The Malta committee of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) recently held its award ceremony which was attended by Urban Development and Roads Minister Jesmond Mugliett, and CILT international development director Dr David Maunder.

Minister Mugliett presented the certificates to the students who completed their Advanced Diploma in Transport Studies. The minister also presented membership certificates to 17 persons who were inducted as members (MILT), chartered members (CMILT) and chartered fellows (CFILT).

In his address, Minister Mugliett congratulated CILT (Malta section) for its endeavours in the promotion of training and education in transport studies. He emphasised the need that the transport industry and government agencies avail themselves of professionally trained staff for Malta to develop an enhanced end-quality product.

Minister Mugliett referred to the need to sustain recent investment programmes that could generate foreign investment and employment growths. He concluded by reaffirming his support to these training and development programmes.

While congratulating CILT Malta for its endeavours in its training programmes, Dr Maunder strongly recommended that the local section furthers its mission in establishing itself as an independent body that contributes effectively towards an enhanced industry.

CILT Malta chairman Charles Schembri thanked the CILT Malta committee members for their commitment and focussed on the need to receive the same level of support from government. He urged the government to instil a greater awareness of CILT accreditation in matters relating to employment in the transport and logistics sectors.

Mr Schembri also thanked the Foundation for Transport Studies that sponsors the CILT courses.

During the event, CILT Malta also launched its Website which is intended to provide a link between the institute and its members and with other CILT sections around the world.

CILT World, the monthly publication, will also be made available to members via e-mail. Information on training programmes and seminars will also be posted on the Website.

The next Diploma programme will commence in October. Interested persons may contact the CILT Malta secretary at ciltmalta@yahoo.co.uk.

The elegant Diplomatic Club in Cairo provided the ideal setting for the launch of the Egyptian Committee of CILT. The event, held on March 21, was chaired by Essam Sharaf, former Minister of Transport, who accepted to be the first chairman of CILT Egypt.

The guests included members of the diplomatic corps, leading industrialists and academics. Also attending was CILT International director-general Cyril Bleasdale and international development director Dr David Maunder.

CILT Malta, who contributed to the setting up of the Egypt committee, was represented by John Portelli and Alex Borg. Also present was Dr Richard Vella Laurenti, Malta's Ambassador in Egypt.

In his address, Dr Vella Laurenti spoke about the need to further strengthen the relationship between the two countries. He hoped that the good rapport established by the CILT committees in Malta and Egypt can serve as a catalyst to encourage stronger economic ties between the two countries.

Mr Bleasdale spoke about the development of the Chartered Institute as a respected professional organisation in the transport and logistics sector. Having a charter imbues any organisation with a responsibility to ensure that its members respect a professional ethos and are au courant with developments in the transport and logistics industry.

He wished CILT Egypt success in its endeavours and thanked CILT Malta for its support to date.

CILT International's work in Africa was outlined by Dr Munder, who was for a number of years the chairman of CILT's Africa Forum. He welcomed CILT Egypt and looked forward to their contribution in Africa.

Mr Portelli spoke about CILT Malta, its development and educational programmes. He reaffirmed CILT Malta's support to CILT Egypt. Mr Borg spoke about the educational programmes provided for existing and prospective members.

In his address, Minister Sharaf announced that a task force had been set up to outline the strategy for CILT Egypt. He was keen to see the implementation of educational programmes as these would surely benefit the transport and logistics industry and the Egyptian economy.

The event finished off with dinner at the Diplomatic Club, hosted by Dr Abul Rahman Awad, chairman of the Arab Africa Centre.

Benny Tufigno turns 80

Benito (Benny) Tufigno, renowned for his work as photographer for the past 60 years, particularly with the Department of Information and the University of Malta, has turned 80 on April 8.

Mr Tufigno specialised in taking photographs of statues and churches of which he has a great collection. He was married to the late Tessie née Bartolo and has six daughters and a son, and 11 grandchildren - Maximilian, Suniel, Martina, Angela, Stephanie, Jessica, Michela, Francesco, Luca, Julia and Wallace.

