Heard in the Hive

Tonio Casapinta, honorary consul of the Czech Republic in Malta, has been awarded the Gratias Agit award for services to the Czech Republic.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, Cyril Svoboda, presented the award at a ceremony held recently at the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Prague.

Every year, the Czech government presents the prestigious Gratias Agit award to honour the work of individuals abroad - persons of Czech descent or those with strong ties to the Czech Republic, and to personalities whose work contributed to the betterment of others, through altruistic, humanistic and cultural projects, while promoting Czech heritage.

Eleven laureates and three organisations hailing from Australia, Bulgaria, Canada, France, Germany, Hungary, India, New Zealand, Poland, Russia, Sweden, Switzerland, USA and Malta were honoured for their achievements.

For some individuals in their 80s it was the acknowledgment of their life's work: no small achievement, according to Foreign Minister Svoboda in a very moving speech.

Among other words of praise Foreign Minister Svoboda said, "I would like to extend my thanks to all of you, because you have done a great job for the Czech Republic. This is perhaps a mission impossible, a never-ending mission, to say that the Czech Republic does exist, living in the very centre of Europe. You are ambassadors spread all over the globe, in real touch with people, and I am deeply convinced that everything you have done is something which is very beneficial. Thank you so much."

The purpose and prestige of the award is evident from the qualities of the laureates themselves. To give an example of these individuals: Israeli Ruth Bondy, a Czech-born survivor of the Holocaust and a renowned translator of literature from Czech into Hebrew who turned 80 on the day. Sister Maria Goretti Quadros, an Indian missionary from the religious order Queen of the Apostles, who, together with Czech Caritas, has for many years promoted distant adoption of Indian children, enabling 6,000 Czech families to adopt children. Jan Franicek, who emigrated in 1949, and who has been running the Masaryk Institute in Toronto for 23 years.

The citation to Mr Casapinta's award reads: "For the propagation of the good name of the Czech Republic abroad, Tonio Casapinta has since 1993 acted as a most important partner for the Czech Republic in Malta and has effectively contributed to the enhancement of economic, commercial and political relations between the two countries."

During this period and through his own initiative, various cultural, commercial and philanthropic activities were successfully organised, including the setting up of the Maltese-Czech Society and Czech Trade Overseas Office in Malta.

Various Czech government ministers, Cardinal Vlk and the Auxiliary Bishop of Prague, ambassadors, heads of government departments including the honorary consul of Malta in Prague and Mrs Ernest Flamini, attended the award ceremony.

Interviewed by Czech television, Mr Casapinta expressed his great appreciation for the honour bestowed on him by the Czech government and wished to share the award with all those who had contributed to the excellent state of relations between Malta and the Czech Republic.

Order celebrates feast of St John the Baptist

This year, for the first time in over 30 years, the feast of St John the Baptist, patron saint of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, was celebrated on the actual day, Tuesday, June 24, rather than the traditional norm of the Sunday closest to the date, making for an intensive schedule of events held to mark the occasion.

Following Solemn Mass celebrated by the Archbishop, Mgr Joseph Mercieca, at St John's Co-Cathedral together with the Cathedral Chapter, at 6 p.m., the Ambassador and Mrs Nattino welcomed various distinguished guests to the annual reception held at St John's Cavalier in Valletta as the sun was beginning to set on the torch-lit bastion.

Joining in the celebration were the President and Mrs de Marco, Archbishop Mercieca, and the Auxilliary Bishop, Mgr Annetto Depasquale.

Although the day was a gruelling one for the Archbishop, who had arrived from Rome that very afternoon and had just concelebrated Mass, he graciously made it a point to attend the evening reception.

Other personalities present included Mr Speaker Anton Tabone, the Apostolic Nuncio, Mgr Luigi Conti, and several heads of diplomatic missions resident in Malta, Tourism Minister Francis Zammit Dimech, the Deputy Speaker, Carmelo Abela, and various members from both sides of the House, together with members of the Judiciary.

