning of a long harrowing experience for the Maltese. After many months underground shelters were dug out, and people used to take refuge in them every time the sirens announced an air raid warning sirens. Ten months earlier my father had passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at age 45. My mother was still under shock, therefore a few days after the war broke out we closed house, took the minimum belongings and went to live in Malta s sister island, Gozo, in the hope of finding a safer place. An unexpected change was that from a big house we found ourselves living in two small rooms not only without comfort but also lacking certain basic needs, such as electricity and running water. But this only lasted for a short while until we found a new house in Victoria that we shared with another Maltese family. Among the few things that I remember about our stay in Gozo is how our way of life had changed in no time. The way we had to face such great discomfort and to do without even the bare essentials. Besides lack of accommodation at home and at school, the pangs of hunger were also felt. I remember how the bread ration was diminished from time to time; most of the commodities were rationed. *to be continued

4 4 The Voice of the Maltese Tuesday October 27, G h a z i z a M a l t a : Heart and Home I ve been asked to write an article on my recent visit to Malta. I believe the early context is important to give meaning to the story. This is the first of a two-part article W hat does homeland mean? AndyBusuttil What is one s nationality? These are questions that dogged me for many years. I was born in Kenya, East Africa, of Maltese parents. My father was in the British army and was sent to Kenya in the early 1950 s. My mother, an ever-loyal wife, followed him there and I was consequently conceived and born there. I spent most of my early life in England and consequently was raised as a monolingual (English-speaking) child. As was the case with many Maltese at the time, there was a strong cultural cringe in the face of British superiority and I wasn t encouraged to learn Maltese. At the age of 10 I went to Malta when my dad was posted to Germany during the time of the Berlin Crisis. He wanted us to be in a safer environment and he decided that Malta was it. I remember turning up at Floriana primary school in the fifth year of my schooling not knowing one word in Maltese. I was an alienated and rather confused child having gone from an environment where I was one of the crowd to a social environment where I was one in a crowd. At the age of 10 we do tend to be linguistic sponges. In the space of six months I was fluent in spoken Maltese and could read and write it. I had finally learnt what amounted to my native tongue. I wrote a letter in Maltese to my father who couldn t believe that it was I who was writing to him, as indeed it was. We spent two years in Malta and at the age of 12 my family emigrated to Australia as 10 migrants. Another phase in my national development started. I became an Australian citizen at the age of 13 through my father s decision and in the process of doing so had to be removed from my prior passport, which I think was British. Within that chronological sequence lays an inherent confusion. Was I Kenyan since I was born there? Was I Maltese since that was my blood-line? Was I English since my early developmental years were spent in England and English was my first language? Was I Australian since I was an Australian citizen from a young age and had spent by far the greater part of my 64 years in Australia? Logically you could probably work out some answer that would work for the majority. Emotionally it was a completely different matter. Even though I spent only four years out of my 64 in Malta, whenever someone asked me about my nationality I would always say Maltese. It always appeared to be the natural response to the question. I would never regard myself as Kenyan. That was merely an accident of birth. I would never regard myself as English; to do so would feel ridiculous. I could regard myself as Australian but that never felt quite right. No, it was always Maltese, even though after 50 years of leaving my homeland I had never returned. The one event that started to define my true nationality was when I discovered that, under the old rules, I was not entitled to a Maltese passport and consequently Maltese citizenship since I was not born on one of the Maltese islands. I felt, in a way that was strange to me, simply shattered. I felt dispossessed and rather lost, terribly hurt and somewhat outraged that Malta had disavowed my national identity. I so deeply felt Maltese but my homeland would not accept me. What did this mean? Was I being driven to accept my national identity as Australian, singularly and simply? As a folk musician in Australia who had developed a great passion for music from around the Mediterranean Basin I found myself wanting to explore my national roots. I formed a band called Skorba (named after the period during which the magnificent Neolithic temples of Malta were built). Skorba was the vehicle through which I could loudly proclaim my Maltese heritage. It was a band I formed with a group of fellow Australian musicians to play music about Malta and about its magnificent history. It was never intended as a band to play Maltese music. It was a band that defined where I felt deeply that I most likely came from and the material defined the place to which I felt most deeply attached. I also performed in a number of concerts with other bands where we played music about Gallipoli and the Anzacs. The confusion, to an extent, continued. The question of true homeland and that sense of belonging had still not been resolved. There were feelings of yearning to once again see England and the places with which I had felt some attachment as there were with Malta. I lived on in Australia and felt, and still continue to feel, happy to be part of this community as one of its citizens. The sense of yearning continued unresolved and, finally, at the age of 64 and after 51 years I decided to go back and see for myself. *Part 2 in the next issue

5 Tuesday October 27, 2015 The Voice of the Maltese 5 Golden Jubilee of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Malta and India HE John Aquilina, Malta s High Commissioner to India (inset) addressing the guests in New Delhi India Congratulates Malta The 51st Anniversary of Malta s Independence had a as well as to sharing English as an official language. specific significance in India as 2015 also commemorates the Golden Jubilee of the Establishment of one of the first countries to establish Diplomatic Relations Mr Aquilina told the receptive audience that India was Diplomatic Relations between Malta and India. In his address to the throng of 350 guests who packed the Grand Ballroom of New Delhi s Shangri-la Hotel, John Aquilina UOM, highlighted the strong relationship which exists between the two Commonwealth Countries. Mr. Aquilina said that as Malta s High Commissioner to India, it gave him great pride and satisfaction to commemorate in such a grand fashion these two historic events. Independence did not come quickly, or easily, for either Malta or India. In Malta s case, the struggle for freedom had lasted for more than 50 years, Mr Aquilina said. He added that it was therefore understandable that a common bond exists between Malta and India, and that although vastly different in size and population, both countries can lay claim to an ancient history and culture, following Malta s Declaration of Independence. He also spoke about the forthcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), and how it was anticipated that a substantial contingent of Indian businessmen and women would accompany the top level government delegation to Malta. The guests, who included senior Government Officials, major businessmen and women, and a large representation from India s Diplomatic Corps, came from far and wide. Malta s Honorary Consul to Bangladesh, Mr M. Shoeb Chowdhury, who had organised Independence Day Celebrations in Bangladesh a few days earlier, travelled all the way from Dhaka to Delhi to participate. Other guests had travelled from as far afield as Kolkata, Jammu, Punjab, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad. Mr Aquilina made special mention of The Stage is set Malta comes to India the many sponsors whose generosity had enabled this year s commemorations to take place, among them Dr. Antose Antony, a substantial businessman from Bangalore with business interests in Malta, as well as Malta s two Honorary Consuls in India, Mr T. Shantakumar from Chennai, and Mr Ashok Jhunjhunwala from Kolkata. Other sponsors included Sovika, a company establishing a pharmaceutical base in Malta, and Blue Marble Travel, a company based both in India and Malta, and which is soon to launch the holding of major events such as Anniversaries and the Weddings of Indians in Malta. The growth of profile of Malta in India, as is evidenced by the large number and exuberance of the prominent persons who attended these celebrations, has been beyond all expectations, Mr Aquilina said.

6 6 The Voice of the Maltese Tuesday October 27, 2015 Federation of Maltese Language Schools AGM, Professional Development Seminar The Federation of Maltese Language Schools, (FMLS) that was established on August 2, 2008, held its 7th Annual General Meeting and Professional Development day at the De Piro House, 19 Stanley Street East Sydney, NSW, on October 3. Delegates from Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria attended this year s AGM, while the Mackay (QLD) delegates attended through the use of SKYPE, which was made possible by the use of a laptops and a projector, where all attendees could see and participate in the debates. This is the second time that a meeting was held in NSW and the FMLS expressed its appreciation, and thanked Father Fr Tarcisio Micallef mssp (Superior) for his cooperation in allowing it to use the House s meeting room and facilities. The venue coordinator for the day was Charles Galea from the Saturday School of Community Languages together with Skola Maltija. Previous AGMs and professional development had been held at Canberra, South Australia and Melbourne. The main objective of the Federation is to coordinate the work performed by the Maltese language schools in Australia and to assist them in working together in the spirit of better co-ordination and cooperation so that the Maltese language and culture would continue to grow and to reinforce the solid foundations of these institutions. The biggest concern the FMLS affiliated schools are facing, is the lack of students sitting for VCE/HSC/SACE. If less than 15 students sit for the exam in 2016, VCE/HSC/SACE will cease to be part of the Australian Educational curriculum. Discussions are underway on efforts that could be implemented to achieve this number with the cooperation of the Maltese Councils in NSW and Victoria. The Maltese Community s help in Australia is required to achieve this objective. It would be a shame if the hard work achieved by previous Maltese Language activists to have VCE/HSC/SACE as part of the curriculum, was lost. Another concern is the financial viability of Maltese Language community schools in Australia. While a child subsidy is received from the various state governments, and some community grants for out of school hours have been granted, these funds by no means cover the costs of running Maltese language classes. Next year the Maltese Government has promised a subsidy which, when received will be distributed between the affiliated schools on a per capita basis and the FMLS to continue with their work. The theme for this year s FMLS professional development seminar was titled New approaches to teaching the Maltese Language in composite classes A collaboration workshop for Maltese Language Teachers. The presenters on the day were Charles Galea Selection of texts for reading and responding ; Anne Cuschieri What adults expect from us in teaching them Maltese, and Sandra Scibberras Using recommended text in an adult composite class. The FMLS officers elected during this year s AGM are, President: Edwidge Borg (VIC), V/ President: Mary Pace- Feraud (NSW), Treasurer: Alfred Flask (ACT), Secretary: Mary Bristow (QLD), and A/Secretary: Anna Farrugia (SA). Further information on Maltese Language classes held in Australia can be obtained at Pictured (left): some of the representatives that attended the AGM. Back row (from left): Ivan Borg, Tony Pace Feroud and Emmanuel Camilleri. Front: Charles Galea, Mary Pace Feroud, Edwidge Borg, Sandra Sciberras and Anna Cuschieri. MALTA TRAVEL Incorporating Pendle Hill Travel A division of Felice Travel Pty Ltd ABN Licensed Travel Agent Lic. No 2TA4425 Join Monica Ledger on the 21-Day Canadian Tour & Alaska Cruise on September 7, Only 40 passengers can join, 35 already joined! Only 2 couples, single lady and single male left! You got only till November 30, to book! Perth to Broome special Tour: - Join Charlie on this exciting tour August 20 to 30, All inclusive tour - nothing extra to pay! Whale watching cruise and Sunset Dinner Cruise! Already 12 clients have joined the group! Call Charlie on or Dunmore St., Wentworthville NSW Phone: (02) Fax: (02) charlie@maltatravel.net.au Website:

