INAUGURATION OF THE ROOTS WEB SITE

At the inauguration of the ROOTS web site Minister for Tourism Michael Refalo recalled that the setting up of an organisation to trace the descendants of emigrants is listed as Point 119 in the government's 1998 electoral manifesto. The project is designed to attract third and fourth generation Maltese to visit their ancestors' country of origin, to re-ignite the spark of long forgotten cultural ties and identity.

At the preparation stage the project is being driven by the Ministry of Tourism, but after its official launching towards the end of this year, it will be entrusted to the Malta Tourism Authority as one of the many market niches and programmes which the Authority looks after.

Roots is parallel to similar programmes run by Bord Failte (The Irish Tourist Board) in Ireland and others in countries from where, during the last hundred years, migrants left to find work and fortune in far off lands.

Mr. Leslie Agius was appointed Project Coordinator and Roots Committee Chairman in January 1999.

In January 1999 Minister Refalo said that he met Borde Failte officials, to discuss and obtain information and assistance for the setting of the Roots project.

Much research has been undertaken among and with the help of Maltese communities in Australia, Canada, the United States, France, North Africa, France and Greece.

On the 1^st June 1999 a Committee was set under Mr Agius' chairmanship. The members are Mr. Mario Azzopardi, Mr. Victor Formosa, Mr. Tonio Farrugia, Canon Michael Agius, Mr. Leslie Muscat, Ms. Josephine Zammit Cordina.

The launch was extensively reported in the local press and much statistical information may be obtained by reference to newspaper reports of the launch.

Maltese embassies and high commissions, consulates in emigrant receiving countries as well as community leaders, associations and banks have been alerted to the content and scope of the Roots programme.

Roots Chairman Mr. Agius met Maltese leaders and community leaders during a visit to Canada and the U.S. while Ms. Zammit Cordina did likewise in Australia. The initiative has been enthusiastically received and favourable reports have appeared in community and ethnic press.

Locally research has included meetings with geneaologists, heraldic experts, Local Councillors, Parish Priests and officials from the Land Registry.

During its first six months in office the Roots Committee has made valuable breakthroughs in sensitising Maltese communities in target countries. A questionnaire has been drawn up and is being distributed to a pilot mailing list. A video and a CD Cassette have been commissioned.

The Minister announced that on the 17^th January 2000 Cabinet approved his proposal for the erection of a monument in honour of the Maltese migrant. Subject to Planning Authority and the Committee for Monuments and Plaques approval the monument will be sited at Customs House quay in Valletta.

The Committee has engaged an art expert and will now proceed to draw up terms of reference and a brief for distribution to sculptors.

Mr. Leslie Agius then explained the rationale and content of the Web Site.