Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Ian Borg, met with members of the Maltese community in New York, at the Maltese Centre in Astoria, ahead of his participation at the United Nations General Assembly, this week.
Dr Borg highlighted the importance of this community’s active role in safeguarding Maltese identity and traditions overseas. “It is always a pleasure to meet the Maltese and Gozitan community here. We can appreciate the way they live and the success they have achieved through their work. They have found success in the United States, and we commend them,” he said.
The Maltese Centre not only fulfils a social role but also provides vital support to the community, bringing together those who emigrated many years ago, second and third-generation Maltese Americans, as well as the more recent arrivals.
The Deputy Prime Minister’s visit to the Centre last weekend was an opportunity to celebrate the enduring bond between Malta and its diaspora. It was also a fitting conclusion to a week marked by significant successes in strengthening Malta–United States relations, including the premiere of the film Hidden Malta, the announcement of direct flights between Malta and New York, and the inauguration of new Malta Tourism Authority offices in New York.
“Many members told me that they continue to visit Malta frequently, and they were particularly pleased with the recent announcement of direct flights between Malta and the United States. I also urge you to encourage your friends to visit Malta; together we can help make our tourism industry a greater success,” Dr Borg.
The Deputy Prime Minister was accompanied by the Maltese Ambassador to the United States, Godfrey Xuereb, and the Consul General of Malta in New York, Denise Demicoli. “The Consulate strongly believes that activities like today’s are important to keep the Maltese community united, while also helping us remain aware of the different ways in which we can be of service to our people here,” the Consul General said.
The President of the Maltese Centre in Astoria, Eddie Debono, thanked Deputy Prime Minister Borg for his visit, noting that despite the club’s limited resources, it continues to thrive. “We truly appreciate the support and encouragement we receive from Malta. Even with our few resources, we manage to achieve very big things. I also want to express my gratitude to all our members and volunteers for their dedication. The Centre is not only about celebrating our culture and traditions, but also about taking an active role in teaching and preserving the Maltese language and heritage for future generations,” he explained.
Matthew Spiteri, who migrated to New York nine years ago, added that “the story of Maltese immigration, our history and diaspora are very interesting, and activities such as these of today help keep Maltese culture alive. The club organises many activities on a weekly basis that celebrate Maltese traditions and culture.”
For many Maltese migrants, like Suelle Micallef Marmara, the Maltese Centre is a home away from home. “I have been in the United States for the past six years and two months in New York. As soon as I found out about the Maltese Centre, I joined immediately. I was very warmly welcomed, and I truly feel at home here,” she said.
Photo: ODPM-MFT
