Official celebrations of the 330th anniversary of the United States Independence Day were held last Friday week, a few days after the official date, July 4, which clashed with a crucial World Cup semi-final.
With US Ambassador Molly Bordonaro's husband Matt being of Italian descent, the date was a non-starter. This was more than made up for at the now traditional reception, held in the splendid, well kept gardens of the ambassador's residence, Villa Apap Bologna, in Attard.
Among the guests were President and Mrs Eddie Fenech Adami, Prime Minister and Mrs Lawrence Gonzi, Cabinet ministers, MPs from both sides of the House, business leaders and many members of the American community in Malta.
Mrs Bordonaro's remarks were preceded by a joint colour guard of the US Marine Security Guard Detachment and the Armed Forces of Malta. "Tonight, I and everyone from the United States Embassy want to return some of the warm hospitality that you have shown us in Malta," Mrs Bordonaro said.
She has been in Malta for almost a year with three young children, Brooke, Colt and Skylar. "Since then we have appreciated your welcoming nature, beautiful country, and rich traditions," she said.
She thanked the American firms who helped with the event, pointing to the "solid and growing" commercial relationship between the two countries and the fact that American firms employ over 3,000 individuals in Malta, excluding the thousands employed with American franchises. "This is a number that is on the rise as our countries' economic and political ties grow even stronger."
Mrs Bordonaro reflected on the "common value" that unites the two countries - "a fundamental commitment to democracy and democratic rights."
"Last October, Prime Minister Gonzi and President (George W.) Bush met in Washington DC. They discussed important bilateral issues between our two countries and since then, as a result of the meeting, good progress has been made on many of these issues," she said.
"But these two leaders also shared a common commitment to expanding democratic rights. This is a commitment that is actually steeped in history," she said recalling the "important role" the Maltese played in helping America become an independent, democratic country.
"During the American Revolution, over 1,800 Maltese sailors and members of the Order of St John were enlisted in the French Navy to help America defend its independence and they ended up playing an instrumental role in our ultimate success," she said.
The young US was so grateful for the support of the Maltese and the Order that Benjamin Franklin, one of our founders, sent a medal - "the first medal ever cast by our new country - to Grand Master de Rohan to express its thanks."
"Just as Malta once helped the US become a young democracy, today the US and the European Union, including Malta, are working together to build democracy in other regions around the world, particularly Africa and the Middle East," Mrs Bordonaro said.
"In Africa, despotic regimes have committed some of the gravest abuses of democratic rights. And these governments are also the reason why massive numbers of migrants are leaving the shores of Africa and risking their lives in the Mediterranean Sea in an attempt to find the same rights and liberties we - Maltese and Americans - enjoy.
"The US recognises the long-term need to create stability in Africa and is helping by providing more financial aid to Africa than any other country. In fact, under President Bush, America has increased our assistance to Africa by over 400 per cent."
Pointing to Malta's contribution, she recalled that at the CHOGM last November delegates made a strong commitment to promote fair trade and aid to developing African nations and Foreign Minister Michael Frendo is leading a Commonwealth Working Group that is trying to minimise the digital divide between developed and developing nations.
"These combined efforts will go a long way to helping Africa take ownership of its destiny toward greater democracy and economic growth," she said. To help Malta as it faces the challenges of migration from sub-Saharan Africa, Mrs Bordonaro said the US has agreed to accept a number of irregular migrants for resettlement in America.
In the Middle East, the US "is working closely with its European partners to strengthen civil society and expand democratic rights. In Iraq, in just three years, the Iraqi people have held elections, drafted a constitution, formed a unitary government, created over 32,000 new small businesses and have renovated over 6,000 schools," she said.
"Malta is also supporting Iraqi civil society. The University of Malta, through its link campus in Rome, is offering Iraqi students courses in water management so that they can help build their countries' resources.
"On the political front, Malta and the US have a common vision for the Middle East - that two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, can live side by side in peace and security. In the light of the current violence, the US urges restraint on both sides and insists that innocent people be protected.
