Xaghra march cancelled in solidarity with fireworks victim
The Prekursur Band of Xewkija has called off its participation in the Xaghra feast this evening in solidarity with Jean Pierre Azzopardi, one of the victims of last Sunday's fireworks factory explosion. Mr Azzopardi lived in Xewkija.
The decision was taken in agreement with the Xaghra feast committee after an extraordinary meeting of the club's committee late yesterday.
The band said it would take part in Mr Azzopardi's funeral on Friday, even though he was never a member of the club.
Meanwhile, the Xaghra feast committee this morning also called off another band march. The Beland Band of Zejtun, which was meant to take part, instead played band marches in front of the Victory Club in the village.
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e.vella
Sep 10th 2010, 11:54
kondoljanzi lil familja Azzoppardi N.B Jien nhobb narah in nar X'hin nara dak l"artistic effect" li johorgu mill kuluri IMMA WARA daqshekk MWIET ma narax S'SENS jaghmel li JIBQA JSIR IL HAJJA HI SABIHA WISQ BIEX TITLIFA GHAL GOST U THALLI LIL MIN JIBQA WARAJK F'BAHAR TA NIKET KBIR LI MA JINTESA QATT (MARA TFAL OMMOK MISSIEREK HUTEK) GHALLHEKK INT LI TAHDEM IN NAR nitobok AHSIBA u erga AHSIBA GRAZZI
J.Galea
Sep 9th 2010, 13:18
I would like to express my deepest sympathy for the loss of Jean Pierre and all the other victims but the Prekursur Band club should rectify the statement regarding the 8Th September 11 am march in which the truth is being changed. I would leave to the Prekursur Band Council to show to all the truth and how the band service was cancelled and from whom. I am certain that the good judgment will reign.
D.Galea
Sep 8th 2010, 22:50
Interesting is it? The flock displaying more heart then the "shepherd". Well done I can't but applaud your decision, do not worry from next year on, God willing you will see the fruit or your heart warming solidarity be rewarded. It already is in fact, Thank you.
Dorian Azzopardi
Sep 8th 2010, 22:28
RIP cousin :( will never forget you.....
Michael Grech
Sep 8th 2010, 20:03
well done
S Vella
Sep 8th 2010, 19:08
Proset u proset tassew tal gest umli tghakom...Dik hi il vera solidarjeta ma min hu imnikket u mal vittmi
John Zammit
Sep 8th 2010, 18:21
To Xewkija Band club
I would like to say a word of admiration at your bold decision to cancel your participation in the feast of Xaghara. It speaks for itself that you felt uncomfortable to take part in a feast which is overshadowed with sorrow.
At least there are people who care. Once again Xewkija prosit. You showed that you have feelings.
Xuereb A
Sep 8th 2010, 18:41
Well said Mr.Zammit!!
Joseph Calleja
Sep 8th 2010, 17:52
A word of praise goes to the Prekursur Band of Xewkija to call of the March. In view of what happened the whole feast should have been cancelled and shame on the Kappillan and the Xaghra Feast Committee to go ahead with the feast. Business as usual? Where was the Bishop of Gozo where usually he is so vocal on every other thing? Is the church so irresponsible as to ignore what had occurred? The fireworks factory was indirectly connected with the Xaghra festivities. I hope those who made the decision to carry on with the feast look deep into their hearts and realize how irresponsible their decision was. And the comment as to the fact those innocent people were not from their village is beyond contempt. I hope you enjoyed the feast and it was all worth it! Now I hope the whole village of Xaghra including especially the Kappillan and the Feast Committee will attend all six funerals and extend their condolences to the families of these six unfortunate people.
saviour attard
Sep 8th 2010, 17:50
It is practically impossible to practice the passtime of fireworks safely so in my opinion the production of fireworks should be abolished in our country. Fireworks for the feast will be purchased from foregin countries and then imported to the country under security. This is the only way ,in my humble opinion, to avoid more tragedies similar to this most recent one.
Gauci I.
