Christopher Muscat – Secretary CMLA
Christopher Muscat was appointed Secretary to the Council of Maltese Living Abroad in November 2025. He serves as a Bank Manager at one of Malta’s leading financial institutions, overseeing branch operations and client relationships. Having graduated in Mechanical Engineering, he transitioned to finance after recognising how his analytical capabilities and interests aligned with opportunities in the banking sector.
Christopher is known for his disciplined, analytical, and ethical approach to complex financial and strategic challenges. He maintains a keen awareness of global financial developments, regularly following international news to inform his analysis and decision making.
The strategic thinking, attention to detail, and commitment to stakeholder engagement that characterise his banking work are equally evident in his role as Secretary for the Council of Maltese Living Abroad. Christopher brings the same
professionalism and organisational expertise to coordinating the Council’s activities and connecting with Maltese communities worldwide.
His experience in cultivating strong relationships and managing complex stakeholder dynamics proves crucial in both settings. Moreover, Christopher’s capacity to
manage competing priorities, communicate clearly, and maintain high standards of integrity allows him to excel in both roles, demonstrating a commitment to excellence in serving clients and the Maltese diaspora alike.
Amie Cardona
Amie Cardona, a mother of three and passionate community member from Victoria, she has dedicated her life to preserving and sharing her Maltese heritage. Raised in a multicultural community, Amie’s connection to her roots through music, language, and culture has shaped who she is today. From attending the Maltese language school as a child to her current role as secretary and musician with the MMG Concert Band of Victoria, Amie’s journey reflects the power of cultural traditions to connect and inspire.
Growing up, Amie was immersed in the rich traditions of her Maltese background. Learning the Maltese language and being involved in the local music community helped create a deep appreciation for her heritage. These early experiences laid the foundation for her lifelong commitment to preserving cultural traditions, both for herself and for future generations.
Amie’s involvement with the MMG Concert Band of Victoria is a prime example of her dedication to fostering community through music. As both a musician and secretary, she helps organize events that celebrate Maltese culture while welcoming members from all walks of life. For Amie, the band isn’t just a musical outlet—it’s a way to keep cultural traditions alive and strengthen the local community. By performing and supporting the band’s activities, she ensures that the next generation has access to the same cultural experiences that shaped her own life.
Beyond music, Amie is passionate about food, language, and cultural exchange. She believes that by embracing and sharing these traditions, we can build a more inclusive, connected community.
As a mother, Amie is committed to passing on her heritage to her children, teaching them to take pride in their roots. Her journey highlights the importance of community involvement, cultural preservation, and the role each of us can play in fostering unity.
Amie’s story is a reminder that by celebrating our traditions—whether through music, language, or food—we not only honour the past but also contribute to a brighter, more connected future for all.
Antoine Mangion
Born and raised in Australia, Antoine Mangion has long been involved in Sydney’s Maltese community. He is currently Vice-President of the Maltese Community Council of NSW and Treasurer of La Valette Social Centre. Previously, he was President of Maltese Concert Band NSW where he continues to participate as a band-member playing the tenor saxophone.
After completing a Bachelor of Social Sciences with Honours, Antoine worked in an advocacy role as a Policy and Research Officer at a pensioners’ association. After some time he returned to university to complete a Graduate Diploma in Teaching, but ended up remaining at university to undertake a PhD while working as an academic tutor and research assistant in the field of education.
Antoine recently completed his PhD on the post-school aspirations of students from migrant backgrounds. He is currently a Lecturer in General Education and Discipline-related Studies at Australian Catholic University. His areas of interest are in the sociology of education and politics of education, particularly in relation to equity issues.
Antoine married Lisa (née Gatt) in 2011 and has a beautiful young daughter Pina.
Edgar Brincat
Dr. Edgar Brincat, originally from Msida, Malta, is a Consultant in Paediatric Intensive Care Medicine at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow. Educated at the University of Malta, Edgar began his medical career at St Luke’s Hospital, where he specialised in paediatrics. In 2004, he moved to Scotland with his wife and has since dedicated nearly two decades to healthcare there, with specialised training in Birmingham and Melbourne, Australia.
From the start of his career, Edgar has been actively involved in medical education, particularly for paediatric trainees. He developed a training programme through the University of Glasgow that has been adopted by every paediatric trainee since 2012. Edgar also supports newly qualified doctors, including Maltese and international medical graduates, ensuring they have the resources and guidance to succeed in the NHS.
