Gozitan activist Luke Said will be standing as a candidate in the next General Election to represent the Nationalist Party. With this in mind Luke has written his reasons behind this decision and his thoughts and vision on the future for Gozo:

“I am a child of Gozo – a 21-year-old youth, a proud Naduri, and an unwavering defender of the land that shaped me. My heart beats in rhythm with the island’s winds and waves, and my commitment to its protection has been steadfast. From the narrow streets of Nadur to the cliffs that stand sentinel over our shores, I have walked and worked with purpose.

I am also a geophysicist student, trained to read the earth’s hidden stories. My work has taught me that beneath the surface lies a world of complexity – and that meaningful change requires both patience and precision. This scientific mindset guides my approach to the challenges we face: to analyse deeply, act thoughtfully, and always seek the truth beneath the noise.

I have stood with those who refuse to let our island be sold off piece by piece. In the fight for Comino, against the destruction planned for Triq ta’ Marsalforn, and in defence of Pjazza San Gorg, to organising the largest clean-up event on the island, fighting for the conservation and restoration of the Qolla l-Bajda battery, and worked tirelessly to protect countless ODZ and UCA sites across Gozo, I have not wavered.

I have raised my voice for the preservation of our architectural heritage – from humble farmhouses to the last British barracks that whisper stories of our past. Through my work with Nadur Nadif, Din l-Art Helwa Ghawdex, and Ghawdix, I have learned that true change is rooted in the courage to stand firm and the humility to listen.

I believe in the common good – that the heart of public service is the well-being of the whole community. I am a nationalist not out of convenience, but because I know that progress lies in the balance between vision and compromise, a fact so much established in the PN. I am pragmatic when it comes to finding solutions but resolute when it comes to protecting what makes Gozo, our home, unique.

To this end, it was an easy step to join the Nationalist Party, a Party that whilst in Government revolutionised and invested heavily in this island, from the 3 new ferries, Gaudos, Ta’Pinu and Melita, two new ferry terminals, most of the arterial roads all repaved, new schools built, the opening of the university Gozo campus, the creation of the local council, the creation and relentless work by EcoGozo, the standardisation of the public transport system, just to name a few. A clear testament of the investment for Gozo, which we all still rely on.

With this in mind, joining the Nationalist Party was a natural step – a party that has played a key role in shaping Gozo’s development. From major infrastructural projects such as the introduction of three new ferries, the University of Malta Gozo campus, and the establishment of local councils, to initiatives aimed at improving connectivity and public services, its contributions are undeniable.

Of course, like any administration, it has faced its challenges, and certain past decisions-such as the approach to Chambray and the 2006 local plans – have sparked debate. However, what matters most is learning from the past to ensure that Gozo’s future development is guided by sustainable and forward-thinking policies.

Yet, words alone will not shape the future we deserve. I dream of an island where our children inherit not just stories, but a living landscape rich with possibility. To achieve this, we need a new way forward. I will call for a true dialogue – a conversation that brings together businesses, the tourism industry, NGOs, and the people who call Gozo home. Together, we will craft a vision that respects our roots while preparing for the road ahead.

But this is not just my journey. This is a call to those who have turned away from politics, weary of empty promises. To the youth who feel unheard, to those who believe their voices do not matter – I am here to listen. Politicians should not sit above the people; they must walk among them, hear their truths, and be moved to act. I will be that kind of voice.

I do not seek to be different for its own sake, but because Gozo deserves more.I see a Gozo where no one is left behind. An island where growth is measured not just in numbers, but in the quality of life we share. A future where the rolling hills remain unspoiled, where our public spaces belong to everyone, and where young people no longer feel they must leave to find a future. We can build a Gozo where innovation and tradition walk hand in hand – where new opportunities do not come at the expense of the land we love.

This is our home. Our heritage. Our future. And together, we will shape it with courage, compassion, and conviction.”

Luke Said

Photo: Luke Said

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