The Good Friday activities are now over. Practically all villages and towns in Malta and Gozo do some kind of activity during this period. One could visit the large number of representations and different kinds of exhibitions in band clubs and other societies, and also by individuals. Apart from the religious meaning, there is also the cultural aspect of all this

For me this is a celebration of the tradition and culture of the Maltese people. We should be proud that we have so many Maltese who have so much talent. When we remember that we are only 400,000 inhabitants living on an island we should be even prouder.

I had the opportunity to visit some of these exhibitions, especially those in my districts. I feel that I should congratulate everyone, not only for their efforts and for involving a number of young people in the preparatory works, but also for the high level of attention to the detail.

Let me start by congratulating conductor Emanuel Spagnol and the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra for the wonderful performance in a concert of sacred music at the St John’s Cathedral Valletta. Of course, now we are accustomed to the high level of professionalism and the great performances by our orchestra. A mention is also due to the soloists who performed together with the Orchestra, that is Miriam Cauchi and Noel Galea. Well done, not only for the performance itself but also for the choice of the pieces. The grandeur of the Cathedral made the evening even more fabulous.

But now allow me to go local. One of the Zejtun band clubs this year is celebrating the 150th anniversary since it was founded. One of the activities organised by the Beland Musical Society was a concert in the Zejtun parish church. This event was not only very well presented, with a nice mix of pieces, but the performance by all those who took part in this sacred music concert was nothing short than excellent. May I congratulate Maestro Ray Sciberras and all the musicians. We have to remember that musicians in these band clubs are all part-timers and as such they do not have enough time to dedicate for music. However the result of most concerts that they present is always of a very high level, and this applies to all Maltese band clubs.

Another concert, this time of funereal marches, was performed by the Zejtun Band Club under the leadership of Maestro Captain Carmelo Mangion. The performance in this concert was nothing short of excellent. I also had the opportunity to visit the exhibitions at the respective band clubs, which were of a very high level. Apart from Zejtun, Fgura and Marsascala also presented a number of other exhibitions related to Good Friday. A word is also deserved to the Cottonera area where, for sure, they are second to none in the organisation of such events. Well done to all those involved too.

All this, and of course a lot more, is going on in our local communities and in my opinion this deserves a lot of appreciation. I know that there is a lot of effort and sacrifice throughout the whole year to manage to organise such activities. This year is the European Year of Volunteering dedicated specifically to voluntary work, and their efforts should be even more highlighted. It takes a lot of hard work and many hours dedicated to their respective communities to be able to produce such high standards. As a country, we need to appreciate more all the non-governmental organisations and facilitate their work as much as possible, and not make it more difficult with rules and regulations that are intended to complicate, rather than regulate, their work.

The slogan used by the European Union is Volunteer! Make a difference. And, yes, this is happening in Malta. However we need to stay on the alert since the commitments that many people have do not leave them much time to involve themselves in voluntary work. But today I feel that I should celebrate the work of all and congratulate all those who through their work are contributing in no small way to enhance the local culture while being of service to all and as such making our communities better.

Carmelo Abela MP is Labour Main Spokesperson for Social Policy

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