Dr Philip Attard Montalto, president of the Maltese Association of the Order, led the local contingent of Knights of Malta together with their spouses.

In the course of the evening Ambassasdor Nattino, in the distinguished presence of the President and Mrs de Marco, presented the decoration of Grand'Ufficiale dell'Ordine al Merito Melitense to Dr Daniel Micallef, former Speaker, Minister and MP, as well as former Ambassador of Malta to the Order, for his sterling contribution to the diplomatic relations between the Republic of Malta and the Order during his term of office as well as for his dedicated humanitarian awareness and work.

Sunflower Hotel opens in Qawra

Tourism Minister Francis Zammit Dimech, accompanied by members of the Press, recently visited the Sunflower Hotel, which has just opened in Qawra.

The brand-new three-star Sunflower received its first guests on May 15. It is the sister hotel to the four-star Hotel Santana, and the second hotel owned by the JB Group of Companies.

Proprietors Joe and Albert Sant said that despite the current slowdown in the industry, they are confident that tourism will eventually pick up, and that they look forward to better times. "It is however crucially important to make sure that whatever type of accommodation is developed.

"It represents a quality product, irrespective of category or size... and that's what we did with the Sunflower Hotel!" added Joe Sant, chairman of the group.

The hotel is located in a tranquil location just off the main Bugibba thoroughfare. The 108-room three-star hotel is only 200 metres from the 400-bed Santana, inaugurated in 1996.

The Sunflower is designed and decorated with typical Maltese architectural features throughout, and it provides an interesting blend between the elegance and charm of local architectural design and the simple lines of the exterior modern building.

Despite its three-star classification, the hotel offers most of the facilities and comfort of a four-star, and true value for money.

"The need for good three-star properties has always been felt, and the positive response shown by the trade so far is not only very encouraging, but proves that that despite the prevailing oversupply of hotel beds in general, their still exists a demand for good quality three star accommodation in Malta," managing director George Micallef stated.

The 108 guest rooms offer a mix of standard, superior and family suites, all tastefully and rustically furnished, depicting warm, Mediterranean colours, designed to offer a delightful and relaxing end to any day.

Facilities include private balcony or terraces, en suite bathroom, central heating, cable TV, direct-dial telephone, ceiling fan and safe. The almost-detached hotel offers an almost 360, degree coastal and country views from most bedrooms.

The hotel facilities include The Geranium, its main restaurant, the 24-hour Internet Amaryllis Café, and the Crown Daisy Wellness Centre, offering a heated indoor pool, whirlpool, fitness and massage rooms.

On the seventh floor, commanding breathtaking sea and country views, is the Wardija rooftop outdoor pool with swim-up pool bar, Jacuzzis, and snack bar, children's pool and two sun terraces.

Malta places third in international floral art competition

International floral artist and designer Nadine Micallef-Grimaud has placed third in "On the Wing", an international competition recently held in Bournemouth, UK.

Hundreds of participants from all over the world took part in this competition. The aim was the creation of original birds entirely from plant material.

This is not a first time for Malta: Nadine has already been awarded many international prizes. She has also been awarded three gold medals: the Academy of the Mediterranean Gold Medal, the Horticultural Society Gold Medal for her many classes, and lately, the Boston Gold Ribbon, awarded to her in Toronto, Canada.

Nadine is the floral art teacher at the Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce in Valletta. She is a member of the Malta Floral Club, the London and Overseas Association of NAFAS and the international WAFA.

Miss Maltese Islands on Mister Switzerland judging panel

Joyce Gatt, the reigning Miss Maltese Islands, who represented Malta in last year's Miss World contest, was recently the guest of honour during the Mister Switzerland gala event in St Jakobshalle in Basel, Switzerland.

Ms Gatt was present on the judging panel. The event, which was aired, enjoyed more than 1.4 million viewers.

