Heard in the Hive

Thrilled audiences watched the two performances of the WOW Black Theatre from Prague held at the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta last weekend.

The shows were very well received by the numerous patrons who packed the largest theatre in Malta for the first ever Black Light Theatre show to come to Malta. 

The Prime Minister and Mrs Gonzi, Cabinet Ministers, together with members of the diplomatic corps and other VIPs were among the distinguished guests on the two nights.

The tandem created between the organisers of the show Nexos Lighting Technologies under the direction of Silvio Scerri and the art directors of WOW Projects resulted in a super show which amazed one and all with the techniques used for this type of entertainment which is suitable for all the family.

This event was one of the activities being held to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the establishment of the Consulate of the Czech Republic in Malta.

The event was sponsored mainly by Malta International Airport plc; other sponsors were Vodafone Malta plc, Malta Tourism Authority, Island Caterers, Captain Morgan Cruises, Moet Chandon (Demajo Group of Companies) and Attrans Ltd.

Concert by Sliema Band

President Eddie Fenech Adami recently attended the Concert for Europe held by the Sliema Band at the Sir Temi Zammit Auditorium at the University of Malta.

The Sliema Band, under the direction of Mro Ronnie Debattista, was celebrating its international success with the Concert for Europe in Brussels and the opening of the Cultural Performance Hall in Sliema.

Soprano Eva Zampieron from Venice and tenor Marco Voleri from Livorno, Italy, interpreted various selections from famous operas and popular Italian songs.

Also attending this concert were Minister of Culture and Tourism Francis Zammit Dimech, Minister of the Environment and Rural Affairs George Pullicino, President Emeritus Dr Censu Tabone, Sliema mayor Albert Bonello DuPuis, Italian Ambassador Alvise Memmo and the director of the Italian Cultural Institute, Anna Maria Di Marco.

For more information visit the society's Website at www.sliemabandsacrocuor.com.

Malta Floral Club celebrates 40th anniversary

The Malta Floral Club recently celebrated its 40th anniversary with a thanksgiving Mass at St Patrick's church in Sliema with the participation of the patron, Mrs Mary Fenech Adami.

As part of the activities, the club has invited Alan Beatty, an international demonstrator from Ireland, to give a floral demonstration, Gallimaufry, at Villa Arrigo in San Pawl tat-Targa on April 26 at 7 p.m.

Mr Beatty has been a member of the Floral Art Society and of the National Association of Flower Arrangers since 1989. Besides travelling all over the UK and Ireland to give lectures, he has also organised floral demonstrations in Spain and USA. Over the past 15 years, Mr Beatty has fulfilled many positions at Club and Area level. He is currently part of the editorial board of The Flower Arranger magazine. A two-day workshop will be organised for members during his stay in Malta.

Two members of the club, Lily Manduca and Nancy Xerri, will be travelling to Japan next week to take part in the eighth World Show of Flower Arrangers. They will be staging a floral exhibit to represent Malta.

For more information phone 2137-8716 or 2144-3231.

Maltese-American Chamber of Commerce's new mission

The new president of the Maltese-American Chamber of Commerce, Mark Miceli-Farrugia, indicated that the Maltese-American Chamber - also known as AmCham-Malta - will capitalise on America's acknowledged leadership in the fields of professional management and marketing to help build greater competitiveness for Maltese businesses seeking to penetrate world markets.

In explaining its updated mission during its recent annual general meeting, the newly elected executive committee of AmCham-Malta will be focusing on attracting American opinion-leaders and consultants to Malta. They will help prepare Malta's business community for the more competitive economic environment generated by globalisation and by Malta's accession to the European Union market.

America's leading management thinkers like Al Ries & Jack Trout and Peter Drucker have, over the years, helped American business dominate international trade. Maltese businesses need to capitalise on such resources to face new economic realities in two areas.

Firstly, they need to adopt internationally recognised production and labelling regulations in order to survive the removal of trade barriers and compete on a level playing field.

