Addressing the Labour Party's regional congress in Gozo this morning, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said that the government is committed to keeping its pre-electoral pledge and generate more investment in Gozo. "Gozo does not play second fiddle; it is not an afterthought, but a priority. There is still much more to be done, but we remain optimistic."
The government has already implemented short-term measures such as the travel to Gozo free weekends; however it is now working on long-term measures. It was the government which first suggested that the major film production 'By the Sea', starring Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt is filmed in Gozo. Authorities, in collaboration with the Malta Film Commission will be ensuring that the release of the film will serve as a trigger for more investment in the film industry in Gozo.
Dr Muscat said that detailed studies about a cruise liner terminal in Gozo are being carried out. Evaluation studies regarding the bridge connecting Malta to Gozo were halted because of financial issues, however the administration is now considering alternative funding.
Dr Muscat argued that the Education sector in Gozo was not given enough priority by the Nationalist Administration. This year, €1 million have been invested to renovate a number of schools around the island. A number of students, who show no interest in continuing formal education, are being encouraged to participate in hands-on workshops at MCAST, and as of next year, Hospitality Studies will be introduced for secondary school students. At the beginning of this year, a new MCAST campus was inaugurated in Ghajnsielem, Gozo, replacing the previous two satellite centres located in Xaghra and Xewkija. A medical school in Gozo will allow an influx of students during winter months, when the number of tourists has declined.
Dr Muscat said that the approval of the third pillar pensions in parliament this week served as a milestone. The Opposition has however spoken in favour of mandatory second pillar pensions, however at present, the government feels this would only add to the burden of workers and their employers. Second pillar pensions will mean mandatory private pensions, which will cause a rise in the national insurance.
At the start of his speech, the Prime Minister lauded Mons Paul Cremona for his work during his time as archbishop, saying he induced a humanistic element within the church, even throughout controversial issues. "Mgr Cremona ensured that the message was sent, the church intervened where necessarily, while ensuring that leadership of the church was not associated with any political party." Mons Paul Cremona offered his resignation to the pope last week, after succumbing to exhaustion.