The Gharb Local Council recently held a celebration to commemorate Gharb Day. The programme began with a Thanksgiving mass at the Gharb Parish and Basilica Church, celebrated by Archpriest Joseph Sultana together with the Ecclesiastical Chapter.

Following the Mass, two marble plaques, which were fixed next to the main entrance were blessed. These plaques represent the Parish and remembrance for four personalities of the Parish – namely – Carmela Grima, Francis Portelli, Frenc ta’ I-Gharb and Emeritus Bishop Nikol Joseph Cauchi. These plaques were blessed by Fr Joseph Tabone and by Fr Achille Cauchi.

A cultural evening in the square then got underway, with Ghaqda Muzikali Vizitazzjoni performing various pieces.

The programme continued with the laying of wreaths in front of the Bishop M. Molina Monument during the playing of the Gharb Anthem.

A presentation of a new ‘Personal Achievement Award.’ was sponsored by John Edwards, Director of the company “Jetrad” to Lisa Marie Micallef for her efforts and achievements.

There was then a reading of a poem written for the occasion by Kay. Joe M. Attard and read by the V16 Youth ambassador for Gharb – Katrina Grima.

Later the presentation of the ‘Qlub Generuzi Award’ was held, which was presented to the Xuereb family and ‘Premju Volontarjat Lokali’ was awarded to Carmela Cassar. These awards were presented by the Minister for Gozo Dr Anton Refalo.

The Minister made a speech for the occasion, during which among others, he announced that works in Frangisk Portelli Street will start immediately, and will conclude the road works from Victoria all the way to Gharb. Dr Refalo also praised the local volunteers of the and reiterated the support of the Ministry towards the Gharb Local Council.

Minister Refalo announced that the Ministry for Gozo will make a financial contribution towards the work in bronze of Bishop Nikol G. Cauchi that is to be placed in the Square.

A performance then took place of part of the musical ‘Moses’ by children who attended the summer drama club, organised by the parish in collaboration with the Local Council. Leya Attard, a local singer also gave a musical performance.

`The Gharb Gozitan Cultural Award’ was presented to Andrea Muscat, this was followed by a speech for the occasion by the Parliamentary Secretary for Rights of Persons with Disability and Active Ageing, Justyne Caruana.

Dr Caruana announced that her office is working closely with the Local Councils. She emphasised the point that this also includes Gharb Local Council.

During the evening, the Mayor David Apap Agius, announced a new initiative undertaken by the Council with the publication of a booklet that includes activities by the Parish Centre ‘Working at the Parish Centre, 1969 -2009, 40 years’ given to Fr Joseph Tabone after 40 years of service and presented to him as a surprise.

The Mayor said that this book will be for sale and the money will go to a literary fund. He also encouraged others in the community to contribute to the local literature.

‘Premju Gieh Gharb’ this year was given to Fr Michael Cauchi for his pastoral work at the locality, at Ta’ Pinu Sanctuary and at the Diocese of Gozo.

A message for the occasion was delivered by the Mayor David Apap Agius where he thanked Dr Refalo and Dr Caruana for their presence and for their collaboration with the Council for the benefit of Gharb residents.

The programme for the evening ended with the cutting of the Gharb Day cake and a reception was held for all those present.

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