St David's Day celebrated

Proud members of the Welsh nation living in Malta joined Maltese friends of Wales to celebrate St David's Day at the British High Commissioner's residence last week.

In the presence of Foreign Minister Joe Borg, who studied law at the University of Aberystwyth, High Commissioner Vincent Fean relayed a message from the First Minister for Wales, Rhodri Morgan, outlining Wales's growing contribution on the international stage. This is the first time a message has been sent worldwide from Wales to commemorate St David's Day, celebrated annually on March 1.

The British High Commissioner outlined Malta's close links with Wales, and the prospects for even greater cooperation in the years to come.

Among the guests present were several from the key educational fields: deans of faculties of the University of Malta and leading representatives of the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST).

Also present were the mayor of Pembroke, Joseph Zammit, and fellow council members. Pembroke (Malta) is twinned with Pembroke (Wales), who are sending schoolchildren and a town council delegation to Malta in April.

Other guests included permanent secretaries from various ministries, members of the Malta Football Association, including the president, Joe Mifsud, and members of the Malta Rugby Football Union, a formidable team with strong Welsh connections. Malta will play Luxembourg at rugby at Marsa Sports Grounds on March 29.