As part of the Town of Pag Day celebrations on 28 March 2025, certificates of recognition and awards were presented to distinguished locals for their contributions to culture, sports, charitable work, and social activities.
On this occasion, JGL Board of Directors member Ivo Usmiani was awarded the Town of Pag Charter for Lifetime Achievement in recognition of his years of dedicated support to local organisations and associations.
The ceremony took place at the Rector’s Palace, where the award was accepted on his behalf by Eva Usmiani Capobianco, President of the JGL Board of Directors. Speaking on behalf of her father, she expressed gratitude for the prestigious honour, emphasising that the award serves as recognition of his years of commitment, hard work, and dedication.
Born on Pag in 1953, Ivo Usmiani frequently expresses his deep connection to his hometown, not only through his work and daily life but also in his public statements.
“I take great pride in my Pag roots and our island identity, which I cherish deeply. I grew up in a close-knit community with many friends and an ambitious family that instilled strong family values. My childhood and youth, spent with my parents and friends, hold some of my fondest memories. To this day, I am committed to maintaining these friendships – when I am at my best, I share it with them. I constantly return to my roots because my family and friends have always supported me in all my ambitions,” Usmiani has shared with the media on multiple occasions, adding that Pag also played a pivotal role in shaping his professional journey.
“In my extended family, the pharmaceutical tradition has always been highly regarded. My grandfather’s cousin and our neighbour were both pharmacists, and the Martinelli family, a well-known pharmacist family from Pag, had a significant influence on my choice of studies and career path. After high school, I decided to pursue a degree in pharmacy at the Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry in Zagreb. Since my wife lived in Rijeka and there were no opportunities for a pharmacist on Pag, I ultimately chose to settle in Rijeka.”