Igor Judge, Ira Losco among Republic Day award recipients

Igor Judge, the Malta-born Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales, topped the honours list during yesterday's Republic Day national awards which included the likes of singer Ira Losco.

Baron Judge, who did not attend the ceremony, was appointed honorary member of the Xirka Ġieħ ir-Repubblika, presented for exceptional merit in the service of Malta, or humanity, and conferred also on foreigners.

Born to a Maltese mother and English father, Baron Judge was appointed England's most senior judge last October and was conferred with a life peerage by the Queen soon after.

Ms Losco went from winning best single at the Bay Music Awards on Friday to being awarded the solemn Midalja għall-Qadi tar-Repubblika during the ceremony at the Palace yesterday.

In a hat and Jackie O-style dress - a far cry from her rock-chick look, although laying bare lots of leg - the singer was among 17 distinguished people to receive the awards for having contributed to the benefit of the country.

The fact that she too was recognised for this reason through her music was "overwhelming", Ms Losco said, and added another perspective to the appointments bestowed by the State in that even younger candidates from any walk of life could be honoured.

Yesterday's investiture ceremony was the culmination of a process that started with a public call for nominations in September, to which a number of citizens responded.

Distinguishing themselves for various endeavours, they included former politician, economist and author Lino Spiteri and former Speaker Anton Tabone, who were appointed companions of the National Order of Merit.

Katrine Camilleri, who leads the Jesuit Refugee Service Malta legal team; philosophy professor, poet, playwright and theatre director Joe Friggieri; unsung scholar, researcher and archivist Fr Mikiel Fsadni; ophthalmologist and former Heritage Malta chairman Mario Tabone; entrepreneur Winston V. Zahra; and dentistry professor George Albert Zarb (in absentia), renowned for his contribution in prosthodontics, were appointed members of the Order.

Yesterday was the first time the Midalja għall-Qadi tar-Repubblika was also awarded to a group of people - the Maritime Squadron of the Armed Forces of Malta - rather than an individual, following the recent change in the regulations.

One of its most onerous tasks is maritime search and rescue, and the squadron has saved many lives in distress at sea. Major Wallace Camilleri, Acting Commanding Officer, picked up the award on behalf of the Maritime Squadron.

Among those awarded the Midalja għall-Qadi tar-Repubblika were people who have left their mark on the arts and got involved in charity work. They included choreographer and former Dance Council Malta president Tanya Bayona; the pioneer of the local fitness culture and philanthropist Doris Cusens; Myriam England, who invented her own Christian version of the ikebana art of flower arrangement while committing to philanthropic prayer groups; Chamber for Small and Medium Enterprises director general Vince Farrugia; conductor Brian Schembri (in absentia); and philanthropist Patricia Troubridge, who co-founded the Malta Charities (UK) Association.

The Midalja għall-Qlubija for an act of exceptional behaviour was not awarded this year.

Addressing the ceremony, President Eddie Fenech Adami paid tribute to the 17 citizens and their achievements.

Referring to the "pessimistic note" on which the year would be ending due to the international economic situation, he said the main cause was financial operators' "selfish motivations of substantial and quick profits, without rules that ensure the free market does not lose the social dimension".

Dr Fenech Adami said that despite a strong sense of solidarity, there was still a need for good decision-making that ensured the best interest of the common good.

Dr Fenech Adami said those honoured with the membership in the National Order of Merit proved, however, that society was still strong.

Yesterday's event started off with a ceremonial parade by the AFM from Floriana, down Republic Street to St George's Square, where it was inspected by the President. In the evening, the Philharmonic Society King's Own Band Club of Valletta and the San Filep Band of Żebbuġ marched through the streets of the capital to commemorate Republic Day.