February2015 by IMPACT PR

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Aviation

A Key Industry That Has Influenced Malta’s Destiny

Nowadays, we tend to take air travel for granted. As islanders, flying has become a principal and critical mode of travel, whether for business or pleasure. Aviation connects us to the rest of the world and has greatly extended our reach while also enabling us to realise many of our dreams. While we celebrate the 100th anniversary of aviation in Malta, it is worth reflecting on how all this came about and what it means to our Islands. Thanks to Malta's geographical position and its strategic location, aviation made an early start here. In fact, the second decade of the 20th Century had already marked the beginnings of an aviation industry on our islands. With the advent of the jet aeroplane and consequent mass travel, the seeds for Malta’s future as a major tourism destination were sown. Malta would never be the same again. One look at today’s busy flight operations at Malta International Airport, itself a living monument to this industry, will give you an idea of how aviation continues to serve as Malta’s dynamic link with the world. Air connectivity also remains one of the strategic pillars for our tourism policy. We are aware that rendering the Islands accessible to as many potential travellers as possible remains key to Malta’s tourism growth and, therefore, to the country’s economic prosperity. We are also determined to ensure that Air Malta, as our national airline of which we are all proud of, will continue to play an important strategic role in this regard. Finally, I must extend my immense gratitude to all past and present players of Malta’s aviation sector that in any manner played a part in the way the sector has evolved over the many years. We look forward to the further development of this sector that undoubtedly will remain a critical contributor to our national wellbeing. Dr Edward Zammit Lewis Minister for Tourism

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3600 BC

750 BC

The Temple Builders Die Tempelbauer Les constructeurs des temples I costruttori di Templi

218 BC The Romans Römer Les Romains I Romani

The Phoenicians Die Phönizier Les Phéniciens I Fenici

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MILESTONES MEILENSTEINE ÉTAPE IMPORTANTE PIETRA MILIARE

60 AD

870 AD

Christianity Christentum Le Christianisme Il Cristianesimo

1090 AD

The Arabs Die Araber Les Arabes Gli Arabi

The Norman Conquest Die normannische Eroberung La conquête normande La Conquista normanna

1565 AD

1530 AD

1798 AD

The Great Siege Die Große Belagerung Le Grand Siège Il Grande Assedio

The Knights of St. John Die Johanniterritter Les Chevaliers de St. Jean I Cavalieri di San Giovanni

1800 AD

1974 AD

Republic Republik La république La Repubblica

* Image:Heritage Malta • Bild: Heritage Malta • Image:Heritage Malta • Foto:Heritage Malta

The French period Die französische Periode La période française Il periodo francese

Arrival of the British Ankunft der Briten L’arrivée des anglais L’arrivo degli inglesi

1940 AD

World War II Zweiter Weltkrieg La deuxième guerre mondiale La Seconda Guerra Mondiale

2004 AD

EU Accession EU-Mitgliedschaft L’accès à l’UE L’accesso all’UE

1964 AD

Independence Unabhängigkeit L’indépendance L’Indipendenza

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Upcoming Events 10th February: 8th-13th February: 13th-17th February: 22nd February: 27th February: 13th March: 19th March: 23rd-25th March: 25th-29th March: 29th March: 31st March: 3rd-5th April: 3rd-5th April: 7th-11th April: 12th April: 15th April: 25th, 30th April, 2nd May: 7th June: 12th-14thJune: June: 29th June:

St. Paul’s Shipwreck Feast, Valletta 2015 Chinese New Year celebrations Carnival in Valletta, Floriana and Nadur (Gozo) Vodafone Malta Marathon The Business Leaders Annual Conference 2015 Riccardo Fogli & Hit Italy band Feast of St. Joseph, Rabat 29th Conference of the European Cetacean Society Tour Ta’ Malta Xterra Triathlon Freedom Day – Regatta in the Grand Harbour Holy Week, Good Friday and Easter Sunday Annie Mac presents: We are Lost and Found Malta International Spring Orchestra Festival Strawberry Festival, M©arr, Malta Commemoration of the Award of the George Cross, St. George’s Square Malta International Fireworks Festival Sette Giugno, St. George’s Square, Valletta G˙anafest, Argotti Gardens, Floriana Isle of MTV concert Feast of St. Peter and St. Paul; L-Imnarja; Updated events Summer Folk Festival, Buskett Gardens Calendar

Image: A carnival float in front of the Auberge de Castille, Valletta © www.viewingmalta.com

NB: Some of the above-mentioned events are subject to change.

