The large hall of the Maritime Museum in Vittoriosa, packed with hundreds of British warships' crests and other naval memorabilia, was the venue for the reception hosted last Wednesday by the Belgian Ambassador and Mrs Thomas Baekelandt to celebrate King's Day, Belgian's national day.
Some 300 guests, led by President and Mrs Eddie Fenech Adami, and the Prime Minister, Dr Lawrence Gonzi, attended the reception which had a distinctly Belgian touch - they were served, among other things, excellent Belgian beer (Duwel, now available in Malta, and Stella Artois), a truly mouth-watering choice of Belgian cheeses (provided by a Belgian supplier to Harrods of London), and irresistible genuine Belgian chocolates and pralines - made in Gozo by a Belgian chocolatier!
Several members of the Belgian community in Malta were present, along with former President and Mrs Ugo Mifsud Bonnici, members of the diplomatic corps, senior government officials, leading businessmen and other personalities.
Ambassador Baekelandt said that King's Day did not commemorate the birthday of the King of Belgium (Albert II), but the feast of St Leopold, the name of the first Belgian king, Leopold of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, In fact it was formerly known as the Feast of the Dynasty during which Belgians renew their loyalty to their King and his family.
Looking back at the past 12 months, the Ambassador said that a year ago the European Union went into the doldrums with the ratification process of the EU Constitu-tional Treaty stalled, a dispute over the next EU budget, and even the enlargement process meeting problems. The Belgian Prime Minister's vision of a future United States of Europe was not shared by all member states. "Not enough is being done (to reach this aim)," Mr Baekelandt said, "we all have to pull up our socks". He knew that this was a view shared by the Maltese government.
However, Belgian diplomacy could boast of some successes. The Belgian chairman of the OSCE successfully mediated in the dispute between Georgia and Russia, Belgians had ensured the smooth holding of presidential elections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (a former Belgian colony) where civil strife had claimed two million lives, and where Belgium will continue to support the democratic process.
The latest news is that Belgium is contributing troops to the EU peacekeeping contingent in Southern Lebanon, which is essential to the observance of the ceasefire between Israel and Hizbollah. Belgium was thus playing a decisive role in the EU. And, Mr Baekelandt proudly pointed out, his country had been elected to the UN Security Council for the next two years.
The Belgian Ambassador said that this has been a good year for bilateral relations with Malta, "where Belgians feel so much at home". His government supported the Mediterranean EU states in their efforts to cope with illegal immigration, a support reiterated by a Belgian minister who visited the island last month.
And now, of course, a Belgian military aircraft will be transporting to Belgium for restoration the priceless 29 Flemish tapestries belonging to St John's Co-Cathedral, which were made in 1700 by Judecos de Vos based on paintings by P.P. Rubens. This symbolised the bond between the two countries, the Ambassador continued, since after 300 years the tapestries are going back to their country of origin in order to be restored to their pristine splendour.
Mr Baekelandt then proposed a toast to President and Mrs Fenech Adami, to the prosperity of the people of Malta, and to Belgian-Maltese relations.
In reply, President Fenech Adami said Belgium is rightly described as "the heart of Europe", not only geographically, but also for the part it has played in European history, particularly European integration. He agreed that the European Union, which began with six members and will next year grow to 27, is facing challenges, but these were challenges it had fixed for itself and which it had always overcome.
The objective now is to give the EU a more important role in world affairs. He was sure that the EU would breathe new life into the stalled Constitutional Treaty. He praised Belgium for playing "an exemplary role" in European affairs throughout the years, giving assistance whenever it was needed. This was the case also with Malta, the President added, thanking Belgium for offering to restore the Flemish tapestries at St John's, which symbolised the two countries' common European heritage.
Dr Fenech Adami said that in this sense King's Day was a celebration common to us all. He then proposed a toast to the health of the King and Queen of the Belgians, to the prosperity of the Belgian people, and to Belgian-Maltese relations.
After the speeches the national anthems of Belgium and Malta were played, followed by the European Union anthem.
PHRF calls on Minister
As part of the programme commemorating its 60th anniversary, a delegation of the Physically Handicapped Rehabilitation Fund led by Giorgia Tabone paid a courtesy call on Family and Social Solidarity Minister Dolores Cristina. Mrs Tabone introduced the delegation and thanked the minister for her continued support.
Minister Cristina said that she was well aware of the work done by the PHRF and its contribution to assist the rehabilitation of the physically handicapped. She referred to previous discussions with the PHRF and said that the ministry was now looking into how to increase co-operation and co-ordination.
