Allow me to be one of the first to congratulate the administration and all the staff of your newspaper on the occasion of the 20th anniversary since this very interesting newspaper started being published.

How time flies! I still remember the first edition being prepared and how thrilled we all were in the office at Airways House, in High Street, Sliema. Having had the honour to be asked by the then editor Martin Galea to be the sports editor of the new newspaper, we all worked hard to give a good impression to all those who were about to buy the first edition. We all worked hard but the satisfaction was great as readers appreciated a fresh and innovative newspaper to read every Sunday.

I admit to have gained great experience working with Martin, Joe Cachia, John Shepherd, the inimitable John Walsh, Marie Benoit, Daphne Caruana Galizia, Natalino Fenech and later on, experienced editors like Ray Bugeja.  

Despite initial difficulties, the newspaper gained deserved popularity and today it’s a must read for all those who want to have a balanced, unbiased opinion, where facts are sacred and opinions vary according to writers’ views.

Another feature worth noting is that these newspapers were first with innovative ideas that were later copied by other news houses. I completely agree with the Prime Minister’s comment when he said that the newspapers printed by Standard Publications are “a benchmark in journalistic excellence!”

While wishing the newspapers every success, let’s hope that they will continue to be a proud flag-bearer in local journalism.

Henry Calleja

St Julian’s