Carnival In Gozo Images: © www.visitgozo.com

Gozo’s ruggedness has various facets. The month of February brings with it the originality that only Gozitans can express during the Carnival festivities. During these celebrations Gozitans shed their usual customary religiosity centred around the celebrations of their feasts, saints and various religious festivities, to don a more celebrative and colourful attitude, which precedes the sombre Lenten period. This notwithstanding, Gozitans apply the same verve and energy to these celebrations. Carnival in Gozo has a longstanding tradition, being the period preceding Lent, which was practiced rigorously due to the Maltese Islands’ Catholic tradition. Carnival is celebrated around many localities in Gozo. Whilst the organised carnivals in Victoria, Nadur and Xag˙ra, amongst other localities, include a variety of carnival dances, hilarious sketches, costumes, floats, and the traditional kukkanja, Gozo is particularly renowned for the spontaneous carnival held at Nadur. It all started many years ago within the village, with young people rummaging for ideas to disguise themselves and parade through the little streets, making great fun along the way. Today, participation in the Nadur carnival has grown so much that people from all over the island flock for the three days of fun, colours and sounds where everyone can be anyone he/she wants through provocative disguise.

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Celebrations start early in Gozo with the organised Carnival in Nadur on the 8th February. The official celebrations start from Friday the 13th February and continue till Tuesday 17th February. Apart from the parades in Republic Street Victoria, the other carnivals held in the other localities around Gozo offer a glimpse of Gozo’s diverse culture which can be traced distinctly to each of the various localities. In admiring the various dances and parades, one could be easily carried away by the party atmosphere of costumes, dance and music but most of all of sheer imagination and creativity . Gozitans, dance companies apply a lot of energy to costumes and choreography, and one is amazed at what such a small community can produce. Carnival has grown significantly in Gozo in the past two decades, becoming a major annual festival that attracts visitors to the island looking for a unique fun experience. Its atypical and extreme nature has been a contributing factor to its success, and has been pulling bigger crowds. Today, one can find other activities surrounding the Carnival in Nadur. However, none of these has tinged its extreme and ‘wild’ nature which makes it so attractive amongst foreigners and locals. Funny and grotesque costumes are the order of the day. So as the sun sets, let the fun begin!

Gozo Intricately beautiful

www.gozo.gov.mt

Image: Sunrise over valley from Ûebbu© - © Daniel Cilia, Ministry for Gozo

Are You Losing Out Through Low Interest Rates? Never in recent economic history have interest rates been so low, for so many, for so long. Whilst this helps borrowers such as young families with mortgages, it creates a headache for those with savings, who are often retirees. Many people are disappointed that their savings accounts are now paying next to nothing, often down tenfold on the rates they would have benefitted from before 2009. To confound things, most analysts are not expecting a significant rate rise anytime soon. What are your options? If you cannot accept any degree of uncertainty over your capital, then unfortunately you have little option but to wait until the rates increase. If you are prepared to tie your money up for a number of years you could look at fixed term deposit accounts which will pay a higher level of interest than instant access accounts. Particularly with the bigger more stable banks, given the extremity of the current climate, even with a 3 year term you are unlikely to receive a rate much higher than 2% before tax. If you can accept allocating a proportion of your money to longer term planning and are willing to take some carefully considered risks, you could consider a cautious investment.

There are

investments currently available from large, well known secure institutions that have long standing track records of paying investors an annual income of between 4% and 4.5%.

With these

investments this income can be retained within the investment to â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;roll upâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; over the years or can be paid monthly to a bank account of your choice. Next Steps Hollingsworth International have been trusted by expats in Malta for more than 10 years to provide the best impartial investment advice. If you would like advice on making an investment then please call Michael Lavin on 2131 6298 or email mlavin@hollingsworth-int.com Hollingsworth International Financial Services Ltd is licensed by the Malta Financial Services Authority to provide investment services under the Investment Services Act, 1994. Enrolled Insurance Broker under article 13 of the Insurance Intermediaries Act, (Cap. 487). Registration Number C32457

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Image: © Gino Galea - www.viewingmalta.com

