Heard in the Hive

IN A religious ceremony at the ancient chapel of Nieder-Weisel, an old commandery of the Order of St John (1225) in Germany, HRH Prince Oskar of Prussia, Herrenmeister (Master-Bailiff) of the German Order of St John, last June bestowed the high decoration of the Knight's Cross of Honour on Marquis Anthony Buttigieg De Piro, Corps Commander of the St John Rescue Corps, Malta.

The Knight's Cross of Honour (Ehrenritterkreuz) is a rarely awarded decoration for meritorious service to the ideals of the Hospitaller tradition of the Orders of St John.

The Bailiwick of Brandenburg of the Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem, more commonly known as the Johanniterorden, is the German Protestant Order of St John, which together with the three other recognised Protestant Orders of St John, forms part of the Alliance of Orders of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem.

In conjunction with the Catholic Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and of Malta (SMOM), the Alliance brings together the five Orders of St John, which although confessionally diverse, are united under one ideal.

Marquis Buttigieg De Piro is the founding commanding officer and since, the Corps Commander of the St John Rescue Corps, a unique paramilitary fully volunteer corps which operates in Malta under the auspices of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem, the British Order of St John. HM Queen Elizabeth II, the Sovereign Head, has recently knighted Marquis Buttigieg De Piro in the Most Venerable Order.

Since the establishment of the Rescue Corps in 1986, and its commencement of operations in 1991, Marquis Buttigieg De Piro has maintained close relations with the German Order of St John and the SMOM.

The St John Rescue Corps was raised to meet the need in Malta of a support civil defence unit consisting of adult volunteers fully trained in rescue and first aid. The Corps is part of St John Ambulance Malta, but is a separate organisation from the St John Ambulance Brigade (First Aid and Nursing).

Unlike the St John Ambulance Brigade, whose task is also to give first aid at public functions, football matches and other events, the mission statement of the St John Rescue Corps is "to provide a uniformed voluntary corps of organised and fully trained adults, able to carry out rescue operations and first aid efficiently. They are to be prepared to go into action as an individual unit, in support of the constituted authorities of the Maltese Islands, when officially called upon by them, in case of major national calamities such as earthquakes, war, major air-crashes, floods and so forth".

The Corps is based at Fort Madalena, which has been loaned to it by the Government of Malta.

Volunteers are trained in basic first aid and rescue skills. Many volunteers take further advanced courses in the more specialised and demanding fields of heavy rescue, cliff (high-angle) rescue and fire fighting. The scuba divers' division is also fully trained in land rescue and first aid.

Most of the equipment and vehicles used by the Rescue Corps for training and operations are the private property of the volunteers themselves, who also carry out maintenance and provide for any running costs, at their own expense. Most of the Officers of the Corps, as well as some of the senior leaders, qualified in Special Rescue Training at the Katastrophenschutzschule des Bundes (Federal Civil Defence Staff Training College) in Ahrweiler, Germany.

The St John Rescue Corps Malta is only part of the very large network of aid and rescue organisations that operate under the mantle of the British Order of St John, an international entity with some 30,000 members worldwide.

St John Ambulance has a global membership of nearly 300,000 in 41 countries. Its activities include first aid provision and training, ambulance, community care, mountain, cliff and other rescue services, a therapy dog programme and youth activities.

The Order has Priories in England, Scotland, Wales, South Africa, New Zealand, Canada, Australia and the United States, two Commanderies in Northern Ireland and Western Australia, and 30 St John National Councils in Commonwealth countries and territories, including Malta, and two associated bodies in Hong Kong and Ireland.

VLTC celebrates success of San Michel tournaments

The beautiful gardens at the back of Ta' Grabiel Restaurant in Marsascala were the enchanting venue for a barbecue party held by the Vittoriosa Lawn Tennis Club (VLTC) of Paola.

The club celebrated the success of the San Michel Tennis Tournament and the San Michel Junior Open organised recently. The function was also a special event marking the inauguration of the recently set-up Ta' Grabiel Gardens.

A large number of VLTC members and their friends spent a relaxing evening enjoying a sumptuous barbecue dinner topped up with ample supply of free wine, accompanied by live music. Guests of honour were Mr Ray Grech, general manager of Simonds Farsons Cisk plc, long-time sponsors of the San Michel tournaments at the VLTC, and Mrs Grech.

