A figurative bronze monument in honor of Professor Oliver Friggieri was inaugurated in Floriana, in a ceremony that celebrated the great legacy left behind by this literary giant.
This occasion was the result of a process that began less than a month after the defeat of Prof. Friggieri with the call from Heritage Malta, under the auspices of the Office of the Prime Minister, for proposals with designs for the memorial. After that, an expert jury chose the design of the Gozitan artist John Grima.
In his speech, Prime Minister Robert Abela reiterated that Professor Oliver Friggieri was not only an author, a scholar of Maltese and an excellent teacher, but he is also one of the greatest thinkers our country has ever seen.
He pointed out how he lived, wrote and shared his thoughts in different eras of a nation, which like any other nation in the world faced its challenges. “Like any other nation, Malta is not perfect and has had different moments in its history. Beautiful and less beautiful. But at no time did Professor Friggieri shrink this nation or give up on this nation.”
The Prime Minister reiterated that Oliver Friggieri constantly wanted to touch the conscience of the nation because he believed in the future for the Maltese.
“He was never afraid. He was never satisfied with what had been achieved. Because he was sure, and undoubtedly he was right, that there was and is a beautiful future for the Maltese, just as there was a past that led them to this point. His words were heard, agree or disagree with his line of thought. Oliver Friggieri, no matter what the circumstances were, the one who believed he was white said he was white and the black said he was black.”
The Prime Minister Robert Abela said that even though from his writings one can clearly understand how sometimes he felt angry because there were moments when he did not agree with certain decisions or directions, he was still a man who wanted to build on the good. The good that was done before never agreed to be dismantled simply to be dismantled. And this in the words of the Prime Minister, there is no doubt that he would do it because he would put Malta above everything and was not baptized by color or any prejudice.
In his speech during the inauguration ceremony of the monument in honor of Oliver Friggieri, the Prime Minister concluded that even when he was a strong critic, he did it because he loved the Maltese and believed in them. Even when he spoke over those who had no voice, he did so because he loved creation as a whole.
“Professor Friggieri was a harsh critic when he had to be critical. But not bad. Even though his wisdom was immeasurable, he never tried to stifle anyone else from presenting his thoughts. We stop and think. How many lessons he still gives us today. We are also obliged to see that the wisdom he left us is not lost. And if we continue to cherish the identity that makes us all Maltese, one nation, there is no doubt that the figure of Friggieri will continue to be central and alive.”
Minister for National Heritage, Arts and Local Government, Owen Bonnici, recalled that the Maltese Government had made a promise to the people to erect a memorial in honour of the poet and Professor Oliver Friggieri, who throughout his life believed in human potential and in everything that is right, authentic and good.
“Today we are unveiling this monument in honor of this giant of Maltese literature and national identity. An artistic memorial commemorating Oliver Friggieri’s contribution to the Maltese nation”, said Minister Bonnici.
Minister Bonnici added that, “Professor Oliver Friggieri is considered among the leading Maltese because he dedicated his life not only as a poet, scholar and teacher, but because he loved the culture that gives clothing to everything that is human”.
The Chairman of Heritage Malta, Mario Cutajar, shared his thoughts on the immense stature of Friggieri, and described him as one of the greatest Maltese who with his actions as much as with the strength of the written and spoken word gave evidence of how he has be one united nation.
He also reflected on how Friggieri’s works continue to inspire individuals and are a guide for Heritage Malta in fulfilling its vision so that its museums remain relevant to society and help shape the Maltese identity.
The monument, which is opposite the one commemorating the national poet Don Karm Psaila, consists of a representation of Friggieri standing on an imposing pedestal, which reflects his stature in local academic forums and beyond. The monument also includes engraved verses from one of Friggieri’s most loved poems, called ‘Jekk’.
Oliver Friggieri was born and raised in Floriana, not too far from the place where there is now the monument in his honor, and he started writing his first poetic verses when he was still going to primary school. His monumental contribution to the literary world, the impact he left on our country, and the humanity he showed throughout his life were reflected throughout the ceremony in comments from relatives and friends, speeches from distinguished guests, and animated artistic passages by the actor Mario Micallef and the singer-songwriter Vince Fabri.
Photos (OPM)
