Nicknames are part and parcel of a family inheritance. Families enjoy a nickname which when mentioned by individuals they will know exactly whom the person referred to is. Individuals enjoy respect when the family nickname is considered to be serious and honourable.

This nickname system is still universally used in Gozo. Gozitans will not recognise an individual by their name, but if the nickname is mentioned it is automatically recognised.

Inheritance

Inheritance is also what individuals leave behind them. Be it nicknames, property, wealth or in the ”international sphere” – ”monuments.” Gozo has so many of these around the island, but sadly only ”Ggantija” and the ”Citadel” are properly restored and maintained. Dwejra’s famous arch crumbled down recently and left an empty void for all concerned.

Whilst on the other hand in Malta there is a continuous restoration and maintenance of places, paintings, statues, archives and so many other projects, in Gozo sadly one notices that there is absolutely nothing in this regard.

Dwejra Opportunity Fund

The Former Minister for Gozo, Dr Justyne Caruana, had nominated myself and four others as Chairperson of this Committee to submit a list of Gozo National Heritage Treasures and to submit proposals for their restoration.

Sadly when a picture book of sites was submitted by the Committee with the assistance and help of Mr Daniel Cilia, Godwin Vella and Fr. Joseph Bezzina, there was a change in the Gozo Minister and I was unfortunately replaced.

Still, the Gozo Treasure Book photos of these places submitted by Mr Daniel Cilia on behalf of the Dwejra Foundation Committee was completed and also published.

Listing of some Historical Monuments:

Punic Temple in Ghasri/KercemThis Punic Temple is unique. It has 4 to 5 enclaves which previously had statues, one of these was of the Goddess ”Gunone.” This statue was stolen and later returned by whoever stole it during confession to a priest. The owner presented it to the Gozo Museum where it is now on display.

The last excavation of this place was carried out in the 70s by an Italian lady who was an exert in the field, sadly since then everything has been left as is.

Fort ChambrayFort Chambray outer ”walls and the polverista,” which both fall under the Governments supervision and responsibility, are slowly crumbling down with no sign of any Governmental intervention. This is a very great pity as when they do ultimately fall restorations will cost double or triple the present calculated costs, which have already been submitted.

Action is still urgently required. I am sincerely hoping that this appeal will not fall upon deaf ears yet again.

The TruncieraThe ”Trunciera” is a type of ancient defence wall which was originally installed by former Knights or the Gozo Council, it has 2 stone cannons to provide for the defence of Mgarr Harbour. It is still in existence and only a small amount of invested monies would be enough for its restoration.

On the other side there is Fort Chambray which is illuminated in the evenings and provides Mgarr Harbour with a unique magical outlook.

Just imagine if the Trunciera is restored and also sublime with soft lights during the night, how magical it would be for travellers when entering Mgarr Harbour by the ferry or boat.

Ghar GerdufGhar Gerduf in Kercem recently had some land in front of it requisitioned by Dr Justyne Caruana on behalf of the Gozitan Citizens. There is still an ongoing issue of how much land was actually requisitioned.

This is another monument that urgently requires some expert restorations.

The Aqueducts

The British installed an aqueduct system that could transport water from ”Ghar Ilma” to Sabina Square and the Citadel in Victoria. Part of these arches are crumbling down and been so for several years.

Recently the present Gozo Minister announced that financial funding is being projected for the arches to be restored, this needs to happen sooner rather than later.

St Augustine Old Priest Living Caves

If one has the pleasure to visit the St Augustine Convent in Victoria where so many historical items can be discovered. The largest war shelter in Gozo, ancient caves where Monks used to live and cook. These were cleared by the Monks themselves and sadly were not done professionally.

I had made arrangements with both the Convent Authorities and the Malta University to excavate the two stone barred enclaves which are still in place.

It was also brought to the attention of the Victoria Mayor along with the restoration of the 4 statutes in front of the Convent. Sadly these are still waiting as well. Let’s hope that their much needed renovation is carried out without further delay.

Lino DeBono

Photos: Supplied by the author. Trunciera photo by Daniel Cilia

Permalink: Gozo’s national inheritance by Lino DeBono