Former Times of Malta editor Laurence Grech dies, aged 77

Updated Monday 1.28pm with PEN Malta and Repubblika tributes

Laurence Grech, former editor of The Sunday Times of Malta has died, aged 77.

Grech's career in journalism spanned over six decades - from joining the Times of Malta newsroom as a teenager to becoming a regular guest on politically-themed TV and radio shows in his retirement.

Grech joined The Times in January, 1963, barely 15 years old. He was interviewed by the newspaper's owner Mabel Strickland, herself and joined the newsroom under the editorship of Tom Hedley.

In the following years, he was mentored by George Sammut and Anthony Montanaro.

He eventually became sub-editor of The Sunday Times of Malta and assistant editor in 1967. Between 1976 and 1988, Grech was parliamentary editor and chief parliamentary reporter for The Times. 

In 1970, Grech became deputy editor, and succeeded Anthony Montanaro as editor in 1991 - a role he served for 16 years until his retirement in 2007.

That year he was appointed editorial consultant  - a position he held until 2013, and eventually director of Allied Newspapers Limited. 

He was also the Malta correspondent for the Italian news agency ANSA and for the German press agency DPA. Grech was a fellow of the Salzburg Seminar in American Studies in 1981.

In 2007 - the year he retired - he was awarded the National Order of Merit on Republic Day.

In 2019, his lifelong contribution to Maltese journalism was recognised by the  Institute of Maltese Journalists, which presented him with the Gold Award. He also served as envoy to Latvia.

In a colourful and nostalgic article he penned in 2020, Grech says his "love affair with journalism has lasted a lifetime, and is still strong today".

In a more recent interview marking 90 years of Times of Malta, Grech recalls watching the Times of Malta building burn in 1979, moments after leaving for an assignment.

Grech leaves to mourn him his wife Lilian and his children Gerald, Edward and Robert.

On Sunday morning, his son Gerald paid tribute to his father, decribing him as a passionate journalist, a great communicator, also known by many as the walking encyclopedia.

"He remembered everyone’s birthdays! This is how we like to remember him. Energetic, ambitious and happy! Grazzi Pa!"

'Laurence was a living archive'

Allied Newspapers' board of directors paid tribute to Grech on Sunday.

"He was a remarkable media professional who dedicated decades of service to Allied Newspapers Limited, first as a journalist, then as editor of the Sunday Times of Malta, and subsequently as a board director," they said in a statement.

"Laurence always upheld the highest standards of journalism and will be fondly remembered for his integrity and deep sense of humanity. Under his cultured and learned leadership, The Sunday Times of Malta prospered and strengthened its position as Malta’s leading newspaper."

Herman Grech, editor-in-chief of Times of Malta said to colleagues across generations, Laurence Grech was a living archive.

"If a debate required historical background, if a current controversy needed context, he was the natural point of reference. His knowledge of Malta’s political, social and cultural history was vast and meticulous. Most importantly, Laurence was deeply principled, guided by a clear moral compass, a man who inspired dozens of colleagues at Times of Malta.”

Former editor-in-chief Steve Mallia said: "Farewell Laurence. Aside from being a walking history book of Malta, and his old worldliness, Laurence achieved a very rare honour for an editor: he was liked by everyone."

Former editor Ray Bugeja said: "Laurence was a great mind. Little wonder why we called him 'the walking encyclopaedia'. Riding with him in his car was always a lesson in classical music, including all the details of what we were hearing, not least the opus number, and the why and wherefore did the composer create it.

"His love for culture and literature, in the widest sense of the words, were reflected in The Sunday Times of Malta when he was editor, which he made a perfect Sunday read for all, having enough material to last well in the following week."

Former Times of Malta editor Victor Aquilina also paid tribute: "Laurence and I grew up together at Strickland House, sharing practically the same experiences, the same mentors in journalism, the same ups and downs, as we grappled with the growth of our newspapers over the years.

"We were editors at the same time, he at the Sunday Times and I at the daily. He was so erudite, a man of very high principles, as reflected in the character of the newspaper he edited with so much enthusiasm and passion."

Prime Minister Robert Abela said he was saddened by the passing of Grech, calling the former editor "a dedicated voice in local journalism".

European Parliament president Roberta Metsola said Grech's way of fair reporting and insistence on truth-seeking helped define a Maltese era, with his front pages setting the nation's agenda.

"Farewell Mr Editor, thank you for the advice, the criticism and for making us all better informed."

PN leader Alex Borg expressed condolences, saying Grech was a "giant" in the journalism field.

In a statement, the PN recalled Grech's "integrity and unwavering commitment to the highest journalistic standards".

The party said the former editor left an indelible mark on the journalistic landscape in Malta.

"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...

"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."

Momentum's Arnold Cassola also paid tribute.

Thanking Grech "for everything", he recalled how in 1986 he had sent an article to The Times on nine Maltese words published in Germany in 1588.

"No acknowledgement for six months. Somebody suggested... try the Deputy Editor Grech. He's cultured, he might appreciate.

"One week later, my article was published in STOM. This was Laurence Grech: humble, cultured, knowledgeable. He gave a chance to relative beginners like me and many others. Malta loses a veritable journalist-gentleman."

A celebration of Grech's life will be held on Tuesday, February 17, at 9.30am at Old Church, Birkirkara.

The family has asked for any donations to be made to Dar Tal-Providenza, Siġġiewi.

'Towering figure'

In a tribute Monday, writers' association PEN Malta said it was saddened by Grech's death. 

The association described him as a "towering figure in Maltese journalism whose integrity and principled voice helped shape public discourse for decades".

"Laurence’s dedication to truth, fairness and the highest standards of journalism has been lauded by all. Above all, Laurence was a man of integrity, evident in the respect he earned across the political spectrum, the trust of his readers, and the many journalists who followed in his footsteps. He will be missed."

Rule of law NGO Repubblika said Grech "served the public with seriousness, discipline and integrity at a time when journalism in our country was burdened with enormous responsibility".

"His work reflected the belief that the press is not there to appease power but to inform society, to hold authority accountable, and to strengthen democratic life", the NGO said.

The group said Grech remained a point of reference for journalists who came after him, with his contribution shaping standards that still guide the industry in Malta today. 

"We thank him for his service and for the legacy he left behind: a reminder that public trust in journalism comes with patience, courage, and honesty."