During the visit, which took place at the House of Representatives, the Prime Minister informally met with the delegation and joined Minister Cristina in her wishes to the PHRF.
CILT Malta holds annual conference and AGM
In October, CILT Malta held its annual conference which this year focused on the government's traffic management strategy for Valletta.
The conference was well-attended and the organisers wish to thank the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Information Technology and the Malta Transport Authority, which sponsored the event.
The conference was addressed by Industry, Investment and IT Minister Austin Gatt, Roads and Urban Development Minister Jesmond Mugliett, Martin Richards, editor of Transportation and a member of CILT UK's Road Capacity and Charging Forum, Yannis Handannos, business executive Trademco, Dr Maria Attard and Emanuel Delia, who were involved in drafting the government's Valletta Accessibility document, and John Portelli, on behalf of CILT Malta.
Ministers Gatt and Mugliett spoke at length about Government's plans for better accessibility to Valletta and other developing areas around Valletta.
Dr Attard and Mr Delia outlined the technical and policy aspects of the Valletta Accessibility document. Mr Richards spoke about the experience of congestion charging in the UK. Mr Handanos spoke on congestion charging methods with particular reference to Greece and other EU countries.
Mr Portelli outlined CILT Malta's position on the proposals. These were originally published last year, when Government first announced its plans for Valletta. A lively discussion concluded each session.
The conference was chaired by the honorary secretary of CILT Malta, Annie Falloon. The vice-chairman of CILT Malta, Captain Anand Dayal, and the director- general of CILT International, Cyril Bleasdale, also addressed the audience at the end of the conference.
To receive a soft copy of the presentations, send an e-mail to info@ciltmalta.org.
First vaccine for cervical cancer virus in Malta
MSD together with local agents A.M. Mangion Ltd recently introduced doctors to the world's first vaccine to protect against the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) strains responsible for cervical cancer and genital warts.
During a medical seminar held at the Corinthia Palace Hotel, Attard, Dr Marc Steben, one of the main Canadian investigators in the vaccine's trials, described Merck & Co's vaccine as a major breakthrough - cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women worldwide and the third leading cause of cancer deaths.
Professor Mark Brincat chaired the seminar and spoke about cervical cancer in Malta.
The vaccine is to be administered to females between nine to 26 years old. Just 25 years ago, no one knew that cervical cancer was caused by a virus. HPV is a common virus that infects about half of all people at some point in their lives and the availability of Merck's new vaccine is a great leap forward in women's health and in safeguarding the whole family's quality of life.
Gieh in-Naxxar
As part of a musico-literary evening held last month on the occasion of Festa Naxxar 2006, mayor Dr Maria F. Deguara presented the Gieh in-Naxxar award to Peter Galea, who, only a few weeks ago was also nominated for the Elderly of the Year award.
This year, Festa Naxxar consisted of a musico-literary evening held at Villa Arrigo with the participation of Caroline Calleja on the harp and a collection of literature by Dr Charles Briffa. The presentation of the evening and most of the reading was in the hands of Monica Attard.
This year's nominees for the award were the late Charles Arrigo, Anthony Catania, Peter Galea and the late George Vella.
Richmond Foundation meets stakeholders
The Richmond Foundation recently organised a business breakfast at the Victoria Hotel, Sliema, which was attended by representatives from the mental health sector (Child Guildance Clinic and Young Peoples Unit), the Education Department, Appogg, children's homes, as well as the board who follows up children placed on care orders.
The aim was to discuss the programme for children with challenging behaviour which the Ministry of the Family and Social Solidarity has requested the foundation to develop.
Brian Magro, consultant within the ministry, explained that this programme was going to fill a lacuna in children's services. He said the programme was one of a number of initiatives which ensured continuity of care for children.
Richmond Foundation CEO Doris Gauci gave an overview of the new programme and how it would help these children recover, learn and grow toward maturity. A discussion on how the programme can meet the needs of the children, who are in care or are using the existent services, followed.
Miss Model, Best Male Model winners
Vogue Model Manage-ment recently organised Miss Model and Best Male Model of the World (Malta) at the Radisson SAS Bay Point Resort.
The winners were Angele Buscemi Lebrun and Leslie Spiteri. The first and second runners-up were Keith Seychell and Kevin Bonello for the males, and Sharon Richard and Deborah Mifsud for the female section.
They will now represent Malta at the finals of Miss Model of the World in China and Best Model of the World in Turkey.
