‘Jum Ghawdex’ or Gozo Day was commemorated on Monday with a Mass at the Gozo Cathedral, celebrated by outgoing Bishop Mario Grech, followed by a ceremony at the and the Ministry for Gozo in Victoria.

The ceremony commemorated the 221st anniversary of the uprising of the Gozitans against the French, which was led by Archpriest Saver Cassar in 1798 and is celebrated as a show of respect for the bravery shown by Gozitans during this difficult time.

The 28th of October has become known as ‘Jum Ghawdex’ or Gozo Day. This is to commemorate one of the most famous chapters in Gozo’s history . . . the capitulation of the French in Gozo on the 28th of October 1798, under the leadership of the Gozitan Archpriest Saverio Cassar. The French stay in Gozo lasted only 141 days

In attendance were President George Vella, the Minister for Gozo Justyne Caruana, representatives of the Gozo Region and Circolo Gozitano, as well as the majority of Gozitan mayors.

Following the Mass, there was the placing of wreaths at the monument bust of the Archpriest Saver Cassar in the Ministry for Gozo.

As part of the ceremony to mark Jum Ghawdex there was also the presentation of Gieh Ghawdex Awards.

The purpose of the Awards is to honour personalities and/or organisations who have contributed to the social and economic development of Gozo, as well as to the preservation and promotion of Gozo’s distinct identity. The award is given to Gozitan’s who have also attained national and international recognition and standing.

This year an Award was presented to Mr Michael Grech, who has served and continues to serve in the financial sector, while also active in the social field through his involvement in the Victoria Scout Group and provides invaluable help with the Community Chest Fund.

Mr. Charles Bezzina also received an Award. Mr Bezzina is well known in the field of research and history, particularly on Gozo and has spent a lot of time and energy to provide a really good documented history of Gozo.

In her speech, Minister Debono spoke about the importance of the continuance of Jum Ghawdex due to several reasons, the main one being our identity as Gozo.

“The cultural, natural and social heritage is what makes us who we are, people endowed with generosity and with solidarity,” said Dr Caruana.

The Minister thanked officials of the Culture Heritage Directorate at the Ministry for Gozo together with the Gozo Region and the Circolo Gozitano who first joined together and organised this important day.

President George Vella praised the initiative which annually commemorates the bravery and resilience of the people of Gozo.

The President said that, Gozo today faces many different challenges from the time of Archpriest Saver Cassar, but Gozo and Gozitans still have the same conviction and determination.

He praised the commitment of the Ministry and the Gozo Region regarding the promotion of Gozo as a region, with its own particular needs, which are different to those of Malta.

During the ceremony addresses were given by Malta Ambassador to UNESCO and the Chairman of the National Festivities Committee, Mgr. Dr Joe Vella Gauci, President of the Gozo Region, Dr. Samuel Azzopardi and the President of the Circolo Gozitano Dr Alfred Grech.

Photographs: MGOZ/Terry Camilleri

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