A human size model of baby Jesus forming part of a crib, all made from recycled materials was stolen from a playing field in Marsascala yesterday morning.
The crib was to be inaugurated later on in the day. Luckily, the experienced Joseph Barbara who was commissioned to make the unique crib, provided another baby Jesus by the afternoon just before the inauguration.
Green Mt, an authorised Waste Packaging Compliance Scheme together with the Marsascala Local Council have over the last two months commissioned local artist Joseph Barbara to design and manufacture a human size crib from separated waste fractions collected by the same authorised Waste Packaging Compliance Scheme and delivered to the Materials Recovery Facility at Marsascala Sant’Antnin Plant. The crib will remain at the local playing field for the enjoyment of the children and families who use the playing field until 6 January 2010. Artist Joseph Barbara combined his wealth of experience to create the figures of Joseph the carpenter, holy Mother Mary and Baby Jesus from recyclable material. The crib includes also animals made out of carton and plastic bottles. During the inauguration Marsascala mayor Mario Calleja outlined that residents in Marsascala are helping in the promotion of waste separation. He outlined that further promotional incentives needed to be extended in this locality for residents to participate further. Green MT has supplied over 10 bring-in sites which are now well used by the public in this locality. Resources and rural affairs minister Gorg Pullicino outlined the fact that facilities such as the ones at Marsascala are needed on a national scale. He added that the government will be outlining the discount to be made available to Marsascala residents in their electricity billing once the facility at Marsascala is totally operational next year. Minister Gorg Pullicino thanked Green MT for their efforts in recovery of waste recyclables from a number of localities in Malta.
The Crib was officially inaugurated in the presence of Minister Gorg Pullicino, Marsascala mayor and Green Mt chairman Vince Farrugia.