The University of Malta Gozo Campus has just issued the 33rd edition of The Gozo Observer. This publication is once again presenting a number of interesting articles relating to Gozo.
In his editorial Professor Maurice Cauchi discusses the depopulation of Gozo over the years and whether emigration is a blessing or a curse.
The article entitled 'The Xagħra Windmill', written by Joseph Scicluna, gives an interesting account of the millers and their families who worked in the Ta' Kola Windmill, starting from Marcello Xicluna who was the very first miller and from whom the author is a descendent. Rev. Dr Joseph Bezzina describes the remarkable career of Fortunato Mizzi, the respect the Gozitans had towards him, his role as the Founder of the Partito Nazionale, and his connection with Gozo.
Professor Lino Briguglio presents an interesting statistical report regarding the economic situation in Gozo. This report also includes a summary of the opinions expressed, during face-to-face interviews, by twenty-one Gozitan economic and social leaders. In his article 'The Queen and Gozo: Elizabeth II in the Island of Calypso', Fr Geoffrey Attard describes the occasions when HRH Elizabeth II visited Gozo, both as Princess and as Queen.
In another article, 'Edward Lear in Gozo in March 1866', John Cremona gives a concise account of one of the greatest artists who visited our island 150 years ago. During an eight day visit to Gozo, Lear managed to produce no less than eighty watercolours of various places in Gozo, which are now displayed in several museums and private collections around the world.
In this issue three recent publications are reviewed. The first book written by Dr Michael Refalo entitled, 'Slavery, Malta at the Crossroads. Transhipment of Slaves in a British Colony during the Nineteenth Century' is reviewed by Professor Lino Briguglio. The second publication written by Joe M. Attard entitled 'Profili ta' Kittieba Għawdxin' is reviewed by Professor Maurice Cauchi, while the final publication written by Ted M. Mizzi entitled, 'The Rotunda. A Testament to Faith, Courage and Love', is reviewed by Geoffrey G. Attard.
In the final article, Joseph Calleja, the Gozo Campus Administrator, gives details about courses offered at the Gozo Campus and about the graduation ceremonies of those who successfully completed their courses. Also included are recent activities held at the Campus such as the International Theatre Symposium and the Commonwealth Writers Workshop, the latter being part of the CHOGM activities held in Malta during November 2015.
The Gozo Observer can be viewed at www.um.edu.mt/ugc/publications and requests for hard copies can be sent to:
The University of Malta - Gozo Campus
Mgarr Road
Xewkija, Gozo.
Tel: +356 2156 4559, +356 2340 7900