The Council of Maltese Living Abroad started its 4thmeeting in Malta this morning, chaired by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr. George W. Vella. The Council, made up of representatives from among the Maltese communities living abroad, meets annually to discuss issues pertaining to the Maltese communities in their respective countries.
In his introduction to the meeting, which will be held over two days, Minister Vella welcomed the members sitting on the council and whilst recognising their important role, said that during these two days the meeting will be discussing the concerns put forward, keeping in mind that the aspirations of all the Maltese communities vary according to the country in which they are living. Minister Vella said that he keeps himself updated regularly by various means with the Maltese communities' needs.
Dr. Vella said that the Council has to look forward, and work on a new concept: regarding the Maltese communities living abroad, not as emigrants, but as communities living in a particular country with ties to their country of origin, Malta. This applies more, he said, to the upcoming generation.
Dr. Vella also pointed out that whilst the upcoming generation of Maltese living abroad should not lose their roots, however one has to note that these are more foreign than Maltese. Giving an example on new ways of doing things, he said that maybe one must find a different way how to teach the Maltese language to the upcoming generation, even by giving Maltese lessons in English. This will remind them of their roots and generate interest among them for their country of origin.
Topics for discussion vary from the teaching of the Maltese language to social rights, to voting rights by Maltese living abroad, an interesting subject, said Minister Vella, which needs discussion.