Major Peter Ripard, the traffic expert who lost a leg in the recent Transport Malta explosion, was today made a Member of the Order of Merit in the Republic Day Awards.

Major Ripard could not attend the investiture ceremony, held this morning at the Palace in Valletta, because he is still recovering.

The medals were presented by President George Abela.

Former Economic Affairs Minister Josef Bonnici was made a Companion of the Order of Merit while history professor Henry Frendo was made an Officer of the Order of Merit.

Honorary Membership was conferred on Joseph Khoury, vice president and general manager of the European Division of Methode Electronics and David Walsh, CEO and founder of IT company Crimsonwing.

The new Members are Dr Victor Calvagna, a consultant paediatric oncologist who is also well known for his work for Puttinu Cares, LifeCycle, Inspire and Caritas; former broadcaster and diplomat John Manduca; Tonio Portughese who was described as being instrumental in spearheading a national consensus approach to the crucial talks between the government and ST Microelectronics; Major (rtd) Peter Ripard, transport consultant at Transport Malta; and Carmen Zammit, Commissioner for Children.

The Medal for Service to the Republic was awarded to former GWU official Vincent Esposito; Carmel Fenech, one of the founders of the German-Maltese Circle; George Fenech, who is a well known artist; Maryann Kissaun, musician; Mary Magri a former nurse who helped set up the diabetic clinics; actor Mario Micallef; broadcaster Alvin Scicluna, and Cecilia Xuereb music critic and former president of the National Council of Women and the Manoel Theatre Management Committee.

The Investiture Ceremony was the culmination of a process which started with a public call for nominations issued in September to which a number of people responded by submitting their nomination.

This morning's ceremony followed a parade by the Armed Forces of Malta at St George's Square, where the President inspected a Guard of Honour.


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