Thanks to Alternattiva Demokratika, the surreptitious, behind the scenes bargaining to hurry through the mega project of Ta’ Cenc has been laid bare.

Unfortunately, Gozo is at a grave disadvantage. The national administration being what it is, all decisions worthy of note are statutorily taken by non-Gozitan government ministers or civil servants.

As a young teenager, I recall often seeing Gozitans carrying a couple of hens or rabbits in a sack as presents to Maltese civil servants or professionals by way of thanks for services rendered. This tradition has mushroomed into other forms of regal gifts in keeping with royal services procured. Imagine when a mega project’s turnover runs into tens of millions. A couple of millions shared between comrades won’t do any harm, with a villa or bungalow on the side.

The crux of the matter is that these people, whether Ministers or civil servants, are not accountable to the Gozitans. As if anybody is accountable to anybody on our islands!

I was following proceedings on Bondiplus and it irked me a lot when Lou Bondi informed listeners that George Pullicino refused to comment about Ta’ Cenc.

Many Gozitans felt aggrieved that the Minister for Gozo failed to answer repeated calls to give her opinion. This does not smack of fair politics.

These days, US senate members are up in arms against notorious political lobbying. The Democrats are planning a strong anti-corruption law and most Republicans are following suit. Why does nothing of the sort happen here? I believe this is the root of all our evils.

If our politicians manage something to control the widespread canker of graft, our citizens would surely be encouraged to face the future with hope and a sigh of relief.

Benigno Saliba

Xaghra