The investment of EU funds in Malta is not wasted but has given great results and this has convinced the EU to give us another €1,128 million for the next seven years, Prime Minister Lawrence Lawrence Gonzi said.

Dr Gonzi was given a warm welcome in Ghajnsielem yesterday evening, where he addressed a political activity.

The European Commission’s winter economic forecast which has just been published put Malta in the second place from 17 countries in the EU. This said Malta has an economic growth of 1.2% when the projection for the euro zone is that the economy is shrinking. Another good sign is that according to projections, jobs will increase this year and next year.

This is a good certificate for the PN in government, when Joseph Muscat is saying we need to change the direction.

“Why?” he asked. “This is not necessary and shows Dr Muscat does not know how the economy works”.

Dr Muscat is not including the over €1.1billion of EU funds in his calculations and cannot give the assurance that 10% of the total funds will be dedicated to Gozo. In addition, 23% of the EU funds for rural development will also be dedicated to Gozo.

The PN is ready to do everything for Gozo, he emphasised.

Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono said the PN government has worked to turn EU funds into great projects. She mentioned several projects in Ghajnsielem and its vicinity, including the Mgarr terminal, the art and artisan centre and several road works.

Over the past five years, Gozo registered a 6% increase in employment. Capital projects were resulting in improved infrastructure and employment.

Justice Minister Chris Said noted PN governments had a record after another in job creation. He appealed the individuals present to deliver the PN message and vote for it on 9 March to assure another five years of job creation.

Earlier Dr Gonzi visited the Gozo University Campus and opened the first phase of a leisure park in Gharb.

Speaking at the University campus, Dr Gonzi said education is at the heart of the strategy addressed at Gozitans who are being offered all opportunities to advance in their education.

Some 210 students are attending the Gozo University in both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Among the courses are the Bachelor of Arts in philosophy, sociology and psychology and Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Criminology.

Diplomas and degrees in education, nursing and commerce are offered.

A course for Master of Science in Sustainable Energy, Master of Arts in Islands and Small States and Master of Arts in Hospitalier Studies are also offered.

Between 1993 and last year, 455 people graduated from the Gozo University.

University pro-rector Prof. Joe Friggieri said the Gozo campus currently has seven courses being held on part time basis, on Friday and Saturday. Among the courses underway is one for facilitators while another entitled ‘Leaders in Education’ aimed for teachers who want to progress in the career and become assistant heads, will start in March.

Meanwhile, €297,000 was invested at the leisure park and while 75% of the project is funded by the EU, the rest was forked out by the government. Works on the park started two months ago and by September, a jogging track should be created around the existent football ground, which will be turfed.

Dr Gonzi said the government has dedicated land for families and their recreation. This is one of 26 projects that benefitted from a fund of €26 million for sustainable development. Seven of these projects are in Gozo.

He added a PN government is committed to dedicate €110 million for Gozo, from the €1,128 million in EU funds just secured. The PN is also committed to invest in an outdoor gym in every locality.