Heard in the Hive

That the French Ambassador, Patrick Chrismant, is an accomplished polyglot there is no doubt. Among the many languages he has mastered is Maltese, which he picked up from his Maltese nanny as a child in Morocco. Even so, the hundreds of guests attending the annual Quatorze Juillet reception at the ambassador's residence in Zebbug on July 14 were astonished by the ambassador's remarkable linguistic tour de force.

M. Chrismant in fact spoke excellent Maltese, English and Italian - besides his native French, of course - while addressing the guests, who were led by President and Mrs Fenech Adami.

The Residence de France, with two smartly dressed gendarmes greeting the guests, was decorated with the Tricolor in various forms and its sprawling garden illuminated with colourful lights. However, it could barely hold the many guests, who included ministers, MPs, ambassadors, academics, teachers and senior students of French, people from various sectors, and members of the French community.

In the main part of his speech, which he gave alternately in Maltese, English and French, Ambassador Chrismant said "the highest authorities" in France had admired the way President Fenech Adami, as prime minister, together with then Foreign Minister Joe Borg, now EU Commissioner, had conducted Malta's European Union membership negotiations. The baton has now been passed to Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and Foreign Minister Michael Frendo, who at the last IGC had shown again that Malta could reach its objectives.

He said France last year confirmed its position as Malta's leading trade partner for the third year running; it was the third leading importer of Maltese goods and the second largest exporter to Malta.

M. Chrismant said he was pleased to note that a number of Maltese ministers spoke "perfect French", including Dr Frendo, Censu Galea, Jesmond Mugliett and Parliamentary Secretary Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici.

Indeed, French language courses were becoming more popular, with the number of students attending summer courses in Gozo, for example, almost double that of last year.

But Maltese too is being picked up by the French. The embassy was aiming at having the Maltese language taught very soon in French universities as part of the curriculum of Semitic languages; however, the Foreign Ministry has financed the publishing a series of documents in French on Maltese political social and diplomatic life in the 18th century, namely the letters sent by Abbé Boyer to the Ambassador of the Order to the Holy See, which helps to understand the Mannarino rebellion of 1775.

This erudite work has been edited and commented by Professor Alain Blondy, of the Sorbonne, an authority on Maltese history, whom the Ambassador invited to present a copy to President Fenech Adami.

M. Chrismant then addressed four guests in particular. He began with the British High Commissioner and Mrs Vincent Fean, since Britain and France this year were celebrating the first centenary of the Entente Cordiale. "Franco-British friendship constitutes a happy complement to the solid links created with our other neighbours, foremost among them Germany, vivid symbol of the heartiest reconciliation between the nations of our continent", he said. He thanked Vincent and Ann Fean for their personal contribution in making this friendship so very well reflected in the relations between the two embassies.

The French Ambassador then turned to his cultural counsellor, Anne Lewis-Loubignac, who will be leaving Malta after four years. He thanked her for organising so many cultural events of such high standard, including the cycle of "dazzling lectures" about French influence on Maltese history, and the Fête de la Musique marking the beginning of summer on June 21, held for the first time in Malta this year.

The fourth personality to whom he wanted to pay homage was the director of the Italian Cultural Institute, Dr Rosanna Cravenna, who was about to leave Malta after six years. Speaking in Italian, the Ambassador said he admired not only the activities of the Institute, but even more Dr Cravenna's erudition, elegance, kindness and propensity to listen, to understand and to explain.

The two ladies, M. Chrismant said, were sad to leave Malta, because the island was one of the most beautiful and interesting in the world; "it is a country we all admire and love deeply", he said to loud applause before going on to propose a toast to President and Mrs Fenech Adami, to the prosperity of the people of Malta and Gozo, and to even closer relations between France and Malta.

Replying in English and Maltese, President Fenech Adami said that July 14 was not only the national feast of France but also a universal feast since it was an affirmation of democracy and fundamental human rights.

He recalled that at the Nice EU summit, when as Prime Minister he was informed that Malta would be given only four seats in the European Parliament, he had faxed President Chirac, insisting on five seats. The next day M. Chirac informed him that Malta would be getting five seats. (In June it was decided that Malta would be getting six seats as from 2009).

Dr Fenech Adami said that when exchanging views with the French President they were in agreement on many issues, since Malta and France shared a common vision. President Chirac has a vision for the European Union, which was still in formation. He was sure the French President's input will continue to realise the vision of the Founding Fathers of Europe.

That very day, he continued, President Chirac had announced the holding of a referendum in France on the EU Constitution. All agreed that we should make the best use of the EU. President Chirac had also said that everyone agreed with the EU's economic stability pact but one had to look first at the well-being of all citizens.

Thanking the Ambassador for his kind words, President Fenech Adami said he admired M. Chrismant's command of Maltese. Unfortunately in his time he had to choose between Latin and French. He does not regret studying Latin, but he regrets not studying French, he said.

