New Artistic Monument To Honour Jake Vella’s Legacy In Birżebbuġa

A call for proposals will be launched for an artistic project to commemorate the memory of young athlete and inspiration Jake Vella in the coming days.
Just days before what would have been Jake Vella’s birthday, his memory was honoured with an Open Day at the Għar Dalam and Borġ in-Nadur sites in Birżebbuġa. During the event, Minister for Culture Owen Bonnici and Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Alison Zerafa Civelli announced the launch of a call for proposals for an artistic monument dedicated to Jake Vella.
This initiative, in collaboration with the Birżebbuġa Local Council, was welcomed with joy by Jake’s parents, who were present at the event.
As part of the commemoration, the Ministry for Culture, together with Heritage Malta, opened the prehistoric sites of Għar Dalam and Borġ in-Nadur to the public free of charge. Hundreds of visitors took the opportunity to explore Malta’s prehistoric past
Minister for Culture Owen Bonnici expressed his satisfaction with the contribution of local communities in promoting Malta’s cultural heritage. He also reaffirmed his commitment to honouring Jake Vella’s memory, recognising the impact he had on his community through his passion and dedication.
“Jake Vella will always be remembered as an exemplary individual who inspired many in the community. He helped others and left a lasting positive impact,” said Minister Bonnici.
Parliamentary Secretary Alison Zerafa Civelli emphasised the importance of recognising the contributions of individuals like Jake Vella to society. She highlighted how initiatives like this ensure that Jake’s legacy lives on, remembering the boy who touched the hearts of all Maltese and Gozitans. Above all, his kindness and spirit will forever be honoured in the locality where he grew up.
Għar Dalam And Borġ In-Nadur: A Journey Into Malta’s Prehistoric Past
Għar Dalam, Malta’s oldest prehistoric site, dates back 7,400 years, marking the first evidence of human presence on the islands. The site houses an extensive collection of animal bones and fossils, displayed in a rare Victorian-style exhibition, one of the few still found in Europe.
Inside the cave, visitors are greeted by stunning stalactites and stalagmites, along with unique rock formations that offer a glimpse into the distant past. The surrounding area, designated as a Natura 2000 protected site, is home to a variety of native trees and plants.
Visitors also had the chance to explore Borġ in-Nadur, located just a short distance from Għar Dalam. Uniquely positioned between Wied Żembaq and Wied Dalam, this Neolithic site was excavated in the 1920s by archaeologist Margaret Murray. Her discoveries were crucial in deepening our understanding of Malta’s prehistory.
A Day Of Community And Giving Back
The Open Day featured a range of family-friendly activities, including educational sessions for children and a Heritage Malta book sale. Donations collected during the event were contributed to the Association for Abandoned Animals.
Among those in attendance were Birżebbuġa Mayor Scott Camilleri, members of the Local Council, and representatives from non-governmental organisations in the area.
What type of monument do you want to see in honour of Jake?