SETTE GIUGNO

On 7th June every year, Malta commemorates the tragic events of Sette Giugno. This is in remembrance of the riots of 1919 when the Maltese population revolted against the British Government to obtain some form of representative government. Four people died when fire was opened on the protestors. One of the four men killed was Giuseppe Bajada who hailed from Xaghra. He happened to be in Malta on that fateful day when he went there to obtain a passport to emigrate. He found himself among the rioting crowd and, according to Giuse’ Orlando as quoted by Herbert Ganado, in the ensuing melee he was hit while in Strada Teatro and fell down holding the Maltese flag. A Carmelite friar assisted him with the last Catholic rites before he died on the spot where he fell. To remember the tragic events and the death of Giuseppe Bajada on the 7th June 1919 a ceremony is held every year in Xaghra. This year, the Xaghra Local Council organized Mass in the Basilica while the Gozo Cultural Council within the Gozo Ministry marked the day with a commemoration near a plaque on the walls of the house where Giuseppe was born and lived. The distinguished guests included The Speaker of The House of Representatives the Hon Anton Tabone MP, the Mayor of Xaghra Mr Joseph Spiteri and Mrs Spiteri, the Chairmen of the Gozo Cultural Council and the Organizing Committee and Mgr Carmelo Refalo Xaghra Archpriest. The Gozo Minister, the Hon Giovanna Debono MP was unavoidably absent. After an introductory speech by Chev. Joe M Attard, a choir made up from students attending the Xaghra Primary School sang the Gozo Hymn. Young Bertha Fiteni read a poem written for the occasion by Mr. Carmel Cachia and Ms Natalina Sultana followed with a speech about the events leading to the 1919 riots. Two trumpeters from the Armed Forces of Malta played the last Post, one minute silence followed and the Reveille was played. The distinguished guests then placed flowers at the foot of the plaque. The Choir then sang the Hymn of Europe and the National Hymn.