Carnival hails its name from the Latin 'carne levare', meaning the putting away of meat because of Lent which starts just after. In Malta, Carnival dates back to around the year 1400. In 1535 Grand Master Piero De Ponte boosted Carnival celebrations in Malta and these are still going so strong all around the Maltese Islands. Since Carnival is a celebration of colours, traditional Maltese sweets associated with Carnival are Perlini. These sugared almonds in various colours are typical of these festive days. In former days during the Carnival defile, which was held either at Valletta or Senglea, the people dressed in costumes on carnival floats used to throw ‘perlini’ at the crowds. ‘Perlini’ were also thrown by people in costumes who were in ‘karozzini’ (a cart driven by a horse). These carts used to visit villages and hamlets so that the countryside people would be able to admire a carnival decorated cart. While passing through the village streets the cart people would throw ‘perlini’ at the village children. When these children would see ‘perlini’ all over the place they would run and try to pick up as many ‘perlini’ as possible. When you visit Valletta during Carnival season look out for the various sweet shops and admire the colourfully decorated windows with so many perlini and once there try them and join in the merry making.

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Local Councils Events in February

Celebrating Tradition, Folklore and Culture 8th Nadur Carnival St. Peter and St. Paul Square, Nadur. In addition to the unique carnival (ranked 2nd in the world after the Brazil carnival), the Nadur Local Council has been organising for a number of years a family carnival. This event includes a variety of creativity including costumes, dances, floats, hilarious sketches and dances. Foreign dance groups and bands and special commissioned groups will also feature during this event which ends with the traditional kukkanja featuring also kukkanja for children.

13th-17th (20:00) Spontaneous Carnival Next to tal-Bombos in Triq il-Kbira, Xewkija. Increasing in popularity every year the Xewkija Local Council organizes this traditional event with local musicians and bands. 14th (19:00) Carnival Festivities in Xag˙ra. Nazzarenu Square, Xag˙ra. A varied Carnival programme for children including Carnival competitions for best costume in show, fun games etc. 15th (10:30-16:00) CARNIVAL IN XAGÓRA. Victory Square, Xag˙ra. The main Carnival programme in Xag˙ra including Carnival band marches by the Victory Philharmonic Society, performance of the traditional Carnival dance ‘Il-Kumittiva’, performance by several Gozitan dance groups, Carnival floats and costumes etc.

13th-17th Nadur Carnival - A Unique Experience Nadur Nadur is well known for it's unique spontaneous carnival which takes place five days before lent. Literally thousands of people descend to Nadur during the five days of the Carnival. This has an enormous positive economic impact on the whole island of Gozo during the lowest touristic season of the year because it affects all aspects of the Gozitan economy. The spontaneous carnival attracts mainly youths but also all age groups.

Sunday 15 (09:30) Carnival Defile' Pjazza San Ìwann Battista & Triq San Bert, Xewkija. Led by Prekursur Band Club. A veriety of dances by various Carnival groups, carnival floats of all sizes and grotesque masks. Following the defile' there will be the traditional Kukkanja. Including also a competition for the best carnival float and costumes.

LIVING IN MALTA & GOZO A PLACE IN THE SUN Malta and Gozo are becoming increasingly popular locations for the purchase or rental of second homes. Situated at the very heart of the Mediterranean Sea, with easy access from all major cities in Europe, North Africa and neighbouring states, the Islands have many advantages to offer, including the following:

in GUARDIA Parade Back To Fort St. Elmo

WHY MALTA • An excellent climate with pleasant all year round weather. • Genuinely friendly and hospitable people who will make it easy to integrate within the local community. • Very low levels of crime which make Malta one of the safest places in the region. • A member of the European Union since 2004, Malta is an independent republic enjoying political stability. • English is one of the two official languages of the Islands and is spoken fluently by everyone. • The Island boasts a high standard of hospital and medical services, both private and public. • Excellent schooling, often exceeding international standards, with a choice of English-speaking schools and University. • A relatively low cost of living. • A stable property market offering a wide variety of properties in all price ranges, and good prospects for capital growth.

After a two year absence from Malta's capital Valletta, the In Guardia Parade, organised by the Malta Tourism Authority, will return back to its rightful place, Fort St. Elmo.

