The history of Gozo goes back to 5,000BC, when a group from Sicily managed to cross on a small boat, colonizing the island of Gozo for the first time (Neolithic 5000-4100BC).

These early dwellers probably lived in caves on the outskirts of San Lawrenz village on Għajn Abdul Plateau close to Il-Mixta, located in the northwest. Gozo is famed for its places of interest, some of these include the Calypso's Cave (from Homer's Odyssey, where the island is called Ogygia) and the Ġgantija Neolithic temples, which are among the oldest surviving man-made structures.

The old name of Gozo was Gaulos, which in Phoenician meant a tub. Xewkija, which is situated between Għajnsielem and the capital city, Victoria, is considered the oldest village in Gozo. The name is derived from the Maltese word xewk, meaning thistles or thorns.

With a population of around 30,000 people, Gozo offers a quieter, more laid-back lifestyle compared to its busier neighbour. Its strong family-oriented culture, with a focus on community and traditional values, parallels other southern European and Mediterranean societies.

The solemnity of its Roman Catholic religious festivals and the celebration style of regular processions and community feasting are common characteristics. In Gozo, sheep and goat farm numbers rose to 633, an impressive figure given its small size and population. Gozo hosts 392 sheep farms and 241 goat farms.

The optimum beauty of Gozo is in spring and is best enjoyed and appreciated in the countryside. It is the season when the countryside is a tapestry of vibrant colours and textures. The field patterns, reminiscent of a carefully quilted patchwork, speak of the island's agricultural heritage. The bright yellow wildflowers in the foreground add a cheerful burst of colour, contrasting beautiful characteristics with the deep blue of the Mediterranean Sea.

This scene captures the tranquil beauty of Gozo, a landscape both cultivated and wild, where the sea meets the rich tapestry of fields and flowers. It's a refreshing and revitalising sight, full of life and natural beauty, though butterflies are becoming rare given the rapid development which encroaches on green areas. One is advised to proceed to Dwejra to experience a quite serene sunset.

With the sun hanging low, a bold circle of warm light sinks on the horizon, casting an amber glow across the sky, over the calm sea and the landscape; amid the boats and rock formations, the smooth water and the gentle gradient of colours in the sky - these create a beautiful contrast.

The silhouette of a fisherman standing at the water's edge adds a peaceful sense of solitude. The beauty of nature surrounds you, enveloping you in its embrace and filling your soul with a sense of wonder and awe.

This is in grave danger of being lost among the ever-growing mass of visitors, with their noise and heavy traffic. It is a pity that development has cost natives undue stress.

For example, take the picturesque St George's piazza, a focal point of religious and communal life in Gozo. Here, amid the narrow streets and historic facades, the Golden Basilica stands as a testament to the island's rich cultural heritage and deep-rooted faith, but eateries are gradually encroaching the area by erecting colourful umbrellas, never-ending dining tables and chairs.

The recent heavy influx of investment in hospitality and real estate has provided economic growth, yet this development also adds total pressures on local infrastructure and can lead to gentrification. Isolation for the island is a drawback. Notice how there is a dire need for a permanent link between Gozo and Malta. Substantial investment in replacement of old vessels is long overdue.

The volume of commuters, including vehicles crossing over to Gozo, is increasing yearly at a rate of 13%. Last year, more than a million vehicles crossed over to Gozo, obviously another million crossed to Ċirkewwa. But so far there is no central budget for new vessels. To add insult to injury, in 2019, authorities chartered a wet leased 35-year-old Greek ferry, the MV Nikolaos. Even more, the vessel can now only carry half the commissioned passengers because of safety concerns. MV Nikolaos cost €8,000 daily during the off-peak season and a higher rate of €13,000 daily during peak seasons.

This adds up to €22m of taxpayers' money, so far towards this lease. The concept of a permanent link between the two islands has been shelved. Chartering or building four modern vessels would mean less stress for people to travel between the two islands (especially for those who have no other choice due to work, health or schooling), and would also mean fewer queues during the peak season.

An explosion in property development, for a tiny island, ought to be sustainable but sadly the Planning Authority has issued multiple permits for flats with pools, guest houses and hotels. Gozo is on the brink of losing the charm that makes it unique. Now, let us draw a comparison between the environment of Gozo and another renowned community in northern Sweden, namely the Sami. The Sámi population is rated as a happy bunch. It is estimated to be around 20,000 to 40,000, but not all individuals identify actively with Sámi culture or speak one of the main languages. Sámi communities can range from small villages in northern regions to individuals and families living in urban areas. The Swedish government works hard to balance mining and forestry activities shielding the rights of the Sámi to work in their traditional lands.

Many Sámi still engage in activities such as reindeer herding, which is often conducted across vast areas of land, making the concept of community more about kinship and economic activity than a fixed geographic size. The unique cultural heritage and lifestyle of the Sámi, combined with the picturesque landscapes of the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions where they live, make them proud to enjoy a high quota of family happiness and wellbeing.

Readers may ask, can tangible efforts be made to restore the charm of Gozo and provide a higher level of wellbeing. Hope springs eternal for a rapid transformation, which will pacify Gozo ancestors who over 5,000 years ago built an impressive free-standing temple of Ggantija. A truly massive construction where the Gozo community prayed and worshipped their gods during the Neolithic Age.

 

gmm@pkfmalta.com

 

George M. Mangion is a senior partner at PKF Malta