Heard in the Hive

Two hundred and seventeen years after Captain Arthur Phillip took charge of the New South Wales colony and became Australia's first Governor, Malta's President Eddie Fenech Adami said the two countries have a "mutual respect" for each other and enjoy a "special relationship".

President Fenech Adami was speaking at the Australian High Commissioner's residence in San Pawl tat-Targa, where the annual Australia Day reception was held last Wednesday.

Dr Fenech Adami said this relationship was special because over 150,000 Maltese were currently living in Australia - and added how proud he was of the Maltese community living there who had made him feel so welcome in 1977 when he first visited the country.

He explained that Maltese law had been changed in the past to allow Maltese immigrants to gain dual nationality and "feel both Maltese and Australian" - a multi-cultural policy that has benefited both governments and made it easier for immigrants to integrate well. But, he added, Malta would like to increase trade between the two countries.

Australian High Commissioner Richard Palk toasted the continuation of "cordial warm relations between Australia and Malta," and said that everyone at the event was honouring Australia with their presence and despite the bad weather there was a "warm Australian welcome inside!"

Mr Palk spoke about the successful bilateral arrangements currently in operation between the two countries including health services, a social security agreement and a working holiday scheme which his own daughter had taken advantage of, spending a year in Malta last year.

He also added that both countries have always supported each other whether in United Nations affairs or in the recent work he has been doing with the Minister of Rural Affairs and the Environment, "from protecting the great white shark to reusable shopping bags!".

He was happy to announce a recent $40 million contract between a Western Australian company and Malta and said trade between the two countries was mostly in primary products. He said he was always pleased at the large selection of Australian wines available in Maltese restaurants - Australia being the fourth largest wine exporter after Italy, France and Spain.

The guests, who included ambassadors, ministers, MPs, judges and members of the Church and arts organisations, had the opportunity to taste Australian produce from tasty cheese, succulent lamb and the newly imported Arnott's legendary biscuits, Tim Tams.

Although Mr Palk agreed with Dr Fenech Adami that it would be good to increase trade between the two countries, because Malta is now a member of the EU there are now trade restrictions which prevent this. Australia Day is the country's most important public holiday when Australians celebrate what's great about their country, their achievements and recommit to making Australia a better place.

Q Entertainment Productions to organise Miss Italia Nel Mondo

As from this year, the organisation of the prestigious and popular beauty contest Miss Italia nel Mondo will be exclusively in the hands of Q Entertainment Productions, under the directorship of TV personality Antonella Vassallo.

Details of the 2005 edition of the Maltese contest of Miss Italia nel Mondo were given on Thursday during a press conference at this year's venue, the Casino di Venezia, Vittoriosa.

The press conference was addressed by Q Entertainment Productions director Antonella Vassallo, Pyramid Productions director Anton Vella, and Casino di Venezia general manager Giuseppe Moscheni. Also present were last year's winner, Colette Debono, and Casino di Venezia marketing manager Marisa Grech. Q Entertainment Productions now holds the licence for the Maltese contest of Miss Italia nel Mondo. In the past years, the local contest was organised by Pyramid Productions.

Ms Vassallo, who will be assisted by Charmaine Falzon, winner of the 1993 contest, said: "I am honoured and thrilled to organise this year's Miss Italia nel Mondo Malta contest. Such an event is very prestigious and I will do my utmost to produce an event that will be remembered."

The Maltese contest of Miss Italia nel Mondo will be held on June 4 at the Casino di Venezia. The winner will then represent Malta in the international contest which will take place at Salsomaggiore Terme, Italy, on June 28. This year will be the 15th edition of Miss Italia nel Mondo.

Every year the show at Salsomaggiore Terme is exclusively broadcast live on Italian national TV station RAI Uno and RAI International. In fact, Ms Vassallo said that Miss Italia nel Mondo is the only beauty contest that is transmitted worldwide by RAI.

"This gives our Maltese representative worldwide exposure, not only in Italy," she Vassallo added.

