Job-creating measures for Gozo urged

The Gozo Business Chamber has called for job-creating initiatives for Gozo in the 2005 Budget.

The chamber yesterday issued its budget proposals in a press release, complaining that there is no direct Gozitan representation on the MCESD.

The chamber said the budget should include job-creating measures for Gozo to overcome its insularity, such as favourable tax treatment or a different VAT level for goods and services in Gozo.

The chamber called for reliable links between the two islands and better harbour facilities at Mgarr, including facilities for yachts and cruise ships.

It also complained that the Tax Compliance Unit was coming down heavy-handedly on those who were creating job opportunities in Gozo.

"The chamber does not condone tax evasion. However we cannot have a situation where whoever is enterprising is penalised while those who do not want to work are rewarded by a generous Social Services Department for being unproductive."

The chamber said that for the past 18 years various governments had been promising to provide a site for those small enterprises which were operating within residential areas. "These operators cannot take it any longer and consequently this is causing further loss of jobs."

The chamber also called for an improved infrastructure for tourism in Gozo, including good berthing facilities, a regular air link and a golf course.