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Kevin J. Borg, Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry director-general, writes:

Anthony Borg-Cardona, who passed away on January 18 after a long illness, was an exemplary public-spirited person who was always willing to help others without drawing attention to himself.

Mr Borg-Cardona (I could never call him Tony as he was known to his contemporaries) served the Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry tirelessly and without reservation for 41 years.

He started working at the Chamber in 1965 under the presidency of Philip H. Toledo and under the guidance of permanent secretary Salvino Nicholas-Virtu. He eventually took over from Mr Nicholas-Virtu and became director-general in 1990.

During these 41 years, Mr Borg-Cardona worked with no less than 17 presidents. I speak from experience when I say that every president has his own style of leadership and working closely with them to achieve their objectives requires a special kind of versatility. In this Mr Borg-Cardona excelled, and you could add patience, dedication, diplomacy and diligence to his long list of virtues.

Mr Borg-Cardona was the champion of the Chamber’s traditions and its role in the economic history of the nation. He took great pride in the Exchange Buildings where he knew every corner and piece of furniture and always made sure it was maintained to the highest possible standard.

Mr Borg-Cardona represented the Chamber at several international and European Chamber meetings, building up a network of contacts and alliances for the benefit of the Chamber, its members and staff. He represented the Malta Chamber on the Malta Trade Fairs Corporation and several committees and boards and, for several years, served as treasurer of the Malta Community Chest Fund.

Mr Borg-Cardona was a good friend to the presidents and members of the Chamber and to its staff. I can vouch for the fact that he built an excellent reputation for himself with local entrepreneurs. Words of admiration and appreciation are often spoken of Mr Borg Cardona by members and other acquaintances while he is often remembered at meetings and social receptions that are regularly held at the Chamber.

I consider myself fortunate to have been given the opportunity to work under his guidance and leadership for nine years and later to be entrusted with the responsibility of carrying on his sterling work for the local business community.

The members and staff of the Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry join me in conveying our deepest sympathy to his dear and devoted wife Carmen and to his children Angela, Joanna and Mark.