The Gozo University Group recently took part in a meeting with the Prime Minister and Dr Simon Busutill in which GUG’s concerns and proposals were presented. GUG thanked the Prime Minister for the meeting and for the recent investment in the Gozo, especially with regards to education and the increase in the accommodation grant.
Other matters on the agenda for discussion were the transport between the islands, exams in Gozo, the University route (X1) and the Gozo Campus.
The first issue discussed at the meeting was that of the X1 route. GUG proposed that there should be a new route, based on the previous 450 route which starts from Cirkewwa and goes to University/Mater Dei and that it is stationed there while keeping the X1 route which connects Cirkewwa with the Airport as it is also essential for Gozitans.
Discussions then moved on to that of introducing a fast boat service connecting Mgarr to San Masion. This would decrease the travel time and traffic for Gozitan students and workers when travelling on a daily basis and also to the Maltese who need to travel to Gozo for various reasons. Such initiative would make it easier for young people to settle in Gozo despite working in Malta and decrease the accessibility setback which as both entities agree should decreased as much as possible.
GUG also proposed that young Maltese people should benefit from a reduced ferry fare rate, to encourage them to travel more to Gozo. This will encourage young Maltese to visit Gozo and remove the perception that Gozo is an island for old people and that there is nothing to do.
Furthermore, GUG proposed that there should be more investment in the University of Malta, Gozo Campus to encompass new full time courses for Gozitan, Maltese and International students. The new courses should be directed towards jobs which would be particular to Gozo and to the Eco-Gozo concept, thus creating a niche market. This investment will regenerate the Gozitan economy, reduce brain drain and create a strategic plan to attract foreign direct investment in Gozo.
GUG said that it believes that these proposals should be implemented in the near future since they will benefit the Gozitan students and also the Gozitan workers, Gozitan community and the Maltese counter parts.