Belgium will be opening an Embassy in Malta next year. It will be sited at the former British High Commission in St Anne Street, Floriana.
This was announced by Belgium's first resident ambassador to Malta, Thomas Baekelandt, while speaking at a reception which he and Mrs Bakelandt gave at the Pavilion of the Westin Dragonara last Monday to celebrate King's Day.
A good number of guests, led by President Fenech Adami, attended the reception, where Belgian chocolates, arguably the world's finest, featured prominently.
Among the guests were the Chief Justice and Mrs De Gaetano, Parliamentary Secretary Tony Abela, members of the diplomatic corps and of the consular corps, and Belgian nationals resident in Malta.
The Ambassador said he would first like to address his co-nationals, which he proceeded to do in the country's two official languages - Flemish and French.
Continuing his address in English, Mr Baekelandt said the Belgian government had decided to open embassies in all member states of the European Union after its enlargement last May. He was therefore proud to be the first resident Belgian ambassador to Malta.
Malta, he continued, had joined a European club, but it did not just use its lounge; it was an active member, a team player.
Ambassador Baekelandt then proposed a toast to the President and people of Malta, and to the continuing excellent relations between Belgium and Malta.
In reply, President Fenech Adami said that Malta was not only an active club member; it also sat on the board of the club. The decision to join that club came after a lot of soul-searching, but finally the Maltese people decided that Malta's rightful place was in the European Union.
The President praised Belgium for giving Malta every assistance in its long membership process. Maltese government officials had travelled hundreds of times to Brussels, making the Belgian capital a household name in Malta.
As for bilateral relations, Dr Fenech Adami said that about 25,000 Belgian tourists visited Malta last year, while trade relations were good. He was sure that with the opening of a Belgian Embassy in Malta, these relations would continue to grow.
President then proposed a toast to King Albert II of Belgium and to the friendship between the Maltese and Belgian peoples.
The official part of the evening came to an end with the playing of the two national anthems.
Czech National Day celebrated in Malta
The Czech Year of Music 2004 and the Czech Republic's National Day were celebrated in Malta with a concert given by the Choral Society of Moravian Teachers at St John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta yesterday week.
The concert was held under the distinguished patronage of President Fenech Adami and was attended also by the Prime Minister and Mrs Gonzi, members of the diplomatic corps led by the Apostolic Nuncio, Mgr Felix Del Blanco Prieto, the Chief Justice and Mrs De Gaetano, ministers, parliamentary secretaries, heads of government departments and other distinguished guests, including a delegation from the Czech Parliament, who together with members of the public packed the Co-Cathedral to capacity.
Sacred and traditional Czech songs were sung by the choir who gave an excellent performance, commemorating the various Czech composers whose anniversaries fall this year.
The highlight of the evening were the Czech and Maltese national anthems sung at the end of the concert by soprano Marketa Matlova accompanied by the choir in a most wonderful arrangement.
The concert was held with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic, the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Rome, the Czech consulate in Malta and the Maltese-Czech Society, together with the sponsorship support received from various local organisations, including Malta International Airport plc, Go Mobile, Middle Sea Insurance plc, Skoda Auto, Brincat Pianos Centre, the Malta Experience, Link School of English, HSBC Bank plc, Malta Tourism Authority, Vascas Jewellers and Nexos Lighting Technology.
The concert was followed by a reception hosted by Libor Secka, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Malta, and Mrs S. Seckova at the Museum of Archaeology in Valletta, which was again attended by the President and Mrs Fenech Adami, the Prime Minister and Mrs Gonzi, various ambassadors and other distinguished guests including various members of the Czech and Slovak community in Malta.
The reception came to an end with the members of the Choral Society of Moravian Teachers joining their Czech and Slovak compatriots in singing traditional songs.
Middlesea Valletta Life supports AIESEC festival
Middlesea Valletta Life (MVL) recently presented a sponsorship to University-based organisation AIESEC for hosting its annual festival at the University of Malta.
The sponsorship was presented by MVL general manager David G. Curmi to AIESEC representative Fiona Micallef.
Presenting the sponsorship cheque, Mr Curmi said: "We are pleased to be associated with AIESEC in the organisation of this popular event. We are aware of AIESEC's role as an organisation that provides University students with an opportunity to discover and develop their potential. "Middlesea Valletta Life believes in the important role of student organisations and acknowledges that such organisations serve to develop organisational and leadership skills in young people which benefit them when they enter the business world."
