The letter entitled “Unforgettable Sir Paul Boffa” by Ganni Abela (TMIS, 8 October) has prompted me to add to what he wrote.

Dr Boffa has been dead for many years but his name is still mentioned and his memory lives on among people in the older age group, who knew him to be an honest, upright man. He did not die a rich man, although he served in Malta’s Parliament on many occasions since 1921, both as Prime Minister and Minister. He was forthright and down to earth in his views.

He also worked for the good of all irrespective of political leanings and was supported by a wide sector of society, including the civil service, teachers and workers in different fields. In 1949 he was instrumental in passing a law which stated that blasphemy was an offence and should not be tolerated. I don’t know whether this is still in vigore!

He started his career as a medical officer in the Royal Army Medical Corpe during World War I and when the war ended went into private practice, offering his untiring professional service to the population, especially in Paola, Tarxien, Zejtun, Marsa and the Three Cities. He was well known for not charging the poor and the emarginated for his services. He campaigned for better conditions and remuneration for workers in the 1930s, and before that for teachers who were then poorly paid. My late father’s pay in the early 1930s was about three shillings and six pence per day, indeed a meagre sum. Thanks to Dr Boffa’s efforts, this was increased slightly.

I agree that a small bust of him be erected in Paola Square, where there is ample space, in memory of a Prime Minister whose many fine qualities included helping those in need and passing sensible laws. He also did much for the people of Paola and Tarxien where he was one of the leading members of the community.

Teddy Zammit

PAOLA