The Synapse meets H. E. the president of Malta

Abstract

HE Dr George Vella, President of the Republic of Malta, can be described as a seasoned family doctor, a hardened politician, or simply, as an inspirational statesman. He accompanies Dr Ian Ellul down the memory lane, walking through his childhood, how he managed to enroll at the medical school, his work including his early years at the Drydocks, as well as the political turmoil of the eighties. The interview also touches on the notion of GDP as an economic measurement tool, as well as national unity. Dr Vella possibly perceives national unity as kintsugi, the Japanese art in which broken ceramics are meticulously mended with a lacquer resin mixed with gold or silver, turning them into magnificent pieces of art.