After a brief introduction by Brian Tonna, VLTC treasurer and organiser, followed by a word of thanks to the sponsors from chairman Chev. Vincent A. Galea, Mr Grech presented trophies and gifts to the winning teams and runners-up.

First World Symposium on Orthodontics

Dr Alfred Magri Demajo recently attended the First World Symposium on Orthodontics at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina in California.

The two-day symposium saw many world class presenters in such a short time with such a broad spectrum of the latest and the best.

The programme line-up included William Clarke on his twin-block technique, Jason Cope on pushing the biologic envelope with distraction osteogenesis, Robert Iasaacson on biomechanics, Richard Mclauglin on finishing with the preadjusted orthodontic appliances, Thomas Mulligan on applying common sense mechanics in our daily practice, Eugene Roberts on true stationary anchorage with routine use of dental implants, Anoop Sandhi on the latest and best in precision bracket placements, and Donald Woodside on super-efficient mechanotherapy.

Equally eminent moderators Arthur Dugoni, Karla Evans, Tom Graber and Larry White guided the flow of events.

One of the true legends in orthodontics, Jack G. Dale, was recognised by the World Journal of Orthodontics for his dedication and clinical excellence. There were also orthodontic technical exhibits on display. A certified 14 hours of Verifi-able Continuing Professional Development was awarded to every participant at the end of the symposium.

The symposium was sponsored be the World Journal of Orthodontics Quintessence Publishing Company and by the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Engagements for Lynn Chircop

Singer Lynn Chircop welcomed the Prime Minister on her wedding day, accompanied by Mrs Fenech Adami, among other guests, upon his arrival at the New Dolmen Hotel, where they attended the nuptial dinner which followed Lynn and Antoine Faure's recent wedding ceremony on August 9 at Fatima Sanctuary, Guardamangia.

Lynn will be the special guest singer who will be closing the open-air talent evening being organised by UHM today in Qawra, opposite Ta' Fra Ben Restaurant. Lynn is expected to perform at 11 p.m.

Later in September, Lynn will be leaving for Toronto, Canada, to give two concerts as a special guest of the Calypso Club. In Toronto, Lynn has been invited to perform during a gala night for members of the diplomatic corps.

Tumas Group's entertaining HR initiative

by Ray de Bono

Just over four years after Tumas Group founder, entrepreneur Tumas Fenech, passed away, a new cultural initiative has been launched in his honour by his daughter, Carmen Fenech.

This consists of a song competition, entitled the Jotoval Festival, in which all the staff - numbering over a thousand - are invited to participate.

Twenty-three singers volunteered from among the many companies forming part of the group. For most of them, this concert was a first. Emotions ran high though the hundreds of cheering fellow employees and their families as supporters helped to break the ice.

Those present had words of praise for this original initiative, which saw the active involvement of company personnel at all levels. It was also a particularly well organised event, with all the attributes of a professional concert.

Well set within the Halland Hotel's extensive pool area overlooking St Julian's, the concert had specialised lighting, a professional sound system, Joe Brown and his orchestra, a team of local and foreign judges, photographers, filming for TV, Renato and Debbie Scerri as presenters and Notary Miriam Spiteri Debono to authenticate results.

The concert was ably directed by Carmen Fenech herself, who had no small task in managing this sizable event, particularly at this particular time of the year when all the Tumas Group hotels are at their busiest.

The concert was spread over two nights (August 21 and 22). Some of the singers were impressive in both their presentation and their singing talent.

A touching moment came when Renato performed a special song - for the very first time - written by Carmen Fenech, dedicated to her father Tumas. It was clear that the audience - most of whom remember well the company founder in their midst - were moved by the words and melody of this song in Maltese.

Finally, three winners were voted by the panel of judges and the audience. Young Alexia Gauci, who works as a receptionist at the Topaz Hotel, came first with her splendid interpretation of Memories.

Christopher Pace, a duty manager at The Halland, came second with Bad Moon Rising and finally Doris Dingli, a daughter of an employee at The Halland, came third with What a feeling!

All three winners received dedicated trophies, presented by Mrs Josephine Fenech (widow of Tumas), and the top performer was given a four-day holiday to Tunisia for two.

The concert's official challenge trophy, which will be kept by the winning company for a year, was awarded to Topaz general manager Charles Yeomans.

The success of the "Jotoval Festival" ("Jo" stands for Josephine; "To" for Tumas; and "Val" for festival) was such that the Tumas Group has decided to hold this event every year.

