Now playing the Sunday Program
Sunday request program presented by Peter Paul Portelli, Pauline Zahra and George Sammut.
Sunday 10 May 2026
Sunday request program presented by Peter Paul Portelli, Pauline Zahra and George Sammut.
Sunday 10 May 2026
Omelija tal-Hadd minn Mons. Salv Muscat
Dahlet Qorrot Bay at night
Photo by Alessio Sultana.
Photo by Alessio Sultana.
“Kulħadd kien iħoss li hemm kantuniera għalih fil-qalb ta’ Dun Mikiel” – L-Isqof Teuma
Minn Francesca Gauci
4 ta' Awwissu 2026
L-Isqof t’Għawdex Anton Teuma qal li “kulħadd kien iħoss li hemm kantuniera għalih fil-qalb ta’ Dun Mikiel Attard”, għax il-qalb tiegħu kienet verament xbieha tas-Saltna tas-Smewwiet, tax-xibka li tiġbor fiha lil kulħadd – “Il-qalb ta’ Dun Mikiel kienet xbieha ta’ Alla”.
Dan fl-omelija tiegħu fit-22 Anniversarju mill-Mewt tal-Qaddej ta’ Alla Dun Mikiel Attard, fis-Santwarju Nazzjonali tal-Madonna ta’ Pinu fl-Għarb, fit-30 ta’ Lulju.
L-Isqof Teuma spjega kif “ma’ kull wieħed u waħda minna, jekk il-pjan tagħna jew anki jekk il-pjan tiegħu għalina ma jirnexxux, Alla ma jarminiex, imma jerġa’ jipprova jagħtina forma oħra b’idejh, bir-rieda, bl-imħabba, bix-xewqa, u bil-kura tiegħu”.
B’rabta ma’ dan, l-Isqof Teuma fuq Dun Mikiel kompla jgħid: “Għiduli intom jekk dan konniex inħossuh kull darba li niltaqgħu ma’ Dun Mikiel u nirrakkontawlu biċċa storja ta’ ħajjitna. Għiduli jekk kinitx din tkun l-esperjenza meta noħorġu minn ħdejh wara li nitkellmu miegħu, wara li nxerrdu f’ħoġru, f’qalbu, f’moħħu l-inkwiet u l-problemi tagħna, il-pjanijiet tagħna li ma rnexxewx… jekk konniex noħorġu minn ħdejh b’din is-sensazzjoni li għal Alla xejn mhu żejjed, xejn mhu żbaljat, lanqas id-dnub. Għax anki mid-dnub Alla kapaċi joħroġ xi ħaġa sabiħa, ħolqien ġdid. Għiduli jekk kinitx tkun din l-esperjenza li konna nħossu wara li konna nitkellmu ma’ dan il-bniedem ta’ Alla, dan il-profeta ta’ żmienna, jekk kinitx tkun l-istess sensazzjoni ta’ dak li fuq ix-xtajta jiġbor u jiġbed ix-xibka mimlija b’kollox, b’ħut tajjeb u b’ħut mhux tajjeb, għax din hi s-Saltna tas-smewwiet”.
L-Isqof Teuma kompla: “Meta tmur fejn Dun Mikiel, għidli jekk fejnu kontx tħoss l-imħabba li Alla għandu lejn kulħadd, lejn kull bniedem hu min hu, għamel x’għamel, ġralu xi ġralu. Għalhekk lil Dun Mikiel kulħadd kien ifittxu, għax kulħadd kien iħoss li fil-qalb ta’ Dun Mikiel kien hemm post għalih: kien min kien, kienx kriminali jew ħabsi, kienx bniedem qrib ta’ Alla jew imbiegħed mill-Knisja, kienx bniedem fi żwieġ regolari jew mhux, kienx f’saħħtu jew marid”.
B’referenza għall-Ewwel Qari (Ġer 18:1-6) “Il-Kelma ta’ Alla ġiet fuq Ġeremija”, l-Isqof Teuma qal: “Mhux Ġeremija qraha, mhux fittixha, imma l-Kelma ta’ Alla ġiet fuqu. Dan jiġri lil kull wieħed u waħda minna kull darba li aħna npoġġu lilna nfusna disponibbli billi niftħu widnejna, moħħna, u qalbna biex nisimgħu din il-Kelma. Din tiġi fuqna lkoll”.
“Alla ma jarminiex”L-Isqof Teuma stqarr li l-Kelma ta’ Alla sabet il-bejta tagħha fil-qalb u l-moħħ ta’ Dun Mikiel kif għamlet fil-profeta Ġeremija. Dan imur għand il-fuħħari mqanqal minn din il-Kelma u jarah jaħdem. Il-fuħħari, waqt li qed jagħġen, iħaddem it-tafal bejn idejh u jagħtih forma. Il-profeta jinduna li meta lill-fuħħari l-oġġett li qed jagħmel ma jiġihx sew, it-tafal ma jarmihx. Anzi, lil dan it-tafal jerġa’ jiġbru u jipprova jagħtih forma ġdida, forsi l-istess forma ta’ qabel jew forma oħra. U Alla jdur fuq il-profeta Ġeremija u jgħidlu li Hu hekk jagħmel mal-poplu tiegħu: qatt ma jarmi lil ebda bniedem – “Għal Alla ħadd mhu żejjed jew għar-rimi“.
L-Isqof Teuma qal: “Kemm għandna bżonn nisimgħuha din kultant fil-ħajja tagħna, b’mod speċjali meta ngħaddu minn diffikultajiet, meta l-pjanijiet tagħna ma jirnexxux, meta l-forma li rridu nagħtu aħna lil ħajjitna ma tiġix kif nixtiquha, ma sseħħx. Kultant narmu lilna nfusna jew lil dawk li nħobbu għax forsi m’għandhomx il-forma li nixtiequ aħna jew li xtaqna aħna għalihom. Il-profeta Ġeremija, permezz ta’ din il-ġrajja esperjenzali, din il-profezija li toħroġ mill-esperjenza tal-ħajja, jgħidilna li Alla ma jagħmilx hekk magħna”.
L-Isqof Teuma qal li filwaqt li llejla nġeddu l-imħabba tagħna lejn Alla fuq kollox u fuq kulħadd – “għax din hi x-xewqa ta’ Dun Mikiel”, nitolbu biex il-qalb tagħna tkun tixbah ukoll lil dik ta’ Alla u lil dik ta’ Dun Mikiel.
Huwa ħeġġeġ talba ta’ ringrazzjament għal Dun Mikiel; dan id-don, dan ir-rigal li Huwa ta lilna, lid-Djoċesi, lis-saċerdoti, lill-familji, lill-membri parlamentari, lill-każini, lill-ħabsin, lill-għalliema – “Dun Mikiel kellu kelma ta’ mħabba għal kulħadd, għal kull tipoloġija ta’ nies. Imma huwa ta fuq kollox lil dawk li jħossuhom l-aktar imwarrba, vulnerabbli, dgħajfa, batuti, b’mod speċjali lill-morda”.
“Ejjew noffru din l-Ewkaristija bħala talba lil Alla bl-interċessjoni ta’ Dun Mikiel għall-ħtiġijiet, għax-xewqat, għat-talbiet li qed inġorru f’qalbna. Il-Mulej jieħu ħsiebna u jagħtina qalb li tixbah lil dik tal-Qaddej tiegħu Dun Mikiel”.
Minn Francesca Gauci
4 ta' Awwissu 2026
L-Isqof t’Għawdex Anton Teuma qal li “kulħadd kien iħoss li hemm kantuniera għalih fil-qalb ta’ Dun Mikiel Attard”, għax il-qalb tiegħu kienet verament xbieha tas-Saltna tas-Smewwiet, tax-xibka li tiġbor fiha lil kulħadd – “Il-qalb ta’ Dun Mikiel kienet xbieha ta’ Alla”.
Dan fl-omelija tiegħu fit-22 Anniversarju mill-Mewt tal-Qaddej ta’ Alla Dun Mikiel Attard, fis-Santwarju Nazzjonali tal-Madonna ta’ Pinu fl-Għarb, fit-30 ta’ Lulju.
L-Isqof Teuma spjega kif “ma’ kull wieħed u waħda minna, jekk il-pjan tagħna jew anki jekk il-pjan tiegħu għalina ma jirnexxux, Alla ma jarminiex, imma jerġa’ jipprova jagħtina forma oħra b’idejh, bir-rieda, bl-imħabba, bix-xewqa, u bil-kura tiegħu”.
B’rabta ma’ dan, l-Isqof Teuma fuq Dun Mikiel kompla jgħid: “Għiduli intom jekk dan konniex inħossuh kull darba li niltaqgħu ma’ Dun Mikiel u nirrakkontawlu biċċa storja ta’ ħajjitna. Għiduli jekk kinitx din tkun l-esperjenza meta noħorġu minn ħdejh wara li nitkellmu miegħu, wara li nxerrdu f’ħoġru, f’qalbu, f’moħħu l-inkwiet u l-problemi tagħna, il-pjanijiet tagħna li ma rnexxewx… jekk konniex noħorġu minn ħdejh b’din is-sensazzjoni li għal Alla xejn mhu żejjed, xejn mhu żbaljat, lanqas id-dnub. Għax anki mid-dnub Alla kapaċi joħroġ xi ħaġa sabiħa, ħolqien ġdid. Għiduli jekk kinitx tkun din l-esperjenza li konna nħossu wara li konna nitkellmu ma’ dan il-bniedem ta’ Alla, dan il-profeta ta’ żmienna, jekk kinitx tkun l-istess sensazzjoni ta’ dak li fuq ix-xtajta jiġbor u jiġbed ix-xibka mimlija b’kollox, b’ħut tajjeb u b’ħut mhux tajjeb, għax din hi s-Saltna tas-smewwiet”.
L-Isqof Teuma kompla: “Meta tmur fejn Dun Mikiel, għidli jekk fejnu kontx tħoss l-imħabba li Alla għandu lejn kulħadd, lejn kull bniedem hu min hu, għamel x’għamel, ġralu xi ġralu. Għalhekk lil Dun Mikiel kulħadd kien ifittxu, għax kulħadd kien iħoss li fil-qalb ta’ Dun Mikiel kien hemm post għalih: kien min kien, kienx kriminali jew ħabsi, kienx bniedem qrib ta’ Alla jew imbiegħed mill-Knisja, kienx bniedem fi żwieġ regolari jew mhux, kienx f’saħħtu jew marid”.
B’referenza għall-Ewwel Qari (Ġer 18:1-6) “Il-Kelma ta’ Alla ġiet fuq Ġeremija”, l-Isqof Teuma qal: “Mhux Ġeremija qraha, mhux fittixha, imma l-Kelma ta’ Alla ġiet fuqu. Dan jiġri lil kull wieħed u waħda minna kull darba li aħna npoġġu lilna nfusna disponibbli billi niftħu widnejna, moħħna, u qalbna biex nisimgħu din il-Kelma. Din tiġi fuqna lkoll”.
“Alla ma jarminiex”L-Isqof Teuma stqarr li l-Kelma ta’ Alla sabet il-bejta tagħha fil-qalb u l-moħħ ta’ Dun Mikiel kif għamlet fil-profeta Ġeremija. Dan imur għand il-fuħħari mqanqal minn din il-Kelma u jarah jaħdem. Il-fuħħari, waqt li qed jagħġen, iħaddem it-tafal bejn idejh u jagħtih forma. Il-profeta jinduna li meta lill-fuħħari l-oġġett li qed jagħmel ma jiġihx sew, it-tafal ma jarmihx. Anzi, lil dan it-tafal jerġa’ jiġbru u jipprova jagħtih forma ġdida, forsi l-istess forma ta’ qabel jew forma oħra. U Alla jdur fuq il-profeta Ġeremija u jgħidlu li Hu hekk jagħmel mal-poplu tiegħu: qatt ma jarmi lil ebda bniedem – “Għal Alla ħadd mhu żejjed jew għar-rimi“.
L-Isqof Teuma qal: “Kemm għandna bżonn nisimgħuha din kultant fil-ħajja tagħna, b’mod speċjali meta ngħaddu minn diffikultajiet, meta l-pjanijiet tagħna ma jirnexxux, meta l-forma li rridu nagħtu aħna lil ħajjitna ma tiġix kif nixtiquha, ma sseħħx. Kultant narmu lilna nfusna jew lil dawk li nħobbu għax forsi m’għandhomx il-forma li nixtiequ aħna jew li xtaqna aħna għalihom. Il-profeta Ġeremija, permezz ta’ din il-ġrajja esperjenzali, din il-profezija li toħroġ mill-esperjenza tal-ħajja, jgħidilna li Alla ma jagħmilx hekk magħna”.
L-Isqof Teuma qal li filwaqt li llejla nġeddu l-imħabba tagħna lejn Alla fuq kollox u fuq kulħadd – “għax din hi x-xewqa ta’ Dun Mikiel”, nitolbu biex il-qalb tagħna tkun tixbah ukoll lil dik ta’ Alla u lil dik ta’ Dun Mikiel.
Huwa ħeġġeġ talba ta’ ringrazzjament għal Dun Mikiel; dan id-don, dan ir-rigal li Huwa ta lilna, lid-Djoċesi, lis-saċerdoti, lill-familji, lill-membri parlamentari, lill-każini, lill-ħabsin, lill-għalliema – “Dun Mikiel kellu kelma ta’ mħabba għal kulħadd, għal kull tipoloġija ta’ nies. Imma huwa ta fuq kollox lil dawk li jħossuhom l-aktar imwarrba, vulnerabbli, dgħajfa, batuti, b’mod speċjali lill-morda”.
“Ejjew noffru din l-Ewkaristija bħala talba lil Alla bl-interċessjoni ta’ Dun Mikiel għall-ħtiġijiet, għax-xewqat, għat-talbiet li qed inġorru f’qalbna. Il-Mulej jieħu ħsiebna u jagħtina qalb li tixbah lil dik tal-Qaddej tiegħu Dun Mikiel”.
Aġġornat: Jinżamm arrestat ir-raġel li deher jivvandalizza żewġ vetturi fis-Swieqi
Minn Elena Festari
4 ta' Awwissu 2026
Read in English
Rapport: Elena Festari u Trischia Falzon
Raġel Indjan ta’ 27 sena li jgħix is-Swieqi baqa’ jinżamm arrestat wara li fil-Qorti ġie mixli b’akkużi relatati ma’ vandaliżmu fuq vettura pparkjata fis-Swieqi.
Quddiem il-Maġistrat Nadia Helena Vella, Rohit Uniyal ġie akkużat ukoll li ġab ruħu b’mod indiċenti f’post pubbliku, li kien fis-sakra u f’kundizzjoni li ma kienx kapaċi jieħu ħsieb tiegħu nnifsu, kif ukoll li kiser il-paċi pubblika.
Il-Prosekuzzjoni, immexxija mill-Ispetturi Gabria Gatt u Nigel Buhagiar, spjegat li fis-sigħat bikrin tal-1 ta’ Awwissu, sid ta’ vettura Audi għamel rapport mal-Pulizija tal-Komunità tas-Swieqi wara li nnota li l-mera tax-xellug tal-karozza tiegħu kienet ġarrbet xi ħsarat waqt li kienet ipparkjata fi Triq il-Keffa.
L-Ispettur Gatt qalet li l-investigaturi raw filmati tas-CCTV biex jiġi identifikat l-allegat aggressur, u sussegwentament, ġie arrestat mir-residenza fejn jgħix. Uniyal wieġeb mhux ħati għall-akkużi miġjuba kontrih.
Id-difiża talbet għall-ħelsien mill-arrest. Il-Prosekuzzjoni oġġezzjonat u sostniet li l-akkużat m’għandux rabtiet ma’ Malta, jgħix ma’ erba’ persuni oħra li kienu miegħu waqt l-inċident u ma ppruvawx iwaqqfuh, filwaqt li kkonferma wkoll li kien fis-sakra. Il-Prosekuzzjoni rrimarkat ukoll li, minħabba li jaħdem f’bar, ikun espost għall-alkoħol, u li l-allegati vittmi jgħixu fl-istess lokalità fejn jgħix hu.
Id-Difiża spjegat li l-akkużat ilu jgħix Malta diversi snin, għandu impjieg stabbli fejn jaħdem bħala cleaner f’bar, u kondotta Nadifa. Żiedet li, jekk eventwalment jinstab ħati, jista’ jikkumpensa lill-vittmi, u argumentat ma jkunx jista’ jagħmel dan jekk ma jaħdimx.
Wara li semgħet is-sottomissjonijiet taż-żewġ naħat, il-Qorti kkunsidrat il-possibilità li r-raġel jipprova jikkuntattja lill-allegati vittmi. Għaldaqstant ċaħdet it-talba għall-ħelsien mill-arrest u rrimarkat li tixtieq li x-xhieda tal-vittmi tinstema’ mill-aktar fis possibbli.
Il-każ huwa marbut ma’ inċident li seħħ fis-Swieqi u li kien inqabad minn kameras tas-CCTV, fejn tlett irġiel dehru mexjin flimkien u wieħed minnhom qabad jagħti daqqiet lil vettura pparkjata, kisser il-mera tal-ġenb tagħha, u baqa’ miexi/ Il-filmat kien qajjem reazzjoni fuq il-midja soċjali wara li ġie ppubblikat mid-Deputat Sindku tas-Swieqi, Jordan Galea Pace.
tvmnews.mt/news/il-pulizija-taqbad-ragel-suspettat-bvandalizmu-fuq-zewg-vetturi/
Minn Elena Festari
4 ta' Awwissu 2026
Read in English
Rapport: Elena Festari u Trischia Falzon
Raġel Indjan ta’ 27 sena li jgħix is-Swieqi baqa’ jinżamm arrestat wara li fil-Qorti ġie mixli b’akkużi relatati ma’ vandaliżmu fuq vettura pparkjata fis-Swieqi.
Quddiem il-Maġistrat Nadia Helena Vella, Rohit Uniyal ġie akkużat ukoll li ġab ruħu b’mod indiċenti f’post pubbliku, li kien fis-sakra u f’kundizzjoni li ma kienx kapaċi jieħu ħsieb tiegħu nnifsu, kif ukoll li kiser il-paċi pubblika.
Il-Prosekuzzjoni, immexxija mill-Ispetturi Gabria Gatt u Nigel Buhagiar, spjegat li fis-sigħat bikrin tal-1 ta’ Awwissu, sid ta’ vettura Audi għamel rapport mal-Pulizija tal-Komunità tas-Swieqi wara li nnota li l-mera tax-xellug tal-karozza tiegħu kienet ġarrbet xi ħsarat waqt li kienet ipparkjata fi Triq il-Keffa.
L-Ispettur Gatt qalet li l-investigaturi raw filmati tas-CCTV biex jiġi identifikat l-allegat aggressur, u sussegwentament, ġie arrestat mir-residenza fejn jgħix. Uniyal wieġeb mhux ħati għall-akkużi miġjuba kontrih.
Id-difiża talbet għall-ħelsien mill-arrest. Il-Prosekuzzjoni oġġezzjonat u sostniet li l-akkużat m’għandux rabtiet ma’ Malta, jgħix ma’ erba’ persuni oħra li kienu miegħu waqt l-inċident u ma ppruvawx iwaqqfuh, filwaqt li kkonferma wkoll li kien fis-sakra. Il-Prosekuzzjoni rrimarkat ukoll li, minħabba li jaħdem f’bar, ikun espost għall-alkoħol, u li l-allegati vittmi jgħixu fl-istess lokalità fejn jgħix hu.
Id-Difiża spjegat li l-akkużat ilu jgħix Malta diversi snin, għandu impjieg stabbli fejn jaħdem bħala cleaner f’bar, u kondotta Nadifa. Żiedet li, jekk eventwalment jinstab ħati, jista’ jikkumpensa lill-vittmi, u argumentat ma jkunx jista’ jagħmel dan jekk ma jaħdimx.
Wara li semgħet is-sottomissjonijiet taż-żewġ naħat, il-Qorti kkunsidrat il-possibilità li r-raġel jipprova jikkuntattja lill-allegati vittmi. Għaldaqstant ċaħdet it-talba għall-ħelsien mill-arrest u rrimarkat li tixtieq li x-xhieda tal-vittmi tinstema’ mill-aktar fis possibbli.
