The culture committee within the Ministry for Gozo will hold a commemorative event today on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the tragic loss of Fredu Spiteri - il-Lavarist - Gozo's prolific son in ghana and spirtu pront who died on November 10, 1965, aged 36 after he was involved in a traffic accident.

Mr Spiteri was known for his jovial character and his love of the guitar, which was his constant companion. He is remembered by many for his comic makkjetti and his participation in popular festivities such as Christmas and carnival.

He participation at any event, many of which were fund-raisers for charitable institutions, meant a packed house. Many remember him as the one who filled the still summer nights in Marsalforn, singing and playing the guitar in the dim light of the street lamp, way before electricity and modern entertainment facilities came to the sleepy seaside fishing village.

Mr Spiteri was a founding member of the Muskettieri Ghawdxin, one of the island's better known theatre companies in the 1960s, and a host on a weekly programme on the Rediffusion, the cable radio network. He was also a regular in the Mnarja festivities in Buskett and on television.

His tragic death had shocked the whole island.

The commemorative event, which will be held at the Ministry for Gozo today at 7 p.m., includes traditional guitar playing, folk singing by il-Budaj and the recollection of personal experiences by locals who worked closely with Mr Spiteri through the years.