The Nationalist Party has launched a competition for the design of the logo that will be used during celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of Malta’s Independence.

Party deputy leader Beppe Fenech Adami unveiled the contest yesterday as well as the setting up of a committee that will be organising celebrations to mark the September 21 feast.

“The Nationalist Party was a protagonist in Malta acquiring Independence.

“The committee’s task will be to remind people about these 50 years of history,” he said.

He went on to add that, by becoming independent, Malta had gone through huge developments on various levels including social, economic and cultural.

The committee’s task will be to remind people about these 50 years of history

Dr Fenech Adami said details of the activities had not been mapped out and the Opposition was willing to cooperate with the government to ensure there would be no clashes with activities being organised, by the government, for the same feast.

Last summer, the government set up a committee to organise a series of anniversaries coming up this year.

They include the 50th anniversary of Malta’s Independence, the 40th anniversary since Malta became a Republic, the 35th anniversary of Freedom Day and 10 years since EU accession.

In March, while speaking during the Freedom Day celebrations, Dr Muscat said he would like to see the number of national days reduced to two from the current five.

He said he wanted Labourites to embrace Independence Day as much as they loved Freedom Day, and vice versa.

His words echoed those of President George Abela who, in a strongly worded speech at the Republic Day award ceremony in December 2012, said Malta should have two national days – Independence and Republic day.

The PN’s committee will accept designs for the competition until February 21.

Designs are to be inspired by the theme ‘50 Years a Nation’ and can be sent to 50@pn.org.mt.