Ferrari-Vodafone Raduno

The 2003 Ferrari-Vodafone Raduno is being held on Saturday and Sunday. Ferrari cars are to meet at Hilton Malta on Saturday at 8.30 a.m. for a briefing by Tonio Bone and coffee. The drivers will then leave on the southern route to Bugibba where Ferrari merchandise will be sold upon their arrival at 12.45 p.m.

Lunch at 1.15 p.m. will be followed by the presentation of Ferrari Vodafone fleece jackets to 10 competition winners while the best five entries will win a drive in a Ferrari. A barbecue will be held at the Hilton Mercanti Beach Club for Ferrari owners, guests and sponsors.

The Ferrari owners will again meet at the Hilton on Sunday at 8.30 a.m. for another briefing by Mr Bone and coffee. They will then leave for Cirkewwa to board the Gozo ferry at noon.

In Gozo they will drive to San Lawrenz where again Ferrari merchandise will be sold. After lunch in a restaurant, the owners will depart to Mgarr to catch the ferry back to Cirkewwa.

People

Massimo Panzavecchia has been appointed sales and marketing manager with Fairs and Exhibitions Ltd, organisers of the International Fair of Malta and other specialised fairs.

Following a diploma in Hotel Management, Mr Panzavecchia specialised in a number of sales and marketing management and pro-active telemarketing courses. He has travelled extensively, attending international conferences which specialise in business and Euro management.

With his recent appointment with Fairs and Exhibitions Ltd Mr Panzavecchia plans to place major focus on the customer service department to concentrate on providing a constantly improving service to all existing and repeat customers while attracting new customers.

To this effect the sales and marketing department is currently undergoing a restructuring programme.

Ing. Marco Cremona, a freelance water treatment engineer and environmental consultant with Sustech Consulting, recently participated in a scholarship for a two-week intensive training course in Singapore on Water and Wastewater Treatment.

The scholarship was offered by the Small Islands Developing States Technical Co-operation Programme (SIDSTEC) of Singapore.

The Singapore Cooperation Programme (SCP) was established in 1992 to provide technical assistance and information dissemination to other developing countries. The SCP brings together under one framework the various technical assistance programmes offered by Singapore.

Since 1992, Singapore has sponsored training courses and study visits for over 22,000 officials from some 150 developing countries. The administrative body in Malta for the SCP programme is the Ministry of Home Affairs which is also responsible for the selection of the candidates.

Ing. Cremona, who attended the course after having been selected by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, received theoretical and hands-on training on various water management issues, ranging from planning, design and construction of drainage systems to water conservation and water demand management to waste water treatment and reuse.

The course was delivered by officials within the Public Utilities Board (PUB) that is the comprehensive water authority in Singapore. PUB is responsible for the stormwater drainage network, the potable water supply system and sewage treatment in Singapore. Singapore boasts of the lowest rate of unaccounted for water in the world with less than 5% of total production.

The training course was in the form of a series of lectures and site visits to water treatment facilities over the period from August 11 to 22.

The highlight of the training course was a visit to one of the Newater facilities in Singapore, where is treated to produce ultra-pure water that is suitable for use in the semiconductor industry and is also used to augment the potable water supply.

The treatment process makes use of advanced membrane technologies such as microfiltration, ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis, followed by disinfection using ultra-violet technology. By 2012, 25 per cent of Singapore's water supply will come from desalted water and reclaimed water.

Ing. Cremona has worked in the field of water treatment since 1992 when he graduated as a mechanical engineer from the University of Malta. He specialised in water and treatment and water recycling and has provided input to a large number of water installations both locally and abroad. In 1997 he completed a Master's degree in Hydrology and Water Studies at the University of Malta.

In his capacity as a qualified hydrologist, Ing. Cremona has contributed to various Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) for projects of national importance. In June-July 2002, he successfully completed a scholarship in Environment Management Systems (EMS) in Osaka, Japan. He is technical consultant to the local environment lobby group, Friends of the Earth (Malta).

Apart from providing consultancy services in water treatment and water recycling to local industry, Ing. Cremona is undertaking research in a number of innovative projects for which patents are being sought. Support for these projects is being provided by IPSE through its Kordin Business Incubation Centre (KBIC) facility in Paola.

Vincent St James Boyde was recently appointed sales manager of Chef's Choice Limited of Marsascala.

