HSBC has supported Gieh Ghawdex to honour Maria Attard, Joseph M Attard Tabone and Chev. John Portelli in recognition of their work in Gozo.

Ms Attard, Director of the Dar Giuseppe Debono, was awarded the Gieh Ghawdex Award in recogniton for her work in the social field, particularly her unstinting support for unwed teenage mothers. Mr Attard Tabone was awarded the honour in recognition for his life-long crusade in favour of the protection of Gozo’s archaeolgical heritage. It was through research carried out by Mr Attard Tabone that the site of the Gozo Stone Circle was found. Chev. Portelli was awarded Gieh Ghawdex for his work in the Gozo tourism sector. His pioneering work goes back to the Sixties when the foundation of the the tourist industry in Gozo was laid.

The Gieh Ghawdex award, now in its fourth year, was instituted by the Circolo Gozitano in 2005 to honour personalities or organisations who through their work would have given an outstanding contribution to the socio-cultural and economic development of Gozo. The Gieh Ghawdex is also awarded to individuals or organisations who have contributed to the preservation and promotion of Gozo’s distinct identity.

The conferrment ceremony was presided over by President Edward Fenech Adami at Palazzo Palina, Ta’ Cenc Hotel.