Personal encounters

Owen Bonnici (Minister for National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government.)

This year, as the Minister responsible for National Patrimony, the Arts and Local Government, I addressed countless press conferences, inaugurated many exhibitions, attended numerous concerts, and met thousands of people.

Every event stands out in its own way. I cherish them all. But there were individuals alive and dead who had a huge impact on me personally and affected my outlook on life. They touched me, and they did so deeply.

Jake Vella is now a household name. A young man, in the prime of his teenage life, who lost his life earlier this year following a rare illness that was borne with extraordinary courage and fortitude, by Jake and his parents, Maruska and Josie.

I know the Vella family. I've known them for a long time. They are extraordinary people. When Jake was born, everything looked normal. Eventually, Josie and Maruska realized that something was wrong with Jake. Medical tests confirmed their worst fears. Their life turned upside down. But they were determined to give their only son a normal upbringing.

As he grew older, Jake demonstrated a remarkable ability to overcome the challenges he faced. Jake was a fighter, fierce in his perseverance, gentle in his demeanour, till the very end. He started to participate in sports marathons, organized fund-raising events for animal welfare, went on TV, and spoke about his condition and how determined he was to live his life to the full.

Josie and Maruska adapted their life to support Jake, and they did so till Jake's very last breath. Towards the end of his life, Jake had to reside permanently at the Mater Dei hospital, and so did his parents. From his hospital bed, Jake raised money for animal welfare, gave interviews, learned music, had a word of courage to the many people who visited him - always with a smile on his face, which was addictive.

I used to visit Jake and his parents, my intention always being to give them my unconditional support and a word of courage. But it was Jake, Josie, and Maruska that filled my heart with love, courage, and determination to overcome the challenges that we encounter in our daily lives and persevere in all that we do.

Eventually, Jake succumbed to his illness. As I helped carry his coffin at a packed Birzebbuga parish church, I saw people from all walks of life, paying their respects to Jake, Josie and Maruska and clearly in awe at the extraordinary courage demonstrated by this young family who inspired the nation.

Earlier this month, I witnessed Josie and Maruska receiving the Gieh ir-RepubblikaAward, the country's highest recognition, for Jake's bravery. It was a truly well-deserved award. Maruska and Josie were beaming with pride. Jake made them proud. He did us all proud.

Quiven Ellul is a 9-year-old of remarkable courage. In his infancy, he lost both eyes due to cancer. It was a devastating moment for his parents, Karen and Johan. And yet, they persevered. They were not going to let this new and hard reality in their and their son's life hinder his childhood and their future.

Quiven showed a particular inclination to music, and Karen and Johan took him to music lessons where Quiven excelled. Today, this remarkable 9-year-old can play the piano and the saxophone, like a pro, and he does so from memory. I witnessed him playing both instruments. I was genuinely impressed.

Quiven has a promising future as a musician, and I have absolutely no doubt that he will make a name for himself and for our country in the music scene.

Born and bred in Zejtun, I knew Dun Ang Seychell up close and personal. We knew him affectionately as Dun Ang, founder of Fondazzjoni Nazareth. He passed away a few months ago, having lived a long and purposeful life. He had one main purpose in life, which he achieved without fanfare: to remove vulnerable persons from institutionalised care and place them in homes, offering them an alternative family structure.

In many ways, Dun Ang was revolutionary in his idea with regard to the disability sector. That was a revolutionary idea way back when Dun Ang set along to achieve his mission. It had always been the custom to place vulnerable people, especially those who did not have anyone to support them in institutionalised care. Dun Ang changed. FondazzjoniNazareth's mission was inspired by this objective.

Dun Ang was a humble, unpretentious priest from humble origins who never ceased to be humble even when he became famous for his voluntary work.

Lorenzo Vella was the head of the European Commission Representation in Malta. In August this year, he succumbed to his illness, aged 43. In his youth, he was a Labour Party activist who wore his social democratic principles on his sleeves. He also served as chief of staff to former health minister Chris Fearne during the COVID pandemic.

Lorenzo, a father of two, was loved and admired by all, irrespective of one's political beliefs. He was an excellent diplomat who unfailingly put the country first. There was an outpour of grief when his death was announced.

Lorenzo was a committed public servant. I had known Lorenzo for a long time. Many looked up to him - his sense of duty, his integrity, and his love for the country. I looked up to him too and learned a lot from him. There are people who leave a lasting impact on your life. Lorenzo was one of them.

Karl Gouder's death shocked Malta. It was sudden and tragic. We hailed from the different political spectrum, but we had nothing but respect for each other. There was a time when Karl, as a member of parliament, shadowed my ministerial portfolio. He was hard hitting in his criticism, but never ever did he attempt to shoot down the messenger. I respected him for that. Karl was a politician who sought to bring people around the same table. He was loved and respected by all. Karl is missed. Politics lost one of its greatest.

There were other individuals who this year made a lasting impact on me as an individual and a politician. The above unique individuals stood out, and they were known by many. There were others whom I knew but had no public profile. Yet, they left a positive impact on me.

Politics can be tough, at times cruel, but it has a unique and extraordinary side to it, you meet people all the time who shape your outlook of life and touch you personally leaving a deep and lasting impact on you.