Parliament honours memory of Karl Gouder
Parliament on Tuesday honoured the memory of former PN MP Karl Gouder, who passed away last month.Prime Minister Robert Abela, Opposition Leader Bernard Grech and Speaker Anglu Farrugia spoke in an address commemorating Gouder’s life, describin
Parliament on Tuesday honoured the memory of former PN MP Karl Gouder, who passed away last month.
Prime Minister Robert Abela, Opposition Leader Bernard Grech and Speaker Anglu Farrugia spoke in an address commemorating Gouder’s life, describing him as a truly genuine and humble character.
Abela addressed Gouder’s family who were on the Stanger’s Gallery in Parliament, and said it was difficult to speak about someone who used to attend the same school, naturally bringing up memories from over 30 years ago, when both attended St Aloysius.
Despite being a year lower than Abela, they had common groups for sports and activities.
“Karl was one of those people who never changed since I knew him when he was 11 years old, and years later when I met him in this room,” Abela said.
Gouder’s parliamentary experience began seven years before that of Abela, he said, and there was always a sense of friendship between them, never letting their different political views overcome that friendship.
“He would debate topics in the most respective manner, and always kept cordiality. He always kept that style, even after ending his political career in Parliament,” Abela said, noting that Gouder remained active in politics up until the end.
Abela said that at the 45-year-old’s funeral, he felt a sentiment few can describe, as there were several people from several different factions and politics. Abela said Gouder truly believed in the person, never introduced division, and gave all he could for society.
“Apart from leaving behind many memories, he also left behind the obligation and responsibility of how we should behave ourselves in this room. We need to keep sending a message of reconciliation, which is the style with which Gouder worked with,” Abela said.
He spoke about mental health, and said that there is much to be done in work to overcome stigma, and as policy setters, they must invest in mental health, in facilities, and continue speaking about the reality, coming up with solutions.
Abela said that while this is an occasion of sorrow, it is also one of joy, as Parliament celebrates a person who gave all he could to Maltese society. He extended his condolences to Gouder’s friends and family.
Grech said that the loss of Gouder was almost more difficult than that of his parents, as it came suddenly, a young person who was a friend, a colleague and a pillar who went against the grain of many in the country, who believe that politics is a dishonour.
“Karl was one who stood up, and once again was standing up to fill an important role,” Grech said, adding that Gouder was prepared for the challenge of becoming PN Secretary General.
He said that all of the people in Parliament knew Gouder in some way, and he was not only someone the PN knew, but a close person who was adored for having worked long years at the PN centre.
Grech said that Gouder’s tragic death shocked him, and it was not only a huge loss, but also a great emptiness. He had great qualities which inspired others, and his best quality was his smile, and that he was always ready to help others.
“He always offered his part with all the energy, in all the roles he occupied,” Grech said.
He said that Gouder was honest, trustworthy, had a genuine heart and was sincere, as well as never gave up, and had a great sense of determination.
Gouder strived to unite and not divide, with a sense of gentleness and elegance, attracting people towards him. He took care of everyone.
“Karl was a man for others, as the St Aloysius motto says,” Grech said.
“Let us be more sensitive like him, let us take care of each other like Karl did. We must care for others’ mental health, and must begin with us, by becoming a community who love each other. In Karl’s words, come on guys, we can do this,” Grech said, extending his condolences to Gouder’s family.
Farrugia also spoke about Gouder, recalling the first few times he met him, where he learnt that Gouder was not only an altruistic man, but too altruistic.
He said that when he was undergoing health problems, Gouder always messaged him, and always wished the Speaker a happy birthday.
“You had to love Karl, there was no reason for having any different position,” Farrugia said, extending his condolences to Gouder’s family and friends.
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