We refer to the article ‘Deirdre and Robert Hornyold Strickland at Villa Parisio’ by Marie Benoit carried in the Lifestyle & Culture section (TMIS 5 July, 2015) and, specifically, to the part in which she writes: “Dee’s husband Robert is Miss Strickland’s sole heir and Villa Parisio was left for him to live in and enjoy with his family during his lifetime”.
Regrettably, the article contains a number of misrepresentations which require correction. The facts regarding the Strickland Foundation and Robert Hornyold Strickland, insofar as Villa Parisio and the use thereof are concerned, are the following:
1 In virtue of a public deed published on the 11th day of August 1979, Mable Strickland established a foundation known as ‘The Strickland Foundation’ for the objects stated therein. The seat of The Strickland Foundation selected by Mable Strickland in terms of the deed of foundation was Villa Parisio, Lija.
2 The objects of The Strickland Foundation includes inter alia the fostering “of the national interest of Malta” and the promotion in Malta of “democratic principles, the observance of human rights and the exercise of a free press”.
3 By means of her will, Mable Strickland bequeathed in legacy to the Strickland Foundation the full ownership of Villa Parisio (Article 2).
4 By means of the same will, Mable Strickland appointed Robert Hornyold Strickland as her heir subject to the limitations and conditions contained in the will (Article 8) and bequeathed to him by title of legacy “the right of use and habitation of the guestrooms with bathroom and study at Villa Parisio provided that the enjoyment of such right shall in no way interfere with the work of the Foundation” (Article 7).
Whilst Mable Strickland’s will is clear and straightforward, insofar as concerns the ownership and use of Villa Parisio, Robert Hornyold Strickland would seem to be interpreting the right of use granted to him of “the guestrooms with bathroom and study) in Villa Parisio to extend to the whole of the villa, to the exclusion of the Foundation, which is the owner.
Moreover, Robert Hornyold Strickland considers the use of Villa Parisio by the Foundation, as its seat for any of its activities, to be tantamount to “harassment” despite the fact that the will categorically states that his right of use of the guestrooms and study is subject to the express condition that “the enjoyment of such right shall in no way interfere with the work of the Foundation”.
It is pertinent to note that the article by Marie Benoit describes a reception organised by Robert Hornyold Strickland and his wife at Villa Parisio to celebrate his mother-in-law’s birthday. We take the occasion of this letter to wish her well.
The Foundation has on the other hand chosen to restrain from using Villa Parisio over the last years for its activities, conferences and seminars so as to avoid disputed claims of “harassment” on the part of Mr Strickland and his wife.
We trust however and hope that good sense will prevail in the end and that a reciprocal use of Villa Parisio by the respective parties can be established in full respect of the will of Mable Strickland.
Peter Portelli
Chief Executive Office, The Strickland Foundation