Il-każ huwa marbut ma’ inċident li seħħ fis-Swieqi u li kien inqabad minn kameras tas-CCTV, fejn tlett irġiel dehru mexjin flimkien u wieħed minnhom qabad jagħti daqqiet lil vettura pparkjata, kisser il-mera tal-ġenb tagħha, u baqa’ miexi/ Il-filmat kien qajjem reazzjoni fuq il-midja soċjali wara li ġie ppubblikat mid-Deputat Sindku tas-Swieqi, Jordan Galea Pace.
tvmnews.mt/news/il-pulizija-taqbad-ragel-suspettat-bvandalizmu-fuq-zewg-vetturi/
Jibda jixhed it-tifel ta’ Daphne Caruana Galizia; Matthew Caruana Galizia
Minn Luigi Sghendo
3 ta' Awwissu 2026
Read in English
Daħal fis-sitt ġimgħa, il-ġuri fil-konfront ta’ Yorgen Fenech. Fis-seduta tal-lum spikkat ix-xhieda ta’ Matthew Caruana Galizia, iben il-vittma. Xehed dwar investigazzjoni li kienet qed tagħmel Daphne Caruana Galizia dwar l-Electrogas u eluf ta’ dokumenti u emails rċeviet minn sors fl-Electrogas.
Matthew Caruana Galizia xehed li Yorgen Fenech, is-suspettat mandant fil-qtil ta’ Daphne Caruana Galizia deher li kien fiċ-ċentru ta’ kollox f’emails u dokumenti li hu u ommu kienu qed janlizzaw b’rabta mal-Electrogas.
Quddiem l-Imħallef Edwina Grima, huwa qal li fil-bidu tal-2017 Daphne Caruana Galizia kienet infurmatu li sors fl-Electrogas kien qed jgħaddilha informazzjoni kunfidenzjali/ Qal li d-dokumenti, li kienu jammontaw għal mijiet jew eluf, kienu juru kumpanija f’diffikultà, u li xi kredituri ma kinux qed jitħallsu.
Matthew Caruana Galizia qal li ommu kienet talbitu jgħinha tfittex informazzjoni dwar il-kumpaniji 17 Black u Macbridge/ Spjega kif informazzjoni ġdida mill-Panama Papers uriet li dawn iż-żewġ kumpaniji kienu indikati bħala klijenti prospettivi tal-kumpaniji ta’ Keith Schembri u Konrad Mizzi.
Ix-xhud qal li wara l-qtil ta’ ommu kompla jinvestiga min kien wara l-kumpanija 17 Black/ Żied jgħid fl-2018 ġie żvelat li s-sid kien Yorgen Fenech.
Parti kbira mis-seduta kienet iddominata minn argumenti legali/ Id-difiża kontinwament sostniet li x-xhud kien qed jirreferi għal dokumenti li ma kitibx u għal informazzjoni li sema’ mingħand terzi/ Il-Qorti ddeċidiet li huwa seta’ jixhed dwar fatti magħrufa, mhux opinjonijiet/ Il-Qorti ordna biex jitneħħa dokument mit-tablets tal-ġurati.
Matul is-seduta, l-Avukat Jason Azzopardi, li qed jidher għall-familja Caruana Galizia, ġie mmultat darbtejn ħamsin ewro għal disprezz lejn il-Qorti/ L-Imħallef ikkritikat l-imġiba tal-avukati u ddeskrivietha bħala tal-waħx.
Aktar tard, Matthew Caruana Galizia rrakkonta l-aħħar mumenti qabel il-qtil ta’ ommu u kif sema’ splużjoni qawwija, ra duħħan u ġera lejn il-karozza maħkuma min-nirien/ Qal li wara l-qtil abbanduna l-karriera tiegħu barra minn Malta u ddedika saħħtu biex ifittex il-ġustizzja għal ommu.
Fil-kontroeżami d-difiża staqsiet dwar artiklu li kitbet ommu fuq il-kumpanija Ingliża Henley and Partners/ Id-difiża staqsiet jekk din il-kumpanija tqabbditx tfittex lil ommu għadd-danni biex tfaqqarha/ Huwa wieġeb li kulma jiftakar hu ommu ġiet mhedda li se titressaq quddiem qorti Ingliża/ Madankollu qal li dawn baqgħu ma ħadu ebda passi kontriha.
Punti ewlenin:
Segwi dirett:
17:48 – Jintemm il-ġuri għal lum u jkompli jinstema għada filgħodu.
17:45 – Jinżel minn fuq il-pedana tax-xhieda Matthew Caruana Galizia u jitla jixhed Sean Cutajar – kuntistabbli mal-FCID. Jixhed dwar tfitxija li saret f’Portomaso.
17:40 – Id-difiża ssaqsi fuq l-investigazzjoni tal-Electrogas. Ix-xhud jikkonferma li Yorgen Fenech kien minority shareholder fil-kumpanija Electrogas. Ix-xhud jgħid li kien hemm diversi minority shareholders u li l-ebda individwu ma kellu l-maġġoranza tal-ishma. Id-difiża tikkonferma jekk Daphne Caruana Galizia qatt għamlet ‘theddid’ b’email lil Yorgen Fenech, bl-istess mod li kienet bgħatet email lil Keith Schembri. Ix-xhud jikkoreġi lid-difiża u qal li ommu qatt ma kienet qed thedded imma twissi lil Keith Schembri li se tikxfu fuq dak li allegat.
17:20 – Id-difiża tkompli ssaqsi fuq kitba oħra ta’ Daphne Caruana Galizia fosthom li Keith Schembri kellu kanċer u li ma kienx qed jattendi għax-xogħol. Matthew Caruana Galizia jgħid li jiftakar kitba minnhom iżda ma jiftakarx il-kitbiet kollha, jgħid ukoll li kien ixxukkjat dwar il-kitba. Id-difiża turi kitba oħra dwar
17:10 – L-avukat Gianella De Marco issaqsi jekk Daphne Caruana Galizia kienet qed taħdem fuq stejjer oħra fosthom stejjer fuq Keith Schembri, bix-xhud jikkonferma. De Marco issaqsi fuq artiklu li ġie ppublikat fuq Running Commentary (il-blog ta’ Daphne Caruana Galizia), fejn Daphne Caruana Galizia fl-24 April 2017 allegat fil-kitbiet tagħha li Keith Schembri kien qed jirċievi kickbacks fl-iskema tal-passaporti.
17:00 – Id-difiża ssaqsi fuq konverżazzjoni li kellu ma’ ommu fuq WhatsApp fit-23 ta’ April, 2016, fejn talbitu jfittex l-ismijiet ’17 Black’ u ‘Macbridge’. Huwa qal li kellu diversi hard disks mimlijin informazzjoni u kienu diffiċli biex jiġu analizzata dak iż-żmien f’qasir żmien. Minħabba li d-data fuqhom ma kinitx f’format li jippermetti li wieħed ifittex faċilment, huwa kien qed itella’ d-dokumenti wieħed wieħed fuq pjattaforma maħluqa mill-ICIJ (minn ġuralisti) biex issir tfittxija fid-data tal-Panama Papers.
16:45 – Ikompli jixhed Matthew Caruana Galizia. JIbda il-kontroeżami tad-difiża.
16:31 – Pawża qasira ta’ kwarta, inkomplu fil-16:45.
16:30 – Jgħid li wara l-omiċidju xogħlu sar “l-investigazzjoni, il-ġustizzja” u qal li ma kienx jaf lil min jista’ jkellem u min jista’ jgħinu, biss li ried il-ġustizzja. “Abbandunajt il-karriera . . . ġejt lura Malta u tfajt l-enerġija kollha li kelli (fl-invesitgazzjoni)”. Mistoqsi jridx iżid xi ħaġa, Matthew Caruana Galizia qal li jrid li kollox jispiċċa u ma jimpurtahx jekk jiġrilu xi ħaġa, basta jġib ġustizzja għal ommu.
16:25 – Ix-xhud jgħid li ma jiftakarx kollox wara li ra’ l-karozza ballun nar u jirrakonta biċċiet li ftakar matul dakinhar. Jixhed li fost oħrajn kien hemm ħafna pulizija li għalqu l-aċċess tat-triq, beda jċempel lill-qraba’ biex jinfurmhom x’ġara u libes suit biex imur il-qorti.
16:15 – Ix-xhud jibda jirrakonta l-ġurnata li twettaq l-omiċidju. Jgħid li ma kienx qed jgħix ma ommu iżda minħabba l-investigazzjoni ta’ ommu kellu jaħdem ma ommu bl-investigazzjoni filwaqt li jkompli bil-ħidma tax-xogħol tiegħu. Jixhed li ommu irċiviet telefonata mill-bank rigward appuntament. Kompla jgħid li nesiet ic-cheque book u allura reġgħet daħlet id-dar malajr umbgħad telqet għall-aħħar darba qal ix-xhud. Jixhed li sema’ splużjoni enormi u malli fetaħ il-bieb ta’ barra u beda jimxi.
“Rajt torri ta’ duħħan . . rajt in-nar fuq it-triq u kont konfuż, rajt biċċiet tal-ħadid u ta’ uman imma xorta kont qed nipprova nifhem x’ġara, niftakar li rajt biċċa tal-moħħ . . . rajt ballun nar fin-nofs ta’ għalqa” kompla jgħid ix-xhud.
16:10 – Jirrakonta x’ġara mil-laptop ta’ Daphne Caruana Galizia. Jgħid li kien fil-kustodja tal-awtoritajiet Ġermaniżi għal żmien twil u l-awtoritajiet Ġermaniżi talbuhom gwida fuq x’ħa jagħmlu bl-informazzjoni li kien fih il-laptop. Qal li avukat li kien qed jaħdem mal-familja Caruana Galizia irċieva l-informazzjoni tal-laptop.
15:55 – Jixhed fuq rapport li ħejja hu flimkien mal-familja tiegħu. Fost oħrajn jgħid li l-ewwel paragrafu jittrata l-Electrogas għax qal li kienet l-iktar ħaġa importanti li għandha tiġi investigata. Jgħid li r-rapport għadda għand Keith Arnuad u li kien diffiċli għalih li jibni dak ir-rapport.
15:30 – Jgħid li f’Marzu tal-2017 il-kumpanija 17Black inbidlet f’Wings Development. Jixhed dwar ċekkijiet li kienu intbgħatu lilu, u qal li ma kienx jaf min hu l-persuna. Jgħid li ċ-ċekkijiet inħarġu minn Moor’s bank, liema bank qal li kien juża 17Black u kienu ċekkijiet li kellhom jissarfu minn sid il-kumpanij 17Black..
15:23 – Ikompli jixhed Matthew Caruana Galizia.
15:20 – Il-qorti tgħid li wara li tintemm ix-xhieda, il-qorti se tkun qed tavża lil ġurija dwar dak li huwa ammissibli u dak li mhux meta jiddelliberaw.
15:10 – Lura f’awla 22 wara l-waqfa ta’ waranofsinhar. Ftit tal-ħin ieħor mistenni jkompli jixhed Matthew Caruana Galizia, it-tifel tal-vittma Daphne Caruana Galizia, iżda qabel ikompli jixhed l-Imħallef mistennija tagħti digriet fuq it-talba tad-difiża.
12:56 – Jitqajjem punt tad-dritt mid-difiża. Id-difiża tgħid li x-xhud qed jixhed fuq dokument illi ma nkitibx minnu u minn dokumenti li ma jinsabux fl-atti. Id-difiża tisħaq li x-xhud mgħandux jixhed fuq affarijiet li sema’ u/jew intqalu lilu. Id-difiża tgħid li l-prosekuzzjoni u parte civile qed jgħaddu kummenti bħal “din swiet il-ħajja ta’ omm”, l-avukat Mercieca qal li dawn il-kummenti qed jipperikolaw l-andament tal-ġuri.
Il-proskeuzzjoni tgħid li x-xhud qed jixhed fuq dokument li ra’ b’għajnejh u kif id-dokument jagħmel parti mil-investigazzjoni tiegħu. Qal ukoll li xehdu bosta xhieda fuq evidenza li semgħu u/jew intqalu lilhom.
13:04 – L-Imħallef Edwina Grima tgħid li ser tgħati d-digriet wara l-waqfa ta’ waranofsinhar. Il-ġuri ikompli fit-15:00.
12:45 – Ix-xhud jaqra d-dokument tal-FIAU, b’mod partikolari l-artiklu tal-Reuters li qiegħed fir-rapport tal-FIAU.
12:36 – Ix-xhud jispjega li r-rapport tal-FIAU jinkludi artiklu tar-Retuers dwar “kumpanija misterjuża” li għandha x’taqsam mal-qtil ta’ Daphne Caruana Galizia u l-powerstation. Jgħid li l-artiklu kien kruċjali għax żvela sid il-kumpanija 17Black.
12:28 – Ix-xhud jgħid li ommu kienet ħadet pawża qasira ta’ xahar mill-investigazzjonijiet u li hu baqa’ jinvestiga l-każ tant li tilef oppoerunità biex javvanza fil-karriera li kellu barra minn Malta. Qal li akkost ta’ kollox ried jinvestiga l-każ tal-Electrogas.
12:15 – Ix-xhud jiġi ppreżentat b’artiklu li ppublikat ommu dwar 17Black u jikkonferma li kienet ommu li ppublikatu. Jaqra kumment li kitbet ommu fejn allegat li Yorgen Fenech huwa involut “fil-korruzzjoni tal-powerstation”.
12:10 – Jixhed li email partikolari tippruva dak li ommu allegat fil-konfront tal-Electrogass, li kienu qed jinqabżu l-pagamenti. Jinqraw ukoll email mibgħuta minn Yorgen Fenech dwar l-istejjer li kienu qed joħorġu fuq l-Electrogas. Ix-xhud jaqra iktar emails fejn ħaddiema tal-kumpanija kienu qed jiddiskutu kif l-aħjar li jirreaġixxu għall-istejjer li kienu qed jiġu ppublikati mill-midja.
11:57 – Ix-xhud jgħid li l-investigazzjoni kompliet anke’ wara li inqatlet ommu u ddeskriva s-sors li kien qed jipprovdilu l-informazzjoni bħala l-iktar bniedem kurraġġuż li qatt iltaqa’ miegħu.
11:48 – Ix-xhud jgħid li darba ikkuntattjah David Casa wara li rċieva rapport li kien tħejja mill-FIAU. Jgħid li minkejja l-investigazzjoni minn ġurnalisti barranin, David Casa ħarġet informazzjoni pubblikament marbut ma’ dan ir-rapport, u qal li l-ġurnalisti barranin kienu imdejqin li Casa ħareġ informazzjoni fuq storja li qal li l-ġurnalisti barranin kellhom interess qawwi.
11:41 – Ikompli jixhed Matthew Caruana Galizia. Jixhed li ma kellux il-kapaċità li jaħdem fuq l-istorja u kien ta l-istorja lil Jacob Borg biex ikompli jinvestiga kif il-kumpanija spiċċawlha flus qabel bdiet inbniet il-powerstation.
11:39 – Jiqajjem argument fl-awla bejn l-avukat Jason Azzopardi u Charles Mercieca u b’rabja l-Imħallef tordna biex l-avukat tal-parte civile (Jason Azzopardi) jinstab ħati ta’ disprezz wara li beda jgħajjat u jindirizza lid-difiża fejn fost oħrajn qal: “jien xhieda ma nixtrix!“. Il-qorti tordna multa oħra ta’ €50 u irid iħallas €100.
L-Imħallef Edwina Grima tgħid li l-imġieba tal-avukati f’dan il-ġuri hija “tal-waħx“.
11:32 – Il-qorti tgħid li ġibdet l-attenzjoni tax-xhud li jista’ jixhed fatti bħal meta jixhed fuq dokument li ġie eżebit fl-atti, imma tgħid li ma jistax jaggħti spjegazzjoni jew interpretazzjoni tad-dokument għax ma kienx l-awtur tad-dokument jew ma kienx indirizatt lilu. Il-qorti tfakkar li meta uffiċjal investigattiv jixhed fatti li ma jiġux mgħarufa iridu jiġu kkonfermati mix-xhieda u provi diretti. Il-qorti tidderieġi l-prosekuzzjoni biex ix-xhud jillimita ruħu fuq il-fatti li huma magħrufa lilu.
11:20 – Jgħid il beda jara isem Yrogen Fenech minn emails u li kien sid kumpanija bl-isem ta’ Gem Holdings. Jgħid li l-email hija importanti għax tgħid li l-kumpanija Electrogass ma setgħetx tħallas is-self li ħadet mill-bank. Jitqajjem punt tad-dritt
11:15 – Il-prosekuzzjoni tistaqsi lix-xhud dwar l-informazzjoni li kisbet ommu qabel ma nqatlet. Huwa jixhed li fil-bidu tal-2017 kien qed iżur lil ommu spiss minħabba l-investigazzjoni li kienet qed taħdem. Jgħid li darba minnhom qaltlu li rċeviet emails u dokumenti kunfidenzjali mingħand sors minn ġewwa l-Electrogas, li wassluha biex issib mezz sigur kif tirċevihom. Ix-xhud fqal li l-kumpanija kienet parti minn proċess ta’ privatizzazzjoni mill-Gvern fl-2013 permezz ta’ tender kompetittiv, bil-għan li l-elettriku jinqaleb minn Heavy Fuel Oil għall-gass. Ix-xhud, filwaqt li kkonferma li Yorgen Fenech huwa wieħed mis-sidien tal-kumpanija privata, qal li mid-dokumenti seta’ jara ċar li l-kumpanija kienet f’diffikultajiet finanzjarji u li kienu qed jinqabżu xi pagamenti. Fuq dak li ra fl-informazzjoni u l-emails, ix-xhud iddikjara:
Stajt nara li Yorgen Fenech kien fiċ-ċentru ta’ kollox.
Matthew Caruana Galizia11:00 – Jixhed li fl-email jingħad li ‘t-target clients’ kienu 17Black ltd. u Macbridge ltd. Kompla jixhed li wara l-qtil ried isir jaf min kien sid il-kumpaniji fosthom billi siefer lejn l-Emirati Għarab Mgħaquda (ġurnata qabel ġie arrestat Yorgen Fenech) biex jikkonferma li sid il-kumpanija kien Yorgen Fenech (informazzjoni li qal ħarġet minn artiklu tar-Reuters). Jgħid li darba prova jidħol ġo post fejn kienet reġistrata l-kumpanija 17Black, f’waħda mill-Emirati, u talab biex juża l-kamra tal-banju sabiex jidħol fil-bini u prova jaċċessa s-sistema iżda inqabad u ma irnexxilux jikseb informazzjoni.
10:50 – Jgħid li meta irċieva informazzjoni wara l-15 ta’ Diċembru fittex l-ismijiet tal-kumpaniji u sab l-email li kienet qed tgħidlu biha ommu. Jixhed li fl-email Nexia BT provdiet informazzjoni dwar l-attività tal-kumpaniji ta’ Keith Schembri u Konrad Mizzi.
10:40 – Jaqra messaġġ bejnu u ommu fejn talbitu l-għajnuna fuq email dwar l-ismijiet tal-kumapniji li provdietlu għax qalet li ma kelliex aċċess għas-sistema. Fil-messaġġ Daphne Caruana Galizi tgħid li informazzjoni fuq dawn il-kumpaniji kienet kruċjali għall-investigazzjoni.
10:35 – Il-proskeuzzjoni staqsiet dwar artiklu li ppublikat Daphne Caruana Galizia. Jixhed li din kienet l-ewwel investigazzjoni li ħadem m’ommu u ħassu iktar viċin m’ommu minħabba l-kritika pubblika li qal kien qed jaqla minħabba l-istorja, liema kritika qal li ommu setgħet tifhem għax kienet qed tisma’ l-istess kritika. Jixhed li ommu staqsiet fuq il-kumpaniji Macbridge u 17Black u talbitu għajnuna dwar dawn il-kumpaniji. Jgħid li meta fittex il-kumpaniji ma setax isibhom u sar jaf li ma sabhomx minħabba li kienet għadha qed tinġabar l-informazzjoni.
10:04 – Jitqajjem punt tad-dritt mid-difiża u jgħidu li l-prosekuzzjoni pprovdiet aċċess għal dokument li qalu ġie deċiż inamissibli mill-qorti. L-avukat Mercieca jgħid li d-dokumenti jinsabu fuq it-tablets tal-ġurati u jmorru kontra l-proċeduri kriminali li qed jaffaċja l-imputat fl-Istati Uniti.
Il-qorti tiddikjara d-dokument inamissibli u jiġu evalwati d-dokumenti li mistennija jiġu preżentati.
10:00 – Jgħid li fin-New Zealand ġew miġbura l-profitti tal-kumpaniji tal-Panama mingħajr ma l-flejjes jiġu ddikjarati lill-gvern tal-pajjiż tan-New Zealand. Qal li kieku mhux għal Panama Papers, dan kollu ma kienx ikun magħruf.
M’aħniex hawn kieku mhux għall-leak tal-Panama Papers.
Matthew Caruana Galizia09:55 – Ix-xhud jgħid li meta analizza l-informazzjoni mill-Panama Papers sab Maltin fil-lista, fosthom Keith Schembri u Konrad Mizzi. Xehed li fl-2015, ftit qabel l-imsemmija ġew eletti, bdew jaħdmu biex jiftħu kumpaniji offshore fil-Panama.
