In June 2013, Dame Carmen Bellamy, COSJ, MOM was awarded the British Empire Medal [1] in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List. The Medal and certificate were presented on behalf of Her Majesty, The Queen, by Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant for the West Midlands, Mr Paul Sabapathy CBE.
The BEM was presented in recognition of the work that Carmen does for the Health Services in Gozo. The Lord Mayor of Birmingham and the Lady Mayoress were also in attendance during this special Presentation.
The Lord Lieutenant said, “I am delighted to make this award of BEM to a truly remarkable and caring lady, Dame Carmen Bellamy who has contributed greatly to improving the health services in the island of Gozo in Malta.
“She did this by raising money to provide life saving equipment for critical care in the hospital . The people of Malta have a special place in British hearts as they valiantly defended the islands against the odds and won the George Cross for the whole island for their sacrifice and bravery.”
Carmen who was in Birmingham visiting her family, thanked all those who attended the ceremony. She also expressed her gratitude to her Committee for their continued work and efforts. Tribute was also paid to all those who continually support the Gozo CCU Foundation through donations, raffle prizes and attending events organised by the Committee.
The official ceremony was attended by family and close friends at the Mayor’s parlour, Birmingham, followed by a celebratory dinner including a toast to her Majesty, at Marco Pierre White’s Steakhouse at The Cube, Birmingham.