7 Tuesday October 27, 2015 The Voice of the Maltese 7 Programm MuΩiko-Letterarju mill-grupp Letteratura Maltija ta Victoria Dan l-a ar il-grupp Letteratura Maltija tal-victoria organizza Programm MuΩiko- Letterarju fis-sala taç-çentru Malti ta Parkville, li beda bil-kant tal-innu Malti u dak Awstraljan. Wara mer ba mis-segretarja, Rosemary Attard, il-president Dr Victor Sammut sellem lil dawk preωenti u tkellem dwar il-grupp, l-attivitajiet ta matul is-sena u affarijiet li se ew fl-istess Ωmien. Filwaqt li qal li l-grupp jiltaqa darba fix-xahar fejn il-membri jaqraw proωa u poeωija, kemm tag hom u wkoll ta awturi o ra, semma wkoll l-attivita` ta kull sena, il-bbq g all-membri g and Frank u Draga Bonett, e e lil dawk preωenti biex isiru membri tal- Grupp. Il-programm ta qari beda bl-istess Dr Sammut jaqra Ωew poeωiji tieg u. Warajh membri o ra qraw kemm xog lijiet Il-muΩiçisti li taw is-sehem tag hom fil-lejla L-Arçipriet tax-xag ra milqug f'reservoir (proωa jew poeωija) tag hom kif ukoll ta Maltin o ra. l-kan. Manny Bonello, kappillan tal-par- ta' San ÌuΩepp Óaddiem f Wil- Iroçça son Boulevarde North Reservoir organizza laqg a u riçeviment ad unur il- Kan. Mons. Carmelo Refalo, l-arçipriet tax-xag ra f G awdex li kien qed iωur l- Awstrala fuq stedina tal-kumitat tal-festa tal-vitorja ta' Greystanes, NSW, li l-president tag ha huwa Joe Spiteri. Din kienet it-tieni darba fi tmien snin talmonsinjur fl-awstralja. Did-darba kellu mieg u lil Fr Simon Cachia minn Victoria, G awdex, li huwa l-assistent Arçipriet fil-parroçça ta' G ajnsielem. Meta ltqajt mal-monsinjur, dan qalli li fiω-ωjara tieg u jie u gost jiltaqa' ma' Saçerdoti u ma' Maltin u G awdxin in enerali. G al-laqg a ta mer ba attendew membri u rappreωentanti tal-parroçça, bieb tax-xag ra, l-aktar imsie ba tal- G aqda tax-xag ra f Melbourne. L-g ada Mons. Refalo ie ntervistat minni, fuq ir-radju Komunitarju 3ZZZ Melbourne ( g allprogramm bil-malti ta kull nhar ta' Ìimg a, Qatt m'int wa dek. FiΩ-Ωjara tieg u attenda g add ta çerimonji, kemm f Melbourne u wkoll fiç- Çentru Malti ta Albion fejn kien ilmistieden tal-kumitat tal-g aqda tax- FUQ: U ud minn dawk li attendew il-lejla MuΩiko-Letterarja Dawk li ppreωentaw u qraw ix-xoghlijiet tag hom/jew ta addie or kienu, Rosemary Attard, Paul Vella Ray u Marie-Louise Anastasi, Mary Grace Caruana, ÌuΩi Camilleri, Frank Bonett, John Muscat, Nazzarene Ûerafa, Rose Lofaro, Manwel Cassar, George Portelli, Clemente Zammit u Michael Xuereb. Fost ix-xog lijiet li nqraw kien hemm ukoll dawk tal-professur Oliver Friggieri, tal-fundatur tal-grupp, Dr ÌuΩe` Abela u tal-mibki Laurie Armato. Bejn sessjoni u o ra saru interventi muωikali minn Manuel Casha u Joe Gauci fuq il-kitarri, Alfred Xuereb fuq is-synthesizer u Joe Camilleri fuq il-percussion, li ppreωentaw siltiet muωikali, kemm Maltin u o rajn. Fit tmiem, il-preωenti ew mistiedna g al riçeviment im ejji minn Salvina Vella u Doris Sammut. Rapporti minn Melbourne minnpaulvella Il-Kan. Mons. Carmelo Refalo (lemin) flimkien ma Fr Manny Bonello (xellug) u Paul Vella Xag ra f Ta Pinu Shrine, Bacchus Marsh u postijiet o ra. Qabel temm iω-ωjara tieg u f Melbourne, huwa ççelebra Quddiesa fil- Knisja ta San ÌuΩepp addiem flimkien ma Fr Manny Bonello.

8 8 The Voice of the Maltese Tuesday October 27, 2015 Have your say/xi trid tghid? The Voice of the Maltese o n l i n e m a g a z i n e is is a bi-lingual (in English and Maltese) fortnightly online publication specifically targeting all Maltese living abroad with emphasis on the Australian scene. is online magazine is sent via by request. Subscription is free. Editors: Malta: Joseph Cutajar Australia: Lawrence Dimech: MOM, OAM, JP address: maltesevoice@gmail.com Letters for publication in The Voice either in Maltese or English should be ed to: maltesevoice@gmail.com. Now you can also join us on facebook: com/groups/thevoiceofthemaltese While visiting Malta Stay at: The Diplomat Hotel, 173 Tower Road Sliema sales@diplomat.com.mt Tel: (00356) Your letters/ L-ittri tag kom... Australia a generous country Connie Mallia from Sans Souci writes: Australia is a very generous country and gives away millions of dollars to foreign aid. How lucky we are in Australian to have had a Government to enforce a tough stand on people smugglers, border security after years of Tom, Dick and Harry coming into the country without security and health check and all the radicals. Look what is happening in Europe for ignoring the problem. The EU has been warming the chairs for too long. What are invading Europe are 95% young able men and not refugees, running with their tail between their legs, instead of fighting for their country. They refuse to register as refugees in the first Xejn Kumplikat! Bart Psaila minn Eagle Farm, Quensland, jikteb: Tassew qed nara nteress. The Voice messet nervitura. Fejn kienu qabel? Kif jg idu, il-gvernijiet jinbidlu iωda l-burokrazija hemm tibqa, imka la. Anzi mhux inka la biss, iωda dejjem tipprova tikkumplika kull regola u kull li i. Jien qatt ma mort universita iωda na seb li l-gvern ta Malta g andu triq wa da miftu a g alih fejn jid lu l-emigranti (mhux il- Maltin ta barra, kif qed isej ulhom illum). Iva, mela dawk li Ωammew iç-çittadinanza Maltija meta jzuru Malta, jekk iridu, u jekk jitolbuha, g andhom ji u mog tija ID Card speçjali sakemm idumu Malta. Ikun biωωejjed li turi l-passaport Malti, u tie u l-id; sempliçi, u xejn kumplikat. IΩda alli g allburokratiçi kemm se jqattghu xag arhom u kemm se jsibu toqob. country they reach. A refugee would kiss the land he first arrives at, not pick and choose what country he wants to go to. I bet the New York Times knows what is happening in its own back yard instead of criticising Australia, but then they are Americans they never look into their own back yard. The taxpayers don t admire David Manne; they kept him rich for far too long, with one appeal after another. I am against the 12,000 that the Government is going to bring over, it is the EU problem not Australia, and if they can t manage Europe they should step down. There are so many do-gooders writing articles yet no one opens their doors; they just wait for the taxpayers to support them. Prosit Lucy Calleja Freddie Portelli minn ÓaΩ-Ûabbar, Malta, jikteb: Prosit afna tal-magazine The Voice of the Maltese. Prosit speçjali lil Lucy Calleja bl-artiklu informattiv u edukattiv afna fla ar ar a (Nru. 111) Dealing with issues of (Dis)Ability. Naf afna nies li kienu b'sa ithom u ma' mixjet il- ajja tfaççawlhom incidenti u g ax id-destin add ma jkun jafu. Thanks! Joe Xuereb from Horsley Park writes: On behalf of the Feast of Our Lady Of Victories Horsley Park committee I would like to thank you for your help in advertising our feast and the dinner dance this year on the Voice Of the Maltese. Our Parish Priest Fr. Domnik Karnas has expressed his thanks to you in a certificate hereunder: The Parish of Our Lady of Victories, Horsley Park & Kemps Creek wish to thank you for your generous time and continued support towards our Annual Parish fundraisers. Your contribution helped in making this year s events very successful. Once again many thanks for your generosity and continued support to our Parish. May God bless you, Fr Dominik Karnas, Parish Priest, and the whole parish community of Our Lady of Victories Parish

9 Tuesday October 27, 2015 The Voice of the Maltese 9 CHOGM outreach concerts: Brilliant performances by Cosmos Wind Ensemble in Sydney and The Cosmos Wind Ensemble performing in Melbourne Sydney A section of the audience in Melbourne Malta s prestigious hosting of the 53rd Commonwealth heads of government meetings (CHOGM) has given Malta an opportunity to showcase the best of its talent in major commonwealth countries like South Africa, Canada, India, Malaysia and the United Kingdom through the CHOGM outreach concerts. The Voice of the Maltese (issue Sept 29) carried a report of the successful Malta Dance Ensemble, Zfin Malta s performance in New Delhi India. Malta s contribution to Australia was the visit for the first time by Malta Philharmonic Orchestra s most dynamic chamber music Cosmos Wind Ensemble with performances in Sydney and Melbourne. The ensemble featured Rebecca Hall (flute), Godfrey Mifsud (clarinet), John Mc Donough (oboe) and Ulrike Buhlmann (bassoon). The Maltese musicians performed brilliant works by Maltese composers, particularly Charles Camilleri who lived in Sydney, Australia for a time, Ruben Zahra and Albert Garzia standing beside those of Mozart and French composer Jean Francaix. These four excellent musicians deserved a full house but unfortunately this was not the case at the ABC Ultimo Centre, Eugene Goossens Hall in Sydney. The attendance was a disappointment if not an embarrassment to our community and the organisers. However in Melbourne, with the support of Senior Knight of Malta, Fra Prof Richard Divall, conductor, musicologist and tireless supporter of Malta, the musicians were able to share their knowledge with students at Monash University, present hugely successful concert at the Recital Hall, Sir Zelman Cowen School of Music. Prof. John Griffiths of Monash University sponsored the performance in Melbourne. The Ensemble repeated the performance in the heart of Melbourne, at the Maltese Community Council s Centre of Victoria. The performances attracted interest from all spheres of life, that is, from the diplomatic corp., to artists, business and professionals, young as well as senior citizens. The audiences appreciated the additional background explanations provided by Cosmos Ensemble in the course of their concerts since this added to the richness of the musical programme. The positive feedback provided to the visiting group was simply overwhelming and very encouraging for any eventual future collaboration between Australian entities and the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra. Exiled Alex Vella loses bid to return home Alex Vella, the president of the where his whole family, made up of Rebels Motorcycle Club who has his wife, children, grandchildren and been stranded and forced to live in elderly mother live, in Sydney. He his birthplace, Malta since June last has nobody in Malta. year, has lost a legal bid to challenge But Alex Vella who has been the national president of the Rebels since the cancellation of his visa by the Australian Immigration Minister. 1973, presiding over a club that has Vella was stripped of his residency grown to be the biggest in the country with more than 2,000 members visa by the Australian government in 2014 because "the [Immigration] vehemently denies he was involved Minister reasonably suspected that in any criminality. he did not pass the character test and In March 2015 he lost a court battle was satisfied that the cancellation when the court to upheld the right would be in the national interest". of the Immigration Minister to keep His lawyers argued that he had been government evidence against the denied procedural fairness because Rebels boss secret because it was the reasons for the cancellation had Mosta-born Alex Vella, pictured in Malta "protected information". not been disclosed. However, the ABC said that in Federal Court documents it had obtained, the Government alleged the Rebels High Court refused his application for leave to appeal. Mr Vella, 62, migrated with his parents at a young age and were a "high threat to the Australian community". held Australian residency for 47 years but was never granted According to the documents, "The Rebels (Motorcycle Club) citizenship. He has been stranded in Malta while he was on have remained cohesive and disciplined through Mr Vella's holiday and has since been unable to return to Australia, strong leadership."

