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well received enticing the
interest of many visitors.
This increased visibility
and accessibility has
helped Malta achieve new
records in its tourism in-
dustry throughout 2012.
As we draw closer to-
wards the end of the
year, I would like to take
this opportunity to extend
my best wishes for the
festive season to all the
Maltese community and
their families who live in
England and to all the
students who are com-
pleting their studies after
having won a Government
scholarship. My thoughts
also go out to all the pa-
tients and families who
are undergoing medical
treatment in England.
Lawrence Gonzi
It gives me great pleasure
to write to the Maltese
community in England at
the end of what has been
a challenging yet im-
portant year especially
with respect to Anglo-
Maltese relations.
On a political and eco-
nomic level, relations be-
tween our two countries
remain excellent. English
investors have continued
registering their interest in
Malta as an investment
destination and in ex-
panding their current op-
erations in Malta. This
interest continues to con-
firm our attractiveness
and job creation potential
as a country.
However, 2012 will be
remembered for its im-
portant anniversaries
which further strength-
ened Anglo-Maltese rela-
tions between country
and its people. It remind-
ed us all of our shared
history as we celebrated
both the Queen’s Dia-
mond Jubilee and the
70th anniversary of both
the George Cross Award
and Operation Pedestal.
This common history of
our two people was cele-
brated at Harrods
through the exhibition
‘This is Malta’ which will
remain a landmark for
Malta’s publicity in the
United Kingdom. The
unique exposition on
Malta’s history, culture
and economy was very
Message from the Prime Minister of Malta, Dr Lawrence Gonzi
D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 2 I S S U E 8
I N T H I S I S -
S U E :
Message from
Prime Minister
Gonzi
Christmas Greet-
ings from the High
Commissioner
President Abela
visits Maltese
patients in UK
Maltese oranges
for the Queen
Prime Minister
Gonzi launches
special report on
Malta and lectures
at the London
School of Econom-
ics
World Travel
Market
Commonwealth
Fair
Remembrance
Sunday
Tour of Remem-
brance
Malta Business
Network Page
Moving to Malta
Forthcoming
Events
Christmas Charity
CD
Students’ Recep-
tion
Tiers of Truths
Malta High Commission London
P A G E 2
Season’s Greetings from the High Commissioner Dear Newsletter readers
I hope you are all doing
well. As another year comes
to an end, I thought it is
appropriate to review the
past 12 months together.
2012 has been one of the
most hectic years for us at
the High Commission – as
you can tell from the in-
creasing number of pages of
this Newsletter from one
edition to the next.
Perhaps the biggest event
this year was the extensive
promotion of Malta at Har-
rods during the whole
month of March. The cam-
paign covered diverse areas
of the store, from impres-
sive displays in shop win-
dows, the airing of Malta
clips on display screens,
exhibition of Maltese arte-
facts and paintings, to Mal-
tese flags on the façade of
the store.
2012 also marked the 70th
Anniversary since Malta was
awarded the George Cross.
Malta High Commission
celebrations culminated
with Holy Mass of Thanks-
giving at Westminster Ca-
thedral. For the Diamond
Jubilee celebrations I repre-
sented Malta when the
Prince of Wales awarded
The Queen’s Diamond Jubi-
lee Medal to all living hold-
ers of the George Cross.
For the first time ever, a
senior royal, HRH The Earl
of Wessex was welcomed
at the Official Residence of
the High Commissioner as
he attended a fundraising
reception and private dinner
for The Duke of Edinburgh’s
Award International Associa-
tion and The President’s
Award.
I am a firm believer in net-
working, be it socially, for
business or politics. The Mal-
ta Business Network which I
set up a year ago is going
from strength to strength. All
MBN events organised this
year were aimed at maximis-
ing networking amongst Mal-
tese and UK business per-
sons. A few months ago I
initiated a gathering of Mal-
tese students who are cur-
rently studying in the UK.
This took on so well and the
second gathering took place
earlier in December.
The British All-Party Parlia-
mentary Group on Malta has
been reconstituted earlier
this year and generated a lot
of interest within parliamen-
tary circles. Tax related
agreements were signed at
the Malta High Commission
with Guernsey and Gibraltar.
This year was memorable for
sports in the capital with the
event of the Olympics and
Paralympics. I was behind
Team Malta by supporting
them during their competi-
tions. The athletes sure
made us all proud and in
recognition, I held two re-
ceptions at the High Com-
mission to honour the Mal-
tese Olympic and Paralympic
achievements.
The High Commission’s cul-
tural calendar for 2012 was
packed. Events peaked in
September with the most
eagerly awaited Malta Day
and later in the month the
Independence Anniversary
concert which this year also
featured some of the best
Maltese talent currently in
the UK.