Edgar is committed to advancing healthcare through innovation. As an active member of Healthcare Innovation Scotland (HI Scotland), he focuses on improving paediatric care using the latest advancements in artificial intelligence and medical technology. His work in this field is driven by a desire to enhance patient outcomes and make healthcare more efficient and accessible.
An active member of the British Medical Association (BMA), Edgar was elected to roles in both the Scottish and UK Consultant Committees, serving on the Executive Group for both. As Deputy Chair of the Local Negotiating Committee (LNC), he represents and advocates for his colleagues on local issues, while also contributing to national healthcare policy discussions. He serves as Speciality Lead (Paediatrics) on the UK Consultants Committee, representing paediatricians at a national level. His work focuses on improving working conditions, shaping consultant policies, and supporting healthcare professionals across the UK, particularly in paediatrics.
Edgar’s dedication to helping others extends beyond the UK. He got involved with Chain of Hope charity, with his first mission to Mozambique being in 2016, where the team successfully completed a number of cardiac surgeries. He has since completed five missions. He has now taken a medical role within the retrieval panel, regularly coordinating the transfer of children to undergo life-saving surgeries from less advantaged countries, ensuring they get the treatment they urgently require.
In addition to his medical career, Edgar has ventured into entrepreneurship with the founding of Brincat Travels, a family-run travel business. This venture allows him to further engage with the business community in Scotland and build connections beyond healthcare.
Looking ahead, through his role in the Council for Maltese Living Abroad (CMLA), Edgar is eager to continue promoting Malta’s interests and supporting the Maltese community abroad. His vision is to foster stronger ties between Maltese communities worldwide and create opportunities for collaboration, learning, and mutual support. He is particularly committed to helping Maltese nationals navigate life abroad, whether they’ve been in the UK for years or have just arrived.
Loredana Gatt
Dr Loredana Gatt is a seasoned legal professional with over two decades of expertise in international contracts, commercial law, and corporate services, specializing in cross-border transactions within the real estate development and technical sectors.
Based in Italy since 2001, she is also a certified civil and commercial mediator, focusing on complex international disputes. As Area Manager for a leading Mediation Centre in Rome, Loredana represents Italy in mediation cases, leveraging her deep knowledge of international law and conflict resolution. Her work centers on guiding parties through structured negotiations to achieve mutually beneficial solutions that minimize the need for litigation.
In addition, Loredana shares her mediation and contract negotiation expertise by training managers, lawyers, and accountants, particularly in English. She has extensive experience teaching legal English and serves as a lecturer for E.F.L.I.T. at the University of Parma and other institutions, where she instructs on English-language contract negotiation. In 2023,
Loredana was appointed to the Council for Maltese Living Abroad, representing Italy and furthering her commitment to cross-cultural legal collaboration.
James N. Casha
Mr James Casha is a Consultant Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgeon based in Kent, UK. He completed his medical education at the University of Malta in 1986, before undertaking speciality training in Orthopaedic Surgery in Glasgow, and subsequently Dundee.
In 1994, he obtained his Intercollegiate Fellowship in Trauma and Orthopaedics from the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and a Masters in Orthopaedic Surgery from the University of Dundee. In 1995, Mr Casha was an International AO Spine and Trauma Fellow in Bochum, Germany, and then a Fellow in Primary and Revision Spine and Joint Reconstruction at the Orthopaedic and Arthritic Hospital at the University of Toronto.
1996 to 1999, Mr Casha returned to Malta where he also worked as a part-time Lecturer in Anatomy at the University of Malta.
Since 1999, he is a Consultant Orthopaedic and Spinal Surgeon for East Kent Hospitals University Trust.
He is national faculty in UK for ATLS (Advanced Trauma Life Support), for RCS Eng, fracture treatment for AO UK Trauma, and spinal surgery, as well as the NOTSS course for RCS Ed. He has been the Convenor for Spinal Training for T&O Higher Surgical Trainees for Health Education England for South London and Kent, Surrey and Sussex. He also obtained a unique derogation from RCS Eng for ATLS for Maltese trainees rotating to UK.
In 2000, he was awarded a Fellowship from the Royal College of Surgeons of England ad eundem for his national postgraduate teaching activities.
Mr Casha served as Regional Director for Kent and Surrey for the Royal College of Surgeons of England 2020 – 2023. Between 2021 and 2024 he was an elected Staff Governor on the East Kent Hospitals Trust Council of Governors and Co-Chair Audit and Governance Committee and Governor for Staff Wellbeing. He also served as Senior Lead Clinician in T&O in East Kent.