Spjega li l-kumpaniji f’din il-ġuriżdizzjoni l-pajjiż joffri segretezza; sakemm ma jkunx hemm leak ta’ informazzjoni, huwa qal li huwa kważi impossibbli li jiġu żvelati d-dettalji tal-kontijiet li jkun hemm marbuta magħhom. Qal li kien permezz ta’ dan kollu li, għall-ewwel darba, seta’ jara ċar kif kienu nbnew ċerti ‘strutturi’ finanzjarji.
09:47 – Jitla fuq il-pedana tax-xhieda Matthew Caruana Galizia. Jgħid li huwa kien software engineer u gradwat fil-ġurnaliżmu. Jgħid li kien jaħdem mal-Financial times u kiseb Pulizer Prize għal ħidma tiegħu fil-Panama Papers. Jixhed dwar għalfejn inġibed lejn il-karriera tal-ġurnaliżmu.
09:44 – Jixhed ukoll dwar bejgħ u trasferiment ta’ dgħajsa li saret minn persuna għal Yorgen Fenech.
Tintemm ix-xhieda ta’ Savona
09:38 – Imiss jixhed Michael Savona, uffiċjal reġistratur tad-dgħajjes ma’ Transport Malta. Jixhed dwar rapport li jinkludi dettalji fuq id-dgħajsa li kienet reġistrat fuq George Degorio u d-dgħajsa Maia li kienet reġistrata fuq Alfred Degorgio.
09:34 – Jixhed li fir-rapport hemm informazzjoni dwar kumpaniji li l-imputat għandu sehem fihom.
Tintemm ix-xhieda ta’ Kenneth John Camilleri.
09:28 – Jitla’ fuq il-pedana tax-xhieda Kenneth John Camilleri li huwa avukat li kien jaħdem mal-Asset Recovery Bureau. Jiġi ppreżentat rapport li ħejja u jiġi mitlub jikkonferma d-dettalji tar-rapport dwar ordni ta’ friżar fuq l-assi ta’ Yorgen Fenech.
09:12 – Insellmilkom minn awla 22. Ftit tal-ħin ieħor se jkomplu jixhdu iktar xhieda.
tvmnews.mt/news/jidhol-fil-5-gimgha-l-guri-ta-yorgen-fenech/
Minn Luigi Sghendo
3 ta' Awwissu 2026
Read in English
Daħal fis-sitt ġimgħa, il-ġuri fil-konfront ta’ Yorgen Fenech. Fis-seduta tal-lum spikkat ix-xhieda ta’ Matthew Caruana Galizia, iben il-vittma. Xehed dwar investigazzjoni li kienet qed tagħmel Daphne Caruana Galizia dwar l-Electrogas u eluf ta’ dokumenti u emails rċeviet minn sors fl-Electrogas.
Matthew Caruana Galizia xehed li Yorgen Fenech, is-suspettat mandant fil-qtil ta’ Daphne Caruana Galizia deher li kien fiċ-ċentru ta’ kollox f’emails u dokumenti li hu u ommu kienu qed janlizzaw b’rabta mal-Electrogas.
Quddiem l-Imħallef Edwina Grima, huwa qal li fil-bidu tal-2017 Daphne Caruana Galizia kienet infurmatu li sors fl-Electrogas kien qed jgħaddilha informazzjoni kunfidenzjali/ Qal li d-dokumenti, li kienu jammontaw għal mijiet jew eluf, kienu juru kumpanija f’diffikultà, u li xi kredituri ma kinux qed jitħallsu.
Matthew Caruana Galizia qal li ommu kienet talbitu jgħinha tfittex informazzjoni dwar il-kumpaniji 17 Black u Macbridge/ Spjega kif informazzjoni ġdida mill-Panama Papers uriet li dawn iż-żewġ kumpaniji kienu indikati bħala klijenti prospettivi tal-kumpaniji ta’ Keith Schembri u Konrad Mizzi.
Ix-xhud qal li wara l-qtil ta’ ommu kompla jinvestiga min kien wara l-kumpanija 17 Black/ Żied jgħid fl-2018 ġie żvelat li s-sid kien Yorgen Fenech.
Parti kbira mis-seduta kienet iddominata minn argumenti legali/ Id-difiża kontinwament sostniet li x-xhud kien qed jirreferi għal dokumenti li ma kitibx u għal informazzjoni li sema’ mingħand terzi/ Il-Qorti ddeċidiet li huwa seta’ jixhed dwar fatti magħrufa, mhux opinjonijiet/ Il-Qorti ordna biex jitneħħa dokument mit-tablets tal-ġurati.
Matul is-seduta, l-Avukat Jason Azzopardi, li qed jidher għall-familja Caruana Galizia, ġie mmultat darbtejn ħamsin ewro għal disprezz lejn il-Qorti/ L-Imħallef ikkritikat l-imġiba tal-avukati u ddeskrivietha bħala tal-waħx.
Aktar tard, Matthew Caruana Galizia rrakkonta l-aħħar mumenti qabel il-qtil ta’ ommu u kif sema’ splużjoni qawwija, ra duħħan u ġera lejn il-karozza maħkuma min-nirien/ Qal li wara l-qtil abbanduna l-karriera tiegħu barra minn Malta u ddedika saħħtu biex ifittex il-ġustizzja għal ommu.
Fil-kontroeżami d-difiża staqsiet dwar artiklu li kitbet ommu fuq il-kumpanija Ingliża Henley and Partners/ Id-difiża staqsiet jekk din il-kumpanija tqabbditx tfittex lil ommu għadd-danni biex tfaqqarha/ Huwa wieġeb li kulma jiftakar hu ommu ġiet mhedda li se titressaq quddiem qorti Ingliża/ Madankollu qal li dawn baqgħu ma ħadu ebda passi kontriha.
Punti ewlenin:
- Matthew Caruana Galizia tela’ jixhed u spjega kif beda jaħdem ma’ ommu Daphne Caruana Galizia fuq l-investigazzjonijiet tal-Panama Papers u Electrogas.
- Qal li ommu kienet irċeviet eluf ta’ emails u dokumenti kunfidenzjali minn sors ġewwa Electrogas, li kienu jindikaw diffikultajiet finanzjarji fil-kumpanija fosthom pagamenti li kienu qed jinqabżu.
- Xehed li mill-emails seta’ jara li Yorgen Fenech kien “fiċ-ċentru ta’ kollox”.
- Fil-qorti nqraw diversi emails marbuta ma’ Electrogas, inkluż komunikazzjoni attribwita lil Yorgen Fenech dwar kif il-kumpanija kellha tirreaġixxi għal stejjer pubblikati fil-midja.
- Fil-qorti nqalgħu diversi argumenti legali dwar l-ammissibbiltà ta’ dokumenti u x-xhieda ta’ Matthew Caruana Galizia. Id-difiża argumentat li kien qed jixhed fuq dokumenti li ma kitebx hu u fuq informazzjoni li sema’ mingħand ħaddieħor u li għandu jixhed biss il-fatti u mhux opinjonijiet, filwaqt li l-prosekuzzjoni argumentat li d-dokumenti kienu parti mill-investigazzjoni tiegħu.
- Matul is-seduta nqala’ argument bejn l-avukati Jason Azzopardi (Parte Civile) u Charles Mercieca (Avukat mid-difiża). L-Imħallef Edwina Grima sabet lil Azzopardi ħati ta’ disprezz tal-qorti wara li għajjejt “jien xhieda ma nixtrix“, immultatu total ta’ €100, filwaqt li kkritikat l-imġiba tal-avukati, li ddeskriviet bħala “tal-waħx”.
- Aktar kmieni xehdu wkoll Kenneth John Camilleri mil-Asset Recovery Bureau dwar rapport fuq ordni ta’ ffriżar tal-assi ta’ Yorgen Fenech, u Michael Savona minn Transport Malta dwar reġistrazzjonijiet ta’ dgħajjes marbuta mal-każ.
Segwi dirett:
17:48 – Jintemm il-ġuri għal lum u jkompli jinstema għada filgħodu.
17:45 – Jinżel minn fuq il-pedana tax-xhieda Matthew Caruana Galizia u jitla jixhed Sean Cutajar – kuntistabbli mal-FCID. Jixhed dwar tfitxija li saret f’Portomaso.
17:40 – Id-difiża ssaqsi fuq l-investigazzjoni tal-Electrogas. Ix-xhud jikkonferma li Yorgen Fenech kien minority shareholder fil-kumpanija Electrogas. Ix-xhud jgħid li kien hemm diversi minority shareholders u li l-ebda individwu ma kellu l-maġġoranza tal-ishma. Id-difiża tikkonferma jekk Daphne Caruana Galizia qatt għamlet ‘theddid’ b’email lil Yorgen Fenech, bl-istess mod li kienet bgħatet email lil Keith Schembri. Ix-xhud jikkoreġi lid-difiża u qal li ommu qatt ma kienet qed thedded imma twissi lil Keith Schembri li se tikxfu fuq dak li allegat.
17:20 – Id-difiża tkompli ssaqsi fuq kitba oħra ta’ Daphne Caruana Galizia fosthom li Keith Schembri kellu kanċer u li ma kienx qed jattendi għax-xogħol. Matthew Caruana Galizia jgħid li jiftakar kitba minnhom iżda ma jiftakarx il-kitbiet kollha, jgħid ukoll li kien ixxukkjat dwar il-kitba. Id-difiża turi kitba oħra dwar
17:10 – L-avukat Gianella De Marco issaqsi jekk Daphne Caruana Galizia kienet qed taħdem fuq stejjer oħra fosthom stejjer fuq Keith Schembri, bix-xhud jikkonferma. De Marco issaqsi fuq artiklu li ġie ppublikat fuq Running Commentary (il-blog ta’ Daphne Caruana Galizia), fejn Daphne Caruana Galizia fl-24 April 2017 allegat fil-kitbiet tagħha li Keith Schembri kien qed jirċievi kickbacks fl-iskema tal-passaporti.
17:00 – Id-difiża ssaqsi fuq konverżazzjoni li kellu ma’ ommu fuq WhatsApp fit-23 ta’ April, 2016, fejn talbitu jfittex l-ismijiet ’17 Black’ u ‘Macbridge’. Huwa qal li kellu diversi hard disks mimlijin informazzjoni u kienu diffiċli biex jiġu analizzata dak iż-żmien f’qasir żmien. Minħabba li d-data fuqhom ma kinitx f’format li jippermetti li wieħed ifittex faċilment, huwa kien qed itella’ d-dokumenti wieħed wieħed fuq pjattaforma maħluqa mill-ICIJ (minn ġuralisti) biex issir tfittxija fid-data tal-Panama Papers.
16:45 – Ikompli jixhed Matthew Caruana Galizia. JIbda il-kontroeżami tad-difiża.
16:31 – Pawża qasira ta’ kwarta, inkomplu fil-16:45.
16:30 – Jgħid li wara l-omiċidju xogħlu sar “l-investigazzjoni, il-ġustizzja” u qal li ma kienx jaf lil min jista’ jkellem u min jista’ jgħinu, biss li ried il-ġustizzja. “Abbandunajt il-karriera . . . ġejt lura Malta u tfajt l-enerġija kollha li kelli (fl-invesitgazzjoni)”. Mistoqsi jridx iżid xi ħaġa, Matthew Caruana Galizia qal li jrid li kollox jispiċċa u ma jimpurtahx jekk jiġrilu xi ħaġa, basta jġib ġustizzja għal ommu.
16:25 – Ix-xhud jgħid li ma jiftakarx kollox wara li ra’ l-karozza ballun nar u jirrakonta biċċiet li ftakar matul dakinhar. Jixhed li fost oħrajn kien hemm ħafna pulizija li għalqu l-aċċess tat-triq, beda jċempel lill-qraba’ biex jinfurmhom x’ġara u libes suit biex imur il-qorti.
16:15 – Ix-xhud jibda jirrakonta l-ġurnata li twettaq l-omiċidju. Jgħid li ma kienx qed jgħix ma ommu iżda minħabba l-investigazzjoni ta’ ommu kellu jaħdem ma ommu bl-investigazzjoni filwaqt li jkompli bil-ħidma tax-xogħol tiegħu. Jixhed li ommu irċiviet telefonata mill-bank rigward appuntament. Kompla jgħid li nesiet ic-cheque book u allura reġgħet daħlet id-dar malajr umbgħad telqet għall-aħħar darba qal ix-xhud. Jixhed li sema’ splużjoni enormi u malli fetaħ il-bieb ta’ barra u beda jimxi.
“Rajt torri ta’ duħħan . . rajt in-nar fuq it-triq u kont konfuż, rajt biċċiet tal-ħadid u ta’ uman imma xorta kont qed nipprova nifhem x’ġara, niftakar li rajt biċċa tal-moħħ . . . rajt ballun nar fin-nofs ta’ għalqa” kompla jgħid ix-xhud.
16:10 – Jirrakonta x’ġara mil-laptop ta’ Daphne Caruana Galizia. Jgħid li kien fil-kustodja tal-awtoritajiet Ġermaniżi għal żmien twil u l-awtoritajiet Ġermaniżi talbuhom gwida fuq x’ħa jagħmlu bl-informazzjoni li kien fih il-laptop. Qal li avukat li kien qed jaħdem mal-familja Caruana Galizia irċieva l-informazzjoni tal-laptop.
15:55 – Jixhed fuq rapport li ħejja hu flimkien mal-familja tiegħu. Fost oħrajn jgħid li l-ewwel paragrafu jittrata l-Electrogas għax qal li kienet l-iktar ħaġa importanti li għandha tiġi investigata. Jgħid li r-rapport għadda għand Keith Arnuad u li kien diffiċli għalih li jibni dak ir-rapport.
15:30 – Jgħid li f’Marzu tal-2017 il-kumpanija 17Black inbidlet f’Wings Development. Jixhed dwar ċekkijiet li kienu intbgħatu lilu, u qal li ma kienx jaf min hu l-persuna. Jgħid li ċ-ċekkijiet inħarġu minn Moor’s bank, liema bank qal li kien juża 17Black u kienu ċekkijiet li kellhom jissarfu minn sid il-kumpanij 17Black..
15:23 – Ikompli jixhed Matthew Caruana Galizia.
15:20 – Il-qorti tgħid li wara li tintemm ix-xhieda, il-qorti se tkun qed tavża lil ġurija dwar dak li huwa ammissibli u dak li mhux meta jiddelliberaw.
15:10 – Lura f’awla 22 wara l-waqfa ta’ waranofsinhar. Ftit tal-ħin ieħor mistenni jkompli jixhed Matthew Caruana Galizia, it-tifel tal-vittma Daphne Caruana Galizia, iżda qabel ikompli jixhed l-Imħallef mistennija tagħti digriet fuq it-talba tad-difiża.
12:56 – Jitqajjem punt tad-dritt mid-difiża. Id-difiża tgħid li x-xhud qed jixhed fuq dokument illi ma nkitibx minnu u minn dokumenti li ma jinsabux fl-atti. Id-difiża tisħaq li x-xhud mgħandux jixhed fuq affarijiet li sema’ u/jew intqalu lilu. Id-difiża tgħid li l-prosekuzzjoni u parte civile qed jgħaddu kummenti bħal “din swiet il-ħajja ta’ omm”, l-avukat Mercieca qal li dawn il-kummenti qed jipperikolaw l-andament tal-ġuri.
Il-proskeuzzjoni tgħid li x-xhud qed jixhed fuq dokument li ra’ b’għajnejh u kif id-dokument jagħmel parti mil-investigazzjoni tiegħu. Qal ukoll li xehdu bosta xhieda fuq evidenza li semgħu u/jew intqalu lilhom.
13:04 – L-Imħallef Edwina Grima tgħid li ser tgħati d-digriet wara l-waqfa ta’ waranofsinhar. Il-ġuri ikompli fit-15:00.
12:45 – Ix-xhud jaqra d-dokument tal-FIAU, b’mod partikolari l-artiklu tal-Reuters li qiegħed fir-rapport tal-FIAU.
12:36 – Ix-xhud jispjega li r-rapport tal-FIAU jinkludi artiklu tar-Retuers dwar “kumpanija misterjuża” li għandha x’taqsam mal-qtil ta’ Daphne Caruana Galizia u l-powerstation. Jgħid li l-artiklu kien kruċjali għax żvela sid il-kumpanija 17Black.
12:28 – Ix-xhud jgħid li ommu kienet ħadet pawża qasira ta’ xahar mill-investigazzjonijiet u li hu baqa’ jinvestiga l-każ tant li tilef oppoerunità biex javvanza fil-karriera li kellu barra minn Malta. Qal li akkost ta’ kollox ried jinvestiga l-każ tal-Electrogas.
12:15 – Ix-xhud jiġi ppreżentat b’artiklu li ppublikat ommu dwar 17Black u jikkonferma li kienet ommu li ppublikatu. Jaqra kumment li kitbet ommu fejn allegat li Yorgen Fenech huwa involut “fil-korruzzjoni tal-powerstation”.
12:10 – Jixhed li email partikolari tippruva dak li ommu allegat fil-konfront tal-Electrogass, li kienu qed jinqabżu l-pagamenti. Jinqraw ukoll email mibgħuta minn Yorgen Fenech dwar l-istejjer li kienu qed joħorġu fuq l-Electrogas. Ix-xhud jaqra iktar emails fejn ħaddiema tal-kumpanija kienu qed jiddiskutu kif l-aħjar li jirreaġixxu għall-istejjer li kienu qed jiġu ppublikati mill-midja.
11:57 – Ix-xhud jgħid li l-investigazzjoni kompliet anke’ wara li inqatlet ommu u ddeskriva s-sors li kien qed jipprovdilu l-informazzjoni bħala l-iktar bniedem kurraġġuż li qatt iltaqa’ miegħu.
11:48 – Ix-xhud jgħid li darba ikkuntattjah David Casa wara li rċieva rapport li kien tħejja mill-FIAU. Jgħid li minkejja l-investigazzjoni minn ġurnalisti barranin, David Casa ħarġet informazzjoni pubblikament marbut ma’ dan ir-rapport, u qal li l-ġurnalisti barranin kienu imdejqin li Casa ħareġ informazzjoni fuq storja li qal li l-ġurnalisti barranin kellhom interess qawwi.
11:41 – Ikompli jixhed Matthew Caruana Galizia. Jixhed li ma kellux il-kapaċità li jaħdem fuq l-istorja u kien ta l-istorja lil Jacob Borg biex ikompli jinvestiga kif il-kumpanija spiċċawlha flus qabel bdiet inbniet il-powerstation.
11:39 – Jiqajjem argument fl-awla bejn l-avukat Jason Azzopardi u Charles Mercieca u b’rabja l-Imħallef tordna biex l-avukat tal-parte civile (Jason Azzopardi) jinstab ħati ta’ disprezz wara li beda jgħajjat u jindirizza lid-difiża fejn fost oħrajn qal: “jien xhieda ma nixtrix!“. Il-qorti tordna multa oħra ta’ €50 u irid iħallas €100.
L-Imħallef Edwina Grima tgħid li l-imġieba tal-avukati f’dan il-ġuri hija “tal-waħx“.
11:32 – Il-qorti tgħid li ġibdet l-attenzjoni tax-xhud li jista’ jixhed fatti bħal meta jixhed fuq dokument li ġie eżebit fl-atti, imma tgħid li ma jistax jaggħti spjegazzjoni jew interpretazzjoni tad-dokument għax ma kienx l-awtur tad-dokument jew ma kienx indirizatt lilu. Il-qorti tfakkar li meta uffiċjal investigattiv jixhed fatti li ma jiġux mgħarufa iridu jiġu kkonfermati mix-xhieda u provi diretti. Il-qorti tidderieġi l-prosekuzzjoni biex ix-xhud jillimita ruħu fuq il-fatti li huma magħrufa lilu.
11:20 – Jgħid il beda jara isem Yrogen Fenech minn emails u li kien sid kumpanija bl-isem ta’ Gem Holdings. Jgħid li l-email hija importanti għax tgħid li l-kumpanija Electrogass ma setgħetx tħallas is-self li ħadet mill-bank. Jitqajjem punt tad-dritt
11:15 – Il-prosekuzzjoni tistaqsi lix-xhud dwar l-informazzjoni li kisbet ommu qabel ma nqatlet. Huwa jixhed li fil-bidu tal-2017 kien qed iżur lil ommu spiss minħabba l-investigazzjoni li kienet qed taħdem. Jgħid li darba minnhom qaltlu li rċeviet emails u dokumenti kunfidenzjali mingħand sors minn ġewwa l-Electrogas, li wassluha biex issib mezz sigur kif tirċevihom. Ix-xhud fqal li l-kumpanija kienet parti minn proċess ta’ privatizzazzjoni mill-Gvern fl-2013 permezz ta’ tender kompetittiv, bil-għan li l-elettriku jinqaleb minn Heavy Fuel Oil għall-gass. Ix-xhud, filwaqt li kkonferma li Yorgen Fenech huwa wieħed mis-sidien tal-kumpanija privata, qal li mid-dokumenti seta’ jara ċar li l-kumpanija kienet f’diffikultajiet finanzjarji u li kienu qed jinqabżu xi pagamenti. Fuq dak li ra fl-informazzjoni u l-emails, ix-xhud iddikjara:
Stajt nara li Yorgen Fenech kien fiċ-ċentru ta’ kollox.
