“Dan hu Gorg Bonavia li qed ikellimkom mill-Kanada” (“This is Gorg Bonavia calling from Canada”).

This was the introduction to a radio magazine programme that Gorg used to broadcast on Rediffusion (cable radio) with the cooperation of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation from 1961 to 1973.

His name became synonymous with news and views about emigrants and emigration to Canada.

Zabbar-born Gorg emigrated to Canada in June 1948 and was soon joined by his wife Mary and their two children, Connie and Joe. He and Mary then had three more: Paul, George and Lawrence. After settling in Windsor, Ontario, Gorg founded the first society for all Maltese in North America. On his own initiative, and with no small financial burden, between 1952 and 1965 he published the monthly paper The Malta News for the Maltese in Canada and the United States.

In 1953, Gorg joined the Canadian Civil Service. In those days, an immigrant had to be settled for five years before applying for such jobs. In fact, he was then appointed an immigration officer.

Gorg was very active among the different ethnic groups apart from Maltese. He even had a radio programme on

the CBC called International Rendezvous.

In Canada, Gorg did much to promote the Maltese language and literature. As a member of the Akkademja tal-Malti, he was instrumental in creating the Maltese section in public libraries where there was a Maltese community, by getting a financial grant from the Canadian Government.

In recognition of his long and successful career, Gorg Bonavia was awarded the Medalja ghall-Qadi tar-Repubblika by the Maltese Government in 1998.

A Mass for the repose of his soul will be said at Zabbar Sanctuary Parish Church today at 6pm.