Heard in the Hive

For the third year running, this year's St Tropez-Malta Classic Boat Race, know as the Bailli de Suffren (the Order of Malta and French Admiral whose name is synonymous with the famous resort), celebrated Malta's entry in the EU.

With the flag of Malta gracing the famed Place des Lices and the seafront near the Suffren statue, the first activity was the vernissage of two exhibitions by well-known Maltese photographers Anthony Mangion and Daniel Cilia, at the cultural centre of the town hall.

The exhibitions, which were jointly inaugurated by the mayor of St Tropez, Dr Jean Michel Couve, and by the Maltese Ambassador to France, Professor Salvino Busuttil, were co-ordinated by the Paris office of the Malta Tourism Authority.

The previous evening, Dr Couve, as president of the French-Maltese Friendship Group in the French Parliament, welcomed three Maltese Members of Parliament - Evarist Bartolo, Mario Galea and Daniel Agius - at the town hall, followed by dinner in their honour.

The delegation, Ambassador Busuttil and Ernest Perez, Malta's honorary consul for the Nice area, were also guests of honour at the traditional Diner des Armateurs on the bastions of the legendary Citadelle, hosted on the eve of the start of the race by the Commodore of the race, Henri-Christian Schroeder.

During dinner, Professor Busuttil presented the Phocea cup, on behalf of Mme Mouna Ayoub, who was unavoidably absent, and the Fondation de Malte medal, on behalf of Dr Jean-Michel Couve.

In turn, Jean Bombin, president of the European Commission of the General Council of the region, conferred the Medal of Europe on the Maltese ambassador.

Later in the evening, Dr Couve and Professor Busuttil were created Knights Corsairs by Count Pierre Hugo, great-grandson of the famous writer Victor Hugo.

On the day of the boat race, Dr Couve and Ambassador Busuttil laid wreaths at the foot of the Bailli de Suffren statue. They were accompanied by Mr Bartolo, MP, and Mr Agius, MP, and Fr Michael Hayes, the Welsh parish priest of St Tropez, who then blessed the boats before they weighed anchor to sail to Malta via Corsica and Sicily.

Doris Cusens is second Baileys Woman of the Year

Doris Cusens has been voted Baileys Woman of the Year 2004. Anthony Miceli Demajo, managing director of M. Demajo (Wines & Spirits) Limited presented the trophy, an original commission handcrafted by Mdina Glass, together with a cheque to Mrs Cusens during a gala dinner held at the Radisson SAS Hotel in St Julian's last Friday week.

The monetary gift of Lm500, to be donated to a charity of Ms Cusens' choice, will go to Dar Merhba Bik and YMCA.

In his address, Mr Miceli Demajo said Malta was the first export market for Baileys original Irish liqueur in 1975 when the company imported 30 cases. It is now at the forefront in the market and a measure of its success is the number of look-alike products on the local market.

The qualities of the Baileys Woman of the Year nominees required them to be Maltese women over 18 who with grace and good humour, contribute to Maltese society, business, theatre and the arts, health, education, fashion and philanthropic activities, emulating Baileys' image of conviviality, indulgence and sensuality. The other nominees for this award were Marlene Mizzi, Andrea Cassar and Monica Attard.

The judging panel was composed of Claire Agius, Gianni Zammit, Christine Debono (Baileys Woman of the Year 2003), Ariadne Massa and John Demanuele.

Reacting to her selection, Mrs Cusens said she never thought she would make it. Had she been nominated 20 years ago, it would have been another matter but she saw herself as "acqua passata".

Speaking to The Sunday Times last week, she thanked those who nominated her for the award, those who voted for her and all those who had wished her well, including her many tourist guide colleagues.

The winning participant from the public, Mrs A. Cacciattolo, was also awarded for having correctly guessed the winning candidate and for creating the best Baileys slogan: Women love Baileys because... it leaves you with a taste of wanting more. He prize is a cruise for two around the Mediterranean.

A small replica of the Baileys logo 'Swirl' trophy was also presented to the other candidates to acknowledge their participation and nomination as Baileys Woman of the Year 2004.

The competition was a resounding success and enthusiastically received by the thousands of people who participated, whether by submitting votes for their desired candidate, by submitting a captivating slogan or simply by following the progress of the event.

Lions Club Mdina's 10th anniversary

Lions Club Mdina is ten years old, ten years of work in the service of persons in need.

Most members have been working for longer than ten years as Lionesses. After changes in the hierarchy of Lions International, the Lions Club Mdina was formed by the Lionesses who wanted to take up a more independent role.

Guests for the 10th anniversary gala celebrations were the presidents of the other Lions Clubs in Malta - Lions Club Malta (Host), and Sliema, St Paul's Bay and La Vallette clubs. Special guests were members of Lions Club Roma Claudia Gens, with which Lions Club Mdina is twinned. A number of new members were also inducted on the occasion.

