Letters to the editor – November 25, 2025

Permanent mural

Fr Geoffrey Attard of Victoria writes:

Now that Victoria has been pre-selected as a finalist for the European Capital of Culture 2031 title, I would like to make a humble suggestion to my town’s local council.  

The fountain commemorating Rabat as Victoria. Photo: Joanne Mohr

In order to commemorate this event, I would like to suggest that a mural be made depicting Queen Victoria handing the official document of the conferral of city status to Gozo’s ancient town of Rabat to the Bishop of Gozo, Pietro Monsignor Pace, at whose request the change was made by the British government while Sir Adrian Dingli, who was instrumental in the project, looks on.  

Victoria is the only town in Gozo to enjoy city status and up to now, it has no statue of the queen-empress in one of its squares. 

Queen Victoria painting by Sir George Hayter

So a permanent mural on one of the sides of the Banca Giuratale in Independence Square in Victoria overlooking the main square could be an ideal way to commemorate such a unique occasion.  

Planting trees to create awareness on cancer

Gordon Caruana Dingli, consultant breast surgeon from Sliema writes:

This year the breast clinic at Mater Dei is celebrating the 25th anniversary of when it was inaugurated by Charles Swain. I led the unit from 2008-2024 and the current head is John Agius. 

The main feature of the clinic is that a large number of specialists work together as a team. We are all proud that we have achieved the longest survival rates for our patients compared to other EU countries. 

To celebrate this anniversary a very successful conference was held at Verdala Palace. Another initiative is to establish a grove of indigenous Maltese trees at a beautiful site in Madliena, with the full cooperation of the Swieqi local council which will clear the area, plant the trees and care for them. 

We are encouraging patients, relatives, friends and healthcare professionals to contribute to this project by sending €50 on BOV mobile to mobile number 7777 1806 and including the word “tree” and a name that will be embossed on a tag attached to the tree. 

Definitely not a yes person

Carmel Sciberras of Naxxar writes:

It seems that Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, unlike his colleagues, doesn’t quite fit the mould of a completely and blindingly faithful yes person. Admirable quality.