These, together with an abundance of historical and cultural attractions, crystal clear seas, a variety of sporting facilities (including world class diving) and a lively calendar of events, make these Islands a favourite for those seeking their dream ‘Place in the Sun'. Moreover, the residency conditions are very attractive and include a favourable tax regime and the absence of Rates or Council taxes.

FLYING TIMES Malta – London 3.05hrs Malta – Frankfurt 2.35hrs Malta – Rome 1.15hrs

Malta – Amsterdam 3.05hrs Malta – Paris 2.35hrs Malta – Cairo 2.25hrs

PURCHASE OF PROPERTY BY NON-MALTESE BUYERS It is quite easy for a non-Maltese to purchase property in Malta and Gozo. Naturally, some conditions apply including certain restrictions regarding the minimum value of property that can be purchased and the use that the buyer will make of the property. Some buyers may also require a special permit.

MORE INFORMATION For further information and assistance, we recommend that you contact one of the excellent local Estate Agents who can offer professional guidance and advice to help you make the best choice.

If you are an expatriate living in Malta or Gozo...

you may regularly receive a link to the online version of this monthly magazine in your email. Simply e-mail us on: info@impactpr.com.mt

With the wait for the re-opening of Fort St. Elmo swiftly coming to an end and with Heritage Malta set to celebrate the 450th anniversary from the Great Siege of 1565, as from February 1 the In Guardia Parade will be the first to return to the Fort. In its 18th year, the In Guardia Parade is a re-enactment in period costumes which is renowned amongst visitors, through full-scale military drills. The In Guardia parade evokes the time of the Knights of St John in Malta in the early 17th century, a time of battles, conquests and heroes. One will be able to see a number of officers and men-at-arms decked out as they perform inside the fort's Place-of-Arms. The Captain of the fort gathers his garrison and gives out the orders of the day. He informs his men to be well prepared for the visit of the Grand Bailiff responsible for military matters and is given a salute upon arrival. This drill is soon followed by the firing of mortars and cannon by the bombardiers.

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The In Guardia parade, which takes around 45 minutes, will be held on the following dates: February 1 & 22; March 1,8,15 22, 29; April 12, 19, 26; May: 3, 10, 17, 24, 31; June: 7, 14, 21, 28; July: 5 & 12; September: 20 & 27; October: 4, 11, 18, 25; Nov: 1,8, 15, 22; December 27. For further details please send an email on info@visitmalta.com or info@heritagemalta.org. Other information on this and other events may also obtained by phoning the Tourist Information Centre on 22915440 /1.

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Celebrating 100 Years of Aviation In Malta

It was exactly a century ago that an aeroplane – a folder Type 135 seaplane - took off from a Royal Navy vessel in Valletta’s Grand Harbour. As we celebrate this landmark event, it is with a sense of wonder that we follow the milestones which have led to the development of the Malta aviation sector, upon which we have become so dependent for our livelihoods and quality of life. Commercial aviation saw its beginnings in Malta with the first passenger plane landing in 1926. Up to then, seaplanes, had been carrying one or two passengers and some mail from England and Italy. It was only after the Second World War that a rise in demand for commercial aviation was evident. The subsequent growth in traffic prompted the building of a new air terminal in 1958. Meanwhile, being a British colony, the islands also continued fulfilling an important military role as a base of air operations in the Mediterranean. In 1969, Malta’s aircraft register - with the identity 9H - was established. Mass air travel, made possible by technological progress and the development of the jet engine, led to a boom in the tourism industry. For strategic purposes, the need was felt for Malta to have its own national airline, and in 1973, Air Malta was born. Throughout the 1970s and 80s, the Maltese tourism industry grew at a rapid rate, and in 1992, a new air terminal was built to cater for the requirements of the industry. In 2003, the local aviation industry witnessed a major milestone with Lufthansa Technik’s decision to commence service operations on the islands. As Malta began to make its mark as a reputable jurisdiction, subsequent years were also to see a rise in aircraft registrations. The history of aviation in Malta is still being written. The Maltese Government is committed to make an aviation cluster from which the country can benefit in terms of revenue and the creation of job opportunities. Meanwhile, Malta’s recent ratification of the Montreal Protocol, and the planned revision of the Aircraft Registration Act are two steps on the road to increase competitiveness in the sector. Aerospace innovation, practical research, the possibility of flight test facilities, and further assistance to the national aviation industry, will all be contemplated in the development of an Aviation Policy, to be ready by the end of the year 2015.

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