Godwin Grima, the former head of the civil service and the Citizenship by Investment Scheme (IIP), has been appointed as Head of the Archbishop’s Secretariat and Secretary to the Council of Delegates of the Archbishop, the Malta Independent has learnt.

Last Wednesday during the regular meetings with parish priests organised by Archbishop Charles J. Scicluna together with Vicar General Fr Joe Galea Curmi, Dr Grima was introduced to them in his new role.

Last Saturday it was announced that Dr Grima had reached retirement age and was replaced by Carmel De Gabriele as the new regulator of the Citizenship by Investment programme. The former head of the Civil Service was appointed as a regulator in November 2013 by Prime Minister Joseph Muscat.

After the last general election Dr Grima stepped down as Principal Permanent Secretary and Cabinet Secretary and was replaced by Mr Mario Cutajar. In January 2006 Dr Grima was appointed by former Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi as Secretary to the Cabinet. 

Dr Godwin Grima joined the Public Service as Notary to the Government in 1979.  He held a number of senior positions which included Director General (Land and Public Registry).  Prior to his appointment as Principal Permanent Secretary in January 2005, he served as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Justice and Home Affairs and Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister.

Attempts to get in touch with Dr Grima yesterday prove futile.