The Gozo University Group in a statement this evening said that it would like to commend the plans for Gozo outlined in the Budget 2013 which was presented to Parliament last night. “They are a step towards Gozitan people’s ideals. In particular we would like to comment on some of the proposals which are relevant to our group”.
“We are sure that the fare reduction for Maltese spending a night or more in Gozo will serve as an incentive for domestic tourism, which will surely affect positively our economy. We had proposed such a measure, but aimed at youths, during a meeting with the Prime Minister back in October. We are pleased that this incentive, although not limited only to youths and is only for winter, will also affect youths positively,” GUG said.
GUG said that it also welcomes the proposed scheme through which ETC will support unemployed Gozitans through training, and the development of a Local Employment Development Unit.
“We are pleased with any measure to create new jobs in Gozo, which the proposed development of a business centre for financial services and ICT companies will surely do. The development of such a centre would be a positive step forward for some Gozitans who nowadays can only find a job in Malta or abroad after spending a number of years studying at University.
“The extension of a work scheme for persons with a disability to create 50 jobs with NGOs and other Government entities is also a positive step for the inclusion of disabled persons in our workforce. This will also help NGOs in their day to day running.
“The Government also intends to introduce a stipend for young people aged up to 25 or for those who up to 3 years after graduating from tertiary education spend a year doing voluntary work.”
GUG concluded “we would like to commend the plans for further investment in the Gozo General Hospital, which would indeed increase employment in Gozo for those Gozitan students studying the relevant courses. More importantly it is a much needed extension of the essential services the hospital provides.”