Michelle Muscat, the Prime Minister’s wife, has been recognised for her political and philanthropic work by Celebrating Women International, the government said on Thursday.

During the Bahamas ceremony, Ms Muscat was given the award together with another 15 international personalities in the public, philanthropic, and business sectors from around the Commonwealth and the world.

It was held in Nassau under the auspices of Governor General Marguerite Pindling, who hosted Mrs Muscat.

During her stay in the Bahamas, Mrs Muscat had a meeting with her counterpart Patricia Minnis.

The visit included several presentations on the work of the Marigold Foundation with the aim of spreading the foundation's work and establish relations with other organisations within the Commonwealth in preparation for the Commonwealth summit in London.

Mrs Muscat was accompanied by Phyllis Muscat, who used to lead the Commonwealth Head of Government Meeting task force, and the executive secretary of the Marigold Foundation Jennifer Xuereb.

The award came just a few hours after Ms Muscat was named National Volunteer of the Year by the Maltese Council for the Voluntary Sector.

The award has caused controversy and left several non-governmental organisations wondering whether the award was just.

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