Ms Kate Gonzi, wife of the Prime Minister, attended the 12th edtion of 'Lace Day' organised in Gozo by the Uuniversity Gozo Centre Lace Making Programme. Ms Kate Gonzi distributed certificates to students who completed the advanced lace-making course.

Ms Gonzi, addressing those present, said that she was impressed by the work carried out at the University Gozo Centre stating that the centre has been instrumental in reviving the craft and giving it an accademic dimension.

The Minister for Gozo, Giovanna Debono, who was also present, said that the centre has become a hub of activities and through it hundreds of Gozitans have obtained a University degree. She said that the Diploma in Lace Studies offered at the centre is unique and she augered that more students will join the course when it will be offered agiain next October.

The Minister referred to the still valid contribution lace making can provide to the economic development on the island of Gozo particularly through the demand generated by the tourism industry for this authentic example of Gozitan workmanship which has also been awarded the prestigious authenticity certificate by the Malta Crafts Council. The Minister concluded that during the present legislature Government will continue to build on what has been achieved whilst proposing new ideas for a better quality of life on Gozo and at the same time safeguarding the Gozitan cultural and traditional heritage.

Ms Consiglia Azzopardi, Coordinator of the Lace Making Programme, talked about the social aspects of lace making and said that in Italy lace making is used for its therapeutic effect, even to reform drug adicts and prisoners. She said that it has been observed that lace making can also help to give up or reduce cigarette smoking. Ms Azzopardi stated that the Lace Making Programme is also planning to target younger persons including males and this summer a course in lace making will be offered with this specific aim.

Prof Lino Briguglio, Director of the Gozo Centre thanked all those present and made a special mention of the Hon. Anton Tabone, Speaker of the House of Representatives, who, when minister for Gozo, did his utmost to establish the University Gozo Centre and always wanted to give lace making the high profile it deserves.