Malta is a small island with a big heart, no wonder we are seen as being most hospitable. But above all we excel as a most charitable nation on earth. Whenever any catastrophe hits the world, we are in the front line in our support through donations. But we don’t wait for these calamities to occur to show our gentle side.

Who has not heard of Dun Gorg Grima’s work in various countries, especially in Africa and South America. But perhaps fewer people have heard of what Wigi Duca from Ghaxaq is achieving in Guatemala. When Wigi visited the country and witnessed the immense poverty of the natives, he was dismayed and reacted to ameliorate their sufferings. So he decided to replace their huts of reeds, thatch and plastic into solid buildings of bricks and concrete. So far 55 houses have been erected. The next step is to furnish them with the meagre essentials: beds, wardrobes, tables and chairs.

What is amazing and unique in this venture is that Wigi has convinced an entire village to support his idea and Ghaxaq is not one of our big places after all. Wigi will soon be leaving for Guatemala to follow the project’s progress but before he leaves he would be a happier man if his examples were emulated by anyone who manages to convince his village, town or city to follow in his footsteps.

Wigi is also the author of a book and everything is recorded for posterity. Will the next pioneer be Peppi/Peppa, Ganni/Ganna, Censu/Censa or Karmnu/Karmni? We wait and see and share Wigi’s joy if his dream turns to reality. In the meantime anyone’s little donation helps to alleviate the burden.

Joe Baldacchino

Zejtun