Joseph Howard (Prime Minister) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Joseph Howard
1st Prime Minister of Malta
In office 26 October 1921 – 13 October 1923
Monarch	George V
Governor-General	Lord Plumer
Preceded by	Position Established
Succeeded by	Francesco Buhagiar
Personal details
Born	4 December 1862 Valletta, Malta
Died	20 May 1925 (aged 62–63)
Political party	Political Union

Joseph Howard was a very important person in Malta's history. He was the first Prime Minister of Malta, leading the country from 1921 to 1923. He was also honored with the OBE for his work. He was born on December 4, 1862, and passed away on May 20, 1925.

Early Life and Career

Joseph Howard was born in Valletta, Malta, in 1862. He went to school at the Lyceum in Malta. He also studied in other countries and even attended a French military academy.

When he returned to Malta, he started a career in business. He worked in the tobacco industry and became a director at Cousis Cigarettes. From 1914 to 1925, he also served as the consul for Japan in Malta. A consul is like a representative for a country in another nation. He was also the President of the Chamber of Commerce, which helps businesses.

Public Service Before Premiership

Joseph Howard was involved in public service even before becoming Prime Minister. In 1912, a group called Malta's Comitato Patriottico chose him to be a member of the Council of Government. This council helped run the country.

He also led a government committee that looked into emigration. Emigration is when people leave their home country to live in another. In 1919, he led a group that talked with French officials about jobs for Maltese people moving to France.

Becoming Prime Minister

In 1921, Malta had its first general election. Joseph Howard joined a political party called the Maltese Political Union (UPM). He was elected as a Senator in Malta's first Parliament.

The UPM party won the most seats, but they didn't have enough to form a government on their own. The Governor, Lord Plumer, offered Joseph Howard the job of Prime Minister. The leader of his party, Msg. Ignazio Panzavecchia, could not take the role.

Leading the Government

Joseph Howard became Malta's first Prime Minister in 1921. He led the government with the help of the Malta Labour Party. This was a big step for Malta, as it meant the country had its own government for the first time.

One of the first things Howard's government did was declare Roman Catholicism as the official religion of Malta. This was done through a law called the Religion of Malta Declaration Act.

Later Life and Legacy

Joseph Howard was made an Officer of the British Empire (OBE) for his service. He passed away in 1925 when he was 63 years old.

Even many years later, people remember Joseph Howard. From 2015 to 2018, former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat honored Howard every year on his birthday.

There is also a special place named after him. The green areas between the old city of Mdina and Rabat are called Howard Gardens.

See also

• Prime Minister of Malta
• List of prime ministers of Malta