For the record

A recent letter by Rose M. Attard on Paul Boffa has prompted me to add to what she quite rightly wrote.

Before 1947, Dr Boffa campaigned to give the right to vote to Maltese women. This was a milestone in the local political scenario which is not well known nowadays, or should I say taken for granted.

There was strong opposition from various quarters, but Dr Boffa carried the day and the right to vote was put on the agenda before the 1947 election. In that election, Dr Boffa won by an impressive majority and he became Prime Minister.

Among other sensible legislation, he contributed a lot in the field of social justice and amenities for the elderly, lepers and improving health services. In the early 1930s he was the one who strove to have St Luke's Hospital built.

For the record, I must add that likewise, that grand lady the Hon. Mable Strickland, OBE and the Constitutional Party, also backed Dr Boffa in giving Maltese women the right to vote. Dr Boffa was a leader of solid Christian principles, foresight and honesty. No wonder he was very respected.

During World War II, the Cottonera/Paola/Luqa area was heavily bombed; he bore the burden of the difficulties which arose and thanks to his efforts and the fine men he led, as District Commissioner, many lives were saved.