Richard Cannataci writes:

Ġużi and I were both raised in the parish of Il-Madonna tas-Sacro Cuor, Sliema. We were both altar boys and woke up early to serve Mass at a time when altar boys were in abundance.

We taught at the same Sliema primary school until 1959, when we both went to England to study as teachers of the blind. We both served blind adults in Malta until December 1978.

Joe Fenech Conti was the founder of the Centre for the Blind in St Venera, where, with a small group of well-trained teachers, blind residents of Malta were given a good service under the auspices of the Education Department.

Joe pioneered the welfare of the blind in Malta. A pension for all registered blind people was awarded in the 1960s. He also founded the Malta Wireless for the Blind Fund. Blind adults received education, were taught Braille and were even trained for employment as telephone operators and in other working skills. To support this fund, Joe promoted the ‘Ring us up’ during Christmas.

The Maltese Braille Code was registered in Paris in 1960. The Talking Book for the Blind came into existence and today one can enjoy hearing, in Maltese, a wide variety of recordings in our language by just becoming a member of the public library in Floriana.

Cane work and metal plastic-covered hangers became an industry of the Centre for the Blind. Thousands of baskets and other items must still be in existence in many Maltese homes. Our stand at Malta’s Trade Fair in Naxxar displayed the skills of many blind people who were so close to Joe’s heart.

Joe was a scout belonging to the First Sliema Group. As an adult he formed part of the Baden Powell Guild and enrolled me in it.

On the feast day every July, even last July, the statue of Our Lady was under his guide.

Now his mission on this world has come to an end. He will always be remembered by the dear ones he left behind, not least yours truly.