A total of 500 candidates had originally applied to compete for the event organised by Kontakt Organisation, out of whom 24 were selected. Robert Ismajlovic was the winner of the event.

Earlier this year, all the semi-finalists were invited to Malta by the Malta Tourism Authority to participate in filming which was held in various parts of the island. Ms Gatt acted as hostess during the filming.

Vella Fondè - Brimmer

Married recently at St Bartholomew parish church, Gharghur, were Melanie Vella Fondè, daughter of Mr and Mrs Victor Vella Fondè of Ta' l-Ibrag, and Morgan Brimmer, son of Mr and Mrs George Brimmer of Birkirkara.

Nuptial Mass was celebrated by the bride's uncle, Fr Savio Vella, SDB, Fr Ray Francalanza, OSA, and Fr Charles Mallia, O.Carm.

The couple's respective brothers Kurt Vella Fondè and Clive Brimmer were witnesses. Julian Sammut was best man.

Mireille and Chantalle Mallia Fondè, the bride's cousins, attended the bride. Kirsten Brimmer, the groom's sister, and Krista Fondè, cousin of the bride, were bridesmaids. Lara Fondè was flower-girl and Luca Fondè was pageboy.

A reception was later held at Villa Arrigo, Naxxar. The couple spent their honeymoon in Paris, Euro Disney and Amsterdam.

Azzopardi - Naudi

Married recently at St Helen's Basilica, Birkirkara, were Charmaine Azzopardi, daughter of Mr and Mrs F. Azzopardi, of Ta' Paris, Birkirkara, and Julian Naudi, son of Mr and Mrs R. Naudi of Swatar.

Nuptial Mass was celebrated by Canon Vincent Demicoli. Michael Naudi, the groom's brother, and Dorianne Mallia, witnessed the ceremony.

The bride was attended by Fiona Ellul, Marika Magro and Jessica Zammit. Mikela Chetcuti was flower-girl.

Manuel Borg and Troy Calleja acted as best men.

A reception was later held at the Bastion Terrace of the Bacchus Restaurant in Mdina.

The couple are spending their honeymoon in Paris and the French Riviera.

Lions Club Awards Night

Lions Club Sliema recently held the traditional Awards Night at the Malta Union Club.

This event was organised to show the club's appreciation to members and non-members who helped the club in achieving its goals during the past year.

During the past 12 months various institutions were given financial help and a National Arts Foundation was set up. The club has also set up a Disaster Fund in readiness to act quickly when the need arises.

Beside these two main projects, Lions Club Sliema also participated and donated money for the setting up of a cornea eye bank, which was set up in conjunction with the other local Lions Clubs forming the Lions Provisional Zone of Malta.

Vella - Calleja

Married recently at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Mdina were Rosylnn Vella, daughter of Mr and Mrs Joe Vella of St Venera, and Colin Calleja, son of Mr and Mrs David Calleja of St Venera.

Nuptial Mass was celebrated by Fr Joe Vella, O.Carm., parish priest of St Venera.

The ceremony was witnessed by Johann Vella, the bride's brother, and Caroline Calleja, the groom's sister. Silvio Farrugia was best man while Christopher Muscat and Kevin Callus were ushers.

The bride was attended by Antonella Grech and Suzanne Darmanin. Sarah Mallia and Giulia Aquilina were flower-girls, while Michael Aquilina was pageboy.

A reception was afterwards held at Castello dei Baroni, Wardija.

The couple are spending the honeymoon on the West Coast of the USA, followed by a Mexican cruise.

Camilleri - Curmi

Married recently at St Gregory's parish church, Sliema, were Marquita Camilleri, daughter of Mr and Mrs John Camilleri of Sliema, and Kevin Curmi, son of Mr and Mrs Ray Curmi of Qormi.

Nuptial Mass was celebrated by the bride's brother, Fr Sandro Camilleri, sdb. The ceremony was witnessed by the bride's sister Claudine Parnis, and the groom's brother Johann Curmi.