The President praised the Ambassador's efforts to promote trade, economic and cultural relations between the two countries. He then proposed a toast to President Chirac and to friendship between the people of France and Malta.

1984 medical graduates celebrate

Medical doctors who graduated from the University of Malta in 1984 held their 20th anniversary reunion recently.

The evening started with a thanksgiving Mass by Fr Hilary Taglia-ferro at the Mother of Good Counsel Church, Paceville. This was followed by welcome drinks and dinner at the Portomaso Suite, Hilton Malta, St Julian's, generously sponsored by AstraZeneca.

During the delicious dinner, a 20th anniversary directory (produced with the assistance of Servier) was distributed as a memento of the occasion, and a hamper was raffled in aid of the Andrea Spiteri Fund and of the Millennium Chapel.

After dessert, the doctors and their partners danced till the early hours of the morning to music from the Sixties kindly provided by The Quacks, including the vocals of Dr James Degaetano.

The lively and enjoyable celebrations ended on a high note when Dr Ramon Tonna on guitar and Dr Martin Borg on vocals joined The Quacks for an impromptu performance of Pink Floyd classics.

Thanks go to all involved in the evening's preparations, namely Dr Denise Gatt, Dr Mario R. Sammut, Dr Martin Borg, Albert and Annette Scerri, Mr Gordon Caruana-Dingli, Dr James Degaetano, Dr Horace Gatt, Dr Christopher Zarb, and Stefan Cassar from AstraZeneca.

A special mention goes to Dr Martin Francis Borg and Dr Mario S. Sammut who came from abroad (Australia and the UK) specially for the occasion.

Sixty out of the 80 medical graduates of 1984 were able to attend. These were: Dr Harold Abela, Dr Bassam Abo Shamala, Dr Francis Agius, Dr Marcon Ali (née Mintoff), Dr Andrew Amato-Gauci, Dr Albert Bezzina, Dr Martin Borg, Dr Martin Francis Borg, Dr Victor T. Buhagiar, Dr Victor Calvagna, Dr Robert Camilleri, Dr Victor Camilleri, Mr Gordon Caruana-Dingli, Drs David and Doreen Cassar (née Borg), Dr Pierre Chircop, Dr Marie Ciantar (née Farrugia), Mr Francis X. Darmanin, Dr James Degaetano, Dr Joseph Dimech, Dr Emanuel Farrugia, Dr Hermann Farrugia, Dr Bryan Flores Martin, Mr Mark Formosa, Dr Wilfred Galea, Drs Paul and Denise Gatt (née Micallef), Mr Ray and Dr Kathleen Gatt (née Abela), Dr John Gauci, Dr Michael Gonzi, Dr Marthese Licari, Dr Anthony Livori, Dr Julian Mamo, Dr Marcel Martinelli, Dr John S. Mizzi, Dr Stephen Montefort, Drs Adrian and Jacqueline Padovani (née Galea), Dr Anthony Pisani, Drs Mario and Edith Said (née Tanti), Drs Christopher Saliba, Drs Mario R. and Carmen Sammut (née Callus), Dr Mario S. Sammut, Mr Albert P. Scerri, Dr Eric Scerri, Dr Mario Scerri, Mr Mark Schembri, Dr Bernadette Spiteri, Mr Alec Sultana, Dr Myra Kay Tilney (née Gulia), Dr Joseph Tonna, Dr Ramon Tonna, Drs Pierre and Josanne Vassallo (née Spiteri-Grech), Dr John Xuereb Curmi, Dr Christopher Zarb and Mr Antoine Zrinzo.

The following 1984 medical graduates were unable to attend: Dr Dominic Agius, Dr Eugenio Azzopardi, Dr Mario Bonnici, Dr Anton Borg, Mr Ernest Ellul, Drs Gauden and Ann Galea (née Baron), Drs Horace and M'Louise Gatt (née Farrugia), Dr Abir Othman, Mr Marcus Pace, Dr Christian Pandolfino, Dr Anna Marie Said, Dr Dennis Schirò, Dr Philip Spiteri, Dr Adrian Sultana, Dr Stefan Sultana, Alberto Vella, Dr Raymond G. Xerri, and Dr Joseph L. Zammit. Those of the latter who are abroad sent their regrets and their best wishes.

Rotary Club Malta handover night

Tuesday, July 6, saw the traditional handover night of Rotary Club Malta. Rotary president 2003/2004 Dr Joe Pace handed over the responsibilities and position to the incoming president Frank Salt.

The good-humoured ceremony, accompanied by a PowerPoint presentation, took place at the Corinthia San Gorg Hotel, St George's Bay.

The presidential year 2004/2005 is also the centenary year of Rotary International. To commemorate this special year, Rotary Club Malta is financing an extension project at Dar il-Kaptan, the Respite Home for people with special needs at Mtarfa.

