The passing of Dr. Joe Brincat is a loss for our country, leaving a profound void in the hearts of those who knew and admired him. Dr. Brincat was not just a political figure; he was a man of principle, deeply committed to justice and equality, who consistently championed the rights of the underprivileged. His straightforward nature and unwavering honesty earned him respect across the political spectrum, even from those who did not always share his views.

Throughout his career, Dr. Brincat was a relentless advocate for social justice. He was known for speaking his mind with clarity and conviction, never shying away from difficult conversations. This rare quality of principled leadership, coupled with his legal expertise, made him a formidable figure in Maltese politics.

He served as a Deputy Leader of the Labour Party and later as Minister for Justice, Lands, and Housing, between July 1979 and December 1981. Twice he also served as Labour Party Deputy Leader for Party Affairs between 1976 and 1980 as well as between 2003 and 2008.

Throughout, Dr. Brincat played a pivotal role in shaping Malta's political landscape. His contributions extended beyond the local stage, with his work as Vice President of the Council of Europe's Assembly highlighting his commitment to representing Malta with integrity on the international stage. His tenure in these roles was marked by a deep sense of duty and a passion for improving the lives of others.

I came to know Dr Brincat the first time when as a very young and inexperienced law student I joined the Labour Party.  He was the deputy Leader for Party Affairs at the time.  He was a household name, and my father used to tell me that at one point, at the start of the eightees, he used to see Dr Brincat be the next leader of the Labour Party, after Dom Mintoff.  That is another story for another time, but the actual successor of Dom Mintoff, Dr Karmenu Mifsud Bonnici, used to speak very highly of Dr Brincat and considered him to be a very capable and principled politician.

When I later got to know him as a lawyer and then as Justice Minister, he always used to tell me about how hard he had found it to restart his legal career after what he thought at the time to be the end of his parliamentary career (which then he restarted years later).  He always recounted with great detail that his first client in post-political life was a mechanic and that was his only income for a number of months. That story kept my feet firmly grounded throughout my own career in political life and I will keep remembering that story for years to come.

Even after his official roles ended, Dr. Brincat remained deeply engaged with the community. He continued practicing law and was always willing to offer honest - and sometimes free - legal advice to those who needed it, reflecting his deep-seated belief in fairness and accessibility to justice. His voice was one of reason and compassion, always guided by a profound sense of social responsibility.

Dr. Brincat's passing is not just a loss for his family and close friends, but for the entire nation. He will be truly missed by those who appreciated his candidness, his willingness to stand up for what was right, and his dedication to the betterment of society. His legacy will live on in the values he upheld and in the many lives he touched with his unwavering commitment to justice and equality.

 

Dom Mintoff

This week we also remembered Dom Mintoff who was born on August 6th 1916.  Undoubtedly Mr Mintoff was a towering figure in Malta's political history and quickly became a transformative leader who left an indelible mark on the nation. As a prime minister and the leader of the Labour Party, his tenure from the 1950s to the 1980s was characterized by bold reforms that reshaped Malta's social and economic landscape.  Love him or hate him, he was a man who made a great difference for the better in Malta.

Mintoff was an expert of social justice, advocating for the working class and pushing forward progressive policies. Under his leadership, Malta saw significant improvements in education, healthcare, and workers' rights.

Mintoff's vision for Malta was one of self-reliance and economic independence. His policies, though sometimes controversial, aimed at reducing Malta's dependence on foreign powers and fostering a strong national identity.

As we reflect on his legacy, we honor Dom Mintoff not just as a politician but as a visionary who sought to elevate Malta and its people. His contributions continue to influence the nation's path, making him a pivotal figure in Maltese history

 

Summer Carnival is back

The Summer Carnival is back for another year, bringing festivities to St. Paul's Bay and Marsaskala. Organized by Festivals Malta in collaboration with the Local Councils of St. Paul's Bay and Marsaskala, this year's event will take place from the 23rd to the 25th of August, starting at 8 PM each evening.

The Summer Carnival is not just about entertainment; it is an opportunity for the Maltese community to enjoy traditional Carnival elements like floats and dance in a more intimate setting. This event also highlights the artistry involved in creating the Carnival, showcasing the creativity and craftsmanship of local artists. I would like to emphasize the importance of the Summer Carnival in promoting cultural awareness and preserving the artistic heritage of the Carnival.

Each year, the Summer Carnival offers a unique cultural experience for Carnival enthusiasts, the Maltese public, and tourists. It takes place during Malta's peak tourist season, attracting visitors who want to experience a taste of Malta's vibrant Carnival tradition. By hosting events in both the northern and southern parts of the island, the Carnival encourages tourists to explore different areas of Malta, supporting a more balanced economic activity across the island.

The Summer Carnival is a preview of the larger Karnival ta' Malta that takes place in February. It is an opportunity to celebrate our culture and artistry while giving participants the opportunity to showcase their talents. At the same time, it offers visitors a glimpse of what's to come during the grand Carnival in February.

In the Summer Carnival expect lively streets filled with colorful floats, dance troupes, and a joyous atmosphere, all set against the backdrop of Malta's beautiful summer weather. This vibrant celebration also serves as a warm-up for the grand Carnival next February. We invite you to join us-bring your children in costume and be part of one of Malta's biggest celebration.

 

Heritage Skills Certificates

At a recent ceremony, we proudly awarded Heritage Skills Certificates to eighteen professionals in the field of cultural heritage conservation and restoration.

This marks the second time the Warrant Board for Restorers has issued these certificates, bringing the total number awarded to 20. The certificate is designed to regulate the work of conservators and restorers, in line with the Cultural Heritage Act, Chapter 445.

The certificate recognizes the expertise of these professionals. Since conservation and restoration of culturally significant objects require the highest standards of skill, materials, dedication, and ethics, the Cultural Heritage Act mandates that only those with a Warrant or Heritage Skills Certificate can perform this work.

I extend my gratitude to everyone who has supported this effort, especially Dr. Joseph Buttigieg, Chairperson of the Board, and the other Board members for their essential role in acknowledging these professionals with the Heritage Skills Certificate.

This is the result of a reform we had implemented in 2019.  This is how we improve the preservation and upkeep of our patrimony.  By action and deeds and not merely by words.