On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of Malta's Independence, the Nationalist Party has just published the book Ġorġ Borg Olivier, il-bniedem, il-politiku u l-Missier ta' Malta Indipendenti.

The book, authored by veteran journalist Michael Caruana, is based on the experiences of people who lived and worked closest to former Prime Minister and Leader of the Nationalist Party Ġorġ Borg Olivier.

The author has been highly active within the Nationalist Party's media framework for no less than 39 years, during which, he has taken on various responsibilities as Head of News; Manager entrusted with Editorial Services and Parliamentary Editor among other roles.  

The book's nine chapters shed a light on Borg Olivier's life, his beliefs and overall body of work as Nationalist Party leader; the quest for Malta's integration with the United Kingdom; the path towards Independence; Post-Independence Malta; the removal of the 21 September as a National Day and subsequent amendments to the Independence Constitution.

One particular chapter deals with the resignation of Ġorġ Borg Olivier as Leader of the Nationalist Party, whereas a corresponding chapter highlights his death and the large state funeral held in his honour and as tribute to his unstinting work towards the creation of a modern and thriving Malta.

The last chapter entails a more personal viewpoint: One in which the people who knew him best - especially his sons Alexander and Peter - relate in specific terms what Ġorġ Borg Olivier meant to them as a man, father and friend once removed from the cold hard glare of politics.

In his foreword, Opposition and Nationalist Party Leader Bernard Grech refers to Ġorġ Borg Olivier as the honest, serious and indefatigable politician who gave birth to an independent state... A truly momentous occasion that still resonates in our minds and hearts.

Bernard Grech explains that it is highly appropriate and indeed timely that in this very year... the year in which we celebrate the 60th anniversary of Malta's Independence... we can likewise commemorate this great achievement for our country as expounded through this particular publication and its very valid sources... A meticulously-compiled tribute to a great statesman who even now holds a very special place not only in the hearts of all Nationalist supporters, but also within the hearts of all Maltese - irrespective of their political denomination - who love their homeland without prejudice or distinction.

Bernard Grech remains convinced that we can learn a lot from the life and times of Ġorġ Borg Olivier... An inspirational leader who led by example and whose beliefs and politicking are still highly relevant to our times.

Moreover, Borg Olivier's unshakeable determination and deep-seated conviction that he was always on the right side of history is now the stuff of legend... Despite the many and various obstacles, the former Prime Minister left no stone unturned until his goals came to fruition on a national level, even as post-war Malta was taking its first tentative steps towards a new and exciting future as an independent and sovereign State.

The official book launch will take place under the aegis of President of Malta Myriam Spiteri Debono at Sant'Anton Palace in Attard on Thursday, 16th January 2025.

In the meantime one can obtain a copy of the book from the reception of the Nationalist Party's Headquarters, in Tal-Pjetà, for a donation of €25.