In the past few years, Gozo has managed to start growing again at a significantly good pace. Gozo grew by a noteworthy 7.3 per cent during 2014 compared to just 1.2 per cent in 2012. Increases were registered in the majority of industries. The private sector accounted for 74.2 per cent of the total gross value added. Figures for 2015 are not yet available but the feel good factor was and is evident not only on the ground, with businesses, hotels and restaurants, but also in figures emanating from tourism, Gozo Channel, employment, unemployment, and from meetings regarding investment possibilities in Gozo.
Success has been achieved in all sectors, but let us discuss three: employment, tourism and investment.
In terms of employment Gozo has seen an increase in the number of gainfully employed both on a full-time basis and part-time basis. By November 2015 (latest figures available), there were 10,182 people holding a full-time job and 2,242 having a part-time job as their primary employment, while there were 1,983 who held both a full-time and a part-time job. Gozo is witnessing reductions in unemployment figures, where 547 persons registered for work in April 2016. This figure was 742 only a few years ago. This means that there was a 26 per cent reduction in people registering for work.
Tourism has seen a notable increase but the best news is that such growth was not only in the traditionally good months but more so in the shoulder months. This was possible through incentives such as reduced ferry fares at weekends, and a string of activities which Gozo, with the aid of many cultural, artistic and voluntary entities, has been able to organise and showcase. This has meant that 2015 saw Gozo welcoming over one million guests and also one million bed-nights. The government will continue to support all endeavours to market Gozo and its unique characteristics and to incentivise activities which attract different tourists to Gozo.
Over the last three years, Gozo has seen an increase in both government investment and private investment. In terms of government investment, there was a huge investment through EU and national funds on the renovation of Cittadella, upgrading of Marsalforn (valley and Menqa), rehabilitation of valleys, rebuilding of rubble walls, and the upgrading and resurfacing of about 20 kilometres of roads, the upkeep of promenades and beaches, obtaining Beach of Quality and Blue Flag status, a facelift to several public buildings, several squares in Xaghra, Qala, Ghajnsielem, and Xewkija, photovoltaic panels on government buildings for them to become more resource efficient, and more work which at times may not be so visible such as maintenance of infrastructure and training courses. Work has started on the Old People’s home in Ghajnsielem, and the new entrance to Saint Francis Square. The Ministry has plans for more infrastructural work and services, with its emphasis being on an alternative fibre optic cable and the fast ferry. While some infrastructural work may cause inconvenience in the short run, we must ask everyone to appreciate the long-term effects of such work. Not only will this infrastructure attract more investment but it will create jobs and increase the potential for economic growth.
Private investment has also come to Gozo. One company has started to operate from the area where the aim is to have more service-oriented businesses set up. The significant investment which will make a huge difference to the economy of Gozo is the investment in the Gozo General Hospital, where there will be an increase in the number of beds, a new set-up incorporating a Medical School and the potential of medical tourism. Perhaps we have not yet appreciated the magnitude of this project, which will benefit not only local patients as it will offer increased and improved services but also create the right ambience to become a teaching hospital. This means that there will be the need to provide lodgings for hundreds of students, academics, doctors and possibly their families too, as well as entertainment, clubbing and sports activities. Furthermore, employees at the hospital will be able to increase their knowledge about the latest medical techniques. The spill-over and multiplier effects of this project have yet to be fully acknowledged and appreciated. The long-term effect is significant.
The Opposition is often very critical of our endeavours, and without just cause. In order for projects to be launched, significant work is carried out behind the scenes. Studies, permits, expertise seeking, applications, training people, coordinating activities, meetings, delegations, negotiating tactics as well as bureaucratic hurdles we need to overcome. And of course the Opposition knows this well. I am sure that people can see that what we have achieved in three years is evident and significant. The others were there for 25 years and did not do the things we have already done in just three years.
As every family knows, we all make choices and prioritize those choices. As a government we also have our priorities. We are focusing on digital and physical accessibility and improving our infrastructure to attract more investment: our firm belief is that this will bring jobs for all those who want to work, entice back our graduates, and in the end improve the lives of our families.
To showcase one of our achievements, we invite you all to the open day at Cittadella on 9 July.
Dr Refalo is Minister for Gozo