The popular owner of the Duke of Edinburgh Hotel in Victoria, a member of the Gozo Civil Council, and a former Member of the Legislative Assembly (1950- 51) was a most active civic worker. Pawlu Portelli, ‘Tal-Lingi’ was perhaps the Gozitan mostly known by the Maltese and foreigners of his time who visited Gozo.

His establishment was the best in the island and internationally well known which made the locals proud. The Duke of Edinburgh Hotel was a favourite social resort for all and those who visited the island occasionally.

He was a member of several charitable, civic and other committees and a pioneer of various social and sport institutions prominently distinguishing himself as the founder of the first officially organised Carnival feast on the island of Gozo.

In 1950, Portelli agreed to stand as a candidate in the interests of the Democratic Action Party and was the only member of this party to secure election.

Portelli was a staunch Constitutionalist and made no secret of the fact. He stood as a candidate for this party in the 1951 and 1953 elections but was not elected. He was also a candidate for Mabel Strickland in 1955 and 1964.

Following the demise of his son Guzi who unfortunately died during one of the many raids on Malta during World War II, It was through his efforts that the war memorial at It-Tokk was erected and later unveiled by the Her Majesty the Queen in 1954. Portelli was a true patriot and one who cherished local culture and the well being of the locals.