The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Anton Tabone, was awarded the Gieh Ghawdex during an activity held at the Circolo Gozitano last Sunday.
The Gieh Ghawdex award was instituted last year by the Circolo Gozitano to honour personalities or institutions whose work has helped to preserve and promote Gozo's identity and contributed towards Gozo's economic, social and cultural development.
The award recognises Mr Tabone's sterling work over a political career spanning 40 years. He was first an MP in the House of Representatives, and was later appointed the first Minister for Gozo, when he strove to place Gozo at the centre of national politics.
In an oration delivered during the activity, Franco Masini delved deeply into the public life of Mr Tabone and spoke at length about the reasons that motivated the Speaker to completely commit himself to working in the interest of all Gozitans.
A documentary highlighting the milestones of Anton Tabone's life and career was screened during the ceremony.
Other winners of this year's Gieh Ghawdex were presented with their award during an activity held on October 28.
HSBC is the main sponsor of the Gieh Ghawdex Award.