“My fellow Scouts

It gives me great pleasure writing some words to you all as the newly elected Chief Scout of the Scout Association of Malta. First and foremost, I would like to thank my predecessor, George Cassar for having done a splendid job as the former Chief Scout; George was always there whenever anyone needed his assistance and went beyond the call of duty in fulfilling his role as Chief Scout and Chairperson of the National Scout Council. On behalf of all the Scout Association, I would like to thank him for his unfailing service.

I am so happy to be at the service of Malta’s largest youth organisation. I remember when I joined scouts in 1973, as a young cub, it was one of the happiest days of my life. Little did I know that over 45 years later, I would become Chief Scout. I remember that Scouting for me, was not just a hobby, it was not just an activity I would attend weekly (sometimes even daily), but it became a way of life. Yes, ultimately, that is what scouting is; it is a way of life! If we embrace the promise and law that have been passed on to us through generations of scouts from our founder Lord Robert Baden-Powell, we understand that we are making a personal commitment to a simple code of living, based upon the concept of doing your best; this is what our promise and law are all about.

Scouting helps us to learn by doing; actively participating in certain skills which do not necessary require a computer, tablet or mobile phone to accomplish. The idea of “living in the open” as B.P called it, by participating with others in groups, crews, units, patrols, sixes or colonies, helps us develop both a spiritual and social dimension. We should not forget our commitment to seek the spiritual value of life beyond the material world and at the same time be active in society by respecting the dignity of others and being proud of our country and contributing positively towards it. It gives me great pleasure seeing many of my former cubs and scouts in the groups I used to serve in, having achieved prominent positions in government, society and employment and knowing that they are “doing their best” to make this world a better place.

In conclusion, I wish to remind you all of some of those wonderful words which BP himself expressed in his final letter to scouts before he passed away. “Be contented with what you have got and make the best of it. Look at the bright side of things instead of the gloomy one. But the real way to get happiness is by giving out happiness to other people. Try to leave this world a little better than you found it…and always remember to Be Prepared.”

I wish you the very best in your scouting lives and will be eager to meet up with all of you sometime in the very near future. Spread the word of Scouting and live it to its fullest meaning!”