Mr Casha has been an Honorary Senior Lecturer at Kings College Medical School since 2013 and is currently Vice Chair of the BMA in East Kent.
He was the Lay Master of Ceremonies and Organiser of the Malta Day Mass at Westminster Cathedral and is Honorary Senior Medical Officer for the Malta High Commission in London, and Representative of SMOM to the Malta High Commission.
He is a Lourdes Brancardier and doctor since 2002 and active in SMOM in UK and internationally and in the Order of the Holy Sepulchre in Malta.
During COVID he assisted with the repatriation of Maltese trainees back to Malta and acted as a liaison between the Maltese High Commission and Maltese Department of Health and the British Department of Health., re drugs and medical equipment. In 2021 he was appointed member of the UK Regional Council of CMLA. In 2019 he set up the Association of Maltese Doctors in UK so established Maltese doctors in UK could support and help the younger doctors.
Judi Buhagiar
Judi Buhagiar’s parents, Maria (Gatt) and Joseph Buhagiar, hail from Bormla and Kalkara, respectively. She has been married to Michael Mentzing for 35 years, and together they have two children. Their daughter Alexis, 24, is in her final year of a psychology master’s degree, while their son Declan, 22, works with the V8 super car Penrite Racing Team.Judi is employed by Netball Victoria, the State Sporting Association for netball in Victoria, as the Eastern Region Manager. Her role involves developing and growing netball in Eastern Victoria, which includes relationship development with all levels of government, facility development, and providing support to affiliates in growing the game.In her spare time, Judi is deeply involved in netball. She founded the Melita Netball Club in 2020, where she coaches several teams. The club allows her to showcase her Maltese heritage, with uniforms proudly displaying the Maltese Cross and colors. Each year, players and parents visit the Maltese Museum located at the Maltese Community Centre in Morwell.Judi is also accredited to develop coaches, umpires, and talent scout players. From 2019-2023, she served as the mentor to the Malta National Team head coach and traveled to Malta in 2023 to accompany the Maltese team to the Europe Netball Challenge in Wales.Outside of netball, Judi holds the position of Vice President of Ċentru Malti in the Latrobe Valley, Victoria, and enjoys spending time with her family.She expresses excitement and humility at her appointment to the Council for Maltese People Living Abroad. Judi hopes to make a difference and looks forward to working with the team.
Miriam Friggieri
Miriam Friggieri was born in the city of Liverpool, in the South-West of Sydney in the state of NSW, Australia. Miriam’s parents, both born in Malta, immigrated to Sydney in 1959 with Miriam’s two older brothers.
From a very young age, Miriam felt a very strong bond to her parents’ homeland, taking a keen interest in its rich history and culture through her parents’ stories of their experiences in Malta, especially as children during World War II. Miriam visited Malta for the first time at the age of 15. Meeting relatives and exploring Malta with her parents and younger brother, during a two month vacation, affirmed Miriam’s affection for Malta.
In Australia, back in the 60’s, immigrants were discouraged from speaking to their children in their native language but, somehow, like many Maltese families, Miriam and her brothers grew up understanding Maltese but not speaking it very well. Today, Miriam’s Maltese has greatly improved, assisted by subsequent visits to Malta and, especially, via active participation in the Maltese community for nearly ten years.
Miriam is a proud dual citizen of Australia and Malta and is currently, since February 2021, the President of the Maltese Community Council of NSW (MCC) and, concurrently, the Vice-President of the Federation of Maltese Language Schools in Australia, and Treasurer for the Friends of Providence House NSW (raising funds for Id-Dar tal-Providenza in Malta). Previous community roles include Treasurer for the Maltese Cultural Association of NSW, Secretary for the Maltese Community Council of NSW, and Secretary for the Past Pupils and Friends of Don Bosco NSW. All voluntary positions.
Miriam also volunteers as the coordinator of the MCC Radio Team and produces and presents two, one hour, weekly Maltese programmes on community radio station 2GLF in South Western Sydney. Miriam is also the Group Leader for one of the MCC seniors groups, and assists with other MCC groups and activities. Miriam works closely with her MCC committee, as well as with the Administrator for the MCC Maltese Language School of NSW, and the MCC Community Worker, aligning with the aims of the MCC, to preserve and promote Maltese identity, culture, heritage and language for all Maltese, by birth and descent, in NSW.