Matthew Caruana Galizia11:00 – Jixhed li fl-email jingħad li ‘t-target clients’ kienu 17Black ltd. u Macbridge ltd. Kompla jixhed li wara l-qtil ried isir jaf min kien sid il-kumpaniji fosthom billi siefer lejn l-Emirati Għarab Mgħaquda (ġurnata qabel ġie arrestat Yorgen Fenech) biex jikkonferma li sid il-kumpanija kien Yorgen Fenech (informazzjoni li qal ħarġet minn artiklu tar-Reuters). Jgħid li darba prova jidħol ġo post fejn kienet reġistrata l-kumpanija 17Black, f’waħda mill-Emirati, u talab biex juża l-kamra tal-banju sabiex jidħol fil-bini u prova jaċċessa s-sistema iżda inqabad u ma irnexxilux jikseb informazzjoni.
10:50 – Jgħid li meta irċieva informazzjoni wara l-15 ta’ Diċembru fittex l-ismijiet tal-kumpaniji u sab l-email li kienet qed tgħidlu biha ommu. Jixhed li fl-email Nexia BT provdiet informazzjoni dwar l-attività tal-kumpaniji ta’ Keith Schembri u Konrad Mizzi.
10:40 – Jaqra messaġġ bejnu u ommu fejn talbitu l-għajnuna fuq email dwar l-ismijiet tal-kumapniji li provdietlu għax qalet li ma kelliex aċċess għas-sistema. Fil-messaġġ Daphne Caruana Galizi tgħid li informazzjoni fuq dawn il-kumpaniji kienet kruċjali għall-investigazzjoni.
10:35 – Il-proskeuzzjoni staqsiet dwar artiklu li ppublikat Daphne Caruana Galizia. Jixhed li din kienet l-ewwel investigazzjoni li ħadem m’ommu u ħassu iktar viċin m’ommu minħabba l-kritika pubblika li qal kien qed jaqla minħabba l-istorja, liema kritika qal li ommu setgħet tifhem għax kienet qed tisma’ l-istess kritika. Jixhed li ommu staqsiet fuq il-kumpaniji Macbridge u 17Black u talbitu għajnuna dwar dawn il-kumpaniji. Jgħid li meta fittex il-kumpaniji ma setax isibhom u sar jaf li ma sabhomx minħabba li kienet għadha qed tinġabar l-informazzjoni.
10:04 – Jitqajjem punt tad-dritt mid-difiża u jgħidu li l-prosekuzzjoni pprovdiet aċċess għal dokument li qalu ġie deċiż inamissibli mill-qorti. L-avukat Mercieca jgħid li d-dokumenti jinsabu fuq it-tablets tal-ġurati u jmorru kontra l-proċeduri kriminali li qed jaffaċja l-imputat fl-Istati Uniti.
Il-qorti tiddikjara d-dokument inamissibli u jiġu evalwati d-dokumenti li mistennija jiġu preżentati.
10:00 – Jgħid li fin-New Zealand ġew miġbura l-profitti tal-kumpaniji tal-Panama mingħajr ma l-flejjes jiġu ddikjarati lill-gvern tal-pajjiż tan-New Zealand. Qal li kieku mhux għal Panama Papers, dan kollu ma kienx ikun magħruf.
M’aħniex hawn kieku mhux għall-leak tal-Panama Papers.
Matthew Caruana Galizia09:55 – Ix-xhud jgħid li meta analizza l-informazzjoni mill-Panama Papers sab Maltin fil-lista, fosthom Keith Schembri u Konrad Mizzi. Xehed li fl-2015, ftit qabel l-imsemmija ġew eletti, bdew jaħdmu biex jiftħu kumpaniji offshore fil-Panama.
Spjega li l-kumpaniji f’din il-ġuriżdizzjoni l-pajjiż joffri segretezza; sakemm ma jkunx hemm leak ta’ informazzjoni, huwa qal li huwa kważi impossibbli li jiġu żvelati d-dettalji tal-kontijiet li jkun hemm marbuta magħhom. Qal li kien permezz ta’ dan kollu li, għall-ewwel darba, seta’ jara ċar kif kienu nbnew ċerti ‘strutturi’ finanzjarji.
09:47 – Jitla fuq il-pedana tax-xhieda Matthew Caruana Galizia. Jgħid li huwa kien software engineer u gradwat fil-ġurnaliżmu. Jgħid li kien jaħdem mal-Financial times u kiseb Pulizer Prize għal ħidma tiegħu fil-Panama Papers. Jixhed dwar għalfejn inġibed lejn il-karriera tal-ġurnaliżmu.
09:44 – Jixhed ukoll dwar bejgħ u trasferiment ta’ dgħajsa li saret minn persuna għal Yorgen Fenech.
Tintemm ix-xhieda ta’ Savona
09:38 – Imiss jixhed Michael Savona, uffiċjal reġistratur tad-dgħajjes ma’ Transport Malta. Jixhed dwar rapport li jinkludi dettalji fuq id-dgħajsa li kienet reġistrat fuq George Degorio u d-dgħajsa Maia li kienet reġistrata fuq Alfred Degorgio.
09:34 – Jixhed li fir-rapport hemm informazzjoni dwar kumpaniji li l-imputat għandu sehem fihom.
Tintemm ix-xhieda ta’ Kenneth John Camilleri.
09:28 – Jitla’ fuq il-pedana tax-xhieda Kenneth John Camilleri li huwa avukat li kien jaħdem mal-Asset Recovery Bureau. Jiġi ppreżentat rapport li ħejja u jiġi mitlub jikkonferma d-dettalji tar-rapport dwar ordni ta’ friżar fuq l-assi ta’ Yorgen Fenech.
09:12 – Insellmilkom minn awla 22. Ftit tal-ħin ieħor se jkomplu jixhdu iktar xhieda.
tvmnews.mt/news/jidhol-fil-5-gimgha-l-guri-ta-yorgen-fenech/
The godfathers of institutional rot
What has become evidently clear so far is that Auberge de Castille in the Muscat years was the fulcrum of a renaissance of sleaze, where power, money and criminality blended together seamlessly...
2 August 2026, 6:15am
Cartoon by Mikiel Galea
Keith Schembri exited court last week holding Paul Strathern’s book The Medici – Godfathers of the Renaissance.
Billed as the godfathers of the renaissance because they literally bankrolled some of the most important works of art and architecture, the Medici were a powerful banking family. They exerted great political power in Florence in the early 15th century.
The book was but a detail at the end of Schembri’s dramatic three-day testimony in the ongoing trial by jury of Yorgen Fenech. We don’t know whether Schembri fashions himself as some form of modern-day Medici—a godfather of Malta’s post-2013 Labour-led renaissance.
But from the witness stand he could not resist outlining how the Muscat administration grew the economy and ensured people had more money in their pockets. And Schembri’s job was “to create wealth”, he told jurors.
Because Schembri, first and foremost, was a businessperson before being a political person. He valued efficiency, productivity and a can-do attitude that sets key performance indicators and ensures they are achieved.
For businesses, the incoming Labour government of 2013 was a welcome contrast to the stuffiness and aloofness of the previous administration, where decisions kept being postponed and business ideas scuppered on the altar of procrastination.
The wind of change allowed business confidence to grow, leading to unprecedented economic expansion and wealth creation. As a result, ordinary people had more money in their pocket.
But this newfound business mentality at the heart of government—the Office of the Prime Minister—came with its problems. Big problems—and we are not referring to the economic model that has left public infrastructure creaking, communities feeling the brunt of unsocial behaviour and seeing public spaces being sacrificed for commercial gain. What we are referring to is the institutional rot that set in.
Good governance started to feel cumbersome, the rule of law was a nuisance, and enforcement a sin. Fairness was dispensed only to those who had the audacity to speak up and approach the powers that be. In the process more injustices were created. A climate of impunity started to take root. The closer to the corridors of power one was, the bolder one felt to do as they please.
The generation of wealth and the fact that people were living better masked these underlying ills. The cake kept growing and as long as this allowed people to take bigger or more slices, nothing else mattered. Not even the murder of a journalist.
The criminals behind Daphne Caruana Galizia’s murder felt bold enough to do what they did because they believed it was par for the course; “business as usual”. They paused the hit job until the election was over and after the Labour Party was back in power with a strong majority they were told to “get on with it”. They believed they could get away with it and when the web started to unravel, they tried to rely on the support of those in power to avoid justice. They almost managed, aided by public officials seduced by the aura of power.
But evil has a way of unravelling itself. The testimony coming out of Yorgen Fenech’s trial gives credence to the phrase: ‘There is no honour among thieves.’ We’ve heard witnesses contradicting each other, accusing each other, and some clamming up in silence, evidently fearing retribution.
“I used to be mocked as a businessman... My job was to create wealth,” Schembri told jurors last week, adding that he had too many responsibilities to have time to become involved in the murder as Fenech’s defence has been suggesting.
We may never know the truth but what has become evidently clear so far is that Auberge de Castille in the Muscat years was the fulcrum of a renaissance of sleaze, where power, money and criminality blended together seamlessly.
From the lawyer who allegedly stood naked in Keith Schembri’s office, to a security officer who pranced around with guns in holster and who accidently discharged his firearm in the presence of Michelle Muscat, to the chief of staff posing for a photograph with Melvin Theuma after a meeting in which the latter was given a government job, to Schembri saying he does not know whether he lied to the police, the court testimony reads like a tragicomedy.
Unfortunately, the first victim of this sordid state of affairs was Daphne Caruana Galizia, who paid with her life on 16 October 2017. The ongoing victim is society that still pays the price of the institutional rot godfathered in Castille during those damning years.
www.maltatoday.com.mt/comment/editorial/143566/the_godfathers_of_institutional_rot
What has become evidently clear so far is that Auberge de Castille in the Muscat years was the fulcrum of a renaissance of sleaze, where power, money and criminality blended together seamlessly...
2 August 2026, 6:15am
Cartoon by Mikiel Galea
Keith Schembri exited court last week holding Paul Strathern’s book The Medici – Godfathers of the Renaissance.
Billed as the godfathers of the renaissance because they literally bankrolled some of the most important works of art and architecture, the Medici were a powerful banking family. They exerted great political power in Florence in the early 15th century.
The book was but a detail at the end of Schembri’s dramatic three-day testimony in the ongoing trial by jury of Yorgen Fenech. We don’t know whether Schembri fashions himself as some form of modern-day Medici—a godfather of Malta’s post-2013 Labour-led renaissance.
But from the witness stand he could not resist outlining how the Muscat administration grew the economy and ensured people had more money in their pockets. And Schembri’s job was “to create wealth”, he told jurors.
Because Schembri, first and foremost, was a businessperson before being a political person. He valued efficiency, productivity and a can-do attitude that sets key performance indicators and ensures they are achieved.
For businesses, the incoming Labour government of 2013 was a welcome contrast to the stuffiness and aloofness of the previous administration, where decisions kept being postponed and business ideas scuppered on the altar of procrastination.
The wind of change allowed business confidence to grow, leading to unprecedented economic expansion and wealth creation. As a result, ordinary people had more money in their pocket.
But this newfound business mentality at the heart of government—the Office of the Prime Minister—came with its problems. Big problems—and we are not referring to the economic model that has left public infrastructure creaking, communities feeling the brunt of unsocial behaviour and seeing public spaces being sacrificed for commercial gain. What we are referring to is the institutional rot that set in.
Good governance started to feel cumbersome, the rule of law was a nuisance, and enforcement a sin. Fairness was dispensed only to those who had the audacity to speak up and approach the powers that be. In the process more injustices were created. A climate of impunity started to take root. The closer to the corridors of power one was, the bolder one felt to do as they please.
The generation of wealth and the fact that people were living better masked these underlying ills. The cake kept growing and as long as this allowed people to take bigger or more slices, nothing else mattered. Not even the murder of a journalist.
The criminals behind Daphne Caruana Galizia’s murder felt bold enough to do what they did because they believed it was par for the course; “business as usual”. They paused the hit job until the election was over and after the Labour Party was back in power with a strong majority they were told to “get on with it”. They believed they could get away with it and when the web started to unravel, they tried to rely on the support of those in power to avoid justice. They almost managed, aided by public officials seduced by the aura of power.
But evil has a way of unravelling itself. The testimony coming out of Yorgen Fenech’s trial gives credence to the phrase: ‘There is no honour among thieves.’ We’ve heard witnesses contradicting each other, accusing each other, and some clamming up in silence, evidently fearing retribution.
“I used to be mocked as a businessman... My job was to create wealth,” Schembri told jurors last week, adding that he had too many responsibilities to have time to become involved in the murder as Fenech’s defence has been suggesting.
We may never know the truth but what has become evidently clear so far is that Auberge de Castille in the Muscat years was the fulcrum of a renaissance of sleaze, where power, money and criminality blended together seamlessly.
From the lawyer who allegedly stood naked in Keith Schembri’s office, to a security officer who pranced around with guns in holster and who accidently discharged his firearm in the presence of Michelle Muscat, to the chief of staff posing for a photograph with Melvin Theuma after a meeting in which the latter was given a government job, to Schembri saying he does not know whether he lied to the police, the court testimony reads like a tragicomedy.
Unfortunately, the first victim of this sordid state of affairs was Daphne Caruana Galizia, who paid with her life on 16 October 2017. The ongoing victim is society that still pays the price of the institutional rot godfathered in Castille during those damning years.
www.maltatoday.com.mt/comment/editorial/143566/the_godfathers_of_institutional_rot
Ara: Jaqbad ikisser karozza fis-Swieqi
Minn Christine Mamo
2 ta' Awwissu 2026
Żagħżugħ li kien għaddej minn Triq il-Keffa, fis-Swieqi jidher f’filmat tas-sigurtà jaqbad u jagħti bil-ponn lil karozza li kienet ipparkjata b’riżultat li kkawżalha ħsarat sostanzjali.
Fil-filmat imtella’ minn David Fenech jidhru erba’ żgħażagħ mexjin f’nofs ta’ triq, jgħaddu minn ħdejn karozza Audi u wieħed minnhom jaqbad itiha. Iż-żgħażagħ li kien hemm miegħu ma provawx iwaqqfuh iżda biss ħarsu lejh u komplew mexjin.
Iż-żagħżugħ imbagħad jidher jiġbor it-top li waqa’ minn fuq spalltu u jkompli miexi ma’ sħabu qisu xejn mhu xejn. Bil-karozza titħalla bi ħsarat sostanzjali, inkluż mera tal-ġenb li spiċċat imdendla.
Is-sindku tas-Swieqi Noel Muscat daħħal rapport, bil-Pulizija li qed tinvestiga l-każ li seħħ fis-sigħat bikrin tas-Sibt.
“Ah kwalità tassew mill-aqwa”
Is-Swieqi ilha għal dawn l-aħħar ġimgħat tissemma’ fl-aħbarijiet, bl-iktar każ li qajjem agħa kien b’rabta ma’ żgħażagħ li ġew iffilmjati jgħajtu u jwaddbu oġġetti għal ġot-triq. B’dan wassal biex 12-il żagħżugħ ġie mmultati madwar €2,000 bejniethom.
newsbook.com.mt/ara-jaqbad-ikisser-karozza-fis-swieqi/
Minn Christine Mamo
2 ta' Awwissu 2026
Żagħżugħ li kien għaddej minn Triq il-Keffa, fis-Swieqi jidher f’filmat tas-sigurtà jaqbad u jagħti bil-ponn lil karozza li kienet ipparkjata b’riżultat li kkawżalha ħsarat sostanzjali.
Fil-filmat imtella’ minn David Fenech jidhru erba’ żgħażagħ mexjin f’nofs ta’ triq, jgħaddu minn ħdejn karozza Audi u wieħed minnhom jaqbad itiha. Iż-żgħażagħ li kien hemm miegħu ma provawx iwaqqfuh iżda biss ħarsu lejh u komplew mexjin.
Iż-żagħżugħ imbagħad jidher jiġbor it-top li waqa’ minn fuq spalltu u jkompli miexi ma’ sħabu qisu xejn mhu xejn. Bil-karozza titħalla bi ħsarat sostanzjali, inkluż mera tal-ġenb li spiċċat imdendla.
Is-sindku tas-Swieqi Noel Muscat daħħal rapport, bil-Pulizija li qed tinvestiga l-każ li seħħ fis-sigħat bikrin tas-Sibt.
“Ah kwalità tassew mill-aqwa”
Is-Swieqi ilha għal dawn l-aħħar ġimgħat tissemma’ fl-aħbarijiet, bl-iktar każ li qajjem agħa kien b’rabta ma’ żgħażagħ li ġew iffilmjati jgħajtu u jwaddbu oġġetti għal ġot-triq. B’dan wassal biex 12-il żagħżugħ ġie mmultati madwar €2,000 bejniethom.
newsbook.com.mt/ara-jaqbad-ikisser-karozza-fis-swieqi/
Court allows reduced fireworks after Birżebbuġa injunction
By Jurgen Balzan
August 2, 2026
Ritratt: Soċjetà Filarmonika San Pietru Banda Birżebbuġa A.D. 1990Read in Malti.
A court has permitted a limited fireworks display in Birżebbuġa after prime minister Robert Abela and minister Miriam Dalli secured an alternative site for the reduced pyrotechnics, following a prohibitory injunction that had grounded all aerial displays.
The injunction, confirmed by both the Għaqda tan-Nar 22 ta’ Frar and the Għaqda Mużikali San Pietru Fil-Ktajjen, was filed on Friday, the very day the aerial displays were scheduled to begi, leaving organisers with no time to appeal.
While the official reason for the court order remains undisclosed, sources told Newsbook Malta that the injunction followed a fire that broke out at a farmhouse and a rubbish truck, allegedly caused by aerial fireworks. This prompted nearby landowners to gather signatures and petition the court, which granted the temporary prohibition.
Fireworks enthusiast Nathaniel DeBono insisted all permits were in order and that safety distances were respected. “We have everything according to the law,” he said. “The only reason given was that they fear we might damage them with the mortars.”
The Għaqda tan-Nar 22 ta’ Frar filed an appeal on Saturday morning, with the court hearing held that evening. The court decided to uphold the injunction for now, permitting only 4-inch fireworks to be set off.
The court has scheduled a further hearing for 11 August. The case has already cost the clubs thousands of euros, DeBono said.
Following the developments, prime minister Robert Abela and minister Miriam Dalli helped secure an alternative site where a reduced fireworks display could take place. The Għaqda tan-Nar 22 ta’ Frar confirmed that a reduced display would go ahead on Sunday evening.
The Birżebbuġa local council expressed solidarity with both fireworks clubs, acknowledging that this is “not the time to comment on the case” while proceedings are ongoing. The council recognised the “great sacrifices” made by enthusiasts in preparing for the feast week.
The injunction has sparked outcry among fireworks enthusiasts, with many expressing fear that this could be “the beginning of the end” for Maltese festa traditions. “It is a great shame to say that Birżebbuġa is the first village to have its aerial fireworks stopped after a year of work and sacrifice away from family,” one person commented on Facebook.
Birżebbuġa celebrates the feast of St Peter this week, with aerial displays traditionally held on Sunday morning, at midday, and in the evening during the procession.
newsbook.com.mt/en/court-halts-birzebbuga-aerial-fireworks-over-injunction/
By Jurgen Balzan
August 2, 2026
Ritratt: Soċjetà Filarmonika San Pietru Banda Birżebbuġa A.D. 1990Read in Malti.
A court has permitted a limited fireworks display in Birżebbuġa after prime minister Robert Abela and minister Miriam Dalli secured an alternative site for the reduced pyrotechnics, following a prohibitory injunction that had grounded all aerial displays.
The injunction, confirmed by both the Għaqda tan-Nar 22 ta’ Frar and the Għaqda Mużikali San Pietru Fil-Ktajjen, was filed on Friday, the very day the aerial displays were scheduled to begi, leaving organisers with no time to appeal.
While the official reason for the court order remains undisclosed, sources told Newsbook Malta that the injunction followed a fire that broke out at a farmhouse and a rubbish truck, allegedly caused by aerial fireworks. This prompted nearby landowners to gather signatures and petition the court, which granted the temporary prohibition.