Mr St James Boyde started his career in the Fleet Air Arm division of the British Navy serving as a leading Airman First Class. He then continued his work experience in civilian life specialising in sales with international companies such as Pitney Bowes and GEC Reliance Limited and being mainly responsible for sales activities and management in the UK.

A short spell brought him to these shores from 1990 to 1995 where he enjoyed working for The EasySell Group (now the Tumas Group of Companies) as a guest relations manager at the Topaz and the New Dolmen Hotels respectively.

Back in the UK he achieved a Certificate in Management Studies at Nene College, Northampton and continued his selling career as a key account manager for Cleanaway Limited until he returned to Malta with his family.

Mr St James Boyde's aspirations are to increase Chef's Choice Limited market share and popularity under it's brand name with the assistance of all concerned.

Ivan Grixti, MA (Lanc.), BA (Hons) Accountancy, FIA, ACIArb, CPA, has been appointed assistant lecture in Financial Accounting within the Faculty of Economics, Management and Accountancy at the University of Malta.

Mr Grixti has for the past 13 years occupied the post of financial controller of the University's commercial arm, the Malta University Services Ltd.. After reading for his Master's degree in Accounting and Finance at the University of Lancaster, Mr Grixti was entrusted with a number of part-time lecturing posts both within the University itself as well as other external training organisations.

He is married to Carmen and they have three children, Daniel, Thomas and Mireille.

Malta-born Alfred Buttigieg, 64, who lives in London, last June graduated Master of Arts in Fine Art Drawing from the University of Surrey. His thesis as entitled "A better understanding of life/figure studies".

The graduation ceremony was held at the Royal Festival Hall in London.

In 1999 Mr Buttigieg graduated Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art from the London Guildhall University after following a full-time two-year course. He has lived in London for over 40 years and is a retired civil servant of Westminster City Council.

He is currently employed as an art technician in a local grammar school and is also taking a course in figure drawing and painting. He intends to further his studies by pursuing a course in printing at a local college.

Mr Buttigieg is an active member of a sculpture club in Sutton, Surrey, where he has successfully exhibited some of his works, and has also obtained several prizes. Several of his works are currently on display at an exhibition in Wimbledon. Mr Buttigieg has also participated in exhibitions in and around London.

From the President's diary

The President on August 1 received the chairman of the House Rules Committee of the US Congress, David Dreier, accompanied by Representatives Jim Moran and Graciela Napoletano and Ambassador Anthony Gioia. During their meeting, Professor de Marco described terrorist acts as war against the innocent, and stressed the importance of working together in attacking the roots of terrorism.

The President and Mrs de Marco presented Lm40,992 on behalf of the Malta Community Chest Fund to various charitable institutions and individuals. A total of 149 individuals received Lm34,316, of which Lm19,624 in help for specialised apparatus. Fifteen philanthropic institutions received Lm6,676.

A section of guests during this year's August Moon Ball and a family greeting welcoming their granddaughter, Anjelica inside Verdala Castle. The President and Mrs de Marco hosted more than 900 guests at this year's August Moon Ball held in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund on Saturday, August 2. Throughout the evening, which once again was a success, guests were treated to an enjoyable dinner accompanied by live entertainment. The President said: "The MCCF provides a helping hand to those who are marginalised in our society. Some may say that in Malta we are fortunate in that we do not have the poverty one experiences in so many countries. This may be true, but it is equally a mistake to believe that the poor are not with us. They are. Some are poor through no fault of their own, others through events and circumstances find themselves on the brink of poverty, but all need the helping hand of a caring society. It is definitely here that the Fund has to continue its mission of solidarity."

On Wednesday, August 27, the President and Mrs de Marco hosted mayors and deputy mayors from the 68 local councils in Malta and Gozo to a recital by Simon Schembri at Verdala Castle, marking the 10th anniversary of the establishment of local councils. Also present during the evening were Home Affairs Minister Tonio Borg, Opposition spokesman on local councils Chris Cardona and the president of the Association of Local Councils, Dr Ian Micallef. "There exists a particular link between the President and local councils. This is the message I want to convey when paying official visits to the localities of Malta and Gozo. It is not a ceremonial link but a vital commitment to national unity as symbolised in the President of Malta. We have all been chosen to be of service to our nation. There is no greater honour than that of being elected to serve our people."