Other titles were awarded during the night: Mr Photogenic was awarded to Norbert Bezzina, Best Physique to Leslie Spiteri, Most Promising Model to Carlos Mizzi, Best Catwalk Model to Glenn Galea, Best Personality to Christian McClean, Best Good Looks to Leslie Spiteri, Miss Photogenic to Rachel Vella, Miss Model in Swimsuit to Rebecca Dimech, Most Beautiful Face to Deborah Mifsud, Most Promising Model to Debbie Mallia, Best Catwalk Model to Sharon Richard, and Miss Personality to Angele Buscemi Lebrun.
The sponsors were Julian and Tommy by Framesi for the contestants' hairstyles, Lorna Mugliett as the official make-up artist, and Yves Saint Laurent for make-up, Eisenberg for beauty products, swimwear by J. Piccinino Ltd, costumes by Louie Noir, William Danco Co, stage by Paul Target Ltd, Continental Cars, and the Park Hotel. Fashion shows by Tango and D-Kayos of Mosta also took place.
The pre-judging night was held at Il-Kastell Wine Bar, while D-max Productions was responsible for filming and editing.
Camilleri - Grima
Married recently were Rachel Camilleri, B.Ed. (Hons), daughter of Mr and Mrs J. Camilleri of Sta Lucija, and Alden Grima, Dip. (Agric), son of Mr and Mrs A. Grima of Mellieha.
The bride was driven off by her brother, Alan to Mellieha Sanctuary in the vintage family car, a 1928 Marmon. Nuptial Mass was celebrated by Fr Edgar Busuttil, SJ, while the ceremony was witnessed by Alan Camilleri and Sandro Grima.
The bride was attended by Charlene Musù, while Martina Buttigieg, Christine and Benjamin Chetcuti acted as flower-girls and pageboy.
A reception was later held at the Maritim Antonin Hotel and Spa in Mellieha.
Real butterfly confetti for newlyweds
Newly weds Daniela Gatt, daughter of Vincent and Ben Gatt, of Madliena, and Edward H. Messina Ferrante, son of Dr Herbert and Elisabeth Messina Ferrante, of Attard, were surprisingly showered with a multi-coloured cloud of Painted Ladies (Vanessa cardui), while they were coming out of church.
The wedding guests attending the church service were given tiny decorated pyramid boxes each with a real butterfly, which were released once the couple came out of the Metropolitan Cathedral, Mdina. Canon Michael Agius celebrated nuptial Mass.
This was a unique scene which was appreciated by all the guests and numerous tourists who were in Mdina at the time. The release of the butterflies was met with applause.
The wedding was witnessed by US Ambassador to Malta Molly Bordonaro for the groom, and Dr Edward Gatt, the bride's cousin, for the bride.
Aidan Lungaro Mifsud carried out the duties of best man. The bride was attended by Denise Gatt as maid of honour, and Jeanelle Ellul and Francesca Bonett Cassano as bridesmaids. Julia Padovani, Francesca Padovani and Justine Ellul were flower-girls, while Jean Polidano was pageboy. Harpist Lydia Buttigieg and soprano Marita Bezzina performed during the ceremony.
A wedding reception was later held at Palazzo Promontorio in Wardija. The couple spent their honeymoon in Thailand.
People
Reuben Portanier was recently appointed chief officer (strategy and business development) at Datatrak.
Mr Portanier, an economics graduate from the University of Malta, brings into Datatrak a mix of business strategy and business development experience within the IT industry. Prior to joining Datatrak, Mr Portanier was chief information officer and department manager for strategy and business development at MITTS Ltd.
Mr Portanier started off his career in business consultancy in 1996, with the Consultancy Group within MSU Ltd where he assisted and project managed consultancy assignments relating to human resources, organisational development, operations and strategy.
Following the migration of MSU's Consultancy Group to the Management Efficiency Unit in 1997, Mr Portanier formed part of government's in-house consultancy agency, where the major assignments that he was involved in included the Strategic and Operational Review of the Education Division, the Organisational Audit of Enemalta Corporation, the Strategic and Operational Review of the Planning Authority and the Assessment of Internal Control Processes for Gozo Channel Co. Ltd.
In 1999, he moved to the private sector where he joined the Arthur Andersen local representative office (MSD and Co), managing human resources and strategy related assignments. He rejoined MITTS Ltd in January 2001 as part of the senior executive management team and as department manager (human resources and organisational development).
In January 2002, Reuben was appointed department manager of the strategy and business development department responsible for corporate strategy, performance monitoring, and business development. In May 2005, Mr Portanier was also appointed chief information officer of MITTS Ltd, responsible for both business and IT.
