Khalifa bin Salman Press Awards distributed

Manama : His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa yesterday honoured the winners of the Khalifa bin Salman Press Award at a grand ceremony held at Ritz Hotel, marking the Bahrain Press Day.

The winners of the award were: Alawi Al-Musawi from Al-Bilad newspaper for the “Best Investigative Report”; Ahmed Kareem, from Al-Bilad newspaper for the “Best Column”; and Hala Kamal from Akhbar Al-Khaleej newspaper for the “Best Press Interview”. The Layalina magazine received the award for the “Best Press Photo”. 

The press and media personnel thanked HRH the Prime Minister for honouring them, stressing the role of the Khalifa bin Salman Press Award in motivating them and fostering creativity.

HRH Premier congratulated the laureates for winning the prestigious awards. This, he said, reflects the professionalism of the Bahraini Press, wishing Bahraini journalists and media personnel further success.

HRH Premier lauded the pioneering role of the Bahraini press in enhancing the awareness and culture of society, affirming that it has been, thanks to its enlightening role, a major supporter to the government in its efforts to advance society and continue the development and progress march.

PM recalls pioneers of press

The progress currently witnessed by the Bahrain Press reflects the dynamism, vitality and civilisation of the Bahraini society in light of the freedom and openness atmosphere guaranteed thanks to the keen interest of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa in ensuring the freedom of opinion and expression within the provisions of the Constitution and the Law. 

“We have a high regard for the press and media personnel, as they are opinion leaders and pillars of thought. They enjoy a high esteem in society and in my heart personally,” the Prime Minister said.

The national “pens” have proven the influential role of the “word” in raising awareness, clarifying facts and refuting fallacies, under all circumstances, he said, noting that the national memory will always recall with appreciation and gratitude the bright stances of the National Press in the face of smear and distortion campaigns staged against the Kingdom and their prominent role in defending the nation against all threats.

HRH Premier recalled with appreciation and pride the contributions of the national Press pioneers who, he said, laid foundations of professional journalism and consolidated the principles and values which have contributed to building a highly aware generation of journalists who are capable of preserving and promoting the noble mission and values of the Press.

HRH the Prime Minister commended the efforts exerted by the Information Affairs Ministry throughout the various stages of the “Khalifa bin Salman Press Award”, as well as the award-distribution ceremony, praising the efforts of the jury in assessing the participating works and selecting the winners.

The Prime Minister called on journalists to carry on their enlightening creativity in serving the nation and holding to the “Word” with deep impact in directing national action in order to enhance Bahrain’s status at various international gatherings.

Earlier, Information Affairs Minister, Ali bin Mohammed Al-Rumaihi, in a speech, extended deepest thanks and gratitude to HRH the Prime Minister for patronising the third edition of the “Khalifa bin Salman Press Award”, which coincides with the Bahrain Press Day and the World Press Freedom Day.

“Thanks to the leadership of HM King Hamad, support of HRH the Prime Minister and backing of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier, Bahrain is on the right path towards attaining more development and civilisational accomplishment,” the minister said. He said the award proves the Premier’s unlimited support for free and responsible press that copes with continuous development attained during HM the King’s prosperous era.