Joseph Howard

Joseph Howard OBE (4 December 1862 – 20 May 1925) was the first Prime Minister of Malta, holding this office from 1921 to 1923.

Biography

Howard was born in Valletta in 1862. He studied at the Lyceum and abroad, also serving at the French Military academy. Upon return to Malta, he had a career in business in the tobacco industry, up to being appointed director of Cousis Cigarettes. From 1914 to 1925 he served as consul of Japan in Malta and President of the Chamber of Commerce. He also chaired the Società dell'Arte, Manifattura e Commercio and La Società Filarmonica La Valette. As a first act in government, Howard proclaimed Roman Catholicism as the official religion of the country (Religion of Malta Declaration Act).

The green areas separating Mdina from Rabat have been named Howard Gardens.