Flying the flag

I would like to refer to the article entitled "Unique financing structure for film on EgyptAir hijacking".

It has been annoying to read in this article, and in several others in other journals, that I am being referred to as a Maltese-born Canadian, with greater emphasis on my Canadian citizenship, as if I have somehow lost my Maltese status. While I am very proud to be a Canadian citizen, I would like to point out that I am a Maltese citizen too. I proudly carry a Maltese passport (and a Canadian one), speak Maltese to my wife and to a lesser degree to my children, can read, write and express myself in Maltese better than some living in Malta and am proud to be the direct descendant of Mikiel Anton Vassalli.

I was 27 years old when I left the island and keep constant touch with family, friends and business associates. I graduated from the University of Malta, formed an integral part of the Maltese theatre and TV scene, appearing on countless Maltese TV dramas and plays, especially those by Francis Ebejer, directed the first full-length feature film in Maltese based on Frans Sammut's Gagga and my play Sulari Fuq Strada Stretta got banned from the Manoel Theatre.

It is embarrassing to have to defend my citizenship in this manner but to be perceived as an "ex-Maltese" is annoying, to say the least. Even when dual citizenship had not been formalised between Canada and Malta, my attitude always was that no government, politician or opinion was going to determine my birthright.

I knew exactly what I was, and officialdom did not, could not, take it away from me. In a letter from the Department for Citizenship and Expatriate Affairs of the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Environment in Malta, dated January 20, 2003, I was assured that "in terms of section 9 of the Maltese Citizenship Act Cap. 188, you are deemed not to have ever ceased to be a citizen of Malta".

When I finally got that letter we had a party to celebrate! While I appreciate all the wonderful attention being offered regarding my role as director in the upcoming Maltese film production of Flight to Oblivion, I would like to remind all those that are kind enough to comment about it that I am still very proud of my heritage and my birthright.

Jien Malti! Thank you.