"So, just like Ben Franklin and Grand Master de Rohan, 230 years after American Independence, Maltese and Americans are working to promote the basic human rights of freedom and liberty throughout the world. I look forward to continuing this tradition - to our two countries working together to promote democracy and democratic rights," she said.
In his reply, President Fenech Adami expressed satisfaction that the Maltese had lived up to their reputation of hospitality. Having heard the quick review of relations between the US and Malta, he said this was embodied in the strong people-to-people links, including many Maltese who had emigrated to the US, some returning.
"This is a history of co-operation that is relevant to this day and age, with shared values." In an age of the global fight against terrorism, which is rampant in so many parts of the world, President Fenech Adami said he admired the US President's objectives in this regard.
Lions Clubs seminar
The International Association of Lions Clubs Zone Malta, comprising of the Malta Host, Sliema, St Paul's Bay, Mdina and La Valletta clubs, recently organised a day seminar at the Coastline Hotel.
Attending the seminar was District Governor (UK) Godwin Micallef. The session was introduced by Zone chairman Malta, Charles Pace. Various prominent persons in the medical and philanthropic scenes presented interesting talks.
Mr Mark Debono, ophthalmic technician at the Lions Eye Bank at St Luke's Hospital, gave a resume of the Eye Bank progress since it started its operation two years ago.
Psychiatrist Dr Anton Grech, MD, delivered a talk on managing stress and Professor J. Pace, MD, explained the facts about melanoma skin cancer. Paul Micallef, chairman of the Special Olympics (Malta), presented a paper on the Sight For All project in conjunction with Lions Clubs International. Zone chairman Charles Pace presented tokens to the guest speakers.
At the end of the session, a panel composed of Mr Micallef, Mr Pace, chairman elect Tom Restall and past chairmen Frank Galea and Ronnie Cauchi discussed Lionism in Malta. The session, which was sponsored by a local pharmaceutical company, ended with lunch at the Hotel.
Ladies Circle present van to Caritas Malta
One of the most ambitious activities ever organised by the Ladies Circle Club Malta, which this year celebrates its 25th anniversary, was an International Ladies Circle conference held in Malta and attended by 600 ladies from all over the world.
Thanks to a hard-working conference committee, where the teamwork, commitment and friendship fostered by Ladies Circle's members shone through, the event proved to be a great success and also a profitable one. Part of the funds raised were used to acquire and donate a Ssangyong Rodius van to Caritas Malta, thanks also to the agents, Michael Attard Ltd.
Caritas Malta offers a wide spectrum of services to those most in need and include: the Foundation for the Rehabilitation of Drug Users; The Foundation for Victims of Usury; Community Outreach through the Diaconia Unit; Counselling and Social Work Intervention; Prevention Education and Awareness and HelpAge.
Caritas Malta also offers help to various support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Gamblers Anonymous, Epilepsy Malta, Huntington's Chorea, Thursday Club and the 21+ Club for lonely youths.
Caritas Malta's latest project was the setting up of the Harm Reduction Shelter, a shelter for homeless people with drug abuse problems. All Caritas Malta services are offered free of charge.
In the past 25 years, Ladies Circle Malta have helped a number of charitable organisations and individuals with special needs, thanks to funds raised through a number of activities, as well as donations from the local business sector who have always co-operated to help with various projects.
The club is open to ladies up to 45 years of age and is in association with Round Table. It also forms part of the Ladies Circle International, which has over 16,000 members throughout the world.
For more information, contact Lucienne Selvagi on 7970-5312.
YWCA calls on Archbishop
On Friday, June 27, YWCA (Malta) president Mary J. Jones and PRO Doris Cusens paid a courtesy call on Archbishop Joseph Mercieca at the Curia in Floriana.
