Latvians on Line
Andris Straumanis
February 6, 2008
Janis Kukainis, former chairperson of the World Federation of Free Latvians (Pasaules br?vo latvie?u apvien?ba, or PBLA), has been awarded a Latvian Cabinet of Ministers Certificate of Recognition, a cabinet spokesperson announced Feb. 5 in R?ga.
Kukainis is receiving the recognition for his many years of service defending Latvia’s interests and for helping to preserve Latvian culture.
Kukainis served as head of the PBLA from 2002-2007. He also has been involved with other organizations, twice serving as chairperson of the American Latvian Association and twice as head of the Joint Baltic American National Committee. Born in Latvia in 1934, he now lives in Michigan.
Kukainis is one of several individuals who will receive certificates of recognition, the Cabinet of Ministers announced. For their work in the nation’s forestry industry, certificates have been awarded to Andrejs Niku?cevs, Aija Fi?ere, Juris Mat?ss and J?nis Elm?rs Rubens, all of Latvia. Also honored is Oskars Gerts, editor-in-chief of the official daily newspaper of the Latvian government, Latvijas V?stnesis.
Oskars Kast?ns, special assignments minister for social integration affairs, is to present the certificate of recognition to Kukainis.
Andris Straumanis is editor of Latvians Online.
