Nades gets top Belgian recognition

 By MALUM NALU

Institute of Business Studies chairman Mick Nades, the honorary consul for Belgium in PNG since 1994, has been installed the Order of Leopold, the highest knighthood from Belgium.

Nades was bestowed the honour by Belgian Ambassador to PNG, Jean-Luc Bodson at a reception on Wednesday.

“The reason for this is that Nades has been the honorary consul of Belgium for 20 years,” Bodson said

“He has done this in an outstanding manner with zeal and enthusiasm.

“He has served bilateral relations between Belgium and Papua New Guinea in a wonderful way.

“His service has received the attention of our king and he has received this decoration.”

Nades, 68, of Sri Lankan heritage but now a PNG citizen, was overwhelmed by the honour.

“The king and the government have now recognised my long service to the Belgian state and the people, and have decided to give me the highest award,” Nades said.

The Order of Leopold, the highest order of Belgium and named in honour of former King Leopold, can only be granted by a current king – King Phillippe in this case – and is reserved for the most important Belgian nationals or distinguished foreign persons.

Nades has contributed to educational development in the nation, especially in Port Moresby and Enga, where there are IBS campuses.

Before that, he worked in the private sector as an accountant and did his share of contributing to the development of the nation through his work obligations.

Nades has been instrumental in the development of cricket in PNG over the past 10 years.