Joe Bajada presented with the ‘Gieh iz-Zebbug 2016’ Award

by Gozo News · May 9, 2016

Former Vice-Mayor of Zebbug Gozo Joe Bajada, was recently presented with the annual 'Gieh iz-Zebbug' Award by Mayor Nicky Saliba, as a sign of appreciation for the useful devotion showed during his time serving this position between March 1998 to March 2012.

The presentation was carried out during a Commemorative Musical Soiree organised by the Zebbug Local Council and presided by the Minister for Gozo, Dr. Anton Refalo, which took place at the Main Hall of the Zebbug Primary School, with the participation of Banda Santa Marija of Zebbug.

This event was attended by the Mayor and all members of the Local Council, members of the Clergy, and the general public. Speeches were delivered by the Mayor, Nicky Saliba, Vice-Mayor Daniel Cordina, Council Members Chev. Carmelo Saliba, Christian Cassar and Sandra Grech. Other speeches for the occasion were delivered by Kan. Rev. Ruben Micallef, Professor Horatio Vella and the Minister for Gozo Dr Anton Refalo.

Back in 2000 it was Mr. Bajada's initial efforts which resulted in the implementation of Jum iz-Zebbug, a full programme filled with activities, among them the presentation of Gieh iz-Zebbug, so one may think of him as the founder of this recognition.

During the 14 year period that he served at the local council, he put forward many positive suggestions to improve the village. His biggest achievement was the realisation of the twinning partnership between the villages of Zebbug and Maletto in Sicily.

Mr. Bajada, the brains behind this partnership, witnessed the agreement signed on Saturday, the 30th of November 2002, in Zebbug and again on Sunday, the 19th of June 2005, in Maletto.

In recognition of his hard work the community of Maletto not only made him an honorary citizen, but also honoured him Ambassador status.

Another inclusion with Zebbug for Joe Bajada was as the author of the book the history of Zebbug Rovers, he also wrote the lyrics for their anthem, when the Rovers themselves made history in 2004 and became champions of the Gozitan Football Association.

Joe Bajada is one of Gozo's most well known sports personalities with a career spanning 42 years in all aspects of the sports scene, among them football referee, journalist and also administrator.

He reached the pinnacle of his career when he became the delegate of the International Cyclist Union and European Cycling Union as the general secretary for the Maltese Cycling Federation.

Joe Bajada has just attended an ECU meeting in San Marino, were his proposition was accepted and for the first time a cycling championship for small nations will be realised and the first edition will be hosted in 2018 on the Maltese islands, when the capital of Valletta is going to be the European Capital.