Dubbed "the Olympics of Beauty", this international contest aims to bring beauties of Italian descent from over 35 countries together in one night, so as to elect the most beautiful international Italian girl.

While in Italy, the participants spend a full week of promotional and modelling activities that include photo shoots, interviews and rehearsals. The winner earns Lm3,000 worth of publicity and promotional contracts in Italy as well as VIP treatment throughout the whole stay.

Previous representatives of Malta included Colette Debono (last year), Mary Louise Caruana, Catherine Attard, Alexia Scotto, Claudia Calleja, Vanessa Mizzi, Melanie Cremona, Amanda Vella, Nikki Farrugia and Cristina Mezzapelle.

As in previous years, one of the event's main sponsors is Classic Jewellers, sole representatives of the brand Miluna in Malta, while the international sponsor of Miss Italia nel Mondo is Sasch.

During the press conference, details were given of the contest's regulations. Participants should either be Italian citizens who have been living in Malta for the past six months, or have Italian parental relations that go back up to the third generation (up to great-grandparents). All contestants should be aged between 17 and 26 years and must have basic knowledge of the Italian language. Past winners of the local contest can participate again, as long that they took part at least two years ago.

Moreover, it was announced that applications for Miss Italia nel Mondo will be available from tomorrow till February 28. The participation fee for contestants is Lm45.

More information on the applications can be obtained by calling 7990-9866 or by sending an e-mail to mondoit@di-ve.com.

Guido Lanfranco steps down as editor of L-Imnara

The committee of the Malta Folklore Society recently organised a reception in honour of Honorary President Guido Lanfranco who has stepped down as editor of the society's official publication L-Imnara after 25 years at the helm.

The Malta Folklore Society was set up in 1964 but the first issue of L-Imnara was published in 1978, with Mr Lanfranco as editor. This annual publication aims to encourage original research in local folklore by providing a rallying point for researchers to have their work published.

Maria Rosa Pisani, the society's president, presented a letter of appreciation to Mr Lanfranco for his long years of hard work as editor. Ms Pisani said that over the years L-Imnara has made a name for itself and is now very much in demand by students who consult the copies available in public libraries. L-Imnara is sent free of charge to the society's long list of members, which includes prominent names in the local cultural scene.

Ms Pisani promised that the Malta Folklore Society would strive to continue the good work started by Mr Lanfranco. L-Imnara's new editor is Guzi Gatt.

PHRF annual get-together

The annual party for physically challenged persons was recently held at the Rehabilitation Centre at Corradino, Paola.

The party is an annual event, which is attended by physically disabled persons who regularly attend the Corradino Rehabilitation Centre. Residents of Dar il-Wens, Kalkara, and Id-Dar tal-Providenza, Siggiewi, were also invited to attend.

On this occasion, the centre offered an atmosphere of music and entertainment by well-known singers and entertainers who performed entirely as a labour of love. Food and drinks was sponsored by various confectioneries.

Helen Sciberras, who chairs the fund-raising and social activities committee, on behalf of the Physically Handicapped Rehabilitation Fund (PHRF), saw to the smooth running of this annual event.

Among the guests present were Dr George Hyzler, Minister Dolores Cristina, Mr and Mrs John Hillman from the British High Commission, Paola mayor Raymond Attard, vice-mayor Stefan Zahra, Paola parish priest Fr Noel Vassallo, Fr Saviour Grima, OSA, parish priest of St Augustine's, Valletta, PHRF chairman Mrs G. Tabone, PHRF council members, friends, helpers and benefactors.

BoV renews support to the Valletta Alive Initiative

Bank of Valletta has recently renewed its support to the Valletta Alive Initiative. The bank and the lobby group signed a three-year business development. BoV is the official bank of the initiative.

The agreement was signed by Alan Cassar, executive head of sales at Bank of Valletta, and Paul Fenech, treasurer of the Valletta Alive Initiative.

