The Ministry for Gozo has claimed in a report carried yesterday that I am trying to create a mystery about the full document of the eco-Gozo project vision that does not exist.

To rebut my argument she claimed that both her good self and ministry officials have several times referred to this document and its role as a guide for sustainable development in Gozo.

I am not contesting that point.

The only point at issue is that although the Minister has just claimed once again that the document is at the working draft stage and that it is planned to be published shortly when concluded, in a proposed action plan called ECO-GOZO – A BETTER GOZO published by the same Ministry in November 2009, we had also been promised that the full document would be published shortly. Unfortunately on both occasions no publication dates were ever mentioned.

I fail to comprehend how the Ministry could claim to be working on 80 recommendations which have already been published in the Budget speech for 2009 when the said document is not yet in public domain.

The only way to solve the mystery is for the Ministry for Gozo to publish the said 300-page report without any further delay or foot dragging. Particularly since I have unconfirmed reports that specific instructions were given at Perm Secretary level to keep it under wraps unless otherwise instructed.

Meanwhile please note that the eco-Gozo document available on line is a mere 30 pager!

Leo Brincat MP

Shadow Minister for the Environment