Fireworks enthusiast Nathaniel DeBono insisted all permits were in order and that safety distances were respected. “We have everything according to the law,” he said. “The only reason given was that they fear we might damage them with the mortars.”
The Għaqda tan-Nar 22 ta’ Frar filed an appeal on Saturday morning, with the court hearing held that evening. The court decided to uphold the injunction for now, permitting only 4-inch fireworks to be set off.
The court has scheduled a further hearing for 11 August. The case has already cost the clubs thousands of euros, DeBono said.
Following the developments, prime minister Robert Abela and minister Miriam Dalli helped secure an alternative site where a reduced fireworks display could take place. The Għaqda tan-Nar 22 ta’ Frar confirmed that a reduced display would go ahead on Sunday evening.
The Birżebbuġa local council expressed solidarity with both fireworks clubs, acknowledging that this is “not the time to comment on the case” while proceedings are ongoing. The council recognised the “great sacrifices” made by enthusiasts in preparing for the feast week.
The injunction has sparked outcry among fireworks enthusiasts, with many expressing fear that this could be “the beginning of the end” for Maltese festa traditions. “It is a great shame to say that Birżebbuġa is the first village to have its aerial fireworks stopped after a year of work and sacrifice away from family,” one person commented on Facebook.
Birżebbuġa celebrates the feast of St Peter this week, with aerial displays traditionally held on Sunday morning, at midday, and in the evening during the procession.
newsbook.com.mt/en/court-halts-birzebbuga-aerial-fireworks-over-injunction/
PM among 22 European leaders calling for urgent EU action on the crisis in Ceuta
August 1, 2026
Aqra bil- Malti
Prime Minister Robert Abela, together with 21 other European leaders, has signed a letter urging the European Union to deliver an immediate response to the migration crisis unfolding in Ceuta, the Spanish enclave on the northern coast of Africa.
In their letter, the leaders called on the Irish Presidency to urgently convene EU Home Affairs Ministers to coordinate additional support for Spain, including reinforced Frontex operations and a review of cooperation between the EU and Morocco. They warned that human‑trafficking networks are attempting to challenge the Union’s external borders, stressing the need for coordinated action against irregular migration.
Spanish authorities reported that between Wednesday and Friday, an estimated 50,000 to 60,000 people entered Ceuta, mostly by sea from Morocco. More than 48,000 were returned to Morocco, while at least 34 people lost their lives attempting the crossing.
In its official position, Malta said irregular migration remains a European challenge that must be addressed through solidarity and a fair distribution of responsibility. It noted that the EU already has the necessary tools and agencies to combat illegal migrant trafficking, and emphasised that Member States must retain control over who is permitted to enter and remain within EU territory.
Malta expressed full solidarity with Spain and commended the cooperation between Madrid and Morocco, which resulted in the swift return of the vast majority of irregular arrivals. It added that the situation should continue to be monitored closely, but argued that this is not the moment for rushed decisions or disproportionate measures. Instead, the priority should remain on coordinated European support, effective protection of the EU’s external borders, and preventing secondary movements of migrants between Member States.
tvmnews.mt/en/news/pm-among-22-european-leaders-calling-for-urgent-eu-action-on-the-crisis-in-ceuta/
August 1, 2026
Aqra bil- Malti
Prime Minister Robert Abela, together with 21 other European leaders, has signed a letter urging the European Union to deliver an immediate response to the migration crisis unfolding in Ceuta, the Spanish enclave on the northern coast of Africa.
In their letter, the leaders called on the Irish Presidency to urgently convene EU Home Affairs Ministers to coordinate additional support for Spain, including reinforced Frontex operations and a review of cooperation between the EU and Morocco. They warned that human‑trafficking networks are attempting to challenge the Union’s external borders, stressing the need for coordinated action against irregular migration.
Spanish authorities reported that between Wednesday and Friday, an estimated 50,000 to 60,000 people entered Ceuta, mostly by sea from Morocco. More than 48,000 were returned to Morocco, while at least 34 people lost their lives attempting the crossing.
In its official position, Malta said irregular migration remains a European challenge that must be addressed through solidarity and a fair distribution of responsibility. It noted that the EU already has the necessary tools and agencies to combat illegal migrant trafficking, and emphasised that Member States must retain control over who is permitted to enter and remain within EU territory.
Malta expressed full solidarity with Spain and commended the cooperation between Madrid and Morocco, which resulted in the swift return of the vast majority of irregular arrivals. It added that the situation should continue to be monitored closely, but argued that this is not the moment for rushed decisions or disproportionate measures. Instead, the priority should remain on coordinated European support, effective protection of the EU’s external borders, and preventing secondary movements of migrants between Member States.
tvmnews.mt/en/news/pm-among-22-european-leaders-calling-for-urgent-eu-action-on-the-crisis-in-ceuta/
Schembri claims Fenech hinted at murder involvement, insists he still 'prays for Daphne'
Former OPM chief of staff Keith Schembri says Yorgen Fenech hinted at his involvement in Daphne Caruana Galizia's murder, insists he still prays for the slain journalist and brands allegations linking him to the plot ‘an outrageous lie’
29 July 2026.
by Ħaley Xuereb
A blow-by-low commentary of what happened in the courtroom can be found at the bottom of this article
Keith Schembri's testimony as the former prime minister's chief of staff on Wednesday was arguably his most consequential admission since taking the witness stand: that Yorgen Fenech privately hinted he had been involved in Daphne Caruana Galizia's assassination.
But beyond that admission, Schembri spent much of the day forcefully rejecting virtually every allegation levelled against him by Fenech, Melvin Theuma and George Degiorgio, describing claims that he masterminded or facilitated the murder as "an outrageous lie".
He repeatedly insisted he had merely tried to support a close friend whose "back was against the wall".
‘He hinted he was involved... I froze’
Prosecutor Godwin Cini confronted Schembri with recordings in which Melvin Theuma recalled Fenech saying Schembri had "froze" after learning the truth about Daphne Caruana Galizia’s murder.
Schembri denied Fenech had ever confessed outright but acknowledged that, during a private conversation, his friend strongly implied he had been involved.
"He never actually told me. But he hinted he might have done it, and I was shocked," Schembri said.
Asked what Fenech had hinted at, Schembri replied simply: "That he was involved."
Pressed further, he added: "He gave me the impression he might have done it. I froze."
Schembri told jurors he hugged Fenech but said nothing else. "What did you expect me to do?"
He later described his regret of not informing the prime minister before: "I made one mistake. I didn't go to the prime minister and tell him. That was my one mistake."
Despite that admission, Schembri maintained that "To this day, I still don't think he acted alone."
Schembri rejects murder allegations
Throughout the afternoon, the prosecution confronted Schembri with allegations made by both Fenech and convicted hitman George Degiorgio.
Among the accusations put to him were claims he originated the plan to murder Caruana Galizia, instructed Fenech to "find a way" to kill her, told Fenech to go ahead with the murder, and sent Melvin Theuma to George Degiorgio to organise the assassination.
Schembri rejected each allegation emphatically.
When reminded of Degiorgio's testimony that Schembri had sent Theuma to arrange the murder, the former OPM chief staff that it was "an outrageous lie.”
He also denied ever attending meetings described by Fenech involving Joseph Muscat or discussions about whether Melvin Theuma could be trusted. "I never heard that. Never."
‘Don't leave me alone’
Much of the morning focused on Signal exchanges between Schembri and Fenech shortly before the latter's arrest.
One disappearing message shown to jurors read: "Don't leave me alone. Support me."
Schembri insisted Fenech was appealing to him and Joseph Muscat because he believed they occupied the highest offices in government.
Asked what help Fenech expected, Schembri replied that Fenech had his back against a wall.
Another message showed Schembri urging Fenech: "Be aggressive. Fight."
Schembri insisted he was merely encouraging a friend. "This was part of trying to keep his hopes up."
He claimed he had already exhausted every avenue with Keith Arnaud, the Attorney General and the prime minister.
READ MORE HERE: www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/court_and_police/143506/yorgen_fenech_trial_resumes_after_schembris_bribery_claims_upend_proceedings1
Former OPM chief of staff Keith Schembri says Yorgen Fenech hinted at his involvement in Daphne Caruana Galizia's murder, insists he still prays for the slain journalist and brands allegations linking him to the plot ‘an outrageous lie’
29 July 2026.
by Ħaley Xuereb
A blow-by-low commentary of what happened in the courtroom can be found at the bottom of this article
Keith Schembri's testimony as the former prime minister's chief of staff on Wednesday was arguably his most consequential admission since taking the witness stand: that Yorgen Fenech privately hinted he had been involved in Daphne Caruana Galizia's assassination.
But beyond that admission, Schembri spent much of the day forcefully rejecting virtually every allegation levelled against him by Fenech, Melvin Theuma and George Degiorgio, describing claims that he masterminded or facilitated the murder as "an outrageous lie".
He repeatedly insisted he had merely tried to support a close friend whose "back was against the wall".
‘He hinted he was involved... I froze’
Prosecutor Godwin Cini confronted Schembri with recordings in which Melvin Theuma recalled Fenech saying Schembri had "froze" after learning the truth about Daphne Caruana Galizia’s murder.
Schembri denied Fenech had ever confessed outright but acknowledged that, during a private conversation, his friend strongly implied he had been involved.
"He never actually told me. But he hinted he might have done it, and I was shocked," Schembri said.
Asked what Fenech had hinted at, Schembri replied simply: "That he was involved."
Pressed further, he added: "He gave me the impression he might have done it. I froze."
Schembri told jurors he hugged Fenech but said nothing else. "What did you expect me to do?"
He later described his regret of not informing the prime minister before: "I made one mistake. I didn't go to the prime minister and tell him. That was my one mistake."
Despite that admission, Schembri maintained that "To this day, I still don't think he acted alone."
Schembri rejects murder allegations
Throughout the afternoon, the prosecution confronted Schembri with allegations made by both Fenech and convicted hitman George Degiorgio.
Among the accusations put to him were claims he originated the plan to murder Caruana Galizia, instructed Fenech to "find a way" to kill her, told Fenech to go ahead with the murder, and sent Melvin Theuma to George Degiorgio to organise the assassination.
Schembri rejected each allegation emphatically.
When reminded of Degiorgio's testimony that Schembri had sent Theuma to arrange the murder, the former OPM chief staff that it was "an outrageous lie.”
He also denied ever attending meetings described by Fenech involving Joseph Muscat or discussions about whether Melvin Theuma could be trusted. "I never heard that. Never."
‘Don't leave me alone’
Much of the morning focused on Signal exchanges between Schembri and Fenech shortly before the latter's arrest.
One disappearing message shown to jurors read: "Don't leave me alone. Support me."
Schembri insisted Fenech was appealing to him and Joseph Muscat because he believed they occupied the highest offices in government.
Asked what help Fenech expected, Schembri replied that Fenech had his back against a wall.
Another message showed Schembri urging Fenech: "Be aggressive. Fight."
Schembri insisted he was merely encouraging a friend. "This was part of trying to keep his hopes up."
He claimed he had already exhausted every avenue with Keith Arnaud, the Attorney General and the prime minister.
READ MORE HERE: www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/court_and_police/143506/yorgen_fenech_trial_resumes_after_schembris_bribery_claims_upend_proceedings1
Woman denied bail after alleged knife attack in Gżira
Accused pleads not guilty to grievously injuring victim during alleged robbery
28 July 2026,
by Jaelle Borg
Knife (File photo)
A 50-year-old unemployed woman was remanded in custody after pleading not guilty to a series of charges linked to an alleged violent assault and robbery in Gżira.
According to the prosecution, at around 1:50am on 27 July, the Gżira Police Station received a report from the Police Control Room about a fight between two women inside a flat in Gżira.
Police officers from the district and the Rapid Intervention Unit (RIU) responded to the scene. On their way, they encountered the accused, who claimed she had been attacked by another woman after going to give back €50 she had allegedly borrowed.
The accused further alleged the other woman had attacked her with a knife.
However, police searched the accused and allegedly found a knife and an iron bar in her possession.
When officers arrived at the flat, they were met by the alleged victim, who appeared to have sustained injuries. She was taken to hospital for treatment.
The woman was charged with causing grievous injuries, violent theft, threatening and insulting the victim, disturbing the public peace, and committing the offences as a recidivist.
During the arraignment, while confirming her personal details, the accused became visibly distressed, repeatedly crying out "…my son, my son," before pleading not guilty.
The defence requested bail, but the prosecution objected, arguing the accused knows where the alleged victim lives and pointing out that she is a repeat offender.
The court upheld the prosecution's objections and denied bail.
As she was being escorted out of the courtroom, the accused shouted towards the Attorney General's representative: "Why are you laughing? Don't you have children?"
The magistrate immediately ordered her to remain in the courtroom and warned that she could be fined for her behaviour.
Before any sanction was imposed, the accused apologised.
The magistrate replied that the apology should be directed to the prosecution's representative rather than to the court, and the accused complied before proceedings concluded.
www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/court_and_police/143504/woman_denied_bail_after_alleged_knife_attack_in_gira
Accused pleads not guilty to grievously injuring victim during alleged robbery
28 July 2026,
by Jaelle Borg
Knife (File photo)
A 50-year-old unemployed woman was remanded in custody after pleading not guilty to a series of charges linked to an alleged violent assault and robbery in Gżira.
According to the prosecution, at around 1:50am on 27 July, the Gżira Police Station received a report from the Police Control Room about a fight between two women inside a flat in Gżira.
Police officers from the district and the Rapid Intervention Unit (RIU) responded to the scene. On their way, they encountered the accused, who claimed she had been attacked by another woman after going to give back €50 she had allegedly borrowed.
The accused further alleged the other woman had attacked her with a knife.
However, police searched the accused and allegedly found a knife and an iron bar in her possession.
When officers arrived at the flat, they were met by the alleged victim, who appeared to have sustained injuries. She was taken to hospital for treatment.
The woman was charged with causing grievous injuries, violent theft, threatening and insulting the victim, disturbing the public peace, and committing the offences as a recidivist.
During the arraignment, while confirming her personal details, the accused became visibly distressed, repeatedly crying out "…my son, my son," before pleading not guilty.
The defence requested bail, but the prosecution objected, arguing the accused knows where the alleged victim lives and pointing out that she is a repeat offender.
The court upheld the prosecution's objections and denied bail.
As she was being escorted out of the courtroom, the accused shouted towards the Attorney General's representative: "Why are you laughing? Don't you have children?"
The magistrate immediately ordered her to remain in the courtroom and warned that she could be fined for her behaviour.
Before any sanction was imposed, the accused apologised.
The magistrate replied that the apology should be directed to the prosecution's representative rather than to the court, and the accused complied before proceedings concluded.
www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/court_and_police/143504/woman_denied_bail_after_alleged_knife_attack_in_gira
CONFRATERNITY OF THE KNIGHTS OF ST. PETER & ST. PAUL IN PICTURES
28 June 2026
Grand Chapter of Malta
Nadur, Gozo.
Photos by Cynthia Saliba.
28 June 2026
Grand Chapter of Malta
Nadur, Gozo.
Photos by Cynthia Saliba.
CONFRATERNITY OF THE KNIGHTS OF ST. PETER & ST. PAUL IN PICTURES
Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 June 2026
Melbourne, Australia.
Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 June 2026
Melbourne, Australia.
San Blas Bay, Nadur
Poem
Down Wied San Blas the pathway bends,
where earth and memory softly blend.
A chapel lost, yet not erased,
its name still blesses this green place.
Frott u ħxejjex line the way,
apples, lumi in bright display,
larinġ, lanġas, plums and vines,
fed by sun and patient time.
Once these gifts by cart were borne
to Maltese markets at the morn,
now glasshouses in ordered rows
guard the seeds the valley knows.
Across the wied, Irdum iz-Żgħir
stands clothed in green throughout the year,
while fallen rocks from cliffs so high
of Irdum il-Kbir in silence lie.
The path grows steep, the noise falls away,
San Blas reveals itself — but makes you stay.
Its ramel aħmar, warm and rare,
its sea a whispered, careful prayer.
Hard to reach, and so kept pure,
from crowds, from haste, from footsteps sure.
Here locals come, and few who roam,
to feel the stillness, feel at home.
San Blas, small bay, yet rich and deep,
a secret Gozo chose to keep.
Poem
Down Wied San Blas the pathway bends,
where earth and memory softly blend.
A chapel lost, yet not erased,
its name still blesses this green place.
Frott u ħxejjex line the way,
apples, lumi in bright display,
larinġ, lanġas, plums and vines,
fed by sun and patient time.
Once these gifts by cart were borne
to Maltese markets at the morn,
now glasshouses in ordered rows
guard the seeds the valley knows.
Across the wied, Irdum iz-Żgħir
stands clothed in green throughout the year,
while fallen rocks from cliffs so high
of Irdum il-Kbir in silence lie.
The path grows steep, the noise falls away,
San Blas reveals itself — but makes you stay.
Its ramel aħmar, warm and rare,
its sea a whispered, careful prayer.
Hard to reach, and so kept pure,
from crowds, from haste, from footsteps sure.
Here locals come, and few who roam,
to feel the stillness, feel at home.
San Blas, small bay, yet rich and deep,
a secret Gozo chose to keep.
Confraternity of the Knights of St. Peter & St. Paul
Tuesday 30 December 2025.
Today, some Members of the Supreme Council of the Confraternity of the Knights of St. Peter & St. Paul in Melbourne, had the pleasure to meet with Chevalier Carmel Saliba, Grand Prior of the Chapter of Malta, during his visit to Melbourne.
Photo from left: Chevalier Carmel Saliba / Grand Prior Chapter of Malta, Chevalier Mario Sabatini / Deputy Grand Master,Dame Maria Vella, Dame Grace Vella, Chevalier Joseph Coleiro / Grand Chancellor, Chevalier Peter Paul Portelli / Grand Master and Dame Mary Portelli.
Tuesday 30 December 2025.
Today, some Members of the Supreme Council of the Confraternity of the Knights of St. Peter & St. Paul in Melbourne, had the pleasure to meet with Chevalier Carmel Saliba, Grand Prior of the Chapter of Malta, during his visit to Melbourne.
Photo from left: Chevalier Carmel Saliba / Grand Prior Chapter of Malta, Chevalier Mario Sabatini / Deputy Grand Master,Dame Maria Vella, Dame Grace Vella, Chevalier Joseph Coleiro / Grand Chancellor, Chevalier Peter Paul Portelli / Grand Master and Dame Mary Portelli.
CONFRATERNITY OF THE KNIGHTS OF ST. PETER & ST. PAUL
Grand Chapter of Malta.
Nadur. Gozo.
The Grand Chapter of Malta have 10 Christmas Hampers to give to the needy.
Thank you to the members, the companies and the people who donated food to be distributed to the needy.
2 Hampers have already been given to the Franciscan Sisters in Nadur.
2 more hampers each have been given to the Franciscan Friars in Ghajnsielem, Arka Foundation in Ghajnsielem and Caritas in Victoria Gozo.
Well done to the Committee and Members of the Grand Chapter in Malta.
God bless you in St. Peter and St. Paul for the wonderful work you are doing.
Chevalier Peter Paul Portelli
Grand Master
CKSPP
Melbourne. Australia.
Grand Chapter of Malta.
Nadur. Gozo.
The Grand Chapter of Malta have 10 Christmas Hampers to give to the needy.
Thank you to the members, the companies and the people who donated food to be distributed to the needy.
2 Hampers have already been given to the Franciscan Sisters in Nadur.
2 more hampers each have been given to the Franciscan Friars in Ghajnsielem, Arka Foundation in Ghajnsielem and Caritas in Victoria Gozo.
Well done to the Committee and Members of the Grand Chapter in Malta.
God bless you in St. Peter and St. Paul for the wonderful work you are doing.
Chevalier Peter Paul Portelli
Grand Master
CKSPP
Melbourne. Australia.
CONFRATERNITY OF THE KNIGHTS OF ST. PETER & ST. PAUL
25 YEARS IN MALTA
Nadur, Gozo.
See more pictures here: timesofmalta.com/article/confraternity-knights-st-peter-st-paul-marks-25-years-malta.1118875
25 YEARS IN MALTA
Nadur, Gozo.
See more pictures here: timesofmalta.com/article/confraternity-knights-st-peter-st-paul-marks-25-years-malta.1118875
CONFRATERNITY OF THE KNIGHTS OF ST. PETER & ST. PAUL
Pieta, Malta.
The Prior of Malawi, Chevalier Rev. Fr. Joseph Sikwese, visited G`Mangia on Saturday 18th October 2025.
He had a meeting with the Knights and Dames of the Confraternity at Gwardamanġa in Pietà, Malta.
Chevalier Fr. Joseph blessed the statue of St. Peter and St. Paul, with their Relic, also blessed the statue of our lady of Fatima.