Miriam has extensive corporate work experience in hardware retailing, retail management, administration, staff training, quality assurance, data management and purchasing, spanning a career of nearly forty years.
Sarah Meli
Sarah Meli was born and raised in Malta, having spent her childhood in Hal Qormi, and her teenage years in both Naxxar and then Hal Balzan where she still calls home. Sarah studied to become an Art and English teacher by reading for her B.Ed (Hons.) degree at the University of Malta, which where 4 amazing years of teacher training. During her undergrad she went on an exchange to the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada and returned to Malta determined to venture back to Canada upon completion of her first degree. Right after undergrad she flew back to Canada, this time to Vancouver in British Columbia, where she attended the University of British Columbia to read for her MA in Art Education.
Sarah credits her teacher training at the UoM for the skills gained for her teaching career which includes being an Art teacher and Department Head. Reminiscing on her sixth form days at De La Salle College in Malta, Sarah looked into Lasallian schools in Canada only to find one De La Salle College in Toronto, which is where she currently teaches and enjoys sharing the connection of becoming a Lasallian in Malta and continuing that journey in Canada.
Through her passion for the way art is embedded in our Maltese culture, traditions, and the myriads of crafts practiced, she hopes to contribute to, and showcase the artistic talent among the Maltese community in Canada. Moreover, being fluent in Maltese, as it is her native language, Sarah hopes to also revive the interest in, and teaching of our mother tongue to the Maltese-Canadians (and anyone else interested!). Needless to say, that having gone through the journey of becoming an immigrant at a young age and learning the ropes of settling into a new place on her own, Sarah hopes to be a helping hand and to offer companionship to those who come to Canada seeking to grow roots there.
She will be serving on the CMLA with a heart full of gratitude for this opportunity, and a commitment to her current community and home of origin.
Sandro Galea
Sandro Galea, a physician, epidemiologist, and author, is dean and Robert A. Knox Professor at Boston University School of Public Health. He previously held academic and leadership positions at Columbia University, the University of Michigan, and the New York Academy of Medicine. He has published extensively in the peer-reviewed literature and is a regular contributor to a range of public media, about the social causes of health, mental health, and the consequences of trauma. He has been listed as one of the most widely cited scholars in the social sciences. He serves as chair of the Boston Board of Health, is past chair of the board of the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health and past president of the Society for Epidemiologic Research and of the Interdisciplinary Association for Population Health Science. He is an elected member of the National Academy of Medicine. Galea has received several lifetime achievement awards. Galea holds a medical degree from the University of Toronto, graduate degrees from Harvard University and Columbia University, and honorary doctorates from the University of Glasgow and the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. In 2025, Galea will become the inaugural Margaret C Ryan Dean of the School of Public Health and the Eugene S and Constance Kahn Distinguished Professor in Public Health at Washington University in St. Louis.
Giselle Sherri-Migliore
Born and raised in Toronto, Canada, Giselle Sherri-Migliore is the eldest child to Joseph and Frieda Sherri, who migrated from their home country, Malta to Canada in 1965. Her rich Maltese heritage has been a central theme throughout her life, fostering a deep connection to the culture, history and people of Malta. As a proud dual citizen of Malta and Canada, she has had the unique opportunity to immerse herself in Maltese traditions both within Malta and Canada from a very young age with her parents, siblings and extended family and friends.
Giselle is married to Angelo Migliore, of Sicilian Canadian descent. Together, they cherish the values of family, heritage and community. They are passionate foodies and travel enthusiasts!
Professionally, Giselle has dedicated 30 years to the Financial Industry working for TD Bank. She has held various roles, from Branch Manager, Regional Area Manager and most recently Senior Manager, Operations with focus on Personal & Commercial Borrowing Needs, Transformation and Innovative Automation Initiatives as well as Risk Management Pillars. Through work, Giselle also actively supports mentorship programs, diversity & inclusion initiatives and women in leadership guidance and empowerment events.
In 2018, driven by her passion for preserving Maltese Culture, Giselle was one of the original founding members of the Maltese Canadian Business Network Association. Continuing the Legacy to 2nd and 3rd generations through Business, Culture, Youth Empowerment & Diversity & Inclusion was the fostering principles. Her commitment to the community extended to other roles such as Secretary of the Maltese Canadian Federation in 2022, organizing events such as Imnarja Malta Fest. In addition, supporting the organization of other Maltese cultural events over the past 20 years with Festa San Gorg Canada and Annual Maltese Seniors Christmas Dinner.
