Working close to the people

Feasible plans

The Ministry for Gozo is to lead and coordinate the planning and implementation of current and future projects in various sectors, through a detailed schedule of doing things around the island. We have feasible plans that incentivise further investment, not only to create more jobs but also to boost the island’s financial and economic standing, utilising all its potential with regard to human resources and technological skills.

Gozo is an island with a particularly rich cultural heritage and a hard-working and resilient population. As a matter of fact, my major challenge is to erase the erroneous perception that, in Gozo, anything goes and in so doing tangibly improve the quality of life of Gozitans, particularly by delivering on overdue projects. Decisions have to be taken in order to address the challenges we face regarding the shelving of long-overdue projects and the re-dimensioning or re-locating of others, as well as the new and innovative projects that we need to start from scratch.

Infrastructural work

This second Labour government has already made it clear that the infrastructure will be one its major tasks during this legislature. The Gozo Ministry has been immediately active in this respect, having drawn up a priority list of roadwork to be carried out. We have been in continuous planning with Enemalta and the Water Services Corporation for the necessary work to be carried out on schedule for the Ministry to ensure the overall surfacing according to best standards.

This infrastructural work is what people need and what they voted for. It is, in fact, my duty to see that such work is carried out on schedule without any delays that can cause unnecessary inconvenience to residents. Although the residents can see for themselves what is actually being done for them, they also know that these are long-overdue projects and will therefore give their full cooperation. The Gozo Ministry will ensure that residents are advised of the schedule of work to be carried out, together with feasible completion dates. This is another way for me to be close to the people I am bound to serve.

Quality first

I have always believed in Gozo’s potential and the resilient skills of my fellow Gozitans, no matter the challenges. In my role as Minister, I am now determined to be a driving force to instil increased trust in our own abilities. This will be achieved through diligent listening to constructive criticism, more organisational measures in all sectors and providing the necessary tools and structures to reach our targets. Whether it is economic, social, infrastructural or cultural, the concept of quality is a must in whatever we do!

This is particularly important

The Citadel, Qala, Xewkija and M[arr

The first ever Gozo Film Festival was a very successful three-day event entertaining large audiences at the Citadel, with both indoor and outdoor venues. It promoted local (Gozitan and Maltese) film-makers, as well as foreign productions, with the interesting aspect that all the productions had connections with Gozo. The festival featured 32 short/feature films, including nine by Maltese and Gozitan filmmakers, and two documentaries. This first-ever festival gave a new dimension to add more life to our majestic Citadel, while providing children with enjoyable sessions on film production and television work.

During the week, I had the pleasure – together with Qala mayor Paul Buttigieg – of welcoming to Ħondoq Bay a group of elderly residents from Mount Carmel Hospital. It was part of an outing to Gozo, organised by the hospital’s staff. It was indeed a very successful outdoor initiative, for which I thank the dedicated MCH workers.

Only yesterday the Malta International Food Festival came to Gozo with a special edition of Malta’s most popular food festival, held in Xewkija’s main square. We had food stands selling a host of culinary delicacies, with seven in- ternational cuisines, offering no fewer than 50 different dishes – including genuine Gozitan food – in this free street food festival with a focus on inclusivity. The live band and singers provided more entertainment against the baroque backdrop of the imposing Xewkija rotunda.

This event was also a huge success and – being among our people, their families and many visitors – encourages me for other similar activities within an even more colourful cultural calendar for our island.

Together with my team, I recently visited the Mġarr Harbour area. I noticed its derelict state and took immediate action to ensure that a programme of work was carried out. Thanks to the Gozo Ministry Maintenance Unit, this work was completed in a matter of days. Over the weekend, all those who attended the successful Jazz Do, could enjoy a tidier Mġarr and we want to keep it that way. During our activities, which attracting masses of people, we will also be campaigning in favour of a tidier Gozo.

All the initiatives we are taking demonstrate that good planning, coupled with determination, results in further exposure of Gozo’s rich potential.