A book outlining the origins and development of the Maltese element in Gibraltar was recently presented by author David Arrigo to Gibraltar's chief minister Peter Caruana.

Twin Rocks - The Malta-Gibraltar Connection is Mr Arrigo's third book. It is described as a "must read" for anyone curious about Malta or Gibraltar. Its 550 pages include hundreds of photos, most of which were not previously published.

The book was published by PEG Ltd.

Mr Arrigo also presented Mr Caruana with a photograph of the Grand Harbour and Senglea, taken around 1870. The Caruana family came from Senglea before they emigrated to Gibraltar. Mr Caruana expressed pride in his Maltese origins although he had never been to Malta up to last November.

Descendants of Maltese migrants who left the island for Gibraltar in the last half of the 19th century and early last century make up around a third of the Gibraltarian people, who are a mix of British, Spanish, Genoese, Minorcan and Maltese. Most of the Maltese lost all contact with Malta and their families but some kept in touch mainly through the Maltese priests who have continuously looked after the Catholic parishes there.

Mr Arrigo can be contacted on 2141 9567 or david arrigo@waldonet.net.