Social and Personal

A Mass for the repose of the soul of JOHN TABONE will be said today at 5.45 in the evening at St Anne parish church, Marsascala.

Appreciation - Gaetano Buttigieg

Edward P. Tagliaferro writes:

In 1957 a 14-year-old pianist had an audition at the Rediffusion studios. Major Aquilina heard the pianist and concluded that he was good enough to take part in the programme Is-siegha tal-morda. The pianist became a regular in this programme, accompanying singers like Victoria Briffa, Josie Pace (later Ray Ritardo), The Four Links and Carmen Scerri - all of whom used to sing in Italian or English.

But an up and coming singer stood out from the rest, in that he sang in Maltese. At first, he took Italian or English popular songs and adapted Maltese lyrics to them (something, up till then, attempted only by a few - one recalls the famous makjetti of Armando Urso and Charles Clews in their programme Radju Muskettieri).

But later on, he composed brand new songs in Maltese - an idea completely new to Malta.

Gaetano Buttigieg was that singer and I was that pianist. Gaetano started to collect his works in booklet form and publish them under the title Gaetano Kanta. In the late 1950s and throughout the 1960s, Gaetano became very popular, singing in parish halls, Catholic Action activities and other venues. More often than not, I accompanied Gaetano on the piano or the accordion.

One memorable event was when the director of the children's programme Iz-ziju Salv decided to hold a Christmas party for about 2,000 children on the aircraft carrier Ark Royal which was berthed in Grand Harbour.

For his contribution to Maltese song, Gaetano was honoured by the committee of the festival L-Ghanja tal-Poplu and by the Marsa local council (Gieh il-Marsa).

Above all, Gaetano was an exemplary Christian and he always put sound moral values and family above all else. The numerous concelebrants and a packed Church at his funeral are a witness to the respect and admiration that he enjoyed by all. I am sure his wife and children are convinced he is reaping the well-deserved reward reserved for faithful stewards.

In Memoriam

BORG. In ever loving memory of our father FRANK, today the 30th anniversary of his death. His sons Martin and Alex.

GRECH. In loving memory of JOSEPH, a dear husband and father, on the fifth anniversary of his death. Fondly remembered by his wife Annie, his son Fr Franco Grech, OSA, his sisters, other relatives and friends. Lord, grant him eternal rest.

MANGION. In loving memory of our dearest DOROTHY who departed this life 28 years ago today. Always remembered by her mother Ines, her sisters Emma and Edith, in-laws, nephews and nieces.

SPITERI FITENI. Ever cherished memories of our beloved JOSEPH on the 22nd anniversary of his joining the Lord. Ever in our hearts, thoughts and prayers. Papa, Johanna, David and Patrick. Tomorrow's 9.30 a.m. Mass at St Aloysius College and the 5.30 p.m. Mass at St Theresa Sanctuary, Birkirkara, will be offered for the repose of his soul.

TABONE - JOHN. In loving memory of a dear husband on the first anniversary of his death. Fondly remembered by Antonina, Lino, Maria and Alfred, grandchildren and all the family.

Lost

Amethyst ring of sentimental value. Reward given. Phone 9944 2104.

Fisherman's Rest.

Fisherman's Rest., St Thomas Bay. Phone 2163 2049/7970 4484. We wish to inform our clients that due to refurbishment works, the restaurant will not be opening on March 5 as previously advertised, until further notice. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Seminar On Hazardous Waste

The Malta Business Bureau, the EU advisory office of the Malta Chamber of Commerce and Enterprise, and the Malta Federation of Industry, will be organising an information seminar at Exchange Buildings in Valletta, entitled Hazardous Waste: What's the Problem?, on Tuesday at 9 a.m.

The seminar, being organised with the support of the British High Commission, will familiarise members of the business community with the implications of hazardous waste management and related issues.

Participation is free for members of the Malta Chamber of Commerce and Enterprise and the Malta Federation of Industry. Non-members interested in participating will be charged Lm10. Booking in advance is required. Registrations should be sent by e-mail to info@mbb.org.mt or by fax to 2124 5223 by Monday.

For further information on its activities and the services it can offer, the Malta Business Bureau may be contacted on tel. 2125 1719 or by e-mail on info@mbb.org.mt.

Lithuanian Decoration

Lithuanian President Rolandas Paksas conferred the Cross of Officer of the Order of Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas on Tony Zahra, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Lithuania in Malta, on the occasion of February 16, the Day of the Restoration of the State of Lithuania.

