Tributes have flooded in for “gentleman” Robert Arrigo, who passed away at the age of 67 earlier on Tuesday.

Arrigo – who was diagnosed with cancer earlier this summer – was a well-respected figure across the country, having been involved first in the tourism industry, then as the first mayor of Sliema and a member of Parliament for the Nationalist Party since 2003.

PN leader Bernard Grech led the tributes on social media, saying that “we have lost one of us.”

He thanked Arrigo for his sacrifices and work within the Nationalist Party over the years.

“You will be remembered for your great work, for your loyalty to the party, but above all else for the love you had for this nation,” Grech said.

“Some days ago, despite your difficulties, you came to Dar Centrali and with passion you spoke about the sector which you represented,” he added.

In a statement, the Nationalist Party commemorated Arrigo’s work with the party and sent its condolences to his family.

Former PN leader Adrian Delia, under whom Arrigo was elected as PN deputy leader and whom he defended when the party went through trying times, said that he did not have neither the words nor the strength to speak about the news.

“A gentle giant of a man has left us. A charismatic benefactor who couldn’t live a minute of his blessed life without helping those in need, is with us no more. The world is a poorer place, the heavens are now enriched,” he wrote.

He described Arrigo as “A gentleman always, a doting husband, an inspiring father, and a one of a kind politician for the people,” saying that he would forever remember him.

European Parliament President and PN MEP Roberta Metsola also paid tribute to Arrigo, describing him as a man who believed in her from the very first day and who was there for her even before she took her first steps in politics.

“Robert was there in 2004 when I organised by first activity.  I was just 25 years old.  Month after month, together we met hundreds of families in Sliema, Gzira, Msida and other places.  Road after road, with a smile, a joke here and there, and optimism,” she said.

“I learnt from Robert that you should never give up.  Even when things seem difficult, there is always a solution.  With him, I could speak openly. He always said what he believed, in a direct manner,” she said.

She offered courage to Arrigo’s wife and children, saying that while it is a difficult moment, she would be there for them like Robert was there for her.

People involved across the board in the Nationalist Party also shared their own tributes.

MP Alex Borg described Arrigo as not just a role model but also a true friend and a man above men; MP Darren Carabott said that he had been side by side Arrigo at the PN’s headquarters until last week because he had continued working; while former MP Jason Azzopardi said that he couldn’t believe the news and said that he hoped God will pay him back for the “eternity of good that he did, especially the good he did without any showboating.”

The tributes came from both sides of the political divide:

Prime Minister Robert Abela himself said on social media that Malta had lost a “gentleman” who contributed massively to a number of sectors.  “There is no doubt that we will feel his loss in Parliament,” he said.

He later told the media that he would be proposing that Arrigo be honoured on Republic Day.

The Labour Party on its part also sent its condolences to Arrigo’s family, saying that Arrigo will be remembered for his major contribution to society in the political, social, and sporting sector.

Deputy Prime Minister Chris Fearne also paid tribute to Arrigo: “Whoever says that there aren’t any men with substance left in politics didn’t know Robert Arrigo. Rest in peace colleague,” he said.

Fearne had been directly in touch with Arrigo while he went through chemotherapy at Mater Dei Hospital.

Transport Minister Aaron Farrugia described Arrigo as a “gentleman who always tried to sideline extra tribalism in politics”, while PL backbencher Edward Zammit Lewis said that the personal respect between them was always there and that this is what is needed to work for a better political climate.

Former PL minister Evarist Bartolo who was a direct district rival with Arrigo also shared his tribute, saying that despite the fact that they contested directly against each they had never considered each other as enemies. “I know him as a gentleman with a good sense of humour.  Rest in peace.”

He was commemorated in the sporting world as well.

Malta Football Association President Bjorn Vassallo led the tributes from the footballing world for Arrigo.

 

“Another sad loss for the Maltese football family. Robert, you were a true football man! Many people will never forget the emotions during those successful years when you were at the helm of Sliema Wanderers. Certainly, that glorious period at the club will be remembered forever, it is your legacy. Above all you were a gentleman, an exemplary father, a beloved husband and a community giver,” he said. 

Sliema Wanderers FC, for whom Arrigo served as Club President between 1996 and 2008 – one of the club’s most successful period, paid special tribute.

“Above all, Robert was a true gentleman and a loyal Sliema supporter who truly loved the Club and always did his utmost to see it make progress. He brought a lot of joy to all of us, and his memory will always live with us,” the club said in a statement.

Swieqi United meanwhile also shared their sadness at Arrigo’s passing, noting that he had been the club’s first ever sponsor and that “his calm demeanour and belief in the project enabled a group of young students to push forward and break many barriers.”

Waterpolo club Neptunes WPSC – who were also supported by Arrigo over the years – also paid tribute: “Mr. Arrigo will be remembered for his unwavering support of the club, as well as the time he served as club Vice-President for a number of years.”

Renowned local boxer Billy Corito meanwhile described Arrigo was “a man with a heart of gold” and recalled how he had sponsored his boxing career and put up international boxers in his hotel and never wanted anything in return.

He said that it was a very dark day for Malta and that the country had lost a “legend.” “There are no colours when Arrigo was around, everyone respected him.”

 

 

MHRA

The Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA) saluted the memory of Robert Arrigo, describing him as a "leading pioneer of the Maltese tourism sector, a champion of local sports, and a conviction politician."

MHRA President Tony Zahra said that significantly, "the Maltese tourism sector has today lost a committed entrepreneur who contributed to shaping up such an important economic sector." He described him as a good friend to many.

Zahra defined Robert Arrigo as someone who had been "born to be a public representative". "He was passionate about all the activities he was involved in and up to a week ago was, despite his illness, still meeting MHRA representatives as a PN Shadow Minister for Tourism to discuss ways of how tourism should continue to grow sustainably."

Indeed, he will be specifically remembered for spearheading in April 2021 the PN's strategy document "2+8 A Way Forward to Tourism Recovery" - a 100-point plan for the tourism sector which aimed to serve both the immediate and the future needs of the sector. It was immediately evident to the MHRA that the ideas generated in this document reflected the knowledge and experience of Robert Arrigo in the tourism sector and will remain relevant and inspirational for the time to come, as part of his legacy.

Tony Zahra further emphasises that "Robert Arrigo faced his illness with dignity and courage and that of all the hats he carried, it will be Robert as a person who many will remember - there when people needed him, both personally and also with his political hat on, and especially with his bravery over the last months, always thinking of others."

The MHRA expresses condolences to the family.