Through her various roles, both personal and professional, Giselle embodies the spirit of dedication, cultural pride and community service, making a lasting impact in her pursuits. She is extremely honored and passionate to continue in this capacity and work towards promoting positive synergies and successes internationally through her newly appointed mandate within the Council of Maltese Living Abroad.
Sandra Micallef
Sandra Micallef was appointed Honorary Consul for Malta in South East Queensland, in April 2016. Born in Malta in 1972, she graduated in Electrical Engineering (Hons) from the University of Malta in 1995 and immigrated to Australia with a young family in 2000. Always residing in Brisbane, she immersed herself in the local Maltese community, including the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast, organising activities, and delivering the Maltese radio program at Radio 4EB for several years.
Sandra has been part of the University of Queensland (UQ) for over two decades, where she contributes her professional services in data management and analysis, to research projects in international agriculture, more specifically research to increase crop genetic gain in developing countries to address world hunger. In 2024, she obtained a Masters degree at the Business School of UQ, in Business Analytics, increasing her skills in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to assist organisations through digital transformation and developing innovation through data insights.
Together with her husband Michael, Sandra is the founder and director of Student Homes Accommodation Pty Ltd, which offers shared accommodation to foreign (and local) students and supports them with adapting to their new life in Australia.
Sandra has been a member of the Executive Committee of the Consular Corps of
Queensland for 7 years, in the role of Executive Secretary of for 3 years, and currently serving as website and social accounts manager.
Luke Incorvaja
Luke is currently employed as an Innovation Officer at the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), an independent body of the European Union (EU), based in Budapest, Hungary, tasked with strengthening Europe’s ability to innovate.
His primarily responsibility is to oversee the successful implementation of the EIT’s Regional Innovation Scheme (RIS), a €420 million capacity building and support instrument, which aims at advancing the innovation performance of those countries in Europe, including Malta, classified as moderate or emerging innovators according to the European Innovation Scoreboard.
Before joining the EIT in 2017, Luke spent over ten years working on EU affairs within the Maltese Civil Service. Initially he was engaged within the EU Secretariat, then part of the Office of the Prime Minister, where he oversaw the overall internal coordination of the positions taken by Malta within the EU’s Economic and Financial Affairs Council, Foreign Affairs Council and General Affairs Council. He was subsequently posted to the Permanent Representation of Malta to the EU in 2011 as Research, Innovation and Space Counsellor, where he represented Malta in key legislative negotiations, including those on Horizon 2020, the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2014-2020).
In 2015, he was assigned to the position of Head of the COREPER I Secretariat and European Semester Coordinator, in preparation for and implementation of, the Maltese Presidency of the Council of the EU, which took place in the first half 2017. During the tenure of the Maltese Presidency, Luke additionally chaired the Council Working Party on Space Questions, which reached a breakthrough agreement on a Space Strategy for Europe.
Luke holds academic degrees in European Studies and International Relations. He is also a regular visiting lecturer at the Corvinus University of Budapest, instructing in Science Diplomacy.
He is married to Agnes Reiter, a Hungarian national, and has three children.
Bernard Portelli
Bernard Portelli was born and raised in Gozo. After completing his studies and gaining early professional experience in Malta, he relocated to China in 2016, where he established his first company in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, facilitating international trade and business collaboration between European and Asian markets. He is currently based in Shenzhen, where he leads a growing enterprise focused on medical and pharmaceutical compliance, logistics, and market entry solutions between China and the European Union.
Bernard is frequently on the move across China and the wider Asia-Pacific region, working closely with industry partners, manufacturers, and government agencies to advance cross-border cooperation. Over the years, his businesses have engaged with local authorities and public institutions in both Europe and China to support international trade and bilateral collaboration.
He firmly believes that Malta’s future prosperity lies in strengthening its global outlook, not only with traditional partners in Europe and North America, but also through deeper engagement with Asia. Bernard encourages Maltese entrepreneurs and policymakers alike to look eastward, toward the world’s fastest-growing markets and to embrace the opportunities that regional cooperation, innovation, and cultural exchange can offer. Deeply committed to Malta’s global engagement, Bernard believes in empowering the next generation of Maltese entrepreneurs to build internationally-minded ventures. He actively promotes stronger commercial and strategic ties between Malta and Asia, with a particular focus on innovation-driven sectors.
