Monument to Qala educator

The Prime Minister Dr Eddie Fenech Adami, last Sunday unveiled a monument to educator and historian Anton Buttigieg of Qala.

The monument has been erected in a formerly abandoned area which was recently converted into an attraction by the local council, in collaboration with the Buttigieg family. The monument was designed by Salvina Aquilina, while Maryrose Caruana, daughter of Anton Buttigieg and wife of ceramist Gabriel Caruana, executed the bust.

The Prime Minister paid tribute to Mr Buttigieg's personal qualities including his firm values which he always tried to pass on to others. "Anton Buttigieg made every effort to practise what he used to believe in," he said.

An inspector of schools in Gozo, Mr Buttigieg was involved in a number of civil and government committees. He was also president and vice-president of the Gozo Civic council. Dr Fenech Adami stated that during the Sixties, Mr Buttigieg had spoken to him about the need of a form of government. This, he said, had influenced him to eventually establish local councils in Malta and Gozo.

Mayor Paul Buttigieg opened the ceremony by explaining what led the local councils to erect the monument. He said that Mr Buttigieg was known not only for his contribution towards the island but also for his work in Qala, having written a number of books on the history of the locality. The mayor also referred to Mr Buttigieg's involvement and in various cultural, social and religious committees, and how he encouraged the residents of Qala to take pride in their locality.

A biography and poem written by Anton Buttigieg was then read by his nephew Pierre Aquilina.

Josette Buttigieg, one of Mr Buttigieg's daughters, and the mayor then accompanied the Prime Minister in the unveiling of the monument which was covered with a flag of the locality.

A memento of the occasion was presented to Angela Portelli, a councillor for nine years.

Speaker Anton Tabone, Minister Giovanna Debono, Dr Tonio Borg, Minister of Justice and Home Affairs, Dr Francis Zammit Dimech, Minister of Tourism and Frederick Azzopardi, MP, and Dr Justyne Caruana, MP, were also present during the ceremony.