Maurice Xiberras

The Hon. Maurice Donald Xiberras MHA, GMH
Maurice Xiberras teaching Latin at Hampton School, London in 1981.
Deputy Chief Minister of Gibraltar
In office 1969 – 1972
Leader of the Opposition
In office 1972 – 1979
Personal details
Born	14 November 1936 The Rock, Gibraltar
Died	19 March 2017 (aged 80) Surbiton, United Kingdom
Nationality	British
Political party	Integration with Britain Party Democratic Party of British Gibraltar
Alma mater	University of Bristol University of Edinburgh
Occupation	Politician, teacher
Website	SurbitonCounselling.co.uk

Maurice Xiberras GMH (14 November 1936 in The Rock, Gibraltar – 19 March 2017, Surbiton, United Kingdom) was a Gibraltarian teacher, trade unionist and politician. He was regarded as being a strong defender of British sovereignty, who believed there was no future for Gibraltar without the continuing close relationship with the United Kingdom.

Xiberras began his professional career as a teacher. He obtained his Teaching certificate from the University of Bristol, where he later became Assistant Lecturer at its Department of Hispanic Studies from 1961 to 1963. In 1964, prior to becoming a politician, he became one of the top Gibraltarian teachers assisting the Christian Brothers as teacher and Head of Department at the Gibraltar Grammar School. He maintained this position until 1979. The change would mean great sacrifice for him, however, he was encouraged to make the move by UK MPs who reportedly told him that "although he had a great future as a teacher this must be given up for the greater good of Gibraltar!"

He returned to teaching after retiring from politics in 1979. He taught history, Spanish, politics and Latin, coached football and cricket and was Senior Counsellor at Hampton School in London, famed for splitting his Latin classes into 'Pansies' and 'Daffodils' for vocabulary tests, but has since retired. Xiberras also holds a first class Master of Arts with Honours from the University of Edinburgh.