Opposition leader Simon Busuttil is ‘adopting’ an 18th century document at the Notarial Archives so that it can be restored.

The document, like a passport, was issued by the Franciscan Friars Minor Convent of San Salvator, Jerusalem, as custodians of the Holy Land. Authorised by Fr Joannes Antonious Aldave, it granted safe passage in June 1793 to a shipmaster and his crew.

In those times, restrictions had been imposed on corsairs operating in the Levant, and the waters of the Holy Land had a buffer zone that kept pirate ships away. Whoever was sent there on a mission had to have a passport.

Dr Busuttil, who was shown the archives by Joan Abela, president of the Resources Council of the Notarial Archives, commended the volunteer staff. The council recently announced a scheme through which people may offer donations for the restoration of a book, volume or document.

Dr Busuttil adopted the 18th-century document and offered to help in the sourcing of EU funds for restoration of other works.

There are currently two people qualified in restoration work at the archives, which means the backlog of restoration requires 900 years to complete.

Dr Busuttil urged people to help protect the heritage at the archives, which shed light on the island’s roots and identity. Restoration depends mostly on financial support from sponsors.