In Gozo, it’s a common occurrence that when accidents happen, no one seems to be responsible for their consequences and compensations.

Consider St Francis square. The present government and Ministry for Gozo redesigned this square. Of all the enhancements in this square, we find many road studs formerly referred to as cat’s eye reflectors. These studs normally serve as road lane divisions and centre markings to guide the driver during darkness, as they reflect light. 

These road studs at St Francis square have a dual purpose: tripping pedestrians and causing serious facial injuries to several. This has been going on for these last four years. Strangely enough, despite the proximity to the Gozo Ministry, no one feels compelled to inform the authorities about this problem.

Next, we’ll head to Giorgio Borg Olivier street, which is another main road leading to the bus terminus and parking area. This road is bustling with activity, with busy pedestrians and parts that lack pavement. Traffic is flowing in both directions, disregarding speed limits and pedestrians. The lower part, which is now the centre of business and outlets, lacks a pedestrian crossing. I am informed from reliable sources that the Victoria local council requested a pedestrian crossing, but Transport Malta (TM) bluntly refused this request.

No one seems to care about pedestrians, even young kids, who have no guidance when crossing the road. Instead of assisting anxious pedestrians in crossing the busy road, the primary focus of a traffic warden is typically on distributing contravention tickets. No one cares if accidents happen. If more serious incidents occur, we tend to ignore our responsibilities and attempts to fix the situation. 

But why are we so immune and passive to what may affect and endanger other people’s lives, and this mainly concerns public places? Do speed limits exist in Gozo and, if so, are they being enforced and promoted? 

It’s not just local Gozitans and Maltese who are concerned about this. Among us are foreign visitors who have come to enjoy the island’s tranquility, if it still exists. The main focus of the ‘Visit Gozo’ portal is promoting attractions, but ensuring visitor's safety is equally important.

Mgarr road is an arterial road which leads to the ferry. Frequently, vehicle drivers are concerned they may be late for the ferry, so they proceed at breakneck speed down these narrow residential two opposite lanes in the village’s heart of Ghajnsielem. They ignore any traffic speed regulation or even abuse further by also overtaking on the opposite lane. Accidents happen frequently once again, and several of them lead to grievous or fatal incidents. Has TM done anything to consider the situation seriously? None!

Here comes the most grave and heartbreaking matter, which unfortunately offers readers a highly unpleasant reading experience. 

A young Italian woman, 31-year-old Oriana Bertolino and her partner looked forward to an entertaining holiday in Gozo. So they ventured to the picturesque Wied il-Mielaħ, known for its dramatic limestone arch and scenic views. They went there on their quad bike to cherish an enchanting sunset. 

According to the police, the woman’s partner, a 47-year-old Italian, lost control of the quad bike. He jumped to safety as the vehicle crashed over the cliff edge, but helpless Oriana fell down into the sea. 

The police, Armed Forces of Malta and Civil Protection Department were called in to assist the woman. She was certified dead when they brought her ashore. 

They administered first aid to her partner before rushing him to the Gozo General Hospital. He was certified as suffering from light injuries. 

For the parents, relatives, and friends of Oriana, the path to healing is long and arduous. Maybe they plan to visit Gozo, not only to see the place where Oriana’s life ended tragically, but also to find some semblance of peace amidst the turmoil.

This tragedy at Wied il-Mielaħ serves as a painful reminder of life’s fragility. The grief for her parents is a heavy burden words cannot fully capture. As they navigate this dark chapter of their life, the love and memories they hold of missing Oriana become their guiding light. Though the journey is fraught with sorrow, the enduring bond between parents and daughter transcends even the harshest of separations.

“It hurts to see accidents like this happen” – long serving Għarb Mayor David Apap Agius expressed his sadness.

He stated on local media that the Gharb local council had previously discussed with the Planning Authority (PA) installing safety barriers over concerns about accidents at the beauty spot.

“The discussions had failed because of the aesthetic and visual impact since that area is Natura 2000,” he admitted.

This really confirms the impenetrable hypocrisy of the PA. They are concerned about the aesthetic beauty! How about Marsalforn and Xlendi which the PA irreparably reduced to mere appalling eyesores with their irresponsible permits? 

The same applies to Ghasri Mayor David Attard of the neighbouring village of Ghasri (he received 124 votes of total 593 voters in 2024 local councils elections). The mayor disagreed with the idea of barriers, arguing that they degrade the natural environment.

“It just takes common sense not to go to the edge of a cliff,” he said, although now he supports the idea of warning signs. This common sense would have been more appropriate if the mayor insisted on putting up these warning signs earlier, thus avoiding this shocking tragedy.

May I respectfully remind Ghasri mayor David Attard what H. L. Mencken said: “It is inaccurate to say that I hate everything. I am strongly in favour of common sense, common honesty and common decency. This makes me forever ineligible for public office.”