This morning, the Xaghra Local Council, together with the Culture Department within the Ministry for Gozo, commemorated the 91st anniversary of the 7th of June 1919 riots. In these riots, four Maltese men were killed, amongst them Guzeppi Bajada who came from Xaghra.

A commemorative monument in honour of this Maltese hero is erected in Xaghra in the lower part of Bullara Street.

At 9.15am a special mass was celebrated in the Collegiate Basilica of the Nativity of Our Lady, Xaghra, during which special prayers were said for the repose of the victims and for the needs of thecountry. This celebration was led by Archpriest Mgr Carmelo Refalo and animated by organist Ivan Attard.

Following the mass a commemorative ceremony was held in front of the monument for Guzeppi Bajada in the presence of the Minister for Gozo, Giovanna Debono, Dr Anton Tabone, Ex-Speaker of the Maltese Parliament, members from the Regional Committee responsible for the organisation of the national feast days, Mayor Joseph Cordina representing Xaghra Local Council and Archpriest Mgr Carmelo Refalo representing the Collegiate Chapter and Clergy. Children from the the Xaghra Primary School were also in attendance.

Some poems and other literature relating to this national event were read and the Last Post and the Reveille were played by two trumpeters from the Armed Forces of Malta.

The ceremony ended with the laying of wreaths by the dignitaries present for this occasion.

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