Malta’s business community is mourning the passing of Joseph R Darmanin, a former President of The Malta Chamber, who passed on Sunday.

Mr Darmanin was President of the Chamber in 1996 and 1997, after having held several positions over the years.

He was mostly involved in the aviation industry. Career highlights include a stint as GSA for Austrian Airlines and a period as a Director of Malta International Airport.

Mr Darmanin was also a major proponent for EU membership and founded the EU Steering Committee which had carried out studies on the Acquis Communitaire preparing the business community for EU membership.

Announcing his loss, the Chamber described him as a “steadfast Chamber person”, and explained that his father had also been a Chamber President.

He attended Chamber events and general meetings until “very recently” when his health prevented him from doing so.

“A gentleman of great style, Mr Darmanin, Skinny to his friends, cut a dashing figure”, the Chamber reminisced.