A splendid dinner was held at the Radisson SAS Bay Point Resort, accompanied by lively music and dancing.

As a memento of this special occasion, ladies were presented with a lovely ganutel flower delicately hand-made by Lina Said, one of the long serving members of the club, while the men received a silver key chain to commemorate the club's 10th anniversary.

Following this most enjoyable evening, the club organised a champagne strawberry morning, an annual event connected with Mother's Day. This fund-raising event was held in the grounds of Ras Rihana, kindly made available by Chev. Maurice Mizzi.

Pringles karaoke at Bay Street

V.J. Salomone, local representatives of Pringles, together with the Bay Street events team and Net TV's L-Isfida contestants, recently hosted a karaoke night at the Bay Street Tourist Complex.

The show was presented by L-Isfida presenter and TV personality Claudette Pace, together with the popular entertainer Ginger.

The show kicked off with a song and dance presentation by the L-Isfida team, followed by a karaoke competition which saw a record number of entries. The competition was won by Micaela Attard, who won two VIP tickets to the Eros Ramazzotti concert. Other prizes included Eros CDs and Pringles T-shirts.

To participate, the contestants had to present two mini Pringles cans as well as choose their favourite song. Throughout the event the Pringles character served samples of the new Pringles bacon flavour to all those present.

The show came to an end with a lively performance of Claudette Pace's song Desire. In her performance Claudette was assisted by the L-Isfida team and all the participants.

Maltese-American Association celebrates US Independence Day

Over 100 members and guests of the Maltese-American Association celebrated the 228th anniversary of the United States Independence Day with a buffet lunch at the Seabank Hotel, Mellieha.

Erik Holm-Olsen, public affairs officer at the American Embassy was the guest of honour. In his speech, he said it was an honour and privilege to celebrate Independence Day with the members of the Maltese-American Association.

After lunch, Mr Holm-Olsen read the US President's Proclamation:

"On Independence Day we remember the names of Washington, Adams, Jefferson and Franklin as we honour their courage and vision; we are grateful the founders risked their lives, their fortune and their sacred honour to create an Independent America; we are thankful for this nation under God still free, independent and the best of mankind.

"America is the place of freedom and of opportunity; we are caring to our neighbours in need, and generous to the sick and struggling. We are a strong, decent, good-hearted country. On July 4, we thank the men and women who are defending our freedom serving in the United States military. In Afghanistan, in Iraq, and elsewhere, they are fighting terrorists that are threatening America and the civilised world. Our nation honours the brave men and women and their family for their sacrifices. Laura and I send our best wishes to all Americans for a safe and Happy Independence Day. May God continue to bless the United States of America."

Distinction for service to photography

Two veteran members of the Malta Photographic Society, Anthony Blackman and Carmel H. Psaila, were recently made of Honorary Fellows of the society.

This is the highest honour in the society's list of distinctions and is awarded to persons, not necessarily members of the society, who have made a significant contribution to the art of photography and to those who have been of outstanding service to the Malta Photographic Society.

The number of persons awarded this distinction is limited to a maximum of 10 at any one time. Mr Blackman and Mr Psaila are the fourth and fifth members to receive this unique recognition.

Anthony Blackman has been practising photography since the early Seventies. He has served on the MPS executive committee for many years, eight of which as president. A head of school, his favourite subject is nature and he works in different media.

Mr Psaila, better known as Lino, has been a member of the society almost since its foundation in 1961. He served for 32 years as honorary secretary and has been president for the past five years. He is traditionally a monochrome print worker but also practices other mediums in colour.

Mr Psaila's favourite subjects are character studies and architecture. He is a lecturer, international judge and exhibitor and has received other distinctions from many international federations.

Mr Psaila is a retired civil servant.

Italy Day reception at Lower Barrakka

Malta and Italy not only manage to cultivate strong political and economic ties but also share most of the cultural milieu that has characterised the Euro-Mediterranean region.

Speeches during Italy Day, organised on July 8 at the Lower Barrakka Gardens in Valletta, as part of the activities marking Italy's participation at the 47th Malta International Trade Fair, underlined the important synergies Italy and Malta can exploit for their mutual interests and for the region alike.

John A. Gauci Maistre, president of the Maltese Italian Chamber of Commerce underlined the important role it must play to safeguard all that the "Made in Italy" symbol represents worldwide. "The MICC must work to educate and assist both the business sector and the consumers alike in order to stress the importance of quality", he said.

Mr Gauci Maistre also urged the Maltese business community to work hand in hand with the MICC to start gauging and exploring niche opportunities within the micro-economies in Italy, since it has a very large network of institutional and sectoral contacts at the national, regional and local levels with expertise in the development of SMEs, which represent the core structure of the economic texture of the European Union.

