US Secretary of Energy is Honored by

Cyprus US Chamber with Merit Award

 

What does the US Secretary of Energy Dr. Ernest Jeffrey Moniz, Democratic Gubernatorial candidate for Pennsylvania Katie McGinty and Consul General of Cyprus Koula Sofianou have in common? All three were in attendance at the Cyprus-US Chamber of Commerce Annual Award Dinner held Thursday, December 12 2013 at the NY Hilton, with the Secretary of Energy being the guest of honor and receiving the coveted Merit Award of the organization.

Congratulatory messages were dispatched to the Chamber by Archbishop Demetrios, the President of the Republic of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades, the Minister of of Energy, Commerce, Industry and Tourism of Cyprus, Yiorgos Lakkotrypis, NY State Governor Andrew Cuomo, the Ambassadors of Greece and Cyprus to Washington  respectively, Christos Panagopoulos and George Chacalli, outgoing New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, and Cyprus Institute president, Costas N. Papanicolas.

The program began with the Chamber’s Executive Director Despina Axiotakis’introduction, after which Fox Businesss Network’s anchor Nicole Petallides launched the proceedings by introducing Bishop Sevastianos of Zela who performed the Invocation. After the National Anthems the Consul Generals of Greece and Cyprus, Georgios Iliopoulos and Koula Sofianou respectively spoke, followed by the Chambers newly–elected president Nicholas A. Karacostas, who introduced the honoree by saying that he is “recognized for his contributions in strengthening relations between cyprus and the United States through his work and collaboration as a founding member of the cyprus Institute. He was instrumental” he continued, “ in forging the concept , and the launch of the cyprus Institute. Furthermore, he also served as a founding member of the Massachusetts  Institute of Technology’s energy Institute that recently launched the study of Cyprus’ hydrocarbons.” Karakostas then introduced the honoree.

In receiving the distinguished Merit Award of the Chamber, Dr. Moniz reminded the turnout that it wasn’t the first time he was being honored by Cypriots, having received some years ago the Cross of Makarios III for his services to Cyprus. A nuclear physicist and the 13^th US Secretary of Energy since May 2013, Dr Moniz went to Cyprus in 2001, he said, when the Cyprus Institute was “a gleam in the eye of some visionaries.” Costas Papanicolas who later became the entity’s president, asked the scientist for his cooperation, citing that a scientific organization such as the Cyprus Institute would help address the problems that plague relationships in the region. Having taken Frank Rose of Cornell University with him, Dr. Moniz listened to the proposal and then his edict came in three words: “You’re crazy!” he told the group.“ This can’t be done the way you want.”

The group however did not back down, the government official continued. Professor Papanicolas and his followers finally made the project a reality, the Cyprus Institute took flesh and bones. It also has attracted a specter of important members and science can make a difference, bringing prosperity to the region. Dr. Moniz counts as one of the Institutes founders.

The nuclear phycisist also made mention of the latest developments as of 2012, and the technology being put in use in the area of Paphos for the sake of archeology. He said he was committed supporting the research institite’s policies on energy and water which are the challenges that Cyprus faces. He also mentioned that another project of the Cyprus Institute is the multi-institutional cause of Tidal Changes, the drout, wild fires, and in general, changes across the rgion.

Before dinner was served, the Board of the Chamber gathered on stage to bestow an award on the Cyprus Consul General who was returning to her land in a matter of days. The award was given for her efforts and work, and the zboard unanimously wished her luck in her vfuture endeavors.