Joe Rapa of Ghajnsielem was recently awarded the 17th edition of the ‘Premju Gieh Ghajnsielem’ for his contribution towards the Ghajnsielem community, in particular his voluntary work with the Ghajnsielem Football Club where he was secretary for 15 years and also the first editor of the ‘Blacks & White’ magazine.

This was the first time that two members from the same family were given this honourable award as Joe Rapa’s father, Carmel was awarded the ‘Gieh Ghajnsielem’ on 1996.

As well as being the first editor of the ‘Blacks & White’ magazine, Joe was a player with the team and also the first editor of the Ghajnsielem parish magazine ‘Ghajnsielem.’ He was was responsible for introducing the ‘Neocathecumenal Way’ prayer group in Ghajnsielem and was also an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion. Joe is also a long-time serving bandsman with St Joseph Band Club playiong clarinet. He started back in 1968 when a young generation of students led by Mro. Joseph Farrugia gave the St Joseph Band a new life after it was dissolved for a number of years. When Radju Lauretana was started in 2007, Joe Rapa hosted a religious programme ‘Il-Liturgija tal-Kelma,’ a programme which still forms part of the current radio station’s schedule.

Ghajnsielem Mayor Francis Cauchi presented the award during a special ceremony held at the Grand Hotel banquet hall. During his speech, the Mayor thanked Mr Rapa for his services, particularly considering the role of secretary of a football club involves a lot of responsibility and dedication. On his part, Joe Rapa recalled the golden years when together with the Mayor Francis Cauchi, Joe Scicluna, Mons Joseph Zerafa and Peter Caruana, the Ghajnsielem Football Club had an administration which took the club into its golden years and obtained records which are still unbeaten. Mr Rapa thanked his family for their continues support and urged today’s youth to get more involved, more loyal and more dedicated to Ghajnsielem.

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