George Cini’s second book on the notorious Strait Street was launched today at Michael’s Restaurant in Valletta.

V18 Foundation chairman Jason Micallef said Valletta, and particularly Strait Street, is undergoing an economic, social and cultural regeneration and the launch of Mr Cini’s book coincides with this important phase.

He said that on reading both the books, readers could easily think that they are actually talking with the protagonists of Strait Street.

“The two volumes will serve as a collective memory for generations to come,” he highlighted.

He also pointed out that despite the perceived ‘bad’ repute of the street, which was compared to a red light district, many talented artists emerged from the street which had no involvement whatsoever with prostitution.

Valletta mayor Alexiei Dingli recalled that he always heard stories about what went on in the street from third persons but never from the protagonists themselves.

“Cini’s books give us the opportunity to hear the stories from the horse’s mouth,” he said.

Prof. Dingli said that Valletta served as an “incubator” for musicians but these days not so much.

“Strait Street helped youths expand their talent,” he continued.

He said the major challenge the council currently faces is to try strike a balance between residents and the many new shop owners of Strait Street.

Present for the launch were musician Vinny Vella and Giuzeppi Schembri whose grandfather and grandmother owned two bars in the street at the time.