In his report for last year, The Commander, Colonel (retd) David Mifsud mentioned the highlights for the activities and service carried out by the three major sections of the St John Association during 2013 – namely; First Aid and Nursing, Rescue Corps and the Training Branch.

First Aid and Nursing, commanded by Mrs Gemma Sirol, had a busy year in public duties particularly mentioning the Isle of MTV concert and the Mass celebrated by His Excellency the Archbishop in Paola Parish Church. A lot of work has been and is being done in order to make the Ambulance Centre in Kordin a reality.

The St John Rescue Corps, commanded by the Captain (retd) Reuben Lanfranco, were very active as ever, registering a high amount of activities, training and public duties. Restoration works were also carried out at Fort Madliena, these works were carried out by the officers and members themselves.

The Training Branch, under the command of Chev. Dr Jaime H. Cremona, organised a total of 124 first aid courses as well as other specialised courses in Advanced First Aid, Automated External Defibrillators (AED), Anaphylaxis, Blood Pressure and Blood Glucose Monitoring, Elementary First Aid, Emergency Child Birth, Emergency First Responder, Essentials of First Aid, Manual Handling, Medical Gases and youth courses such as the Three Cross Award.

Colonel (retd) David Mifsud informed those present that due to personal commitments he has to tender his resignation as Commander after serving over ten years in this position. Colonel Mifsud has also previously served as the Association’s Treasurer for a good number of years.

The financial reports of the St John Council and the St John Ambulance were then read out by the respective honorary treasurers, Mr Charles Psaila, and Ms Victoria Mangion Cilia. The Council secretary, the Marquis Dr Anthony Cremona Barbaro of St George, delivered the report on the work carried out by St John Council, particularly highlighting the acquisition of a fleet of ambulances funded by the Malta Community Chest Fund and by the sterling work of the President of First Aid & Nursing, Mr Jonathan Knight, where he obtained ambulances and equipment from the East Midlands Ambulance Service, as well as a Blood Donation unit from the British National Health Services which was converted into a Mobile Treatment Centre.

Service medals were presented to members who have performed voluntary service for over ten years.

In concluding the AGM, the Chairman said that he considered 2013 to have been another successful year for the St John Association. He expressed appreciation for the dedicated and voluntary work carried out by the members, adding that they were to look forward to a bright future with courage and determination. He also thanked the outgoing Commander, Colonel (retd) David Mifsud for his dictated service.