The Archbishop received the delegates very cordially and an interesting meeting was held in a warm, friendly atmosphere. Ms Jones and Ms Cusens presented the newly established association and its mission. Some of the current projects were explained in detail, most particularly the Self Development Programme, aimed at supporting under-privileged women and assisting them to regain self-confidence and rebuild their lives.
The YWCA (Malta) is providing basic training courses in grooming and home-making skills, tailor-made to individual needs. So far, the project, which started in April, is being held at Dar Merhba Bik and further locations are planned.
The Archbishop was most impressed by the work accomplished by the association and by its plans for the future. Assuring the delegates of his support, he encouraged its members to continue in their good work.
Sedqa Worker of the Year
For the seventh consecutive year, Sedqa, the national agency against drug and alcohol abuse, held the Worker of the Year event. This year, the award went to David Azzopardi, community worker at the Sedqa Substance Misuse Out-Patients Unit (Detox Centre).
A commemorative token was presented by Joe Gerada, CEO of the Foundation for Social Welfare Services, during an activity held for Sedqa staff and clients.
The worker of the year is nominated and voted for by Sedqa staff. It is aimed as an appreciation for the employee who, in his/her colleagues' opinion, deserves the award for dedication at the workplace. Mr Azzopardi joined Sedqa eight years ago and has been giving his service to Detox clients ever since.
Old Girls of St Theresa Secondary School reunite
A group of 26 young at heart past students of St Theresa Secondary School (ex-Mdina), together with one of their teachers, recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of their school-leaving.
Mass of thanksgiving and in remembrance of those who passed away was celebrated at the Curia's Chapel dedicated to St Calcedonius. This was followed by a tour of the building which was in the able hand of Lorenzo, the Curia's historian. The Archbishop joined the group for a memorable photo.
The event ended with a sumptuous lunch at the Lo Squero Restaurant of Haywharf, Floriana which lasted till late afternoon.
It was great joy and fun for everyone to meet each other again, especially for those who had not met since they left school. After bringing each other up to date with their life stories, it was decided that another reunion would take place in five years' time.
The group wishes to thank the Archbishop for allowing the use the Curia's Chapel, Fr Alex Bezzina for celebrating Mass and the staff at Lo Squero Restaurant for their excellent service.
Second winner for Who Cares? competition
Mary Galea of Safi is the second winner of a Roca air conditioner with the Who Cares? lottery.
Ms Galea took part in the lottery simply by answering a question on the ticket she received from her hairdressing salon. Tickets can be exchanged for empty bottles of Bain de Terre, ISO, Cycle Vital, Senscience, Joico, Artist(e), or Nioxin hair care products at participating salons.
Participation is as easy as answering a simple question and sending it to Salon Services Ltd. An air conditioner is won every two months and the grand prize in December will be a 42" Philips plasma screen.
Principal Secret stockist outlet inaugurated
Rosalie Demonstration Studio, a new skincare studio in St Venera, was recently inaugurated with a party attended by a large gathering of distinguished guests, including television and radio personalities.
The premises were inaugurated by Parliamentary Secretary Edwin Vassallo and blessed by Fr Joe Caruana, OFM.
The studio is owned by Rosalie Darmanin and her two sons, Nicholas and Christopher, directors of RNC Ltd.
Ms Darmanin is the exclusive stockist of world renowned brands Principal Secret by Victoria Principal, Core Secret, Youthful Essence, Reclaim, Advance, and Cindy Crawford's line of cosmetics, Meaningful Beauty.
The studio offers a loyalty card which entitles clients to benefits and offers, who may also benefit from door-to-door service and a money-back guarantee.
The President and Mrs Fenech Adami's engagements July 17-23
Wednesday
7.30 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami host a reunion dinner for the 1958 law graduates at Verdala Castle.
Thursday
10 a.m. The President is presented with credentials by German Ambassador Karl Andreas Baron Von Stenglin at the Palace, Valletta.
6 p.m. Mrs Fenech Adami presides over a Ball of the August Moon committee meeting at San Anton Palace.