Professor Victor Zammit, formerly of Hamrun, was recently appointed to a top academic post at one of Britain's major universities. In 2004, he was appointed professor of experimental diabetes at Warwick Medical School and was recently appointed director of its Clinical Sciences Research Institute.
The institute is comprised of senior clinicians, scientists together with their research teams, and specialises in the study of metabolic and endocrine diseases (such as diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease). The University of Warwick (a member of the Russell group of UK universities) is routinely ranked within the top eight UK universities and aims at establishing its medical school as a major international centre for medical research. The Clinical Sciences Research Institute at Warwick is at the centre of this strategy.
Professor Zammit was educated at the Lyceum and the University of Malta, from where he graduated as a Bachelor, and then Master, of Science. He was elected Rhodes Scholar in 1971, and went up to St John's College, Oxford to do research leading to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in biochemistry. After a further period of research in Oxford, he joined the Hannah Research Institute in Scotland, where he set up his own research team specialising in the biochemistry of conditions leading to diabetes. In 1989 his work was recognised by a special merit award from the Research Councils of the UK, and in 1995 he was awarded the degree of Doctor of Science by the University of Oxford in recognition of his contribution to his field of study.
Professor Zammit's work seeks to understand the biochemical changes that lead to the development of type-2 ('maturity-onset') diabetes which is acquiring epidemic proportions as the incidence of obesity increases and progressively younger age-groups become affected. His work on the structure of specific proteins that play a key role in the development of this type of diabetes is leading to the development of new medicines designed to delay or prevent the onset of disease.
Surrealism exhibition at Cleland & Souchet
"Metaphysical Surreal-isms" is an exhibition of paintings by artist Clifford Arpa being held at Cleland & Souchet in Portomaso until the end of the year.
In his exposition of 16 paintings, Clifford expresses his emotions with the use of acrylic, paper and oils. Through these media, he portrays different emotions and feelings which can be felt by all. They are so varied that the focus is different in all his paintings and evokes different sensations in everyone.
What inspires Clifford is mainly symbolism in its many forms and this can be seen in the different nature of each of his masterpieces. There is intellectual thinking behind each one and this can be seen both in his previous works of art and his present ones. He has also used a three-dimensional view in many of the paintings he produced.
Clifford has exhibited his art in many previous exhibitions, each being completely different to one another.
His works may be viewed at the Cleland & Souchet lifestyle store in Portomaso from Mondays to Fridays from 9.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. and from 4 to 8 p.m., and on Saturdays from 10.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. and from 4 to 8 p.m.
More information about Clifford and his works can be found on his Website www.cliffordarpa.com
Sterling exhibition kicks off this week
The 10th edition of the Sterling Jewellery and Watch Exhibition will kick off on Wednesday at Le Meridien Phoenicia.
For the coming 12 days, Sterling Jewellers will provide one with a unique opportunity to source that special gift for Christmas. At the exhibition the public is invited to admire the new diamond collections, specially selected gold items and gems, elegant fashionable timepieces, semi-precious stones and fashionable silver jewellery.
The exhibition will also see the launch of new jewellery brands. These include Nanis, which specialise in master handcrafting and sophisticated technology with creations that carry emotional impact, as well as Swiss watches from world-famous Tissot, and gents watches from Hugo Boss together with new collections by Gucci, Versace, Emporio Armani, and Burberry.
The exhibition, entitled "Emozioni", brings together the best of Sterling jewellery with selections to fit everyone's budget. This year's highlight is Pasquale Bruni's diamond collection entitled Prato Fiorito, unique for its ability to move sensuously to the shape of the body thanks to its particular mobility. The collection was purposely designed for Simona Ventura, the famous Italian TV celebrity, reflecting her dynamic character.
Local celebrity and presenter of the Saturday evening television programme Show Time, will be the new ambassador for Sterling.
The exhibition is under the patronage of Mrs Fenech Adami and is in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund. Entrance to the exhibition is free. Visitors will have a chance to win a diamond Trilogy ring.
The exhibition is open from Wednesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and from Saturday to December 3 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Le Méridien St Julian's hosts Gieh San Giljan Awards
The St Julian's council recently held its annual ceremony to award the Gieh San Giljan. The aim of this event is to honour citizens in recognition for their outstanding contributions to their locality. The local council picked 13 nominees from different walks of life, some of whom are deceased, on this year's honours list.