2012 wasn’t only the year of
new initiatives and beginnings
but also of ends and passing
away: in February, former
High Commissioner Francis
Cassar; in March, former
President of Malta Censu
Tabona and in August former
Prime Minister Dom Mintoff.
This is probably the last year
for me to address you as
High Commissioner, as my
posting to London comes to
end mid next year. It has
been a truly amazing experi-
ence to represent the Mal-
tese Government and people
whilst here in the UK. I can
assure you that with a great
sense of pride, I flew the Mal-
tese flag for whatever duties I
was carrying out, the same
pride which I am sure you
demonstrate as you continue
to make a name for your-
selves and Malta in the UK.
As I bid you farewell, my wife
Susan and I would like to
wish you and your loved
ones a very peaceful Christ-
mas and a prosperous New
Year.
J Zammit Tabona
“Il-Festi t-Tajba
lill-Maltin kollha
residenti fir-
Renju Unit u lill-
familji u hbieb
taghkom”
M A L T A H I G H C O M M I S S I O N
P A G E 3 I S S U E 8
the National Hospital for Neu-
rology and Neurosurgery, King’s
College Hospital, the Royal
Marsden Hospital, Moorfields Eye
Hospital and Capio Nightingale
Hospital. President George Abela
and his delegation also called on
patients staying at the accommo-
dation in Sutton owned by Put-
tinu Cares Children’s Cancer
Support Group, as well as the
Augustinian Sisters, Ursuline Sis-
ters, Franciscan Sisters and Fran-
ciscan Fathers.
The President and Mrs Abela
were staying with the Franciscan
nuns in Victoria, where Maltese
patients and their relatives who
are sent to London for treatment
are mainly housed.
On one evening, the President
held a reception at the Corinthia
Hotel London to which he invit-
ed a number of leading doctors
and consultants from various UK
centres of medical excellence,
who treat Maltese medical pa-
tients.
Throughout his visit in the UK,
the President of Malta thanked
the Malta High Commission;
medical staff, doctors and con-
sultants at hospitals; and the Sis-
ters and Fathers for their signifi-
cant assistance and contribution
in ensuring Maltese patients and
their relatives receive the best
possible care during their UK
stay.
HE The President of Malta Dr
George Abela, in his capacity as
Chairperson of the Malta Com-
munity Chest Fund, was in Lon-
don together with his wife Mar-
garet as Deputy Chairperson, to
visit Government of Malta spon-
sored patients receiving treat-
ment in the UK, who are also
supported financially by the Malta
Community Chest Fund.
Accompanied by his staff from
the Malta Community Chest
Fund and L-Istrina Production
Team, the President visited
Great Ormond Street Hospital,
The High Commissioner sends a box of Maltese oranges to
Her Majesty The Queen To keep with Christmas tradi-
tion, the High Commissioner of
Malta in the UK has sent a box
of Maltese oranges as a Christ-
mas gift to Her Majesty The
Queen at Buckingham Palace in
December.
This tradition was revived dur-
ing the High Commissioner’s
presentation of credentials to
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
on 10 June 2009. When Her
Majesty received Mr Joseph
Zammit Tabona in Audience at
Buckingham Palace, she fondly
recalled how the late Mabel
Strickland OBE used to send
her a box of Maltese oranges to
Buckingham Palace every
Christmas. Mrs Susan Zammit
Tabona had proposed to revive
this tradition at Christmas and
together with her husband, has
done so ever since.
This year’s six dozen oranges,
which came from the gardens
of Mabel Strickland’s former
Lija residence ‘Villa Bologna’,
were presented in a hand crafted
wooden chest purposely made in
Malta for this occasion.
President Abela visits Maltese patients in the UK
M A L T A H I G H C O M M I S S I O N
To keep with Christmas tradi-
tion, the High Commissioner of
Malta in the UK has sent a box
of Maltese oranges as a Christ-
mas gift to Her Majesty The
Queen at Buckingham Palace in
December.
This tradition was revived dur-
ing the High Commissioner’s
presentation of credentials to
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
on 10 June 2009. When Her
Majesty received Mr Joseph
P A G E 4
PM Gonzi at the London School of Economics
PM Gonzi launches special report on Malta
Prime Minister Lawrence
Gonzi was in London on
Friday 26 October to
launch the special report
on Malta in FIRST Maga-
zine, titled ‘Malta – Bridg-
ing continents for shared
prosperity’. This report is
a special issue which high-
lights Malta’s many trade
and investment opportuni-
ties, particularly in the
financial services, technol-
ogy, gaming, manufacturing
and pharmceutical sectors.
Prime Minister Lawrence
Gonzi was presented with
the special edition of
FIRST Magazine by Lord
Hurd of Westwell CH
CBE, Chairman, Advisory
Council, FIRST, and Mr
Rupert Goodman, Chair-
man and Founder of FIRST
magazine.
