All of Malta’s presidents and prime ministers since September 1964 were yesterday awarded a medal to mark the 50th anniversary of Malta’s independence.
Presided over by President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, the ceremony saw 14 medals being awarded at the Palace in Valletta to “people who, throughout these 50 years, have contributed towards the development and well-being of Malta as a nation and a member of the international community of nations”.
Prime Minister Joseph Muscat was the first to receive the medal. A number were also given posthumously and accepted by family members. The one awarded to former prime minister Dom Mintoff was picked up by his daughter Yana Mintoff Bland, former president Guido de Marco’s by his wife Violet and that of former president Agatha Barbara by her sister Joan.
Former prime minister Karmenu Mifsud Bonnici was also listed for an award but did not attend the ceremony and no one received it in his stead.
Medals were also awarded to former presidents Sir Anthony Mamo, Anton Buttigieg, Paul Xuereb, Ċensu Tabone, Ugo Mifsud Bonnici,George Abela, Eddie Fenech Adami and former prime ministers George Borg Olivier, Alfred Sant and Lawrence Gonzi.
President Coleiro Preca said it was a “great privilege” to be head of State during the 50th Independence anniversary.
“It is an important moment in our country’s political history that kicked off a process of other historically important achievements.”
Malta’s Independence was an important event in the history of constitutional development and democracy, through which the country earned a place in the international community of nations as a sovereign state, she said.
She hailed the “architect of Malta’s independence”, Dr Borg Olivier, who through his vision and maturity managed to negotiate a place for Malta at the United Nations and Council of Europe.
He also started out on the road to other important and historic achievements such as Malta becoming a Republic, the closing down of the British military base and becoming an EU member, Ms Coleiro Preca said.
Staying true to her social mission, the President said the country’s independence remained “relevant” as long as “we continue to work to ensure no one falls behind and is socially excluded”.
Helping the vulnerable would make the country’s political achievements “a living testament” of a people who believed in constantly working for a fair society.
“Those who hold our country’s independence dear have to believe in a person’s dignity, regardless of race, political or religious beliefs,” she said.
Yesterday’s ceremony was a “humble but sincere gesture of appreciation from the Maltese State for their contribution in the country moving forward”.
Earlier this year, the government approved the striking of the medal through the powers granted in the Ġieħ ir-Repubblika Act, which states “the President, acting upon the advice of the Prime Minister, may cause the striking of medals to mark an event or the anniversary of an event, of national importance”.