Last Updated on Thursday, 22 August, 2024 at 9:03 am by Andre Camilleri
Sadly, this week I lost a relative and a longtime friend.
Lorenzo and I go back many years. We share mutual cousins. His mother’s late brother Charlie is married to my late father’s sister Marlene. That’s where I knew Lorenzo. We got to know each other in our childhood through our cousins, and later in our teenage years within the structures of the PL. We got closer through the Forum Żgħażagħ Laburisti branch, and through Ray Azzopardi at One Productions Ltd.
When my husband was still Public Relations officer of the PL and head of One Radio, he used to push and promote the Forum Żgħażagħ Laburisti within the structures of the PL. I even remember Ray encouraging Lorenzo Vella, back then secretary general of the Labour Youth Forum, to start hosting a radio programme on One radio. He accepted. And so did the other members; two of them are Cabinet members. We used to spend countless evenings discussing politics in Ray’s office, just right after the radio programme. His mother would call to check if everything was alright, as our conversations often extended until 2 in the morning. It was like a youth club. Lorenzo was an idealist, a convinced socialist and a person of integrity.
When in 2013 we moved to Brussels, Lorenzo and his wife, Cheryl, were truly supportive. They were the ones who provided us with essential items to meet our daily needs for the first two days. I will be forever grateful for their good deeds and for making our journey in Brussels easier. Indeed, we spent the best times with them. Last February, someone broke the news to us that Lorenzo is unwell. When we got to know, we both felt distressed. Still, one does not believe what is about to happen. Hope is the last thing that dies. The brain works in a way to cope through a defence mechanism. The last time I coped with such devastating news was when my father was diagnosed with a terminal illness. It is truly a reality check. Time is indeed of essence. And the time we spend in this world, must be a time that brings a positive change for others. Surely, Lorenzo did bring positive changes to others. He never changed, and remained humble and accessible to help others, irrespective of the diplomatic positions he held. His infectious smile and sense of humour will be cherished forever. This will be manifested when this morning we bid farewell to Lorenzo.
Certainly, losing someone close gives you a new perspective on life. Sincerely, what really matters is health and happiness. In the past weeks, I have encountered several people who were, or are still, unwell. Indeed, it’s become unbearable to digest facts about people and acquaintances who are truly unwell. It might be my impression, but the incidence rate of illnesses is becoming higher. If there is research, we must be mature enough to publish it. We cannot improve the quality of life of people, even at policy level, if we do not accept the deficiencies and start addressing them with a proper plan.
After the MEP elections I had more time to focus on my work. Right now, my job is to promote ESG within the banking system, which is about the promotion of Environment, Social and Governance. Perhaps, our small contribution can aid with the wellbeing of others. Our job as bankers is to screen clients on their behaviour towards all the elements of ESG. We were tasked to provide a better world. Indeed, when encountering such illnesses one stops to reflect on the bigger picture, and the unwavering push that is needed to protect our environment. Malta must ensure that the sectors that it is dependent on are carefully selected and less polluting. We must preserve the environment, or better put, the little left of it, through a proper transition plan.
The Planning Authority should not enable any environmental abuses through the sanctioning of illegalities. In June, the EU Commission published its report on the risks relating to nature and biodiversity within the financial system. This will become more visible. Also, it means, that it is not just about climate hazards but also nature and biodiversity, which bankers must look into. The human element on the ecosystems is making it even more difficult to cope with addressing bottlenecks that are affecting the quality of life in Malta.
As much as I criticised the current President of the EU Commission, about her meddling in foreign affairs matters, however, we do owe the push to protect and restore nature to her. And it was Ursula von der Leyen that put this high on the agenda. Indeed, the President of the EU Commission graduated Doctor of Medicine, so she certainly knows what the implications of GHG emissions, and the loss of biodiversity are on public health. What struck me most though, is that academically, President von der Leyen managed to touch upon all topics that impinge on people’s health throughout her career by combining economics, public health, medicine and security.
Surely, the EU Commission representation in Malta will miss Lorenzo Vella. We were very much aligned on the EU’s positive policies to curb the effects of climate change on the environment. We had some discussions on what I am doing in the private sector and the EU’s push on climate change. With Lorenzo heading the EU Commission’s representation in Malta, I was certain that he will be promoting policies that bring a positive change to everyone. Sadly, his journey was cut short with a sudden illness. However, we will carry on fighting for what he believed in. We will promote the environment, fight for social justice and push for progressive politics. As the President of the EU Parliament Dr Metsola said, yes, even Europe will miss him.
Thank you, Lorenzo, for bringing a positive change into our life, and for being a true friend. We will cherish our lovely memories forever.
Until we meet again our dear colleague and true friend.
