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METAGEUM '07
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Welcome to Vittoriosa, also known as Birgu
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About Birgu
The Metageum '07 conference takes in place on the waterfront of the town of Birgu (which was given the additional honorary title of Vittoriosa after the siege of 1565). Birgu, or Vittoriosa, is one of the ancient centres of Malta. Used as a fortified harbour by the Phoenicians, the Romans, and the Normans, it became the home of the Knights of St John when they arrived in the island in 1530. The massive fortifications and naval buildings of the Knights still dominate the town. Under British control from 1800, Birgu became the headquarters for the Brirish naval force in the Mediterranean. During the Second World War, the town suffered devastating levels of aerial bombardment,reducing more than half of the town to rubble. Rebuilt after the war, the town has worked hard to regain its pre-war vibrancy. The streets of Birgu are noted within Malta for their high standards of cleanliness and the lines of potted plants that add a very friendly touch to the environment.
About John Boxall, Mayor of Birgu
Mr. John Boxall was born in Vittoriosa on the 19th October, 1954. He has been married to Rita nee Grixti, who is also from Vittoriosa and they have one child, named Karl. In 1994, he was elected as the first Mayor of Birgu and was re-elected for the three-year post again in 1998, 2001, 2004, and 2007. Mr. John Boxall plays an active role in numerous organisations in Malta and Europe.
- He is the Chairman of the Joint Committee of the Light Devolution of the South of Malta, which is made up of fourteen Councils.
- He is also the Financial Secretary of the Association of Maltese Historic Cities which consists of eleven Maltese Local Council, within the European Historical Cities.
- For the past six years he has continued to represent the Vittoriosa Council in the Cottonera Rehabilitation Committee as well as in the Walled Towns Friendship Circle around Europe.
Presently, Mr. John Boxall has under his responsibility in the Council, the infrastructural projects, public cleaning, street lightning, public workers and all the workers assigned with the Local Council.