‘Res Ipsa Loquitur’ – Let the facts speak for themselves

Twenty-five years in power and having done little to alleviate Gozo’s disadvantages is what the previous government will probably be remembered for.

But now that they are in Opposition, they have the audacity to say that the present government is doing nothing and should do this and that in just under four years, taking the unbelievable to a different level. However, I will not dwell on such negative messages, specifically relayed to the Gozitan community. Instead, I will say what this government has managed to do in such a short time and let the facts speak for themselves.

Tourism is a success story and is now spread over the 12 months of the year instead of only several months per year. This was possible due to schemes and incentives organized together with Gozo Channel, which allowed more visitors to come to Gozo and also because the cultural calendar has something to offer every month of the year, whether we are talking about operas, Carnival, Christmas, Easter, fireworks festivals, arts, music, folklore, exhibitions, sports and many other events.

In the past three years we have seen unemployment go down and employment increase, mainly in the private sector. In fact, the most recent data on regional employment shows that from 2013 to the end of 2015, 1,351 jobs were created for Gozitans, of which 1,090 were in Gozo itself. All these translated into economic growth which showed Gozo’s potential. The GDP of Gozo increased by €35 million in 2015, compared to just €3.5 million euro in 2012, that is, growing tenfold in just three years. Gozo Channel registered a loss of €1.2 million in 2012, compared to a profit of €1.8 million in 2015. Talk about reserving trends and turnabouts!

Let us now turn to projects which we are working on or have finalized. Through EU funds, we have finished Cittadella. True, it was a plan devised by the previous government… however, it issued only one tender. We finalized the project through the further issuing of over 20 tenders. Planning is well and good but to actually do the work is completely different. We have carried out work on valleys and roads as well as general upkeep, maintaining that first impressions of the island count more than any amount of funds we spend on publicity. We are also refurbishing our cultural assets, as these are precious assets we cannot dare neglect.

After a significantly long time with no foreign investment in Gozo, we have managed to reverse that trend too and this needs to be seen in the light of all the positive spillover effects this will have on Gozo’s small economy. A private company started operations in Gozo, bringing employment to Gozitans in Gozo itself. Barts Medical School is going to create significant multiplier effects because the students and their families will be needing accommodation, transport, food, and entertainment outlets. The increase in services provided by the enlarged hospital will have similar effects, including rehabilitation services. The smaller of a set of two indoor heated swimming pools in Victoria will be one source of such rehab facilities. Furthermore, the bigger pool will offer the chance for more sports and activities to be organized all year round. In the next two weeks, another private company will be opening up a branch in Gozo, which is why we are optimistic that we have managed to reverse the investment trend.

We have already applied for three projects for Gozo that have been approved; two of them are substantial, based on EU funding from the new financial perspectives. One must appreciate that applications opened in 2015 and everyone knows the amount of work this entails and the time it takes for such decisions to be taken. In the meantime, we did the background work on what we needed to do for Gozo. The two substantial projects include the Gozo museum and the new premises for offices and workshops in Xewkija. This is a total of €21 million being invested in Gozo. The other project is the refurbishment of the Xewkija windmill.

Seeing the need for more beds for our senior citizens, we embarked on building an elderly home in Għajnsielem, which will accommodate 140 people. The construction work will be finalized soon. We have identified the area for the new Courts of Justice, and we have done extensive work on its plans and the way on how to begin the tendering process.

Studies have been conducted in relation to several projects which need time for their implementation. These include the buoy for cruise liners in Xlendi because the one placed there by the previous government was only used once and could have caused a catastrophic disaster due to its dangerous location. Therefore, we have taken the time needed to do things right this time round and to ensure that the buoy is safe and does not disturb any marine archaeological remains.

Physical and digital connectivity are probably the most pressing issues regarding Gozo’s insularity. In the past few years, studies were conducted to ascertain the most feasible process and route for the second fibre optic cable. The national budget for 2017 has allocated €3.2 million for this project to come to fruition. Other studies were conducted in relation to the fast ferry proposal. A market survey helped pinpoint the needs of the current cohort of workers/students and other users. The final settling of certain issues will hopefully be resolved and we will be able to launch the fast ferry service from Gozo to Valletta. Studies are also underway regarding the feasibility of a tunnel which would link Gozo directly to the mainland.

Furthermore, the consultation process regarding the devolution of powers to Gozo, as stated in the last budget will soon is launched. All the projects we have completed, are continuing or will be initiating are all aimed to bring more prosperity to Gozo, sustainable growth, but most of all jobs for the Gozitans in Gozo. We will be launching further initiatives in the coming weeks.

All this work was done in the first three full years of this legislature. We are working hard and only those with blinkers on cannot see the positive difference it has made to Gozo’s economy. Let the evidence speak for all those involved in making Gozo a prosperous and sustainable economy.