A surprise party was held at the house of one of his daughters, where he was joined by his brother and sister. Missing from the party were Monica, Maurizio and their son Max, who live in Italy, and another daughter, Marisa, who lives in London.

European Round Table 2 clubs South Africa meeting

SOME 12 Round Table 2 clubs from across Europe, from Iceland to Malta and many countries in between, held their annual Euro 2 meeting in Durban, South Africa, with the highlight Presidents Banquet - a black tie affair - being held earlier this month.

During the meeting Malta successfully bid to host the Euro 2 meeting in 2008 - quite an achievement considering that Malta last hosted a Euro 2 meeting as recently as 2002. These meetings are usually next held in the same country 10 or 12 years later.

Malta's club was represented in South Africa by RT2 2005/06 chairman Chris Vassallo Cesareo, and life member Tony Zahra.

The meeting was preceded by a three-day game safari to Hluhluwe Game Reserve Park and the St Lucia river in South Africa, with overnight stays in picturesque game lodges. The event itself included tours of Zulu villages and Durban City Centre with the actual meeting being held on April 1.

Commenting on the outcome, Mr Vassallo Cesareo said that the Euro 2 Malta meeting was an important and prestigious project which fitted very well with Round Table Malta 2's strategy. Membership had this year grown to 25 members and the newer members would be given the opportunity to take part in such a memorable event on home ground.

"There is a great amount of motivation within the Round Table Malta 2 team and I am convinced that this even will enable us to continue to raise much-needed funds for the various charities we support," Mr Vassallo Cesareo said.

St Martin's Institute sponsors ELSA Malta

St Martin's Institute of IT is the main sponsor of the European Law Students' Association (Malta) for the current academic year. This enables ELSA Malta members to be made aware of further study opportunities, namely the distance learning LL.M. offered by the University of London.

Charles Theuma, principal of St Martin's Institute, who presented the sponsorship cheque to John Ellul Sullivan, president of ELSA Malta, said the institute was honoured to partner one of the leading student bodies on the island.

Mr Ellul Sullivan emphasised that ELSA saw this as an opportunity to promote the different options available for post-graduate studies.

Moreover, the University of London's programme offered a unique option: students who have completed their BA Legal and Humanistic Studies are able to start studying for the LL.M. while completing their notary and LL.D. degree studies.

As the only top five-star-rated (by the UK government) law faculty to offer distance learning postgraduate law degrees, the University of London offers the most prestigious, wide-ranging and flexible distance learning courses available globally today.

Distance learning degrees have been offered through its external programme since 1858, and today there are currently over 34,000 students in more than 180 countries, studying for over 100 qualifications at postgraduate and undergraduate levels.

Currently, more than 1,500 persons from over 80 countries are enrolled in the Postgraduate Laws Programme for External Students, most while working full-time.

Persons who either have a law degree or a degree in any other field can enrol. This makes the Postgraduate Laws Programme ideal for lawyers who wish to upgrade their knowledge or specialise in a certain area of law, as well as business people who need legal knowledge as part of their career advancement.

An information meeting will be addressed by Dr James Busuttil, director of the Post-Graduate Laws Distance Learning Programme for External Students, at St Martin's Institute of IT on May 3 at 6 p.m.

Further details about these programmes may be obtained by sending an e-mail to infodesk@stmartins.edu.

International Harbour Masters congress in Malta

During the first week of April, the largest-ever gathering of harbour masters and port captains worldwide have met for the International Harbour Masters Association Congress which was held at the Hilton.

The aim of the congress, entitled "Safety, Security and the Environment - What next?", was to address topical key issues and to offer an excellent forum for learning and discussion, exchanging ideas and potential solutions, and general debate and improve networking.

Captain Richard Gabriele, Malta Harbour Master and congress chairman, welcomed the audience, while Competitiveness and Communications Minister Censu Galea open the congress.

