About 50 years ago Salvino, myself and others founded the first society for the mentally handicapped, which was then called The Malta Welfare Society for the Mentally Handicapped.

The society founded the first day centre in Malta for the mentally handicapped, which used to be held at the former Blue Sisters Hospital. As the society grew, new premises were required, so with kind permission of the Physically Handicapped Rehabilitation Fund, the society moved to Paola.

As other societies for the handicapped were formed Salvino was instrumental in founding the Federation of the Societies for the Handicapped. For a long time he was both president and secretary of the federation.

He worked hand-in-hand with the pioneers in the field of the handicapped like Mgr Mikiel Azzopardi, Leli Tonna, Joe Burlò and Mr Justice Wallace Gulia.

Salvino offered his services always on a voluntary basis as an auditor to the societies for the handicapped.

With his death Malta has lost one of its pioneers in the field of the handicapped.

My deepest condolences go to his wife Mary and to his sons and daughters.

J.P. Vella

Birkirkara