Dr Sant said government should appoint a task force for Gozo with the aim of stimulating economic growth and increasing employment. “Gozo has always had potential as a Mediterranean island with its own characteristics. Other small islands belonging to Spain and Greece have substantially increased their tourism in the past few years, as they have their agriculture,” he said.

Dr Sant also said that Gozo was beginning to suffer environmental problems. “Over the years, the roads have deteriorated, as has the electricity distribution system. The Gozo Ministry is not strong enough or not run well enough to ensure that the basic services are administered correctly,” he said.

He said a classic example was the Gozo Channel line: the price soared, but the service remained the same. Dr Sant said: “Instead of just moaning, we must be proactive to inspire initiative and to give direction. There is goodwill in Gozo and there is also expertise in the business sector, but everyone is insisting that Gozo gets a better deal,” he said.

He also said it was important to make a distinction between Malta and Gozo and to market Gozo as a separate tourist destination to the mainland in countries such as the UK. Dr Sant accused the government of wasting money. “They spent close to Lm10 million on a property in Brussels. Would it not have been better to put aside just Lm1 million of that and invest in a helicopter crossing between Malta and Gozo?” he asked.

Dr Sant said that there was a need for more determination, goodwill and imagination to push Gozo ahead.