I had the fortune and privilege to serve my country as a diplomat at the Malta High Commission in United Kingdom for four years between 2001 and 2005. For the first three and a half years, I was fortunate and privileged to have H.E. Dr George Bonello Du Puis as my superior, being Malta’s High Commissioner in the United Kingdom.

Father, notary, politician and finally a diplomat. High Commissioner Bonello Du Puis was a catalyst in uniting the Maltese and Gozitan communities in the United Kingdom and was the founder of the popular event, known as Malta Day UK organised in London. Having just commenced my London posting he called me in his office and told me, “you have experience with Maltese and Gozitan migrants in Australia, the United States and Canada, now I expect from you that you make a success story out of organising the Malta Day UK.” I recall vividly, responding, “I’m at your service, to our country and people in the United Kingdom... your wishes will come true.” Having never looked back together with the Organising Committee of the Malta Day UK, together we created an event attracting thousands of Maltese and Gozitans not only from around the United Kingdom, but from continental Europe. Furthermore, he wanted il-Vittorja to signify the national day of Malta where once a year Maltese and Gozitans meet to commemorate our country’s glorious history. He succeeded. Maltese and Gozitan migrants in the United Kingdom are forever grateful and still celebrate the Malta Day UK each year with pump in unity. Malta Day UK is the only Maltese festa organised outside Malta in the European continent.

High Commissioner, Bonello Du Puis was a true gentlemen, intelligent, humble and down to earth, practical, very energetic, altruist, honest and integral, of clear and fast set principles, a sociable character, loved by all who knew him, a true patriot, an English language expert, a strong supporter of Arsenal, a team worker and above all a source of expertise in diverse subject-matters which taught me so much during those three-and-a-half-years.

A heartfelt thank you, High Commissioner, as I used and remained calling him even after ending our duties and till the end. Although short in height but a giant in character will be his legacy. A legacy which gave me an example and direction, united the Maltese and Gozitan migrants in the United Kingdom and to our country in the spheres of the economy, politics and sports.

O Lord, may he rest in eternal peace.

DR RAYMOND C. XERRI

Qala