Tribute to late MP

The House of Representatives yesterday paid tribute to former Nationalist MP Joe A. Grima, who died on Sunday, aged 65 and expressed its condolences to his family.

Deputy Prime Minister Dr Tonio Borg recalled Mr Grima was one of the MPs to be co-opted on behalf of the PN opposition in 1983 and remained a member of the House until the 1987 general election.

He described Mr Grima as a person who enjoyed living life and who took his commitments very seriously in the various posts that he occupied in the political, industrial, literary and communication fields.

Leader of the opposition Joseph Muscat said he knew Mr Grima personally and considered him a friend. Dr Muscat praised Mr Grima for his prolific pen and his sense of entrepreneurship. He noted his contribution towards the development of Malta’s tourism industry.

Mr Speaker Louis Galea joined the sentiments expressed by government and opposition and said he had worked with the late former MP during the election campaigns. Dr Galea described Mr Grima as a family man and a true Maltese, who held his native tongue and the Maltese identity close at heart.