“George took me under his wing and treated me like his own brother” are the words that Lino Spiteri uses to describe his relationship with President George Abela in the forthcoming publication of the book George Abela, Qalb in-Nies.This unbreakable bond was created way back in September 1967 in Qormi when Lino Spiteri’s parents suddenly passed away, leaving behind their four children. Ludgarda Abela, the President’s mother, who had been the best friend of Lino’s mother’s, decided to take care of him and his eldest sister, Doris.

For Dr Abela they became his “brother and sister”.

In his childhood, Lino remembers George as a studious boy but at the same time he helped him with his homework and made sure that his sister stayed out of trouble. Every year, George and Lino used to set up a nativity scene and Lino says: “I used to treat those nativity pieces like gold because I knew how much they meant to him”.

As time passed, George Abela graduated as a teacher and then continued his studies to become a lawyer. According to Lino: “I remember him going to lectures and recording them on his tape recorder. I used to hear him playing them in the early mornings.”

Lino recalls how, when Dr Abela became a lawyer and established his legal office in Qormi, he nevertheless made a point of taking some time off to have dinner with him and Doris. He used this time to listen to what was happening in their lives and to also give them advice. Lino describes his ‘brother’ as a good listener and as having always been there to lend a helping hand.

“George always encouraged us to be involved in as many sporting events as possible, mainly football,” Lino remembers. George and Lino always loved playing and watching football. President Abela use to take his younger ‘brother’ to watch him play with the Faculty of Law football team and Lino, on the other hand, used to give his support by cheering him on and holding his football bag and water bottles. For Lino, this was the highlight of his Saturdays and Sundays.

When President George Abela married Margaret, Lino and his sister Doris were involved in practically the whole of the wedding preparations. A few years later when President Abela and his wife had their children, Lino and Doris were treated like aunt and uncle.

Years passed and Lino met his wife, Joyce. Their relationship was going in the right direction but there was one obstacle, her family was to return to Australia. Lino decided to consult with his eldest ‘brother’ and tell him how he felt about Joyce and his intention to go to Australia. George was shocked but at the same time he realised Lino was adamant, and Lino left Malta.

Up to this very day, Lino still remembers the day when George accompanied him to the airport. Lino says: “For both of us this was a sad day. I remember him pulling me aside and telling me to make sure I keep contact…”

Years and years passed and the two ‘brothers’ did, in fact, keep in touch. When Lino heard that Dr Abela was to be appointed President, he was taken aback so he phoned George to confirm the news.

After two years of his presidency President Abela and his wife Margaret travelled to Australia on a state visit, and George had still found time to visit Lino, his wife and family.

This story is one of many contained in the book, George Abela, Qalb in-Nies that will be launched at the end of March. All proceeds will go to the Malta Community Chest Fund.

Pre-order your copy on www.kitegroup.com.mt; book signing sessions on 29 and 30 March at San Anton Palace, Verdala Palace and Banca Giuratale, Victoria.