The decoration was bestowed on Mr Zahra in recognition of his contribution in promoting economic and commercial cooperation between Lithuania and Malta.

The decoration and certificate of conferment were presented to Mr Zahra by Foreign Minister Antanas Valionis who was in Malta on an official visit.

Women's Seminar

To celebrate International Women's Day on Monday, the Women's Study Group is organising a seminar on Women in Decision-Making at Sarria church, Floriana, on Tuesday, between 5.45 and 8.30 p.m. The seminar will consist of a presentation by Renee Laiviera, followed by a panel of speakers.

The primary aim of the Women's Study Group is to encourage interest and academic research in women's and gender studies while providing support for the group's members.

Closure Postponed

Sliema council said that the closure of Bisazza Street scheduled for tomorrow has been put off.

Fund-Raising Coffee Morning

A coffee morning and tombola are being held at the Attard parish hall on March 17 at 9.30 a.m. in aid of the Richmond Foundation. Tickets are at Lm1.50, which includes entrance, snacks and participation in a lottery. For more information, contact Richmond Foundation on 2148 2336, 2122 4580 or 2144 0324.

Online Competition

Kinnie has launched an online competition offering a flight to Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels or Frankfurt each month, sponsored by Howards Travel and Lufthansa. The competition runs for the rest of the year. The website was recently upgraded.

www.kinnie.com

President's Engagements Today

7.30 p.m. in Sir Temi Zammit Hall, University of Malta, Msida, the President attends a concert in his honour organised by the Ghaqda Muzikali Sant'Elena.

What's On Today

Concert
7.30 p.m. at the Le Meridien Phoenicia, Floriana, concert by Aandrei Nikolskiy.

Theatre
7.30 p.m. at St James Cavalier, Valletta, play Onestà by Stage Breeze.
9 p.m. in Students' House, University of Malta, play Vagina Monologues.

Exhibitions
8.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. at the National Museum of Archaeology, Valletta, exhibition organised by Heritage Malta to mark the 100th anniversary since the establishment of the first National Museum in Malta.
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Rabat local council, Tribal Impressions, exhibition of art works by seven students of art teacher Matthew Cassar.
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at VGB Art Gallery, Valletta, exhibition of paintings.
9.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and 4.30 to 7.30 p.m. in St Francis Hall, Valletta, church models exhibition by Ghaqda Dilettanti Mudelli ta' Knejjes.
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 to 9 p.m. at Casa Antonia, Balzan, exhibition of paintings by Georgette Eminyan.
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Wignacourt Museum, Rabat, exhibition of paintings by Anna Miggiani.
10 a.m. to 9 p.m. at St James Cavalier, Valletta, paintings by Iliana Helena Jordanov and video installation by Glen Stewart.

Pharmacies Open Tomorrow

Malta 9 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. Gozo 7.30 to 11 a.m.
Chemimart Ltd, 3, Freedom Square, Valletta;
Vivien Pharmacy, Fr Magri Street, Marsa;
Pinto Pharmacy, 43, St Sebastian Street, Qormi;
Fleur-De-Lys Pharmacy, 32, Fleur-de-Lys Road, Birkirkara;
Mayer Pharmacy, 33, Ta' Xbiex Sea Front, Msida;
Melita Pharmacy, 127, St George's Road, St Julians;
Drug Store: Anglo Maltese Dispensary Ltd, 382, Manwel Dimech Street, Sliema;
St Michael Pharmacy, Transfiguration Square, Lija;
Naxxar Pharmacy, 21st September Avenue, Naxxar;
Mellieha Pharmacy, 107, George Borg Olivier Street, Mellieha;
Sta Lucia Pharmacy, 1, Dorell Place, Sta Lucija;
White Cross Pharmacy, Shop A, Block 1, Fuq San Pawl, Vittoriosa;
Cilia's Pharmacy, 303, Zabbar Road, Fgura;
Beta Pharmacy, 50/52, Santa Maria Street, Ghaxaq;
St Andrew Pharmacy, 25, Triq Dun Pawl, Luqa;
Tal-Grazzja Pharmacy, Frangisk Farrugia Street, Zebbug;
Central Pharmacy, Manuel Vitale Street, Rabat;
Batu Pharmacy, 38, Palm Street, Victoria, Gozo;
Lauretana Pharmacy, 36, Mgarr Road, Ghajnsielem.