Jean Paul Sofia’s Parents Among Ġieħ Ir-Repubblika Recipients

In a poignant acknowledgment of resilience and determination, John Sofia and Isabelle Bonnici, parents of the late Jean Paul Sofia, have been honoured with the prestigious ‘Midalja għall-Qadi tar-Repubblika’ by the President of Malta.

This recognition stands as a testament to their unwavering campaign for a public inquiry into the tragic death of their son, who lost his life in a construction site incident in Paola last year.

The ‘Ġieħ Ir-Repubblika’ award, Malta’s highest honour, was presented to John Sofia and Isabelle Bonnici alongside nine other individuals, symbolising their exceptional commitment to transforming personal grief into a nationwide cause for justice. The couple’s heartbreaking loss sparked a wave of national sorrow and anger, shedding light on the pressing need for regulatory reform and enforcement within the construction industry.

This prestigious award not only acknowledges the profound personal tragedy endured by the Sofias but also serves as a beacon of hope for enhanced safety measures and accountability in the construction sector, ensuring that the efforts of grieving parents like John and Isabelle pave the way for a safer future and prevent similar heartbreak for others.

The other recipients of the award were the late Frans Baldacchino, Paul Buttigieg, the late Dominic Cutajar, John Gafà, Pamela Muscat, the late Silvio Parnis, Esther Sant, Malta’s Association for Local Councils and the Maltese Athletes participant in the Games of the Small States.

Nationalist Party MP Eve Borg Bonello also took to Instagram to congratulate Jean Paul’s mother Isabelle, and offer her praise for exemplifying the values this country holds most dear: humility, perseverance and love.

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