The Government's continuing commitment to the nation's well-being is increasingly strengthened by the undeniable feel-good factor everywhere - Gozo included - and the numerous international attestations of the unprecedented results we are achieving.

Delivering

There seems to be not a single day when a new major initiative is launched or a new project is rolled out or completed. I hear people remarking that they have lost count of all the work in progress around the country, or are unable to keep up with the huge amount of foreign investment in a vast array of innovative, job-creating activities.

The same specific patterns are clearly evident in Gozo, where the Ministry is fully active on current and new infrastructural projects, while equally keeping its focus on social and cultural initiatives. As for the various ongoing roadworks, people know very well that these are long overdue and I am determined to keep maintain the tempo of realising all this work as a matter of urgency after long years of blatant abandonment. Revamping road networks around the island is, among other aims, one of my major targets for this legislature.

Gozo's priorities

At both the Gozo Ministry and all organisations within my remit, we are entirely committed to delivering - on time and to a high standard - the realisation of the priorities chosen by a clear majority of Gozitans. My colleagues are well aware of my resolve and I appreciate the loyal and dedicated teamwork at the Ministry to further demonstrate our commitment. The useful consultation spirit and clear sense of ownership by everyone of the numerous tasks we have in hand should enable us to transform the island into a better home for our fellow Gozitans and a welcoming attraction for the thousands who visit Gozo all year round. The Ministry's performance during the first few months of this year should be indicative of what we can - and should - accomplish during this legislature.

The programme of roadworks I launched in December is well underway and we are already planning our programme for 2019. I thoroughly reviewed the original plans for the Għajnsielem home for the elderly in order that it will be fully inclusive for various conditions affecting older people. After the relative planning approvals, construction work will soon be completed. The revamping and upgrading of St Francis Square in Victoria, and Xewkija's Rotunda Square, have both passed the public consultation stage and are now awaiting approval by the Planning Authority.

Furthermore, Gozo's new law courts project, together with the park for SMEs, the petting farm and the first phase of the Xlendi project are awaiting planning approval, while other major projects - such as the Gozo Museum, various new sports facilities and the restoration of the Xewkija windmill - are currently in the tendering process. Together with these projects, the Gozo Ministry is also actively committed to the Ulysses Grove and other initiatives, such as the restoration of Ta' Ġordan lighthouse and feasibility studies for upgrading work on natural sites and other historical places in Gozo, such as Għar Gerduf.

The Ministry has also been very busy stepping up the progress of the Regional Policy leading us up to 2030 and, in tandem, we are exploring various ways of possibly tapping into additional EU funds for projects and initiatives to enhance the Gozitan landscape, product and heritage.

Inclusion - autism awareness

A big thumbs-up indeed goes to the Gozo branch of the Commission for the Rights of People with Disability. My colleague and successor Tony Agius Decelis and I addressed a conference about disability services in Gozo. Listening to the presentations of the service providers, everyone present could realise that the disability sector in Gozo really has undergone a silent revolution. I sincerely thank my former team and everyone involved for enabling me to spearhead this revolution and improve the lives of so many families.

April being 'Autism Awareness Month', the Gozo Ministry - through an agreement with the Gozo Diocese - has financed the provision of tool kits for children in the autism spectrum attending catechism classes. We firmly believe in empowerment and, to this end, we also involved children and adults with autism in the work related to the awareness campaign in Gozo.

Another international award

While carrying out all this work, the good news of excellent results have reached all those involved in the effective efforts to further strengthen the tourist industry on the island. Gozo's Cittadella Visitors' Centre received the prestigious Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement, during a ceremony in California last Sunday. This is the third international award for the Cittadella Visitors' Centre: in July last year it was named Best Visitor Attraction Project at the annual Install Awards 2017. This was followed in September with the award for Entertainment Venue of the Year at the AV Awards ceremony in London's West End.

The award recognises outstanding achievements in the creation of compelling places and experiences, specifically honouring the owners and operators while, at the same time, acknowledging the contribution of individuals and companies who invent, create and produce the attractions and events. The first year has seen around 240,000 visitors to the Citadel, situated in the heart of the fortified city.

The Visitors' Centre brings the history of the island to life and has considerably helped increase tourism to Gozo. The international award was accepted on behalf of the Gozo Ministry and the Cittadella Visitors' Centre by Pierre Clive Agius, Malta's Ambassador to the United States, along with Ross Magri, Managing Director of Sarner International.

Connectivity issues

Solutions to the endemic connectivity challenges faced by Gozitans are also a full part of the Gozo Ministry's ongoing tasks. Apart from the proper process for the provision of a fast ferry service, we are actively working on the possibility of a student hostel for Gozitans attending university and other tertiary institutions in Malta. Feasibility and specific studies for cost-effectiveness are also in the offing for a Park & Ride system to alleviate the challenges for daily commuters from Mġarr harbour.

It was a pleasure discussing such issues with the Grupp Universitarji Għawdxin (GUG) when visiting the stands they erected for Gozo Week at the Malta University campus this week. The event, supported by the Gozo Ministry, was intended to display and promote the island's historic and cultural heritage, but understandably brought further focus on the challenging issues for Gozitan students, particularly when facing increased rental costs in Malta.

More welcome news

The double insularity and connectivity challenges were further highlighted this week by Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects Minister Ian Borg. Speaking about the latest developments regarding the tunnel, he agreed that it would encourage more young people to establish themselves in Gozo, thus boosting the island's economy. Studies indicated that the tunnel would be around 12km long, with a lane going each way, along with a third, emergency, lane. The tunnel is expected to have a capacity of 6,500 vehicles a day in both directions.

Follow Gozitan Franco Mercieca will be chairing the project's Steering Committee, thus ensuring that the Gozitan dimension is kept pivotal. Safety and quality are two essential factors and the tunnel will be built according to European standards. A full detailed Environmental Impact Assessment will be carried out, and both ends of the tunnel will be located in areas where they will have the least negative impact on the environment.

This week's update about the Gozo-Malta tunnel is yet further proof that a Labour Government is committed to deliver and, despite the magnitude of the project, we will move ahead as expected, according to the highest professional standards. The good news confirms the position Gozo has reached on the national agenda.