The President meets young people who took part in the 18th Malta Volleyball Marathon organised by the National Campaign Solidarity through Sports 2003, at the Trade Fair Grounds, Naxxar, on August 13

When receiving Heritage Malta chairman Dr Mario Tabone, accompanied by committee members, President Guido de Marco stressed the paramount importance that our country's national heritage be preserved for generations to come. While describing Lower Fort St Elmo as a 'national disaster and embarrassment' the President called for a holistic approach to the conservation of our capital city's patrimony. "We are still in time to save our heritage, otherwise we risk that these could be lost forever."

On August 20, President Guido de Marco wrote to United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan after the terrorist attack on the organisation's headquarters in Baghdad: "I remain convinced that in the face of such attempts, we need the United Nations more than ever before. It is only through concerted efforts, through decisions and mandates taken in unison, within the set-up of our organisation, that best results can be achieved. My country has always been an upholder of the United Nations and of the principles enshrined in its Charter."

The President and Mrs de Marco's engagements September 1-6

Tomorrow
11 a.m. The President receives Mr Charles Cilia, chairman of the President's Award, at the Palace, Valletta.
11.45 The President receives the mayor of Xaghra, Anthony Attard, accompanied by the mayor and councillors of Offida, Italy.

Tuesday
10.15 a.m. The President receives delegates of the Ladies Circle International at the Palace, Valletta
11.45 The President receives a group of youths participating in a youth exchange organised by Caritas (Malta) Epilepsy Association.
12.30 p.m. The President receives Dr Deborah Farrugia, secretary of the Commission for the Administration for Justice.
1.15 for 1.30 The President and Mrs de Marco host a farewell luncheon in honour of Canon Alan Woods, Senior Anglican Chaplain and Chancellor of St Paul's Anglican Cathedral, and Mrs Woods at Verdala Castle.

Wednesday
10 a.m. The President is presented with the letters of commission by Mr Richard John Palk, High Commissioner of Australia, at the Palace, Valletta.
11.15 The President is presented with credentials by Mr Liu Zehgxiu, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China.
1.15 for 1.30 p.m. The President and Mrs de Marco host a luncheon in honour of the newly accredited High Commissioner of Australia and Ambassador of the People's Republic of China at Verdala Castle.
7.30 The President presides over a meeting of the Commission for the Administration of Justice at Verdala Castle.

Thursday
9.30 a.m. The President receives the Prime Minister at the Palace, Valletta.
7.30 p.m. The President attends a musical programme by La Vittoria Band on Parish Square, Mellieha.
8 The President and Mrs de Marco host an activity organised by Lions Club Mdina in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund (MCCF) at Verdala Castle.

Friday
10 a.m. The President receives Canon Alan Woods, Senior Anglican Chaplain and Chancellor of St Paul's Anglican Cathedral and Mrs Woods on a farewell call at the Palace, Valletta.
8 p.m. The President and Mrs de Marco attend a concert by the National Orchestra at the Palace Courtyard, Valletta.

Saturday
8.30 p.m. The President and Mrs de Marco host a performance by Etnika in aid of the MCCF at Verdala Castle.

For your diary

A bazaar in aid of the missions is being held at Kings Shop, Tower Road, Sliema, from Tuesday till September 30, from 9.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. Big bargains on crockery, ornaments, clothes, books, carpets and so on.

Yana (You Are Not Alone) is organised a barbecue near the Exiles pitch in Sliema, on Tuesday at 7 p.m. On Friday, the group will be meeting for drinks at the Irrera Kiosk, Ta' Xbiex, near the Black Pearl, at 9 p.m.

Lions Club Mdina is holding its popular Lejla Maltija at Verdala Castle on Thursday. For more details call 2137-0230 or 2141-5041.

The King's Own Band, under the direction of Mro John Galea will be taking part in the feast of St Gregory in Sliema on Thursday evening. The band will also perform at Zurrieq on Saturday and Sunday, September 6 and 7 on the occasion of St Catherine's feast.

On Saturday a musical programme will begin at 9 p.m. followed by a band march. On Sunday a band march will start at 7 p.m.

The Friends of the Manoel are organising a barbecue at the Radisson SAS Bay Point Resort on Friday at 8 p.m. for members and their guests. Bookings are being accepted up to Wednesday. Enquiries on tel: 2137-4684.

A pilgrimage, led by Chev. J. M. Attard, is being organised to Gozo on the occasion of the feast of Our Lady of Graces, venerated at the Capuchins Church, Victoria, Gozo, on September 11 with the 9 a.m. ferry. Transport will be available from all parts of the island. For further information phone 2123-1446 or 2124-5528.