A collection of articles on Kate Gonzi, wife of former Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, will be published on Wednesday.
The book, “Kate Gonzi – from the heart”, is edited by Daniela Allen, personal secretary to Mrs Gonzi between 2008 and 2013, with the assistance of Josephine Vassallo Parnis and Stephania Dimech Sant.
This is the first book ever put together about a spouse of a Prime Minister of Malta, Ms Allen said. All those involved in this publication have worked on a voluntary basis and all proceeds are going to mental health charities.
Kate Gonzi: From the Heart will be launched at the Radisson SAS St Julian's on Wednesday 11 December under the distinguished patronage of President George Abela.
Mrs Gonzi will be signing copies of the publication at Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz Gozo on Saturday 14 December at 11.30am and Agenda Bookshop at The Point, on Tuesday, 17 December at 4pm.
Copies of the publication can be reserved on [email protected]
The following are excerpts from some of the articles published:
President George Abela: “Kate Gonzi has been, and continues to be a huge asset to the nation she so loves.”
Prime Minister Joseph Muscat: “Nemmen li huwa fin-natural taghha li tosserva, tanalizza u tikkomunika...” (I believe it’s in her nature to observe, analyse and communicate...)
Bishop Charles J. Scicluna: “On meeting Kate Gonzi, you feel that you are in the presence of a person who appreciates the sacredness of life and values the beauty of married life and of the family.”
Dr Simon Busuttil: “Kate hi persuna pozittiva li ma hallietx il-hajja pubblika tbiddilha. Bil-kontra, uzat l-istejjer u l-esperjenzi li qasmet man-nies biex taghmel bidliet zghar izda mportanti fil-politika Maltija.” (Kate is a positive person who did not allow public life to change her. On the contrary, she used the stories and experiences she shared with others to make small but important changes in Maltese politics).
Dr Lawrence Gonzi, and her children David, Mikela and Paul: “... to us ‘Kate’ – or as we casually put it, Katerin – is primarily a loving mother, a friend and a dear wife, and of late, also a most exquisite nanna.”
Peppi Azzopardi: “Kieku kelli xi sehem mid-decizjoni ta’ min isir President ta’ Malta kont ninnomina lil Kate Gonzi.” (If I had a part in the decision-making process to choose Malta’s next President, I would nominate Kate Gonzi)
Fotini Papadopoulous, wife of the former President of Cyprus: “I was highly impressed by this positive, cultivated, refined active lady who was able to discuss any subject.”
Kevin and Rita Vella, persons with a disability: “Wara l-kors kienet tinzel lura d-dar maghna, bl-istess trasport. Konna sorprizi meta darba qalulna li dik is-sinjura kient il-mara tal-Ministru tal-Politika Socjali.” After the course, she used to come with us on the organised transport. We were surprised when we were told that she was the wife of the Minister for Social Policy.
Cherie Blair CBE: “Kate has great warmth and a generous sense of hospitality ... we have become friends.”
Ira Losco: “I especially treasured how she would always seek me out after a production, congratulate me and urge me to take my singing seriously. It’s amazing how a continuous pat on the back ... can make a difference to a child...”