Announcements

CILIA. On April 6, at Mater Dei Hospital, SALVATORE of Cospicua, residing at Paola, aged 92, passed away peacefully, comforted by the rites of Holy Church. He leaves to mourn his loss his sisters Elizabeth Tonna of USA, and Rita, wife of Charles Woods, of Wales, nephews, nieces and their families, numerous relatives and friends.
The funeral leaves Mater Dei Hospital today at 7.15 a.m. for St Anthony's church, Għajn Dwieli, Paola, where Mass praesente cadavere will be said at 8 a.m., followed by interment at the Santa Maria Addolorata Cemetery. No flowers by request but donations to Dar tal-Providenza, Siġġiewi, will be greatly appreciated.
Lord, grant him eternal rest.

DECELIS. On April 7, at St Vincent de Paul Residence, VIOLET of Qormi, widow of Francis, aged 89, passed away peacefully to join the Risen Lord, comforted by the rites of Holy Church. She leaves to mourn her loss her children, Carmel and his wife Mary and George and his wife Marlene, her grandchildren, Juan and his wife Michelle, Stefan, Ruth-Frances, her great-grandchildren Kylie, Aiden, Zinedine and Ylena, other relatives and friends. R.I.P.
The funeral leaves St Vincent de Paul residence tomorrow at 7.15 a.m. for St George's parish church, Qormi, where Mass praesente cadavere will be said at 7.45 a.m., followed by interment in the family grave at the Santa Maria Addolorata Cemetery. No flowers by request but donations to Dar tal-Providenza, Siġġiewi, will be appreciated.

Requiem Masses

Today being the seventh anniversary of the death of VICTOR PACE, the 6.30 p.m. Mass at Ta' l-Ibraġ parish church will be offered for the repose of his soul. Lord, grant him eternal rest.

In Memoriam

CARUANA. In loving memory of our dear mother MARY, née Xuereb, who passed away on April 8, 1984. Her daughters Marie Louise, Iris, Joan and their families.

FARRUGIA RANDON - Dr ROBERT FARRUGIA RANDON. On the 11th anniversary of his passing to eternal life. Lovingly remembered by his wife Josephine, his son Stanley, his daughter Roberta, and their spouses, his grandchildren, his sister and brothers, other relatives and friends. A prayer is solicited.

GAUCI. In loving memory of DANIEL on the first anniversary of his demise. Never forgotten, uncle Charles, auntie Rena, Gabriella, Rachel, Ann Marie, Emily and Karl.

GOUDER - LINA. Fondly remembered, today her anniversary, and always. Simone, Francis, Karl, Nicky, Simon and Caroline.

LAPIRA - ANTOINE. In loving memory of our father on the anniversary of his passing away. His children Mark, Fiona, Marion and Jude, in-laws and grandchildren. Always in our thoughts and prayers.

PANDOLFINO. Ever loving memories of MARY, a very dear mother and grandmother, on the 30th anniversary of her passing away. Always in our prayers. Her family.

International essay contest

Young people from around the world are once again being invited to enter the 2008 International Essay Contest organised by Unesco and the Goi Peace Foundation with the sponsorship of the Earthrise Society.

The theme for this year's contest is My Project To Create Positive Change In My Environment. How Can I Foster Sustainable Development In My Community?

The deadline for entries is June 30.

First prize winners will get a cash award and a trip to Japan. The guidelines can be found on www.goipeace.or.jp/english/activities/programs/0801_00.htm .

The essay contest announcement is also highlighted on the Unesco website http://www.unesco.org/youth .

Students visit BoV centre

A group of local banking and finance university students, together with foreign finance students visiting Malta as part of the Erasmus Exchange Programme, recently visited BOV Centre in Sta Venera.

Led by Joe Falzon, head of the Banking and Finance Faculty at the University of Malta, the students were addressed by Charles Borg, chief officer financial markets and investments at BOV, and Kenneth Farrugia, general manager of Valletta Fund Services Limited.

The Erasmus exchange programme seeks to enhance the quality of cooperation between higher education institutions in the EU.

Music competitions

The 31st edition of the international music competitions Valentino Bucchi Prize will be held in Rome for players of violin, viola, double bass, violincello, quartet and strings and in the field of composition.

Applications will be received until October, 20 by the Secretariat of International Competitions, Premio Valentino Bucchi - Year 2008, Fondazione Valentino Bucchi, Via U. Peruzzi, 20 - 00139 Rome, Italy.

Further information can be obtained from: bucchi@premiobucchi.it or from the organisation's website at: www.premiobucchi.it .

Insurance prize

James Portelli has received a Discretionary Prize and a Highly Commended Recognition from the Chartered Insurance Institute's Morgan Owen Adjudication Panel for his dissertation entitled INVINS Exchange: Capital And Capacity Cross-Selling And Consolidation.

The Morgan Owen Award is the insurance world's most prestigious essay prize awarded for the best essay/dissertation entered by a Fellow or Associate of the Chartered Insurance Institute (UK). It was first established by Mr Owen FCII in 1911-12.

New lighting system at society of arts

The Malta Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce recently inaugurated a state-of-the-art track lighting system in its exhibition halls at Palazzo De La Salle in Republic Street, Valletta.

The Society, which had long felt the need to upgrade its outdated lighting system, contracted engineer Stephen Buttigieg for the purpose. The new system was inaugurated by outgoing president of the Society, Paul Asciak.

Revamped WasteServ website

A newly revamped website has been launched by WasteServ Malta Ltd in an effort to keep communication channels with the public open.

The site, www.wasteservmalta.com, showcases the company's operations during the past five years. It will be updated regularly with news and activities related to waste management.

George Cross re-enactment

A group from the George Cross Island Association will be coming to Malta on Thursday for their annual reunion. The association was formed from among survivors of the second great siege 1940-42. They will attend the re-enactment of the presentation of the George Cross on April 15.