The bride was attended by Thea Camilleri and Nadine Farrugia. The twin nephew and niece of the bride, Matthias and Nicole Parnis, were pageboy and flower-girl. Ivo Curmi, the groom's uncle, was best man.

A reception was held later at Palazzo Nobile, San Pawl tat-Targa.

The couple spent their honeymoon in Livigno, the Maldives and Dubai.

Miss Czech Republic wins Miss Bikini International

Miss Czech Republic Zuzana Putnarova is the winner of this year's Miss Bikini International.

The contest, which saw 34 beauties hailing from 29 countries, including Malta, was recently held at the Bay Street tourist complex. Second place went to Miss Sweden, Ida Sofringsgard, while Miss Bucharest, Roxana Rus, placed third.

The contest was organised by Catwalk Productions and sponsored by Bay Street Hotel, Eurosport, Piccinino, Gasan Enterprises, 206 Menswear, Strawberry Boutique, Matchmusic Store, Sweetheart Bridal Wear and Streetcraft.

The event was compered by head of events Martin Sapiano, the wellknown radio and television personality, together with Joseph Chetcuti, another popular TV personality.

Exclusive Ferrari gifts winner

Stefan Aquilina of San Gwann is the latest winner of the exclusive Vodafone Ferrari Quiz.

Mr Aquilina won exclusive Ferrari Vodafone merchandise in the latest competition, which revolves around questions on the history of Scuderia Ferrari.

By simply sending a blank SMS to 2301, one will receive the daily question. Each question comes with three possible answers. All one has to do is choose an answer and send it back to 2302. Each SMS to this number costs 10 cents. There are hundreds of questions, one for every day, including weekends. The more one participates the more the chances of winning increase.

Participants who submit the correct answers to the Ferrari Quiz automatically enter a draw held on the first Monday of every month. Each monthly winner receives exclusive Ferrari Vodafone merchandise.

The Malta Summer Fashion Show

The Malta Fashion Show - a unique summer event - is being held at the Radisson SAS Baypoint Resort's magnificent ballroom, next Friday.

The show will bring together all aspects of fashion in the widest sense of the word, as well as a night of entertainment. Forty-five models, male and female, will be modelling fashion pieces for the new millennium, ranging from wedding gowns to swimwear, modern art to jewellery and beauty therapy to concept cars, all demonstrated in mini-shows.

Roderick Borg, Charmaine Abdilla and Joe Demanuele, the three organisers behind this event who are working to produce an unforgettable experience, said: "We have tried to think of everything to ensure complete enjoyment - from the cosy chairs in the air-conditioned comfort of the ballroom to the reception by moonlight on the Radisson's Verandah - we have looked into each minute detail."

The spectacular lighting and sound for the event will be provided by ITC - Light Sound Vision. The venue is fully accessible to people on wheelchairs. Plenty of parking space is available.

The models for this show come from all walks of life. Some are "plus sizes" since the show focuses on real people and not unreachable icons. However all the models, apart from being professionally trained, have one thing in common: they have the will to feel good and to see other people enjoying themselves.

The organisers have even looked beyond the event itself. "The tickets should be kept after the event because we have managed to obtain an exclusive offer. The full value of the tickets can be exchanged for health and beauty services from Estetika of Sliema. This means that in reality the guests will be getting their money's worth twice over," they said.

Tickets can be bought at Lm8 from all Exotique outlets or by phoning 2164-7250 or 9984-7172.

People

Dr Joseph R. Cassar, MD, PDFPsych. (Yale), Cert. Psych. (USA), was recently appointed consultant psychiatrist within the Department of Health.

Dr Cassar graduated as Doctor of Medicine at the University of Malta in 1990. He started his psychiatry training in the USA in June 1994 at the Medical College of Virginia Hospitals, where he completed his internship in June 1995.

