The well-loved and respected former President Ċensu Tabone passed away yesterday, aged 98. He was an ophthalmologist of international fame and a Nationalist minister. As former Prime Minister Alfred Sant put it, even those who never belonged to the PN must experience deep sadness at the news of Dr Tabone’s death.
Dr Tabone, who would have celebrated his 99th birthday at the end of this month, died at home in St Julian’s. The state-funeral will be held on Saturday morning.
News of his death made it to international newswires as Associated Press reported that having served as President between 1989 and 1994, Dr Tabone hosted a US-Soviet summit that declared an end to the Cold War.
“In December 1989, he hosted a superpower summit of US President George H.W. Bush and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, who together declared the end of the Cold War.”
President Emeritus Eddie Fenech Adami described Dr Tabone as a person with many qualities and boundless energy.
“He was one of my closest collaborators from 1962 onwards. He was the type of person who would communicate all the time, and contributed to any discussion during Cabinet meetings. Also, his family was particularly important to him. He was an icon to the Maltese people.”
He was a doctor of international fame, having contributed to anti-trachoma campaigns in a number of countries. The two former Presidents travelled extensively together, and Dr Fenech Adami recalled how the ophthalmologist had been welcomed as a hero in China for his work related to the eradication of trachoma in Taiwan.
Former Prime Minister Alfred Sant said President Emeritus Ċensu Tabone was not only an outstanding doctor, but during his years in politics it was always clear that for him, beyond the need to secure tactical and strategic advantage for his party, the guiding light was conviction. Dr Sant got to know Dr Tabone personally towards the end of Dr Tabone’s public life in politics, much of it spent when he was well past his youth. As President of the Republic after the 1992 elections, he finally gained the recognition of all political sides.
Formerly, said Dr Sant, such recognition was denied him by Labour, following the occult and eventually abortive negotiations that took place pre and post the 1987 elections, to establish a new constitutional framework for the Presidency.
As Leader of the Opposition, during the spring of 1992, Dr Sant said he found in Dr Tabone a cordial interlocutor, wise, prudent and energetic in listening to the viewpoints of others, while making his opinions obvious on matters which he considered to be fundamental.
“He proposed that we start meeting regularly. And so, he and his wife hosted a series of enjoyable lunches á trois. Meanwhile, we talked. There were numerous occasions during which we agreed to disagree. Not one of them affected the relationship of trust that he knew how to build.”
“He also found time to make good friends with my daughter, then still a kid. When his term of office came to an end, she was inconsolable to learn he could no longer be President. It was perhaps – still is – the best tribute one could pay to Ċensu Tabone and his contribution to the public life of this country.
“My condolences go to his family.”
A loyal person with a strong sense of justice
President Emeritus Ugo Mifsud Bonnici described Ċensu Tabone as a loyal, highly intelligent person with a strong sense of justice and initiative.
“He was a friend, a very loyal, straightforward person. As secretary general of the PN, he worked to organise the party machine, and when he was first appointed minister in 1966, he continued to expand the social services system. He always gave a lot of importance to the needs of vulnerable people. He always worked to improve people’s quality of life.”
A person of charisma and values
Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, in the name of the government and the Maltese people, paid respect to the memory of former President Ċensu Tabone.
In a statement, Dr Gonzi said Dr Tabone was a person of charisma, who had been close to the people and practiced the values in which he believed, with his family, in his profession, in trade unionism and in politics.
On a professional level, as an ophthalmologist, Dr Tabone changed the lives of many people, including children.
He was always sensitive to those who had the greatest needs. In the sixties, as Works and Social Sector Minister, he introduced new concepts in the field of disabled persons so that they could be employed.
In politics, Dr Tabone gave a strong contribution mainly in two important developments: Independence and EU accession.
As foreign affairs minister between 1987 and 1988, he worked tirelessly for Malta to acquire credibility in the international field, paving the way for EU accession.
The personality of Ċensu Tabone came out even more when he was appointed President – a role he occupied with great dignity. Together with his wife Maria, they attracted the admiration of many people.
Dr Gonzi gave his condolences to Mrs Tabone, his children and the rest of the family.
The family has accepted the government’s offer for a state funeral to be held.
A people’s president
Labour MP Leo Brincat said yesterday in reaction to the death of President Emeritus Ċensu Tabone that he did not give himself any illusions of grandeur when he assumed the Presidency.
Dr Tabone had gone that extra mile to be a people’s President, without letting his political background weigh him down as baggage, said Mr Brincat, adding that even after retiring politics and the Presidency he continued to impress him with his clarity and incisiveness on international affairs.
Mr Brincat recalled that when he was once in Rome on government business with the late Edgar Mizzi, despite the strong Democrazia Cristiana-Nationalist Party links, former Italian Prime Minister Arnaldo Forlani mistook him (Dr Tabone) for the then PN Leader of the Opposition.
The Labour MP also recalled that Dr Tabone used to joke that one should ignore modern diets and stick to red meat. Ideally daily! From what I was told he practised what he preached.
“He and his wife were the epitome of a perfect couple. My wife and I used to enjoy meeting them during social occasions - the same way we did with the de Marcos.”
Always served with a sense of humanity
Labour Party leader Joseph Muscat, his wife Michelle and family, and the Labour Party expressed sorrow at death of President Emeritus Ċensu Tabone.
In a short statement, Dr Muscat said that in his professional and political career, Dr Tabone always served with a sense of humanity and humbly.
He expressed condolences to Dr Tabone’s wife Marija, their children and the rest of the family in this difficult time.
Opposed problems with adversaries
St Julian’s mayor Peter Bonello, a close friend of the Tabone family, said Dr Tabone was a man of principle and always tried to avoid having problems with adversaries.
“He wasn’t just a politician, but a father. He was a very supportive person and always urged people to avoid hurting anyone with their words or actions.”
A politician with human qualities
Alternattiva Demokratika – The Green Party chairperson Michael Briguglio said: “We mourn the death of President Emeritus Ċensu Tabone, who distinguished himself as a politician with human qualities, who always remained close to the common people.” AD expressed its condolences to the Tabone family.
28 years as president of Sliema philharmonic society
The Soċjetà Filarmonika Sliema, where Ċensu Tabone spent 28 years (between February 1966 and September 1994) as president, paid tribute to the former President of the Republic and expressed its condolences to his wife Maria and their family.
In 1994 Dr Tabone was named President Emeritus Ad Vitam of the Soċjetà Filarmonika Sliema. During that year, the society had organised a memorable concert at the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta as a sign of recognition for Dr Tabone’s work in the society and club, and also as a tribute to his Presidency.
He placed human beings at centre of politics
The Nationalist Party expressed condolences to the Tabone family, noting that the former President was a gentleman of politics who dedicated his life to the service of the people.
In every role he occupied, Dr Tabone always placed people first, said the PN, adding that he had a strong sense of humility, had a way with people, listened to them and was interested in their aspirations and needs.
As an ophthalmologist, he acquired international recognition and made a great name for our country. Ċensu Tabone was one of the greatest politicians the PN ever had and he worked for the country in the most difficult times for democracy. He was a main protagonist to bring peace to our country, stability and respect to human rights.
He was a people’s politician – always ready to listen and help. He was truly a gentleman of politics who placed people at its centre.
Profile
• Ċensu Tabone was the fourth President of Malta. He was born in Victoria on 30 March, 1913 and received his education at the Gozo Seminary and at St Aloysius College. He pursued his studies at the University of Malta and graduated as a doctor in 1937.
• During World War II, Dr Tabone served as a medical officer with the Maltese armed forces, and in 1948 he was entrusted by the government to carry out an intensive anti-trachoma campaign in Gozo. He later served as a consultant in the same sphere with the World Health Organisation in Taiwan, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Vietnam, Iraq, Indonesia, and North Borneo.
• In 1954 he founded the Medical Officers’ Union (now known as the Medical Association of Malta).
• It was in 1962 that Dr Tabone entered the world of politics, having joined the ranks of the PN, but unsuccessfully contested the 1962 elections. He was then elected general secretary of the PN.
• He was elected to parliament in 1966 and was successful in all subsequent elections until 1987. In 1966 he was appointed minister of labour, emigration and social security, and three years later he was responsible for the enactment of a law which made the employment of people with disability possible.
• In 1972 he was elected deputy leader of the PN, a post he held until 1977, after which he was elected president of the executive council.
• In the 1980s he was also one of Malta’s representatives at the Council of Europe, where he also held the post of vice-president. He was also shadow minister for foreign affairs.
• In May 1987 Dr Tabone was appointed foreign affairs minister and two years later he resigned from parliament to serve as President of the Republic.
• He was appointed member of the National Order of Merit as Companion of Honour in 1990.
• Dr Tabone married Maria Wirth in November 1941 and they have eight children, 19 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.
Source: Schiavone Michael J.,
Dictionary of Maltese Biographies
House pays respect to Dr Tabone, parliament adjourned for Tuesday
Leader of the House Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici described Dr Tabone as a person who spent a lot of time in Parliament and who dedicated his life to the service of the people.
Dr Mifsud Bonnici expressed sorrow on behalf of the government, in Parliament, yesterday evening. “He always had a clear mind, was a visionary, and was always open to new ideas,” Dr Mifsud Bonnici said.
“He was an exemplary and a man of great respect,” he continued. “God blessed him with a long life in which he cherished his family”.
As President of the Republic, he opened new Chapters on how the Presidency should be led and set examples for Presidents that followed. He always did what he believed was right.
“I have beautiful memories of the way he led meetings, always based on reason, in compromise and on what is right,” Dr Mifsud Bonnici said.
Joe Sammut said the Opposition joins the government and expressed condolences to the family.
The Speaker, Censu Galea, joined in the sentiments expressed and instructed the Clerk of the House to deliver these condolences in writing.
He said this was a moment of sorrow for those who knew Dr Tabone over the years and who worked closely with him.
Question time was not held and the House agreed it was to be adjourned for Tuesday, when a session in memory of Dr Tabone will be held, in the presence of his family.
During the sitting it was confirmed that the funeral will be held on Saturday morning.