Former editor of the Times of Malta Laurence Grech has passed away at the age of 77.
His career in journalism spanned six decades, working in the Times of Malta newsroom, also becoming a regular guest on TV and radio shows during his retirement. He trained many journalists over his long and esteemed career.
He had joined the Times of Malta at the age of 15 in 1963.
Eventually, he became sub-editor of The Sunday Times of Malta and then became an assistant editor in 1967.
He was promoted to Deputy Editor in 1970, and became editor in 1991, holding the post until his retirement in 2007.
Grech had also been the Malta correspondent for ANSA, the Italian news agency, and for German press agency DPA.
His lifelong contribution to journalism in the country was recognised by the Institute of Maltese Journalists in 2019, when he received the Gold Award.
Grech leaves to mourn him his wife Lilian and his children Gerald, Edward and Robert.
The Malta Independent team sends its deepest condolences to Grech's family.
PN pays tribute to the memory of Laurence Grech
The PN paid tribute to the memory of Laurence Grech. "He was a giant of Maltese journalism who left an indelible mark on the journalistic landscape in Malta, both as editor of The Sunday Times of Malta and through his continued contribution as an opinion writer and political commentator even after retiring from a distinguished 60-year career in journalism."
From the moment he joined The Times in 1963, and throughout the various roles he held - including 16 years as editor of The Sunday Times until his retirement in 2007, and later as editorial consultant and director at Allied Newspapers - Laurence Grech consistently stood out for his integrity and his steadfast adherence to the principles he upheld and to the highest standards of journalism. He remained faithful to these principles even during some of the darkest moments for The Times and for the country, including the arson attack on the Progress Press on 15 October 1979, a day that remains etched in Malta's history as Black Monday."
"Laurence Grech was also widely respected for his profound knowledge of Malta's political, social and cultural history, and was regarded by many as a key point of reference in this regard. He never hesitated to raise his voice in defence of truth and justice, inspiring generations of journalists in Malta. In recognition of his outstanding contribution to journalism, he was awarded the National Order of Merit on Republic Day in 2007. In 2019, his lifetime contribution to Maltese journalism was further acknowledged by the Institute of Maltese Journalists (IGM), which honoured him with its Gold Award. For many years after retiring from The Times, Laurence Grech remained a regular guest on a number of television and radio discussion programmes in Malta, including on Net Television, where he frequently contributed as a political commentator."
Leader of the PN Alex Borg this morning conveyed his condolences, on behalf of himself and the PN, to Laurence Grech's wife and their three children. The PN also extended its condolences to all of Laurence Grech's colleagues at The Times of Malta.