“The persons who will be honoured with the membership of the National Order of Merit prove that our society is still strong. I thank all those who with their accomplishments continue to make us proud to be Maltese.” That was the parting shot by the President of Malta, Eddie Fenech Adami, as he presided over this year’s Republic Day Awards’ Ceremony.
Even a cursory look at the persons who received this year’s honours proves that there is much to make us proud. This year’s list kicked off with granting honorary membership within our National Order of Merit to Igor Judge who on 1 October of this year was appointed Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales. Born in Malta to a Maltese mother and English father, he started his education in Malta before moving to the UK in 1954. On becoming Lord Chief Justice, he was conferred life peerage entitling him to be a member of the Judicial Committee of the House of Lords.
Two distinguished gentlemen from our country’s political class were conferred the title of Companions of the Order of Merit. They are Lino Spiteri and Anton Tabone. For Lino, who has just turned 70, the honour acknowledges not only the work carried out in different national appointments but also his prolific writing through the papers and through a number of books which are a must read for anyone who wants to gain useful insights into our contemporary political history, apart from further discovering and appreciating the down to earth and humane Lino through his poetry and short stories. I have followed last week his interview on a popular television programme and hope that he decides to share with us more of his reflections through new publications.
In Anton’s case, the honour acknowledges a parliamentary career that spans for no less than 42 years, going through the different rungs of a distinguished career that saw him serve as backbencher, shadow minister, minister and at the end, Speaker of our House of Representatives. Only recently he was invited to attend a meeting of the Select Committee of the House that is considering different ways how to strengthen democracy in Malta and it was a pleasure to learn from his years of invaluable experience. Above all, he has ensured that Gozo enjoys the status and level of focused attention that have become synonymous with his mission.
The Awards’ List proceeds with the new Members of the National Order of Merit. From a person like Katrine Camilleri who is excelling for her outstanding service to the cause of refugees, to Winston V. Zahra who is one of the distinguished entrepreneurs who has given our tourism industry the profile and attention that it deserves; from Mario Tabone who has worked hard and not without a degree of personal passion and commitment in favour of our national heritage, to Joe Friggieri who has brought philosophy closer to the people not least by proving that its analytical tools are relevant to discussions on everyday issues; from the ‘unsung scholar and researcher’ Mikiel Fsadni who has catalogued all the manuscripts at St Dominic’s Priory in Rabat, to George Albert Zarb who has distinguished himself in Malta and internationally in the field of dentistry... Yes, there is much to make us proud to be Maltese.
The awards then gave particular tribute to persons who are excelling in the arts and other spheres of activity. I was particularly pleased to see that the younger generation is not being asked to wait until another day but is being acknowledged and appreciated here and now. The medal conferred on Ira Losco stands out as a brilliant example in this regard. Still relishing the BMA award given to her the night before for her song ‘Idle Motion’, the medal bestowed on her by the President of Malta recognises her amazing talent, track record as well as charisma. Other persons to receive this Award included the versatile and creative Maestro Brian Schembri whose artistic calibre does us all proud, choreographer Tanya Bayona who has managed to take the art of ballet and dance in general to new levels in Malta, the energetic fitness pioneer Doris Cusens who is doing so much to help abused women, Myriam England who has managed to blend together a sense of spirituality, art and a unique humane touch in her flower creations, Vincent Farrugia who as GRTU director general is well known for his outspoken manner and drive to help the self employed, Patricia Troubridge who is totally dedicated to philanthropic causes and to the needs of residents in drug rehabilitation centres, and the Maritime Squadron of the Armed Forces of Malta that is so often saving the lives of countless persons finding themselves in situations of total distress and disarray.
It is an impressive list. Awards are not only given to bestow recognition and appreciation. They also serve to provide our society with new Icons to guide us through our daily lives. Sounds perfect for a meaningful way to extend Christmas greetings coupled with a New Year resolution to do our part for the country that makes us so proud to belong to it.
Francis Zammit Dimech is a Nationalist MP