Friday
10 a.m. Mrs Fenech Adami presides over a Malta Community Chest Fund working committee at the Palace, Valletta.
8 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend a dinner hosted by the chairman and directors of Middlesea on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the company, at Fort St Angelo.
Saturday
7.30 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend a musico-literary event followed by a reception organised by the Centru Animazzjoni u Kommunikazzjoni (CAK) at the premises in Birkirkara.
Sunday
9 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend a reception organised by the King's Own Band Club on the feast of St Dominic in Valletta.
People
Jean Paul Attard recently graduated Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Leicester. At 27, Mr Attard is one of the youngest ever students to be awarded a Master's degree from the United Kingdom's top-ranking University Management Centre.
At the electives stage he concentrated on marketing management and international hospitality management.
Mr Attard, who also holds a Professional Diploma in Sales and Marketing Management accredited by the Institute of Sales and Marketing Management (UK Level 5 NVQ), is a marketing manager with Mizzi Organisation Automotive Ltd.
Dr Stefan Laspina, MD, MRCPath., Dip. Mgt RCSI, has recently been admitted as a Fellow of the Faculty of Pathology of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland.
Dr Laspina graduated MD from the University of Malta in 1992 and obtained Membership of the Royal College of Pathologists in Transfusion Medicine and Haematology in 2003. In 2005, Dr Laspina was also awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Management, from the Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland.
Dr Laspina has published peer reviewed articles, lectures at Trinity College Dublin, and at Dublin University College, and has given a number of presentations at various conferences.
Dr Laspina is currently residing in Dublin, Ireland and works as a consultant in Transfusion Medicine with the Irish Blood Transfusion Service. He is married to Mary-Ann Laspina née Brincat, B.Ed. (Hons), and has two children Karl, 12, and Lisa, 10. He is the son of Joseph and Marie Louise Laspina. He will shortly be taking up a consultant's post at St Luke's Hospital in Malta.
Fr Adrian Attard, OCD, has recently obtained the degree of Doctor in Dogmatic Theology (STD) from the Pontifical University Gregoriana in Rome. He defended his thesis - Maria icona della donna in Giovanni Paolo II - with highest distinction (summa cum laude).
The dissertation makes a detailed analysis of the philosophical, theological, anthropological and ethical aspects of the magisterium of Pope John Paul II on women and femininity, and the corroborative significance of the paradigm of Mary, Mother of God. Motivated by androcentric attitudes towards traditionally restrictive female roles, many argue that such paradigm is oppressive.
Wojtyla introduces fresh approaches to the theme with distinctive personalism, experiential prospective and 'theology of the body'. The conclusive synchrony employed by Fr Attard makes it possible to explore the Pope's hermeneutics of the argument. The dissertation reopens some fundamental perspectives, such as the dialogical method of theology, the question of 'gender' in theological discourse and the renewed relation between papal magisterium and feminism.
Fr Attard completed his philosophical and theological studies in Brescia and Rome. In 2001, he obtained a Licentiate degree in pastoral theology from the University of Malta. He is currently an invited professor at the Teresianum in Rome. Fr Adrian is the son of Albert and Artemia Attard.
Chris Hudson is the new director of training and consultancy at the Institute of Health and Safety in Msida.
He will take up the role in September with a brief to build on the excellent work that the institute has been doing over the years. The appointment marks the company's intentions to increase its profile both in Malta and abroad, and to become a recognised leader in the field of services related to occupational health and safety management.
Mr Hudson comes to the Institute from the University of Portsmouth in the UK, where he has been a senior lecturer in health and safety management for the past nine years. With an industrial and commercial background, he is eminently well qualified in the field, and is fellow within the world renowned Institution of Health and Safety (IOSH).
He has strong family ties with Malta and takes great pride in his Maltese citizenship. He has given several conferences and seminars in Malta over recent years, and has written for the local press. He is also an external examiner for the University of Malta's Health and Safety Diploma.