"The MICC will strive to put into action the plan initiated by the administration under the previous presidency to further establish the Maltese Italian Chamber of Commerce as an inclusive point of reference, a one-stop-shop business point with a range of services for both Italian and Maltese entrepreneurs doing business in the two countries", Mr Gauci Maistre added.

The list of distinguished guests included ministers and representatives of the diplomatic corps. They were also addressed by Deputy Prime Minister Dr Tonio Borg and the Italian ambassador, Dr Alvise Memmo. They both mentioned the important links between the two countries and their role within the EU context vis-à-vis their commitment towards the development of the Mediterranean region.

Guests included Sicilian regional officials and officials from the provinces of Ragusa and Trapani, the local councils of Ragusa and Petrosino, the Tourism Office of Ragusa and ICE, Italy's Export Trade Commission, all of which had a stand in the Italian pavilion at the Trade Fair in Naxxar.

Miss Maltese Beauty

The 18th Miss Maltese Beauty Pageant, organised by Modelle International, will be held at the Reef Club, Westin Dragonara, on Friday.

Twenty-two contestants will parade in swimsuits, provided by Lady's Secrets Lingerie boutique, and evening wear.

Jewellery is sponsored by Classic Jewellers and Diamonds International.

During the event there will be a catwalk of swimwear and night wear by Rias of Embassy, Valletta, white Hot Couture will be sponsoring the first preliminary of the Miss Maltese Islands event.

Entertainment will be provided by Aceline Dance Company.

Other awards in addition to the main Miss Maltese Beauty title will be Miss Photogenic, Best Appearance and Miss Personality.

Other sponsors include Miguel Torres Wines by Paolo Bonnici Ltd, Eve Garden Make-Up, Got 2 be Glue, Cut Coiffeur Royale, and Fotoclassic.

Foreign Office has new Permanent Secretary

Ambassador Cecilia Attard Pirotta is the new Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She is the first woman to hold the rank of permanent secretary in the Maltese civil service and, though only 40 years old, brings to the post many years' experience of bilateral and multilateral diplomacy.

Mrs Attard Pirotta was most recently ambassador to Spain, one of Malta's major strategic partners in Europe and the Mediterranean area. Before that, she held various posts at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where she has been director for bilateral relations; head of the western and central European division; head of the economic and environmental division; and deputy head of the unit responsible for the Arab, Africa and Asia regions.

During her career, Ambassador Attard Pirotta has covered Mediterranean relations. She was Malta's representative to the senior officials' meeting of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership and the Barcelona Committee and tabled Malta's proposal on the Stability Pact for the Mediterranean.

She was also Malta's representative to the CSCE, the predecessor of the present-day Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe, where she was instrumental in the recognition of the organisation as a regional arrangement under the United Nations charter. She has also dealt with major international organisations, including the World Trade Organisation and the United Nations Environment Programme.

Ambassador Attard Pirotta has been a member of numerous high-level delegations and negotiating conferences. In 1988 she graduated BA Honours in Public Administration from Malta University, where she submitted a dissertation on "The position of the wife in Maltese family law". In 1991 she was awarded a Master's in Diplomacy by the Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies, where she submitted a thesis on "Subjects of International Law".

People

Dr Conrad Azzopardi, MD, was recently elected Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of London.

Dr Azzopardi received his secondary education at the Lyceum, Hamrun, and the Evans Laboratories, Valletta. He graduated Doctor of Medicine and Surgery from the University of Malta in 1985, and obtained the Licentiate of the Royal Colleges of Medicine and Surgery of Edinburgh and Glasgow in 1989, after furthering his studies at the University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

Dr Azzopardi underwent specialist training in general (internal) medicine at St Luke's Hospital, Malta, and obtained the Membership of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the United Kingdom in 1990. During his specialisation he obtained the diploma in immediate medical care of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.

Dr Azzopardi was appointed consultant physician in 1999 with joint responsibilities to the Department of Medicine and the Department of Primary Care. He is consultant in charge of the Lipid Clinic at St Luke's Hospital, honorary senior lecturer in Medicine at the University of Malta, and a member of the Medical Council of Malta. His main areas of interest are disorders of fat and glucose metabolism, cardiovascular medicine, preventive cardiology, hypertension and clinical pharmacology and therapeutics.

Dr Azzopardi is married to Dr Natasha Azzopardi Muscat, MD, M.Sc. (Malta), M.Sc. (London), MFPH, consultant public health physician and director for EU affairs in the Ministry of Health. They have a son, Aidan.

The President and Mrs Fenech Adami's engagements July 19-25

Tuesday
10 a.m. The President receives Croatian Prime Minister Dr Ivo Sanader at the Palace, Valletta.

6.30 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami preside over a Malta Community Chest Fund board meeting at San Anton Palace.

9 The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend a performance of the opera The Maltese Cross at Fort St Elmo, Valletta.

