Mintoff monument will be ready by Freedom Day celebrations

The Labour Party will commemorate the life of a rare if not unique person through the artistic work of Noel Galea Bason, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat announced.

Addressing a crowd in the foyer of the Labour Headquarters in Hamrun, during the opening of an exhibition on the former PM on the first anniversary of his death, Dr Muscat said the monument will be ready in time for the celebrations of Freedom Day next March. He continued that the former premier was the person who planted the seed of a political movement that brings together people from different strata of society. However the most important aspect is not how one starts but the way things finish and Dom Mintoff left an immense heritage to the people of Malta, he said.

At the end of his speech, Prime Minister Muscat announced that the chosen monument is that proposed by Noel Galea Bason. Etched in limestone looking masterial, the proposed cast depicts Mintoff in a calm pose and dressed in what was described by Prime Minister Joseph Muscat as Oxfordian attire. The design was chosen from 17 proposals. The location of the monument has been chosen but will be announced closer to the date of unveiling.

Deputy Leader Toni Abela also addressed the gathering and stated how proud he was that he was entrusted with the organisation of Mintoff's remembrance monument. Abela reassured all Mintoff supporters that the monument was already paid for and thanked those who helped raise the funds. Furthermore he announced that 96 gold medals will be minted to help raise more money. This money will fund an annual scholarship for a Maltese student. The Labour Party chose to mint only 96 medals, one showing each year of the former premier's life.

The Labour Party also unveiled the refurbished entrance of its headquarters and opened an exhibition shoing Dom Mintoff's political life.