Council for Maltese Living Abroad
The Council for Maltese Living Abroad was set up by the Government of Malta in 2011.
Following the Convention of Maltese Living Abroad held in March 2010, the Government of Malta published a draft Bill proposing to set up a Council for Maltese Living Abroad and the establishment of a Maltese Cultural Institute. The Council is made up of a group of persons selected by the Prime Minister after taking into consideration the organisational set up of the Maltese communities overseas together with another group of persons living in Malta who are versed in matters relating to Maltese living abroad. The Council is chaired by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and has a majority of its members from overseas.
Objectives
- To promote the quality of life of the Maltese communities abroad;
- To strengthen political, cultural, economical and social ties between the Maltese communities abroad and Malta;
- To facilitate the preservation of a cultural and linguistic identity among the community;
- To promote Maltese culture and in particular the teaching of the Maltese language abroad;
- To assist in the integration of the communities in their adopted countries;
- To analyse problems which Maltese communities encounter including issues relating to working conditions, professional and educational training and recognition of qualifications obtained by Malta;
- To advice the Minister of Foreign Affairs on any legislation or issue that can affect the interests of Maltese abroad.
Board of Experts
The Council is represented by 5 experts
- Roderick Bovingdon - Australia
- Carmen Galea - Canada
- Rosalie Rivett - UK
- Franklin Mamo - Europe
- Fr Alfred Vella - Malta
Council Members
- Australia - Professor Maurice Cauchi, Edwin Borg-Manché, Lawrence Dimech, Gejtu Pace, Frank Scicluna
- USA - Louis Vella, Larry Zahra
- Canada - Joseph Scherri
- UK - Bernard Scerri
- Malta - Joseph Muscat
In 2013, Dr Raymond Xerri was appointed Director for Maltese Living Abroad within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Council will also strive to set up a Maltese Cultural Institute.
The Council is joining the Association of The Europeans throughout the World and is setting up a Website.