Gozo Day, marking the 209th anniversary of the expulsion of the French forces from the island by the local inhabitants led by the Gozitan patriot, Archpriest Saver Cassar, was marked on October 26 in Victoria square.

A number of schoolchildren attended the ceremony. The programme commenced with a speech by the chairman of the Gozo Cultural Council, Vincent Grech. He recounted the events which took place on that memorable day and the following two years which saw the island being independently governed by Gozitans.

Mr Grech expressed satisfaction that the College of the Gozo Government Schools adopted October 26 as College Day. He appealed to the students present, as the future women and men of Gozo, to continue to show love and respect for their native island. He also directed them to take care of the historic and natural patrimony of Gozo - hence making the island more attractive and keeping it in the best shape for their future generations.

The speech was followed by the singing of the Gozo College by a choir composed of students from Kercem, Sannat and Nadur under the baton of Laura Rapa. Words and music were composed by Chev. Frank Gatt. The choir also executed the song Inti Djamant by the late Dominic Grech of The Tramps fame.

Following this, two students who attend the sixth year at the Victoria Primary School, Natlin Sultana and Carlos Xerri, delivered commemorative speeches.

Another speech was delivered by Anthony Borg on behalf of Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono, who would not attend because of Parliament.

In her message, the minister insisted that this particular day should serve as the guiding light towards future targets as the Gozitan predecessors did for the benefit of the island. One should welcome the challenges offered by today's world, with the aim, that while new economic and social developments are achieved, at the same time local traditions and the natural and cultural environment would be secured. Such elements make the locals distinctive from the rest.

The minister went on by directly addressing the present pupils: ".....there are those among you who will have a bearing on the decisions affecting our island. May this occasion remain imprinted in your minds and hearts so that you will put the good of our country before everything else as did our forefathers......."

Then, the choir sang the Gozo hymn, words by Gorg Pisani and music by Mro Joseph Vella.

Towards the closing of the ceremony and before the playing of the national anthem, Mr Borg, personal assistant of Ms Debono, placed a wreath by the monument of the archpriest Saver Cassar, which is situated in front of St James church in Victoria.

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