Giving Gozo a boost

Apparently, the Prime Minister is in the process of a Cabinet reshuffle. Hopefully he will take this opportunity to help the Gozitan economy by levelling the playing field, at least a little bit. This can be done by transferring more government jobs to Gozo. The Gozitan economy is challenged in many ways, including lack of its fair share of jobs that are directly, or indirectly financed by the public, both governmental and non-governmental. Examples of the latter are jobs in the sea ports, airport, broadcasting, post-office, telephony, museums, police, university and MCAST, etc. and any other business that caters for the whole nation, and as a result makes economic sense to have it located in Malta.

And it is not just the number of jobs that should be taken into account but also the quality. So it will make sense to have one or two additional ministries relocated to Gozo. Apparently, MP Chris Said is doing a good job as a parliamentary secretary especially in matters related to the procurement of EU funds. His role and responsibilities should be given more importance and upgraded to a ministry located in Gozo. There has been some talk about transferring Dr Said to the Gozo Ministry. Such a move would make neither economic nor political sense. Why would someone who is doing a very good job in this important position be transferred to replace another minister who is doing an equally good job in her current ministry? The current Gozo Minister has fulfilled her responsibilities very well, both with what she has done and what she did not do.

In many respects Gozo is the envy of all Malta and the economic challenges exist in spite of the significant progress that has occurred in the last 10 years in areas such as roads, Mġarr harbour, the environment, schools, hospital, and other infrastructures. As for things she has not done, for example, she should be given credit for resisting the tremendous pressure exerted on her by four or five misguided Gozitan businessmen who want an airstrip on a tiny island that is marketing itself as an eco island.

Of course more needs to be done. Gozo needs a fixed link to Malta. Why should it take a Gozitan three hours to go to Mater Dei or University or to work in Malta? Why should a Gozitan pay €25 to share a minibus to go to the airport and at the same time be severely restricted on the timing of his/her travel? Any other Maltese can, at any time, hop into his car and be at the airport in a matter of minutes. Why should a Gozitan businessman spend all that money for his trailer and driver sitting on the tarmac waiting for the next ferry? Why should Maltese and foreign tourists be discouraged from visiting Gozo due to the hassles of the ferry boat?

So yes, I agree that lots needs to be done but a lot has been accomplished by the current minister and a reshuffle does not make any sense.