Philip Mamo
For 40 years, I have worked in The Quality Sphere. My Career commenced as a Quality Controller with Rothmans International (registered in Malta as Central Cigarette Company Limited). Throughout my twenty three years of employment with this Cigarette Company, I started as a Quality Controller, and moving to a Quality Analyst some years before the Company had stopped its operations in 2006.
Due to my Qualifications and experience in Total Quality Management, I immediately found employment. I started working with Lewis Press Limited: A Secure Pharmaceutical Printing Company. The Transition from the tobacco industry to secure pharmaceutical printing, was smooth. The reason being as I was stepping into the same Quality workframe. Just with tighter protocols. Therefore, it was not difficult to immerse in a more rigorus structure, despite applying different standards while maintaining the same core competencies.
After sixteen years working in the Pharmaceutical Printing Industry, I decided to work for a brief period with a Medical Device Company as a Quality Assurance and Regulatory Officer before retiring. This short experience helped me deepen my expertise in The World of Quality.
The Day I stopped working, I saw my lifelong working volumes being closed. Probably left on shelves in the archives till their retention period expires and then shredded.
Besides work, I still loved sports and participated in a number of half and full marathons. I have a passion for history, art and archeology to. The roots date back to my teens, when I was appointed as a secretary of the 4TS Historical Society founded by Prof. Carmelo Cassar and Mr Joe Meli. A society which used to organise a number of historical events and activities with the scope of creating historical and cultural awareness. Back in the 1970s.
I excelled in my employment and hobbies, due to my belief in active learing and now adopting myself to the lifelong learning techniques. However, I love the autumn of life, as it makes one share the knowledge and experience gained, whilst refining what matters, and exploring what still sparks curiosity.
Since I retired, I have been living in Tunisia with my wife. Despite having read and heard about the cultural and linguistic similarities between the North African Countries and Malta, my curiosity has deepened. Hence, for over a year I have been working in setting up a Maltese Tunisian Association and the thought was met with a great enthusiasm by two Maltese Diplomats: These being The Ambassador Dr Joseph Sammut, and The Deputy Head of Mission and Consul at The Embassy of Malta, Mr. Edward Buttigieg who both shared the same concept as they are extremely fond of culture and traditions.
The aim and objectives of The Association is to hold a series of cultural activities, raise awareness about the similarities that evolved throughout the centuries between Malta and Tunisia, and Promote Malta. Last but not least, I will make lots of efforts to expand this concept to all the other North African Countries.
Matthew Ciantar
Born on 17 July 1982 in Pietà, Malta, Matthew Ciantar is a cybersecurity leader and community advocate residing in Dublin, Ireland since 2013. Appointed to the Council for Maltese Living Abroad by Prime Minister Robert Abela in 2025, he represents the interests of Maltese nationals residing in Ireland and contributes to digital outreach and diaspora support efforts.
Matthew currently serves as Lead Cybersecurity Engineer for Phoenix GSB Group, a multi-jurisdictional organisation, and Head of Security at Ktwok Limited, its Irish subsidiary. In these roles, he leads international cybersecurity strategies, regulatory compliance, and incident response, with a strong focus on secure cloud architecture and data protection. His career spans over two decades in the IT and security sectors, having previously held leadership roles in both Malta and Ireland.
Outside of his professional life, Matthew plays an active and trusted role in the Maltese community in Ireland. He is one of three administrators of the Maltese in Ireland Facebook group, where he offers practical assistance to fellow Maltese nationals relocating to Ireland, providing reliable information, personal guidance, and referrals to helpful contacts.
He has also assisted the Maltese Embassy in Ireland with internet infrastructure and technical matters, applying his expertise to resolve local operational challenges. In addition, he created and continues to maintain a digital map of Maltese living in Ireland, which helps members of the community connect and stay informed.
Matthew holds a Diploma in Computing and Information Systems from the University of Oxford and is a certified GIAC Security Expert (GSE), with further qualifications in cloud security and incident response. Fluent in Maltese, English, and Italian, he also has a basic understanding of German and Spanish. He is a member of Mensa UK and Garda-vetted for his volunteer work as an assistant basketball coach with local youth teams.
Family is central to Matthew’s life. He married Analise in 2011, and together they are raising two children in Dublin, where they remain engaged in both local and Maltese cultural life.
As a CMLA Member, Matthew is focused on strengthening ties between Malta and its diaspora in Ireland, and supporting citizens abroad through both technical innovation and community engagement.
