Malcolm J. Naudi, on behalf of the English-Speaking Union of Malta writes:
The passing away of Michael Refalo has left a void in two associations in which he made a contribution that should not be unrecorded.
In late 2008, Michael, who at the time was Maltese High Commissioner to the UK, approached me to form part of the initial team that set up the English-Speaking Union of Malta.
In his address at the launch of ESU Malta at the Grand Hotel Excelsior in February 2009, in the presence of then Education and Culture Minister Dolores Cristina, Michael went to great pains to stress that the aim of the new association was to encourage the Maltese to learn and speak English better and to make good use of it.
“It should not be and nor do we want it to be achieved at the expense of the learning and use of Maltese,” he said.
Although Michael initially sat on the board of ESU Malta, he did not seek any credit, nor hog the limelight, but was always available to give our two chairmen, Martin Scicluna and John de Giorgio, any advice and input that was needed. ESU Malta made Michael its honorary life president in August 2012.
Michael was also an active member of Rotary Club Malta.
When he was High Commissioner in the UK, he regularly visited Rotary clubs around the UK to speak about Malta and encourage Rotarians there to visit Malta and the local club.
I remember many an interesting discussion with Michael over dinner at the Rotary convivials over the years.
He could size up a situation instantly and always had a clear vision of what he wanted to achieve and the way it needed to be done.
My condolences go to his wife Blanche and to all his family.