30th December 2020, 14:09
New Year Honours recipients announced
Published by GBC News
Gibraltar Archivist, Anthony Pitaluga, is to be a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) for Services to the History and Culture of Gibraltar. Appointed to his current role in 2014, Mr Pitaluga is also Head of the Gibraltar National Archives and Custodian of the National Record.
Mr Pitaluga's career has spanned close to four decades, the magnum opus of which may very well have been last year's exhibition celebrating the 50th anniversary of the National Archives - and 1,300 years of the Rock's history.
Years of planning and months of preparation culminated in the curation of an exhibition which brought together the many threads of Gibraltar's story in previously unseen manner.
Mr Pitaluga is one of four Gibraltarians recognized in this year's New Year Honours list, with his Excellency the Governor also awarding the Gibraltar Award (GA) to the following individuals:
Until recently the Chairman of the Heritage Trust, Mr Balestrino has, over the years, pushed for the preservation of historical architecture. His influence was a contributing factor in the conversion of the old Naval Hospital and the Police Barracks into modern facilities & residences which still maintain much of their original design.
Mr Balestrino is said to understand the need for progress while always striving to preserve heritage value, believing that we should 'revitalise and reuse' when possible, thereby strengthening the links between past, present and future.
Nathan Lightbody and Sandra Netto have been recognized for their work in a year that has been uniquely challenging to healthcare professionals, with both at the forefront of the GHA's efforts in 2020.
From assessment of suspected cases and swabbing, to advising on healthcare and infection control, Mr Lightbody and Ms Netto have been key figures at every level in the fight against Covid-19.
As Infection Prevention and Control Nurse Practitioners, both have been heavily involved in outbreak management and the development of guidelines & protocols which have shaped Gibraltar's response to the pandemic; their efforts to prevent and control the spread of infection always motivated by a desire to safeguard the Rock's citizens.