While cautioning that it would be a shame for us if we do not preserve our natural and historical heritage, President of Malta George Vella said that our grandchildren have the right to enjoy a Malta that continues to be renewed without losing its soul along the way. He was addressing a cultural evening held in Mdina during which the Reġjun Tramuntana (Malta’s Northern Region), which is one of the five regions of Malta and includes 12 local councils, launched a book called ‘Colours of the North’.

Initiatives of this kind are useful for the whole country and continue to enhance the national cultural heritage, the President said. He added that he is delighted to observe that despite the political differences and the various priorities of their villages and towns, these local councils have come together and worked hard with the author to issue a top-level and much-needed publication which will allow a black on white record for future generations of all that’s beautiful in the region. He remarked that seeing this unity and cooperation made him realise how much we can achieve with good will and mutual understanding. In spite of our differences, we can still respect and cooperate with one another in the common interest.

The President thanked all those who, in one way or another, contributed to the making of the book: the author, Natalino Fenech, for this collection of living, narrated, and visual research; the President of Reġjun Tramuntana, and all the mayors and councillors of the region; and all the residents of this region, who are surely proud of the unique beauty of their respective village and of this publication.

The President pointed out that Malta has always been open to a large number of different cultures, religions, and views. Even today, we continue to renew ourselves through a large number of foreigners who have also made Malta their home. In this context, he expressed his appreciation of the fact that this publication was written in English so that it can reach a wider audience and attract more people, Maltese and foreigners, to appreciate the historical and cultural mosaic offered by the Northern Region.

The evening was also addressed by the author, via a recorded message; by the Minister for the National Heritage, the Arts, and Local Government, José Herrera, via a recorded message; by the Opposition Spokesperson on Local Government Karl Gouder; by the President of Reġjun Tramuntana Anton Mifsud; and by the President of the Local Councils Association Mario Fava. At the end of the event, copies of the book were presented to the President of Malta as well as to all mayors present. The book is abailable from bookshops and all proceeds will be in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund.

The local councils forming part of Reġjun Tramuntana are Mdina, Mellieħa, St Paul’s Bay, Mġarr, Rabat, Mtarfa, Dingli, Mosta, Naxxar, Għargħur, Swieqi, and Pembroke.