The Council

The Order of St John is a Royal Order of Chivalry of the British Crown. Formerly known as the Order of St John “in the British Realm”, the Order and its foundations were established across the British Empire.

In Malta, St John was originally supported by the Governor, who represented the Crown, and later by the Governor-General. When Malta became a republic in 1974, the country’s system of government changed. Even so, the successor to the Governor-General chose to continue supporting and patronising St John Ambulance in Malta.

Today, St John Ambulance and Rescue in Malta is guided by a Council that provides oversight of the organisation’s strategy, governance, and long-term direction. The Council ensures that St John remains true to its mission and values, operates responsibly and transparently, and continues to serve the community with professionalism, integrity, and compassion.

Through effective leadership and good governance, the Council supports the development of services, volunteer training, and operational readiness. Working closely with senior volunteers and management, it helps ensure that St John Ambulance and Rescue is well prepared to respond to the evolving needs of the community, both in times of emergency and in everyday service.

Meet the Council

Patron

Her Excellency, Dr Myriam Spiteri Debono, K.U.O.M. President of Malta

Chairman 

Dr Michael Frendo, K.O.M., KStJ, LL.M. (Exon.), LL.D. (Melit.)

Vice Chairman 

Brig. Clinton J. O’Neill AFM

Deputy Commander

Ms Gemma Sirol DStJ

Deputy Commander (Operations)

Mr Andrew Grech CStJ, BSc., MBA (Melit.)

Commissioner (Operations)

Mr Chris Borg Cardona CStJ

Commissioner (Regulatory and Compliance) 

Mr Noel Grixti D’Amato CStJ, DPA (Melit.)

Commissioner (Training)

Dr James Cilia OStJ, B.Ed.(Hons), M.Ed.(Melit.), PhD (UCL)

Secretary

Dr Jean Noel Cutajar LL.D.(Melit.), LL.M.(Lond.).

Chaplain

The Reverend Canon Simon Godfrey CStJ, T.D, V.R, SSC

Principal Medical Officer

Lt Col Dr Charles A. Gauci OLM, KCHS, MD, FRCA, FIPP, FFPMRCA, FSA.Scot, RAMC (Ret’d)

Members

Chev. Raymond Cassar KC*HS, OStJ, BA (Hons), MA, M.Ed. (Manchester), Cert.IPD (Lon), Dip.NLP (Lon)

Lady Stephanie Laing OStJ

Capt. Reuben Lanfranco CStJ, KJ, BA (Crim), M Jur.(Int. Law), LL M (IMLI), Dip. Mar. Sur., AFRINA, FIFireE, MCILT, AFRIN, FNI, FIIMS, MIM, AFM (Retd)

Col Mark Mallia CStJ, Dip. Mangt. (Melit.), MBA (Melit.), LL.B. (Hons) (Melit.), AFM (Ret’d)

Ms Tania Mercieca DHS, OStJ

Administrator

Ms. Romina Cassar