10 10 The Voice of the Maltese Tuesday October 27, 2015 A version of this series in Perspettiva English may be found in kitba ta the author's blog at: IVAN CAUCHI pot.com Kap jew Messija? Spiss nirrifletti bejni u bejn ru i dwar xi aspett tal- ajja li nara differenti bejn Malta u l-awstralja. Bil-bidla ta' dan l-a ar fit-tmexxija tal-partit Liberali Awstraljan, u tal- Prim Ministru tal-awstralja f'nofs ilkariga tieg u, minn Tony Abbott g al Malcolm Turnbull, kelli okkaωjoni biex nirrifletti dwar dan. Dan tal-a ar huwa l- ames Prim Ministru f' ames snin. 1 Bidla wa da biss minnhom, dik bejn Kevin Rudd u Tony Abbott fl-2013, kienet mistennija b ala riωultat normali ta' bidla filgvern. L-o rajn kollha ew wara li l- partiti ndunaw li l-popolarità tag hom kienet qed tonqos, u ddeçidew li l- figura prinçipali kellha ti i ssagrifikata. Dan huwa r-riωultat tas-sistema Westminster, fejn il-kap eωekuttiv ma jintg aωilx direttament mill-poplu b al ma ji ri f'sistema presidenzjali. Jien ng id g alija, din is-sistema ma tog obni xejn. Hemm nuqqas kbir ta' stabbiltà fejn il-kap jinbidel tant spiss. Jien nemmen li grupp ta' nies li ji u eletti g andhom jit allew imexxu sa tmiem it-terminu tag hom, imbag ad jekk ikunu g aff uha, jitwarrbu. M'iniex qed ng id hekk g ax kelli xi ammirazzjoni lejn Abbott. Minn mindu kien intervistat mill- urnalista Kerry O'Brien fuq l-abc, fejn Abbott stqarr li l-uniku kas fejn kellu jinωamm ma' kelmtu kienet meta jkun g amel stqarrija kkunsidrata 2, kont adt l-impressjoni li l-bniedem mhux ta' min jafdah. U rrid ng id li dak li ara minn dakinhar xejn ma bidilli minn dik l-impressjoni. Madankollu, xorta ng id li kont nippreferi li baqa' hu fil-kariga, b ala l-messija li kien se je lisna mid-diωastru tad-dejn u tad-defiçit tal-partit Laburista, u narawh jag ti rendikont lill-poplu ta' x'wieg ed u x'wettaq flelezzjoni tas-sena d-die la. L-eks Prim Ministri ta Malta, Ìor Borg Olivier (xellug) u Dom Mintoff Imma mid-dehra, il-messija li nag Ωlu, xog lu mhux li jsalva reli juωa tal-maltin, u tixhed ir-rispett li l-maltin fil-biçça l-kbira lill-poplu imma li l-partit iωomm il-poter! tag hom dejjem kellhom lejn il-mexxejja tal-knisja, li jarawhom Jien f'malta l-ewwel Prim Ministru li niftakar kien Ìor Bor b ala r-rappreωentanti t'alla fuq l-art, u virtwalment infallibbli. Olivier li kien dam disa snin, lil Dom Mintoff li dam 13-il sena, Kemm-il darba f ajti rripetejt li rrid in obb lil Alla b'qalbi Karmenu Mifsud Bonnici li kien dam tlett snin, Eddie Fenech kollha, b'ru i kollha u b'sa ti kollha 3? Adami li dam 17, b'sentejn ta' Alfred Sant fin-nofs, imbag ad Jien na seb li afna Maltin jibbaωaw fuq din l-esperjenza meta Lawrence Gonzi b'disa' snin, u issa Joseph Muscat li di a` ilu j arsu lejn istituzzjoni o ra kbira u importanti f' ajjithom, çioè sentejn. il-partit politiku li jemmnu fih, u j ossu lejh u lejn il-mexxej Hemm differenza sostanzjali bejn l-esperjenza li kelli f'malta u tieg u l-istess sentimenti. Mhux ta' b'xejn li mexxej minnhom, dik li qed ikolli hawn. illum mejjet, kien imsejja is-salvatur ta' Malta! Fl-Awstralja ma jidhirx li hemm wisq rispett lejn il-persuna talkap, li jitpo a u jintrema, ma ng idx ming ajr ebda sieb imma Jien ng id g alija, reverenzi Ωejda ma jinωlulix, imma ftit rispett lejn l-awtorità jrid ikun hemm, basta din l-awtorità tixhed l- Ωgur ming ajr kumplimenti. umiltà. F'Malta s-sitwazzjoni hija l-oppost. Nara afna rispett, anke reverenza u kwaωi adorazzjoni lejn il-kap tal-partit, iktar u iktar meta Kul add huwa uman. Min jippretendi li huwa infallibbli u qatt ma jammetti xi Ωball, jew meta jammetti Ωball jitkellem biss fuq jkun fil-gvern (naturalment mis-segwaçi tal-partit tieg u, u l-oppost minn dawk tal-partit l-ie or). Ma jista' jag mel xejn aωin, Referenzi prinçipji eneriçi u fuq xejn speçifiku, jitlef ir-rispett tieg i. id-deçiωjonijiet tieg u huma kollha tajbin u fl-interess a ari talpoplu. Din ir-reverenza Ωejda f'malta fil-fehma tieg i ejja mill-kultura Malcolm Turnbull (xellug) u Tony Abbott [1] retrieved 20/10/2015 [2] retrieved 21/10/2015 [3]Luke 10:27

11 Tuesday October 27, 2015 The Voice of the Maltese 11 Gejtu Deguara ippreωentat b çertifikat ta apprezzament g all- idma fost il-komunita` Nhar il-21 ta' Settembru, f Jum l-indipendenza ta Malta, il- Kunsill Malti tal-victoria (MCCV) organizza lejla biex ifakkar dan il-jum li fih g add ta persuna I mag rufa g amlu diskorsi g all-okkaωjoni. Fost dawn kien hemm is-sur Victor Borg, president tal-mccv; is-sur Victor Grech, il-konslu Ìenerali ta' Malta fil-victoria; u Fr Edwin Agius, tas-soçjeta` Missjunarja ta' San Pawl. Fl-istess okkaωjoni ew ukoll ippreωentati çertifikati lil membri tal- Komunita` Maltija li matul is-snin taw is-sehem tag hom fil-komunita`. Fost dawn kien hemm is-sur Gejtu Deguara, imwieled il-óamrun, Malta. Dan il-malti ilu attiv fil-komunita` Maltija g al g add kbir ta snin. G al snin twal serva wkoll b ala l- President tal-g aqda ta' San Gejtanu fil-victoria li hija affiljata mall- Kunsill Malti tal-victoria, u g al 16-il sena kien jifforma parti millkumitat eωekuttiv tal-mccv. G al bosta snin anke okkupa l-poωizzjoni ta viçi president tal-kunsill, fejn kien ja dem afna biex jorganizza l- attivitajiet fil-komunita`. G al dawn l-a ar snin is-sur Deguara kien ukoll responsabbli g al xog ol ta' manutenzjoni fiç- Çentru Malti ta' Parkville u adem ukoll biex iç-çentru jinωamm f'kundizzjoni tajba. G al din l-okkaωjoni s-sur Deguara ie ppreωentat b çertifkat mill-konslu Ìenerali ta' Malta fil-victoria. Min-na a tieg i ilni naf lil Gejtu g al afna snin u kull meta tlabtu l- g ajnuna tieg u dejjem kien minn ta' quddiem biex jag tiha. Kemm meta jkun hemm bωonnu g al xi a a jew o ra fil-programm tieg i bil-malti fuq 3ZZZ nhar ta' Ìimg a, kif ukoll biex jg in fil-g aqda tag na, ir-reskeon Maltese Association Seniors Group Inc. Gejtu Deguara (lemin) jircevi çertifikat ming and il-konslu Ìenerali ta' Malta fil-victoria, is-sur Victor Grech Jien ning aqad mall- komunita` Maltija biex nifra lis-sur Deguara g al dan l-unur tant mist oqq. Gejtu Deguara kellu wkoll assoçjazzjoni mill-qrib mal-gazzetta The Maltese Herald u illum Ωamm l-istess assoçjazzjoni ma The Voice of the Maltese. PaulVella Sezzjoni tal-mistednin li attendew g aç-çelebrazjoni

12 12 The Voice of the Maltese Tuesday October 27, 2015 Roundup of News About Malta Budget 2016: Realistic, positive measures Strengthening public finances first priority The Budget speech for 2016 delivered by Finance Minister Profs. Edward Scicluna in the House of Representatives on October 12 has been dominating the news for the past two weeks, as beside the presentation, the members of Parliament have been debating its content, particularly Prime Minister Dr Joseph Muscat and Opposition Leader Dr Simon Busuttil. They each had their particular day in which to do it. As is the norm, a week after the presentation of the Budget, in his speech, Busuttil criticised its content and slammed what he termed as the government s short-term economic vision and its inaction on traffic problems. In his reaction a day later Muscat hit out at Busuttil s negativity and destructive attitude, describeing the Opposition leader s speech as one of the least prepared and full of mistakes and lies. The Finance Minister announced a number of benefits and measures. They including a 50million social housing project through restructuring of existing buildings and construction in development areas, an increase to 11,000 in maximum grant to improve residences by tenants, and 8,000 to repair dangerous structures. As to health, he announced the building of a new block at Mater Dei that would add 68 He also took his time in his speech to explain the reasons for the measures taken and the benefits emerging from the budget. Despite the Opposition s criticism, the third budget presented in the House of Representatives has been largely described as realistic with a number of positive measures that could help the population in general and those in need in particular, to improve their status. Reiterating that the administration had a clear vision for the country, the Minister said the government is on track for a 1.6% deficit by end of year, and that the economic growth reached 5.3% in the second quarter of this year, marking a growth rate four times that registered in the Euro area. He said that growth, was also registered in manufacturing, and that full-time work has increased by almost 13,450 jobs. The proportion Malta s Finance Minister Profs. Edward Scicluna delivering the Budget 2016 speech of jobs in the public sector is 26.1% of total full-time jobs. The rate under the previous administration was of 26.7%, he added. The Minister also listed the work carried out to encourage more women and persons with disability to join the workforce. Profs. Scicluna outlined the government s priorities. The first of these remains that of strengthening public finances, not spending more than it can. Next priority is for the country to have the least tax burden, then attracting investment, particularly foreign direct investment. Environment, he says, is the fifth priority (out of eight). The document was welcomed by most of the government s social partners, members of the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development (MCESD) that also includes trade unions and Employers' Organisations. See reaction (on right). new beds to the national hospital; medical tourism facilities will be set up at the Gozo General Hospital, and the Karen Grech hospital will be developed into a hospital for the elderly. The former St Luke s hospital is to be developed into a hospital for medical tourism, a project projected to create 1,000 new jobs. A pilot project will be launched that would see medicines delivered directly to people s homes. When it comes to health hazards, the Unions, Employers reaction to Budget The General Retailers and Traders Union (GRTU) believes that the measures announced in the budget, would further secure the country s economic growth as it offers a healthy mix of incentives targeting the private sector many of which are being implemented with the collaboration of the GRTU. It added that most of its priority areas have in fact been addressed and a good number of proposals have been taken up. The Chamber of Commerce said it noted the underlying priorities of the Budget Speech, namely fiscal consolidation, strong economic growth and better living standards for all, and in its opinion it continues to build on last year s endeavours with income support for low and middleincome earners and pensioners, further investment in human resources, environmental initiatives and the real estate sector. It went on to say that the Budget continues to acknowledge the private sector s important role in the economy. The Malta Employers Association described it as a balanced Budget that is a reflection of positive developments in the Maltese economy. The Malta Developers Association said the Budget was very positive and believes it would continue to strengthen the property market. It added: The Budget shows that the government is looking at Malta s economic future in a manner that is outside the limits that governments normally work, that is, outside the box. The Malta Hotels and Restaurant Association (MHRA) said the Budget 2016 would take the economy to the next level, and commended government for its continued efforts to consolidate its fiscal position and the reduction in the fiscal deficit from 2.1% of GDP in 2014 to 1.1% in It said that it recognises both short-term and long-term economic needs by significantly setting the right foundations for a sustainable tourism model. The MHRA went on to say that after the reduction of 25% in energy utility bills, the efficiency incentives announced would further support the hospitality sector to become autonomous in managing such an important cost in the operation. Some of the benefits/measures announced in the Budget 2016 document government announced that a packet of cigarettes will now cost an average of 0.30 more. When it comes to employment, and specifically in Gozo, among other incentives the Minister said that every Gozitan business that hires an employee on a minimum three-year contract would receive a refund of 20% of the average wage, capped at 5,000 per business. *Continued on page 13

