PRESIDENT MICHAEL D HIGGINS is set to be awarded with Peru’s highest honour, the “Gran Collar” of the Order of the Sun.

Higgins is visiting the Peruvian capital Lima today to kick off a 12-day tour of South America.

This trip is the first time an Irish President in office has visited Peru, Colombia and Cuba.

The President of Peru indicated that he will be awarding Higgins with the country’s highest honour prior to the trip.

Higgins will begin his time in the country with a visit to the tomb of Ambrosio O’Higgins, a native of Sligo, who became one of the last Viceroys of Peru in the Spanish period and whose son Bernardo O’Higgins fought for Chilean independence and was later appointed Supreme Director of Chile.

The President will deliver a keynote address on the work and humanitarian vision of Roger Casement, who documented abuses associated with the extractive practices in the period of colonial exploitation.

He will also attend a reception for members of the Irish community in Peru.

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