“The voice of Gozo is being heard,” this was the message of Minister Carmelo Abela, Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister responsible for sustainable development and social dialogue, as well as Minister for Gozo Clint Camilleri, during their first meeting with the Gozo Regional Committee under the umbrella of MCESD.

The Gozo Regional Committee brings together regional constituted bodies and it aims to promote new ventures for Gozo for it to be able to boost its social, economic and ecological sustainability. Furthermore, through discussions and proposals, the Committee addresses the constraints brought about by the double insularity of Gozo.

In their address, Ministers Abela and Camilleri reiterated the Government’s continued commitment to the interests of civil society groups and Gozitan citizens, while it will also continue addressing the challenges posed by the issue of Gozo’s double insularity.

Minister Abela stressed that the Government is promoting a strong message in favour of social dialogue in the work centre, so that nowadays it is assigned under the aegis of the Prime Minister.

“We have a stronger and honest social dialogue,” said Minister Abela, and we will endeavour to ensure that the proposals arising from discussions with the social partners, and findings at the committee, go to the Ministries and respective departments for their feedback on the actions needed.

He said that the discussions at the MCESD must be studied and opinions must be based on what is needed and is happening.

Regarding the challenges addressing Gozo, Minister Abela stressed that Gozo’s challenges are not only the challenges of the Ministry for Gozo, but also the Government, as Gozo has a lot to contribute and should be considered the centre of attention of our work.

He added that as a Government it recognises the activism of representatives from different sectors, and said he will continue to work not only to listen, but together with the Ministry for Gozo and other Ministries, to see how they can be addressed to continue bringing the best results for the island.

Minister for Gozo Clint Camilleri said that, as the second largest of the islands, Gozo sees about 1.7 million tourists a year, a figure which is 50 times greater than its population.

The Minister said that tourism to Gozo is not only important, but it is the engine of the economy, such that this industry offers employment to around 20% of the population and contributes about 50% of Gozo’s Gross Domestic Product.

He went on to speak of how connectivity is necessary to further increase the investment in Gozo, both to attract companies to Gozo and to operate in Gozo, as well as for Gozitan workers and students who cross daily to Malta.

Minister Camilleri said that he considered it a great step to introduce the fourth ship, which has helped alleviate the waiting time for those having to cross. However, he stated that the additional ferry is “a short-term solution, but as a long-term one there is the tunnel.”

Topics were identified and put forward to the committee by some of the sectors represented. MCESD said that those suggested were all topics of importance and to improve the quality of life of Gozitans, and also ensure sustainable development, and these will be discussed at the first meeting of the Regional Committee.

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