The Gozo Channel transport service between Sa Maison and Mġarr harbour came up for discussion during the annual general meeting of the Gozo Business Chamber last Sunday.

Due to various reasons this service has been reduced to three from five times a week, or sometimes just twice a week.

Businessmen attending the meeting expressed concern over this issue which is of utmost importance not only to those businessmen using this service but also to the whole Gozitan economy.

The extra costs incurred by businessmen to transport their goods via the Ċirkewwa route cannot be sustained any longer and if a permanent solution is not found it could eventually lead to higher prices.

The chamber held various meetings with Gozo Channel and the ministries concerned, but a solution is still far off though meetings are still going on.

It was also noted that through the hard work and persistence of the chamber, the authorities had reduced the fees for permits of shopowners and other establishments based in Gozo.

Other points raised during the meeting were the resumption of a fixed wing or helicopter service between the two islands, the construction of one or two pontoons to make it possible for cruise liners to stop in Gozo, the membership and funding of GBC and the need to initiate a regional and national debate on a fixed link between the two islands.

At the end of the meeting, the outgoing president, Michael Caruana, thanked all the members for the hard work and sacrifices they made to promote the chamber and the good work it is doing for the Gozitan community.