Malta's man in London nearing end of office

The Maltese Cultural Movement in the UK threw a farewell party in honour of outgoing Maltese High Commissioner George Bonello Dupuis.

The highlight of the evening, held at the Galleon Suite of the Royal National Hotel, in London, was a presentation about Dr Dupuis' life as a sportsman, a notary, a politician and diplomat.

The outgoing high commissioner was presented with the highest honour of merit by the Sovereign Order of St John of Jerusalem. Dr Dupuis's term of office ends on January 31. He has been in office for the past six years. The community said Dr Dupuis was essential in bringing the Maltese community in the UK together.

In 2000, Dr Dupuis introduced Malta Day. The idea was to organise an event based on a Maltese festa style celebration to commemorate Victory Day on September 8, with a fair, solemn Mass followed by a procession in the streets of London and ending the day with a gala dinner.

Dr Dupuis said there could never be enough exposure of Maltese culture and heritage.