BIOGRAPHY OF FORMER PRESIDENT "CENSU TABONE: THE MAN AND HIS CENTURY" LAUNCHED IN GOZO

Following the official launching of the biography of former President Dr. Ċensu Tabone by Professor Henry Frendo, at the Palace, Valletta, a Gozo launch was held on Wednesday, 20^th December in Victoria, where Dr. Tabone was born in 1913. The activity was held under the auspices of the Hon. Giovanna Debono, Minister for Gozo, at the Exhibition Hall, Ministry for Gozo.

The panel, under the chairmanship of Magistrate Dr. Paul Coppini LL.D., included Notary Paul G. Pisani LL.D, Dr. John B. Pace, Mr. Paul Mizzi, Mr. Roderick Pace and Mr. Tonio Portughese. Following a short intervention by the author, Professor Henry Frendo, Minister Giovanna Debono delivered a concluding address. The discussion touched on various aspects mentioned in the book, with special reference to the protagonist's many associations with the island of Gozo and its people over the years.

In her concluding address, Minister Giovanna Debono stated that "Ċensu's contribution towards a better society is unconfounded. It is thus very proper that a bibliographical publication about his life and works, reflecting in a holistic way his principles and rectitude with regards to his country, the party he so much upheld, and the people he kept on serving till the end of his career, be issued".

Dr. Ċensu Tabone thanked everyone present with a special mention to Prof. Henry Frendo claiming that "what he said is factually true. It corresponds to the actual truth". Dr. Tabone stated that the biography gives an insight into most of what happens internally in political party affairs. It shows how Malta has changed throughout the years, becoming "almost unrecognizable", highlighting in effect the responsibility of being an Independent Malta. Dr. Tabone made a special reference to Notary George Borg Olivier and Dr. Eddie Fenech Adami. He referred to Dr. Borg Olivier as being "a great patriot, the first man at the service of the country because it was himself, though not on his own, who gave Malta the dignity of being an Independent country". Of Dr. Fenech Adami he said that he wishes "to publicly display the dignity that he is worthy of, whilst honouring and thanking him for being such a great friend, as well as for all that he did, and auguring that he continues to do, for our Malta".

Present for the occasion were Dr. Ċensu Tabone's wife Maria, relatives and friends.