Jean Paul Sofia’s parents, Qala mayor Paul Buttigieg, and the late Labour Party MP Silvio Parnis were among those to be awarded with Malta’s highest honour in the traditional Republic Day ceremony which took place on Wednesday.
On Republic Day each year, the President, on behalf of the Government and people of Malta, pays public tribute to a number of Maltese citizens who distinguish themselves in different fields of endeavour, by appointing them to The National Order of Merit or to the Xirka Ġieħ ir-Repubblika, or by awarding them the Midalja għall-Qlubija or the Midalja għall-Qadi tar-Repubblika.
Nationals of other countries may be conferred with honorary membership of the Order or of the Xirka or awarded the Midalja għall-Qadi tar-Repubblika on an honorary basis.
This year's investiture ceremony took place at The Palace, Valletta, on Republic Day, immediately after the customary ceremonial parade held at the Palace Square.
A total of 10 Midalji għall-Qadi tar-Repubblika were awarded on Wednesday – 7 to individuals, one to a couple, one to an association, and one to a group of individuals.
The parents of Jean Paul Sofia – John Sofia and Isabelle Bonnici (above) – were the couple to be honoured in recognition for their fight for justice for their son, who died in a construction collapse in December 2022.
“Sofia and Bonnici expressed outstanding perseverance to transform the personal grief they are going through into a cause to ensure justice for their son and avoid other tragedies in the future,” the official biography issued by the Office of the President read.
“Despite all the suffering they have gone through, John and Isabelle are nowadays a symbol of courage and activism which can make a difference in the people’s lives and Maltese society.”
Qala mayor Paul Buttigieg (above) was also among those to be honoured in recognition of his fight to save the picturesque Hondoq ir-Rummien from development – a fight which culminated in court victory earlier this year, with the government now making changes to the area’s local plan in order to protect it.
The late Labour MP Silvio Parnis was also posthumously honoured with the award. He served as Paola mayor between 1994 and 1998, when he was elected to Parliament, holding his seat until he passed away in 2023.
“His political career revolved around the social standing of the community, particularly people’s income, social assistance, care for the elderly and accommodation among other matters,” his bio read.
Parnis passed away on 3 January 2023, while still an MP.
Legendary traditional Maltese folk singer Frans Baldacchino, more commonly known as il-Budaj, was also posthumously honoured.
Known for his own unique style of għana, Baldacchino’s talents elevated Maltese folk music to the highest levels. He passed away on 23 June 2006 at the age of 63.
Other recipients of the award were leading cultural figure Dominic Cutajar (posthumous), Musical Index creator John Gafa, honorary ADHD Malta president Pamela Muscat, Action for Breast Cancer Foundation co-founder Esther Sant, the Local Councils’ Association Malta, and the Maltese Athletes of the Games of the Small States of Europe.
President George Vella also appointed seven members to The National Order of Merit.
Former Labour Party MP and Minister and current European Commissioner for Equality Helena Dalli was appointed as a Companion of the National Order of Merit, while interventional endoscopy expert Edward John Despott and mathematics professor Stanley Fiorini were appointed Officers of the National Order of Merit.
Disability activist George Borg, chef Anton Dougall, former director of the President’s Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society Ruth Farrugia, and consultant cardiologist Robert G. Xuereb were appointed as Ordinary Members of the National Order of Merit.
John Gafa
Pamela Muscat
Esther Sant
George Borg
Anton B. Dougall
Ruth Farrugia
Robert Xuereb
Edward John Despott
Stanley Fiorini