Sant attacks Gozo minister

Labour leader Alfred Sant would yesterday not confirm whether a future Labour government would retain a minister for Gozo, saying that what was important was not who ran and co-ordinated Gozo but that they had the energy and initiative to work for the island's interest.

Dr Sant said whoever was responsible for the island must have the backing of the whole government to implement a programme that would benefit the island.

Speaking at a news conference in Ghajnsielem together with the former Parliamentary Secretary for Gozo, Anton Refalo, Dr Sant said the manner in which Gozo Minister, Giovanna Debono was operating had not benefited the island and he questioned whether she had worked for Gozo or for the Nationalist Party.

"If we look at all the sectors, can we honestly say things have got better? The answer is no and the minister is to blame for this."

Dr Sant said a Labour government would set up a regional structure for Gozo that would work with central and local government. He also pledged to provide certain public services on the island so that Gozitans would not have to travel to Malta.

Dr Sant said Malta, and Gozo in particular, needed to maximise the advantages of being small while at the same time avoid the disadvantages associated with it.

The Labour leader said this could only be achieved under his partnership policy, and not through the inflexibility of EU membership.

He also said that the MLP would ensure that a subsidy would be retained on the transport of goods between the two islands whereas it would be removed as a result of membership.

Meanwhile, he said, more effort was needed to promote tourism to Gozo. He promised that the MLP would analyse what needed to be done and solve each problem in turn.