Earlier today the Gozo University Group met with the Prime Minister Joseph Muscat at the Auberge De Castille. The Minister for Education and Employment Evarist Bartolo and the Minister for Gozo, Anton Refalo.

The group discussed a number of issues related to Gozo and those directly related to Gozitan students.

GUG pointed out the 95% of the Gozitan students now have the option of sitting for their examinations in Gozo and that in the near future this should reach 100%.

With regards to public transport, the Gozitan students highlighted the need for the operator to be synchronised with the ferry and welcomed the fact that the new operator will include a new route connecting Cirkewwa with University and MCAST.

GUG welcomed the news of the MCAST Gozo campus being centralised, but expressed its concern over the reallocation of the School of Art and the lack of investment in the Gozo Campus. GUG praised the efforts towards the establishment of a medical school in Gozo.

The group, presented to the Prime Minister a survey conducted recently among the students. This showed that the maintenance grant to Gozitan students is falling short of the expenses related to rent and transport. With around 95% of the students stating that the grant should start to be adjusted with the Cost of Living Adjustment.

The organisation stressed the need of a second fibre optic cable and although the allocation of funds for a feasibility study is a positive step, there is no doubt of its need.

GUG also emphasised the urgent need for the introduction of a fast boat service between the islands and the air link, as well as more regional structures for the administration of Gozo.

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