The launch took place at
the Corinthia Hotel,
Whitehall and in attend-
ance were many leading
global personalities from
financial, legal, trade, diplo-
matic and political fields.
After the launch, Prime
Minister addressed those
present and highlighted
Malta’s investment attrac-
tiveness. He said that
‘British companies have
believed in Malta’s creden-
tials and potential, and
Malta has consistently of-
fered to British and global
companies a home away
from home’.
FIRST Magazine is widely
distributed with a reader-
ship of over 150,000
worldwide. The readers
comprise of international
opinion formers including
Government and business
leaders and major interna-
tional investors.
that it faces. He made par-
ticular reference to the
second 5 + 5 West Medi-
terranean Forum Heads of
State summit, which was
hosted a couple of weeks
ago in Malta.
Prime Minister Gonzi said
that the opportunity for
political reform in the
M e d i t e r r a n e a n i s
‘unprecedented’, however
such reforms need to be
paralleled with economic
reforms. Macroeconomic
and financial stability are
key but they are facing
challenges such as the lack
of private sector develop-
Prime Minister Gonzi ad-
dresses students at the
London School of Eco-
nomics
On 26 October, Prime
Minister Gonzi was invited
to deliver a public lecture
at the London School of
Economics, as part of the
LSE European Institute –
APCO Worldwide Per-
spectives on Europe se-
ries.
In his address titled ‘The
Mediterranean – an oppor-
tunity?’ Prime Minister
Gonzi shared reflections
on the Mediterranean re-
gion and analysed the op-
portunities and challenges
ment and unemployment,
particularly amongst the
young and women. The
Prime Minister was hope-
ful at the benefits the Med-
iterranean can reap from
opportunities such as the
expansion of renewable
energy projects and the
flourishing of SMEs and the
private sector in general.
After the very well-
attended public lecture,
Prime Minister Gonzi had
the opportunity to meet
with a number of Maltese
students currently follow-
ing post-graduate studies
at the London School of
Economics.
Launching
FIRST Magazine
special report
‘Malta – Bridging
continents for shared
prosperity’.
M A L T A H I G H C O M M I S S I O N
The Prime Minister lec-
tures at LSE on ‘The Med-
iterranean—an oppor-
tunity?’
Malta at the World Travel Market 2012
P A G E 5 I S S U E 8
This year, Malta has been very
prominently represented at the
World Travel Market (WTM), the
leading global event for the travel
industry - under the auspices of the
Malta Tourism Authority (MTA).
WTM is a vibrant must-attend four-
day business-to-business event, pre-
senting a diverse range of destina-
tions and industry sectors to UK
and international travel profession-
als. By attending WTM, participants
gain immediate competitive ad-
vantage for their business and stay
abreast with the latest develop-
ments in the travel industry.
The MTA’s stand provided an op-
portunity for a number of Maltese
hotels, destination management
companies, operators and agents to
exhibit at this leading industry event
at the ExCel Exhibition Centre in
London, from 5- 8 November 2012.
The MTA also held key, high level
meetings with leading operators, led
by the Minister for Tourism, the
Environment and Culture, the Hon.
Mario de Marco.
MTA’s UK & Ireland Director, Mr
A l e x I n co r v a j a s a i d t h a t
‘notwithstanding a continued chal-
lenging trading environment in Brit-
ain, our meetings at WTM have
given us extremely positive indica-
tors. Furthermore, current year-to-
date figures show that Malta contin-
ues to perform positively with the
prospects of another record year
set.”
On 6 November, the High Commis-
sioner of Malta, HE Joseph Zammit
Tabona hosted a reception at the
official residence in collaboration
with the MTA’s office in London.
Amongst the invitees were leading
members of the Maltese and inter-
national travel industry, consumer
and trade press, with the Minister
for Tourism, the Environment and
Culture as guest of honour.
The High Commissioner said that:
‘This is an exciting time for Malta’s
tourism with promoting Valletta as
the European Capital 2018 and the
government’s initiative Eco-Gozo.
The latest additions to Malta’s cul-
tural calendar include the first Val-
letta International Baroque Festival
in January and the National Museum
of Fine Arts’ international exhibition
project celebrating the work of re-
nowned artist Mattia Preti. It gives
me great pleasure to see Malta
showcased at its best’.
M A L T A H I G H C O M M I S S I O N
On Saturday 3 November, the Malta
High Commission participated in
the Commonwealth Fair 2012,
which was held at Kensington Town
Hall, London.
The Commonwealth Fair is an annu-
al event organised by the Common-
wealth Countries League (CCL),
and all the member countries of the
Commonwealth, through their re-
spective High Commissions in Lon-
don, exhibit and sell typical prod-
ucts of their countries.
