Sicilian award winner lauds Malta's maritime effort

The recipient of this year's Sicilian prize Siciliani Nel Mondo, Giovanni Pennisi, lauded the successes scored by Malta in the maritime industry.

Mr Pennisi, director of the port authority of Townsville, Australia, told The Times after receiving the prize in Catania he was well versed with the maritime industry in Malta. He praised the reputation that Malta enjoyed in the cruise liner industry.

He was speaking during the 18th edition of Premio Top Sprint - Omaggio alla Sicilianità, the yearly event that awards Sicilian personalities who have promoted their island or others who distinguished themselves in their profession.

Air Malta has been participating in this event for the past 14 years.

The awards were presented during a gala evening that included fashion, music and a cabaret show at the Teatro Metropolitan of Catania. This year's honours were presented to Irene Grandi (music), Massimo Boldi (cinema and TV), Ivan Lo Bello and Confindustria (social) and Claudio Brachino (journalism).

The show was presented by the event's mastermind Sergio Regalbuto assisted by Flamina Belfiore.

This year's madrina of the show was Luisa Corna and celebrity guests included Paolo Migone of the TV show Zelig.

Air Malta invited singer Ludwig Galea to participate and perform in the show. He sang Nessun Dorma. The airline's continuous commitment to promote Malta and Maltese talent overseas has meant that various Maltese artistes had the opportunity to take part in previous editions of the Sicilian event.

Throughout the years various personalities and associations were awarded the Sicilian prize. These included Air Malta, Ezio Greggio, Jerry Calà, Pippo Baudo, Emilio Fede, Michele Cucuzza, Carlo Verdone, Gianni Bella, Anna Valle, Maria Grazia Cucinotta, Leo Gullotta, I Pooh, Nino Frassica, Franco Zeffirelli, Carmen Consoli, Gerardina Trovato and Ornella Muti.

In 1995, Air Malta was presented with the Top Sprint award for "...its fundamental role in cementing the economic links between the two islands".

"Air Malta believes that, through its association with Top Sprint, the airline is reaffirming its commitment to promote Malta overseas, especially in Italy, which is one of the most important markets for the airline," an airline spokesman said.