Time itself, although said to stand still in Gozo, has actually continued to pass. The nature of the island, its economy and investments, people and business community are quietly transforming and developing.
Under the PN government, Gozo saw investments in education, infrastructure with the building of the new terminal, the yacht marina in Mgarr, commercial establishments, building of roads and regional EU funds which assisted the island with its insularity, energy needs, agriculture and fisheries and Eco Gozo projects.
Tourism, both domestic and foreign, has continued to provide a valuable source of income for individual investors such as farmhouse or holiday rental property owners, whilst seeking to strike a balance with environmental concerns.
Agricultural, beverage and food industries are also actively seeking new enterprising business but they need to be supported to ensure expansion and to compete successfully, both locally and abroad.
With the demand for travel between Gozo and Malta increasing significantly, for students, tourists, cargo and the general public, the need is felt for a more permanent transport structure. Proposals for a bridge or a tunnel have gained support but remain unlikely and maybe uneconomical. More thought should be put into improving the ferry service, especially perhaps, to have another one which is tailor-made to Gozitans and which would give them their own route in order to avoid the flux of tourist traffic, which can be quite stressful for the commuters.
Gozo may be an island in transition, as it tries to manage growth in industry and real estate with the vision of ecological protection. People expect what every person wants – to have access to good health facilities, education, decent infrastructure and a good standard of living with job prospects. They also would like to protect their heritage and rural areas, which, besides giving rise to a living for many people, are the pillars for tourism.
The aging population is also a serious factor which needs to be taken into account by every village and town. The elderly cannot be emarginated by building density and big projects which make it more difficult for them to be mobile and to be seen.
Recent references to the building of a yacht marina, an airstrip and a cruise liner may sound modern and fancy but will do little to change the course of nature in Gozo. Much as the island would like to make some significant strides in the standard of living and the community, it is to more quality that they look. The young generation do their part and invest in their future by studying and being prepared to make sacrifices. Parents spend long weeks without seeing their children, as many remain in Malta to attend University or College. Sometimes there can be a sense of emigrationfrom the villages and the rhythm of the past has changed.
What remains is a sense of love for the place and a wish to grow around it without destroying what makes it special and so pleasant. People seek opportunities which will provide them with financial security and which preserve the land and culture for future generations.
Firstly, there is an urgent need to improve the roads which have become unusable with potholes. The neatness that used to be a characteristic of Gozo has disappeared. Today there is neglect all around. The constant demolition and building taking place is altering the peace and quality of the localities. It would be much better to pour funds into the road works which are needed than to think about a terminal for a cruise liner. Likewise, funds for schools and training facilities will have a more beneficial long term effect, than a medical school for foreigners who are unlikely to adjust to the environment and culture.
The film industry can be good for the economy and a school can be set up to train skilled people for the jobs. An office should also be opened to work closely with the Malta Film Facilities, to identity the locations which could be promoted. At the same time, a charter needs to be drawn up which would ensure that sites and landscapes are preserved whilst filming.
A quality control should also be made to classify holiday properties which vary wildly. Perhaps a system of licencing can favour properties which are situated within the village or authentic farmhouses. Financial aid can also be given to business start-ups within the village, such as guesthouses or museums.
The Gozo School of Art is a good facility and should be given more prominence and publicity. There is a lot of talent and creativity in Gozo which can be encouraged to lead to concrete jobs.
With improved standard of living comes the need for more leisure facilities which go further than restaurants and bars. People need to have more access to Malta, making it more affordable and easy for them to cross over whenever they like, whether for shopping or for entertainment. The ferry service between Birgu and Valletta and Sliema and Valletta is a model which can be applied to ferry people between Gozo and Mellieha or St Paul’s Bay. Maybe it will be for the summer season only but it can stimulate business on both sides and as they say – a change is as good as a rest.
The way of politics in Gozo is also showing a need for a cleaner and more equitable direction. Any party that can show real leadership, genuine interest and honest commitment will be rewarded. Sustainability is of great importance and the vision for Gozo should be applied with this in mind. Working together as a whole island is also important so that maximum use is made of the space and planning. A holistic structure plan is necessary.
Try to fool a Gozitan and you will soon see them laughing at the back of you. They are quite capable of judging good from bad. Although the business community in Gozo is always looking for new ventures, there exists also the general population that appreciates the unique quality of life in Gozo and the culture that has survived for generations. They look for this kind of balance to ensure their future. It is not an easy task but it is one which is worth trying to achieve.