David Galea
David Galea is a seasoned legal executive with more than two decades of international experience providing board-level legal counsel, compliance leadership, and strategic risk mitigation. In recent years, he has served as a Fractional General Counsel and Legal Advisor to family offices, private equity funds, sovereign-backed entities, and multinational corporations throughout the Middle East, Asia and emerging markets. Born in Birkirkara in 1979 David has lived in Italy, the United Kingdom and has lived in the Middle East since early 2014.
A former Partner at Ince & Co. and General Counsel to major state-linked ventures, including Drydocks World and IMI, David is recognised for bridging commercial objectives with regulatory integrity. He has built and led legal departments, steered multi-billion-dollar restructurings, and designed governance systems that balance compliance with commercial agility.
David’s approach is proactive and commercially grounded — equally comfortable negotiating landmark M&A deals or embedding compliance frameworks for new joint ventures.
He works closely with founders, boards, and investors as a trusted legal sounding board, guiding decision-makers through change, growth, and complex regulatory landscapes.
Doreen Gatt
Born in Ontario, Canada, Doreen Gatt comes from a rich heritage rooted in Gozo, as her parents, Lawrence and Carmen Gatt, immigrated to Canada in the 1950s. Now residing in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, Doreen is passionate about strengthening the connections within the local Maltese community and fostering ties with Maltese individuals
across various communities in the province.
Doreen holds a CPA, CMA (Certified Professional Accountant) designation, obtained in Calgary, Alberta, and brings extensive experience in accounting across diverse industries. Currently, she is employed at a CPA firm in Victoria, BC where she applies her expertise to support clients in achieving their financial goals.
Throughout her professional journey, Doreen has been actively involved on various boards and not-for-profit organizations, reflecting her commitment to giving back to her community. Her volunteer work not only allows her to develop new skills but also provides her with a platform to make a meaningful impact.
As a mother of three adult children, all of whom live in Victoria, Doreen deeply values family connections and the importance of community engagement. Moreover, she is enthusiastic about deepening her understanding of the Maltese language and cooking traditional Maltese dishes, which hold a special place in her heart.
Doreen is eager to collaborate with the Council of Maltese Living Abroad, as she believes that the collective efforts can significantly enhance the experience and representation of the
Maltese diaspora. With her experience, enthusiasm, and commitment to community, she looks forward to contributing positively to the council’s mission.
Umberto D’Amico
Mr Umberto D’Amico was born and raised in Ħamrun, Malta, and later lived for a number of years in Buġibba before embarking on an international career. From an early age he developed a strong appreciation for technology and innovation, which became the foundation of a professional journey that would span multiple industries and continents.
With over 25 years of experience in IT and digital transformation, Mr D’Amico has held senior leadership positions across state entities, telecoms, aviation, insurance, and banking. He served as CIO and CTO in several organisations in Malta, successfully driving large-scale digital initiatives and modernisation programmes. His career later took him to Moscow, Russia, where he spent a number of years in executive roles before relocating to Paris in 2022 to continue his international career.
Throughout his professional life abroad, Mr D’Amico has remained closely engaged with Maltese communities. He has built strong working relationships with Maltese ambassadors and consular representatives in the countries where he has resided, actively supporting cultural and community initiatives that connect the diaspora with Malta. Fluent in Maltese, English, Italian, and French, he values multilingual engagement as a bridge between Maltese citizens abroad and their home country.
In July 2025, Mr D’Amico was appointed to the Council for Maltese Living Abroad and entrusted with the role of Chair of the EU Regional Committee. In this capacity, he is committed to fostering stronger connections between Maltese citizens across Europe and their homeland, promoting initiatives that strengthen cultural identity, professional collaboration, and intergenerational engagement.
Mr D’Amico is married to Sharon, and together they are raising two sons, aged 15 and 13. He continues to serve as a bridge between Malta and its global diaspora, combining his professional expertise with a lifelong dedication to the Maltese community abroad.
Mgr. Rev. Vincent Costa
Born on New Years Day in 1947, Rev. Mons. Vincent Costa is the Emeritus Bishop of Jundiaí in Brazil, after living in the South American country since 1969. After completing his studies at the Royal University of Malta, graduating with a Licentiate in Philosophy in 1968, he continued his studies in Brazil and Rome. He eventually graduated with a Doctorate in Fundamental Theology. During his education, he was ordained as a deacon and a priest in 1972 in Malta. In 1998, he was nominated as a bishop, eventually becoming the Nominated Diocesan Bishop of Jundiai by 2010. Rev. Mons. Costa held his position as a bishop of that region for 12 years, as in 2022, he became an Emeritus Bishop.
