Banker rewarded for anti-fraud efforts

Patrick Gauci, an assistant manager at HSBC Bank, was declared 2009 Worker of the Year.

Mr Gauci, 34, was given the award in recognition of his work against bank fraud.

President George Abela said the island only had a few natural resources, save the sea, sun and stone but a principal and priceless one was the workers, who, through their hard work, built a country that offered a good quality of life.

Employment Minister Dolores Cristina celebrated the qualities of Maltese workers and, especially, those of dedicated individuals who stood out and made a name in whatever line of work they happened to be involved in.

"Without a doubt, these individuals deserve our gratitude and praise. We may have come into contact with them without realising and we may have not wholly shown them our appreciation but, with this award, we are recognising their qualities," she continued.

The award was set up by the government more than 20 years ago to recognise workers who distinguish themselves at their workplace not only for their sterling work but also because they practice the value of solidarity.