Sep 8th 2010, 18:13
Dear Mr Attard Everyone has a right to his own opinion but I invite you to see how proud these people make us abroad....and this is only one competition we won many many more...how can one abolish such talent??
http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/video-ghaxaq-s-st-joseph-factory-win-the-bilbao-international-pyrotechnic-festival
Xuereb T
Sep 8th 2010, 18:16
No. why do we have to abolish OUR local fireworks to buy inferior foreign work. Even the judges who gave the Maltese Fireworks Factory full points at Spain's Festival said so. the main point the Maltese won to foreigners was beacuse our fireworks are unique and original. Let's safeguard this only tradition which make us proud around the world. We loose in everything but when it comes to Fireworks Festivals we pass with flying colours. To abolish something is not the way how th deal with a problem but we have to see what is going wrong in order to decrease these incidents.
M Buhagiar
Sep 8th 2010, 20:45
Please, stop referring to fireworks as a hobby, or a"'passtime" as Mr Attard has called them. The making of fireworks is a discipline, a science: pyrotechnics. Maltese pyrotechnicians are not amateurs ("dilettanti" tan-nar)! They are experts. They excel in their work, and their expertise in the science is amazing, considering that often they do not have any recognized qualifications in chemistry or physics, etc. They should be admired and appreciated for dedicating their time and risking their lives in working to provide breathtaking spectacles!
As such I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to the victims of this latest tragedy and their families, as well as give my sincere condolences to the latter. The death of their loved ones was surely not senseless!
Joseph Tonna
Sep 8th 2010, 17:49
JIENA MORT IL-FESTA TAL-IMGARR MALTA
1. TLAQT BIT-TAMBUR TA WIDNEJJA JUGAWNI
2. BIT-TIFEL JIBKI GHAX IMWERWER MILL-MURTALI QAWWIJA IMMENS
DIN KULTURA ... ?
G.Portelli
Sep 8th 2010, 18:05
X'mort taghmel? Mela il-bierah twelidt? Ma tafx li jekk ha jkun hemm il-murtali se jkun hemm il-hsejjes u t-tifel se jibza? Taf x'hinu s-sens komun?
Xuereb T
Sep 8th 2010, 18:10
haha int bis-serjeta'??? Jien nghix f'rahal fejn ghandna zewg festi u 2 maghrufin ghan-nar u jaghmlu nar fil-kobor ukoll apparti li nzur hafna festi u spettakli tan-nar ukoll imma din il-haga QATT ma gratli. Apparti li n-neputija t'inqas minn sentejn l-anqas kas ma taghti tan-nar u gieli anki raqdet!!Hallina u tivvintax hmerijiet, ma qaghdx hdejn xi speaker ux u faqalek widnejk??Grazzi ghax dahhaktni naqra bil-comment tieghek!! :)
Charles J. Buttigieg
Sep 8th 2010, 17:46
I don’t know who is responsible for the external festivities during the village festa but I do know that the church itself puts on the floor fireworks, popularly known as ‘giggivogu’, and other fireworks spectacle. If the church really wants to set an example it should refrain from its participation and some lives would be saved.
Gauci I.
Sep 8th 2010, 17:39
As A Xaghra resident I dont share the sense of the Community who decided to go along with the Feast - it should have been cancelled outright. These men lost their lives preparing for the feast anyway! and as Gozitan brothers we should show utmost respect!
To the Authorities I appeal not to cut down on Fireworks but help these enthusiasts by giving them the necessary support they would need to practice their passtime more safely. After all their hard work draws many many tourists to our feasts and all leave the island with distinct memories of having seen a great fireworks show...
To the family our condolences and please do no blame 'all' of the Xaghra people as we dont all share the same sentiments....May God be with you in these hard times!
J. Mifsud
Sep 8th 2010, 17:58
Well done Mr/Ms Gauci and congratulations for your good sense. Prosit.
Unfortunately my family and I have already decided not to set foot in beautiful Xaghra ever again in the first week of every September of years to come. I still cannot stomach the way of thinking of those who should know better.