13 Tuesday October 27, 2015 The Voice of the Maltese 13 Roundup of News About Malta Illegal immigrants to be given access to the job market.*from page 12 *Persons with disability and employment: The fine for employers who don t comply with legislation in connection with disabled persons will double, reaching 1,600, and a consultation process will be launched for the setting up of an Immigration Work Office. Malta named Best Place in Europe (third in World) for one to live in According to a survey carried out among expats by InterNations, the largest global network for people who live and work abroad, Malta emerges as the Best place in Europe and third best in the world to live in. In its survey for the annual expat Insider survey, InterNations recently asked 14,400 expatriates from all around the world about their life abroad for the annual Expat Insider survey. It asked them to name the Best & Worst Places for expats in According to the survey respondents, Malta is the best destination for working abroad. In another study, Malta emerged as one of the most popular spots with British expats in Europe. Malta scores highest in the Working Abroad Index, mostly due to the high job satisfaction among survey respondents. Ecuador remains at the top of the ranking with Mexico second and Malta third. Kuwait, Greece, and Nigeria find themselves at the bottom of the scale. The study shows that although only 17% find the Maltese language easy to learn, 88% disagree that life is difficult without speaking it. This is probably due to the fact that Malta, as a former British colony, still uses English, alongside Maltese, as one of its official languages. It also shows that as 40% of survey respondents in Malta are British, "overcoming" the language barrier is not an issue for them. Rasmus Aarup Christiansen, one of the founders of Ampilot, who conducted the study said they rated the best and worst destinations for British expats based on four criteria: total number of British expats living in the country; percentage of British expats per 1,000 people; friendliness towards foreigners; and the level of English proficiency. Malta is also popular for its ease of settling in and makes it to fourth place in the respective index. In fact, 73% find it easy to make new friends there, and 77% feel right at home. Still, according to 8% of respondents, the friendliness towards foreign residents could be better. In central Europe, Malta was in a league of its own with 11,000 Brits, making it one of the most popular spots by population in Europe. The aim is to give illegal immigrants access to the job market. That, the Minister said, would stop their abuse, which also undermines Maltese workers. The system will be managed through a PPP and will regularise the employment of irregular migrants. * As to roads and transport, Transport Malta will invest 13 million in roadworks, 3 million more than it invested in A tidal system pilot project will be introduced in a number of roads. * The government will reintroduce a scheme, whereby people who purchase bicycles or pedelecs will receive a grant of 15.25% on the purchase price of the bicycle. The maximum grant will be increased from 150 to 250. Two new funds to be set up to encourage businesses to invest in bicycle racks, and to encourage local councils to promote the use of bicycles. When it comes to road discipline, higher fines will be dished out to drink-drivers and people caught using their mobile phones while driving. * Tax incentives for donations to the arts: People who donate money to the arts will see their taxes slashed by 150% of the value of their donation. The Minister also confirmed a 75 million income through the IIP, which funds to be used to improve the lives of Maltese and Gozitans. TOURISM: Tourists aged 18+ to pay 0.50c per day, capped at 5. This will also include Maltese citizens travelling to Gozo. The Minister said the measure would generate 6 million and would go into the tourism foundation, in PPP with the MHRA. The aim is to use the funds to regenerate main tourist areas. * Pensions: 12,000 pensioners on minimum pension to receive an increase of between 4.15 and 8.92 per week, the highest receivers being those aged over 75. Married couples on minimum pension not affected by the measure to receive a weekly increase of 4.15 per week over and above the cost of living adjustment; There will be an additional 300 for elderly aged 75 and over. *Other benefits: Earners with an income of 6,600 up to 15,000 to receive 1,200 for every child. * Working couples earning between 10,000 and 20,000 to receive up to 1,000 per child. The same benefit will be given to second parent joining the workforce. Families with one working person earning between 6,600 and 12,700 to receive up to 150 per child. Extra duty carried out by police officers to be taxed separately at a 15% rate. * Sports: a 7% VAT on sports activities including gym memberships, fitness centres, and football nurseries. Coaches and professional sportsmen to benefit from a 7.5% income tax rate. As one can see, we have made no comments about the budget. We leave that to the discretion of the readers. We are only publishing extracts from the document that the Finance Minister presented to the House. Anybody interested in reading the Budget document in full should go to: en/the-budget/pages/the-budget-2016.aspx New 87-room hotel planned in Marsalforn The Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA) Board has approved planning permission for the construction of a new 87-room four star hotel in Marsalforn, Gozo. It is planned to have related catering facilities, open-air amenities and an underlying car park. The new hotel which to be located at the bottom end of Triq ir-rabat will provide the Gozitan tourism market with a quality accommodation development in accordance with the Height Limitation Malta s ship registry has 7,109 vessels As at end August 2015, a total of 7,109 mercantile vessels with a gross tonnage of over 62 million were registered with Transport Malta s ship registry. This is an increase of 485 vessels when compared to the same period last year. Transport Minister Joe Mizzi said in Parliament that the increase in ships registered not only generated revenue but also creates jobs and other ancillary work. He said, that Malta s ship registry placed Malta on a global maritime map that also helped the island to attract further investment in this sector. Adjustment Policy for Hotels, which was last updated and approved in The development will also include a water feature and a garden area at the rear of the hotel. In issuing the permit, MEPA has imposed a planning gain of 10,000 that will be used to improve and upgrade other areas of Marsalforn. Formworkers wanted in Parramatta area Immediate start Contact

14 14 The Voice of the Maltese Tuesday October 27, 2015 Isqfijiet Riformisti Ma nafx kemm hawn minnkom li jafu li b alissa f Ruma qed isir Sinodu fejn l-isqfijiet minn madwar id-dinja kollha jiltaqg u flimkien biex jiddiskutu materji li jolqtu lill-knisja Kattolika. U ma jistax jonqos li fost il-materji li qed jiddiskutu hemm il-familja u Ω-Ωwie. Materja ta raq mhux ftit fiω-ωminijiet tallum. Jidher li dwar din il-materja wasslet g al qasma serja bejn l-isqfijiet: dawk li huma riformisti u li lesti li jçedu xi ftit mir-ri ida li mxiet bihom s issa l-knisja dwar iω-ωwie, u dawk li huma tradizzjonalisti u li qed iωommu iebes u jinsistu li kollox g andu jibqa kif inhu. Fuq quddiem tar-riformisti nsibu Ωew isqfijiet Maltin, lil Mons. Mario Grech, Isqof ta G awdex u Mons. George Frendo, l- Isqof AwΩiljarju ta Tirana fl-albanija li qed jirrappreωentaw lill-isqfijiet l-o ra ta pajjiωhom. It-tnejn li huma qalu çar u tond fis-sinodu li je tie li l-knisja timxi maω-ωminijiet, bl- Isqof Grech isostni li Jekk nirriduçu t- teolo ija g al sistema mag luqa, it-teolo ija ssir ideolo ija. Meta t-teolo ija ssir ideolo ija n-nisrani jitlef il-fidi u ma jibqax dixxiplu ta Ìesù. Ûied li Irridu noqog du attenti li l-g arfien tag na ta Ìesù ma nirrenduhx g arfien ideolo iku jew normattiv u hekk nag lqu l-bieb b afna li ijiet. Huwa ta l-eωempju tal-knisja Ortodossa li g alkemm fejn jid ol iω-ωwie, hija aktar stretta mill-knisja Kattolika, f çerti kaωijiet fejn is-sitwazzjoni tkun irriversibbli u dak li jkun ma jkollu l-ebda tort, issir eççezzjoni g ar-regola, g ax kieku l-istess regola kellha tkun applikata b mod ri idu, aktar tag mel deni milli id. (F kaωijiet b al dawn il-knisja Ortodossa sa ansitra tbierek it-tieni Ωwie ) L-isqof Grech sostna li...b ala Knisja, m g andna nehdew qatt inxandru l-verità Evan elika dwar il- ajja taω-ωwie u l- familja u noffru kull opportunità biex kemm il-bniedem u kemm is-soçjetà jiskopru u jg oωωu l- miel taω-ωwie naturali kif ukoll taω-ωwie sagrament li, meta huwa ççelebrat sewwa, g andu rabta eterna; imma kkunsidrata l-kriωi antropol ika li g andna llum, il-knisja hija msej a wkoll biex, fuq l-eωempju ta Mosè u tal-appostlu Pawlu (1 Kor 7), tkun strument ta medjazzjoni pastorali bejn l-ideali taω-ωwie kif espressi finnormi attwali u l-bniedem dg ajjef. Minn-na a tal-isqof Magro semma d-diversi tibdiliet teolo içi u dixxiplinari dwar iω-ωwie li se u matul iω-ωminijiet - ilmod kif il-knisja ri ida li kienet t ares lejn iω-ωwie fiω-ωminijiet remoti u kif bil-mod il-mod bdiet tnaqqas minn din ir-ri ida. G alhekk staqsa g aliex g andu jkun hemm biωa jekk ikollhom isiru tibdiliet o ra. Tibdiliet mhux fid-duttrina imma fitteolo ija. L-Isqfijiet George Frendo (xellug) u Mario Grech Fost it-tibdiliet li saru matul iω-ωminijiet kien hemm dik li ie aççettat li l-papa jkun jista jag ti l-annullament taω-ωwie f kaωijiet fejn iω-ωwie ma jkunx ikkunsmat jekk wie ed mill-partijiet involuti meta jing ata l-annullament ikun se jing aqad ma xi ordni reli juωa. Aktar tard l-annullament f kaωi ta Ωwie li ma jkunx ikkunsmat beda jing ata anke jekk dak li jkun ma jkollox sieb li jinqg aqad ma xi Ordini reli juωa. Biss skont l-isqof Frendo f dawn il-kaωijiet kien qed jing ata wisq importanza lill- att Meta wie ed iωur il-kampanja Maltija, kultant jiltaqa ma xi kappella mwarrba li fuq il-faççata jkollha r ama bil-kliem non gode l immunita ecclestiastica. X kienet din l-immunita? Fis-sekli mg oddija l-knisja Rumana, li dak iω-ωmien kellha sa a kbira, kienet iddeçidiet li dawk li ja rabu mill- absijiet, mix-xwieni, skjavitù u sitwazzjonijiet diffiçli o ra, u jid lu fil-propjeta` tal-knisja, inkluωi l-knejjes, sptarijiet, kunventi, add ma kien jista g alihom. Allura l-awtoritajiet çivili lanqas setg u jid lu g alihom biex jarrestawhom jew irressquhom filqrati. L-iskop kien biex min ikollu kaω enwin jew qed ji i ma qur g al xejn, ikun jista jsib kenn fl-artijiet tal-knisja. seswali. Sexual intercourse constitutes only a part of sexuality, and sexuality represents only a part of the whole sense-life in man. It seems to me very crude to state that a few minutes penetration and ejaculation are enough to render absolutely indissoluble a marriage which, until now, was enjoying the possibility of being severed by a Papal dispensation. Sa aq l-isqof Frendo. U waqt li d-diskussjoni tkompli, tg id ta min se tg addi? Gode l immunita ecclesias... Imma dak li sar bi skop tajjeb, malajr spiçça biex beda ji i wωat minn dawk li jiksru l-li i, sa ansitra kriminali, inkluωi qattiela. Sintendi dan oloq afna konflitti bejn l- Awtoritajiet ekkleωjastiçi u dawk çivili (attwalment f Malta oloq inkwiet anke fost l-awtoritajiet ekkleωjastiçi nfushom billi f Malta fi Ωmien il-kavallieri kellna tliet awtoritajiet - tal-isqof, tal-inkwiωitur u tal-gran Mastru.. allura min ried ja rab minn ta t l-awtorita ta wie ed malajr kien ifittex il-kenn tal-ie or). Wara afna snin, fl-a ar ie deçiω li l- kappelli zg ar li kienu mxerrda fil-kampanja jitne ielhom dan id-dritt. G alhekk twa lu dawn it-tabelli. Attwalment l-immunita` tne iet mil-lokali kollha fil-bidu tas-seklu dstax. U x wassalni biex ktibt dwar din l-immunita`? Çikonja... li iet Malta u mall-ewwel taret fuq il-kampnar tal-parroçça ta San Pietru fil-ktajjen ta BirΩebbu a. Wa alt f mo i li din, billi taf bilperiklu li jg addu minnu t-tajr li jpassi minn fuq Malta, asbet biex tittajar fuq il-knisja g ax hemm forsi tgawdi minn dik l-immunita` li kellhom darba dawn il-knejjes. IΩda attwalment l-immunita` minn xi tir offrewielha l-pulizija Maltija li malli ew mg arrfa bil-preωenωa taç-çikonja (xellug) malar bdew g assa mag ha sakemm din telqet lejn il-pajjiω li iet minnu.