The AIESEC festival celebrated the end of the last academic year and the start of the current one. The festival, which included performances by DJ Gianni and his band RUG, Miss Roberta, DJ Drew, DJ Toby, Malcolm Galea, Freddie Portelli and Akapellas, attracted thousands of students.
Middlesea Valletta Life Assurance Company Ltd is authorised to carry on long-term business under the Insurance Business Act 1998 and licensed to provide investment services in terms of the Investment Services Act, 1994 in relation to linked long-term contracts of insurance.
Winners of Family Pack lottery on their way to Orlando
Melita Cable plc on Tuesday announced the winners of the Family Pack lottery. The lottery enabled subscribers to the Melita Cable Family Pack to win a variety of prizes.
Josette Calleja, of San Gwann, will be enjoying a nine-night stay at the Walt Disney Resort, Orlando, together with her husband and her family, courtesy of Melita Cable and British Airways. An overjoyed Mrs Calleja said: "I can't believe this is happening to me! My daughters are delighted at the idea of going to Orlando."
Melita Cable's gifts do not stop here. Other loyal Family Pack subscribers have won fabulous prizes, which include a 42" LG Plasma Screen, won by Mr Monreal, of Paola, and two 29" Sony Flat screens, won by Mrs Bratchie, of Xemxija, and Mr Brodgen, of Xaghra, courtesy of Melita Cable and Forestals.
"It's a great feeling to reward our loyal subscribers," said Franco de Gabriele, head of Sales and Marketing, while presenting the prizes to the winners. "Melita will provide its subscribers with a number of other positive surprises in the near future," referring to the upcoming launch of digital TV services to be launched by the company in the first quarter of 2005.
Embassy Complex celebrates fourth anniversary
The Embassy Complex celebrated its fourth birthday last week with activities that attracted thousands of shoppers in Valletta.
The live music created a buzz that was accentuated by the stilt-walkers, magicians, balloon modellers, jugglers, face painting and more. Balloons were given to the excited children in and around the complex.
To mark this special week, the Embassy cinemas offered a special price of Lm1.50 to all patrons. Children visiting the cinema last week also enjoyed free passes to the Playmobil Funpark and to the Limestone Heritage.
Furthermore, all those who spent at least Lm5 at any of the Embassy establishments were given the chance to enter into a competition with the grand prize of a Ford Fiesta and several other prizes including free meals and weekend breaks at the Westin Dragonara Resort, which will run until the end of January.
For the Embassy this is just the start of an active period with something exciting happening throughout the month leading up to Christmas. Embassy has made it easy for everyone to be able to share all of this during this festive period.
Embassy vouchers are sure to please as they are redeemable throughout all the various shops and other establishments within the complex, including at the cinema and bingo hall, making them the ideal gift for all ages. Vouchers may be purchased from the Embassy Management Office on Level -2 of the complex.
For further details call 2122-7436.
Jewellery and silverware showcase at Vascas
Vascas recently launched Expectations 2004, the first exhibition of jewellery and silverware to mark the completion of a major refurbishment project and the new corporate image.
It was an event resplendent with the luxuries of la dolce vita but also aimed at combining splendour with generosity for a charitable cause.
The exhibition, held in-house over a four-day period at the end of last month, was inaugurated by the President and Mrs Fenech Adami on behalf of the Malta Community Chest Fund.
Quality, elegance and an ambience that cossets the customer are undoubtedly the mark of distinction any credible entrepreneur in the jewellery business would aspire to. In this regard, Vascas certainly left no stone unturned. The interior décor of the stylishly transformed premises at 21st September Avenue, Naxxar, has an air of quality and class on a par with any European top brand name. No expense has been spared in assuring customer satisfaction.
In his inauguration speech, Vascas managing director Arthur Castillo emphasised this premise as the company's primary objective. He explained how together with his partner, Mark Vassallo, they had built their success in a relatively short ten-year period based on this fundamental principle of enhancing the service through continuous investment.
Mr Castillo added that this would not have been conducive to success had it not been complemented by a strong team effort and effective customer care relations. He was adamant that the basis of any successful enterprise holds these three principles as its core values.
The exhibition displayed an assortment of jewellery collections to tempt the wide-ranging preferences of differing personalities, from young adults' to men's and, incontrovertibly, to women's tastes. Collections ranged from the classic look, featuring an assortment of lines in precious metal and gemstones, to the contemporary and ultra-hip, featuring a mix of other trendy metals and materials so avidly sought-after by the more avant-garde customer. The exhibition showcased the bridal jewellery collections of engagement rings with matching wedding bands, individually designed to the customer's preference, for which Vascas is particularly renowned.