Thereafter, he proceeded to continue his training at Yale University, School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, having worked in well-renowned centres. These include the Yale Child Study Centre, Yale Psychiatric Institute, Yale New Haven Hospitals, Yale University Health Services (one of the forerunners in university students' mental health services), and the West Haven Veterans Affairs Health Centre with its premier National Centre for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Substance Abuse research programmes.

Dr Cassar supplemented his general psychiatry training by doing a Fellowship in Consultation Liaison Psychiatry at Yale University School of Medicine.

On his return to Malta in January 1999, Dr Cassar started working as senior registrar in Psychiatry within the Child Guidance Clinic and Mount Carmel Hospital. Contemporaneously, he was also working in St Luke's Hospital, Boffa Hospital, St Vincent De Paul Residence and Zammit Clapp Hospital, carrying out consultations on patients who required psychological or psychiatric intervention while being cared for medically.

Dr Cassar is married to Dr Anna Maria née Casha, clinical psychologist. They have two daughters, Fabrizia, 10, and Rebecca, nine.

Professor Albert Caruana from the Centre for Communication Technology at the University of Malta has been presented with the Outstanding Paper Award of the Product and Brand Management Journal of the UK.

The presentation ceremony was hosted by the Literati Club Awards for Excellence at the Lord's Cricket Ground in London.

The research paper selected by the editor and editorial team of the journal focused on the effect of market orientation on new product performance based on data collected from Singaporean firms.

It was co-authored with colleagues at Curtin Business School in Perth Western, Australia, where Professor Caruana is an Adjunct Professor of Marketing.

Asked to comment on the paper's subject, Professor Caruana said new products are critical to the long-term growth and success of a firm.

"The paper investigated the relationship between market orientation and new product performance. Results show a strong positive relationship between market orientation and the overall performance of new products.

"Market orientation is also shown to have a strong positive effect on the market performance and project performance of new products. Managerial implications and limitations are discussed," he said.

Each year, the Literati Club reviews a number of journals in diverse disciplines ranging from management, to health and environment, library and information management, material science on to technology and property titles.

The Outstanding Paper Award is an annual award given to the article that best reflects the particular journal's purpose and editorial objectives, providing new information and allowing easy access to concepts and data.

Award winning papers are chosen following consultation among the journal's editorial team, most of whom are eminent academics and company managers.

While this is the first time Professor Caruana has received an Outstanding Paper Award, his work has been rewarded with number of highly commended awards from a variety of marketing journals.

Dr Joseph Paul Cassar recently returned from a six-week residency programme at the Virginia Centre for Creative Arts, Virginia, USA. He received a fellowship from the centre where he was artist-in-residence.

The Virginia Centre has signed an agreement to have an exchange programme with St James Cavalier Centre for Creativity, Valletta.

Dr Cassar lived and worked with the community of international arts collaborating with important personalities like Matthew Carone, agent of artist Roberto Sebastian Antonio Matta and Isamu Noguchi, Barbara Schaff, adviser to the BFA Programme at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, Philadelphia, Jack Glover woodback specialist, Anne D. LeClaire, author of the critically acclaimed novel Entering Normal, art director and film producer Megs Booker, and Shem Guibbory, music director of the Chamber Music Festival of the East.

During his stay Dr Cassar held two personal shows of works produced in Virginia and delivered a series of lectures to art majors.

Dr Cassar has been invited to lecture at Columbia University and to exhibit his works in New York in December.

Dr Aaron Formosa, MD, Dip. Sport Med., has successfully concluded his studies leading to an M.Sc. in Sports and Exercise medicine from the University of Bath. His thesis was a study on the epidemiology of Maltese youth football.

Dr Formosa is a member of the Malta Football Association Medical Comittee and has been the national youth football team's doctor for the past eight years.

