The Grand Master���s Hall, San Anton Palace.
As a member of the European Union, it holds all the
prerogatives of Germany, Poland or France. In an
increasingly polarized Europe, Malta can and does
hold trump cards. Witness the steady flow of State
visits between Malta and several countries throughout
Europe and beyond. Witness the prominent positions
Maltese leaders have held at the United Nations and in
the councils of Europe.
This spring, I was invited to attend a concert and to be
a house guest at what turned out to be a Presidential
birthday weekend at San Anton Palace, His Excellency���s
principal official residence. By the end of that stay I came
to understand why he, First Lady Margaret Abela and
family are held in such high esteem. A whirlwind of activity
uniquely devoted to Malta and her people comprised the
Presidential birthday weekend.
HYLAND