Besides the jewel-laden showcases to seduce the affluent buyer, the exhibition presented the perfect opportunity for the less privileged customer to indulge in discounted purchases supported by extended payment plans at zero interest. Vascas aims to draw to its fold all types of would-be buyers by offering similar exclusive services through their daily television promotions. There is no doubt that Expectations 2004 has proved to be another successful effort by which Vascas has enhanced its reputation as a credible and forward-looking name in the field.
To mark the occasion, Mr Castillo presented a donation of Lm1,000 to President Fenech Adami in aid of the Community Chest Fund, and invited the guests to show their generosity through a special collection organised during the event.
Sterling Jewellers exhibition opens Christmas season with a huge sparkle
Sterling Jewellers launched the latest Waterfall Collection last Thursday at their Jewellery & Watch Exhibition at Le Meridien Phoenicia, Floriana, entitled Emotions. Sterling Jewellers' seventh annual exhibition remains on display for another week.
Approaching the sparkling showcases full of jewellery literally felt like plunging into a shower of diamonds, with big names like Corum, Gucci, Versace, Emporio Armani, Festina, Fendi, Rotary, Dunhill, Salvini, Burberry, DKNY, Pasquale Bruni, Fontenay, Elini, Bliss, Guess and Tommy Hilfiger.
Sterling Jewellers unveiled their brand new collection of colliers and earrings, some of which are mounted using more than 1,000 brilliant cut diamonds.
Their dazzling Waterfall collection featured mostly cascading diamond jewellery in all colours, shapes and sizes.
"We wanted to design unique pieces which flow with a woman's movement, steering clear of decades of rigidity. That is how the Waterfall collection was created, Sterling Jewellers chairman Alfred Fenech said at the official opening of the exhibition, for which singing duo Julie and Ludwig were present as ambassadors.
Sterling's designs were brought to life by Italian craftsmen and each piece will be up for grabs at the exhibition. Think early if you plan to add a sparkle for your partner or loved one this Christmas.
Alternatively, you can choose from an exquisite array of loose diamonds to create your very own original piece of jewellery, since a workshop where gems can be mounted on the spot is also at the exhibition.
Romina Grech Fenech, director of Sterling Group, said this year's exhibition focused on emotions, usually associated with feelings created when jewellery is given as a present. A diamond speaks volumes.
A new collection of trilogy diamond jewellery is also on display and those visiting the exhibition have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to win a trilogy ring.
However, the exhibition is not just about diamonds. People can also enjoy looking at other eye-catching gold pieces and gems, the new magnetic wedding rings, classic timepieces, semi-precious stones and fashionable silver jewellery, to suit all tastes.
Mr Fenech said that this was an exhibition for everyone, providing the perfect opportunity to do a spot of early Christmas shopping.
"Whatever your budget, we can always find the right gift," he said.
Visiting the exhibition also gives you the chance to lay your hands on a free copy of Sterling Style, Sterling's third issue, full of prizes, including weekend holiday breaks to various destinations. This year's exhibition also marks the opening of a brand new Sterling Jewellers outlet near Main Street Shopping Complex in Paola. Sterling Jewellers now have 24 outlets.
What is behind the success of this family-run business? "I guess it has always been our constant thirst to develop and grow. At Sterling, our motto has always been to come up with innovative ideas. To achieve this you must work hard, but it is worth the effort," Mr Fenech said.
The exhibition, which opens from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., is under the patronage of Mrs Fenech Adami and in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund. Entrance is free.
Simonne Pace
KPMG Banca Cup 2004
The first edition of the Banca Cup football tournament took place on November 6 at the Melita FC ground in Pembroke. The event, organised by KPMG, the global network of professional services firms, for its audit banking clients, was a great success.
Seven banks took part in the tournament: Bawag Malta Bank, HSBC, Garanti Bank, Lombard Bank, Izola Bank, Volksbank and FIMBank.
The final saw Lombard Bank and the hosts KPMG battle it out for the trophy which was won by Lombard Bank by two goals to one.
Good fun was had by all and the event ended with a commitment during the presentation of the trophies by KPMG senior partner Joseph C. Schembri to turn this into an annual event.