Thursday
11 a.m. The President is presented with a copy of the publication The Maltese Stamp Collection 1964 - 2004 by Joe Grioli and Robert Lake, chairman and CEO of Maltapost, at the Palace, Valletta.

Noon The President views the HSBC Turner at the Museum of Fine Arts, Valletta.

1 p.m. The President is presented with a donation in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund by the chairman of HSBC on the occasion of HSBC's fifth anniversary in Malta, at the HSBC head offices inValletta.

7 p.m. Mrs Fenech Adami presides over an August Moon Ball meeting at San Anton Palace.

Friday
10 a.m. The President views the restoration of works carried out at the Chapel of Italy at St John's Co-Cathedral, Valletta.

11.15 The President receives the Maltese contingent participating in the Athens 2004 Olympics accompanied by officials of the Malta Olympic Committee, at the Palace, Valletta.

8 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend a reception hosted by the Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt on the occasion of the National Day of Egypt at her residence in Kappara.

Saturday
8 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami host a concert by guitarist Simon Schembri in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund at Verdala Castle.

Sunday
9 a.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend a pontifical Mass on the occasion of the feast of St Margaret at the parish church of Sannat.

8.30 p.m. The President attends a reception hosted by the president and committee members of the King's Own Band Club on the occasion of the feast of St Dominic at the club's premises in Valletta.

For your diary

Ward u ZgHar is organising a picnic at Ta' Qali on Wednesday at 7 p.m. For more information phone 9947-2868.

The Holy Family Home for the Elderly in Naxxar is organising a garden dinner, in aid of a refurbishment and extension project of the building, at the home's gardens, on Saturday at 7.15 p.m.

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

A card party in aid of the Little Sisters of the Poor will be held at the InterContinental Hotel, St George's Bay, St Julian's, on August 4 at 10 a.m.

For bookings phone Blanche Martin on 2133-0387.

Malta wedding for French couple

Marcello Roudil, who is from Bordeaux, France, first became familiar with Malta about 15 years ago as an English-language student. Since then he has come to love the island and its people so much that a couple of years ago he was appointed honorary vice-consul for Malta in Bordeaux.

This year, to underline his special affection for the island, he went one further: he and his fiancée Florence Lafragette, whose family is in the wine business, decided to marry in Malta.

Their big day was May 27. The civil wedding ceremony was performed in the morning at the Embassy of France in Valletta by the French Ambassador, Patrick Chrismant, who also happens to be from Bordeaux.

The ceremony was witnessed by Adrian Said, a friend of the groom's.

This was followed two days later by a religious ceremony at St Paul Shipwrecked collegiate church in Valletta, officiated by Fr Vincent Borg.

A number of guests travelled from France for the wedding. Besides the bride's parents, Marie-Claude and Jean-Paul Lafragette, and the groom's parents, Jean Roudil and Danielle Lagrèze, they included Professor Salvino Busuttil, Malta's Ambassador in Paris, relatives and friends and business acquaintances from the wine business in France, including chateau owners.

The bride, who is a lawyer, joined the family business about four years ago. Her family are well established in Bordeaux, where they own three chateaux and have a spirits business in the USA.

After the church wedding, which was held in the afternoon, guests were transported by dghajsa to the Casino di Venezia in Vittoriosa, where a wedding banquet was held.

The couple, naturally, spent their honeymoon in their beloved Malta.

Lupi - Grech

Married recently at St Patrick's church in Sliema were Vanessa Lupi, B.Com., daughter of Joseph and MarieRite Lupi of Swieqi, and George Grech, son of Joseph and Pauline Grech of Qormi.

Nuptial Mass was celebrated by Fr Michael Farrugia. Caroline Tissot and Anna Maria De Giovanni acted as witnesses, while Alex Grech carried out the duties of best man. Letizia Zammit and Rachel Bartoli were bridesmaids, Emma Tanti was flower girl and Thomas De Giovanni was ring-bearer.

A reception was later held at Villa Marija, limits of Zurrieq.

The couple are spending their honeymoon in South and East Africa.

Camilleri - Debono

Married recently were Schevon Camilleri, daughter of Anton and Kate Camilleri, of Pietà, and Anatole Debono, son of Anthony and Ina Debora Debono, of San Gwann, at St Publius Church, Floriana.

Nuptial Mass was concelebrated by Fr Hilary Tagliaferro and Fr Joseph Borg Micallef. Miguel Debono and Daniel Davis were witnesses, while Neil Abela carried out the duties of best man.

Natasha Attard was maid of honour while Ilona Gambin, Anelise Camilleri and Valenteen Camilleri were bridesmaid. Abigail McCrae was flower-girl, John Blake was pageboy while Jake Stagno Navarra was ring-bearer.

A reception was later held at Villa Marija, Zurrieq. The couple spent their honeymoon in Mexico.