The Corporate and Conference Business sector of Arrigo Group organised various cultural tours which highlighted Maltese history, culture and geographic beauty to the partners and their guests. In collaboration with the Malta Maritime Authority, it organised a rustic Maltese night as the congress dinner, which was held in Qormi.

Model of the World contest

Claire Mifsud has just returned from Tanzania where she participated in the Model of the World contest together with 85 other contestants from around the world.

Claire placed eighth and won the Ruaha National Park Award together with a return trip to Tanzania.

She modelled in national costume, swimwear and evening wear.

Her sponsors were Charles & Ron, Melanie's Hair Studio of San Gwann and Ray Ashley.

Vogue Model Management is the licence holder for the Model of the World competition.

US Congressmen visit Malta

Five members of the US Congress paid a brief visit to Malta on Wednesday While in Malta, the Members of Congress met Parliamentary Secretaries Tonio Fenech, and Tony Abela, and Brigadier General Carmel Vassallo, Commander of the Armed Forces of Malta.

The delegation expressed appreciation for Malta's hospitality during US Navy ship visits. The members of the delegation included Bill Young (Florida), Neil Abercrombie (Hawaii), Henry Bonilla (Texas), Rodney Frelinghuysen (New Jersey), and Kay Granger (Texas). The delegation's stop in Malta is part of a five-nation trip.

Winners of Veuve Clicquot Valentine promotion

OWEN AND Alison Sant'Angelo are the winners of an exclusive Valentine promotion held last February in 16 restaurants and wine bars around Malta by Veuve Clicquot.

Mr and Mrs Sant'Angelo dined at The Atrium restaurant at the Xara Palace Hotel in Mdina.

The prize is an unforgettable romantic weekend stay in Paris with a whole day and night's stay at Veuve Clicquot's very own Hôtel du Marc in Reims. The stay also includes a visit to Veuve Clicquot's vineyards and cellars as well as a fabulous dinner as Veuve Clicquot's guests.

David Micallef St John, wine manager at Wands Ltd, said: "Chefs of the selected participating restaurants and wine bars were asked to prepare a champagne-inspired gourmet dinner, consisting of finger food or a full-blown four-course dinner prepared to express the fine taste of champagne. On Valentine's Day guests were treated to the elegant and unique Veuve Clicquot experience."

"A visit to France's Champagne region is not complete unless one visits the historic city of Reims, and anyone fortunate enough to stay at the Hôtel du Marc, Veuve Clicquot's private chateau, will start off their tour on the right note," Mr Micallef St John added.

Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin is imported, distributed and marketed by Wands Ltd, a subsidiary company of the Farsons Group of Companies.

For your diary

The Malta Historical Society is holding a lecture in Maltese on Rabat and the Sea delivered by maritime historian Joseph Muscat at Ta' Duna church in St Paul's Street, Rabat, tomorrow at 6.30 p.m.

The Mission Fund, in collaboration with ACEF, is organising a grand clearance sale at City Lights Arcades, Valletta, from tomorrow to Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Mission Fund is also organising a books and plants fair at "Michael", Mgr Depiro Street, Hamrun, on Wednesday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

All funds will help relieve the hunger and misery of thousands of poeple in Third World countries. To donate items, contact the Mission Fund at 72/2, St Joseph Flats, Triq il-Farinal, Mosta MST 07, or phone 2141-3664.

The Malta Adlerian Psychology Association will be holding its monthly meeting at the Curia in Floriana on Wednesday at 6.30 p.m. The meeting is open to the public and will be a discussion based on the psychology of Alfred Adler. For more information about ICASSI visit www.icassi.com

A seminar on the Theology of the Body organised by Genesis 2 will be held at Mount St Joseph, Mosta, from Friday to Sunday. This seminar is of interest not only to married couples but also to all persons of all age groups who are seeking their calling in life or searching the true meaning of being human. For more information phone 2123-6767 or 9947-0680, or send an e-mail to genesis2@rgalaw.com.