Farewell dinner for BoV outgoing chairman
On November 12, the BoV board of directors and CEO Tonio Depasquale hosted outgoing chairman Joseph F.X. Zahra to a farewell dinner at the Barracuda Restaurant, St Julian's.
In a short address, Norman Rossignaud, the longest serving board member, thanked Mr Zahra for his dedication throughout his six years as chairman of the bank and outlined some of the most recent achievements of the bank, including an international award.
He then presented Mr Zahra with a silver salver, while board director Marlene Mizzi presented a bouquet of roses to Mrs Zahra.
Mr Zahra then thanked the board members, chief executive and company secretary for their contribution and support and expressed his appreciation for the lovely gift and very enjoyable evening.
People
Therese Pace of Birkirkara has just been awarded a special mention for her poem entitled Missili Viventi in the biennial national Cluvium poetry contest in Pro-Loco Calvanico, Salerno, Italy.
This comes only a few months after she placed fourth in the international contest of the Accademia Internazionale Padre Pio da Pietralcina di Scienze, Lettere ed Arti of Foggia, with a poem in Maltese entitled Virtù and its translation in Italian.
At the presentation ceremony she delivered a speech about fraternity through poetry. In both cases her poems will be included in the relative forthcoming anthologies.
Ms Pace has recently published her own first collection of poems in Maltese entitled Arpeggi.
For our diary
Former members of the third LAA Regiment RMA, the 11th Heavy Regiment RMA, the 3/11 Regiment RMA(T), members of the 3/11 Regiment RMA(T) Association and family memers, are invited to attend the remembrance service for deceased members at St Barbara's church, Republic Street, Floriana, on Friday at 7 p.m.
High tea is being held after Mass at Eddie's Bar, Republic Square, Valletta. Contact treasurer René Grixti on 2133-8661.
The Malta Floral Club is organising its annual exhibition and sale of work at its premises, 57, Sir Luigi Camilleri Street, Sliema, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Maltese-American Association will celebrate Mass on Thanksgiving Day at the Seabank Hotel, Mellieha, on Sunday at 11 a.m. Buffet lunch will be served at 12.30 p.m. For tickets and more information phone Dar l-Emigrant, Castille Place, Valletta on 2122-2644, 2123-2545 or 2124-0255.
A card party in aid of the Little Sisters of the Poor will be held at the Preluna Hotel Skyroom, Sliema, on December 1, at 10 a.m. For booking phone Blanche Martin on 2133-0387.
Energising relaxation, an introductory level workshop in Tibetan relaxation exercises (Kum Nye Relaxation) is being held at the Gaia Foundation's Elysium Visitor Centre, Ghajn Tuffieha Road. An introductory talk will be given by Kay Gretchen on December 3 at the Isis Creativity Centre, Level 3, Windsor Apartments, Msida Circus, Msida, from 7 to 9.30 p.m. Admission is free.
For more information phone 2137-4234.
The President and Mrs Fenech Adami's engagements November 22-28
Tuesday
10.30 a.m. The President is presented with a donation in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund from a collection during Skolasajf, at the Palace, Valletta.
11.45 The President pays an official visit to the premises of the Malta Red Cross Society in Valletta.
Wednesday
6 p.m. The President is presented with the Budget Speech by the Prime Minister at the Palace, Valletta.
Thursday
11.45 a.m. The President receives Robert Wessman, president and CEO of Activis Group, at the Palace, Valletta.
6 p.m. The President presides over a meeting of the Commission for the Administration of Justice.
7.30 The President attends the annual concert organised by the Ghaqda Kazini tal-Baned at the Manoel Theatre, Valletta.
Friday
10 a.m. The President receives Peter Pithart, Speaker of the Czech parliament, at the Palace, Valletta.
10.30 The President is presented with a copy of Id-Dar tal-Providenza minsuga fuq il-hajja ta' Mons Lawrence Gatt by Fr Alexander Bonnici and John Micallef.
5 p.m. The President delivers an opening speech during the inauguration of the Federal Council of the European Movements International organised by the Maltese European Movement at the Corinthia Palace Hotel, Attard.
7.30 The President inaugurates an exhibition of sculptures by Ganni Bonnici organised by Bank of Valletta at the BoV Centre, Sliema.
8.30 The President attends the annual reception hosted by the president of the Malta Chamber of Commerce at the Exchange Buildings, Valletta.
Sunday
7.30 p.m. The President presides over the Premju Haddiem tas-Sena organised by the Ministry of Education at the Mediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta.