Observations from Gozo

The latest issue of the Gozo Observer (No 10-11), produced by the University of Malta Gozo Centre contains a number of interesting articles on the historic, artistic, and cultural heritage of our sister island.

Edited by Professor Maurice N. Cauchi and Joseph Calleja, the journal has consistently attracted excellent contributors.

The editorial stresses the need to protect the heritage of Gozo, with reference to the environmental heritage. Although the Xaghra dump was closed, the importance of keeping the people informed even "about the physical and natural environment which is so often taken for granted and abused" is also stressed.

George Said presents "A brief outline of the geophysical properties of the island of Gozo". Tectonic activity has shaped the islands, with two different rift systems controlling the tectonic setting of the islands. In Gozo a complex density of faults can be found in the south of the island, particularly at the south-eastern tip.

The central and eastern sections of Gozo show a younger erosion surface than that of Malta, with a dominance of channels draining north-eastwards. As the author concludes, '"these physical assets have conditioned the set-up of agricultural activity, the distribution of settlement patterns, and economy as a whole of the Maltese archipelago".

Rev. Dr Joseph Bezzina, head of department of Church History at the University of Malta, writes about "Five bells from the Knights' Ferreria at the Gozo Cathedral". The new set of bells inaugurated last year at the cathedral replaced five other bells which have been in use for the past 350 years. These bells were cast at the foundry of the Order over a period of time ranging from the 1630s to 1791. These historic bells have been rehabilitated and hung as a tourist attraction in the arched recess in front of the entrance to the cathedral crypt.

Professor Lino Briguglio, director of the University's Gozo Centre, reports on an international workshop on economic vulnerability and resilience of small states which was held between March 1 and 3 at the centre. Twenty-six experts from all Commonwealth regions participated and considered of particular relevance to small states and their inherent vulnerabilities. The workshop conclusions will be submitted to the secretary general of the UN for circulation as an official document of the UN.

Anton Farrugia, the librarian at the Gozo Cathedral Library, writes about the library which has been a very important cultural asset functioning for the last 23 years, while Dr Paul Xuereb reviews Joseph Bezzina's Qala: the village with valleys and views, the 24th in the Gaulitana series.

The second personal exhibition by Gozitan artist Mark Sagona, held at the Banca Giuratale in Victoria between January 24 and February 8 is reviewed by Joseph Calleja. Sagona, who is also an art historian, writes about "The ecclesiastical decorative arts in the Maltese Islands".

The article is based on the author's research leading to his MA degree in art history, where special emphasis was placed on the work of Emmanuel Buhagiar (1876-1962), one of the most important of local church decorators. He was especially popular in the southern parts of Malta and his work demonstrates a constant quest for originality.

Victor Galea describes "The 'social care' course at the University Gozo Centre", while Joseph Calleja, the administrator, gives a diary of the centre's activities which provide a first-class service to the island of Gozo. The centre holds degree/diploma/certificate courses as well as a rich selection of short courses and also occasional lectures and seminars.

The Gozo Observer can be obtained from the University of Malta Gozo Centre, Mgarr Road, Xewkija VCT111, Gozo, or viewed on http://www.gozo.com/ugc. The first six issues can also be obtained on CD from the centre (2155-8784).