The Malta Girl Guides Association has elected a new national board led by a newly elected chief commissioner, Claire Duff. Ms Duff will follow in the footsteps of her predecessor, Marjoe Abela.
For the first time, the Malta Girl Guides have held an election and extended the democratic process to their adult volunteers. Previously the national board, which provides leadership for the association to implement its mission and vision, was not elected, but appointed by the head of the board.
Ms Duff has been involved with the Girl Guides for over 24 years and has held various posts as an adult volunteer, varying from a leader within her hometown unit of Attard to island secretary, international commissioner and deputy chief commissioner in recent years.
Ms Duff said: “From a very young age I have always felt honoured to belong to such a large and growing worldwide family we call sisters in guiding. Our volunteers are the backbone of the association and I have always been very proud to say that we are one big positive, hard-working team committed to providing a fun and hands-on programme for all our young members. I look forward to continuing the work that has already been done to provide a place where girls, young women and women feel that no dream is too big for them to achieve and that they too can make a difference.”
Ms Duff will be joined by Martina Borg as international commissioner, Gaby Meli as programme commissioner and Maryrose Vella as training commissioner.
At district level, the south district re-elected their present district commissioners Jeanelle Camilleri and Stephanie Anastasi, while the central district elected a new team of district commissioners – Danica Camilleri and Georgette Micallef. Elections for the north district will take place at a later date but are being currently led by Carmen Camilleri as district commissioner.
A new set of district representatives were elected for each district: Stephanie Caruana Schembri and Nathalie Pace for the south; Maria Sciortino and Daniela Camilleri for central; and Rebecca Bezzina and Gwen Gatt for the north district. District representatives are the voice of their district and sit on the Malta Girl Guides Council.
Malta Girl Guides president Karen Buttigieg thanked the outgoing chief commissioner and national board members for their commitment and hard work during their term of office. She also wished the best of luck to the new national board.