2.10pm: Updated with new HSBC opening hours
On Wednesday (today), HSBC Malta commented on the loss of one of their own, Nicolette Ghirxi, following the tragic news of her murder.
The bank, flew its flag at their Valletta branch at half-mast to honour the passing of their colleague.
Nicolette was murdered, allegedly by her former partner Edward Johnston, on Sunday evening. Last Monday, HSBC advised clients that it would be closing its Rabat branch, where Nicolette was based.
In bidding farewell to Nicolette, HSBC wrote that she was a wonderful person who was deeply cherished by her colleagues, friends and customers.
“It was a privilege to work with her. Nicolette will be greatly missed and will always be in our thoughts and prayers. This is a very sad period for all at HSBC Malta, and we are in shock,” the bank continued, while sending heartfelt condolences to her family and friends.
Many colleagues joined the bank in writing sentimental comments in memory of their loved one.
HSBC Malta's Head of Wealth and Personal Banking, Muriel Rutland, noted that no words can describe her deep sorrow at such a tragic loss.
“A beautiful person in every sense, a true inspiration to the people that surrounded you, reflected in the legacy you leave behind. May your loved ones be filled with courage and hope,” she continued.
Others touched on Nicolette's ability to always have a smile on her face, be it at the bank or elsewhere. They also noted her admirable focus on customers and professionalism.
BNF Bank plc CEO David Power extended his condolences to all her colleagues, family and friends.
“Her untimely departure is a profound loss, and we at BNF Bank share in the sorrow and grief felt by all who knew her. Our thoughts are with her loved ones, and we hope they find comfort and strength in the memories of her extraordinary life,” he continued.
Joining them, Head of Products and Distribution at HSBC Life Assurance Malta Ltd Josef Camilleri also shared a few words noting that no one should ever have to endure what she did, “falsely masked as love.”
Since the post, HSBC has also announced that its branches will be opening an hour late this Saturday, at 9.30am instead of 8.30am. Nicolette's funeral will be held on that day at 8.30am. The bank said that should urgent assistance be required, customers can contact its call centre on 23802380.
What happened between Sunday and Monday morning?
During a press conference Police Commissioner Angelo Gafà shared that on Sunday, at around 11:50pm a hotel in St Julian’s requested the police’s assistance as an armed man had entered the establishment and was threatening employees.
Upon arriving on the scene, the police found the man, later identified as 50-year-old Irishman Edward Johnston, behind the hotel by the sea. When approached by the police, Mr Johnston walked into the sea and pointed the gun at his head.
Negotiations with the Rapid Intervention Unit officers and the police’s negotiators took around three hours, during which he admitted to killing a person.
Further investigations revealed that a woman, later identified as 48-year-old Nicholette, had succumbed to injuries, murdered with an knife, which was been possibly found next to the murder scene.
Simultaneously, the ongoing negotiations had escalated as the alleged murderer pointed the gun towards the police. Despite repeated attempts to stop him, police shot him down as he was threatening their lives.
Despite medical attention at the scene, the alleged murderer died a few moments later in hospital.
Later, upon inspection, the gun was found to be a replica and therefore fake.
Main Image:
