Photomontage: Conrad Bondin

Following the recent visit by the Grand Master of the Order of Malta, a whole raft of persons were honoured by the Knights.

President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca was awarded the Collar of the Order ‘pro merito melitensi’. Her husband, Edgar Preca, was awarded the Grand Cross of the Order ‘pro merito melitensi’.

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat was awarded the Grand Cross – Special Class – of the Order ‘pro meritomelitensi’ His wife, Michelle was also awarded the Grand Cross of the Order ‘pro meritomelitensi’.

Others who were awarded the Grand Cross of the Order ‘pro meritomelitensi’ include the Speaker, Deputy Prime Minister Louis Grech, Foreign Minister George Vella and Ambassador George Buttigieg.

Archbishop Charles Scicluna was awarded Grand Cross ‘pro piismeritis’ of the Order ‘pro meritomelitensi’.

Principal Permanent Secretary Mario Cutajar and Ambassador Godwin Pulis were appointed as Grand Officers of the Order ‘pro meritimelitensi’.

John Camilleri, Chief of Staff of the President; Carmel Briffa, secretary to the President; Keith Schembri, chief of staff of the PM, and Vittoriosa mayor John Boxall were appointed Commanders of the Order ‘pro meritomelitensi’.

Two military personnel – Lt Stephanie Debono, and Brian Gatt, ADCs to the President, were given the cross with sword of the Order ‘pro meritomelitensi’.

Mark Farrugia, Deputy Chief of Staff at OPM; Kurt Farrugia, Head, Government Communications; and Peter Paul Mallia from the Foreign Ministry, were appointed Officers of the Order ‘pro meritomelitensi’.

The Permanent Secretary at the Foreign Ministry, Fiona Formosa, was awarded the Cross with Plaque of the Order ‘pro meritomelitensi’ while lastly the President of the Maltese Association, MASMOM, Philip Farrugia Randon was appointed Grand Cross of Magistral Grace.

These awards were published on the Government Gazette. It is normal that on a State Visit, the visiting Head of State hands out awards to the entourage of the President and the Prime Minister.