The Labour Party is proposing that Gozo has a regional council that works to improve the island’s social and economic status.

Labour leader Dr Alfred Sant said that the council should have its representative on the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development.

He said the Labour plan calls for a fiscal statute that will allow compensation to be given to the island to make good for Gozo’s disadvantages.

He said these fiscal incentives would assist small businesses in the tourism, manufacturing, crafts, information technology and the processing of agricultural and fishing products.

Dr Sant explained that the plan also proposes the setting up of a Gozitan Tourism Authority, introducing a subsidy for the helicopter service, an extension of the sandy beach areas in Marsalforn and Xlendi and the construction of a golf course.

He said that the plan also includes a project to improve the Xewkija Industrial Estate and the building of residential accommodation for social cases.

Labour plan also proposes that new courses should be introduced at the University’s Gozo campus and at MCAST, apart from special subsidies for Gozitan students who follow engineering and science courses.

He said the party is also proposing the development of the area at Ta’ Xhajma into a centre for recreation and sport.

Dr Sant said the final session of the Labour annual general conference will be held in Gozo. The press conference was also addressed by Labour spokesman for Gozo Anton Refalo and Gozitan MP Justyne Caruana.