15 Tuesday October 27, 2015 The Voice of the Maltese 15 Dan l-a ar twaqqfet f Malta l-g aqda Patrijotti Maltin li suppost li l-g an tag ha huwa li tiddefendi d-drittijiet tal- Maltin kontra l-influss ta influenzi barranin. Hija g aqda kontra l- moviment lejn l-integrazzjoni talimmigranti u ma taççettax reli jonijiet li mhumiex kattoliçi. B ala mexxej tag ha g andha lil Alex Pisani, u b ala mexxej ta dan il-grupp ie mistieden fuq il-programm televiωiv Xarabank li kien qed jiddiskuti l-kwestjoni tal-integrazzjoni tal-immigranti barranin. F waqt minnhom il-preωentatur tal-programm staqsa lil dawk li kienu fuq il-panel tad-diskussjoni biex ikantaw l-innu Malti... u dan Pisani kellu jammetti li ma kienx jaf il-kliem tal-innu Malti. Ipprova j ib skuωa li l-a ar li kantah kien Mix-xena tal- ajja Maltija 2 Patrijott... u lanqas biss jaf l-innu Malti Liema Parti mill-midja Maltija g amlet storja s i a u ippruvat tqajjem polemika dwar kif se tiddawwal il-faççata tal-ber a ta Kastilja. B alikieku xi add kien jistenna li jsir xi tibdil u ma tqumx polemika! F Malta, l-aktar fejn jid ol il-gvern u l-oppoωizzjoni, kull azzjoni minn kull na a, anke jekk ma jkollha x taqsam xejn malpolitika aktarx twassal g all-polemika. Imma diffiçli afna tkun taf jekk dawk li jkunu qed jag mlu l-kritika, kemm poωittiva kif ukoll negattiva jkunux qed jag mlu dan g ax enwinament jemmnu f dak li qed jiktbu, jew g al mottiv politiku. Dan li propju qed ji ri dwar il-mod kif ser ti i mdawwla l-faççata ta Kastilja li g adha kif iet irrestawrata. Il-polemika bdiet malli l-gazzetta The Sunday Times abet ritratt, li attwalment xi 50 sena ilu... attwalment filfehma tieg i dan kompla g arraq is-sitwazzjoni ta Pisani li biex forsi ji bor ie u sostna li 70% tal- Maltin ma jafux dan l-innu. (Ma nafx minn fejn dan ab din il-figura.. imma jekk dan huwa minnu veru ninsabu f sitwazzjoni tal-biki). Biex tag qad musulmana li tg ix Malta u kienet tifforma parti mill-panel kantant dan l-innu. Ma nistax nifhem kif hekk imsejja difensur tal-patrijottiωmu Malti jista jitwemmen li dan huw verament patrijottiωmu u mhux stmerrija g all-barrani meta min imexxi g aqda b al din lanqas biss jaf il-kliem ta pajjiωu li suppost qed jiddefendi. Fuq kollox wie ed jistenna li b ala patrijotti f kull attivita tag hom dawn g andhom ikantaw l-innu ta pajjiωhom. Alex Pisani: patrijott li lanqas biss jaf il-kliem tal-innu Malti kien ta' kwalità inferjuri dwar kif se ti i tidher il-ber a ta' Kastilja bid-dawl il- did, u ritratt tad-dwal li kien jintuωa qabel. Wara ftit tas-sieg at l-istess urnal ab ritratt ferm a jar, iωda l-polemika li kienet bdiet baqg et g addejja, meta da let fin-nofs parti o ra tal-midja kif ukoll il-kumpanija li hi responsabbli mill-installazzjoni tas-sistema, imma mhux g ad-disinn. Din il-kumpanija sostniet li s-sistema kienet g adha mhix kompluta u kellu jkompli jsir ttestjar minn disinjaturi Taljani. Qed nipproduçi ritratti li juru l-mixg ela kif kienet id-dehra tal-faççata ta Kastilja waqt il-konferenza Stampa tal-prim Ministru dwar il-ba it (fuq) u li kien hemm qabel (lemin). Imnie ru li kixfu Laqatni kaω fil-qorti t G awdex fejn il-ma istrat Joseph Mifsud kellu quddiemu çertu Axiaq, ra el ta 62 sena mix- Xag ra, G awdex li kien qed ji i mixli li waqt li kien jonsob ipprova juωa xbieki u apparat elettroniku bi ksur tal-li i. B ala xhieda l-pulizija ressqu filmat. Imma r-ra el sostna li l-persuna fil-filmat ma kienx hu u li f G awdex kien hemm afna jixb uh. Biss meta ntwera l-filmat, il-ma istrat sostna li deher çar li l-fattizzi, l-aktar l-imnie er, ma j allux dubju li r-ra el fid-dura kien Axiak. Huwa sab lil Axiak ati, immultah 8,000 u ne ielu l-liçenzja tal-kaçça u l-insib. Il-Ma istrat Mifsud sostna li l- kaçça u l-insib illegali qed jag mlu isem aωin lil pajjiωna kif ukoll lill-kaççaturi u lin-nassaba stess. Stqarr li hemm min ja seb li g andu jikser il-li i g ax hemm çans li ma jinqabadx u jekk jinqabad jkun hemm çans li ma jinstabx atja jew jekk iva l-piena ma tkunx arxa. Dan il-kaω g andu jservi ta twissija lil kul add. Fuq kollox, g andu jservi lin-nassaba responsabbli biex iωidu l-kollaborazzjoni tag hom mal-pulizija u jg inu biex jinqabdu dawk irresponsabbli," Ωied iwissi l-ma istrat. dawl? N... u l-ba it? ist ajjel tistaqsuni, xejn dwar il-ba it? U mhux is-soltu? Min g ollih mas-sema, min sabbtu mal-art...min g o bu g ax akkwista xi a a u min maqdru. Sintendi kien hemm dawk li ftit jimpurtahom x kien fih. L-unika differenza li did-darba l-kritika mill-imsie ba soçjali (Unjins, g aqdiet ta min i addem, eçç) kienet aktar poωittiva. (g al dettaji dwar il-ba it ara pa ni 12 u 13).

16 16 The Voice of the Maltese Tuesday October 27, 2015 A ustralia is keeping a sharp eye on new coal curbs in China as Australian exports are threatened. China buys just over one-third of Australia s exports, with iron ore accounting for about $50.6 billion in sales last year and coal $8.3 billion, according to data at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. China s economy is likely to grow 6.8 per cent in 2015, its slowest since 1990, and ease further the 6.3 per cent next year according to the International Monetary Fund. That s down from the double-digit growth rates earlier this decade that helped trigger an investment boom in Australia s mining sector. A slowdown with absolute falls in investment by China is a possibility. However Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull hailed the historic trade deal with China as absolutely critical for Australian jobs in the future. He said Australias opportunities in China are limited only by our imagination and enterprise. Labor Party leader Bill Shorten approved the trade deal with China driven by Trade Minister Andrew Robb. He said, a deal has been struck because we are satisfied Malcolm Turnbull signing an agreement in China when he was environment minister in The boom is over A quick glimpse at Australia there is a better deal for Australian jobs than before. The bill will be brought forward for debate in the lower house and is expected to pass into law by the end of the year. Where to dump people The Turnbull Government is thinking of resettling Manus Island refugees to the Philippines after the trouble-plagued deal with Cambodia that cost the Government $55 million Immigration Minister Peter Dutton (above) is negotiating a $150 million deal with the Philippines for refugees that travel to Australia by boat and those on Manus Island. There are 934 adult male asylum seekers and refugees at Manus Island. Pamela Curr of the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre questioned why Australia was going around impoverished states of the world looking for a place to dump people. The first group of an emergency intake of 12,000 Syrian refugees is expected to arrive in Australia before Christmas. The rich pay no tax Australia has got the wealthiest Prime Minister ever. The issue of his wealth and offshore investments at Cayman Islands were raised in Parliament. In his defence Malcolm Turnbull said that if Bill Shorten wants to go around wearing a sandwich board saying Malcolm Turnbull got a lot of money, feel free. I think people know that. He also said Lucy and I have been very fortunate in our lives. We have made more wealth than most Australians, which is true. We ve worked hard, we ve paid our taxes, we ve given back. The debate in Parliament was actually covering the subject of tax paid by big companies. The Coalition succeeded in exempting the richest private companies like the ones belonging to Gina Rinehart, James Packer and Lindsay Fox from declaring how much tax they pay. The Senate passed the disclosure requirements bill. It was disclosed at a Senate hearing that one in five privately own companies with revenues in excess of $100 million paid no tax last year. Resolute in our faiths Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull called on Australians of all faiths to stand united, declaring that the country will answer the threat of terrorism by being strong and resolute in our unity. More than 50 representativs of Muslim, Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, Hindu. Sikh and Bahai faiths attended the National Day of Unity held in Parliament House in Canberra. Anti-Islam rallies, chanting anti-islam slogans were held in a few cities around Australia. Lebanese-Muslim Association, President Samier Dandan (below) said that it is imperative now, more than ever, that we try to overcome our differences and misunderstandings and open our hearts to each other. Bill Shorten the ALP leader said this nation can only succeed when we work together, faith in this country should never be something whereby some people seek to exclude others.