Fortunately the feast of Marija Bambina is celebrated in other towns and villages.
n sultana
Sep 9th 2010, 20:33
To J. Mifsud, nixtieq ninfurmak li x-Xaghra hu rahal tax-xaghrin u ta' kulhadd. Jekk ma tridx tirfes izjed l'hawn hija ghazla tieghek u hadd m'hu ser jikkmandak x'taghmel!! Jidher fic-car li int go dan ir-rahal qatt m'irfist. Skont dan l-artiklu il-banda tax-Xewkija minn jedda kkancellat l-marc brijjuz tal-11am..dan nassigurak li m'huwiex minnu izda kien l-istess kumitat tal-festi esterni tax-Xaghra li ha din l-inizzjattiva li l-banda tax-Xewkija ma titlax ddoqq ghal dan il-marc bhala turija ta'
rispett lejn il-vittmi!! Fejn ma tafux l-fatti konkreti ahjar ma tparlawx!!! Nispera li tbiddel fehmtek ghax ir-rahal tax-Xaghra minn dejjem kien rahal ezemplari...hekk kien, ghadu u jibqa!!
Mario Azzopardi
Sep 8th 2010, 17:34
In one day 6 people died in an island of 400,0000. In the worst days of war torn Iraq (population 31 million) this would translate to 530 !! May this simple fact touch the heart & conscience of both Church and civil authorities. You have a moral and civic duty to stop this sensless killing.It is now time for action. Action will seperate the MEN from the cowards!!! Yes we will pray for the victims but more concrete action is needed to avoid repetition of last Sunday!!!!!
E.Azzopardi
Sep 8th 2010, 17:25
well done.hekk ghandu ikunu affarijiet.qed naraw ir renju ta
l paganizmu jirenja meta festa ser titkompla qisu ma gara xejn.
J. Mifsud
Sep 8th 2010, 17:12
Prosit Xewkija Band. This is what I call real solidarity.
Shame on all those in Xaghra that it is business as usual tonight.
Shame on you all.
MG Buttigieg
Sep 8th 2010, 17:10
Mr. Cutajar No it is never too late. It is each one's moral duty to allow for others to amend to their misguided or rash deeds. If this were not so than we do not deserve redemption.
L Camilleri
Sep 8th 2010, 17:02
Not only the mid day march was relatively cancelled but even the last march has been cancelled. Considering that all hilarious marches were either cancelled or a shadow of past years goes to the merit of Xaghra. May the Lord have mercy on Jean Pierre and take him into His eternal care and rest. Condolences to all the families of the dead.
martin chetcuti
Sep 8th 2010, 16:57
BIG PROSIT goes to Xewkija band Club. SHAME SHAME goes to the Xaghra comitee,Arcipriet and Bishop.
Elaine Zammit Haber
Sep 8th 2010, 16:41
Please note that Prekursur Band of Xewkija where going to play in the mid day march and not in the evening. We couldn't go and play marches of celebration after losing a friend in such a tragic accident.
The Band will take part in Jean Pierre's funeral after being invited by the Youths Committee. See link below http://www.bandaprekursur.com/
joe cutajar
Sep 8th 2010, 16:37
To little to late .shame on you xaghra
J Farrugia
Sep 8th 2010, 16:35
It's a shame that this Xewkija Band went off its word given to the Xaghra committee even though I can understand their feelings. But promises are promises and a word given is a pact. This is not fair on Xaghra parish.
Raymond Camilleri
Sep 8th 2010, 16:45
sewwa ghamlu... tridx thallina J Farrugia!
Elaine Zammit Haber
Sep 8th 2010, 16:56
@ J Farrugia - You have to be in the situation yourself to really understand my friend....!!!! I am ready to play 'marci funebri' but was not ready to play 'Marci brijjuzi' - I don't think it made a huge difference to the people of Xaghra, there weren't alot of people and were not in the mood of dancing either - everyone is still under a shock etc....
C Azzopardi
Sep 8th 2010, 17:07
Please note li ahna tlifna wiehed minn uliedna ta allura ovvja li nhassru l-marc u hallina mill-pattijiet u mhux pattijiet. L-ewwel uliedna x-xewkin u r-rispett uman. Il-grazzi lil Jean Pierri irrud naghtuhielu b'xi mod u anke lil hbiebna ta' Farrugia. Tkun f'luttu kif tistenna li nigu niccelebraw Sur Farrugia!!!!! Meta weggew 2 hassarna l-festa u ma mietux ahseb u ara mewt ta' 6 allavolja mux mix xewkija....rispett uman!!
