A meeting was held recently between the Gozo University Group executive and Labour Party MP Anton Refalo. Dr. Refalo was introduced to the new members of the executive and as part of this introductory meeting a discussion on both entities’ aims for Gozo ensued.

Dr Refalo expressed some concern regarding Gozo’s insularity and discussed several ways a Labour government would try to tackle it. As the main link between Gozo and Malta, the Gozo Channel ferry service was mentioned.

Both sides agreed that the Gozo Channel’s management should consult Gozitan students or that they be represented in some other way in its structure. “The Gozo Channel is an indispensable service for Gozitan students studying in Malta and as such it is impermissible to have a situation where these students interests are not taken into consideration.”

GUG President Ryan Mercieca mentioned some of the work GUG had done looking into the problem of transport last year. He said that through GUG’s involvement Arriva changed the X1 route to reduce the transit time.

The GUG executive also acknowledged that much more needs to be done, preferably an exclusive service between Cirkewwa and Msida, synchronised with the ferry. GUG will be lobbying throughout the year for the introduction of such a route.

Ryan Mercieca expressed worry about the increase of the brain drain from Gozo and little being done to stop it. The Gozo Campus of the University of Malta was mentioned as having the potential of abating this. He emphasised the GUG’s wish to see the number of courses offered in Gozo increase, while proposing that the University of Malta could use the Gozo Campus to fill in a niche by the creation of courses not presently offered in Malta. This would create a situation where even Maltese students and foreign students visit Gozo for educational purposes.

The problem of student uncertainty before applying for tertiary education was brought up by Dr. Refalo. “Students don’t know what jobs, if any, will be available for them after they finish university, or if any positions will be available for them in Gozo and that is worrying, they need more guidance.” he said.

The GUG executive agreed that students need more guidance and Ryan Mercieca stressed that the GUG has always been ready to help students and that’s also a main reason why in the past year, GUG’s involvement and contact with Sir Mikelangelo Refalo, MCAST and ITS students was increased and improved as this will help increase the reach of such guidance.

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