Addressing key issues faced by Gozitans, Opposition Leader Bernard Grech focused on the importance of the Gozo General Hospital being given back to the people in order to offer specialised care close to home. 

Speaking at a business breakfast organised by the PN, Grech said that “the Gozitans have the right to specialised healthcare in the comfort of their communities. This will lead to Gozitans living a more independent and dignified life.” 

Shifting his focus to the double insularity problem which Gozo faces, Grech said that the PN is committed to offer more connectivity between the two islands stating that “it is now time again to invest in better equipped vessels for the Gozo Channel which pollute less and can offer better service.” 

Talking about the underwater tunnel idea between Malta and Gozo, Grech stated that is the proper studies show this to be a viable option, the necessary steps would be taken in order to enact the project. 

“In Gozo more than in Malta we have a situation where people are being told they are working with the government when in reality they are working under a contractor. These people are being payed less than government workers for the same work and we do not want that to happen. I have full faith for the work these people do for the government and therefore they should be payed in full.” 

Grech then focused on the economy of Gozo saying that “Gozo requires its own recovery plan and heavy investment in improving the quality of work provided is necessary.” 

“The PN is committed to incentivise youths in Gozo to specialise in order to benefit from the ten new economic sectors which a PN led government would be introducing.” 

With regards to tourism, a PN led government would also be investing in tourist attractions which include diving, camping and trekking to improve the quality of tourism the island has to offer. 

In his closing statement, Grech also pledged to put out new directives for development in order to control the development of Gozo. “We will do this because we believe in the sustainability of Gozo and we do not want the characteristics of the island to perish.”