Luke Zammit Haber
Sep 8th 2010, 17:11
For your information, it was the Xaghra Commitee that phoned up the Xewkija Band Commitee so as to inform them to not come to Xaghra and give their band services...it was not the Xewkija Band Commitee that decided not to come...
R. Camilleri
Sep 8th 2010, 17:44
U inti tippretindi li ix Xewkijn sejrin idoqqu fil festa xax Xaghra meta Ghawdex kollu qieghed f luttu!! U barra min hekk hemm Xewki involut fit tragedja..Kemm sejjer zball!!!..Hafna minna lanqas biss resqu lejn il festa ... Proset lil kumitati Xewkin ghamiltu ghazla tajba u gest nobbli....Ahna ir rispett nipprattikawh mhux inlabalbu fuqu biss.
Silvan Camilleri
Sep 8th 2010, 18:25
@ Luke Zammit Haber...
I find it very very hard to beleive that the Xaghra feast Commitee rang up Xewkija Band club to inform them not to go and participate in the feast...
On what basis and reasons they would do so???
If they taught it was inappropriate for Xewkija Band to play, it's inappropriate for any other band to play.... so it's easier to just cancel the feast....
I show my full respect to the Xewkija Band club for this (surely not easy to make) decision.
Condolances to the victim's families.
Fenech MD
Sep 8th 2010, 16:35
Imma kif il-Monsinjur biss ma rax id-dawl?
A. Borg
Sep 8th 2010, 16:33
Dawn huma l-irgiel!
VV Bartolo
Sep 8th 2010, 16:33
this is what i call RESPECT!! prosit to the xewkija people
Dr.Kevin Mompalao
Sep 8th 2010, 16:29
Prosit. That is proper respect. Xaghra feast comittee, should learn the elementaries of respect.
steve marshall
Sep 8th 2010, 17:40
prosit lin nies tax xaghra li ic celebrazzjonijiet saru xorta wahda.ir rispett lejn dawk li mietu baqa em xorta wahda ax nar ma nharaqx u nhar l hadd il marc thassar.la ma weggawx nies mil lokal nemmen mija fil mija li kellu jsir kollox kif suppost u ppjanat.li naf inajd hu li kiku ftit biss tal hin wara waslu nies tax xaghra fuq il post kinet tigri tragedja akbar u dan bi traskuragni ta haddiehor.naqbel ma min kull min ta l go ahead li l festa tibqa addejja kif suppost u nawgura l kumplament tal festa tajba lil kullhadd.
Adrian Sciberras
Sep 8th 2010, 23:45
ma tistghax tghid int sur marshall x'wassal ghal dan l-incident. traskuragni? allura hafna mid-dillettanti qed ikunu traskurati fuq xogholom? ghax hafna kmamar qed itiru.. jew forsi qed jasal materjal ciniz li mhux ta' kwalita bhal dak li ahna l-maltin imdorrijin nahdmu bieh ( germaniz) u meta jipressa ruhu sa certu livell qed jigru l-incidenti? nahseb jien qabel wiehed jawqbad jiggudika ghandom isiru studji, anka l-materjal kollu li qed jasal Malta, nemmen li wasal zmien li dan jigi ezaminat tajjeb u qabel ikun 100% ma jinbihx.
Ir-rispett huwa dak li kellu jigi mill-arcipriet jew x'inhu, li l-attivitajiet ta' divertiment ihassarom, ghax mhux sew... ahna nifirhu, nixorbu l-alkahol, naqbzu mal-marcijiet etc.. u nafu li hemm mara mbikkma u li hadd ma jista jtaffila dak li tilfet u dak li ghozzot ghal zmien twil minhabba inciudent li sehh f'materjal li kien lest biex ingawduh ahna u materjal li seta sploda waqt li ahna konna qed ingorruh lejn ix-xaghra. issa jew ha nirragunaw ta' nsara jew ha nirragunaw ta nies li l-ewwel nigu ahna it tieni ahna u n tilet ahna