On 13 December, Malta marked its 50th anniversary since it became a Republic in 1974. On the occasion of the Republic Day celebrations, numerous people received honours and nine people were appointed to the National Order of Merit (the Republic’s highest form of recognition) by President Myriam Spiteri Debono during an award ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Valletta, Malta.

The honours are announced each year on Republic Day and are presented to individuals who “distinguish themselves in different fields of endeavour”. Appointments are made on the proposals of the Nominations Committee, and on the recommendation of the Prime Minister to the President.

Sir Dr. Narcy Calamatta, KCM – Grand Chancellor of the Priory of the Most Holy Trinity of Villedieu, and renowned actor and playwright – brought again honour to the Sovereign Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, Knights of Malta, Federation of the Autonomous Priories (KMFAP), as he was appointed a Member of the National Order of Merit for supporting the development of the Maltese film sector in its early stages. 

Photo by Chris Sant Fournier

Sir Narcy moved to London in the 1960s to work in British television and returned to Malta in 1971, becoming a leading actor, director and designer in theatre. In 1977 he introduced the single-camera filming technique for Wenzu u Rożi, a very popular TV series of the time. He headed the Malta Film Studios as managing director for five years. During that time he negotiated the building of the world’s largest underwater filming tank and the construction of Popeye Village as a film set and eventually as a tourist attraction. 

Sir Narcy founded the ZARARTI Malta Cultural Association and has performed in nursing homes for the past ten years. He has published four theatre books. 

14 December 2024