Praise where it is due (2)

Alfred Palma, who has given Malta its one and only rhymed version of Dante's Commedia, was completely left out during Roberto Benigni's recent visit to Malta, during which he received an honoris causa from the University of Malta. Why?

Was the University loath to admit that, thanks to Mr Palma, Malta can boast having its own translation of this monumental work? And why did it have to extol an English translation, and leave the Maltese one completely in the shade? Shame on whoever was behind this.

Not only should Mr Palma have been invited to Benigni's Serata Dantesca, but he too should have been honoured with an honoris causa for the sterling (and unique) work he has been doing, and still is, for Maltese literature, locally and abroad.

The University, apparently, couldn't care less. Truly a case of Nemo Poeta Accipitur in Patria Sua!