The Minister for Gozo, Anton Refalo, on Saturday inaugurated the Wirt Ghawdex Headquarters at the historic house known as Dar il-Gvernatur. This building is an integral part of the historical entrance to Victoria.

According to tradition, this building was used by the Governor of Gozo to welcome dignitaries visiting Gozo in the 18th and early 19th century, where they were able refresh themselves and change into ceremonial clothing before solemnly entering the city of Victoria.

At the time of the reconstruction of the Mgarr Road project, financed by the European Union, the building found itself in the way of the major road works, therefore the stones were numbered and the house was moved brick by brick to be rebuilt a few metres away. In 2012 this house was ascribed by the Ministry for Gozo to Wirt Ghawdex for their headquarters.

The official inauguration of this house was held ton Saturday, the 19th of March, marking the actual date of the 150th anniversary of the visit to Gozo by famous painter Edward Lear. During the inauguration ceremony, the executive secretary of Wirt Ghawdex, Giovanni Zammit, welcomed everyone and explained the use of the house over the centuries.

The President of the association, Dr Paul George Pisani, thanked the Minister for Gozo as well as former Ministers who believed in Wirt Ghawdex and worked closely with them on restoration works in aid of the island of Gozo. He said that with the restoration of this house Wirt Ghawdex now has headquarters from which to function efficiently. The Minister for Gozo, Anton Refalo said that the Ministry for Gozo has always believed in Wirt Ghawdex. This combination of restoration works not only embellish Gozo, but also add value to Gozo. He said that they have the same interests, caring for the heritage, art and folklore of our nation. Dr Refalo promised that the Ministry will continue to help Gozitan heritage to ensure that it is not destroyed.

The Minister also mentioned the restoration work that has been carried out during the last three years in conjunction with Wirt Ghawdex, including the restoration of the Ministry for Gozo building. He also spoke about the 12-month restoration course being undertaken by seventeen students on a part-time basis at the University of Malta, many of which are members of Wirt Ghawdex.

During Saturday's event there was also a reenactment of the meeting of the Grand Master in Gozo, organised with the cooperation of the Malta Tourism Organisation.

Photographs: MGOZ/George Scerri

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