Many people in Qala are still asking why Anton Camilleri, the popular local councillor, who was also the Gozo Labour Party treasurer and vice-president of the Gozo Football Association, had to die at such a relatively young age.

I could not find solace and could not understand why, until I came across the following beautiful extract from the Book of Wisdom in the Bible, which I would like to share with all the people of Qala, relatives and countless friends of my father.

"He who pleased God was loved; he who lived among sinners was transported - snatched away, lest wickedness pervert his mind or deceit beguile his soul; for the witchery of paltry things obscures what is right and the whirl of desire transforms the innocent mind.

"Having become perfect in a short while, he reached the fullness of a long career; for his soul was pleasing to the Lord, wherefore he sped him out of the midst of wickedness. But the people saw and did not understand, nor did they take this into account." (Wisdom, 4:9). I feel that this description fits my father perfectly.