Bonavia - Aquilina
St Paul's Cathedral, Mdina, was recently the wedding venue for Maruska Bonavia, daughter of Mr and Mrs Joseph Bonavia, of Hamrun, and Pierre Aquilina, son of Mrs Lucia Aquilina, wife of the late Sebastian, of Rabat.
Nuptial Mass was celebrated by Fr Marcellino Micallef, OFM. Raymond Bonavia, the bride's uncle, and Clare Gaskin, the groom's sister, witnessed the ceremony. Patrick and John Aquilina carried out the duties of best man.
The bride, who wore a heart-shaped dress and long veil, was attended by her sister Graziella Bonavia as maid of honour, Jessica Aquilina, the groom's niece, as bridesmaid, and her cousin Trisha Spiteri and Rebecca Aquilina, the groom's niece, as flower-girls. Adam Said was ring-bearer, while Adam Gaskin, the groom's nephew, was pageboy. Daniel Gaskin, the groom's nephew, and Justin Bonavia, the bride's cousin, also attended the bride.
A reception was later held at Castello dei Baroni in Wardija. The couple spent their honeymoon touring Austria, the Dolomites and Germany.
Muscat - Sevasta
St Barbara church, Kalkara, was recently the wedding venue for Claire Muscat, BA (Hons) daughter of Mr and Mrs Grazio Muscat, of Fgura, and Manuel Sevasta, son of Mr and Mrs Saviour Sevasta, of Cospicua.
Nuptial Mass was celebrated by Fr Pierre Farrugia. The ceremony was witnessed by the groom's brother, Kenneth Sevasta, and by the bride's close friend, Cora Azzopardi, BA (Hons). Elton Bondin and Clayton Xuereb carried out the duties of best man.
The bride, who carried a bouquet of fresh orchids and roses, was attended by her sister Daniela Muscat as matron of honour, while young Gianluca Sevasta Mula, the groom's nephew, was ring bearer.
A reception was later held at the Quarter Deck Bar Portomaso, Hilton St Julian's. The couple are spending their honeymoon in US and cruising the Caribbean.
Micallef - Farrugia
Maria Bambina parish church, Naxxar, was recently the wedding venue for Maria Micallef, daughter of Anthony and Doreen Micallef, of Naxxar, and Riccardo Farrugia, son of Joyce and the late Saviour Farrugia, of Tarxien.
Nuptial Mass was concelebrated by Canon Joseph Micallef, uncle of the bride, and Fr Julian Sammut. The ceremony was witnessed by the bride's sister, Ingrid Talbot, and the groom's aunt, Bernardette Sammut. Mauro Farrugia and Alan Talbot carried out the duties of best man.
The bride, who wore an oyster-coloured embroidered and beaded satin gown, was attended by Odette Micallef as maid of honour, and Maya Farrugia and Genia Mitnik as flower-girls. Karl Micallef was ring-bearer.
A reception was later held at Palazzo Nobile, Naxxar. The couple are spending their honeymoon in Italy and Switzerland.
For your diary
Lions Club Mdina is holding a spectacular Mediterranean evening in Madliena on Saturday. For further details contact Isabelle Coppini on 9942-4442 or Judith Debono on 7904-7071.
The Holy Family Home for the Elderly in Naxxar is organising a garden dinner in aid of the extension of the building, at the home's gardens on Saturday at 7.15 p.m. Those attending will be entertained by well-known singers. For tickets, at Lm4.85 and Lm1.75 for children, phone 2141-0015 or 2143-8025.
Ward u Zghar is organising a day at the pool at La Valette Resort, St Julian's, on Sunday at 9 a.m. For more information phone 9947-2868.
A day's outing in aid of the Little Sisters of the Poor will be held at the Cavallieri Hotel, St Julian's on Wednesday, August 2 from 10 a.m. For bookings and information phone Blanche Martin on 2133-0387. Please book early.