The Union Haddiema Maghqudin yesterday expressed sorrow on the death of Antoine Azzopardi, port, transport and aviation sector secretary, who passed away yesterday at the age of 44.

Mr Azzopardi took over this position only last March, having previously occupied the post of assistant secretary of the same section. He became a member of the UHM general council in January 2004.

He was also the UHM’s representative on health and safety at the workplace on the Occupational Health and Safety Authority and the Building Industry Consultative Council.

In a statement issued yesterday, the UHM said that in losing Antoine Azzopardi, the union has lost “a colleague and a friend.” He possessed all the qualities to work in the trade union sector, and had always sought the best interest of the workers.

The UHM expressed solidarity with his wife Therese and sons Nathan and David, his parents and other relatives.