Ever since I was brought into this world, that is 77 years ago this month, I always saw progress reaching Gozo far too many years after being implemented in mainland Malta.

For example Rediffusion was introduced in Malta in 1938 just before the 2nd World War. A Gozitan, Mr Attard from Xaghra, used to broadcast from London during the War Years. Here in Gozo Rediffusion wasn’t introduced until 1956, as was also the television, when initially only a few people could afford paying 3 three pence daily for this service.

At this time the Government installed loudspeakers at Banca Giuratale and all of the village main squares so that the general public would be able to hear the news. This was at the time that the Manchester United team had their terrible air crash in Munich.

I remember watching Manchester playing in the FA Final against Preston North End with Finney scoring, a year later they played against Bolton with Lofthouse scoring, Manchester United lost both matches. We then had the pleasure of seeing the Brazil wonder team excelling in the 1958 World Cup.

Meanwhile those having the privilege of having Rediffusion installed in their homes, would from 9am till 10am, put it on full sound so people would know that they had a Rediffusion and also for the songs to be heard by one and all. Songs such as “Marina – Marina” “Ti volio piu presto sposar” and Pat Boone with his “Speedy Gonzales why don’t you go home.”

Up until 1971 Gozo only had 271 telephones, these were mostly in Governmental Offices, businesses and the homes of professional people. The exchange used the “Scrounger” system with the operators connecting a person by stating one’s family nickname and not by one’s name. It was in the mid-80’s that Former Ministers Wistin Abela and Dr Philip Muscat inaugurated the new telephone exchange.

When I became Chairperson of Gozo Channel we added another four ferries to the existing single one. From the last ferry leaving Malta at 6pm in winter and at 7.30pm in summer, I was instrumental in introducing a 24 hour service all year round. Previously Gozitan Workers had to overstay their work days by occasionally 3 weeks without stepping foot back on Gozo, this created great hardship with finances, clean clothing and the pleasure of being with their loved ones.

Drainage and electricity began in a massive implementation during the mid-50s with electricity provided to most homes as well as water connections. Prior to this water facilities were in the streets with the general public queueing at the taps for their turn to fill their pails and other containers.

In my time in Parliament there were several black spots in rural areas still without these essential services, which my colleague and myself implemented through our political efforts. Even today there are still some black spots regarding drainage which are still without these essential elements.

From Guzeppi the street cleaner with his horse and cart and a tank filled with sea-water spraying the streets from in front of the Lyceum in Victoria through Republic Street to Sabina Square daily on mid-days, to first introducing asphalt in about 1963/4 and then to Tarmac in 1975.

From having a “Charles Dickens” hospital till 1967/1975 to a new modern hospital that we know today. From doctors serving in the “Bereg” to the new modern clinics. So yes progress is reaching Gozo belatedly, but even if years later than in the mainland, it is reaching Gozo.

Second Fibre Optic Cable

Years upon year, each and every Gozo Minister has been insisting and promoting the idea of Gozo having a second Fibre Optic Cable in Gozo, so credit goes to each and every one of these present and former Ministers.

The Industrial Hub in Victoria/Xewkija was built with the vision of Gozo having this second Fibre Optic Cable and finally it has arrived. Now new opportunities have been opened up for Gozitan students with technological know how, thus providing a much better future.

Having a second Fibre Optic Cable is not enough by itself, it needs government input and support to persuade new companies to open up their offices and businesses in Gozo.

If one considers the achievements obtained by Gozitan students then one finds that a good percentage of the top results are acquired by students from Gozo. Many Gozitans are at present working in high tech jobs in Malta, if such work opportunities are provided/opened in Gozo, many of them will of course choose to work here.

I have always maintained that no study has yet been made of how many Gozitan students who having acquired excellent marks in their final exams have opted for inferior work as long as it is provided in Gozo, so that they don’t have to stay for 5 years or more over in Malta. It would interesting if someone in authority or one of our institutions could inform the general public of these statistics.

Finally, more input has to be made to the Gozo University and we must not continue reducing the financial support given to it. The Gozo University should be used to expand the studies available to Gozitan students especially during the present Covid-19 pandemic. We need to make more use of visual conferences/lectures via Skype, or other similar new technologies which are now available.

As the sayings goes “it’s better late than never.”

Lino DeBono

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