The following are 20 people who rank amongst those I feel have left a momentous impact on our communities (and on me) or else have contributed to a better understanding of the society we live in. They are listed in alphabetical order.

1.       Dr Lydia Abela – I believe she has managed to rise above party politics and is quickly becoming an important voice in the social sector, whether it is in promoting animal rights, combatting gender-based violence or speaking about the scar of loneliness. I can see her taking on a stronger leadership role in the years to come.

2.       Karl Azzopardi – One of the youngest upcoming journalists at MaltaToday. He has penned some fantastic stories, probably the main one for this year being his piece on the challenges that local fishermen face when in high seas. His story has led to actions even within the EU structures. His continuous and investigative stories, for example, on the state of zoos in Malta surfaced his pliability. Notwithstanding the threats, he kept investigating. Through his writing he was a catalyst in stopping the violence being aimed at the newly appointed Commissioner responsible for Animal Welfare. His ‘From the fringe’ audio-visual in-depth interviews are an eye opener. Oh, and he is my son and I look up to him!

3.       Peppi Azzopardi – The journalist I admire above all. One of the few people I know who does what he does not out of self-interest. His call for social justice will not simply rest on what he says or what he writes, but is centered on his actions. 

4.       Jeremy Camilleri – One of the strongest voices we have ‘left’ in society. I admire him for being critical and yet respectful notwithstanding his strong positions. He takes on issues that many shy away from and speaks without fear or trepidation. 

5.       Angela Coleiro – Apart from being one of my favourite radio DJ’s she has shown resilience notwithstanding her life adversaries and has a personality I would die for.

6.       Hon Dr Miriam Dalli – I have always been impressed by Dr Dalli’s work ethic and commitment to the cause. That one gives up a position of the standing of an MEP to serve in Malta’s Parliament, with half the wage and perks, is an impressive gesture, commendable and praiseworthy.  This is what I call commitment to the cause.

7.       Dr Andrea Dibben – I don’t know of many women who are so passionate about social justice and take the necessary action even if this means that she is attacked relentlessly. She is one of the most grounded academic practitioners in the Faculty for Social Wellbeing, especially in the field of women’s rights.

8.       Dr Lara Dimitrijevic – Dr Dimitrijevic’s passion to women’s rights is simply impressive. She walks the talk. She is one person who I might not agree with on a couple of issues but remains a person I look up to.  Her grit and tenacity are so self-giving.

9.       Kenneth Frendo – Kenneth is the father of Jerome who passed away over 3 years ago.  His friendship has meant so much to me during this year.  I respect Jerome’s family so much because they have used their pain to generate energy and love to other people – these people are astonishing.  

10.   Prof. Oliver Friggieri – This man has left a gaping hole in our Alma Mater. His contribution to literature, language, politics, broadcasting, critical thinking are impossible to fill in.  He has always been an inspiration to me.

11.   Prof. Charmaine Gauci – It’s not only Prof. Gauci’s efficiency that was exemplary but her ability to manage and to lead the Country with such poise and composure.

12.   Angelo Gafa’ – This newly appointed police commissioner has already taken some very promising steps in ensuring better governance within the Police Corp.  His value and values are fundamental if we want to have a democratic country that respects the rule of law.  

13.   Dr Paulann Grech - Her dedication to mental health is second to none.  She has been taking time to write a chronicle during this pandemic and on how to get through these challenging moments.  She even published a book, Dealing with Coronus, Self-help notes for a pandemic.   Dr Grech hails from the Faculty of Health Sciences and I must say she is one of the best communicators from the practicing academics I know.

14.   Daniel Holmes – I am incensed by the suffering generated by prison. The fetid situation is simply terrible. Daniel speaks about this desperate situation in his book, A Memoir From Malta’s Prison: From A Cage, On A Rock, In A Puddle followed up by an interview organised by Lovin Malta and the Faculty for Social Wellbeing. Daniel is eternally damaged by a system, that irony of ironies, should be there to reform and not break a person.   

15.   Dr Roberta Metsola – The work that Dr Metsola does in the EU Parliament is for all to see.  The fact that she has become the first Maltese vice-president of the European Parliament is a feather in her cap and a confirmation of her competencies.  If I ever had to be a politician I want to be like her.

16.   Samantha Pace Gasan – I’ve known Samantha as she is our alumnus.  She has always struck me as passionate about everything she puts her mind to. Recently, as reported in the media, she had to undergo an open-heart surgery and this after having a similar operation only some time back. The situation has left her with more challenges she needs to face but the resilience and buoyancy of this woman is next to unbelievable. 

17.   Janet Richard – This athlete who is also an alumnus of the Faculty for Social Wellbeing broke the 400m record previously held by Olympian Tanya Blake after almost 20 years. Janet’s commitment to the sport is commendable. Her behaviour on and off the field ooze of humility and unpretentiousness - this is what athletes of the highest calibre are made of.

18.   Jes Saliba – Apart from being a close friend he is also one of the strongest social commentators in this Country.  He speaks the truth, is completely committed to social justice and understands this country like very few others would do.  To top it up he is an excellent broadcaster and news analyst on 103 Malta’s Heart.

19.   Oliver Scicluna – His commitment to the disability sector is second to none.  He spear-heads the agenda with passion and with a sense of social justice.  The way he leads CRPD is exemplary and this organization should be used a model adapted by our civil service; structured, humane, focused and forward looking.  What impresses me most is how close he is to people never losing sight from where he started.

20.   Tony Vella – He is the father of Osvaldo, one of the boys who died in a tragic car accident in 2005, at the time, on the newly asphalted Haz-Zebbug road.  His generosity in sharing his story on 103 Malta’s Heart last Saturday is a glaring act of kindness.  He continues to live for his son.

During the next two weeks I will be off the radar.  I will resume my column in the first week of January 2021.