CCL’s aims are to promote the
education and advancement of
women throughout the Common-
wealth as a contributory factor in
the alleviation of world poverty.
The Commonwealth Countries
League Education Fund (CCLEF) is
an arm of CCL and celebrates
‘Commitment to Changing lives
through Education and Friendship’.
All funds raised through the CCLEF
at the annual CCL Fair have provid-
ed education to girls in Common-
wealth Countries for the past 20
years.
This year, the Malta stand was sell-
ing Mdina Glass, silver filigree, Malta
Dairy Products gbejniet, Tal-Furnar
galletti, Twistees, Tastees, Emanuel
Delicata wines, Kinnie and Cisk
beer. The stand generated a lot of
interest and proved to be one of the
busiest. All proceeds were donated
to this worthy cause.
Malta High Commission at the Commonwealth Fair 2012
P A G E 6
Malta Tour of Remembrance 2012
Remembrance Sunday
On Sunday 11 November
2012, High Commissioner
Zammit Tabona laid a
wreath at the Cenotaph in
Whitehall, London on be-
half of the Government
and people of Malta during
the National Service of
Remembrance - as national
homage devoted to the
remembrance of those
who have given their lives
in war.
The Queen laid the first
poppy wreath, followed by
other members of the
Royal family, including the
Duke of Edinburgh, the
Duke of Cambridge and
Princess Royal. Prime Min-
ister David Cameron,
Deputy Prime Minister
Nick Clegg, Foreign Secre-
tary William Hague, other
members of the Cabinet,
Opposition Leader Ed Mil-
liband, former Prime Min-
isters and the Mayor of
London were invited to
attend the ceremony,
along with representatives
of the Armed Forces, Mer-
chant Air and Navy and
Fishing Fleets, and mem-
bers of faith communities.
High Commissioners from
Commonwealth countries
were also invited to attend
and lay wreaths at the
Cenotaph. Almost 10,000
ex-servicemen and women
marched past the Ceno-
taph, followed by civilians
including war widows. The
country observed a two-
minute silence as Big Ben
struck the eleventh hour.
Remembrance Sunday was
originally conceived as a
commemoration of the
war dead of the First
World War but after the
Second World War the
scope of the ceremony
was extended to focus on
the nation's dead of both
World Wars, and in 1980
it was widened once again
to extend the remem-
brance to all who have
suffered and died in con-
flict in the service of their
country and all those who
mourn them.
This year's Remembrance
commemoration is the
first to take place since the
death of the last veteran
to serve during the First
World War on either side,
according to the Royal
British Legion.
ish servicemen resulted in
the award of one Victoria
Cross and seven individual
awards of the George
Cross, the four beautifully
maintained Common-
wealth War Cemeteries
and the various related
museums such as the Mal-
ta At War Museum, The
Aviation Museum, The
Maritime Museum and the
National War Museum.
The highlight was a wreath
laying ceremony at the
Royal Malta Artillery me-
morial on the bastions of
Fort St Elmo. They gath-
ered at that special place
in history, to pay tribute
to the six brave men, who,
This year the annual
“Journey of Remem-
brance” organised by The
Royal British Legion in
association with Leger
Holidays, took place from
3rd – 10th October 2012.
The party of 22 included
John Carrington (aged 88),
a veteran of Operation
Husky – The invasion of
Sicily masterminded from
the Lascaris War Rooms.
Lt Col Joe Falzon BEM
OSJ, a retired British Army
officer with 37 years ser-
vice, led the group.
Special emphasis was made
to visit the locations on
the island where incon-
spicuous gallantry by Brit-
on the 11th June 1940, re-
mained steadfast in the
face of danger, and whose
actions and ultimate sacri-
fice on the first day of the
2nd World War in Malta
established the traditions
our small nation holds so
dear to this day.
The Royal British Legion
would like to thank all
those who assisted with
the success of this tour, in
particular the Malta Tour-
ism Authority, the man-
agements and staff of the
Fortina Hotel and Zarb
Coaches, and the various
enthusiastic guides at the
museums.
M A L T A H I G H C O M M I S S I O N
High Commissioner lays
a wreath on behalf of the
Government and people
of Malta
Journey of Remem-
brance to Malta
organized by The
Royal British Legion
P A G E 7 I S S U E 8
M A L T A H I G H C O M M I S S I O N
Reflections of a British Veteran on the 2012 Tour... witness to a heroism and devo-
tion that will long be famous in
history.” The original medal is
now on display in the newly
refurbished National War Mu-
seum in Fort St. Elmo, Valletta.