Speaking during the signing of the agreement, Mr Cassar said: "Bank of Valletta is pleased to support the Valletta Alive Initiative. Our support continues to consolidate the relationship our organisation has with Valletta. BoV is not only a leading financial services provider with a strong business presence in Valletta. It also supports initiatives which enhance the attractiveness of Valletta, as a World Heritage Site and a commercial and cultural centre."

Mr Fenech said that Valletta is unique and that "the Valletta Alive Initiative is seeking to adopt a holistic view towards strengthening Valletta's infrastructure with a stronger sense of direction and better co-ordination.

"The city is very rich in history and culture and has been designated as a Unesco World Heritage Site. It is the main commercial centre in Malta and attracts over a million visitors each year. All these activities place intense pressures on the city's infrastructure, pressures which have resulted in undesirable side effects. The initiative aims at easing these pressures through infrastructural upgrading," Mr Fenech concluded.

Maltese lady in Canada celebrates 100th birthday

Josephine Debono, born on December 9, 1904 in Birkirkara, daughter of Grace Vella and Bartholemew Debono, celebrated her 100th birthday in Canada.

Mrs Debono was raised in Rabat where she and Anthony Debono were married on August 2, 1925 at St Paul's parish church.

Soon after, they travelled to Toronto, Ontario, Canada, where they had six children: Cecilia, Albert, Dorothy, Edward, Carmen and Louis. Josephine has one surviving brother, Paul Debono (Pappu), who still lives in Rabat.

Although born on December 9, Mrs Debono was baptised on December 11 and always considered that date to be her birthday.

Her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, relatives and friends gathered with her to celebrate the happy occasion.

The highlight of the birthday celebration was a visit by Milo Vassallo, consul-general of Malta in Toronto.

He presented Mrs Debono with a citation on behalf of President Eddie Fenech Adami.

Mr Vassallo also presented her with a book about Malta and a souvenir from Gozo.

Stendhal beauty adviser at Chemimart

Chemimart Group is welcoming to Malta Yvette Moretti, beauty adviser for Stendhal Beauty Products.

Ms Moretti will be at the Chemimart Beauty Complex in Republic Street, Valletta on Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to welcome clients to try the wide variety of beauty products available in the range. Clients are entitled to a free gift with every purchase of any Stendhal products made this week.

Born in Antibes, black-eyed Yvette Moretti has been working in this field since she was 27. She travels nine months a year around the world in order to transmit the qualities the brand has to offer.

Carnival activities

A grand masquerade Carnival ball in aid of the YMCA's Homeless Shelter in Valletta, is being held at the Malta Chamber of Commerce and Enterprise building in Valletta, on Saturday.

For more information phone Doris Cusens on 2133-3277 or 9949-7514.

Carnival activities at Gzira, organised by the Mount Carmel Band Club, will start on Saturday with a Carnival dinner dance and costume competition at San Antonio Restaurant, Marsascala. Tickets are available from the club or from Gzira Self-Service.

On Sunday, a Carnival variety show will be held in Stuart Street at 10 a.m., followed by a children's costume competition at 11. The mayor of Gzira will present trophies to the winners.

The St Joseph Youth Section of Kirkop is organising a fancy dress competition at the Kirkop primary school hall on Friday at 6.30 p.m. Competitions for different categories will be held with many trophies to be won. For more information phone 7909-1996.

For your diary

The Malta Historical Society is organising another lecture entitled "The Cartography of Valletta: Facts and Fiction", by Dr Alberto Ganado, under the theme "Rediscovering Valletta", at the Auberge de Castille (entrance from St Paul Street), Valletta, tomorrow at 6 p.m.

The International Wives Association is holding its monthly swap shop at Dar l-Emigrant, on Wednesday at 9.30 a.m.

A card party in aid of the Little Sisters of the Poor is being held at the Skyroom of the Preluna Hotel, Sliema, on Wednesday at 10 a.m. For bookings phone Blanche Martin on 2133-0387.

A sale of old and antique furniture in aid of various philanthropic and religious activities is being held at St Helen's collegiate church, Birkirkara, on Thursday and Friday from 5 to 7.30 p.m., on Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon and 4.30 to 7.30 p.m., and on Sunday from 9 a.m. to noon.

The Grupp Arkeologiku Malti is organising a visit to Marfa Ridge, including the cart-ruts sites and Latmija church, on Sunday. The group will meet near Mellieha church at 9.40 a.m.

The Singles Social Circle is organising a picnic at Dingli Cliffs (near Radar Dome) on February 10 at 11 a.m. Bookings by February 9. For more information phone 2142-1337 or 9947-7181.

Caritas co-operators are organising a day at the Corinthia San Gorg on February 11. There will be coffee at 10.30 a.m., a talk by Mildred Falzon at 11.15, Mass at noon and lunch at 1 p.m.

For more information phone Marilouise Mifsud on 2133-0471, Josephine Farrugia on 2132-0016, Mary Darmanin Demajo on 2131-3486 or Phyllis Ciappara on 2134-2910.

The Malta Floral Club is organising a card games party and lunch for members and friends at the Plaza Hotel, Sliema, on February 15 at 10.30 a.m. For bookings phone Lily Manduca on 2135-4160 or Monica Chetcuti on 2148-8089.

National conference, investiture of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem

This weekend has been particularly significant for the Maltese Lieutenancy of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem since it was involved in the national conference, organised in collaboration with the diocese of Gozo, which took place between Friday and today at the shrine of the Sacred Heart of Jesus parish church of Fontana, Gozo, which was consecrated 100 years ago, on January 29, 1905.

For the occasion, Cardinal Grand Master Carlo Furno officiated at the centenary celebrations held over the past two days, while this morning he is investing three new knights, Canon George Bezzina, parish priest of Fontana and rector of the national shrine of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, as knight chaplain, Carmel M. Scicluna and Carmel Zammit.

President Emeritus Guido de Marco is being decorated with the Grand Cross of Merit, while John Zammit is the recipient of the Silver Palm of the Order.

The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem (under the benign protection of the Holy See) was formally established in Malta as a Magistral Delegation in 1996.

On May 25, 2000 the Maltese Magistral Delegation was elevated to a Lieutenancy by Cardinal Furno. With the same decree, Comm. Victor Licari who had been serving the Order as Magistral Delegate, was appointed the first Lieutenant for Malta.

To commemorate the event and to mark the year of the jubilee, on October 27, Mgr Emmanuel Gerada, titular Archbishop of Nomentum and Grand Prior of the Maltese Lieutenancy, unveiled a plaque at the Commissariat of the Holy Land in Valletta.

The Maltese lieutenancy today comprises four ecclesiastical knights, 24 secular knights and five dames. Investiture ceremonies have been held ever since 1996 at the St Mary of Jesus church (Ta' Giezu) in Valletta, including one in 1999 which was held in Jerusalem. This time it has been a first for the sister island to host an investiture of the Order.

The President and Mrs Fenech Adami's engagements - January 31-February 6

Tomorrow
10.30 a.m. The President is presented with a donation in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund (MCCF) by Hoi Bolloi from proceeds collected during the performances of the pantomime Cinderella at the Palace, Valletta.

11 The President receives the president and committee members of the Malta Transport Association and is presented with a donation in aid of the MCCF.

11.30 The President receives the president and committee members of the Band Clubs Association and is presented with a donation in aid of the MCCF.

7 p.m. The President attends a lecture by Tony Meloto entitled "Total Human Liberation" organised by Discern at the Hilton Hotel, St Julian's.

Tuesday
10 a.m. Mrs Fenech Adami presides over an MCCF working committee at the Palace, Valletta.

Friday
10 a.m. The President receives the winners of the Ghaqdiet Sportivi Nazzjonali at the Palace, Valletta.

10.30 The President receives Anton Borg, president of the Malta Federation of Industry.

11 The President receives Kevin Attard, Business Development manager of Oracle Malta, and is presented with a donation in aid of the MCCF.

Sunday
10.30 a.m. The President inaugurates an exhibition of paintings entitled Women - Representations of the Female Form by Mario Cassar at the Millennium Chapel, Paceville.