A new monument was launched to commemorate the events which took place back in 1551, when more than 5,000 which formed a major part of the Gozitan population, were taken into slavery.

The monument inaugurated yesterday at the Citadel in Gozo. The Minister for Gozo Anton Refalo and the UNESCO Ambassador for Malta Mr Joe Vella Gauci laid flowers on the monument which was set up following the restoration at the Citadel.

Speaking during the ceremony, the Minister said that this monument was inaugurated to remember with some dignity those who were taken. "This is the a monument remembering one of the largest tragedies in Gozo's history." The Ministry will be commemorating this event every year.