17 Tuesday October 27, 2015 The Voice of the Maltese 17 Bill Shorten Paul Fenech the creator of Fat Pizza and Housos has made a feature film around the concept, Dumb Criminals. To give it an authentic flavour Paul (the son of Alfred Fenech, deceased ex-president of the MCC of NSW) spoke to police and career criminals and discovered the funniest and most cringe inducing news stories. In Dumb Criminals, Paul plays Rabbit, who is trying to raise money for a young girl who has fallen ill. His misadventure takes him to Las Vegas. According of a review by the SMH Kevin Nguyen, The tone and humour of the film will be entirely what people have come to expect from Paul Fenech and company which can be wonderful, depending on your taste. Paul Fenech said if you love Housos you will love this. He considers himself the Australian version of Adam Sadler low Crocodiles sleep with one eye watching Zoologists in Australia say they have discovered that crocodiles can sleep with one eye open, suggeesting that only half the brain shuts down at any one time; one side stays active while the other half has a rest. Crocodiles join a list of other animals with this ability, which includes some birds, dolphins and other reptiles. The study was done in an aquarium at La Trobe University in Melbourne, Australia. It was lined with infra-red cameras, to watch the animals all day and night. The researchers also found that when the animals were snoozing in the presence of a human, that single eye tended to follow the potential risk. A quick glimpse at Australia The Australian Labor leader Bill Shorten will announce a plan to be seen as the party of nation-building. The Labor opposition was preparing for an early election under Tony Abbott but is now moving to apply pressure to the more urbanfriendly Mr. Turnbull amid heightened expectation of what he can achieve. The plan is aimed at turbo-charging jobs and growth via a $10 billion financing facility for new public works and upfront commitments to get blocked major programs moving. These will include such contested developments as the $11 billion Melbourne Metro urban rail project and Sydney s Airport to Badgery Creek rail line. In all, ten major projects across the nation have been singled out for immediate progress including public transport and several roads such as Tasmania s Midland Highway and Paul Fenech and Dumb Criminals A national building plan by Labor Paul Fenech brow, working class, slapstick, very faithful to his audience. The film is at Event Cinemas, Westfield Parramatta: dumbcriminal.com.au. MICHELLE ROWLAND MP FEDERAL MEMBER FOR GREENWAY Proudly serving the areas of: Acacia Gardens, Blacktown*, Girraween, Glenwood, Kellyville Ridge, Kings Langley, Kings Park, Lalor Park, Parklea, Pendle Hill, Prospect*, Quakers Hill*, Riverstone, Rouse Hill*, Schofields, Seven Hills, Stanhope Gardens, The Ponds, Toongabbie*, Vineyard *Parts of 230 Prospect Hwy, Seven Hills 2147 Ph: Michelle.Rowland.MP@aph.gov.au the upgrades of the Bruce and Pacific highways. They will also gain fast track funding to completion. According to the Labor leader a number of factors have combined to scare off investment including high costs of originating projects, commercial risks, and unrealistic expectations of return on prices in a low inflation environment. Second attempt Australia will compete for the first time ever in the 13th Junior Eurovision Song Contest in Bulgaria in November. Last year this contest was held in Malta. Gaia Cauchi of Malta (above) won the contest in 2013 with her song The Start. She received the Gie ir-repubblica that same year. The junior contest is open to 10 to 15-year-olds. It was held for the first time in 2003 in Copenhagen. Australia was given a special one-off entry to the Eurovision Song Contest in May. Former Australian Idol winner and XFactor judge Guy Sebastian was chosen by SBS to compete. He finished fifth with his song Tonight Again. Australia was well received in Vienna at the big contest and the organisers are thrilled to help them continue this story by going to Bulgaria in November. Nearly 200 million people watch the big contest. Both Malta and Australia have a running obsession with this European contest although many are of the view that the voting system is unfair.

18 18 The Voice of the Maltese Tuesday October 27, 2015 MCCV Survey on the Third Generation of Maltese in Australia The Maltese Community Council of Victoria is conducting a survey to obtain a picture of the Third Generation of Maltese in Australia. We are particularly interested in their knowledge about Malta and Maltese culture. This will enable us to determine the degree of culture maintenance among our third generation. Teenage children (aged 10 to 17 years), whose grandparents (or great grandparents) were born in Malta, are invited to fill in the following questionnaire. The survey questionnaire is also available for download from the MCCV website. Completed forms may be returned as a scanned electronic copy or in paper form. BY Scan the completed form and it to the Mark and the good old days of Rock n Roll M ark Anthony Tabone made a name from himself imitating star performers like Dean Martin, Buddy Holly, John Lennon, Tom Jones and the enduring favourite, Elvis amongst others. The RoyalAuto (RACV) caught up with this multi-talented musician of Maltese descent and featured him on the front page of the magazine s October issue As mark is also a car enthusiast, the magazine titled the article, CARS THAT ROCK N ROLL. In the garage in his south-eastern Melbourne home, Mark has several cars that are the ultimate accessories for his characterisations like a 5.8m-long white 1964 Cadillac convertible that he imported from Florida, a 1964 Mini Minor he painted with a Union Jack with the insignia of the Australian flag and a gold 1966 Mustang Fastback. He is currently working over a 1960 silver Valiant caravan and with his son Jesse have been restoring a 1966 blue-andwhite Ford Cortina, sort of a bonding exercise because it recalls the model Mark s late father owned. A 1964 VW Kombi is also being restored. In his driveway next to his BMW wagon and the family transport of wife Vikki and the four children, is a 1960 VW Beetle. According to the RACV article, Mark Anthony is not restoring any more cars but evidence shows that he is still a keen collector of all manner of things of the 50s, 60s and 70s that remind him of a time on his childhood before his mother died. *For more information read the October Issue of RACA. address of Prof Maurice Cauchi mnc25@optusnet.com.au BY POST: Post completed form to: Prof Maurice Cauchi, Maltese Community Centre, 477 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052 The information provided will be treated in the strictest confidence. Please pass this survey form and request for survey participation on to your children, friends and acquaintances. Survey participants will be eligible to win one of five prizes of $100 each. To be eligible, participants are required to complete the survey form including their name and or postal address. The winners will be drawn from eligible participants who submit a completed survey form by not later than 30th November 2015.

19 Tuesday October 27, 2015 The Voice of the Maltese 19 Biex tikteb Malti tajjeb Illum il-verb 1. Il-Verb huwa dik il-kelma li turi l-g emil jew l- istat ta xi add jew xi aga. EΩ.: jien na dem (g emil); huwa marad (stat). 2. Il-Verb jitnissel mill-mamma li hija t-tielet persuna, singular, maskil, tal-perfett jew Passat. EΩ.: talab, laqa, mexa. b) Il-Mamma twie eb g all-mistoqsija: huwa x g amel? Ez.: Peppi jikteb sabi. Mamma = x g amel? Kiteb. 3. Il-konsonanti kollha tal-mamma jiffurmaw l-g erq tal-verb. EΩ.: kiteb = k-t-b (G erq); qata; = q- t-g. 4. II-konsonanti tal-g erq ma jistg u qatt: a) ibiddlu posthom. EΩ.: beka mela bkejt mhux kbejt. b) jitbiddlu. EΩ.: aseb mela sibt mhux hsipt. ç) jitnaqqsu. Ez.: allsu mhux alsu (eççezz. j, w). 5. Il-Verb jista; jkun Trillitteru jew bi tliet konsonanti fl-g erq; Kwadrilitteru jew b erba konsonanti fl- G erq. EΩ.: rikeb (Trilitteru); kasbar (kwadrilitteru). 6. Il-Verb jitqassam f : a) Ewlieni jew m hu ej minn add. EΩ.: qabad, waqa eba. b) Imnissel jew ej minn xi verb jew kelma o ra. EΩ.: nqabad, qabbad, sta ba, mtedd. 7. Il-Verb Imnissel isir: a) biω-ωieda ta n, t, st, mal- Mamma tal-verb Ewlieni. EΩ.: n asad - ltaqa - t abat - sta ba. b) billi ttenni l-konsonanti tan-nofs tal-verb Ewlieni. EΩ.: abat = abbat; faqa = faqqa ; era = erra. 8. Il-Verb jista jkiun ukoll: a) S i meta jkollu l-konsonanti tal-g erq kollha s a. EΩ.: rifes g ax r-f-s huma S a ; tafa g ax t-f-g huma S a. b) Dg ajjef meta jkollu wa da mill-konsonanti tal-g erq dg ajfa. EΩ.: wasal - g eja - era (j) 9. Il-Verb s i jissejja Trux meta jkun ta sillaba wa da b konsonanti metnnija (doppja) fit-tarf. EΩ.: abb, arr. 10. Il-Verb Dg ajjef jitqassam f : a) Xebbiei jew Assimilativ meta jibda bil-konsonanti dg ajf (w). EΩ.: wiωen, waqa, wasal. *b) Mo fi meta jkun ta sillaba wa da bit-tieni konsonanti (j) jew (w) mixruba fil-vokali twila a jew ie. EΩ.: dar, fieq, qam, miet, daq *ç) Nieqes meta jkollu t-tielet konsonanti j mo bija. EΩ.: mexa (j), kesa (j), beda (j). * Biex issib il-(w) jew il- (j) nieqsa, o ro kelma o ra minnhom. EΩ.: dar = dawra; fieq = fejjaq. 11. Fil-Malti, il-verbi Irregulari huma dawn: Ta, Óa, Kiel, Jaf, Qal, Ìie, Mar, Idda, IΩΩa, Emmen, Kellu. Dawn jissej u hekk g ax ma jimxux skont ir-regula jew g al kollox mal-konjugazzjoni tal-verbi l- o ra s abhom RiΩultat tat-ta ri li deher fl-a ar ar a: SEWWI L-KITBA: ÓΩiena Tajbin ÓΩiena Tajbin ÓΩiena Tajbin ÓΩiena Tajbin Óabip Óabib salip salib pkejna bkejna çrief çriev pajjis pajjiω gidep gideb t alt d alt pçejjeç bçejjeç inbit inbid Ωbie sbie vdal fdal Ωdieri sdieri riçt ri t adit adid dit did ptie i btie i ops opω qlup qlub qabes qabeω nerf nerv sodot sodod riet ried xelluk xellug talp talb mieç mie sap sab Ikteb seba kelmiet li jibdew bilkonsonanti Rotob: platt, ta en, çirasa, xibka,katina, flus u satal. L e o s Ve h i cl e Re n t a l s Guaranteed cheapest rates All vehicles in NRMA road Service; Low holding Deposit; Discount for weekly rentals; Shuttle service to the Airport Phone: Mob: Kildare Rd Blacktown NSW 2148 Ikteb seba kelmiet li jibdew bilkonsonanti Qawwija: barmil, dell, arra, gandott, ol ol, vit u ΩunΩan. L-a barijiet tal-pbs (Malta) G alkemm il-pbs ta Malta tforni lill-sbs fl-awstralja bis-servizz tag ha, il-qarrejja m e a li x in iridu jid lu fil-website: mt u jsegwu l-a barijiet ta Malta. Din tkun a ornata l- in kollu bi stejjer li jkunu qed ise u. Mhux biss, imma min irid isegwi dak li jkun g addej, kull filg odu in ta' Malta fuq il-website jittellg u wkoll l-a barijiet tal-jum ta' qabel. The Maltese RSL Sub Branch of NSW invites the Maltese community of NSW to the Unveiling Ceremony of a Memorial Plaque in memory of the Maltese men who joined the Australian Imperial Forces & New Zealand Expeditionary Forces of World War 1 Sunday, November 15 at pm The Maltese Bi-Centennial Monument Civic Park, Civic Avenue, Pendle Hill NSW 2145

