I was watching BondiPlus when suddenly, two of my closest friends – Noel Agius and James Debono – called me in the space of a few minutes and gave me the unbelievable news. “Julian Manduca has left us.”

Julian Manduca – a pioneer of the Maltese environmental movement, journalist and a man of the arts.

I’ve been knowing Julian for many years and I still remember the first time that I spoke to him, at a party organised by my parents.

I was in my teens.

At these parties you’d find intellectuals, artists and all sorts of interesting and influential people. Julian was no exception.

Julian had been active in Malta’s environmental movement ever since its inception in the 1980s and was on the frontline of activism and solidarity with local communities, farmers and the ecology ever since. His knowledge and experience were vital for various campaigns.

His determination was truly influential.

If progress was made in Malta’s environment, both in terms of concrete achievements and in terms of peoples’ perceptions, Julian’s influence surely played no small part.

I will surely remember Julian as a major source of inspiration, and, above all, as a true friend and comrade.

My condolences go to his wife Irene Christ and to his family.

Julian, may you rest in peace. Your spirit lives on!!

Michael Briguglio

Sliema