Leli Saliba
Born in 1953
 

Emmanuel Saliba, better known as 'Leli l-Bufajra' is associated for the completion of the bell tower (belfry) and other related construction works at the new Ghajnsielem Parish church amongst many other works all around Malta and Gozo including restorations and construction of monuments and artefacts fashioned in stone. He simply had the ingenuity and the skill of a prime Maltese craftsmen. Leli was born on the 1st of November, 1953 and at a very young age he started to show a great interest in the local stone masonry. In fact, at the age of 15, he was already working as labourer with Ġuzeppi Dimech who at that time was building the new parish church. When Dimech retired, Leli Saliba took responsibility for the completion of the temple, the dream of every Ghajnslemiz. The project was finally completed in 1979 with the blessing of the bell tower in June of the same year.

Leli Saliba also worked on several local monuments including the Anglu Grech Monument at Apparition Square (Pjazza tad-Dehra), the War Monument at Chambray Street, restoration works on St Anthony’s Church and the ‘Gazebo’ found in the centre of 10th December Square (adjacent the Band Club).
 

Leli Saliba working on the 'fondispizju' The arm is situated on the facade of the St Joseph Band Club premises. Photo taken in 1989

In this photo taken in the 1970's, Leli is seen working on the Bell Tower of the new Ghajnsielem Parish Church. Leli was used to work in such heights and conditions

His list of works outside his native village is simply endless. Amongst his projects one can find the restoration of Isopu Tower (it-Torri ta' Isopu) in Nadur. The project took about three years to complete, and the material work was carried out single-handedly by master mason Leli Saliba and his son. Other restoration works included that of the historic Lunzjata Fountain and works on the Nadur, Qala, Ghasri and Munxar churches. Emanuel Saliba carved out in the finest limestone of Malta to finish the beautiful Byzantine chapel at St. Georges Basilica. Leli also left his mark in Malta including the Sacred Church of Sacro Cuor in Sliema and Palazzo Parisio. In 2009, Leli made an intensive restoration on the upper part of the dome of the Ghajnsielem Archparish Church are after started cracks started to appear. The cupola was rebuilt from scratch. Here he is seen with his son working on the Apparition Square monument Photo taken in 1997, a few weeks before the inauguration. Leli Saliba being interviewed about his unique collection of mechanical jacks by a TVM presenter on Sunday 22nd January 2008 Leli Saliba with his collection of mechanical jacks Leli Saliba in a light moment during a band march Photo taken on Thursday 28th August 2008 in Simirat Street Leli Saliba working on a sculpture in his garage underneath the Band club Leli Saliba rebuilding the upper part of the dome at the Ghajnsielem Arcparish Church Leli Saliba is seen here removing the scaffolding at the Ghajnsielem Arcparish Church

Leli Saliba is also a talented musician. At the young

age of 12 he joined the St Joseph Band Club and he is still giving his contribution to this very day. He is also an avid collector of old coins, old photos and World War 2 mechanical jacks. In fact he owns a unique collection of such jacks on display in his garage underneath the St Joseph Band Club.

He is married to Victoria and is the father of two sons, Loreto and Andre. Leli proudly states that one of his biggest personal satisfactions was when his was accepted to get married at the new Ghajnsielem Parish Church – in fact Leli and Victoria were the very first couple to get married there!

On Saturday 11th December 2004, Leli Saliba was awarded the tenth edition of the 'Premju Gieh Ghajnsielem' during a special ceremony organized by the Ghajnsielem Local Council.