President makes official visit to Paola

President Guido de Marco yesterday made an official visit to Paola where he was welcomed and shown around by the mayor Raymond Attard.

The visit started at the local council's offices in Antoine de Paule Square and took in Paul Boffa Gardens, which have been earmarked for embellishment, Paola primary school, Dar il-Wens, and band and football clubs and a rehabilitation centre for the physiclly handicapped.

In an address at the Rehabilitation Centre, President de Marco described the people of Paola as having managed to develop within themselves a sense of dedication and service to society.

"Through the contribution of many, you have managed to ensure a society which encourages popular participation, important in the development of the locality's identity."

He also praised the work of the band clubs and voluntary organisations, which, he said, were promoting a sense of culture and dedication in today's generation.

The President said that local councils had been a 'success story'.

"The members of the local council, by being closer to their respective citizens' daily needs, can understand better the locality's requirements, giving an added contribution to the wellbeing of the country," he said

During his visit, the President was presented with Lm430 in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund.