Heard in the Hive

AX Holdings is planning to develop a four-star city business hotel in Tripoli, Libya. This was announced by AX Group chairman, Angelo Xuereb during a reception marking AX Holding's 30th anniversary.

The anniversary reception was held at the Valletta Waterfront and was attended by distinguished guests including the President and Mrs Eddie Fenech Adami.

Mr Xuereb said that over the years the group has grown and expanded in a number of fields and is now looking at international expansion.

"The agreement for the construction and operation of The Diplomat, a 90-room business hotel, has already been signed with the Libyan authorities and I look forward to the successful completion of all formalities to embark on its construction within the least possible timeframe."

This four-star, 12-storey hotel, which is being designed by architects Martin Xuereb & Associates, will be equipped with conference facilities and will include executive suites.

During his address, Angelo Xuereb looked back at the history of AX Holdings, pinpointing the various chapters and acknowledging that at a distance of 30 years, his was truly a success story.

Mr Xuereb said the future of the group looks bright with a number of challenging and interesting projects. These include the Libya hotel project, the revised development plan of The Verdala Hotel Complex, the extension of The Victoria Hotel and a new concept residential complex for the elderly in Naxxar.

Mr Xuereb also announced the setting up of the AX Foundation in view of AX Holdings' continuous support towards various cultural and philanthropic causes, with his wife, Jessie, as the foundation's first chairperson.

The AX Holdings Group chairman said: "Looking back at what we have developed and proposed, we can easily note that our principle core value is quality. This has led AX Holdings to launch its slogan 'True value through quality'."

Exhibition of oil paintings at Gallery G

Born in Malta in 1972, Simon Barthet attended the Malta School of Art, followed by a further three years privately tutored by his grandfather, the late Chev. Esprit Barthet.

Like his grandfather, Simon believes in the need for a disciplined background in painting to gain the freedom to branch out more adventurously. This discipline can be found in Simon's portraits and especially his still lifes, which also show his natural ability to interpret colour and form.

Simon's great love for nature has resulted in both realistic and more abstracted interpretations of his beloved land. This is Simon's first solo exhibition, although he participated in the 2001 Biennale of Art, Malta, and the 2001 Biennale of Art, Paris. Many of his works today hang in private collections.

Simon is married to artist Catherine Cavallo and they have a one-year-old son, George.

This collection together with artworks by other well-known artists can be viewed at Gallery G till October 16, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and from 9.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. on Saturdays.

Round Table (Malta) member elected president of international board

At the end of August, Round Table International kept its yearly appointment and held its annual general meeting during the World Council of Service Clubs. The venue for the meeting this year was San Jose, Costa Rica.

During this meeting Round Table International appointed its new board. The president for Round Table International 2005-2006 is Simon Cusens, a Round Table Malta 3 member. During the gala dinner, Mr Cusens was officially handed over his duties as president from his predecessor Tom Albrigtson, a Norwegian tabler.

Simon Cusens has been a tabler for a number of years and has held posts on both his Table Council and on the National Board including that of national president during 2002-2003. It is a great honour for the Association of Round Tables Malta that one of its members holds the highest post on the International Board of Round Table worldwide.

Accompanying Simon Cusens on the trip was Association of Round Tables Malta president John Messina and Ladies' Circle (Malta) president Kathleen Messina Flynn.

Round Table is a non-political, non-denominational association of young men between the ages of 18 and 40, embracing representatives of nearly every profession and occupation, whose objects encompass the encouragement of high ethical standards, the promotion of social intercourse and fellowship among young professional men, the quickening of individual interest in everything affecting the public welfare, and the promotion of understanding among peoples of different cultural, language and political backgrounds.

The Association of Round Tables Malta is a member or Round Table International and the World Council of Service Clubs. The main aim of the club is for young men from all walks of life to meet and socialise and in the process raise funds to give back to the community around them.

HSBC extends its support to IFS-Malta

HSBC Bank Malta plc has once again extended its financial support to the Malta Institute of Financial Services (IFS-Malta).

HSBC Bank Malta's chief operating officer Martin Wilkins presented the bank's sponsorship to the president of IFS-Malta Joseph Abdilla and Peter Calleya, who is responsible for PR and marketing of IFS Malta, who are both HSBC employees.

"HSBC Bank Malta has supported IFS-Malta in its activities for a number of years. We are pleased to once again assist the Institute of Financial Services in their mission of promoting and fostering professionalism among financial services practitioners," said Mr Wilkins.

Mr Abdilla thanked HSBC Bank Malta for its support. He said: "Through the provision of an array of educational services, IFS-Malta is the island's leading professional body and is committed to contribute to Malta's development as a reputable financial services centre. In today's continuously changing environment the institute's services are even more relevant to ensure Malta has knowledgeable, pro-active and flexible financial services professionals geared to meet and surpass the challenges ahead."

Maltese traditions shine at Epoka

The quality and variety of Maltese traditional cuisine, music, art and trades were enjoyed by thousands of visitors to Epoka, held last weekend at Valletta Waterfront. The success of the three-day event could lead to Epoka becoming an annual event within the historic and unique setting of the Grand Harbour.

"Epoka continued to build on the successes achieved through Festival Malta and the Valletta International Wine Fair. Throughout this summer, Valletta Waterfront has undoubtedly established itself as Malta's premier location for quality entertainment events," said Chris Falzon, chief executive officer at VISET plc, operators of Valletta Waterfront.

Visitors to Epoka were able to enjoy musical performances from leading acts such as Etnika, Ruben Zahra and Frans Baldacchino il-Budaj. Other performances included the folklore shows "Ghonnella" and "Peasant" by the Paul Curmi Dancers, as well as Hrejjef by Ruben Zahra, who was also accompanied by austringer Lawrence Formosa.

Visitors also had the opportunity to learn about lace-making, basket-making and weaving besides other Maltese skills such as stone sculpture and ceramics.

"In the coming weeks, as more outlets open along the waterfront, and with the completion of work at Forni Stores, Valletta Waterfront will be also be working hard to continue to offer Maltese and tourists more innovative events," concluded Mr Falzon.

Grand Priory supports Ethiopia project

The Grand Priory of the Maltese Islands of the Military and Hospitaller Order of St Lazarus of Jerusalem, under the Grand Mastership of the Duke of Seville, recently held a fund-raising buffet at the Four Seasons Restaurant at the Crowne Plaza in Tigné which was filled to capacity.  

This event is one of the many activities organised by the Grand Priory throughout the year to raise funds for various local and international charities singled out by the Hospitaller and Almoner of the Grand Priory.

The event received huge support from all the members and their guests and the lavish buffet in a casual atmosphere was thoroughly enjoyed especially since all proceeds are directed towards genuine and worthy causes. The guest of honour was Mgr George Grima of Moviment Missjunarju Gesu' fil-Proxxmu.

The Noble Marquis Consul, Chev. Anthony Zammit of Tiana, thanked all those present for their generous support towards all the activities of the Grand Priory. He also expressed his thanks to the members of the Council of the Grand Priory for their continuous tireless efforts in organising these social fund-raising events and all those present for their regular support.  

The Grand Prior then called upon Mgr Grima to receive a cheque as a donation from the charity fund of the order towards a new project in the village of Manjo in Ethiopia where Mgr Grima will undertake to build a complex that will cater for HIV sufferers and their families who have been outcast due to their unfortunate circumstances.  

It is planned that the Grand Priory of the Maltese Islands of the Order will continue to raise funds and contribute in aid of this humanitarian project. The cordial evening came to an end with the traditional raffling and auctioning of various prizes which had been kindly donated for the occasion by numerous sponsors.

Barbecue for Middlesea Group staff

Proceeds from a barbecue organised recently by the Middlesea Group Staff Union were donated to Id-Dar tal-Providenza in Siggiewi. The barbecue was held at the NSTS Aquacentre Beachclub in Qui-Si-Sana and was very well attended by staff and their family members.

Middlesea Group's management had words of praise for the staff and the organisers and commended their efforts in hosting a successful event in aid of charity.

Excellent results for tourism students

Three students recently obtained a distinction in the examinations of the Cambridge International College of UK - Alison Zammit Moore, Cornelia Elisabeth Camilleri and Josephine Vella - after following a diploma course in tourism and travel agency management.

The course was organised by Future Focus, the local affiliate for Cambridge International College in Malta, which runs courses in several subjects, including business management, sales and marketing, communications and professional English.

The tutor was Brian Bartolo. It is not the first time that Mr Bartolo's students obtained such high grades.

The course in tourism agency management helps students who want to further their studies by moving on to the honours graduate diploma programme and eventually to the bachelors and masters in business administration programmes.

For more details contact Rosanne Galea on tel: 2122-5884/ 2123-2556 or e-mail Rosanne.galea@future focus.com.mt.

Miss Model, Best Male Model contests

Preparations are underway for the fifth annual Miss Model and Best Male Model of the World (Malta) which will be held at the Radisson SAS Baypoint Resort, St Julian's on October 21.

Thirty contestants will be vying to represent Malta at the international finals of Miss Model of the World in China, Model of the World in Tanzania and Best Model of the World in Turkey for the male winner.

Official sponsors for the night are Paul Target Ltd, www.infashionmalta.com , Alexandra Palace Hotel and Intext Ltd, suppliers of fountains and plants. Other sponsors include Aquilina Products, Hairoscope and Art Deco.

For ticket information call 2138-5667, 9944-5783 or 7905-5638.

People

ING. MARCO CREMONA, a freelance water treatment engineer and environmental consultant with Sustech Consulting, was recently awarded a scholarship for a one-week intensive training course in As, Norway, on ecological sanitation in developing countries.

The scholarship was hosted by the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (UMB) and sponsored by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Recycling has become a main principle in modern sustainable waste handling strategies. Scientists have long known that the water and sanitary systems in rich countries are not sustainable and that waste-water and critical elements for plant production must be recycled. Today new systems are being developed that give the equal or better comfort and health protection, reduce the water consumption by more than 50 per cent and facilitate the complete recycling of plant nutrients for agricultural production. The systems can also produce soil amendment and energy from bio-resources.

The course was attended by over 40 participants from Africa, Europe, Asia, South America and the former Soviet Union states. Participants included consulting engineers, NGO personnel (field and administrative), public officials (health and foreign service), research scientists, and students from various disciplines.

Case-studies were presented by sanitation specialists, followed by analysis of associated issues - both technical and social. Participants gave presentations of ecosan work being carried out in their own countries.

Ing. Cremona gave a presentation on the work carried out by his company in promoting anaerobic digestion in Malta - a process by which electrical energy and heat can be produced from waste and animal manure.

Ing. Cremona's participation in this course was in preparation of the voluntary work he plans to carry out in the tsunami-hit areas in Sri Lanka next month. Ing. Cremona and Dr John Mangion are being sponsored by the Maltese Government Tsunami Relief Fund to provide their expertise in water treatment and water resource management to improve the water supply and sanitation infrastructure in Sri Lanka. The two water experts will present their work in a report to be forwarded to international aid agencies working in Sri Lanka and to the Sri Lankan government.

In 2001, Ing. Cremona carried out infrastructure development work in Nairobi as a volunteer with the Mission Fund.

Dr PHILIP SPITERI, MD, DOMS, FAMS Ophth. (Wien), FICS, has been elected Fellow of the European Board of Ophthalmology in Paris.

The award ceremony was held at the Le Palais des Congres de Paris in May, and the Diploma was awarded by gowned officers of the European Board and board of examiners.

This fellowship represents a level of excellence in ophthalmology and is designed to assess the knowledge and clinical skills requisite to the delivery of a high standard of ophthalmic care both in hospitals and in independent clinical practices.

Dr Spiteri graduated from the University of Malta as Doctor of Medicine and Surgery in 1984. He furthered his studies in ophthalmology at the University of Vienna Medical Faculty and received his Specialist Degrees in 1992.

He recently furthered his studies of glaucoma at Hanusch Krankenhaus, Vienna and at Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University, New York.

Dr Spiteri is the son of the late Mr Joseph Spiteri and Mrs Mary Anne Spiteri. He is married to Connie and has three sons, Philip Jnr, Matthew and Andrew.

He is a registered ophthalmologist and works in private practice.

Maltese guest speaker at Baltic congress

Dr Lawrence Scerri, chairman of the Department of Dermatology and Venereology at Sir Paul Boffa Hospital, recently returned from Vilnius, Lithuania where he took part in the fifth congress of the Baltic Association of Dermatology and Venereology.

Dr Scerri was guest invited speaker during the main plenary session on the first day of the congress, along with other leading dermatologists from the international scene. His lecture dealt with new strategies in the topical treatment of psoriasis.

The Baltic Association of Dermatology and Venereology represents dermato-venereologists from Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, and holds an annual congress, which attracts a high number of dermato-venereologists from the Baltic States and surrounding regions.

Dr Scerri is a board director at the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, and is vice-president of the Maltese Association of Dermatology and Venereology.

ARAD awarded to dance teacher

Astrid Gollcher, RAD T.Dip, AISTD Dip., has been awarded the ARAD after she successfully obtained a merit in her Royal Academy of Dance Advanced Two Ballet Examination last January.

With over 15,500 members spread across 82 countries, the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) is one of the largest and most influential dance education and training organisations in the world.

The Advanced Two examination of the RAD is the culmination of a dancer's training, a stepping stone to joining a professional dance company, as it is a dancer's and performer's examination. The ARAD is awarded to dancers who have trained in the RAD method and have completed their training up to the highest level - Advanced Two level.

Ms Gollcher started her dance training at the age of five at the Lilian Attard Dance School, and moved on to Dance Academy under the guidance of Ingrid Desira Buttigieg, B.Phil. (Hons), RAD T. Dip., at the age of 13 to further her dance studies in classical ballet, modern and Spanish. She successfully sat for her higher grades examinations and vocational examinations, both in classical ballet, as well as modern theatre, up to Advanced Two.

In 1998 she obtained her teaching certificate and furthered her dance studies both in classical ballet and modern dance by attending various courses in England and Italy. In 2000 she obtained her modern theatre associate in the UK.

Ms Gollcher now heads the Modern and Jazz Faculty at Dance Academy, which prepares students for international modern and jazz examinations of the ISTD, and also assists in the Classical Ballet Faculty. She teaches all students in both faculties up to Advanced Two level.

Dance Academy, established in 1987, trains dancers through artistic, aesthetic and cultural education, and developing versatile, individual dancers.

For more information contact Ms Gollcher on astrid@keyworld.net.

Live music at The Labyrinth

The Labyrinth 1586 (bistro, wine bar and club) is launching its Acoustic Friday Nites with a party next Friday at 10 p.m. This event aims to become a weekly feature at The Labyrinth. Jazz, blues and rock events on different evenings of the week will be bringing live entertainment in Valletta to new levels in winter.

The Labyrinth is introducing the incredibly talented Canadian singer and songwriter David Ellul as the resident artist on Acoustic Fridays. David's repertoire is extensive and ranges from blues to rock and soft rock with some impressive mod-folk numbers of his own that are reminiscent of Bruce Cockburn, Three-chord Gord and Greg Mcpherson with some superb interpretations of well-known covers by BB King, The Who and Neil Young. David, and The Labyrinth, aim to encourage new and upcoming talent by inviting musicians and vocalists to participate on stage throughout the evenings.

This open-door concept being introduced by The Labyrinth management is already being met with enthusiasm among artists. Musicians are invited to call at The Labyrinth with or without their instruments to jam with well-known artists from week to week.

Acoustic Fridays at The Labyrinth is promoting selected fine wines and spirits from well-known cellars at exclusive prices, while the restaurant will be offering the infamous Labyrinth T-Bone Steak Special and a selection of specially prepared mouth-watering wraps.

For more information on Acoustic Fridays and other live entertainment evening call 9947-5841, 9949-3318 or 7903-2843 or e-mail: marcmusc@waldonet. net.mt.

Westin Dragonara Resort, Starwood aid Katrina victims

"What can we do to help in the relief efforts of the Gulf Coast?" has been the question on everyone's minds in the Starwood Properties in Los Angeles. Many of Starwood's own employees in New Orleans are affected by this catastrophe and something needs to be done to offer support and relief.

Instead of sending a cheque, Starwood is organising a live and silent auction to raise $100,000 to send to the American Red Cross Hurricane Disaster Relief Fund, at the W Los Angeles Hotel on Thursday around the glamorous pool with an anticipated attendance of 500 distinguished guests.

For this event, The Westin Dragonara Resort is donating a seven-day voucher on half-board basis including airport transfers in a deluxe room for two as well as a two more vouchers, each offering a three-night stay in the newly launched Dragonara Luxury Bay Suites, including airport transfers and lavish buffet breakfast.

These vouchers will be auctioned in this fund-raising event with other stylish vacation getaways all around the world as well as unique items like a piece of the Berlin Wall.

The auction will not be the only aid to the hurricane's victims. Starwood Preferred Guest, the loyalty programme of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc., is giving members who donate $50 or more to the Red Cross or Starwood Hurricane Relief Fund a one-time award of 500 Starpoints.

Donations to the Starwood Relief Fund will directly benefit the affected valued Starwood associates from the Sheraton New Orleans, W New Orleans and W French Quarter hotels as well as relief agencies.

For more information visit www.spg.com .

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

Tomorrow
10.30 a.m. The President receives Wu Guanzheng, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee of the People's Republic of China, at the Palace, Valletta.
11 The President presides over a meeting of the Commission for the Administration of Justice at the Palace, Valletta
7 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend a discern lecture on Globalisation: A Challenge for the Church by Fr Michael Campbell-Johnston, SJ, at the SAS Radisson Bay Point Resort, St Julian's.

Tuesday
9.30 a.m. The President is presented with the letters of credence by French Ambassador Jean-Marc Rives at the Palace, Valletta.
10.30 The President is presented with the letters of credence by Egyptian Ambassador Abdel Karim M. Soliman.
11.30 The President is presented with the letters of credence by Stavros Epaminondas, High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus.
1.30 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami host a luncheon in honour of the newly accredited ambassadors of France and Egypt and the High Commissionner of Cyprus at Verdala Castle.

Wednesday
10 a.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend a pontifical Mass on Independence Day at St John's Co-Cathedral.
Noon The President attends the wreath-laying ceremony at the Independence Monument, Floriana.
7 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend the Independence Day concert at the Palace, Valletta.
8.30 The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend a reception hosted by the Prime Minister and Mrs Gonzi on the occasion of Independence Day at the Upper Barrakka Gardens.

Friday
9.45 a.m. Mrs Fenech Adami presides over a committee meeting of the Malta Community Chest Fund at the Palace, Valletta.

Saturday
8.30 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami host a reception in honour of the Battle of Malta Veterans at Verdala, Castle.

Sunday
5.40 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend the wreath-laying ceremony on the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Malta at the War Memorial, Valletta.

For your diary

The Mission Fund is organising a clearance sale at ex-Sperry, Labour Avenue, Naxxar, from tomorrow to Wednesday. For more information phone 2141-3664.

A sale of antique furniture is being held at St Helen parish centre, Birkirkara, from Thursday to October 2. Opening hours: Thursdays and Fridays from 5 to 7.30 p.m., Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon and from 4.30 to 7.30 p.m., and Sundays from 9 a.m. to noon.

The Liturgical feast of St Pio of Pietrelcina is being celebrated in the Holy Trinity parish, Marsa, on Friday. Rosary will be said at 6 p.m., followed by Mass at 6.30 p.m. led by Mgr Eucharist Sultana and spiritual directors of the prayers groups.

Former Dockyard shipwrights (1955 entry) are invited for a reunion on the occasion of their 50th anniversary of starting as shipwright apprentices, on October 5. Mass will be celebrated by Fr Alfred Darmanin, a member of that group, followed by dinner at a restaurant. For more information phone Nicholas Baldacchino on 2148-8068 by September 26.