Secondly, they need to establish a competitive niche for Maltese enterprises in export markets on the strength of effective 'market positioning'.

AmCham-Malta plans to promote Maltese-American trade through the organisation of seminars, exhibitions and professional management consultancy which popularise American business skills and facilitate networking contacts. Mr Miceli-Farrugia stressed that AmCham's focus would be practical rather than theoretical and would make compelling reference to well-known, practical case-studies.

AmCham-Malta's business and educational activities should have special appeal to the organisation's two core groups of members: businessmen who aspire to expand their trading activities beyond Malta's shores, and students who are intent on updating their professional management skills.

AmCham welcomes new members and sponsors. The annual membership fee (Lm25 for businessmen and Lm10 for University students) entitles members to discounts on a wealth of business-oriented activities organised by AmCham-Malta throughout the year.

Lawrence Buttigieg at Gallery G

Architect and artist Lawrence Buttigieg will be exhibiting a collection of portraits, nudes and landscapes at Gallery G, Lija, from April 29 till the end of May.

This event follows two other personal exhibitions at the Corte Capitanale, Mdina, in 2002, and at the Chiesa di Santa Marta, Piazza del Collegio Romano, in Rome, in 2003.

For the past years the main interest of Buttigieg has been the human form. To quote the artist: "My paintings are a balance of physical form and feeling. I penetrate the character of the person and focus on the inward reflective qualities. I slip my view of the sitter between the layers of paint. I want my colours to be the colours of life, rendering likeness and personal stylisation inseparable. I am not concerned with the instantaneous image of the sitter but rather a prolonged record of his or her character."

Lawrence Buttigieg studied at the Malta School of Art (1983-1987), the Università per Stranieri, Perugia, Italy (1986), University of Malta (1983-1990), and the California State University, USA (1997-2000). He also designed stamps commemorating Christmas and the 400th anniversary of the University of Malta for the Malta Department of Posts (1992). He received a special Distinction Award in the first Malta International Art Biennale (1995), and was invited by the Federation of Canadian Artists to participate in the Arts International Art Exhibition, Granville Island, Vancouver, Canada to exhibit his portraits (2000).

This exhibition of oil paintings and drawings, being held at Gallery G, Villa Gourgion, Sir Ugo Mifsud Street, Lija, is supported by Attard & Co with Sella e Mosca wines from Sardinia.

Gallery G is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and from 9.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. on Saturdays.

Nutrition products donated to St Luke's Walk-In Breast-Feeding Clinic

Following the opening of the Walk-In Breast-Feeding Clinic at St Luke's Hospital last October, Alfred Gera & Sons Ltd donated 12 ISIS Avent breast-pumps to aid the clinic in keeping up with the regular flow of clients.

This donation was made on April 4 during an informal presentation at the clinic itself in the postnatal ward at St Luke's Hospital.

Dorothy Bugeja presented the Avent breast pumps on behalf of Alfred Gera & Sons to Natalie Zammit, representing the midwifery management and Helen Borg, breast-feeding counsellor, on behalf of St Luke's Hospital.

Alfred Gera & Sons Ltd is the local agent of the Avent range. Avent believes that breast milk is the preferred nutrition for babies. Some mothers find breast-feeding easy while others find that the skill might need to be learnt.

Mothers today often have to combine breast-feeding with other responsibilities outside the home. Some may want to involve others in feeding the new baby. For this reason Avent developed the ISIS breast pump. The ISIS pump allows you to express and store milk, so that the baby can still enjoy it, even if the mother is not there to give the feed.

Ms Borg feels that through the use of such pumps a mother has the freedom to combine breastfeeding with a career. Mothers whose baby needs to be hospitalised may find that a breast pump is an essential piece of equipment.

The Walk-In Breast Feeding Clinic is available for anyone who needs assistance or advice in using the Avent ISIS breast pump. The clinic is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. On other days, mothers can phone for an appointment on tel: 2595-1194.

