I have known many Maltese and Gozitan migrants for most of my life in the Province of Ontario and throughout continental-Canada. They truly are migrants that helped build Canada into the country it is today.
I have also learned that there are tens of thousands in other countries like Australia, the United States, France, the United Kingdom and others. When the Gozitans return back to their home-island Gozo, they are especially welcomed back with a uniquely exceptional service offered by the Ministry of Gozo and Planning by means of the Gozo Diaspora & International Office.
This Office, exists exclusively to assist Gozitans who migrate, return to Gozo, those who wish to re-emigrate and a whole range of free services related to the countries where most of Gozo’s diaspora is found;- Australia, the US, France, the UK and Canada – where I was born and where I lived until moving to Gozo recently.
My husband and I were assisted in gaining residency to live and start our business here in Gozo by an official I first heard about while he served in Toronto – Dr Raymond Xerri, the former Consul General of Malta to Canada.
The service offered by Dr Xerri, similar to his exceptional service in Canada since his reputation proceeded him, was simply fantastic, friendly and very efficient.
Gozitans, wherever they live, should be thankful to have a professional like Dr Raymond Xerri that passionately works towards the betterment of Gozitans in Gozo and the Gozitan Diaspora.
As a client and as a Rotarian, I strongly commend Raymond and his work and suggest to the Maltese Government to open a similar service for the Maltese once they return to Malta (as I’m told this as yet doesn’t exist.)
The Pride of Gozo Award for Community Service that he recently received from the Gozo Rotary Club is very much well deserved.
Dr Raymond Xerri’s care for his fellow countrymen is reflected in the passion he puts to assist them as he did to my family.
A heartfelt thanks goes to Dr Xerri – and to the Ministry for Gozo and Planning for creating this very useful service for Gozitans in Gozo and around the world.
Tracy Lamourie
Photos supplied by author: Top – Dr Raymond Xerrri – Tracy Lamourie; and below – photo Gozo Rotary Club