“A policy addressing Gozo’s needs should be drawn up by Gozitans”

“The policy which best addresses Gozitan needs is that drawn up by Gozitans themselves. Policy reflects the people and the people should be given the best tools to develop the policy they want.”

This was stated by Maltese MEP Therese Comodini Cachia during a conference about her second year of work in the European Parliament, held at Arka Foundation in Ghajnsielem, Gozo.

During this activity, Therese Cachia Comodini answered questions put forward by Newsbook.com.mt journalist Beppe Galea and Illum journalist John Busuttil in addition to questions and interventions by attendees.

Comodini Cachia spoke about projects that were promised by the Labour Government for Gozo which never saw light.

On the tunnel project, Comodini Cachia stressed that it was already evidenced through a previous study that the tunnel was the best option rather than a bridge, hence she questioned the relevance of having another study.

Replying to a question about the economic results Malta is registering, Comodini Cachia said that while it is important that the reports of international credit agencies on Malta are positive, “it is equally unfortunate that many of the jobs with high wages are being taken by foreigners rather than Maltese.”

She underlined the importance of investing in medium and low bands to improve living standards in Malta and Gozo.

Reacting to a question about the Nationalist Party Constitutional case which the Labour Government recently appealed, Therese Comodini Cachia cautioned, “despite the Government’s resistance to its outcome there should be respect towards each voter, the Maltese Court and justice.”

On the role of MEPs in the local context, Comodini Cachia said that it should always be intended to protect the people’s interest and scrutinise the work by the Government in the context of European obligations. “This is because every Maltese and Gozitan should enjoy a high standard level of governance and transparency of its own Government.”

She also spoke about students and young people, particularly Gozitans, on accessibility to tools for setting up start-ups, such as business incubators, which can be of fundamental help in raising their possibility of continuing working in Gozo.

She added that young people with innovative ideas should be given more financial access to commercialise their ideas, remarking that it was unfortunate that our country is not investing enough in research to make this happen.