The project will cost about Lm40,000 and fund-raising efforts have already begun, and will continue to take place in the near future, to raise the money needed to complete the project.

Rotary Club Malta has looked after Dar il-Kaptan since its inception in 1989, and has recently raised funds to have the home fully air-conditioned to make life more comfortable for the clients using the home and also the dedicated people working there.

Dragonara Casino's 40th anniversary

A grand 40th anniversary celebration show was held outside the main entrance of the Dragonara Palace, St Julian's on Thursday week.

The show line-up included some of Malta's finest singers namely Ali & Liz, Fabrizio Faniello, Lawrence Gray, Karen Polidano, the YADA Dance Company, and Daredevil. Antonella Vassallo compered the evening.

The guest of honour was Mrs Alexandra Borg Olivier, widow of former prime minister Dr George Borg Olivier. She had spun the roulette wheel for the first time during the opening ceremony exactly 40 years ago.

Mrs Borg Olivier cut the celebration cake at the end of the show against a background of a colourful fireworks display and loud applause from over 2,000 guests present. A buffet and champagne was then served inside the casino.

This year also marks the fifth anniversary since Accor Casinos was given a management contract by government. Dragonara Casino today employs over 230 employees.

Children's Theatre Workshops at St James Cavalier

Bank of Valletta recently presented a sponsorship to St James Cavalier Centre for Creativity supporting theatrical activities and educational workshops for 1,000 children attending various Skola Sajf centres throughout the island.

Cliff Pace, head of Marketing Integration at BoV, presented the sponsorship cheque to Chris Gatt, general manager at St James Cavalier.

Speaking during the sponsorship presentation, Cliff Pace reiterated BoV's commitment to support educational activities meant to stimulate the imagination and creative abilities as well as team work among the children.

"We are very proud to team up with St James Cavalier on this educational summer project for children. As an avid supporter of arts and culture in Malta, Bank of Valletta is fully aware of the important role that St James Cavalier plays since it fills an important gap in our cultural infrastructure," he said.

Mr Pace added: "Our support towards this artistic initiative is in line with the bank's efforts to help children widen their appreciation of the diverse areas of art and culture from an early age. In this regard, the bank's Young Savers' Account mascot, Cikkurillu, also takes on the role of promoter of such an appreciation. Concurrently, Cikkurillu is also instilling an element of fun and humour in encouraging children to develop a savings culture from an early age."

The activities, organised by the Centre for Creativity Foundation, will be held throughout the summer months and will consist of three-hour sessions during which the children, directed by professional animators, will be exposed to different forms of art, including classes for expressive theatre, workshops about theatre lighting and techniques and a variety of other activities for children between five and ten years old.

People

Christopher Borg, BE&A (Hons), PG Dip. Env. Mgt, M.Sc. Env. Mgt & Plan., A&CE, has recently been appointed Director of Planning at the Malta Environment and Planning Authority.

Mr Borg, architect and planner by profession, received his education at the Archbishop's Seminary and at the University of Malta; he followed a post-graduate course leading to a Master's in Environmental Management and Planning.

Prior to this appointment, Architect Borg had served as a managing architect with the Malta Development Corporation and had recently been seconded for duty with Malta Industrial Parks Ltd.

Architect Borg had previously been employed by the Planning Authority as planning officer.

Mr Borg is a founding member of the Malta Chamber of Planners. He has also served as a member of the Development Control Commission between 2000 and 2003; for the past year he sat on the Planning Appeals Board.

He also lectures part-time at the Faculty of Architecture and Urban Design in Malta.

He is married to Helga née Schembri have a five-year-old son Gianluca.

Ray Fenech, LEA Dip Journ., RA (USA), FPS (UK), FIBA (Cambridge), who is from Balzan, was recently awarded a diploma by the Institute of Copywriting, UK.

Mr Fenech has been studying with the Institute for the past year. To obtain the diploma he had to achieve grades A-C in all written assignments.

The course was conducted by one of the institute's leading tutors, Richard Owsley, who is a professional copywriter for a UK-based specialist copywriting agency and who has written text for numerous commercials and annual reports for huge companies such as Ericsson, Vodafone, Bank of Scotland, and Marks & Spencer.

During his career as a writer, Mr Fenech has undertaken several other courses in the art of writing, including poetry, short stories, novel, essay, articles and journalism. Mr Fenech was automatically admitted as a member of the Institute on graduation and his name and profile published together with other professional copywriters on the Institute's Website.

The Institute of Copywriting acts as a focal point for copywriters. It provides training and aims to encourage awareness of the importance of copywriters. The institute believes that professionally written copy increases sales because it is more attractive and persuasive.

President and Mrs Fenech Adami launch August Moon Ball

President Edward Fenech Adami and Mrs Fenech Adami recently presided over the launching of the Ball of the August Moon, at San Anton Palace.