During the awards ceremony, which was hosted by Le Méridien St Julian's, mayor Peter Bonello thanked all those who worked so hard to make the awards possible and commended the nominees for their strong civic sense, dedication and community spirit.
The recipients of this year's awards were Fr Fortunato Axiaq, who passed away recently; Giljan Bonello, businessman; Dr Antonio Busuttil, MD; Fr Karm Calleja, Paul Dalli and Tarcisio Giordano, voluntary workers; Professor Victor Griffiths, surgeon; Luciano Pullicino, sculptor and artist; Vincent Schembri, businessman; Joseph Storace, journalist; Lino Vella, editor; Dwardu Zarb, historian; and Dr George Zarb, MD.
For your diary
The St Joseph School Past Pupils Association (Sliema) is holding its next fund-raising event in Sliema on Friday.
For more information, phone Moira Tabone on 2135-3444 or 9940-2223 or Mary Sciortino on 2133-2839 or 7933-2839.
The activities committee of Mount Carmel Band Club, Gzira, is organising a ravjulata at the club on Saturday at 7.30 p.m. There will be live music by Emmanuel Cassar, known as "Bobis". Bingo will be played during the evening.
For tickets, at Lm3.30 for adults and Lm1.75 for children, phone Gzira Self Service on 2132-3995 or 9982-3174.
The Maltese-American Associa-tion is celebrating Thanksgiving Day on Sunday at the Seabank Hotel in Mellieha. Mass will be said at 11 a.m., followed by lunch at 12.30 p.m.
For tickets and information, phone Dar l-Emigrant, Castille Place, Valletta, on 2122-2644, 2123-2545 or 2124-0255.
A bazaar in aid of the Mission Fund will be held at 20, Schinas Street, Pietà, from tomorrow week till December 1, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call 2141-3664 to donate items for the bazaar.
The fundraising commission of the Catholic Action is holding a lunch/buffet at St Maria Complex, Triq ir-Ramel,Bugibba, on December 3, at 1 p.m.
For bookings phone 2122-2239.
A card party in aid of the Little Sisters of the Poor will be held at the Skyroom of the Preluna Hotel, on December 6 at 10 a.m. For bookings phone Blanche Martin on 2133-0387.
The grand Christmas dinner dance in aid of Caritas will be held at the Portomaso Suite of the Malta Hilton on December 9 at 8 for 8.30 p.m.
For more information and bookings contact Marylouise Mifsud on 2133-0471, Phyllis Ciappara on 2134-2910, Olga Muscat on 2133-0132, or Evelyn Zammit on 2132-2466.
The President and Mrs Fenech Adami's engagements November 20-26
Tomorrow
10.30 a.m.The President receives Yuriy N. Isakov, Special Envoy of the Russian Government on the G8, at the Palace, Valletta.
11.30 The President is presented with a donation by the Italian ambassador of the proceeds gathered during a fund-raising activity organised by the Italian embassy.
6.30 p.m. The President presides over a meeting of the Commission for the Administration of Justice.
Tuesday
5 p.m. Mrs Fenech Adami receives Claire Agius of Net TV at San Anton Palace.
6 The President and Mrs Fenech Adami preside over an MCCF board meeting.
8 Mrs Fenech Adami attends the inauguration of the Sterling Jewellery and Watches Exhibition at Le Meridien Phoenicia Hotel, Floriana.
Wednesday
6.30 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend the annual University graduation thanksgiving Mass celebrated by the Archbishop at St John's Co-Cathedral.
Thursday
10 a.m. The President is presented with credentials by Latvian Ambassador Astra Kurme at the Palace, Valletta.
11 The President is presented with credentials by Israeli Ambassador Gideon Meir.
1.30 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami host a luncheon in honour of the newly accredited ambassadors at San Anton Palace.
7.30 The President accompanied by Mrs Fenech Adami inaugurates an exhibition of paintings by Philip Chircop organised by the Bank of Valletta at the BoV Centre, St Venera.
Friday
10 a.m. Mrs Fenech Adami presides over an MCCF working committee meeting at the Palace, Valletta.
1 p.m. The President receives honorary consuls attending a seminar organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
7.30 The President presides over the launching of the publication Ekwinozju by Professor J.J. Cremona.
Saturday
8 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend the Messa da Requiem by Mro Paolino Vassallo at St John Co-Cathedral.
Sunday
10.10 a.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend Holy Mass followed by a reception on the 90th anniversary of the first Birkirkara Scout Group at St Helena's Basilica, Birkirkara.
4.25 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend the Christ the King liturgical celebrations in Qormi.