Gozo is a fragile gem forced to withstand pressures from many sides – President

“Gozo is a fragile gem, which is forced to withstand pressures from many sides,” said President George Vella while addressing the annual Gieh Ghawdex Award ceremony, organised by Circolo Gozitano on Gozo Day, Friday, the 28th of October.

The President said that the “proper safeguarding of the environment, a widespread policy and a strong social pulse are crucial ingredients to fully protect the identity of Gozo and the physical and psychological health of Gozitans.”

He reflected on the way development is unfolding in Gozo and asked, “how can a family enjoy a good life with such threats to the natural environment? How can Maltese youths continue to cherish their country’s national heritage when it is changing in such a drastic way?”

The word ‘gieh’ (honour) said the President, can never be separated from the words “dignity and respect.”

He stressed that “we must work together to protect what honours us as people, give it the value it deserves, and safeguard it from the destruction brought by speculation, the rat race for profit, and the lack of awareness about the great contribution that a healthy and beautiful environment makes to the quality of life of us humans.”

“It is good to reach high peaks in culture and commerce, but all this will be lost if it is not embellished by the surrounding environment,” stated the President.

This year, the Gieh Ghawdex Award went to Mr Chris Galea and Professor Maria Frendo in appreciation for their work within the community over the years.

The President thanked Mr Galea for his commitment in favour life, and in favour of a dignified life for everyone, particularly for the elderly and the sick. He also thanked Professor Frendo for her long career in the fields of music and literature, together with her research and commitment to contribute to the Gozitan artistic calendar on a voluntary basis.

Congratulating this year’s winners, President Vella augured that “we protect the identity of our islands with a duty not only to future generations but also with a sense of respect to previous generations who sacrificed greatly for the islands of Gozo and Malta to become a true gem in the Mediterranean.”

Prior to the ceremony, the President of Malta and Mrs Vella attended a Solemn Pontifical Mass celebrated by the Bishop of Gozo Mgr. Anton Teuma at the Gozo Cathedral. The President then placed a wreath at the memorial of Archpriest Saverio Cassar.