Looking back, the twin events
marked a turning point. Within
four months the Convoy of
Santa Marija arrived on 15 Au-
gust, and the islanders, who had
been on their knees, sheltering
below ground and facing starva-
tion, began to see the light at
the end of their underground
tunnels. Fortunately their
darkest days were nearly over.
It was just as well, because the
population was near to giving
in. Food had been rationed to
three boiled sweets, half a sar-
dine and a spoonful of jam a
day – hardly enough to survive
on.
Today, all visitors are welcome,
none more that the British.
There is a deep bond between
the two nations and tourists
will find much to interest them.
For non-military buffs, there is
the warm climate, the colourful
festas, the delicious food and
the genuine hospitality of the
vibrant Maltese.
For those with an interest in
military history, however, the
island is a treasure grove. At
one end of the scale are the
various locations dotted round
the island where inconspicuous
gallantry by British servicemen
resulted in the award of one
Victoria Cross and seven
awards of the George Cross.
At the other end is the steam-
powered 100-ton gun at Fort
Rinella, which dates from the
late1800s - at full range it could
penetrate 12.8 inches of metal
armour. Ironically, it was never
fired in anger.
The island is also the final resting
place for many service people of a
number of nations, chiefly British.
Almost 2,000 from WWI and just
over 1,500 from WWII are buried
in four beautifully maintained
Commonwealth War Cemeteries.
Another 2,298 airmen of WWII
who were lost in the Mediterrane-
an operating area are commemo-
rated on the Commonwealth Air
Forces Memorial at Floriana.
Yet for all the islands reliance on
spiritual help, an exhibit at the Na-
tional War Museum reminds us
that more temporal things are also
important. The front page of the
Sunday Times of Malta from 17
May 1942, sits proudly in a display
case. Among the headlines are;
“Island fighter squadron bags 100th
victim”, “Dardanelles raid on Hit-
ler’s convoys”, “Dock gates and
railways shot up,” and “Mass in
London for Malta”. Yet still de-
manding space on the front page is
one vital piece of information that
could make or break people’s day:
“Football results – see page 7”.
The brand new, already unmissa-
ble, 5D show of Malta’s History
(Old Bakery Street, Valletta) con-
cludes with the following senti-
ment – The Maltese are proud of
their history, content with their
present and excited about their
future. There is plenty of evi-
dence all over Malta and Gozo to
back up that statement; you just
have to be there to feel it.
The temples in Malta predate
Stonehenge by a thousand
years. It is also the location
of an official miracle when St
Paul was bitten by a viper and
suffered no ill-effects in AD 60.
But faith was never more ap-
parent than at the height of
WWII when it reached its
peak at 4.42pm on 9 April
1942; the exact time a bomb
pierced Mosta Dome, the Ro-
tunda of St Marija Assunta.
The bomb came through the
roof and fell among the 300-
strong congregation, rolling
along the floor, without ex-
ploding. Incredibly, no-one
was hurt and it became the
“Miracle of Mosta”
The fact that the Maltese peo-
ple had any faith left by that
point is remarkable in itself,
since the island had been sub-
ject to a ferocious battering
from German and Italian
bombers for the best part of
18 months. During the first
six months of 1942, there was
only one 24-hour period with-
out air raids. Luftwaffe rec-
ords show that between 20
March and 28 April 1942, Mal-
ta was subjected to 11,819
sorties and 6.557 tonnes of
bombs – an intensity that not
even London’s long-suffering
population could match.
Shortly after the Miracle of
Mosta came the award of the
George Gross. In a letter
dated 13 April 1942, King
George VI wrote: “To hon-
our her b rave people, I award
the George Cross to the Is-
land Fortress of Malta, to bear
P A G E 8
MBN: An Effective And Influential Professional Business Network
The Malta Business Net-
work (MBN) is fast becom-
ing established as a highly
effective and influential net-
work within the UK profes-
sional and business commu-
nities, in particular among
those with a Malta interest.
It continues to grow in
membership and is generat-
ing a real interest within
the business communities
shared by its members. Its
calendar of business and
social events include busi-
ness briefings, private
luncheons, receptions and
monthly meetings. Follow-
ing are highlights from re-
cent MBN events.
Business Briefings
The MBN programme con-
tinued in October when we
invited Mr Andre' Zarb,
Tax Partner at KPMG Malta
to speak at an MBN Brief-
ing. He presented a highly
informative insight into the
personal and corporate tax
structure in Malta. During
his talk, he also explained
why the income tax system
in Malta has been a catalyst
in spearheading the country
into a renowned jurisdic-
tion in the global financial
services industry and in
other sectors, particularly
since EU membership. The
event was very well attend-
ed by MBN members and
guests from within financial
services.