The Richmond Foundation is organising a bazaar and car wash at Villa Chelsea in Birkirkara (near the old church), on Saturday and Sunday. New items at reasonable prices, including toiletries, stationary, books, plants, household items, detergents and soaps, tools, food and drinks, will be on sale. One can avail oneself of the car wash facility while visiting the bazaar.

A bazaar in aid of the missions is being held at "Kings", Tower Road, Sliema, on May 2-27, from 9.30 a.m. Big bargains on clothes, toys, white elephant gifts and books.

A card party in the Little Sisters of the Poor is being held at the Preluna Hotel on May 3 at 10 a.m. For bookings phone Blanche Martin on 2133-0387.

The Maltese Australian Association is organising a buffet lunch for Mother's Day, at San Anton Hotel, Bugibba, on May 7 at 12.30 p.m. For bookings phone Nick Bonello on 2148-6241, Paul Mamo on 2131-5191, Marlene Xerri on 2137-6276, Tammy Cilia on 2157-7545, Victor Borg on 2144-0807, Joseph Buttigieg on 2131-3718 or Joan Barbara on 2182-7948, by May 3.

The President and Mrs Fenech Adami's engagements April 24-30

Tomorrow
10 a.m. The President is interviewed by Rolf Hajek for Fortune magazine.
Noon The President presents credentials to Karl Xuereb, Ambassador-designate of Malta to China, at the Palace, Valletta.
7.40 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend a reception hosted by the Apostolic Nuncio on the occasion of the first anniversary of the pontificate of Pope Benedict XVI, at Palazzo Parisio in Naxxar.
8.15 The President hosts a reception for the participants of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association's 37th British Isles and Med. Region Conference at San Anton Palace.

Tuesday
9.30 a.m. The President receives Danuta Hubner, EU Commissioner responsible for Regional Policy, at the Palace, Valletta.
10 The President receives the Tunisian Minister for Women, Family, Childhood and the Elderly, Salwa Ayachi Labben, accompanied by Minister Dolores Cristina.
11 The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend the wreath-laying ceremony of ANZAC Day at Pietà Military Cemetery.
11.45 The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend a reception hosted by the Australian High Commissioner and Mrs Palk on the occasion of ANZAC Day at their residence in San Pawl tat-Targa.
7.30 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami host a vocal recital by mezzo-soprano Claire Massa accompanied by pianist Caroline Calleja at San Anton Palace.

Wednesday
8 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend a piano recital by Stefan Cassar hosted by the National Council of Women at the Casino Maltese, Valletta.

Thursday
9.45 a.m. The President is presented with credentials by Italian Ambassador Paolo Andrea Trabalza at the Palace, Valletta.
10 Mrs Fenech Adami attends the opening of the ganutell and lace-making exhibition at Sir Anthony Mamo Primary School in Birkirkara.
10.45 The President is presented with credentials by Japanese Ambassador Yuji Nakamura.
11.45 The President is presented with credentials by Lithuanian Ambassador Sarunas Adomavicius.
1.15 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami host a luncheon in honour of the newly accredited ambassadors of Italy, Japan and Lithuania at San Anton Palace.
7.30 The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend a reception hosted by the Ambassador of The Netherlands and Mrs Heidsma on the National Day of The Netherlands at their residence in Ta' Xbiex.

Friday
10 a.m. Mrs Fenech Adami presides over a Malta Community Chest Fund working committee meeting at the Palace, Valletta.
10 The President pays an official visit to the Customs Department at Customs House in Lascaris, Valletta.
1 p.m. The President hosts lunch for members of trade unions on Workers' Day at San Anton Palace.

Saturday
10 a.m. The President launches the Mdina Master Plan at Vilhena Palace, Mdina.

Sunday
9.15 a.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend a pontifical high Mass on the feast of St Publius at the parish church in Floriana.
11.30 The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend the annual reception hosted by the Vilhena Band Club on the feast of St Publius.
9 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend a reception hosted by the Prime Minister and Mrs Gonzi on the second anniversary of Malta's membership of the European Union at the Upper Barracca Gardens, Valletta.

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