The Nationalist congratulates the six winners of the Premju Formidabbli 2025, an annual award presented during an event held last night at the db Seabank Resort & Spa in Mellieħa.

The aim of yesterday's event was to celebrate inclusivity within Maltese society and to send a strong message that every person matters, and no one should be left behind. Through this award, the Partit Nazzjonalista expresses gratitude to individuals who, in their own way, strive to help build a better society.

The Partit Nazzjonalista firmly believes that everyone has the right to reach their full potential in all aspects of life and to enjoy the quality of life they deserve. The Premju Formidabbli is awarded to individuals who, despite facing personal impediments, remain committed to voluntary work that contributes significantly to the community.

This year, a total of 33 nominations were submitted for the award. The six winners selected by the Board are:

• Anatole Baldacchino. Researcher and activist for the rights of people with disabilities who studied the effects of Thalidomide, a drug once given to pregnant women. He has long been the voice of Thalidomide victims. His advocacy led to government compensation for 25 living victims suffering from disabilities caused by the drug.
• Adrian Casha. Former FIFA referee and UEFA match delegate, and Vice President of the MFA. Diagnosed with Parkinson's disease four years ago, he joinedStep Up for Parkinson'sand now works to raise awareness through the media. He inspires others with the message: "I have Parkinson's, but Parkinson's doesn't have me."
• Tony Cachia. Despite life's challenges, Tony is committed to crafting decorative baubles to gift those who support him. He volunteers at the old archive in Senglea, starts each day praying for cancer patients, and ends it praying for their carers. A few months ago, he helped launch theMalta Male Cancer Support Association.
• Mary Jane Cutajar. Serves as a receptionist at the Millennium Chapel, always ready to listen and assist without judgement. Active in the Ibraġ community, she even welcomed a migrant woman into her home during a difficult period. She has never let her disability define her, instead dedicating her life to serving others.
• Erika Ferrante. Works with youth who feel isolated or struggle to form friendships. She foundedEri Ferry Cinematic Universe, a safe space for adolescents and young people on the Autism and ADHD spectrum. She has addressed the European Parliament during Euroscola Day and shares cooking content on her Instagram pageCooking with Eri Ferry.
• Nicole Muscat. Involved in various youth initiatives from a young age, including The Prince's Trust and digital art competitions. In 2019, she won the nationalYoung Reporters for the Environmentaward. A leader in the Malta Girl Guides, she also volunteers in her parish. She has a strong love for her family, friends, and animals.

Speeches were delivered during the evening by a number of speakers, including Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee for Social Affairs Katya De Giovanni; Shadow Minister for Inclusion and Volunteering Graziella Galea; Shadow Minister for Social and Affordable Accommodation, Pensions and the Fight Against Poverty Ivan Bartolo; and PN Deputy Leader Alex Perici Calascione, who also presented the Premju Formidabbli to the winners.

The evening also featured a performance by Ramires Sciberras, who represented Malta in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2024 in Madrid with his song Stilla Ċkejkna, placing fifth. At the end of the event, representatives from Caritas Malta, Hospice Malta, and YMCA were presented with donations to support their work.

Through initiatives like the Premju Formidabbli, the PN sends a message about the importance of recognising individuals who face physical or social challenges. While public recognition is one way of showing appreciation, society as a whole is encouraged to become more sensitive to the needs of others.

For the Partit Nazzjonalista, every person matters and has something valuable to offer, regardless of the obstacles they may face. The PN remains committed to fighting all forms of discrimination and pledges to continue proposing policies and initiatives to ensure no one is left behind in our society.