This was followed in De-
cember with an exclusive
Gourmet Lunch at Massi-
mo’s Private Dining Room
at The Corinthia Hotel in
London, also hosted by the
MBN. Our guest of honour
was Mr Paul Manduca,
Chairman of Prudential plc.
Community Groups
In the last few months,
MBN established the first
industry-focused communi-
ty group—The Network
Property and Development
Group. This group brings
together professionals in
property and development
and meets in London on a
regular basis on the last
Thursday in February, May,
August and November.
Monthly Meetings
Network meetings contin-
ued to take place through-
out the year. They are held
on the last Tuesday of the
month at Malta House from
6.30pm onwards. The next
monthly meeting is on
Tuesday January 29th, 2013.
Upcoming Events
MBN Business Briefings
continue in the new year
with a series of private
lunches. Our first guest is
Sir Christopher Evans, who
will join us for lunch on
Tuesday January 29th, fol-
lowed by Mr Martin Sciclu-
na on Tuesday March 12th.
Both events have limited
places. We recommend
early confirmation. Details
are on the MBN website.
M A L T A H I G H C O M M I S S I O N
Staying In Touch
www.maltabusinessnetwork.com pro-vides MBN mem-bers and site users with access to events, member profiles, pages, blogs and industry community groups. The MBN also has a LinkedIn group, a facebook page and a Twitter account to promote activi-ties and engage in
dialogue.
Joining the MBN
The MBN wishes to engage
with as many professionals
and business people as pos-
sible and invites new mem-
bers to join from the UK,
Malta and other countries.
There are three different
categories available for
members, including individ-
ual and corporate member-
ships as well as a student
membership. Individual
membership costs £100.
Corporate membership is
available at a fee of £300
for up to 4 nominated
members, while student
membership is at £20. All
membership fees are annual
and cover a year from date
of payment. More infor-
mation can be found on
the website.
Prospective members are
encouraged to fill in the
online form and send it to
the Treasurer. They are
also invited to try out a
monthly meeting before
joining. Similarly, MBN wel-
comes visiting Maltese who
are in London on business
and wish to meet members
over monthly drinks. In all
cases, we advise them to
contact us in advance.
P A G E 9 I S S U E 8
tate, Malta’s leading real estate
group which also focuses on
providing assistance to foreign
nationals acquiring property in
Malta.
Jean Chapelle from Blevins
Franks provided advice on
Cross Border Tax, Integrated
tax, investment planning and
suggested how to maximise
investment income in a tax effi-
cient manner. Further advice
was given on current assets,
transferring pensions and inher-
itance tax planning.
John Huber from John Huber &
Associates gave an overview of
the fiscal implications of taking
up residence in Malta. His talk
focused on the various residen-
cy programmes available and the
tax implications. He took the
opportunity to promote the
recently launched Malta Retire-
ment Programme which was
very well received by the semi-
nar audience.
Grahame Salt from Frank Salt
Real Estate covered Real Estate
and Investment Opportunities
which are available to anyone
interested in settling in Malta.
He remarked that
15,000 UK nationals
have set up home in
Malta over the last 2
decades. Since 2005,
the expatriate popula-
tion in Malta has in-
creased by 65%. He
also discussed the
rental market, particu-
larly the residential
market which has
been recently stimu-
lated by the boom in the com-
mercial market. He said that
90% of properties rented in Mal-
ta are rented by non Maltese.
High Commissioner Zammit
Tabona remarked that he was
very pleased with the outcome
of these seminars and said he
will continue to fully support
companies which promote mov-
ing or investing in Malta, specifi-
cally by offering the space at the
Malta High Commission in Picca-
dilly to other Maltese companies
to hold similar events.
On 15 and 16 November 2012,
three seminars were held at the
Malta High Commission, Piccadil-
ly titled ‘The Mediterranean’s
Best Kept Secret…why you
should move to Malta?’ These
seminars provided key infor-
mation to help those attending to
make the best of their move
or investment in Malta.
In his introduction, High
Commissioner Joseph Zam-
mit Tabona welcomed the
guests and explained why
Malta is a favourite destina-
tion for anyone planning to
move or invest outside the
UK. He mentioned the excel-
lent relations that exist be-
tween Malta and the UK,
both on a political and economic
level, and made reference to sup-
porting statistics such as that 31%
of incoming tourists to Malta
come from the UK market and
the stock of FDI into Malta from
the UK stands at over Euro 460
million.
