Paul Abela, President, Malta Chamber of SMEs, writes:
Vince Farrugia was known to be a vociferous and outspoken person. This is all true, I have known Vince for a long number of years, and he was in fact the one who introduced me to Malta Chamber of SMEs (formerly GRTU), mentoring me throughout the years and eventually encouraging me to run for president of the organisation. Vince was also an inspiration to me and to the rest of council and staff.
Vince, an economist by profession, served as director general of the organisation for over 20 years and always demonstrated great enthusiasm. He had elevated the organisation’s name to a national level and managed to turn it in an effective social partner as it is widely known today.
The former director-general of the Chamber for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, Vince Farrugia, has died aged 77.
Farrugia was a long-serving director of the business lobby, formerly known as the GRTU.
He also held several other positions including in the then National Tourism Organisation of Malta, the Malta Development Corporation and in banks. In 2008 he was given the National Order of Merit.
The Chamber of SMEs said Farrugia had turned the organisation into one of national importance and said he would always be remembered for defending the interests of small business owners.
It offered its condolences to his wife, children and family.
Vince Farrugia, kingmaker who ran small business lobby, dies aged 77
Small business leader who ran for Europe on PN ticket, dies aged 77
26 February 2021, 10:38am
by James Debono
The former director-general of the Chamber for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, Vince Farrugia, has died aged 77. He was a long-time director of the GRTU.
Businessman Mario Debono, who heads the Chamber’s pharmaceutical sector, paid tribute to Farrugia – a former candidate for MEP who ran on the PN ticket in 2009 – who he described as a “giant”.
“Words cannot describe the stature of this man amongst small and medium business owners. He was a mentor to many, a safe harbour for the many small businesses that sought his help, a consensus builder on many an agreement with governments, and someone who was never afraid of any challenge, even the most onerous,” he said.