They were accompanied by the organising committee of the ball, which this year is being chaired by Alexander Caruana Soler.

The Ball of the August Moon will be held on Saturday, August 7, in the grounds of Verdala Castle in Buskett and as usual, all proceeds will be in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund.

Patrons of the ball will be treated to a gala dinner, prepared and served by Corinthia Events Catering, with live entertainment throughout the evening courtesy of the Quacks as well as the Police Musical Group and the band of the Armed Forces of Malta. Floral arrangements will be designed and prepared by Therese Sullivan and her team of floral artists.

Tickets for the ball, at Lm20, may be obtained from the offices of the Malta Community Chest Fund at the Palace, Valletta (tel. 2124-0568).

The committee is particularly grateful to Marsovin, the main sponsor of this event and also to Enemalta as well as other sponsors.

The President and Mrs Fenech Adami's engagements - July 26-August 1

Tuesday
7 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend a Pontifical celebration on the occasion of the golden jubilee of the coronation of the painting of the Immaculate Conception on Qala Square, Gozo.

Thursday
9.15 a.m. The President receives the Prime Minister at the Palace, Valletta.

10.30 The President and Mrs Fenech Adami present various donations on behalf of the Malta Community Chest Fund to individuals and charitable institutions.

Friday
8.30 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend the annual anniversary reunion dinner organised by Din l-Art Helwa at San Anton Public Gardens.

Saturday
10 a.m. The President receives the president and committee members of the King's Own Band Club on the occasion of the feast of St Dominic at the Palace, Valletta.

Maltese Carmelite leads Bolivian diocese

A Maltese Carmelite missionary, who has been serving in South America for 27 years, has been appointed Apostolic Administrator of the diocese of Tarija, in Bolivia.

He is Fr Albert Brincat, whose appointment was made by Pope John Paul II and announced by the Vatican Congregation for Bishops on June 2.

The Pope has accepted the resignation of the Bishop, Mgr Adhemar Esquivel. and during a ceremony held in Tarija Cathedral, Fr Brincat took his oath of office to lead the diocese until the appointment of a new bishop.

Fr Brincat went to Tarija in 1999 and was parish priest of St Roque. For the last three years he has also performed the duties of vicar-general of the diocese. Prior to this he spent 22 years in Colombia.

Fr Brincat was born in St Venera in 1942. He studied at the Lyceum and joined the Carmelite Order in 1957. He made his first profession in 1958, made his solemn profession in 1963 and was ordained in 1965.

He studied in Rome from where he obtained Licentiates in Theology (1965) and Sacred Scriptures (1969).

The Maltese Carmelite province has since 1956 been providing its services to the Church in Bolivia since 1956.

Borg - Galea

The marriage of Frances Borg, daughter of Mr and Mrs J. Borg of St Venera, and Joseph Galea, son of the late Carmelo Galea and Mrs Mary Galea, of Hamrun, was recently celebrated at the Good Shepherd Chapel in Balzan.

Fr Christopher Farrugia, OFM, Fr Raymond Calleja, OC, Fr Bernard Mangion, OFM Cap, and Fr Joseph Calleja, OFM Cap, officiated the wedding.

Mario Pace carried out the duties of best man, while Josette Saliba, sister of the bride, and Aldo Camilleri, brother-in-law of the groom, witnessed the ceremony.

Maris Camilleri, the groom's sister, was maid of honour, while Mandy Camilleri, the groom's niece, was bridesmaid. Wayne Camilleri, the groom's nephew, was pageboy; Janice Pace, the groom's niece, and Katriona Saliba, the bride's niece, were flower-girls; while Malcolm Saliba, the bride's nephew, was ring-bearer.

A reception was later held at the Westin Dragonara Resort, St Julian's. The couple spent their honeymoon in America and on a Mexican cruise.

Miss Malta departs for Asia

Reigning Miss Malta Dana Ben Moussa is off to Asia to participate in the 33rd Miss Intercontinental Pageant. The pageant will be launched in Düsseldorf, Germany, and will close with a grand finale in Hong Kong.

Participants from 65 countries will model in costumes designed by the producers of the Inner Mongolia Satellite International Broadcast TV Station, who will be responsible for broadcasting the Miss Intercontinental Pageant to an estimated one billion viewers. The participants will also take part in pre-assignments on German television station RTL, hosted by choreographer Torsten Galts.

Air Malta has expressed its support to Ms Ben Moussa, while MTA chief executive Leslie Vella presented an informative book on Malta and Gozo for her to present to officials in China. Miss Malta's gown for the event was designed by Charles Vella.

The Miss Intercontinental Pageant is Ms Ben Moussa's second opportunity after she has participated in the Miss Mediterranean Contest in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, in which she placed fourth and was awarded the Miss Personality title.