President Eddie Fenech Adami and Mrs Fenech Adami yesterday made a social call on Sir Anthony Mamo at Casa Arkati in Mosta on the occasion of his 99th birthday.

Sir Anthony, a former Chief Justice, was made the first President of Malta when it became a republic in 1974, after replacing Sir Maurice Dorman as Governor General.

“We are grateful for the example you have set and your service, honesty, professionalism and wisdom,” President Fenech Adami told Sir Anthony. “You always fill me with courage whenever I meet you, and I am very happy to be here in the name of all the Maltese people,” he said.

The President also pointed out that Sir Anthony has the honour of being the oldest former head of state in the world, to which Sir Anthony replied jokingly: “I knew I was old but I didn’t know I was the oldest ex-head of state!”

“I thank God for all these years he has lent me and hope that I have made good use of them. I still feel very good despite being 99 years old, and I am happy to note that some of the most outstanding people of today were my students, including the President,” said Sir Anthony. “On a personal level I am grateful for all the people I have loved, including the President, who was one of my favourite students, and I still remember clearly how he was one of the best at dealing with income tax cases,” he joked.

The occasion was all in good spirits, with Sir Anthony in excellent form, displaying a sharp mind and sense of humour. In fact during the cutting of the cake Sir Anthony joked once again: “We should taste the cake before we start clapping!” The President and Ms Fenech Adami presented him with a gift and a bouquet of red roses, and Casa Arkati’s home manager, Antonia Agius, also presented him with a gift on behalf of Casa Arkati.

Sir Anthony Mamo was born on January 9, 1909, and became President of Malta when the country became a republic on December 13, 1974, holding the office until 1976. He was also the last Governor General, representing Queen Elizabeth II. In 1942 he joined the Attorney-General’s Office as one of the Crown Counsels, occupying in succession all the grades, until he himself became Attorney-General in 1955.

He served under four Prime Ministers – Sir Paul Boffa, Dr Enrico Mizzi, Dr Giorgio Borg Olivier and Mr Dom Mintoff – as chief legal adviser to them personally and their Cabinets. In this capacity he accompanied all ministerial delegations for discussions and negotiations with the British Government. From 1943 Sir Anthony was Professor of Criminal Law at the University of Malta up to 1957 when he was appointed Chief Justice and President of the Court of Appeal.

Sir Anthony married Margaret Agius in 1939 and they had two daughters, Josephine and Monica – the latter was present for yesterday’s event – and a son, John.