20 20 The Voice of the Maltese Tuesday October 27, 2015 L-METD tlaqqa lill-anzjani ta NSW G al dawn l-a ar tnax il-sena l-kumitat abrieki u ener etiku tal-maltese Elderly Thanksgiving Day Ωamm l-appuntament tieg u mal-anzjani Maltin billi organizza jum ta tifkira, ringrazzjament u divertiment li g alih b al dejjem jattendu mijiet ta Maltin minn kull na a ta Sydney. Din is-sena ç-çelebrazzjoni saret fis-st Stephen s Serbian Orthodox Church Hall fi Plumpton. Kien jum mimli tassew li beda b quddiesa minn Fr B. Sant, Fr Noel Bianco, u Fr Martin Galea MSSP li kien fi triqtu lejn il-filipppini. Waqt impressjonati kien meta ew imsejj a l-aktar Ωew persuni anzjani li kienu preωenti biex jaqsmu l-kejk tal-okkaωjoni (kif jidher firritratt fuq)). Dawn kienu Manwel Micallef ta 93 sena minn tas-sliema li joqg od f Whalan, u Grace Briffa ta 92 sena mill-birgu li tg ix fis-st Dominic s Hostel fi Blacktown. Din l-okkaωjoni annwali ori inat mis-soru MaryAnn Grima li mhix qed tattendi g ax tinsab marida, imma l-kumitat kompla bil- idma tag ha. Il-Patrun tal-metd hu t-tabib George Boffa. Id-divertiment f dan il-jum kien f idejn Joe Apap, il-mifsud Brothers u Tony Fenech, Joe Xuereb u Ronnie Borg, filwaqt li Maria decarlo kiebet l-mc. XELLUG: il-kumitat tal-metd. Minn fuq g al isfel: Dr Goerge Boffa, Maggie Vella, Rose Cato, Maria Cilia, Lina Magro, Doris Pocock, Carmen Cutajar, Kelly Zammit u Maria Mercieca. Presents St John Sydney Xewkija Association Christmas Dinner 2015 Date: Saturday December 5 Location: Mandaville Events Centre 1788 The Horsley Drive Horsley Park Time: 6.30 p.m. to p.m. Menu: Buffet-style including soft dronks, dessert, tea & coffee Beer, wine & spirits can be purchased from our licensed bar or BYO Music: Provided by Manuel DJ Cost: $34.00 per guest For ticket sale contact Sam: / Rose: ; Elija: Come and support our final fundraiser for 2015 St Helena Maltese Australia SC NOVEMBER 14: (Saturday): Get-together at Holy Eucharist, St Albans DECEMBER 19: (Saturday): Xmas fun-ction at Melrose Receptions, Tullamarine. For more information: Phone Victor on or Mary Abdilla on 03 ( )

21 Tuesday October 27, 2015 The Voice of the Maltese 21 Community News Readers can now request a printed copy of The Voice La Valette Social Centre Melbourne Cup Lunch SATURDAY October 31: Ghana, by Saver u s abu at the centre 175 Walters Road Blacktown Time form 8pm Entrance free. All welcome. TUESDAY November 1: At the Centre: Mass at 10.am. followed by Morning Tea and 2-course lunch - Tickets $25 each. Hat competition, Sweeps, Lucky Door Prizes. Music: Sam Mifsud Entertainment: Dulli and Majsi. Book early for the best seats. For booking: se Frances ; George: , or Antoinette: Other activity: TUESDAY November 1: At Pine Grove for our beloved. Mass at 5pm. Our Lady Queen of Peace Maltese Band will take part from 4pm. One is advised to bring a chair. In response to a number of inquiries, The Voice of the Maltese wishes to advice that we can now supply hard copies in colour of our magazine to our readers at a price. So anybody interested in acquiring copies of the magazine can communicate with us personally or by to: maltesevoice@gmail.com. The magazine can also be delivered by post. As the cost of postage varies one is kindly requested to get in touch with us to work out the details. Iç-Çittadini jkomplu fl-2016 Il-kumpanija tat-teatrin fi NSW l-awstralja, Ic-Cittadini jixtiequ jfakkru li s-serati tag hom se jibdew mill-gdid fis-sena Skond Doris Caruana, il-president tal-kumpanija, b alissa jinsabu weqfin min abba li hemm xi atturi li jinsabu fuq btala f Malta. The Maltese Language School of NSW The Maltese Language School of NSW invites applications for Maltese language classes at the Alfred Fenech Maltese Resource Centre located at 59b Franklin Street (corner with Young Street) Mays Hill (next to Parramatta West Public School). Both young and adult students may apply. For more information contact Mary Pace-Feraud on or malteselanguageschoolnsw@hotmail.com The Maltese Cultural Association (NSW) We will be commemorating a Mass for our dear departed members on Tuesday 10th November 10, at 7pm at Our Lady Queen of Peace, Old Prospect Rd Greystanes NSW. Please attend as it is a holy thought to pray for the dead that they may be loosed from their sins Film Night at the same address as above on Friday October 30 at 7 pm. Feature Film: The Miracle of Our Lady of Fatima (1952). All welcome. Free entrance. Computer Class for the Elderly The Maltese Community Council of NSW is conducting a computer class at Maltese Resource Centre 59b Franklin Street, Mays Hill 2145 NSW every Friday between a.m. and For more information contact Em. Camilleri: SUTHERLAND & ST. GEORGE MALTESE GROUP The Sutherland & St George Maltese Group are organising a day trip to The Entrance on Friday November 13. The Coach departs Miranda Community Centre at 7.30 a.m., then proceeds to pick up at Our Lady Queen of Peace Greystanes at 8.30 a.m. From there we will continue to The Entrance where we will stop for lunch at a club. Joe Galea and others will be there to meet us. At 3.30 p.m. we will go to see the feeding of the Pelicans, and at approx p.m. will start the journey back to Greystanes, and then continue to Miranda Community Centre to arrive by approx p.m. For booking (not later than Friday October 30) contact Charles N. Mifsud: , or Joe C. Deguara: Travel by 5-star coach. Fee only $40. MALTESE LANGUAGE SCHOOL OF NSW A Division of the Maltese Community Council of NSW Inc. Learn Maltese! Classes are available for students from 6 years to adults at all levels of ability in the Maltese language. We have trained and experienced teachers qualified in language teaching and with Maltese study credentials. Learn the Maltese language, the culture, lifestyle, cuisine, traditions and about the amazing history of the island. Classes at: HORSLEY PARK - SEVEN HILLS - LUDDENHAM For more information and enquiries Call Mary on Or malteselanguageschoolnsw@hotmail.com Supported by the Minister of Education and Training and the NSW Community Languages Schools Programme. Member of the NSW Federation of Community Language Schools of NSW; Member of the Federation of Maltese Language Schools of Australia; Supported by 16 Maltese associations affiliated with the MCC of NSW. The Maltese Language School of NSW is a Not-For-Profit organisation.

22 22 The Voice of the Maltese Tuesday October 27, 2015 Community News Maltese Radio Programmes MELBOURNE, on 3ZZZ 92.3FM or on Mondays 5pm, Fridays 5pm, Saturdays 10am.; Last Wednesday each month at 1pm. MELBOURNE on 98.9 North West FM, each Friday p.m. Presenter Emmanuel Brincat. MELBOURNE: STEREO 974 ( ): 97.4FM Wed (Maltese Magazine) & Thursday (Mer ba): 6.00pm to 8.00 pm Co-ordinator Ray Anastasi In SYDNEY, listen to the MCC radio programmes on 2GLF FM Saturdays 6 to 8 a.m. Martese Caruana presents Nostalgia Music; Sundays from am: Il na Maltin. Both available on demand. Follow same procedure as for MCC programmes, except select programe in reference. In BRISBANE listen to the Maltese Program on 4EB on Tuesdays am; Sundays 4.15pm to 5.15pm UNCLE SAM DJ (Maltese Radio) tune in to link: Tune In to Radio and Television Isma l-programm tar-radju bil-malti mill-kunsill Malti ta NSW minn fuq l-istazzjon 2GLF 89.3FM. Jista wkoll jinstema On Demand minn fuq l-internet (On Demand >Ethnic >Maltese Council 11am) Il-programm ta sieg a nhar ta Óadd fil a.m. ikun fih l-a ar a barijiet minn Malta, muωika, tag rif, kultura, avviωi u su etti ta interess g all-maltin Listen to John Borg & Glenn Cassar every Saturday at 1.00 p.m. on RADIO 2RRR 88.5FM or on the Internet - www2rrr.org.au ON DeMAND On SBS Radio Day Time Analogue and Digital Friday: 12:00-13: fm SBS Radio 2 Saturday: 14:00-15:00: 97.7fm SBS Radio 2 To tune into digital radio you need a receiver or device with a DAB+ chip. Tuning in is by station name not frequency. Digital radio can also be heard via digital TV. SBS Radio 2 is on Channel 38. The radio 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 - SBS 2 TV on Thursdays and Sundays at 8am. VIVA MALTA Maltese Programmes on TV and Web The GDAY MALTAUSSIE SHOW on TVS is broadcast in Sydney Community Radio in Gosford Central Every Saturday at 2pm. Repeats on NSW. Aired every fortnight from Mondays 5 pm and Tuesdays 7.30 am 6 pm -7 pm (Next is November 3). Watch direct via HYPERLINK: Presenter: Nathalie Gatt. Web streaming on: L-A barijiet on SBS TV twice a week nationwide Sunday at The SBS MALTESE NEWS 8.00 am on SBS2 (Chan. 32); Thursdays at 8.00 am on SBS2 VIVA MALTA on COAST FM 96.3 One good turn de- serves another Dedication we have lots of; when it comes to time, we find it as when dedicating oneself to a cause, it s there. A third ingredient needed to produce an online magazine such as The Voice of the Maltese is financial. To offset that, the production team has been seeking sponsors to help us share that burden with us. Some have responded positively by advertising the services they offer to their clients on our publication. More is needed, so we call upon others to follow. In return, our readers are urged to use the services offered by our sponsors. Malta Society of New Zealand We now have a Facebook page that former members are invited to join. It is: Mainly-Maltese-in-Auckland: /Mainly-Maltese-in-Auckland/ ?ref=hl. It is open to all who have an interest in the Maltese culture. Join us on The Voice of the Maltese facebook page: roups/thevoiceofthemaltese Meetings of Day Care Maltese Groups in NSW Fairfield Active Maltese Seniors Meets on the first Tuesday of the Month from10:00am to 12 noon. The group meets in the Parish Hall, cnr of Stella Street & The Boulevard, Fairfield Heights. Maltese Seniors Central Coast You need to contact our Welfare Officer for an appointment. For all information and referral matters one should call Censina Cefai: Tel: or Daceyville Maltese Seniors Meets on the last Wednesday of the month in the Meeting Room One, No. 3 General Bridges Crescent, Daceyville. Note: The Groups also arrange regular Bus Trips Come and join us and make new friends. Merrylands Social Maltese Seniors Meets every second Friday of the month; Miller Room, Memorial Avenue Merrylands from 10.30am to am Llandillo Maltese Seniors Meets on the first Wednesday of each month at the Llandillo Community Hall, Seventh Avenue, from 11am to 1 pm. Greystanes Maltese Seniors Meets on the second Monday of each month at the George Preca Centre of OLQP Church, 198 Old Prospect Road, Greystanes from 10 am to 12 noon The Sutherland & St George Maltese Group Ongoing: We meet every First Wednesday of the Month from 10:00am-1:00pm Our Meetings/Get Togethers are interesting, informative & entertaining. Come Join us and make new Friends For more information contact our Coordinator: Charles Mifsud J.P.Phone (02) mobile *(All Groups are Sponsored by The Maltese Community Council of NSW). Please contact the MCC Welfare Officer: Marisa Previtera JP on The MCC offices are at 59b Franklin Street (corner with Young St) Parramatta West NSW(next to West Parramatta Primary School)

