Distinguished Belarusians honored with state awards

Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko presented state awards to workers of various industries on 28 December.

“Today we continue awarding distinguished Belarusians in recognition of their outstanding achievements in the past five years,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said. “Our state values many-year diligent work and outstanding achievements in all walks of life.”

The ceremony is attended by the representatives of various regions of the country, but these people are united by the commitment to their work, responsibility, and exceptional diligence. Orders, medals, and honorary titles were bestowed upon 54 people. The include representatives of law enforcement agencies, workers of the manufacturing sector, agriculture, construction, education, healthcare, culture. State awards were also conferred on workers of the State Control Committee and the Taxes and Duties Ministry.

The People’s Teacher of Belarus title was for the first time awarded to Valery Barashkov. “I am convinced that the institution of the new honorary title will help raise the prestige of the noble teaching profession and confirm its high status in the society,” the President remarked.

Speaking about the achievements of blue-collar workers, the head of state stressed that professionalism, experience, and the ability to operate cutting-edge technologies come to the forefront there. Among the awardees was the director of the Orsha-based machine tool building plant Krasny Borets which was named as one of the leaders in the production of technological equipment in the country and abroad.

“Qualified medical aid for people from all over Belarus, the protection of maternity and childhood, higher life expectancy are the priorities of the Belarusian social policy,” the Belarusian leader said when speaking about the achievements of Belarusian healthcare workers.

A big group of athletes and coaches received orders, medals, and honorary titles in recognition of their achievements at the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, a big personal contribution to the development of physical fitness and sport, the promotion of the ideals and principles of the Olympic movement.

“We especially honor our first Olympic champions who won gold medals in rowing at the 1960 Olympic Games in Italy. I hope that your diligence, perseverance, and courage will be an example for young athletes,” the President said. Leonig Geishtor and Sergei Makarenko were honored with the Orders of the National Olympic Committee.

Belarus deeply respects such people who have dedicated their lives to mercy and helping other people. Aleksandr Lukashenko presented the Order of Francysk Skaryna to President of Russia’s Sts. Constantine and Helena Charity Fund Anastasia Ositis in recognition of a big contribution to the implementation of enlightenment and social projects, the construction of Orthodox churches in Belarus.

“Probably, this is the biggest awarding ceremony in 2016. I would like to congratulate you once again. However, your awards are not the most important things. The main thing is that they are supposed to be the first or the next step on the way to new awards,” Aleksandr Lukashenko remarked.

The President wished Happy New Year and Merry Christmas to those present at the ceremony.

The awardees also had an excursion around the Palace of Independence.