The seminars were organised by
Blevins Franks, leading tax plan-
ning and wealth management
advisers to expatriates living
abroad; John Huber & Associates,
a Maltese advisory firm that ca-
ters for tax services with special
focus on tax issues related to
relocating to Malta and expatriate
services; and Frank Salt Real Es-
Moving to Malta Seminars
by Blevins Franks, Frank Salt Real Estate and John Huber & Associates
M A L T A H I G H C O M M I S S I O N
P A G E 1 0
Forthcoming Events
Maltese Community
Holy Mass of Christmas
24 December 2012
19.00
St Boniface Church,
47 Adler Street,
Aldgate East,
London E1 1EE
Celebration of the Birth of
Jesus with singing of Tradi-
tional Carols in Maltese and
English followed by a Get-
Together at the Roland
Philipps Scouts Centre, 65
Copley Street (off Stepney
Way) London E1 3DF
Maltese Culture Move-
ment
New Year's Eve Party
31 December 2012
19.30—02.00
Holiday Inn London Re-
gent's Park
Carburton Street
London, W1W 5EE
For more details on Mal-
tese Culture Movement
events go to:
www.malteseculturemovem
ent.com
Maltese Community
Epiphany Holy Mass
6 January 2013
16.30
St Boniface Church,
47 Adler Street,
Aldgate East,
London E1 1EE
Conclusion of the Christ-
mas Celebrations with Holy
Mass in Maltese and English
For more details contact Fr
Victor Camilleri on 07930
198 251 or victor-
M A L T A H I G H C O M M I S S I O N
24 December
Maltese Com-
munity Holy
Mass
31 December
Maltese Cul-
ture Move-
ment New
Year’s Eve
Party
6 January
Maltese Com-
munity Epipha-
ny Holy Mass
2013 General Elections Information If you would like to be kept informed of any travel notices for eligible voters for the 2013
General Elections in Malta, please send an email to [email protected]
and write ‘General Elections 2013’ in the subject title.
If you qualify to be registered as a voter you might wish to verify that your name and partic-
ulars have been included in the revised electoral register published on the 5th October,
2012 by the Electoral Commission. This also applies to those persons who obtained Maltese
Citizenship through naturalization or registration and certified dual nationals in accordance
with the Constitution of Malta and the General Elections Act (Chap.354). These persons are
urged to verify their inclusion in this Electoral Register.
To verify this, please contact the Electoral Commission
By post: The Electoral Commission, Evans Building, St Elmo Place
Valletta VLT 2000, Malta
By email: [email protected]
By phone: 00356 2122 1994, 00356 2558 3000 or 00356 2124 5086
Maltese singing family present
charity Christmas single to the High Commissioner
P A G E 1 1 I S S U E 8
Christmas Time – a single released
to raise money for charity was pre-
sented to the High Commissioner on
6 December 2012. The cd was pre-
sented by UK based Maltese musi-
cian Mutt Ley, who together with
his wife Gia, also a professional
singer and vocal coach, has formed
a new choir called Angelpop. They
were accompanied by their children
5 year old Paige and 4 year old Wil-
low, also singing with the same
choir. Angelpop is a group of young
children aged between 4-10 years
who have come together to sing the
song Christmas time to raise money
for charity.
The charity benefiting from all pro-
ceeds from this song is "YOU TOUCH
AFRICA" – particularly the project of
building classrooms for a school in
Tanzania. Kiraracha primary school
in Tanzania has been under con-
struction since 2002. The villagers
with the assistance from the You
Touch Africa charity have been able
to construct six classrooms which
accommodate up to 100 pupils due
to lack of more rooms. The school
needs 9 more classrooms to be able
to accommodate all the children
from the surrounding areas. It costs
£3,000 to complete one classroom.
High Commissioner Zammit Tabona
said that it was his pleasure to re-
ceive this very talented family and
praised their noble efforts to help
needy children in Tanzania. He com-
mended their initiative and augured
them every success.
Mutt Ley and his wife Gia said that
this project stemmed from their
strong belief in Anne Frank’s saying:
‘How wonderful it is that nobody
need wait a single moment before
starting to improve the world’. They
are committed to instil this belief in
their children and the rest of Angel-
pop choir, who dedicated time and
effort to release ‘Christmas Time’
for this festive season.
The song can be downloaded from iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/album/christmas-time-feat.-gia-angelpop/id578305880 For further information please con-tact Gia on +447767145821 or email on [email protected] and donations can be made directly to the charity www.youtouchafrica.org
M A L T A H I G H C O M M I S S I O N
Maltese students invited to the High Commission The High Commissioner and Mrs Zammit Tabona hosted two recep-tions for Maltese students who are currently studying in the UK. A large number of students and recent graduates attended these recep-tions, at the Malta High Commis-sion, Piccadilly, held on 23 October and again by popular demand on 12 December.
High Commissioner Zammit Tabona welcomed the Maltese students to the High Commission and wished them every success in their studies and future endeavours. He also
pledged the High Commission’s sup-port during their time away from Malta.