23 Tuesday October 27, 2015 The Voice of the Maltese 23 Liema hi l-veru log ba tal-football? LawrenceDimech G all-a ar ta Settembru u l- bidu ta Ottubru fl-awstralja jkollna abbundanza ta attivitajiet tal-aktar Ωew sports popolari fl- Awstralja. F Melbourne kien hemm il-grand final tal-aussie Rules u hawn f Sydney, fil-long weekend ta Ottubru kellna wkoll il-grand final tar-rugby League li dis-sena, g alkemm kien hemm Ωew timijiet minn Queensland, il-log ba finali xorta wa da saret fil-belt ta Sydney. Ng idha mill-ewwel, jien miniex dilettant ta dawn iω-ωew sports, l- aktar u l-aktar tar-rugby league li jsejj u lilhom infushom b ala football, meta rari jilag bu l-ballun b saqajhom. IΩda illum mhux se nid ol fil-mertu ta liema hi l-vera log ba tal-futbol. Nixtieq biss ne odkom lura lejn l-ewwel esperjenza tieg i fl-awstralja fejn tid ol illog ba tar-rugby league. Immorru lura madwar 60 sena ilu meta konna wasalna b ala emigranti minn Malta fil-belt ta Sydney u l- unika log ba futbol g alina kienet dik li hawnhekk isejj ulha soccer. Dak iω-ωmien, il-jum tal-óadd, fl-awstralja kien qisu çimiterju. Xejn ma kien jifta. Konna Ωg aωag mimlijin ajja g adna ejjin minn Malta meta l-jum tal-óadd kien l-iktar jum popolari u mimli attivitajiet. Fejn se morru? X aktarx konna naqbdu l-ferrovija u fejn tieqaf ninωlu, qisna bolo. Konna homesick u mdejjqin,u ma nistg ux nifhmu g aliex ejna f din l-art tant kbira fejn kollox g alina kien jidher stramb u kbir. F dak il-óadd iddecidejna li minflok Lasti m og la s-sema, imma fejn hi x-xibka? naqbdu l-ferrovija mmorru nimxu. Dawk iω-ωmenijiet ma kinetx a a kbira li waqt li tkun miexi fit-triq tiltaqa ma xi klikka u jibdew jg ajruk you dago jew wog, go back home u xi kliem ie or offensiv. Óeqq, xi trid tag mel la krejtha trid toqg od g aliha!! Imsomma, wara mixja twila, wasalna Redfern, u bdejna nisimg u afna g ajjat. G amilna l-kura u rsaqna lejn dak li mill-ewwel indunajna li dak li lma na kien stadium. Fra na mela allura mhux veru li l- Óadd ma jkun hawn xejn miftuh; mhux veru li l-óadd çimiterju. Kollna herqana rsaqna lejn l-entratura u allasna xi ftit xelini biex nid lu. Nahseb dak talbieb rana xi ftit strambi u qalilna, football?; imsomma d alna. Kien hemm afna nies entuωjaωmati iωda kollha kienu Awstraljani jew Abori ini. Mank ilma na xi New Australian b alna. Po ejna f post çentrali ta t il- ars xi ftit dubjuω ta dawk pre- Ωenti. Iva, kienu Ωmenijiet o ra. Wie ed ja rab bil-ballun Ωenguli u jaqbωu fuqu bla ebda niena Jidher li d alna fil-grawnd meta kien l-intervall. Innutajna li l-lasti kienu g oljien m og la s-sema u dawk mimduda x aktarx f posthom.. iωda fejn hi x- xibka? Anke l-linji kienu differenti. Bdejna n arsu lejn xulxin, xi ftit im assba. Wara ftit tal- in bdew er in il-plejers, kull wie ed daqs gant, imla - min sewwa. Dawn mhux plejers, imma gladjaturi!. Bdew jilag bu qishom ifferuçjati da liet o xulxin wie ed ja rab bil-ballun Ωenguli u jaqbωu fuqu bla ebda niena erba plejers taloppoωizzjoni. Qisu qatt ma ara xejn. Kul add jifra, jg ajjat u jçapçap. Jippruvaw jimmankaw lil xulxin u iktar içapçpu u jifir u. A na mblajna. Fejn gejna? Dan x log ob hu? Wie ed wara l- ie or, bil-kalma kollha, qbadna resqin lejn id-direzzjoni minn fejn d alna u tlaqna l barra. Kienet l-ewwel introduωωjoni filproçess tag na biex nibdew nintegraw fil- ajja Awstraljana. IΩda t-tentattivi biex nintegraw.il-log ba tar-rugby league fil- ajja tag na ma spiççatx hawn, g ax kemm ilni ng id f dan ilpajjiω ejt assolutament ibbumbardjat u brain-washed dwar il-log ba goffa u brutali tar-rugby league. Kulhadd gostih. Naf li eluf ta Maltin huma dilettanti tar-rugby jew l-australian Rules. U g aliex le? IΩda lili allini nara lir-ronaldo jew lil Messi, lil Manchester Utd, Liverpool, jew Arsenal g ax dawn jilag bu futbol ta veru!

24 24 The Voice of the Maltese Tuesday October 27, 2015 S p o r t s Malta s Premier Floriana halt Balzan s League Football unbeaten run; Valletta take over Balzan s unbeaten run in the Premier League was halted in Round 9 when they went down 2-0 to Floriana on Sunday and ended up with 10 men. On the same day Hibernians managed a 1-1 draw with Birkirkara in the weekend s top match. Balzan s loss worked in favour of Valletta who took over the helm following their fourth win on the trot on Saturday, a 2-1 over Qormi now under new coach Johann Scicluna. Meanwhile, when it comes to coaching, a change seems to have had the desired effect for Naxxar Lions as Clive Mizzi managed to lead them to their first win in Round eight, a 2-0 victory over neighbours Mosta 2-0. However, RESULTS: Round 9 Floriana v Balzan Valletta v Qormi Hibernians v Birkirkara Mosta v Pembroke Tarxien R. v St Andrews Sliema W. v Naxxar L. Round 8 Balzan v St Andrews Valletta v Floriana Birkirkara v Sliema W. Hibernians v Qormi Tarxien R. v Pembroke Naxxar L. v Mosta they lost narrowly to Sliema their next game. In Round 8 Balzan had retained their hold on the top billing with a 2-0 success thanks to a brace from Aleksander Vujacic over woodenspoonists and still pointless St. Andrews. In the same round Hibernians returned to winning ways, beating Qormi 2-1 with a goal deep into stoppage time. In Round 8 four of the bestknown teams were in direct clashes with the Old Firm teams of Floriana and Sliema W both losing out by identical 3-1 scores against Valletta and Birkirkara respectively. Floriana however made amends in the following match with victory over Balzan. Standings Valleta Balzan Birkirkara Hibernians Floriana Mosta Tarxien R. Sliema W Pembroke Qormi Naxxar L St Andrews P W D L F A Pts Sydney FC climb to top of league ladder - only two teams still unbeaten H unter Defeat against Croatia leaves Malta winless Italian yacht wins Middle Sea Race At the end of three days of sailing, Italian yacht TP52, B2 owned by Michele Galli, won this year s Rolex Middle Se Race, rounding up the success after finishing nine seconds on corrected time over another Italian yacht, Mascalzone Latino, which on its part was also the overall winner of the ORC class. This is the second time that skipper Galli and his crew have won the MSR Trophy after their 2013 triumph. They were presented with the trophy on Saturday (above) Stadium continued to be Melbourne Victory s hoodoo ground after their Round three 1-0 away loss to Newcastle Jets in the third round of the Hyundai A-League. Victory s defeat so early in the camaign came via a smashing David Carney freekick 15 minutes from time. It proved to be the difference between the two sides, although Victory did the bilk of the attacking. It also and means that Kevin Muscat s team are still waiting for their first triumph in Newcastle since October The defeat follows Victory s morale Malta suffered an eighth defeat from 10 matches in the UEFA EURO 16 qualifiers to finish bottom of Group H with only two points from two draws. Its latest defeat was the 1-0 reversal at the National Stadium in Ta Qali against Croatia, who thanks to this victory, coupled with Norway's defeat in Italy gave them automatic qualification from the group with Italy. Croatia began the day third in the group two points behind Norway, but an Ivan Perišić's 25th-minute strike not only defeated Malta but also helped them to join the automatic qualifers as runners-up. Although Malta improved on their previous showing they were never a threat even though Alfred Effiong, came very near to with a 22nd minute effort. But when Perišić scored the all-important goal when his powerful effort flew in with the help of a deflection, Malta stood little chance of a comeback, and in fact it was the Croats who came closer to adding to their tally. Australia A-League boosting1-0 home win in the previous round against crosstown rivals Melbourne City. No team has a 100% record after three matches, while Sydney FC and Adelaide are the only ones still unbeaten. The Sydney FC v Sydney W match made an instant hero out of Milos Ninkovic after he scored an 88th minute goal in Sydney FC s 1-0 victory that put them top of the league ladder. Phoenix defeated Roar in a five-goal thriller. A late strike from substitute Blake Powell helped Wellington Phoenix secure a thrilling 3-2 win over Brisbane Roar. Full Results Day 3 Newcastle Jets v Melbourne V. Wellington Ph. v Brisbane R. Sydney FC v West. Sydney W. Melbourne C. v Central Coast Perth Glory v Adelaide U. Day 2 Melbourne V. v Melbourne C. Adelaide U. v West. Sydney W. Newcastle Jets v Sydney FC Brisbane R. v Central Coast Perth Glory v Wellington Ph