Elizabeth Jamil, vice-president of the Malta Biennale for the UK and Libya, ever since its first edition in 1995, passed away last month. She and her family in England, Malta and Libya (since she married a distinguished Libyan, Mohamed Jamil) have been my friends for over 30 years.

She introduced Libyan artists to the Tempra Academy in the UK and to the Malta Biennale in Europe, America and the Middle East. In 2003 she organised the Malta Biennale presentation in five prestigious venues in Libya, including a lecture I delivered at the Academy for Graduate Studies in Tripoli and a donation by the Malta Biennale International Collection to the Italian Cultural Institute in Libya.

A most sensitive and altruistic lady, she was equally adored by her family and friends. She has shared with her three wonderful children, Laila, Samira and Ibrahim, as well as with her beloved grandchildren, her love for art and culture. Thus, Soufian and Daniah brandished with pride to their grandmother their certificate for taking part with their drawings in the 'Under-18 non-competing section' of the Malta Biennale.

We treasure Elizabeth's memories of her: her smile, sweet voice, knowledge and wisdom - and for being such a wonderfully caring hostess at all times! The artists she has helped come to light, continue their journey into the world and remember her with gratitude!

Another sad loss for the Malta Biennale is that of Maltese artist Arthur 'Turo" Rizzo, which happened last month when I was overseas presenting the 2007 Malta Biennale in which he was included as a guest of honour.

I wrote the book Turo: the life and works of the painter from Malta Arthur Rizzo in four languages in 1990 when I first settled for most of the year in Malta. I presented his works in Belgium, France, Egypt, Germany, Greece, Italy, Lebanon, Libya, Portugal, Russia, Spain, the UK and the US.

He received awards from Italy (Grolla d'Oro) and the Malta International Art Biennale. He was greatly praised by the curator of the Art and Space Museum in Washington, DC, and by Professor Vivienne Wechter of Fordham University, New York, who came to inaugurate the first Malta Art Biennale in Malta in 1995, in particular for his pioneering Conquest of Space works. His works are in 10 museums around the world and the Maltese should be proud of such an artistic ambassador. The Malta Biennale and its president mourn his departure.

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