President Myriam Spiteri Debono attended the Jum Ghawdex ceremony on Wednesday evening, organised by Circolo Gozitano.
During the event, surgeon John Baptist Pace, artist Anthony Caruana, and Salesian priest Fr Charles Cini were honoured with the Gieh Ghawdex award in recognition of their lifelong contributions, particularly to the community in Gozo.
In her address, the President highlighted the resilient and independent spirit that has always distinguished the people of Gozo, a spirit rooted in the island’s history and dynamics.
Addressing contemporary challenges, the President advocated for a ”broad, long-term vision to ensure that progress in Gozo is qualitative, while safeguarding the island’s authenticity and identity.”
A wreath laying ceremony was held at the monument bust of the Archpriest Saverio Cassar, in Independence Square.
The ceremony commemorated the 228th anniversary of the uprising of the Gozitans against the French, which was led by Archpriest Saver Cassar in 1798 and is celebrated as a show of respect for the bravery shown by Gozitans during this difficult time.
The 28th of October has become known as ‘Jum Ghawdex’ or Gozo Day. This is to commemorate one of the most famous chapters in Gozo’s history. the capitulation of the French in Gozo on the 28th of October 1798, under the leadership of the Gozitan Archpriest Saverio Cassar. The French stay in Gozo lasted only 141 days.
Photos: Office of the President/Francis Debono