Foundation to organise celebrations marking major anniversaries

The government is to set up a foundation to organise and coordinate national festivities, including the 50th anniversary of Independence, the 40th anniversary of the Republic, the 35th anniversary of Freedom Day and 10 years of EU accession. Informed sources said it will be composed of PBS deputy chairman Albert Marshall whop heads the Malta Arts Council, drama director Lino Farrugia, finance expert John Zarb, art historian Dr Philip Farrugia Randon TV personality Andrea Cassar, DJ Gianni, Jason Busuttil, who is a director of One Productions and involved in the organisation of Carnival, historian Prof Ray Mangion, Simone Mizzi from Din l-Art Helwa, Mario Farrugia Borg from the Office of the Prime Minister and TV discussion host Lou Bondi, whose company has been involved in the organisation of large events such as those to mark Malta's accession in the EU. Prof Oliver Friggieri will be chairman.