Veteran journalist Laurence Grech dies

Former editor of The Sunday Times of Malta, Laurence Grech has passed away at the age of 77.

Grech’s career in journalism began when he was a teenager and, even after retiring, he remained active as a regular contributor and commentator.

He joined The Times in January 1963 at just under 15 years old, after being interviewed personally by the newspaper’s owner, Mabel Strickland. 

Grech went on to serve as sub-editor of The Sunday Times of Malta and became assistant editor in 1967.

In 1970, he was appointed deputy editor and, in 1991, succeeded Anthony Montanaro as editor until he retired in 2007. That same year, he became editorial consultant and later was appointed director of Allied Newspapers.

Upon his retirement in 2007, Grech was honoured with the National Order of Merit on Republic Day.

In 2019, his lifelong dedication to Maltese journalism was further recognised by the Institute of Maltese Journalists, which awarded him its Gold Award.