2 comments so far.Ghajnsielem monument portrays village life both past and present
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The Minister for Gozo Justyne Caruana together with the Ghajnsielem Mayor Kevin Cauchi and Councillors, have inaugurated a new monument and steps which link the two main squares in the village.
In her speech, the Minister said that Ghajnsielem is the first village encountered by visitors to our island. Explaining that the strategic position of Ghajnsielem requires that the location be kept in optimum condition.
“That is why the Ministry for Gozo is fully investing in this locality – not only on infrastructure, but also activities, initiatives and projects,” she said.
Dr Caruana mentioned how it had already been announced in the budget that the Ministry, together with the Ghajnsielem Parish will undertake a project for the regeneration of the square, as well as a series of surrounding roads including Triq il-Hamri, with an investment of €122,000 and work is expected to start soon.
Initially the steps were the primary project, and then came the idea of the monument and the inspiration to place it between the two squares – Pjazza 10 ta’ Dicembru and Pjazza Madonna Loreto.
This monument represents two social realities of life; how our ancestors lived decades ago, and how we live today. On the left side of this bench, there are two figures – of a man and woman, as well as a cat, who are representing life in the square.The scene portrays social contact, with people coming together to spend time chatting on the village bench.
The other side of the bench is a girl studying her mobile phone. This figure represents current society, where technological advancement has completely changed the mode of communication.
The girl communicates with the outside world by using a simple technological device in her hand.
The monument is another piece of clever work by promising Gozitan artist Manuel Farrugia.
The Minister for Gozo said that the purpose of the monument is interpreting current life, with society and its fascination with new technologies and offers a unique perspective of this generation and the older generation.
Mayor of Ghajnsielem Kevin Cauchi thanked the Minister for Gozo for her continuous support and praised the monument as a true portrayal of the difference between ages.
Photographs: MGOZ/Terry Camilleri
Lovely piece of art work but what a sad comment on today’s society – people living their lives through a tablet or phone and losing all actual human contact and interaction………………where will it end?
With a return to the dark ages, I suspect.