A moving letter addressed to the Maltese and written in former Prime Minister George Borg Olivier’s own hand on the occasion of the island’s impending independence has recently been unearthed in the storage rooms of the Nationalist Party’s headquarters.
The letter was dug up by Charles Stroud, who was tasked with coordinating party activities to celebrate the 50th anniversary of an independent Malta.
The letter will later form part of an exhibition detailing the PN’s history.
Henry Frendo, historian and biographer of Dr Borg Olivier, explained that it was difficult to determine the exact date when the former prime minister addressed his message, but from internal evidence and knowledge of context, it would definitely have been on or just before July 26, 1964.
“This is a moving and historic message written by Dr Borg Olivier in his own hand and addressed ‘to my people’ (lill-poplu tiegħi) probably from the Savoy Hotel, London, in the third week of July 1964,” he said.
“This was shortly after he knew that the Malta Independence Bill would be be approved by the House of Commons, as the Malta Labour Party had already said it would not obstruct its passage.
George Borg Olivier’s feelings bring home to younger generations what was at stake at the time
“The bill was endorsed on July 26, 1964, when Dr Borg Olivier returned to Malta to a hero’s welcome. I can still recall the long, noisy, flag-waving carcade upon his arrival passing through St Anne Street in Floriana, where we lived, all the way from the airport to Valletta.”
In his heartfelt message accompanying the announcement that Malta’s independence was in the bag, Prof. Frendo continued, Dr Borg Olivier wanted to convey to the Maltese through the media a hearty greeting and best wishes for the future in anticipation of his impending triumphant return home.
“On the 50th anniversary of our independence, Dr Borg Olivier’s feelings bring home to younger generations what was at stake at the time and reinforces Malta’s achievement as one of the few ex-colonies, which in spite of difficulties and ups and downs, has nevertheless survived and prospered as a democratic European state, and played its part in the community of nations.”
A translation of George Borg Olivier’s letter
To my people on this historic moment, I wish to convey a message of happiness and best wishes for the future of our country and that of generations to come.
Malta’s history is one which has garnered our native country the admiration of many nations. The attainment of independence for these Islands, rendering them a free and sovereign state, will be adding another golden page to our glorious history.
As in the past, Malta has demonstrated, even in this historic and truly memorable occasion, that its small size is never an obstacle and never impedes that which the Maltese people strive to win or obtain.
The courage and determination of us Maltese are proverbial and have garnered us praise and honours from the heads of large states and the sincere admiration of many nations.
My wish today – a wish which comes from a heart which beat alongside yours in every occasion which affected us as a nation, in every matter of national interest – is that this same courage and determination will keep inspiring and guiding us for what is to come so that under a free, independent and sovereign nation, the Maltese would enjoy such happiness and prosperity as the children of this noble land deserve.
George Borg Olivier