I first met Joe Baldacchino in 2001, when I moved to Gozo. At his invite, and on occasion mine, we had drinks or dinner in the lobby of his hotel, prior to (and also after) its becoming a Kempinski affiliate.

He was so proud that his hotel had been selected and met the standard of such a great hospitality organisation.

He was most friendly and definitely a unique type of Maltese businessman. Successful beyond comprehension, rising from the streets of Malta to become a brand name as a carpenter, then a businessman in the furniture industry then, with his hotel in Gozo, and yet again, expanding his enterprises into all areas of business.

He often, when we met for a drink, or on the streets of Valletta, would tell me in his jovial way about his current project.

I admired his upbeat nature. Joe was a good guy and definitely did not deserve to be gunned down like a sick animal. I pray for his family in this time.

Shame on the perpetrator.