For further information call Alfred Gera & Sons Ltd on tel: 2144-6205/6. Free Avent brochures will be sent on request.

BoV renews sponsorship of Dean's List

Bank of Valletta, for the 10th year running, is the sponsor of the Dean's List award at the Faculty of Arts. This academic award is presented to students who achieve A grades in at least 80 credits during the first two years of their course.

This year's Dean's List award was presented to John Mallia, who will be graduating BA (Hons) in Geography, and to James Bugeja, who will be graduating BA (Hons) in English.

The two students received a book token award and were presented with a study grant.

The sponsorship was presented by Carmel Borg, manager of Bank of Valletta's University branch, to Professor Dominic Fenech, Dean of the Faculty of Arts at the University of Malta.

Speaking during the presentation, Mr Borg said: "Bank of Valletta has always sought to build a strong relationship with the student body and regularly supports various educational initiatives. This is the 10th consecutive year during which BoV is supporting the Dean's List. This reflects the bank's commitment in promoting academic excellence."

BoV's representative also took the opportunity to congratulate this year's winners on their excellent academic performance.

Professor Fenech thanked Bank of Valletta for its ongoing support towards this initiative.

He also congratulated both students and explained how the very stringent conditions of the Dean's List allows only the very best to feature in this prestigious list.

In fact, only students who have achieved high percentile grades and have completed 80 credits with straight As or better without any fails or re-sits can be included in the list.

The student must also be recommended by the Head of Department in consultation with other tutors for inclusion in the Dean's List.

Borg - Ochoa-Miguelez

St Patrick's Church, Sliema, was recently the wedding venue for Miriam Borg, daughter of Joseph F. and Pauline Borg, of St Venera, and André Ochoa-Miguelez, son of Damaso Angel and Aurora Ochoa-Miguelez, of Navarra, Spain.

Fr Charles Carabott officiated at the ceremony. Javier Ochoa-Miguelez, the groom's brother, and Suzanne Sultana, the bride's sister, witnessed the ceremony, while Leslie D. Borg carried out the duties of best man.

The bride, who wore a champagne-coloured embroidered satin Spanish dress and carried a bouquet of orchids, was attended by Yanika Sultana. Ryan Borg and Cleavon Sultana were pageboys, while Daniel Borg was ring-bearer.

A reception was later held at the Corinthia San Gorg, St Julian's.

Galea - Micallef

The wedding of Graziella Galea, B.Ed. (Hons), daughter of Frank and May Borg, of San Gwann, and Simon Micallef, B.Comm. (Mngt), son of Peter and Violet Micallef, of Mellieha, was recently celebrated at San Gwann church.

Raymond Bonnici, OFM, and Fr Victor Soler, the bride's uncle, officiated at the ceremony. Dr Sandro Galea Soler, MD, MRCP, the bride's brother, and Edric Micallef, the groom's brother, witnessed the ceremony. Stefan Deguara, BA (Hons) (Accy), and Alexander Cassar carried out the duties of best men.

The bride, who wore a long-sleeved dress with a bodice adorned with pearls and diamanté and a long train with rum pink and embroidery, was attended by her sisters Romina and Daniela Galea.

Valentina Attard Cassar, the bride's cousin, was flower-girl, while Gary Gauci, the groom's cousin, was pageboy.

A reception was later held at Villa Maria, Rabat. The couple will spend their honeymoon in the US.

Car seat donations to Appogg

The First Years and Vivian Corporation Ltd recently donated car seats to Agenzija Appogg. The car seats are being used to ensure the safe transportation of children in agency cars.

The First Years are importers and distributors of leading baby brands including Neo Nato, Tommee Tippee, Baby Italia and Dr Brown feeding system. Vivian Corporation Ltd has been the authorised distributors for Chicco for the last four years. Chicco offers a vast range of baby products, including bottles, breastfeeding accessories, strollers, highchairs, play pens, car seats, prams, toys targeted to children age newborn and up. All Chicco products conform to EU standard safety requirements and are certified ECE R44/03.

