Roy Perry, the man who for many Gozitans represents the people who want a Gozo airfield, has given up and is withdrawing from the scene.

He wrote: “It was in 1993 that I first became interested in the prospect of there being an airfield in Gozo. This was after I had completed work on the first edition of the RMF Guide Maps of Malta and Gozo. I was looking to find a way to improve access to Gozo by air.

“In those days the helicopters landed on a small pad at Ta’ Lambert with a stone hut serving as a terminal. I talked to a number of businessmen in Gozo and also with the minister at that time, Anton Tabone. I was anxious to share my opinions about short-haul air travel having lived on the Channel Island of Guernsey since 1962.

“By 1998 the burden of subsidising the activities of Malta Air Charter had become evident and it was clear that an alternative to rotary-wing operation should be looked at in order to maintain the excellent through service to ultimate destinations.

“I spoke at length to members of the commercial and tourism sectors and formulated plans, with the help of a local architect, to find a suitable site for a small runway which would accept aircraft carrying less than 20 passengers. I published my ideas in the local media.

“In 2001 I had to leave the islands for family reasons, so I was saddened to observe a decline in the appearance of and tourist activity when I returned in 2006. Since that time I have continued my research and discussions with the business community and government.

“The most significant reaction from those in these sectors has varied from ‘that would be nice’ to’ we must have an airfield’. This is all very well but what have these good people done about it? Had I been selected as member of a group of consultants when the helicopter service ceased then I may have been able to make a real contribution.

“As a private individual I have failed totally to gain any written reaction from any government department to my ideas. Certainly they have listened, but no action has been taken.

“The area at Ta’ Lambert and to the east is mostly under government ownership; three online surveys have shown support for such a scheme and the tourism industry is still in a downward spiral.

“There is nothing more I can do so I am quitting to care for my beloved wife and tend my garden. If anyone out there wants to take on the thousands of documents and plans from me, please send an e-mail to mercator@onvol.net.