Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1530259
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 8 DECEMBER 2024 7 COMMERCIAL A brand new publication about Ġorġ Borg Olivier, as seen through the eyes of those who knew him best ON the occasion of the 60th an- niversary of Malta's Independ- ence, the Nationalist Party has just published the book ĠORĠ BORG OLIVIER, il-bniedem, il-politiku u l-Missier ta' Malta Indipendenti. The book, authored by veter- an journalist Michael Caruana, is based on the experiences of people who lived and worked closest to former Prime Minis- ter and Leader of the National- ist Party Ġorġ Borg Olivier. The author has been highly ac- tive within the Nationalist Par- ty's media framework for no less than 39 years, during which, he has taken on various responsi- bilities as Head of News; Man- ager entrusted with Editorial Services and Parliamentary Ed- itor among other roles. The book's nine chapters shed a light on Borg Olivier's life, his beliefs and overall body of work as Nationalist Party leader; the quest for Malta's integration with the United Kingdom; the path towards Independence; Post-Independence Malta; the removal of the 21 September as a National Day and subsequent amendments to the Independ- ence Constitution. One particular chapter deals with the resignation of Ġorġ Borg Olivier as Leader of the Nationalist Party, whereas a corresponding chapter high- lights his death and the large state funeral held in his honour and as tribute to his unstinting work towards the creation of a modern and thriving Malta. The last chapter entails a more personal viewpoint: One in which the people who knew him best – especially his sons Alexander and Peter – relate in specific terms what Ġorġ Borg Olivier meant to them as a man, father and friend once removed from the cold hard glare of pol- itics. In his foreword, Opposition and Nationalist Party Leader Bernard Grech refers to Ġorġ Borg Olivier as the honest, seri- ous and indefatigable politician who gave birth to an independ- ent state... A truly momentous occasion that still resonates in our minds and hearts. Bernard Grech explains that it is highly appropriate and indeed timely that in this very year... the year in which we celebrate the 60th anniversary of Malta's Independence... we can like- wise commemorate this great achievement for our country as expounded through this par- ticular publication and its very valid sources... A meticulous- ly-compiled tribute to a great statesman who even now holds a very special place not only in the hearts of all Nationalist supporters, but also within the hearts of all Maltese – irrespec- tive of their political denomina- tion – who love their homeland without prejudice or distinc- tion. Bernard Grech remains convinced that we can learn a lot from the life and times of Ġorġ Borg Olivier... An inspira- tional leader who led by exam- ple and whose beliefs and pol- iticking are still highly relevant to our times. Moreover, Borg Olivier's un- shakeable determination and deep-seated conviction that he was always on the right side of history is now the stuff of leg- end... Despite the many and var- ious obstacles, the former Prime Minister left no stone unturned until his goals came to fruition on a national level, even as post- war Malta was taking its first tentative steps towards a new and exciting future as an inde- pendent and sovereign State. The official book launch will take place under the aegis of President of Malta Myriam Spi- teri Debono at Sant'Anton Pal- ace in Attard on Thursday, 16th January 2025. In the meantime one can ob- tain a copy of the book from the reception of the Nationalist Party's Headquarters, in Tal- Pjetà, for a donation of €25. Art exhibition featuring Ilina Filipova's works at Frank Salt Real Estate's Sliema branch FOR the next few weeks, Frank Salt Real Estate's Sliema branch is proudly hosting a solo exhi- bition by renowned artist Ilina Filipova. Over 25 of her vibrant artworks, capturing the beauty and spirit of Malta, are on dis- play and open to the public. Ilina Filipova, an accomplished artist with an international port- folio, is well renowned for her ability to encapsulate the essence of her surroundings through di- verse themes and styles. Her Maltese-inspired works feature stunning landscapes, intricate village scenes, and vivid depic- tions of the island's culture. Notably, her Byzantine-inspired pieces adorn several iconic churches in Malta and Jerusa- lem, including St. Mary of the Angels and the Divine Mercy Church. Ilina's works transport view- ers into the heart of Malta, cap- turing the charm of old village streets, the vibrant colours of traditional fishing boats, and the serenity of Mediterranean har- bours. Each piece reflects Ilina's deep connection to the island, brought to life by her use of bold colours and intricate detail. Titled 'Colourful Island', the exhibition will be open to the public at Frank Salt Real Estate's Sliema branch until January 6, 2025, during the following hours: Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM Closed on Public Hol- idays This initiative underscores Frank Salt Real Estate's dedica- tion to promoting arts and cul- ture in Malta. Renowned for its support of the arts, sports, en- vironmental causes, and other philanthropic endeavours, the company consistently champi- ons local talent and community development.