Foreign Affairs Minister says there is keen interest in Maltese heritage

Minister for Foreign Affairs George Vella closed the fourth convention for Maltese living abroad earlier today. The programme started officially on Monday at San Anton and presented various talks and discussions of papers on various subjects including the importance of preserving the Maltese language among those living abroad, a search for identity and the advantages of being Maltese in the world among others.

Vella started by pointing out  that most of the proceedings had been carried out in English in spite of the fears and complaints that we were losing Maltese in the younger generations of emigrants.

“This is not out of deference to the Maltese language, but it is a sign of respect to these people who have worked so hard to be here with us today,” he said adding that this year’s convention had presented a difference from other years in that it had been dominated by speakers who were actually living abroad talking about their personal experiences rather than Maltese authorities.

Vella also pointed out that this year’s convention had been different than others because it had been opened to younger people.

“There is a keen interest amongst second and third generations in the Maltese heritage,” he said stressing that many had expressed their interest in local culture and in keeping contact with local events and the media in particular..

“We welcome changes as they prove that an organization is alive,” he added.

Vella added that as always, the main focus was on matters dealing with Australia, which reflects the interest and the size of the community in the country.

Vella praised the value and level of the papers presented at the convention and added that the criticism received would be taken and worked on accordingly to improve the situation. He also stressed that the convention would try its best to spread information about educational programmes offered in Malta.

“The university of Malta currently caters for some 71 nationalities, but it is a pity that some who are related to Maltese families have no idea about the courses offered,” Vella added.

Talking about the Ministry’s efforts in widening the awareness and understanding of migration, Vella referred to two initiatives aimed at primary school students

"The play aimed to convey a sense of what migration is and was all about, it is a way of reminding them of a time when the Maltese also had to leave their country. The other was an art exhibition where children tried to tell us how they interpret the idea of migration.”