2 comments so far.AD calls on Gozo Minister to reconsider priority boarding decision
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Alternattiva Demokratika – The Green Party spokesman for the energy, industry and transport, Ralph Cassar, expressed AD’s disapproval of the decision of the Minister for Gozo to consider the proposed scheme of the concept of priority boarding on Gozo Channel crossings..
Cassar said that it is “inconceivable how, on an essential service provided by Gozo Channel, those who have the money will be given preference over those who have less. Basic services must never discriminate on the basis of financial means. Less well off workers and students also have the right to arrive on time for work or study without surpassing the privileges granted by affordability for them. Those who make an effort to arrive on time will now be penalised.”
AD Chairperson Arnold Cassola, said that AD calls on the Gozo Minister, Dr Anton Refalo, to reconsider a decision that will adversely affect the majority of Maltese and Gozitan workers and students.
Cassola added that it is of concern that the party in Government, which says it is believes in the social democratic welfare of the Maltese people, can feel comfortable discriminating on such an essential service.
Prof Cassola asked, “knowing this, what should we expect next:. discrimination in favour of those that have money in the health sector among other areas? The sense of social justice requires otherwise.”
Photograph – Alain Salvary
This is nothing but pure discrimination against those who cannot afford to get priority boarding. When I travel I always leave home at least 40 minutes before the ferry is due to leave, so I am there with plenty of time on hand. I have always been there in the first lane. Then some jumped up so and so comes just before we board and jumps all the queue simply because he/she pays extra. What if all the other travellers all decide to pay extra? That leaves me stranded at Mgarr. Dr. Refalo this is not right and you are discriminating against the very poor ordinary people that voted you to represent them.
Dear Tony, I agree with you 100% that this measure is a form of discrimination that despite it is present all over the world still should be abhorred as it is causing all the injustice we see around us. However despite all over this the prevalent reason why this measure should be rejected is the plain and simple fact that this measure is not going to solve the true problem. And the economy of the island is going to continue to suffer. This would ultimately even effect the lucky few that are going to benefit from this injustice.