A donation was presented to him together with the statue of our lady of Fatima.
Congratulations and well done to our knights and Dame in Malta.
Chevalier Peter Paul Portelli
Grand Master
Confraternity of the Knights of St. Peter & St. Paul
Melbourne, Australia.
https://www.knightsofstpeterandstpaul.com/
Group photo from left: Chev. Vincent Marshall, Chev. Mario Calleja, Chev. Rev. Fr. Joseph Sikwese, Chev. Johan Briffa, Chev. Kenneth Mangion and Dame Vanessa Mangion.
Pieta, Malta.
The Prior of Malawi, Chevalier Rev. Fr. Joseph Sikwese, visited G`Mangia on Saturday 18th October 2025.
He had a meeting with the Knights and Dames of the Confraternity at Gwardamanġa in Pietà, Malta.
Chevalier Fr. Joseph blessed the statue of St. Peter and St. Paul, with their Relic, also blessed the statue of our lady of Fatima.
A donation was presented to him together with the statue of our lady of Fatima.
Congratulations and well done to our knights and Dame in Malta.
Chevalier Peter Paul Portelli
Grand Master
Confraternity of the Knights of St. Peter & St. Paul
Melbourne, Australia.
https://www.knightsofstpeterandstpaul.com/
Group photo from left: Chev. Vincent Marshall, Chev. Mario Calleja, Chev. Rev. Fr. Joseph Sikwese, Chev. Johan Briffa, Chev. Kenneth Mangion and Dame Vanessa Mangion.
CONFRATERNITY OF THE KNIGHTS OF ST. PETER & ST. PAUL
Melbourne, Australia.
Wednesday 3 September 2025.
The Grand Master, His Excellency Chevalier Peter Paul Portelli, has the pleasure to appoint Chevalier Carmel Saliba as the new Grand Prior of the Grand Chapter of Malta, based in Nadur, Gozo, effective from today.
He will be assisted by Dame Veronica Camilleri Cauchi in Gozo and Chevalier Vincent Marshall in Malta as Personal Secretaries.
Chevalier Michael Camilleri Cauchi / Prior.
Dame Lina Mifsud / Secretary / Chancellor
Chevalier Peter Ray Said / Treasurer.
Chevalier Carmel Saliba was appointed as a knight in the Confraternity on the 3 rd. of August 2011 at a ceremony held at the Nadur Town Hall.
Chevalier Carmel Saliba has served as Secretary / PR since his appointment as a knight. Just recently he was appointed as chancellor of the Grand Chapter of Malta.
We wish to congratulate Chevalier Carmel Saliba in his new office of Grand Prior, and we wish him and his chapter more success in the future.
The Supreme Council
Melbourne. Australia.
Melbourne, Australia.
Wednesday 3 September 2025.
The Grand Master, His Excellency Chevalier Peter Paul Portelli, has the pleasure to appoint Chevalier Carmel Saliba as the new Grand Prior of the Grand Chapter of Malta, based in Nadur, Gozo, effective from today.
He will be assisted by Dame Veronica Camilleri Cauchi in Gozo and Chevalier Vincent Marshall in Malta as Personal Secretaries.
Chevalier Michael Camilleri Cauchi / Prior.
Dame Lina Mifsud / Secretary / Chancellor
Chevalier Peter Ray Said / Treasurer.
Chevalier Carmel Saliba was appointed as a knight in the Confraternity on the 3 rd. of August 2011 at a ceremony held at the Nadur Town Hall.
Chevalier Carmel Saliba has served as Secretary / PR since his appointment as a knight. Just recently he was appointed as chancellor of the Grand Chapter of Malta.
We wish to congratulate Chevalier Carmel Saliba in his new office of Grand Prior, and we wish him and his chapter more success in the future.
The Supreme Council
Melbourne. Australia.
Investiture ceremonies in Mala and Gozo 2025.
New knights and Dame for Confraternity of Knights of St Peter & St Paul
by Gozo News
Chevalier Carmel Saliba/ Chancellor
August 23, 2025
Pieta, Malta.
On Saturday, the Grand Master of the Confraternity of St Peter and St Paul, Peter Paul Portelli led the investiture of two new Knights and a Dame. These are Johan Briffa, Josef and Olivia Anne Camilleri.
The ceremony took place at Pieta Malta.
Present for the ceremony were Chev. Carmel Saliba – Secretary/Chancellor, Dame Mary Portelli, Chev. Vince Marshall, Chev. Kenneth Mangion and Dame Vanessa Mangion.
Photo by Jane Saliba: From L t R. Chev. Carmel Saliba, Chev. Kenneth Mangion, Dame Vanessa Mangion, Dame Mary Portelli, Chev. Peter Paul Portelli – Grand Master, Chev. Josef Camilleri, Dame Olivia Anne Camilleri, Chev. Vince Marshall and Chev. Johan Briffa.
by Gozo News
Chevalier Carmel Saliba/ Chancellor
August 23, 2025
Pieta, Malta.
On Saturday, the Grand Master of the Confraternity of St Peter and St Paul, Peter Paul Portelli led the investiture of two new Knights and a Dame. These are Johan Briffa, Josef and Olivia Anne Camilleri.
The ceremony took place at Pieta Malta.
Present for the ceremony were Chev. Carmel Saliba – Secretary/Chancellor, Dame Mary Portelli, Chev. Vince Marshall, Chev. Kenneth Mangion and Dame Vanessa Mangion.
Photo by Jane Saliba: From L t R. Chev. Carmel Saliba, Chev. Kenneth Mangion, Dame Vanessa Mangion, Dame Mary Portelli, Chev. Peter Paul Portelli – Grand Master, Chev. Josef Camilleri, Dame Olivia Anne Camilleri, Chev. Vince Marshall and Chev. Johan Briffa.
Confraternity of the Knights of St. Peter & St. Paul
Grand Chapter of Malta.
Friday 8 August 2025.
Meeting with His Eminence Cardinal Mario Grech.
Today, members of the Executive Committee of the Grand Chapter of Malta, based in Nadur, Gozo, had a meeting with His Eminence Cardinal Mario Grech at the Monastery of the Dominican Sister at Victoria in Gozo.
The Grand Master, HE Chevalier Peter Paul Portelli, presented HE Cardinal Mario Grech with a copy of the Constitution of the Confraternity.
Photo from left: Chev. Carmel Saliba, Chev. Peter Ray Said, Chev. Joseph Meilak, HE Cardinal Mario Grech, Chev. Peter Paul Portelli and Dame Mary Portelli.
Grand Chapter of Malta.
Friday 8 August 2025.
Meeting with His Eminence Cardinal Mario Grech.
Today, members of the Executive Committee of the Grand Chapter of Malta, based in Nadur, Gozo, had a meeting with His Eminence Cardinal Mario Grech at the Monastery of the Dominican Sister at Victoria in Gozo.
The Grand Master, HE Chevalier Peter Paul Portelli, presented HE Cardinal Mario Grech with a copy of the Constitution of the Confraternity.
Photo from left: Chev. Carmel Saliba, Chev. Peter Ray Said, Chev. Joseph Meilak, HE Cardinal Mario Grech, Chev. Peter Paul Portelli and Dame Mary Portelli.
Confraternity of the Knights of St. Peter & St. Paul
Grand Chapter of Malta.
Friday 8 August 2025.
The Grand Master, HE Chevalier Peter Paul Portelli, presided over the investiture ceremony to appoint Monsignor Fr. Joseph Grech as a knight in the Confraternity.
Chevalier Monsignor Joseph Grech is now the Chaplain of the Grand Chapter of Malta, based in Nadur Gozo.
Congratulation Chevalier Chaplain Monsignor Rev. Joseph Grech.
Welcome into the Confraternity of the Knights of St. Peter & St. Paul.
Photo from left: Chev. Carmel Saliba, Chev. Mons. Joseph Grech, Chev. Peter Paul Portelli, Dame Mary Portelli and Chev. Joseph Meilak.
Grand Chapter of Malta.
Friday 8 August 2025.
The Grand Master, HE Chevalier Peter Paul Portelli, presided over the investiture ceremony to appoint Monsignor Fr. Joseph Grech as a knight in the Confraternity.
Chevalier Monsignor Joseph Grech is now the Chaplain of the Grand Chapter of Malta, based in Nadur Gozo.
Congratulation Chevalier Chaplain Monsignor Rev. Joseph Grech.
Welcome into the Confraternity of the Knights of St. Peter & St. Paul.
Photo from left: Chev. Carmel Saliba, Chev. Mons. Joseph Grech, Chev. Peter Paul Portelli, Dame Mary Portelli and Chev. Joseph Meilak.
Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Nadur, Gozo
Sunday 16th June: 5:30 pm Pontifical Mass at the Sacred Heart Church.
With the participation of the Confraternity of the Knights of St. Peter & St. Paul.
Nadur, Gozo
Sunday 16th June: 5:30 pm Pontifical Mass at the Sacred Heart Church.
With the participation of the Confraternity of the Knights of St. Peter & St. Paul.
Mass for the Confraternity of the Knights of St. Peter & St. Paul
27 June, 2023
Basilica of St. Peter & St. Paul Nadur, Gozo. Malta.
27 June, 2023
Basilica of St. Peter & St. Paul Nadur, Gozo. Malta.
Mass for the Confraternity of the Knights of St. Peter & St. Paul
27 June, 2023
Basilica of St. Peter & St. Paul Nadur, Gozo. Malta.
Group photo: The Knights and Dames of the Confraternity with the Archpriest Mons. Jimmy Xerri and the Clergy of the parish.
27 June, 2023
Basilica of St. Peter & St. Paul Nadur, Gozo. Malta.
Group photo: The Knights and Dames of the Confraternity with the Archpriest Mons. Jimmy Xerri and the Clergy of the parish.
l-ewwel jum tat -tridu
Quddiesa ta l-ewwel jum tat -tridu immexxija mis-Sacerdot novell Dun Mario Mercieca li fiha jiccelebra l-ewwel Quddiesa tieghu fil komunita taghna .Jippriedka .l- Arcipriet tax-Xaghra Mons Carmelo Refalo
Ritratti minn Mario Muscathttps://www.facebook.com/nadur.ghawdex.96/videos/423540685283950/
Priedka mill Arcipriet Carmelo Refalo tax-Xaghra.
https://www.facebook.com/nadur.ghawdex.96/videos/423538118617540/
Click on photos below to enlarge
Quddiesa ta l-ewwel jum tat -tridu immexxija mis-Sacerdot novell Dun Mario Mercieca li fiha jiccelebra l-ewwel Quddiesa tieghu fil komunita taghna .Jippriedka .l- Arcipriet tax-Xaghra Mons Carmelo Refalo
Ritratti minn Mario Muscathttps://www.facebook.com/nadur.ghawdex.96/videos/423540685283950/
Priedka mill Arcipriet Carmelo Refalo tax-Xaghra.
https://www.facebook.com/nadur.ghawdex.96/videos/423538118617540/
Click on photos below to enlarge
The statue ready in the basilica
By Mario Muscat
By Mario Muscat
The Basilica of Nadur Yesterday
Photo by Mario Muscat
Photo by Mario Muscat
Jitnizzlu l-linef ghal festa
Ritratt minn Mario Muscat
Ritratt minn Mario Muscat
Jibda jintrama l-Altar tal- kor ghal festa
Ritratt minn Mario Muscat
Ritratt minn Mario Muscat
Il-villagg Tal-Hali fin-Nadur jizzejjen ghal festa
Ritratt minn Mario Muscat
Ritratt minn Mario Muscat
Nadur in pictures
Dahlet Qorrot Bay
Photo by Mario Muscat
Dahlet Qorrot Bay
Photo by Mario Muscat
L' artal tas-Sagrament fin-Nadur
Ritratt minn Mario Muscat
Ritratt minn Mario Muscat
Qala windmill and Nadur skyline under a misty sunset
By Alessio Sultana
By Alessio Sultana
Fountain at Xandriku Street
Photo by Mario Muscat
Photo by Mario Muscat
Il vara ta' San Pietru u San Pawl mahduma minn Galard f' Marseille
Il vara ta San Pietru u San Pawl tan Nadur Ghawdex ingibet min Franza fil 1882. F dan ir ritat narawa kif kienet meta waslet l Ispirtu Santu zdied xi snin wara .
Dan ir ritrat grazzi lil Darren Vella
Il vara ta San Pietru u San Pawl tan Nadur Ghawdex ingibet min Franza fil 1882. F dan ir ritat narawa kif kienet meta waslet l Ispirtu Santu zdied xi snin wara .
Dan ir ritrat grazzi lil Darren Vella
IL-KONSAGRAZZJONI TAL-KNISJA
Il-lum, 12 ta’ Mejju jaħbat il-153 sena mill-konsagrazzjoni tal-knisja.
Il-Konsagrazzjoni ssir billi l-artal jindilek biż-żejt u jitwaħħlu dawk is-slaleb ta’ madwar il-knisja. Il-Konsagrazzjoni tfisser li dik l-art u l-binja tal-knisja ġew mogħtijin lil Alla.
Bħalissa lanqas nistgħu nersqu wisq lejn il-knisja. Nistennew il-jum li nerġgħu niltaqgħu hemm. Sadanittant il-knisja kkonsagrata hija kull wieħed u waħda minna li qed nippruvaw inkunu Knisja fid-dar tagħna.
Il-lum, 12 ta’ Mejju jaħbat il-153 sena mill-konsagrazzjoni tal-knisja.
Il-Konsagrazzjoni ssir billi l-artal jindilek biż-żejt u jitwaħħlu dawk is-slaleb ta’ madwar il-knisja. Il-Konsagrazzjoni tfisser li dik l-art u l-binja tal-knisja ġew mogħtijin lil Alla.
Bħalissa lanqas nistgħu nersqu wisq lejn il-knisja. Nistennew il-jum li nerġgħu niltaqgħu hemm. Sadanittant il-knisja kkonsagrata hija kull wieħed u waħda minna li qed nippruvaw inkunu Knisja fid-dar tagħna.
MOMORJI SBIEH TAL-HADD 25 GUNJU, 1967
Il-Parrocca tan-Nadur giet mgħollija ghad Dinjita ta' Bazilika
Ritratt kortesija ta' Mario Muscat - Nadur
Il-Parrocca tan-Nadur giet mgħollija ghad Dinjita ta' Bazilika
Ritratt kortesija ta' Mario Muscat - Nadur
MEMORIES OF THE PAST IN NADUR
Courtesy of Mario Muscat - Nadur
Click on pictures below to enlarge.
Courtesy of Mario Muscat - Nadur
Click on pictures below to enlarge.
Interesting picture of Nadur from the air
Courtesy of https://www.facebook.com/nadurghawdex/
Mill lum c-centru tan-Nadur jerga jiehu ftit hajja meta mistennija jifthu certu hwienet. Dan wara li ghall-ahhar kwazi xahrejn kienu qed jifthu biss l-bank, spizeriji u hwienet tal-ikel, stationery u ironmongeries.
Nappellaw lil kulhadd biex xorta wahda jimxi mad-direttivi kollha tal-awtoritajiet tas-sahha u nirrispettaw lil xulxin.
Courtesy of https://www.facebook.com/nadurghawdex/
Mill lum c-centru tan-Nadur jerga jiehu ftit hajja meta mistennija jifthu certu hwienet. Dan wara li ghall-ahhar kwazi xahrejn kienu qed jifthu biss l-bank, spizeriji u hwienet tal-ikel, stationery u ironmongeries.
Nappellaw lil kulhadd biex xorta wahda jimxi mad-direttivi kollha tal-awtoritajiet tas-sahha u nirrispettaw lil xulxin.
The stripes flag to commemorate the Parish birthday in Nadur
Beautiful San Blas
By Mario Muscat
By Mario Muscat
NADUR IN PICTURES
By Mario Muscat
https://www.facebook.com/nadur.ghawdex.96
Click on pictures below to enlarge.
By Mario Muscat
https://www.facebook.com/nadur.ghawdex.96
Click on pictures below to enlarge.
Nadur invokes Our Lady’s intercession
Photo: Charles Spiteri
A 1689 painting depicting Our Lady breastfeeding Jesus has been placed near the main altar at St Peter and St Paul Basilica in Nadur to invoke Our Lady’s intercession against the COVID-19 pandemic.
The painting, donated to the church on the occasion of the inauguration of the new parish in 1688, must have been commissioned by someone who most probably ex-perienced the 1675-1676 plague which left around 11,300 persons dead. However, Gozo, Lija and Mdina recorded no fatalities.
Besides Our Lady, the painting depicts St Michael Archangel, St Roque and St Sebastian, and a lady on the bottom left-hand side, reciting the rosary. Since the Middle Ages, St Sebastian and St Roque were regarded as protectors from various epidemics, including the bubonic plague.
Photo: Charles Spiteri
A 1689 painting depicting Our Lady breastfeeding Jesus has been placed near the main altar at St Peter and St Paul Basilica in Nadur to invoke Our Lady’s intercession against the COVID-19 pandemic.
The painting, donated to the church on the occasion of the inauguration of the new parish in 1688, must have been commissioned by someone who most probably ex-perienced the 1675-1676 plague which left around 11,300 persons dead. However, Gozo, Lija and Mdina recorded no fatalities.
Besides Our Lady, the painting depicts St Michael Archangel, St Roque and St Sebastian, and a lady on the bottom left-hand side, reciting the rosary. Since the Middle Ages, St Sebastian and St Roque were regarded as protectors from various epidemics, including the bubonic plague.
Old farm house in Upper Ramla
Photo by Mario Muscat
THE SHIELD OF THE CONFRATERNITY OF THE KNIGHTS OF ST. PETER & ST. PAUL
Made by Chevalier Chancellor Joe Louis Meilak of the Grand Chapter of Malta.
The shield will form part of the furniture in the Office of the Confraternity in Nadur, Gozo.
Well done Chancellor Joe Louis Meilak.
Chevalier Peter Paul Portelli
Grand Master
CKSPP
Made by Chevalier Chancellor Joe Louis Meilak of the Grand Chapter of Malta.
The shield will form part of the furniture in the Office of the Confraternity in Nadur, Gozo.
Well done Chancellor Joe Louis Meilak.
Chevalier Peter Paul Portelli
Grand Master
CKSPP
San Koronatu fin-Nadur
Tissebbah in-nicca ta San Koronatu Martri li tinsab gewwa l-Bazilka tan-Nadur minn Mark Falzon.
Tissebbah in-nicca ta San Koronatu Martri li tinsab gewwa l-Bazilka tan-Nadur minn Mark Falzon.
CONFRATERNITY OF THE KNIGHTS OF ST. PETER & ST. PAUL
Grand Chapter of Melbourne.
Today, the Confraternity of the Knights of St. Peter & St. Paul organized its Annual BBQ to raise money for charity.
As always, it was a very successful event and all the patrons were very happy.
Thank you to all the volunteers who came to help yesterday and today.
God bless you all.
Chevalier Peter Paul Portelli - Grand Master and the Supreme Council.
Grand Chapter of Melbourne.
Today, the Confraternity of the Knights of St. Peter & St. Paul organized its Annual BBQ to raise money for charity.
As always, it was a very successful event and all the patrons were very happy.
Thank you to all the volunteers who came to help yesterday and today.
God bless you all.
Chevalier Peter Paul Portelli - Grand Master and the Supreme Council.
CONFRATERNITY OF THE KNIGHTS OF ST. PETER & ST. PAUL
Our mission is to helping the poor in Peru.
Medic by day, priest by night: a Gozitan missionary in the Amazon
By John Paul Cordina.
Photo from left: Chevalier Joe Louis Meilak, Fr. Raymond Portelli and Chevalier Carmel Saliba presenting a donation to the mission in Peru.
What’s it like to be a doctor and a priest in one of the most remote cities on earth?
Fr Raymond Portelli, a Gozitan priest who has called Peru his home for the past 26 years, recounted his experiences on 103 Malta’s Heart, on the programme Newsbook Hour presented by Fr Joe Borg.
Fr Portelli is based in Iquitos, a city of around 400,000 people located in the Amazon basin. The city is the world’s largest city that cannot be reached by road: it is only accessible by river or air.
Fr. Portelli is the parish priest of the St Martín de Porres parish, with a population of 18,000 people. Around a fifth of his parishioners are comfortably middle-class, but the vast majority are poor, with around a tenth living in extreme poverty. Households do have running water and electricity, but many live in simple wooden shacks on dirt roads.
Due to the city’s isolation, job creation efforts are limited and unemployment is a significant problem. Many people try to eke out a living through fishing, agriculture or by selling trinkets on the streets of the city.
Caring for the body and soul
As the only priest in the parish – though a number of laypeople do help out – Fr Portelli seeks to look after his community’s pastoral needs. But he also identified another need: for healthcare.
