PAUL BOFFA

PROFILE

Paul Boffa was born in Birgu on 30 June 1890 to Carmelo and Carmela née Serracino. He started his education at the primary school of Birgu and continued at the Lyceum in Valletta. Graduating from the Royal University of Malta as a medical doctor in 1913, he married Genoveffa Ceci on 16 January 1921, with whom he had four children. During World War I, he served as a medical doctor with the Royal Medical Corps. In 1928, following Colonel Dundon’s resignation, Boffa became leader of the Labour Party and on 4 November 1947 he became the sixth Prime Minister of Malta, serving until 26 September 1950. Following the Labour Party’s split in 1949, Boffa established and led the Malta Workers Party. He was awarded the title of ‘Sir’ when he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1956. Sir Paul Boffa died on 6 July 1962, aged 72, and was interred at the All Souls Cemetery in Tarxien.

POLITICS

In 1924, Paul Boffa was elected member of the Legislative Assembly for the Labour Party. Between 1927 and 1932, the Labour Party joined the Constitutional Party, forming what became known as the ‘Compact’ Government. This agreement helped Boffa and his then small party, to serve as catalysts for the introduction of beneficial laws for workers, including the 1929 Workmen’s Compensation Act. Due to the Compact agreement, the Labour Party became embroiled in the politico-religious clash of 1928-32. Consequently, Boffa’s party lost many votes in the following elections of 1932, where he was the sole Labour member to be elected. With the dissolution of the Constitution of Self-Government in 1933, Boffa was chosen as member of the Council which was set up by Governor Bonham Carter to run the country. In 1939 and 1945, he was elected member of the Council of Government. When the Constitution was reinstated in 1947, the Labour Party won the elections, making Paul Boffa the first Labour Prime Minister. He remained in office up to 1950, with the dissolvement of Government. Following the 1951 and 1953 elections, he joined a coalition with the Nationalist Government of George Borg Olivier, where Boffa was given the portfolio of Minister for Health and Social Services.

OFFICE AND DUTIES

Paul Boffa held various posts and accomplishments, including those of District Commissioner and Medical Doctor for A.R.P. throughout World War II. During this time, he focused on the Cottonera cities, Paola, Tarxien and Luqa, being the most targeted areas due to their proximity to the harbour and airport. Boffa pursued the granting of the right of vote for everyone and was instrumental to obtain recognition for the Maltese Language in the local Law Courts. Boffa also introduced compulsory primary education and pensions for the elderly.

OTHER INFORMATION

Sir Paul Boffa was a highly respected orator. Monuments in his honour are located at Castille square (Valletta) and in Birgu, whereas a hospital in Floriana is named after him. A number of streets which were dedicated to him are found in Paola, Birgu, Marsascala and Victoria, Gozo.