I often float the idea of a permanent link between the two islands to Maltese and Gozitans. Most of those residing in Gozo are very much in favour of the permanent link but I’m not surprised that the idea meets resistance from some of those whose abode is in Malta – the main argument being that Gozo would lose its characteristics.
So what are the characteristics of Gozo?
Definitely the slower pace and more laid back way of life. The less densely populated section of the Maltese islands. The greener environment. The unique heritage sites. The various cultural traditions that are synonymous with Gozo.
However, the very limited choice for primary and secondary education is also a characteristic of Gozitan life, especially the need to travel to Malta for extracurricular activities and tertiary education.
The limited choice of careers in the private sector coupled with the high dependency on government employment is also a characteristic of Gozitan life. The necessity to travel to Malta for most health needs is felt by all.
To add insult to injury, apart from a restrictive timetable to cross to Malta for these needs, bad weather also affects Gozitans’ life by disrupting connectivity with Malta. This unpredictability in travelling to work or for other services – be it health, education, travelling abroad or whatever – is also a factor for Gozitan residents. After all, Gozo’s characteristics are created by we Gozitans. This is Gozo, and life in Gozo for you!
Yet Gozo is fast perishing. The native population is dwindling. The number of primary schoolchildren has dropped by over 40 per cent since 2000 when the total number was 2,314. By 2014 that figure had dropped to 1,448. This contrasts with a drop of only 23 per cent in mainland Malta. The shrinking population is also evidenced by the drop in birth rate by 20 per cent, mortality rate by 15 per cent, and marriages by 23 per cent, which again contrasts sharply with Maltese figures.
Improving accessibility to Gozo is a must, otherwise the characteristics of Gozitan life will be lost forever
Statistically, the number of people registered as living in Gozo has remained stable over the years at around 30,000. However, in 2011, as many as 4,314 are people with M or L registration. Around 75 per cent of these are Maltese who own property in Gozo and have switched their primary address to benefit from lower ferry fares.
On the other hand, a number of Gozitans registered as living in Gozo are actually residing in Malta. These include most University or Mcast students. If ferry prices of those residing in Malta and Gozo were uniform, we would have the true picture of Gozo’s population. A classic example is my own family, where two out of six are already mostly residing in Malta but still registered in Gozo.
No wonder it’s so quiet in Gozo in midweek. Those who remain are either government employees or the few workers with the small- to medium-sized enterprises, apart from around 50 per cent who are not in employment for various reasons.
If we do not pursue the permanent connection with Malta, the brain and skill drain will continue to erode the native population. The majority of young Gozitan couples are settling in Malta. This means they are not investing in property in Gozo. Moreover, they spend most of their time and money in Malta.
Initially, they travel to visit their parents and extended family in Gozo almost every weekend. However, this will change drastically once the couple have their first child. In fact, some grandparents are leaving Gozo to live near their children in Malta. This is a reality that is leading to the further shrinkage of the Gozitan population.
Improving accessibility to Gozo is a must to aid in its repopulation as otherwise the characteristics of Gozitan life will be lost forever.
I’m sure that nobody would argue that improving accessibility to Gozo would take away our island’s physical characteristics which we are all proud of. No tunnel would lead to the loss of Ramla il-Ħamra or the Azure Window in Dwejra or the Citadel. Nobody would take away the quaint seaside villages of Marsalforn and Xlendi.
If village core life has been preserved in Ħal Safi, Kirkop, Qrendi and Mġarr, to name a few, I see no reason why improved accessibility would affect that in various Gozitan villages.
Gozitans do not need positive discrimination. They are not afraid of competition. However, they do need opportunities. Gozitans dream of a level playing field. We don’t need to depend on anybody for favours to have our rights safeguarded. Our rights are ours to keep.
A permanent link is just the start of a long process to rectify this worrying trend.
Franco Mercieca is a Labour MP.