Throughout his lifetime, he has served the local community in various ways. For the majority of the 1990s, before being appointed as a nominated bishop in 1998, Rev. Mons. Vincent Costa was a lecturer. He initially started teaching at the Theological Institute, Londrina, and later, at the CINTEC (Interdiocesan Centre of Theology, Cascavel, in which, the two are in Paraná, Brazil.
It is no doubt that Rev. Mons. Vincent Costa is a hard worker, considering that he is now an Emeritus Bishop, after working in the Brazilian Church for 5 decades and still counting. His inclusion as a member of the CMLA will be a massive benefit to not only the Maltese diaspora in Brazil, but also the various small Maltese communities scattered all around South America.
Debbie Gatt Ghiglieri
Born and raised in San Francisco, I’ve built a career defined by versatility, leadership, and a passion for helping people and organizations thrive. With over two decades of experience in operations, project management, marketing, and professional organizing, I’ve contributed to top-tier companies including Genentech, Yahoo!, BlackRock, Autodesk, and Acxiom Digital.
At Genentech, I supported major domestic and international projects, managing vendor coordination, expediting equipment deliveries, and streamlining purchasing operations. I also helped develop a company-wide onboarding resource, COMPASS. At Yahoo!, I co-led the Creative Resources Project, achieving significant cost savings through supplier negotiation and contract consolidation. I created Tchotchke Central, an internal merchandise system that improved purchasing efficiency, and led cross-departmental trainings.
At Acxiom Digital, I standardized operations, improved billing accuracy, and implemented enterprise-level tools. I created project management systems, introduced billing audits, and transformed the company’s SharePoint into a centralized knowledge hub. At BlackRock and Autodesk, I directed global marketing and brand communication projects, negotiated with creative vendors, and ensured brand consistency across hundreds of product launches.
In 2012, I stepped out of the corporate world to launch Get Organized by Deb, LLC, a business dedicated to helping clients increase productivity, reduce stress, and create order in their lives. I work with individuals, families, and small businesses to design customized systems tailored to their unique needs. My approach blends practical, hands-on solutions with coaching to help clients sustain long-term results. I’ve been told that my non-judgmental, supportive style creates a safe space for transformation. I take pride in guiding clients toward greater efficiency, focus, and peace of mind.
I serve as Board Member and President of the Maltese Heritage Association (MHA), supporting cultural preservation through events, education, and outreach. I worked with a team member to secure 501(c)(3) recognition, enabling us to promote Maltese traditions, educate the public, and give back to non-profits supporting children, families, and veterans in need.
I’m honored to be a nominated member of the Council of Maltese Living Abroad (CMLA), representing the global Maltese community and strengthening ties between Malta and the United States. This role allows me to advocate for diaspora concerns, foster cultural connections, and influence positive change within the Maltese government.
Proudly married with three children and two grandchildren, my family—including my half Maltese-American husband and daughter-in-law—holds dual citizenship with Malta. I visit Malta often to connect with cousins, research my ancestry, and deepen my bond with the country I consider my home away from home.
Joseph Xerri
Born on April 8, 1939, in Victoria, Gozo, he began his teaching career in 1956, eventually rising through the ranks to become Assistant Director of Education. He attended a teacher training course at St Michael’s Training College and later earned a Diploma in Educational Administration and Management, followed by a Master’s in Education from the University of Malta. His administrative experience includes serving as Public Relations Officer for the Ministry of Education (1972–1978) and as Personal Assistant to the Director of Education (1984–1987).
Additionally, he served as a Casual Tutor and Teaching Practice Supervisor at the University of Malta’s Faculty of Education.
For thirteen years, he was the National Coordinator for the UNESCO Associated Schools Project, representing the Ministry of Education in various international meetings and agreements.
Xerri is a dedicated researcher in Maltese educational and political history, the author of L-Iżvillup tal-Edukazzjoni f’Malta, a TV scriptwriter, and a frequent media contributor. Notably, he served as the Maltese correspondent for the Maltese Herald of Australia for 50 years.
In 2017, he was appointed Secretary to the Council for Maltese Living Abroad after previously serving as a member. He was re-appointed as a member on the Council in 2026