People

Carmen Sammut was recently awarded a Ph.D. from Goldsmiths College, University of London, on the basis of her research on the Maltese media system.

Her thesis, entitled "Pillars of Polarisation: News Production, content and reception in Malta", examines the relationships between journalists, news texts and audiences' perceptions.

Her research is based on observations in newsrooms and in-depth interviews with journalists. Institutional influences on the information flow were examined through content and discourse analyses of EU-related news texts during the referendum campaign. Finally, she explored the audience's interpretation of polarised news content.

In her critical evaluation of the system Dr Sammut claims that journalism in this polarised pluralist Mediterranean settings does not follow the predominant Anglo-American professional ideology yet the system still tends to have a democratising impact because it engages people with social and political processes.

In London, Dr Sammut worked under the supervision of internationally renowned media scholar Professor James Curran. Professor Greg Philo of the Glasgow Media Group and Dr Nick Couldry from the London School of Economics examined her work. It is currently being peer reviewed to be published in the USA.

During her three years at Goldsmiths College she was supported by a Commonwealth research grant. There she formed part of the Journalism Research Group and also presented various papers at conferences.

Carmen Sammut started her career as a producer-journalist in the newsroom of the public broadcasting service. Since 1991 she has freelanced with various broadcasting stations while she also pursued a teaching career and further studies.

She is presently a part-time lecturer in Journalism and in Media and International Relations at the University of Malta. She is also teaching at the Department of Media and Communications at Goldsmiths College in London and at the Academy for Diplomatic Studies, University of Westminster, in London and Paris.

Anton Cilia has been recently awarded a Master's in Business Administration (MBA) from the Maastricht School of Management, The Netherlands. His programme of study focussed on diverse taught modules, specialising in various aspects of general and strategic management.

Mr Cilia had graduated with a diploma in Hospitality Studies from the Institute of Tourism Studies, Malta, in 2000. He had then graduated with a diploma in General Management from the Maastricht School of Management in 2002.

Mr Cilia is the son of Andrew and Ann Cilia of St Venera.

Corinne Turner, 16, of Mellieha, has been awarded a scholarship sponsored by the Spanish Embassy for students of Spanish.

She will be leaving Malta in June to join nine other students from other new EU member states.

Ms Turner will be studying biological studies in Peru, as well as the history and culture of the Incas. Her stay in Peru will take her to Pachacamac, Huancavelica and Ayacucha.

From the Amazon, the students will take a direct flight to Madrid where they will continue their studies and also meet King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia.

Ms Turner started learning Spanish three years ago at Sir Adrian Dingli Girls' Junior Lyceum, Pembroke.

The President and Mrs Fenech Adami's engagements April 18-24

Tuesday
10 a.m. Mrs Fenech Adami presides over the Malta Community Chest Fund Working Committee at the Palace, Valletta.
Noon The President receives a European Parliamentary delegation from the Fisheries Committee at the Palace, Valletta.
5 p.m. The President receives the members of the George Cross Island Association at San Anton Palace, Attard.
6.30 The President and Mrs Fenech Adami preside over a board meeting of the Malta Community Chest Fund (MCCF).

Wednesday
10.30 a.m. Mrs Fenech Adami visits patients at the Renal Unit at St Luke's Hospital, Guardamangia.
11 The President receives a group of German research assistants of the Federal Constitutional Court at the Palace, Valletta.

Thursday
9.15 a.m. The President receives the Prime Minister at the Palace, Valletta.
10.30 Mrs Fenech Adami attends Jeans Day at Canon P. Pullicino Secondary School, Rabat.
Noon The President receives Mr Dyfrig John, HSBC deputy chief executive officer, accompanied by the chairman and directors of HSBC (Malta) at the Palace, Valletta.
6 p.m. The President presides over a meeting of the Commission for the Administration of Justice.

