MEP Alfred Sant told Gozitan youths and students that he will continue to insist at the various fora of the European Parliament that depopulation in small EU islands like Gozo will become irreversible unless exceptional measures are allowed which do not necessarily comply with wider EU rules and policies.

Gozitan youths from the Gozo Youth Council (GYC) and the Gozo University Group (GUG) expressed their concerns on the lack of employment opportunities in Gozo and by the resultant brain drains being experienced on the island of Gozo.

The Gozitan youths, meeting the Maltese MEP at the University campus in Gozo, said that although they realise that their prospects today of building a career are only in Malta and beyond, they still aspire and wish that Gozo will offer more work opportunities for the Gozitans to be able to remain in their island home.

For this to happen Gozo needs immediate investment in its economic infrastructure, foremost among which is a second Fibre optic cable, the youths told Dr Sant.

They said that a fibre optic cable would be an encouragement for foreign companies to invest and set up their business on the island as it would offer a much efficient and reliable resource than the one present. "Such direct investments would lessen the problem of unemployment and accessibility that Gozitan residents bear."

Students also made reference to Gozo's agriculture, saying that it is "another economical resource that our island possesses and which potential is not being realised."

Reacting to the students' concerns, Dr Sant said that together with MEPs from other Mediterranean countries, he is pressing for special treatment from the European Commission for islands like Gozo, without a national capital, which are attached to an island state.

Dr Sant told the students that earlier this year he amended a resolution on the insularity in island regions at the European Parliament specifically addressing Gozitans' concerns that the island's special circumstances warrant special treatment.

The students highlighted the need of better synergy between the academic and vocational educational institutions and employment generators and employment seekers.

They mentioned their concerns on the lack of equality between wages paid in Malta and those paid in Gozo.

GUG also put forward its perspective on the Gozo Campus of the University of Malta in Xewkija. Saying the next step would be that of advancing it further.

"The campus presently caters for a limited number of courses offered on a part-time basis. However it has the potential to be further developed into a campus which is active also during the day, with niche courses which are not offered at the University of Malta; niche courses that can be aimed at both foreign and Maltese students," the students said.

"This would result in further jobs in Gozo and a potential of increased income by the University of Malta, the highest national educational institution." GUG agreed with GYC on the idea that "every opportunity available in Malta, should be available in Gozo."

With regards to job opportunities within the hotel industry, both youths and the Maltese MEP noted that replacement investment is not being done within such industry, causing downsizing in the industry. They also explained their involvement in encouraging other youths in developing their talents and abilities through various workshops and sports activities.

Dr. Sant said that unfortunately this is also the trend in small islands in Cyprus, Italy, Spain, Greece and Croatia which face similar challenges. These islands face similar problems, lack of connectivity which translates into higher expenses for transportation and limited economic activities.

Dr Sant told the students that in the various fora of the European Parliament he highlights the case of Gozo, which notwithstanding that the national economy is experiencing positive results, Gozitan youths feel there aren't enough opportunities for them on the island.

Former Permanent Secretary at the Gozo Ministry, Frank Psaila was also present at the meeting. Psaila set forth three actions he perceives as being the 'solution' for the difficulties Gozo faces. He mentioned the foundation of a Regional Council for Gozo, a Development Plan in Gozo and Economic and Infrastructural Investments.

Dr. Sant invited the youths to attend the S&D Public debate organised by his Office in Gozo and discuss how Gozo can develop in Europe.

The debate will be held on Friday, the 28th of October at the Grand Hotel in Gozo and Gozitans are being invited to attend and forward their ideas on the subject.

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