Be the first to comment!GUG welcomes the various measures presented in the 2014 Budget
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The Gozo University Group said this morning that it welcomes the various measures presented in the 2014 Budget. “Foremost of these is the new Incentives for foreign Direct investment for Gozo, together with the raise in stipends which will keep in accordance with the Cost of Living Adjustments.”
“With the Government considering new long-term methods of transport, GUG welcomes the incentive for various means of accessibility, especially the technical and socio-economic studies of a possible airstrip in Gozo for fixed wing aircraft.”
The University Group added that it is however puzzled due to the absence of the mention of the fast ferry service, “this implementation would clearly facilitate travel between Gozo and Malta.”
“The transfer of certain Government Departments and entities to Gozo is also welcomed by GUG, as this can enable more young adults to work in Gozo,” GUG said.
“Moreover, GUG supports the way the Government is promoting recruitment of disadvantaged and/or disabled persons though the Employment Aid Programme (EAP), which will provide employment aid that covers up to half of the wages for Gozitan employers.”
The setting up of the NSO branch in Gozo will provide new employment opportunities. “However,” GUG points out that “an important function of such an office should be to publish statistics which pertain only to Gozo, so as to obtain adequate comparison between Gozitan and Maltese statistics.”
GUG highlighed the fact that “unfortunately there was no mention with regards to investment in the Gozo Campus.”
In addition, GUG said that it welcomes the much-needed national plan for water conservation together with the pilot project in Gozo for intelligent lighting. Support is also felt for the travel reimbursement scheme for Gozitan children undergoing cancer treatment at Mater Dei Hospital together with other investments in the Gozo General Hospital and healthcare in general.
Concluding, GUG said that it “commends the setting up a Gozo Regional Youth Council. We believe that this council will serve as a new voice to Gozitan youths and considers the budget as one reflecting the Gozitan reality.”