Friday
10.15 a.m. The President is interviewed by Dr Carlo Alberto Tregua for Il Quotidiano di Sicilia.
11.15 The President receives the Hon. Anton Tabone, Speaker of the House of Representatives, at the Palace, Valletta.
7 p.m. The President attends a Mass in memory of poetess Mary Meilak at St George's Basilica, Victoria, Gozo, and later unveils a commemorative bust.

Saturday
8 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami host the President's Ball in aid of the MCCF at the Palace, Valletta.

Sunday
9 a.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend Mass at St Lawrence's church, followed by an official visit to Birgu.
7.30 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami host a piano recital by Stefan Cassar at San Anton Palace, Attard.

Grenoble School of Business graduation

At the beginning of this month, 15 students were awarded the degree of Master in Business Administration of the Grenoble Graduate School of Business.

The e-Foundation for Business Education constitutes the local campus for this prestigious French business school. The 15 graduates followed a two-year programme on a part-time basis.

Foreign tutors came from different countries to deliver their presentations. In fact, the Grenoble Graduate School of Business continuously seeks to improve its intellectual contributions to academic and professional programs, thus contributing to the students' needs for a multicultural education.

Founded in 1984, the Grenoble Graduate School of Business enjoys international recognition and is one of the few recipients with three of the most prestigious accreditations, EQUIS, AACSB and AMBA.

The evening was opened with a short address by the chairman of the e-Foundation, Godwin C. Micallef, who referred to the excellent contribution of faculty and the practical information gained by students on this course.

During the evening, students and guests were also addressed by the director of Studies and Allison Vodden who administers the International Programs of the Grenoble Graduate School of Business. Ms Vodden also presented the certificates.

The local campus was set up in 2001 and has to date recruited six intakes of students. Within their course students go to Grenoble where they receive instruction on the choice of their specialisation and career plans. During that time they are taken on familiarisation visits to the European "Silicon Valley" in Grenoble, France.

For more information e-mail info@ebizfoundation.org or phone 2133-7225/8.

For your diary

The Rehabilitation Centre for the Physically Handicapped is organising a coffee morning/tombola at Attard parish hall on Thursday at 9.30 a.m. Tickets, at Lm1.50 each, can be obtained form the Corradino Centre on 2169-3863 or 2143-6421.

Ward u Zghar is organising a Maltese night at Mtarfa on Saturday at 7.30 p.m. Tickets cost Lm2 for adults, Lm1 for teenagers, and 50c for children. For more information phone 9947-2868.

The Mission Fund is organising a bazaar at the Valentine Hall, St Joseph High Road, Hamrun, from April 25 to 29, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and from 4 to 7 p.m. To donate, contact the Mission Fund at 72/2, St Joseph Flats, Triq il-Farinal, Mosta, MST 07, on 2141-3664.

The Little Sisters of the Poor are holding a bazaar at the Little Sisters of the Poor in Hamrun on April 26 and 27, from 9 a.m. to 12.30 p.m., and from 2.30 to 6 p.m. Entrance through the door opposite HSBC Bank on the main road of Hamrun.

The Malta Floral Club is presenting a floral demonstration by Alan Beatty on April 26 at 7 p.m. at Villa Arrigo. Tickets at Lm6 include refreshments. For tickets phone 2144-3231 or 2137-8716.

The Singles Social Circle is meeting for pizza and wine at Il-Gardina, Naxxar, on April 29, at 9 p.m. For bookings (by April 27) phone 2142-1337 or 9947-7181.

The Grupp Arkeologiku Malti will be meeting at the Roman Domus on May 1 at 2 p.m. For more information phone 7948-7544.

The Malta Historical Society is organising a lecture entitled "The Medical History of Malta", by Professor Roger Ellul Micallef, as part of the "Rediscovering Valletta" series at the Castellania (Ministry of Health), in Merchants Street, Valletta, on May 3 at 6 p.m.

A card party in aid of the Little Sisters of the Poor will be held at the Skyroom Preluna Hotel on May 4 at 10 a.m. For bookings phone Blanche Martin early on 2133-0387.