The students and recent graduates all moved from Malta to the UK, and predominantly to London, to widen their knowledge and gain invaluable experience of living away from home in a large cosmopolitan city. The High Commissioner praised their accomplishments and noted how what they are achieving trans-lates into back bone in attitude and success on the international job market.
The High Commissioner remarked on the exceptional positions being held by those Maltese recent gradu-ates already in employment, who after graduating in Malta in tech-nical areas such as engineering and IT, and furthering their postgradu-ate studies in the UK, they venture into fields such as banking, finance, hospitality and IT support.
Those present were urged to leave their contact details so they can be kept informed of all the events be-ing organised by the Malta High Commission throughout the year.
P A G E 1 2
Honorary Consuls in the UK and Ireland
Maltese artist Rupert Cefai exhibits works in London
Maltese visual
artist Rupert
Cefai exhibited
his collection of
artworks titled
‘Tiers of Truths’
in London during
the first two
weeks of Octo-
ber.
‘Tiers of Truths’
is a collection of
artworks in-
spired by real life events -
scenes the artist has wit-
nessed and experienced. The
subjects, the people and the
backgrounds are all taken
from everyday life in London,
Valletta, Essen and elsewhere.
A private viewing was held on
4 October 2012. The High
Commissioner of Malta and
Mrs Zammit Tabona were in
attendance. The High Com-
missioner said that the ex-
port to London of Maltese
artistic expression such as
‘Tiers of Truths’ gives a high
profile not only to the artist
himself but also to Maltese
art in general. He wished
artist Rupert Cefai all the
success in his artistic endeav-
ours away from the Maltese
shores.
The Exhibition was being held
at The Framers Gallery,
Windmill Street, London
W1T 2JT. All the works ex-
hibited were available as lim-
ited edition prints.
This exhibition was co-
sponsored by the Malta Tour-
ism Authority, the Malta Busi-
ness Network and the Malta
High Commission.
For more information please
visit http://
www.rupertcefai.com/
Hon Consul in Gibraltar Franco Cassar Loporto c/o Barclays Wealth
Regal House Queensway Gibraltar
[email protected] [email protected] Tel: +350 2005 2340
Mob: +350 5733 9000
Hon Consul Northern Ireland Tom Kelly The NewsRoom
Fountain Centre Belfast BT1 6ET [email protected]
Tel: +44 7767 393 250
Hon Consul in Scotland George Hunter OBE 1 Craiglockhart Crescent
Edinburgh Scotland EH14 1EZ [email protected]
Tel: +44 131 443 2533 Fax: +44 131 443 1682
Hon Consul in Wales Sir Brooke Boothby Fonmon Castle Fonmon, Barry
Vale of Glamorgan Wales CF62 3ZN [email protected]
[email protected] Tel: +44 0871 716 2357 +44 01446 710 206
Fax: +44 01446 711 687
M A L T A H I G H C O M M I S S I O N
Hon Consul on the Isle of Man John P Conti 17 Circular Road
Douglas Isle of Man IM1 1AF [email protected]
Tel. +44 1624 670003 Fax. +44 1624 612281
Hon Consul in Dublin Terence F Loane 30, Hermitage Grove Rathfarnham
Dublin 16 [email protected] Tel: +353 1 494 4220
Mob: +353 8625 73351
Gibraltar
Northern Ireland
Scotland
Wales
Isle of Man
Dublin
Maltese Organisations in the UK Maltese Culture Movement
Mr Bernard Scerri Chairman P.O. Box 2964 London N19 4NS
Tel: 020 7272 9000 Fax: 020 7272 7787
Maltese Charities Association
Mrs M. Hladnik / Mrs Bernie Jackman Joint-Organisers c/o Pat Troubridge,
90 Troy Court Kensington High Street
London W8 7RE Tel: 020 8244 8491
Maltese Community of East
London
Fr. Victor Camilleri c/o Boniface Mission
47 Adler Street London E1 1EE Tel: 020 7247 9529
Mob: 079 3019 8251 [email protected]
George Cross Island
Association
Ms Julia Gaw - Chairman 29, Pigeonhouse Lane, Rustington
West Sussex, BN16 2AY
Tel: 01903 786058 [email protected]
The Friends of Malta GC
(Formerly Association of Maltese Communities of Egypt) Mr Herbert Magri Overend President
34 Mills Road Melksham Wiltshire SN12 7DT
Tel: 0122 5708 550 [email protected]
To add your organisation to
this list please contact the
Malta High Commission
In
Pictures
36 - 38 Piccadilly London W1J 0LE
Phone: 0207-292-4800
Fax: 0207-292-4803
General mail: [email protected]
Passports: [email protected]
Visas: [email protected]
Events: [email protected]
http://www.foreign.gov.mt/london
Editor: [email protected]
Malta High Commission