The President and Mrs de Marco's engagements - July 7-13

Tomorrow
10 a.m. The President receives participants of the Duke of Edinburgh Award, UK, at the Palace, Valletta.
10.30 The President appoints Dr Anthony Vassallo as temporary Ombudsman.
11 The President receives Dr Michael Bartolo, former Ambassador of Malta in Geneva.
11.45 The President receives Mr Peter R. Bolech, CEO of Malta International Airport.

Tuesday
Noon The President receives Senator Hannetraud Schultheiss, honorary consul-general of Malta in Mainz, Germany, at the Palace, Valletta.
12.30 p.m. The President receives Mr Anthony Pace, Superintendent of Cultural Heritage.

Wednesday
11 a.m. The President presides over the Pope John XXIII Award for Kindness at the Palace, Valletta.
6 p.m. The President inaugurates the Final Year Engineering Projects Exhibition 2003 organised by the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Malta, Msida.

Thursday
10 a.m. The President receives Mr John F. Galea, honorary consul of Malta in Florida, USA, at the Palace, Valletta.
11 The President receives Mr Iain C. Dickie, Australian High Commissioner, on a farewell call.
6 p.m. The President and Mrs de Marco preside over the launching the Ball of the August Moon at San Anton Palace.

Friday
10 a.m. The President receives Professor Roger Ellul Micallef, Rector of the University of Malta, at the Palace, Valletta.
11 a.m. The President receives the president and committee members of the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association.
Noon The President receives Dr Francis Zammit Dimech, Minister of Tourism.
7 p.m. The President presides over the Gold Award ceremony of the President's Award at Neptune's Courtyard, the Palace, Valletta.
7.30 The President and Mrs de Marco attend a reception hosted by the US Ambassador and Mrs Gioia on the occasion of the 227th anniversary of American Independence on board the USS La Salle.
8.45 The President attends an activity organised by the Nadur council and unveils a monument by John Grima at Gnien il-Kunsill.

Saturday
8.45 a.m. The President attends Mass on the occasion of the 189th anniversary of the Police Force, at the Police General Headquarters, Floriana.
10 The President views the march past by the Malta Police on the occasion of Police Day at St George's Square, Valletta.
8 p.m. The President attends a reception hosted by the Minister of Justice and Home Affairs and the Commissioner of Police on the occasion of Police Day at the Police Academy at Fort St Elmo, Valletta.

For your diary

Chess lessons are being organised tomorrow at the Capuchins' church Youth Centre in Floriana.

Ward u Zghar is organising a get-together at the Centru Hidma Socjali, St Venera, on Wednesday at 7 p.m. The group is organising a karaoke night at the Carolina Hotel, Bugibba, on Friday at 8.15 p.m.

The Dorothean ex-Alumnae Association is organising a summer barbecue at Villa Arrigo, Naxxar, on Thursday at 8.30 p.m. For bookings phone 2137-1024 or 2143-1881.

The Singles Social Circle is organising a Comino boat trip, followed by a night picnic, on Friday. The group will meet in front of the Solimar Hotel in Mtarfa at 8.45 p.m. Bookings should be made by Wednesday.

The Teresian Spirituality Centre is organising a three-day seminar in Italian on "The Theology of Therese of Lisieux, Doctor of the Church", from Friday to Sunday, and a talk in Italian entitled "I had such a great confidence in Jesus' infinite mercy", on July 14, both led by Fr Francois-Marie Lethel, OCD. For more information phone 2165-1268 or 2182-2343.

The Holy Family Home for the Elderly in Naxxar is organising a garden dinner on July 19, at 7.15 p.m., in aid of an extension to the premises to accommodate more residents and to create other service rooms.

Entertainment will be provided by Gemma Portelli, Ira Losco, Lynn Chircop, Julie Zahra, Ludvic, Miriam Christine Borg, Frank O'Neill, Antonello Persiano, Frederick Camilleri, Joe Attard, Joe Borg and Tonio Vella. Charles Saliba will be the compère.

For tickets, at Lm4.50 for adults and Lm1.50 for children, phone 2141-0015 or 2143-8025