"The financial results recorded for Gozo Channel in 2015 are evidence of positive change conducted this mid-term administration," the Minister for Gozo Dr Anton Refalo, said in a statement today.

"The facts show a loss of € 1,6 million in 2012, the last year of the previous administration, today, this company has made a profit of € 1,014,025," the Minister said.

Dr Refalo went on to say that, "a statement issued by the Nationalist Party to say that this success is thanks to them, is a statement not believed by anyone."

The Minister for Gozo was referring to a statement by the PN, made through its Gozitan MPs Chris Said and Frederick Azzopardi, which said that "Gozo Channel had made the profit because the Nationalist Party, when in Government had invested in three new vessels and in terminals at Cirkewwa and Mgarr."

The Minister for Gozo said that, the reality is that they were the initiatives taken by the Ministry for Gozo which led to Gozo Channel making a turnaround from a loss situation to a profitable one."

He added that, "these schemes included cheaper travel for both locals and foreigners, which generated record numbers of passengers and helped growth in the Gozitan economy, even in the shoulder months of the year."

The Minister pointed out that Gozo Channel "has also substantially increased trips in the winter schedule to make it easier for Gozitans, Maltese and foreign tourists who want to visit Gozo.

"The Ministry for Gozo is committed to continue working to improve the market position of Gozo as a destination which offers a unique experience throughout the year."

Quoting from figures of the National Statistics Office, Dr Refalo said that economic growth in 2014 increased from 1.8% in 2012 to 8.1% in 2014, four times higher compared to the last year of the previous administration, he said.

"This is a result of the newly introduced confidence in Gozo and led to new companies investing in the island, as in the new medical school," Dr Refalo said.

The Minister thanked the Chairman and Gozo Channel employees for "their commitment and dedication."

Photograph: Copyright Alain Salvary

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