“I have always been interested in medicine, even before I joined the seminary,” he explains. Consequently, he obtained a dispensation from Gozo Bishop Nikol Cauchi to study medicine at Iquitos’ university part-time, and graduated as a medical doctor after nine years.
He often sees patients at the parish, but notes that his parishioners clearly distinguish between his two roles.
“They call me doctor by day, and father by night,” he notes.
Helping out in the jungle
Though he is based in the city, Fr Portelli regularly ventures outside the parish to provide religious and medical services to isolated communities along the Momón River, a small tributary of the Amazon. Travelling by speedboat to reach a series of tiny villages, with the most distant one 12 hours away, the priest encounters a completely different reality.
These communities are virtually inaccessible most of the year, as a drop in water levels reduces the river to a muddy path, and are thus mostly self-reliant. People live in small huts with no doors – theft not being a concern in such an isolated place – in communities with no shops or facilities.
Stocking up on medicines for the journey, Fr Portelli takes care of common ailments such as diabetes and malaria. If more serious health issues are identified, he offers to take patients to the city, but they often refuse, as they are unwilling to leave their families behind.
Once all patients are treated, Fr Portelli holds a catechism session and celebrates mass, often illuminated by candlelight or kerosene lamps – electricity is unheard of so deep in the jungle. Though most are baptised Catholics, even non-Catholics attend mass out of respect.
Living conditions may be harsh, but Fr Portelli also notes that there is a strong sense of community in these villages, with people helping each other out. Everyone knows everyone else, and everyone helps out whenever a new house is built.
But every so often, village inhabitants try their luck in the city, effectively severing their ties with the community they grew up in. And as a result, they often feel lost among the city’s 400,000 inhabitants, struggling to fit in.
Our mission is to helping the poor in Peru.
Medic by day, priest by night: a Gozitan missionary in the Amazon
By John Paul Cordina.
Photo from left: Chevalier Joe Louis Meilak, Fr. Raymond Portelli and Chevalier Carmel Saliba presenting a donation to the mission in Peru.
What’s it like to be a doctor and a priest in one of the most remote cities on earth?
Fr Raymond Portelli, a Gozitan priest who has called Peru his home for the past 26 years, recounted his experiences on 103 Malta’s Heart, on the programme Newsbook Hour presented by Fr Joe Borg.
Fr Portelli is based in Iquitos, a city of around 400,000 people located in the Amazon basin. The city is the world’s largest city that cannot be reached by road: it is only accessible by river or air.
Fr. Portelli is the parish priest of the St Martín de Porres parish, with a population of 18,000 people. Around a fifth of his parishioners are comfortably middle-class, but the vast majority are poor, with around a tenth living in extreme poverty. Households do have running water and electricity, but many live in simple wooden shacks on dirt roads.
Due to the city’s isolation, job creation efforts are limited and unemployment is a significant problem. Many people try to eke out a living through fishing, agriculture or by selling trinkets on the streets of the city.
Caring for the body and soul
As the only priest in the parish – though a number of laypeople do help out – Fr Portelli seeks to look after his community’s pastoral needs. But he also identified another need: for healthcare.
“I have always been interested in medicine, even before I joined the seminary,” he explains. Consequently, he obtained a dispensation from Gozo Bishop Nikol Cauchi to study medicine at Iquitos’ university part-time, and graduated as a medical doctor after nine years.
He often sees patients at the parish, but notes that his parishioners clearly distinguish between his two roles.
“They call me doctor by day, and father by night,” he notes.
Helping out in the jungle
Though he is based in the city, Fr Portelli regularly ventures outside the parish to provide religious and medical services to isolated communities along the Momón River, a small tributary of the Amazon. Travelling by speedboat to reach a series of tiny villages, with the most distant one 12 hours away, the priest encounters a completely different reality.
These communities are virtually inaccessible most of the year, as a drop in water levels reduces the river to a muddy path, and are thus mostly self-reliant. People live in small huts with no doors – theft not being a concern in such an isolated place – in communities with no shops or facilities.
Stocking up on medicines for the journey, Fr Portelli takes care of common ailments such as diabetes and malaria. If more serious health issues are identified, he offers to take patients to the city, but they often refuse, as they are unwilling to leave their families behind.
Once all patients are treated, Fr Portelli holds a catechism session and celebrates mass, often illuminated by candlelight or kerosene lamps – electricity is unheard of so deep in the jungle. Though most are baptised Catholics, even non-Catholics attend mass out of respect.
Living conditions may be harsh, but Fr Portelli also notes that there is a strong sense of community in these villages, with people helping each other out. Everyone knows everyone else, and everyone helps out whenever a new house is built.
But every so often, village inhabitants try their luck in the city, effectively severing their ties with the community they grew up in. And as a result, they often feel lost among the city’s 400,000 inhabitants, struggling to fit in.
FLAG OF THE KNIGHTS OF ST. PETER & ST. PAUL
The flag of the Confraternity of the Knights of St. Peter & St. Paul created by the Grand Master Chevalier Peter Paul Portelli and put in details by Ross Sabatini.
The flag is now registered as a Trade Mark in the Australian Federal Government IP Australia.
Our aim is that one day the flag will fly in St. Peter Paul Square in Nadur during the feast of Mnarja.
The flag of the Confraternity of the Knights of St. Peter & St. Paul created by the Grand Master Chevalier Peter Paul Portelli and put in details by Ross Sabatini.
The flag is now registered as a Trade Mark in the Australian Federal Government IP Australia.
Our aim is that one day the flag will fly in St. Peter Paul Square in Nadur during the feast of Mnarja.
Nadurama Poezija ta' Peter Paul Vella
Ghana fic-Centru Kulturali Malti gewwa Melbourne, l' Awstralja
Minn Peter Paul Portelli
President
Ara ftit film hawn: https://www.facebook.com/peter.paul.portelli.1/videos/3249314411749877/
Gustav Tonna PROSET L-GHANNEJJA IL-KITARISTI U LODJENZA TA KULL NHAR HAMIS IMORRU ALBION JIEHDU PJACIR U NISA JITGHALMU IL BIZZILLA .GRAZZI IL BARMAN U NNISA TA TEA BAR U L-KOK +++
Giacinta Grech Nice to keep the Maltese folk singing going on so far from Malta. Was nice to have met a few of you some weeks ago. Best Wishes to ALL, especially Peter Paul Portelli.
Minn Peter Paul Portelli
President
Ara ftit film hawn: https://www.facebook.com/peter.paul.portelli.1/videos/3249314411749877/
Gustav Tonna PROSET L-GHANNEJJA IL-KITARISTI U LODJENZA TA KULL NHAR HAMIS IMORRU ALBION JIEHDU PJACIR U NISA JITGHALMU IL BIZZILLA .GRAZZI IL BARMAN U NNISA TA TEA BAR U L-KOK +++
Giacinta Grech Nice to keep the Maltese folk singing going on so far from Malta. Was nice to have met a few of you some weeks ago. Best Wishes to ALL, especially Peter Paul Portelli.
In-Nadur fil-Letteratura Nazzjonali Maltija
Minn Daniel Meilak
Kelinu Vella Haber (1913-2014) Imwieled fin-Nadur fl-1 ta’ Ottubru tal-1913, Kelinu, kif ħafna kienu jsibuh, kien wieħed mill-aktar Nadurin li taw sehem attiv fit-tiswir u t-tisħiħ tal-ilsien Malti matul is-seklu għoxrin. Kien edukat fisSeminarju t’Għawdex u wara filKulleġġ tal-Ġiżwiti f’Birkirkara. Għamel xi żmien novizz mas-Soċjetà Missjunarja ta’ San Pawl u kien hemm li ltaqa’ mal-poeta Karmenu Vassallo. Fost il-ħafna inizzjattivi siewja tiegħu favur il-Malti, huwa waqqaf ‘ix-Xirka għat-Tixrid tal-Ilsien Malti’, u miegħu kien hemm Anton Buttigieg, Ġużè Bonnici, Ġużè Chetcuti u Ġorġ Pisani, li nislu wkoll huwa min-Nadur. L-ewwel laqgħa saret fil-15 ta’ Jannar 1939.
Fl-1940 Vella Haber waqqaf din ix-Xirka wkoll ġewwa n-Nadur u din ħadmet bis-sħiħ favur aktar edukazzjoni u tixrid tal-lingwa Maltija kif ukoll biex jinxtered il-litteriżmu. Dan għen lil ħafna żgħażagħ kif ukoll lill-isforzi favur l-emanċipazzjoni tal-mara. Ħeġġeġ ħafna żgħażagħ jibdew jiktbu u mbagħad il-kitba tagħhom kienet tinqara fuq irrediffusion. Fost iż-żgħażagħ li kienu msieħba u ffurmata fl-għaqda li waqqaf Kelinu nsibu persunaġġi bħal Guido De Marco, Charles Camilleri u Frans Ebejer. Kien ukoll membru għal xi żmien fl-Assemblea Nazzjonali tal-Gvern. Miet nhar it-28 ta’ Jannar 2014, fl-età ta’ 100 sena.1 Bħala rikonoxximent tal-ħimda tiegħu kien ingħata Ġieħ irRepubblika fl-1997 mill-President tar-Repubblika l-Eċċ. T. Dr Ugo Mifsud Bonnici.
Fost il-ħafna kitbiet tiegħu, in-Nadur kellu post prominenti. Forsi l-aktar li jispikkaw huma l-folkdrama ‘Nadurjana’ u l-poemett bl-istess isem: ‘Nadurjana’. Il-folkdrama ‘Nadurjana’ li huwa kiteb bħala rakkont f’650 vers joħroġ fil-beraħ il-karattru tan-Nadur u n-Nadurin, dejjem marbuta mal-baħar u mal-agrikultura. Dan kollu fl-isfond tal-istorja li tibda miż-żmien tal-qedem u li twaħħad fiha l-kult lejn San Pietru u San Pawl ma’ dak pagan. Dan irrakkont jimxi mbagħad maż-żmien tal-ħbit tal-furbani, tattwelid tal-parroċċa, taż-żmien li fih saru l-qniepen fl-1815, iċ-ċelebrazzjoni tal-Imnarja fil-Buskett, li inċidentalment qed tagħlaq tliet mitt sena (kien fl-1720, skont ma jikteb Giovanni Agius de Soldanis li l-Imnarja bdiet tiġi ċċelebrata b’dan il-mod fil-Buskett), għall-bini tal-knisja, it-tkabbir tagħha u l-leġġendi marbuta mar-raħal. Hawn se nagħti silta ċkejkna ħafna li anke toħroġ fil-beraħ il-kuntest li fiha nkitbet. Billi din il-folkdrama nkitbet għall-okkażjoni tal-festi triċentinarji mit-twaqqif tal-parroċċa fl-1688, u billi dak iż-żmien qamet il-kwistjoni pjuttost taħraq bejn in-Nadur u l-Qala dwar min minnhom kellu leġittimament jiċċelebra t-300 sena tiegħu, Vella Haber kiteb hekk:
‘In-Nadur kien sar parroċċa maqdes bnew in-Nadurin għax kien ġie Cocco Palmeri amar fis lil Bernardin knisja ibni mar amarlu f’dik il-wesgħa ta’ Nadur qim ġie’ fiha ’l Pietru u Pawlu sadattant aħraq il-bħur ġewwa l-Qala l-Kunċizzjoni fost il-poplu żomm l-unjoni.2
Fih ukoll dawn il-versi patrijottiċi:
Jiddomina n-Nadur tagħna
minn kull fejn tħares lejh
kif mill-port ta’ Malta toħroġ
dlonk jisraqlek dwal għajnejk!
Iktar ma qribu tersaq
iktar ’il fuq jogħla
u kien minħabba f’hekk li nħatar
biex għall-Għawdxin ikun gardjola!
Il-widien u l-miġriet tiegħek
il-għerien u l-bajjiet
ismijiet ta’ nisel juru
minn tal-eqdem żminijiet
kif il-ġonna u l-kampanja
it-triqat l-inħawi sbieħ
ismijiet tal-qedem għandhom
jixhdu nisel xiħ bis-sħiħ!
Għaċ-ċelebrazzjonijiet tas-sena tal-Fidi u tal-1900 sena mill-martirju ta’ San Pietru u San Pawl kienu saru festi kbar fin-Nadur, li l-Knisja Kolleġġjata tiegħu kienet għadha 2 Duminku Camilleri, 125 Sena Kkonsagrata. 125 Sena Bażilika, Vigilat 4, (Nadur 1992), 86-98.
hemm ġiet mgħollija għad-dinjità ta’ Bażilika Minuri. Waqt Akkademja mużiko-letterarja nhar il-Ħamis 27 ta’ Ġunju 1968 kienet inqrat il-peożija ta’ Vella Haber li ġġib l-istess isem ‘Nadurjana’. Dan huwa wkoll xogħol patrijottiku fuq l-istess temi ta’ dak imsemmi aktar ’il fuq:
Wiret in-Nadur fuqani l-isbaħ u l-ogħla fost kull panorama li jiflaħ joffri l-arċipelagu tagħna ... ...
In-Nadur kiseb foħrija kiseb ġmiel u dija kiseb ruħ Nadurija mill-erwieħ tal-Għawdxin l-oħra.
3 Fost diversi poeżiji oħrajn li huwa kiteb dwar in-Nadur insibu għadd fil-ktieb ta’ Karm Caruana In-Nadur u t-Tempju Tiegħu Monumentali. ‘Il-Bajja ta’ San Blas’ li hija ddedikata lil Girgor Buttigieg ‘Naduri li għex u miet ta’ qaddis,’ u fiha jiddeskrivi l-bajja bħala ‘s-sebħ u l-kobor tan-Nadur,’ blistess stil romantiku ta’ poeti oħrajn ta’ qablu: ‘San Blas nitgħaxxaq bik: / Seħer il-ħajja nsibu kollu fik!’4
Imbagħad insibu wkoll diversi poeżiji oħrajn b’laqta patrijottika. Vella Haber kiteb ‘Il-Kanuni tan-Nadur’ bħala ‘tifkira tal-Professur Lazzru Pisani li Pitter ilMaqdes tan-Nadur.’ Fiha l-kanuni li xi darba kienu jisparaw fuq ‘il-misħut Nofs Qamar’ sabiex jiddefendu lir-reliġjon Nisranija, issa jinsabu sektin. Kanuni oħrajn ‘qniepen saru,’ b’referenza għall-manuvra li kien għamel il-kappillan Dun Anton Scasciato (1772-1834) fl-18151816 meta rnexxielu jakkwista kanuni bil-permess tal Gvernatur Sir Thomas Maitland (1760-1824) sabiex jagħmilhom qniepen ġodda.5 F’ ‘Żernieq il-Maqdes tanNadur’ iddedikata bħala ‘Bukkett qronfol lill-Professur F.S. Sciortino’, il-poeta jibda mill-leġġenda tal-bini talKnisja meta Girgor għabba l-ħmara bil-ġebel u fejn din waqfet, allura nbniet din il-binja u jinfexx f’ħafna tifħir:
Maqdes gwapp ħafna n-Nadur inbena
Nixxiegħa sar tal-ogħla sebħ u faħar;
Ġieħ dan il-maqdes jiktor, le jinfena.
6 Fuq laqta reliġjuża, fil-poeżija ‘Luminaria Magna’, ‘B’tifkira u żżih il-ħajr lill-Artista Piju Cellini’, Vella Haber jeżalta lil San Pietru u San Pawl fil-ġrajjiet ta’ Attila s-Salvaġġ. Kienu huma li ‘ħarġu għalih bil-qilla, / ħanqu lill-għadu bir-rabtiet tal-lġiem.’ Hekk ukoll ‘aħna nirbħu żgur ... il-Kruċjata Mqaddsa ...’ Dan kollu bit-tarka tal-Imnarja, voldieri tażżewġt idwal li huma San Pietru u San Pawl.7
Anke fix-xogħol tiegħu ‘Quddiem San Koronatu Martri. Fit-Tempju Monumentali tan-Nadur,’ Kelinu jinseġ għanja ta’ tifħir lil dan il-bniedem li sa minn żmien ilu n-Nadurin qisuh bħala Kon-Patrun tagħhom flimkien ma’ San Pietru u San Pawl:
Koronatu! Insejħulek
aħna wliedek Nadurin:
iddew ilqa’ l-ħajr sħiħ tagħna;
żommna miegħek magħqudin.
L-osservazzjoni li jagħmel meta jikteb li ‘mhux ta’ b’xejn b’ismek imgħammda / ħafna wlied minn tan-Nadur!’ kienet tapplika b’mod tajjeb għall-1953 meta dehret din il-poeżija ppubblikata, iżda llum iż-żminijiet inbidlu u huma ftit jekk xejn, dawk it-tfal Nadurin li jiġu msemmija għal San Koronatu. Jolqtok ukoll kif Vella Haber jitratta mal-fatt li ma nafu xejn dwar dan il-korp, iżda hu joħroġ b’dan: ‘Aktar m’Int mostur u moħbi, / aktar fostna sirt magħruf ...’ U tassew għaliex f’dawn iż-żminijiet li fih kien qed jikteb San Koronatu kien għad għandu ħafna popolarità fin-Nadur, xi ħaġa li bħal dik tal-ismijiet, illum ixxejnet ukoll.
3 Duminku Camilleri, 200 Sena mit-Twelid ta’ l-E.T. Mons. M. Buttigieg. 100 Sena Arċipretali, Vigilat 5, (Nadur 1993), 94-95. 4 Karm Caruana, In-Nadur u t-Tempju Tiegħu Monumentali, (Nadur 1953), 23.
5 Ibid., 120 6 Ibid., 125 7 Ibid., 133.
Kelinu Vella Haber jingħata ġieħ mill-Akkademja tal-Malti f'għeluq il-mitt sena tiegħu - 2013
Storja, Kultura u Attwalità36
Minn Daniel Meilak
Kelinu Vella Haber (1913-2014) Imwieled fin-Nadur fl-1 ta’ Ottubru tal-1913, Kelinu, kif ħafna kienu jsibuh, kien wieħed mill-aktar Nadurin li taw sehem attiv fit-tiswir u t-tisħiħ tal-ilsien Malti matul is-seklu għoxrin. Kien edukat fisSeminarju t’Għawdex u wara filKulleġġ tal-Ġiżwiti f’Birkirkara. Għamel xi żmien novizz mas-Soċjetà Missjunarja ta’ San Pawl u kien hemm li ltaqa’ mal-poeta Karmenu Vassallo. Fost il-ħafna inizzjattivi siewja tiegħu favur il-Malti, huwa waqqaf ‘ix-Xirka għat-Tixrid tal-Ilsien Malti’, u miegħu kien hemm Anton Buttigieg, Ġużè Bonnici, Ġużè Chetcuti u Ġorġ Pisani, li nislu wkoll huwa min-Nadur. L-ewwel laqgħa saret fil-15 ta’ Jannar 1939.
Fl-1940 Vella Haber waqqaf din ix-Xirka wkoll ġewwa n-Nadur u din ħadmet bis-sħiħ favur aktar edukazzjoni u tixrid tal-lingwa Maltija kif ukoll biex jinxtered il-litteriżmu. Dan għen lil ħafna żgħażagħ kif ukoll lill-isforzi favur l-emanċipazzjoni tal-mara. Ħeġġeġ ħafna żgħażagħ jibdew jiktbu u mbagħad il-kitba tagħhom kienet tinqara fuq irrediffusion. Fost iż-żgħażagħ li kienu msieħba u ffurmata fl-għaqda li waqqaf Kelinu nsibu persunaġġi bħal Guido De Marco, Charles Camilleri u Frans Ebejer. Kien ukoll membru għal xi żmien fl-Assemblea Nazzjonali tal-Gvern. Miet nhar it-28 ta’ Jannar 2014, fl-età ta’ 100 sena.1 Bħala rikonoxximent tal-ħimda tiegħu kien ingħata Ġieħ irRepubblika fl-1997 mill-President tar-Repubblika l-Eċċ. T. Dr Ugo Mifsud Bonnici.
Fost il-ħafna kitbiet tiegħu, in-Nadur kellu post prominenti. Forsi l-aktar li jispikkaw huma l-folkdrama ‘Nadurjana’ u l-poemett bl-istess isem: ‘Nadurjana’. Il-folkdrama ‘Nadurjana’ li huwa kiteb bħala rakkont f’650 vers joħroġ fil-beraħ il-karattru tan-Nadur u n-Nadurin, dejjem marbuta mal-baħar u mal-agrikultura. Dan kollu fl-isfond tal-istorja li tibda miż-żmien tal-qedem u li twaħħad fiha l-kult lejn San Pietru u San Pawl ma’ dak pagan. Dan irrakkont jimxi mbagħad maż-żmien tal-ħbit tal-furbani, tattwelid tal-parroċċa, taż-żmien li fih saru l-qniepen fl-1815, iċ-ċelebrazzjoni tal-Imnarja fil-Buskett, li inċidentalment qed tagħlaq tliet mitt sena (kien fl-1720, skont ma jikteb Giovanni Agius de Soldanis li l-Imnarja bdiet tiġi ċċelebrata b’dan il-mod fil-Buskett), għall-bini tal-knisja, it-tkabbir tagħha u l-leġġendi marbuta mar-raħal. Hawn se nagħti silta ċkejkna ħafna li anke toħroġ fil-beraħ il-kuntest li fiha nkitbet. Billi din il-folkdrama nkitbet għall-okkażjoni tal-festi triċentinarji mit-twaqqif tal-parroċċa fl-1688, u billi dak iż-żmien qamet il-kwistjoni pjuttost taħraq bejn in-Nadur u l-Qala dwar min minnhom kellu leġittimament jiċċelebra t-300 sena tiegħu, Vella Haber kiteb hekk:
‘In-Nadur kien sar parroċċa maqdes bnew in-Nadurin għax kien ġie Cocco Palmeri amar fis lil Bernardin knisja ibni mar amarlu f’dik il-wesgħa ta’ Nadur qim ġie’ fiha ’l Pietru u Pawlu sadattant aħraq il-bħur ġewwa l-Qala l-Kunċizzjoni fost il-poplu żomm l-unjoni.2
Fih ukoll dawn il-versi patrijottiċi:
Jiddomina n-Nadur tagħna
minn kull fejn tħares lejh
kif mill-port ta’ Malta toħroġ
dlonk jisraqlek dwal għajnejk!
Iktar ma qribu tersaq
iktar ’il fuq jogħla
u kien minħabba f’hekk li nħatar
biex għall-Għawdxin ikun gardjola!
Il-widien u l-miġriet tiegħek
il-għerien u l-bajjiet
ismijiet ta’ nisel juru
minn tal-eqdem żminijiet
kif il-ġonna u l-kampanja
it-triqat l-inħawi sbieħ
ismijiet tal-qedem għandhom
jixhdu nisel xiħ bis-sħiħ!
Għaċ-ċelebrazzjonijiet tas-sena tal-Fidi u tal-1900 sena mill-martirju ta’ San Pietru u San Pawl kienu saru festi kbar fin-Nadur, li l-Knisja Kolleġġjata tiegħu kienet għadha 2 Duminku Camilleri, 125 Sena Kkonsagrata. 125 Sena Bażilika, Vigilat 4, (Nadur 1992), 86-98.
hemm ġiet mgħollija għad-dinjità ta’ Bażilika Minuri. Waqt Akkademja mużiko-letterarja nhar il-Ħamis 27 ta’ Ġunju 1968 kienet inqrat il-peożija ta’ Vella Haber li ġġib l-istess isem ‘Nadurjana’. Dan huwa wkoll xogħol patrijottiku fuq l-istess temi ta’ dak imsemmi aktar ’il fuq:
Wiret in-Nadur fuqani l-isbaħ u l-ogħla fost kull panorama li jiflaħ joffri l-arċipelagu tagħna ... ...
In-Nadur kiseb foħrija kiseb ġmiel u dija kiseb ruħ Nadurija mill-erwieħ tal-Għawdxin l-oħra.
3 Fost diversi poeżiji oħrajn li huwa kiteb dwar in-Nadur insibu għadd fil-ktieb ta’ Karm Caruana In-Nadur u t-Tempju Tiegħu Monumentali. ‘Il-Bajja ta’ San Blas’ li hija ddedikata lil Girgor Buttigieg ‘Naduri li għex u miet ta’ qaddis,’ u fiha jiddeskrivi l-bajja bħala ‘s-sebħ u l-kobor tan-Nadur,’ blistess stil romantiku ta’ poeti oħrajn ta’ qablu: ‘San Blas nitgħaxxaq bik: / Seħer il-ħajja nsibu kollu fik!’4
Imbagħad insibu wkoll diversi poeżiji oħrajn b’laqta patrijottika. Vella Haber kiteb ‘Il-Kanuni tan-Nadur’ bħala ‘tifkira tal-Professur Lazzru Pisani li Pitter ilMaqdes tan-Nadur.’ Fiha l-kanuni li xi darba kienu jisparaw fuq ‘il-misħut Nofs Qamar’ sabiex jiddefendu lir-reliġjon Nisranija, issa jinsabu sektin. Kanuni oħrajn ‘qniepen saru,’ b’referenza għall-manuvra li kien għamel il-kappillan Dun Anton Scasciato (1772-1834) fl-18151816 meta rnexxielu jakkwista kanuni bil-permess tal Gvernatur Sir Thomas Maitland (1760-1824) sabiex jagħmilhom qniepen ġodda.5 F’ ‘Żernieq il-Maqdes tanNadur’ iddedikata bħala ‘Bukkett qronfol lill-Professur F.S. Sciortino’, il-poeta jibda mill-leġġenda tal-bini talKnisja meta Girgor għabba l-ħmara bil-ġebel u fejn din waqfet, allura nbniet din il-binja u jinfexx f’ħafna tifħir:
Maqdes gwapp ħafna n-Nadur inbena
Nixxiegħa sar tal-ogħla sebħ u faħar;
Ġieħ dan il-maqdes jiktor, le jinfena.
6 Fuq laqta reliġjuża, fil-poeżija ‘Luminaria Magna’, ‘B’tifkira u żżih il-ħajr lill-Artista Piju Cellini’, Vella Haber jeżalta lil San Pietru u San Pawl fil-ġrajjiet ta’ Attila s-Salvaġġ. Kienu huma li ‘ħarġu għalih bil-qilla, / ħanqu lill-għadu bir-rabtiet tal-lġiem.’ Hekk ukoll ‘aħna nirbħu żgur ... il-Kruċjata Mqaddsa ...’ Dan kollu bit-tarka tal-Imnarja, voldieri tażżewġt idwal li huma San Pietru u San Pawl.7
Anke fix-xogħol tiegħu ‘Quddiem San Koronatu Martri. Fit-Tempju Monumentali tan-Nadur,’ Kelinu jinseġ għanja ta’ tifħir lil dan il-bniedem li sa minn żmien ilu n-Nadurin qisuh bħala Kon-Patrun tagħhom flimkien ma’ San Pietru u San Pawl:
Koronatu! Insejħulek
aħna wliedek Nadurin:
iddew ilqa’ l-ħajr sħiħ tagħna;
żommna miegħek magħqudin.
L-osservazzjoni li jagħmel meta jikteb li ‘mhux ta’ b’xejn b’ismek imgħammda / ħafna wlied minn tan-Nadur!’ kienet tapplika b’mod tajjeb għall-1953 meta dehret din il-poeżija ppubblikata, iżda llum iż-żminijiet inbidlu u huma ftit jekk xejn, dawk it-tfal Nadurin li jiġu msemmija għal San Koronatu. Jolqtok ukoll kif Vella Haber jitratta mal-fatt li ma nafu xejn dwar dan il-korp, iżda hu joħroġ b’dan: ‘Aktar m’Int mostur u moħbi, / aktar fostna sirt magħruf ...’ U tassew għaliex f’dawn iż-żminijiet li fih kien qed jikteb San Koronatu kien għad għandu ħafna popolarità fin-Nadur, xi ħaġa li bħal dik tal-ismijiet, illum ixxejnet ukoll.
3 Duminku Camilleri, 200 Sena mit-Twelid ta’ l-E.T. Mons. M. Buttigieg. 100 Sena Arċipretali, Vigilat 5, (Nadur 1993), 94-95. 4 Karm Caruana, In-Nadur u t-Tempju Tiegħu Monumentali, (Nadur 1953), 23.
5 Ibid., 120 6 Ibid., 125 7 Ibid., 133.
Kelinu Vella Haber jingħata ġieħ mill-Akkademja tal-Malti f'għeluq il-mitt sena tiegħu - 2013
Storja, Kultura u Attwalità36
'In-Nadur'
Poezija ta' Patri Mattew Sultana
Jekk f’sidri nħoss nifs qawwi,
Jekk bqajt sal-lum bil-ferħ qalbi trid tfur,
Ngħid li mill-arja, mid-dehriet ta’ seħer
U l-ħlewwa tan-Nadur.
Fejn il-ħolqien jitbissem
Kont nilmaħ qalb dawk l-oqsma, żara’ u ħdura;
Widien, għoljiet, siġar tal-frott fejn tħares;
Kemm xtaqtni ma ġejtx lura!
X’jiem hienja! X’jiem ta’ seħer,
F’raħal sabiħ, f’ġenna tal-art qattajt!
Sirt naf in-nies, tħabbibt, ħabbejt, ħabbewni;
Nies bħalhom, ftit, jekk rajt! Sal-lum bqajt nistħajjilni
Inħoss il-fewġa tonfoħ f’dawk l-ibruħ,
Tmelles fuq wiċċi u fuq uċuh ir-raba’
U nħossha ‘ttini r-ruħ.
U għalkemm minkejja fija
Tlaqt f’qasir żmien u ’l min sirt naf ħallejt,
Ġmiel in-natura mżiegħed f’dawk l-inħawi
U r-raħal qatt ma nsejt.
Għax dawn in-nies dħulija ...
Maqdes San Pietru Pawl, ġmiel kull fejn tmur,
Ħallewni noħlom b’dawk il-jiem mgħoddija
F’dil-‘Ġenna ta’ Nadur’.
Poezija ta' Patri Mattew Sultana
Jekk f’sidri nħoss nifs qawwi,
Jekk bqajt sal-lum bil-ferħ qalbi trid tfur,
Ngħid li mill-arja, mid-dehriet ta’ seħer
U l-ħlewwa tan-Nadur.
Fejn il-ħolqien jitbissem
Kont nilmaħ qalb dawk l-oqsma, żara’ u ħdura;
Widien, għoljiet, siġar tal-frott fejn tħares;
Kemm xtaqtni ma ġejtx lura!
X’jiem hienja! X’jiem ta’ seħer,
F’raħal sabiħ, f’ġenna tal-art qattajt!
Sirt naf in-nies, tħabbibt, ħabbejt, ħabbewni;
Nies bħalhom, ftit, jekk rajt! Sal-lum bqajt nistħajjilni
Inħoss il-fewġa tonfoħ f’dawk l-ibruħ,
Tmelles fuq wiċċi u fuq uċuh ir-raba’
U nħossha ‘ttini r-ruħ.
U għalkemm minkejja fija
Tlaqt f’qasir żmien u ’l min sirt naf ħallejt,
Ġmiel in-natura mżiegħed f’dawk l-inħawi
U r-raħal qatt ma nsejt.
Għax dawn in-nies dħulija ...
Maqdes San Pietru Pawl, ġmiel kull fejn tmur,
Ħallewni noħlom b’dawk il-jiem mgħoddija
F’dil-‘Ġenna ta’ Nadur’.
Sopu Tower by Alessio Sultana
Chevalier Michael Camilleri Cauchi receives Gieh in-Nadur
23 November, 2019
Members of the Confraternity of the Knights of St. Peter & St. Paul of the Grand Chapter of Malta, during the presentation of Gieh in Nadur to Chevalier Michael Camilleri Cauchi Deputy Chancellor.
Photo from left: Chevalier Adonai Camilleri Cauchi, Dame Marlene Muscat, Chevalier Carmel Saliba, Chevalier Michael Camilleri Cauchi, Chevalier Chancellor Joseph Louis Meilak, Brother Matthias Mercieca and Dame Veronica Camilleri Cauchi.
23 November, 2019
Members of the Confraternity of the Knights of St. Peter & St. Paul of the Grand Chapter of Malta, during the presentation of Gieh in Nadur to Chevalier Michael Camilleri Cauchi Deputy Chancellor.
Photo from left: Chevalier Adonai Camilleri Cauchi, Dame Marlene Muscat, Chevalier Carmel Saliba, Chevalier Michael Camilleri Cauchi, Chevalier Chancellor Joseph Louis Meilak, Brother Matthias Mercieca and Dame Veronica Camilleri Cauchi.
Message from the Grand Master H.E. Chevalier Peter Paul Portelli
Photo: The Secretary Chevalier Carmel Saliba is reading the message from the Grand Master for the presentation of Gieh in Nadur to Chevalier Deputy Chancellor Michael Camilleri Cauchi.
The Grand Master His Excellency Chevalier Peter Paul Portelli and the Supreme Council of the Confraternity of the Knights of St. Peter & St. Paul is very honoured to have Chevalier Michael Camilleri Cauchi one of its own.
He has been a very dedicated and honourable member of our Confraternity. He is always ready to give advice to help our Confraternity to achieve more.
We are very happy to say that on Tuesday this week, we donated $10,000 to the Royal Women’s Hospital - Newborn Intensive Care Unit. The money was raised from a Fund Raising Lunch we had last month and some donations from individuals and sponsors.
This year we donated others sums of money to the Australian Farmers who were suffering from drought-ravaged part of the State of Victoria and to our missions in Peru.
Our Confraternity is still small but it’s making a big impact to help those in need.
We like to Congratulate Chevalier Michael Camilleri Cauchi, on receiving the honour Gieh in-Nadur 2019.
God bless you.
H.E. Chevalier Peter Paul Portelli
Grand Master
CKSPP
Photo: The Secretary Chevalier Carmel Saliba is reading the message from the Grand Master for the presentation of Gieh in Nadur to Chevalier Deputy Chancellor Michael Camilleri Cauchi.
The Grand Master His Excellency Chevalier Peter Paul Portelli and the Supreme Council of the Confraternity of the Knights of St. Peter & St. Paul is very honoured to have Chevalier Michael Camilleri Cauchi one of its own.
He has been a very dedicated and honourable member of our Confraternity. He is always ready to give advice to help our Confraternity to achieve more.
We are very happy to say that on Tuesday this week, we donated $10,000 to the Royal Women’s Hospital - Newborn Intensive Care Unit. The money was raised from a Fund Raising Lunch we had last month and some donations from individuals and sponsors.
This year we donated others sums of money to the Australian Farmers who were suffering from drought-ravaged part of the State of Victoria and to our missions in Peru.
Our Confraternity is still small but it’s making a big impact to help those in need.
We like to Congratulate Chevalier Michael Camilleri Cauchi, on receiving the honour Gieh in-Nadur 2019.
God bless you.
H.E. Chevalier Peter Paul Portelli
Grand Master
CKSPP
Gozo Channel ship damaged after crashing into pier - MinisterMonday, 25 November 2019,
Gozo Channel is operating with only two ships after one of the ferries was damaged today due to the strong winds and rough seas, Gozo Minister Justyne Caruana told Parliament.
It had already been announced that the MV Nikolaus, which was leased by the company to operate as a fourth vessel, was to undergo repair work that will last till mid-December.
The company was operating with three vessels until this morning when one of the remaining three ships was damaged and needs repair work.
Gozo Channel is operating with only two ships after one of the ferries was damaged today due to the strong winds and rough seas, Gozo Minister Justyne Caruana told Parliament.
It had already been announced that the MV Nikolaus, which was leased by the company to operate as a fourth vessel, was to undergo repair work that will last till mid-December.
The company was operating with three vessels until this morning when one of the remaining three ships was damaged and needs repair work.
CONFRATERNITY OF THE KNIGHTS OF ST. PETER & ST. PAUL
Melbourne. Australia.
By Chevalier Peter Paul Portelli - Grand Master
On Tuesday 19 November, 2019 the Members of the Supreme Council of the Confraternity of the Knights of St. Peter & St. Paul made a generous donation of $10,000 to the Royal Women's Hospital - Newborn Intensive Care Unit.
Every year more than1,600 babies who are born sick or prematurely are cared for by the specialist NICU team at the Women's.
The money was raised from a Lunch organised by theGrand Chapter of Melbourne on the 13 of October, 2019.
The Supreme Council has agreed to donate money to the Royal Melbourne Children's Hospital at the Good Friday Appeal.
Photo from left: Chevalier Saverio Greto, Dame Gail Vas, Dame Carmela Barbaro, Chevalier Vincenzo Galtieri. H.E. Chevalier Peter Paul Portelli - Grand Master presenting the cheque to Sue Jacobs Deputy Clinical Director - Neonatal Paediatrician, Laura Bignell Chief Midwifery and Nursing Officer, Dame Angela Greto and Dame Mimma Sabatini.
Melbourne. Australia.
By Chevalier Peter Paul Portelli - Grand Master
On Tuesday 19 November, 2019 the Members of the Supreme Council of the Confraternity of the Knights of St. Peter & St. Paul made a generous donation of $10,000 to the Royal Women's Hospital - Newborn Intensive Care Unit.
Every year more than1,600 babies who are born sick or prematurely are cared for by the specialist NICU team at the Women's.
The money was raised from a Lunch organised by theGrand Chapter of Melbourne on the 13 of October, 2019.
The Supreme Council has agreed to donate money to the Royal Melbourne Children's Hospital at the Good Friday Appeal.
Photo from left: Chevalier Saverio Greto, Dame Gail Vas, Dame Carmela Barbaro, Chevalier Vincenzo Galtieri. H.E. Chevalier Peter Paul Portelli - Grand Master presenting the cheque to Sue Jacobs Deputy Clinical Director - Neonatal Paediatrician, Laura Bignell Chief Midwifery and Nursing Officer, Dame Angela Greto and Dame Mimma Sabatini.
HELPING THE POOR IN PERU
Yesterday Bishop Giovanni Cefai a missionary priest in Peru celebrated Mass in the Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul in Nadur.
After the Mass the Confraternity of the Knights of St. Peter and St. Paul donated money to his mission.
Thanks to the Supreme Council of the Confraternity in Melbourne and the Grand Chapter of Nadur for the money.
Thanks also to Mons. Jimmy Xerri Parish Priest of Nadur for his support.
This was the second time that the Confraternity donated money to missions in Peru in the last couple of months.
God bless His Excellency Bishop Giovanni Cefai for his work to help the poor and the sick.
God bless the Confraternity of the Knights of St. Peter and St. Paul.
Chevalier Peter Paul Portelli
Grand Master
CKSPP
Yesterday Bishop Giovanni Cefai a missionary priest in Peru celebrated Mass in the Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul in Nadur.
After the Mass the Confraternity of the Knights of St. Peter and St. Paul donated money to his mission.
Thanks to the Supreme Council of the Confraternity in Melbourne and the Grand Chapter of Nadur for the money.
Thanks also to Mons. Jimmy Xerri Parish Priest of Nadur for his support.
This was the second time that the Confraternity donated money to missions in Peru in the last couple of months.
God bless His Excellency Bishop Giovanni Cefai for his work to help the poor and the sick.
God bless the Confraternity of the Knights of St. Peter and St. Paul.
Chevalier Peter Paul Portelli
Grand Master
CKSPP
Dahlet Qorrot Bay from Sopu Tower in San Blas Nadur, Gozo. Malta.
Nadur Bailica Church from San Blas
Sopu Tower built in 1667 by the Knights of Malta
Sopu Tower is situated on the cliffs between St. Blas and Dahlet Qorrot bays in Nadur.
Sopu Tower is situated on the cliffs between St. Blas and Dahlet Qorrot bays in Nadur.
Black statue of St. Peter on the throne
I saw this statue while visiting the church of St Anselm and St Cecilia Roman Catholic church in Kingsway, Holborn, London.
Just like the one in Rome and Nadur.
CONFRATERNITY OF THE KNIGHTS OF ST. PETER & ST. PAUL
Nadur. Gozo.
A meeting of the Confraternity was held in the Nadur Council Board Room on Monday 24th June where two newly Knights were appointed by Chevalier Peter Paul Portelli Grand Master CKSPP of the Confraternity of the Knights of St Peter and Paul.
These are Chev Joe M. Attard of Rabat Gozo and Chev Joe Meilaq.
Congratulations.
Photos Copyright Carmel Saliba 24.6.19.
Nadur. Gozo.
A meeting of the Confraternity was held in the Nadur Council Board Room on Monday 24th June where two newly Knights were appointed by Chevalier Peter Paul Portelli Grand Master CKSPP of the Confraternity of the Knights of St Peter and Paul.
These are Chev Joe M. Attard of Rabat Gozo and Chev Joe Meilaq.
Congratulations.
Photos Copyright Carmel Saliba 24.6.19.
After the meeting of the Confraternity of the Knights of St Peter and Paul we attended for the 25th Anniversary Mass of Fr Raymond Portelli at Nadur Basilica.
Donations to Fr Raymond were presented to be used in his mission in Peru.
Congratulations to Fr Raymond.
Photos Copyright Carmel Saliba 24.6.19.
Donations to Fr Raymond were presented to be used in his mission in Peru.
Congratulations to Fr Raymond.
Photos Copyright Carmel Saliba 24.6.19.
