It has always been my style to work harder in reply to any type of criticism, but in doing so, whatever the urge, I always endeavour to seek quality over quantity.
During the Budget 2018 debate in Parliament this week, I had a good opportunity to spell out the long list of projects and initiatives that will be undertaken by the Gozo Ministry in the coming year. I started off with what I felt was my duty: thanking my predecessors - Anton Refalo, Giovanna Debono and Anton Tabone - as I believe that they have done their best to serve our island-region and its people. In view of the positive results already achieved in the months following my appointment, it was also right to thank all the Ministry staff who have, in different ways, played their part in the various initiatives we have been implementing.
Gozo estimates for 2018
The country's annual budget is a continuity exercise from previous budgets, in line with a holistic roadmap that is aimed at the economic and social wellbeing of our people. The one for next year bases its targets on the many firsts attained by the previous administration and aims bravely towards further strengths for future generations.
The additonal €4.2 million to the Gozo Ministry's budget for 2018 will mean extra funds for recurrent and capital expenditure that will directly benefit our community next year. In my speech on Wednesday, I focused mainly on a plan that the Ministry will follow as part of a process by which we will continue to help more Gozitans live, work and be successful in Gozo.
This will be done through various major projects and pro-business incentives and support initiatives, as promised in Labour's election manifesto. Needless to say, it will be a personal challenge for me to see such proposals materialise and succeed with the same dedication that spurred me on when drafting them earlier this year.
Our election pledges - overwhelmingly approved by the biggest ever majority last June, have now been reinforced with the necessary estimates and implementation details. I highlighted such points in Wednesday's speech and today will give a brief account of the more important projects and measures included in the 2018 budget.
New Law Courts in a new location in Gozo
This is a project that has been long in the waiting. The present premises are not accessible, do not cater for today's needs and there are also serious health and safety issues. The site originally proposed in Victoria contains several challenges, especially in the ground itself, which contains a substantial amount of clay as well as a geographical fault. This was revealed by geological tests on the proposed site. In view of all this, and after seeking expert advice, we realised it was necessary to change the location and we are holding discussions with the Planning Authority to identify alternative sites, with a public consultation on the new site proposed and the design.
Preliminary study to identify prospective hostel/accommodation for Gozitan students studying in Malta
We are aware of the challenges that Gozitan students are facing in Malta when renting an apartment while studying at any educational establishment. As part of our intervention, we are working on a study for a potential new project to build and run a hostel/accommodation in Malta to cater for these students. A cost benefit analysis is already underway.
Regeneration of Mġarr harbour, including the yacht marina and services for fishermen
This project is one of the capital projects listed for this year, in the knowledge that thousands of visitors are obliged go through Mġarr Harbour. The Gozo Ministry is identifying new premises for the Customs Department and more berths to address the needs of local fishermen. The Ministry is also working on a project for improving the infrastructure and introducing emergency services in the Mġarr area through EU funds.
Along with Transport Malta, studies have been completed and we are now ready to begin implementing the regeneration project which, among other things, will remove the sediment on the seabed accumulated over the years. Following discussions with owners of the restaurants and bars, we intend to bring more life to the area around the harbour by organising cultural activities.
Parking in Victoria
Considering the increase in the use of vehicles by both residents and visitors around Victoria, we are actively seeking alternative sites in Victoria for multi-store car parks that can meet current and future challenges.
Park and Ride project
The park and ride proposal for Mġarr is intended to ease transport to and from the ferry service for the daily commuters who have to travel to Malta for work or study purposes. We have issued a tender for study on this project and a cost benefit analysis, including a cost benefit analysis, which will identify the best business model and possibly identify a site. This will also be subject to public consultation.
Completion of the Home for the Elderly in Għajnsielem
The new home for the elderly in Għajnsielem must be a state-of-the-art complex that also provides amenities for people with dementia. The Ministry has therefore reviewed the project and made the necessary changes so that it will fully adhere to standards, which I have so actively pushed ahead in recent years. These alterations are now awaiting approval by the Planning Authority, while we are completing the tendering process for the finishing and household operation. Fully aware that the demand for this sort of accommodation is on the rise, we also plan to provide more residences for the elderly and realise our election promise of having 500 beds available for older people in Gozo.
Revival of Gozo Heliport
After many years, this legislature has returned the heliport premises to the Gozo Ministry. Members to serve on the Gozo Heliport Ltd board have been appointed with the aim of proposing and injecting new ideas that will eventually result in an alternative air service between the two islands. We intend to have a helicopter service which at least runs according to an agreed schedule. We are, in fact, having talks with Malta Enterprise and Malta Government Investments Ltd in order to indentify the way forward.
A very busy 2018
I will not go any further into the many other initiatives that will keep the Gozo Ministry fairly busy during the coming year. They are intended to provide - through financial and infrastructural support - a better platform for small and medium-sized businesses towards further development and the creation of more jobs in Gozo.
Other measures are aimed at strengthening the tourist industry through infrastructural, restoration and promotional projects, along with our ongoing and new initiatives in the social and cultural sectors. The success already achieved since last June encourages all of us at the Gozo Ministry to strive further in the coming years. I am confident that the restructuring of human resources at the Ministry will further enhance our team-work towards better results. When facing challenges or criticism of any sort, working harder and better is the best way to react and respond. I have full trust in the workers around me and will aim to encourage them even further to prove that our endemic resilience is our best asset.
Closing notes
I wish to congratulate Gozo's Emergency Response & Rescue Corps (ERRC) for qualifying among the country's six important civil protection NGOs in obtaining financial support from the Ministry for Home Affairs and National Security. As Gozitans, we should be proud of our own ERRC people for their dedication and intervention in any way that is required in the event of an emergency in Gozo.
Congratulations are also due to all those involved in the tourist and hospitality sector in Gozo for the new record figures achieved this summer. The latest statistics show that the number of guests and nights spent in Gozo and Comino collective accommodation establishments in August rose by 7.5 per cent and 7.7 per cent over 2016, to 11,641 and 49,295 respectively. The net occupancy rate rose by 2.5 percentage points to 73.7 per cent and in the first eight months of the year, the total number of guests in Gozo and Comino rose by 11.52 per cent to 65,061, compared to 58,339 last year.