Through a Gozitan's eyes

How insensitive can some people be towards Gozo and Gozitan affairs? By all means, whoever wants to come and relax in Gozo, and enjoy its tranquillity and quiet surroundings, is welcome to do so. However, one must also be realistic and accept the fact that we are living in 2006, soon 2007.

Contributors like Mark Schembri (Preserve Gozo, December 20) and others of the "Let Gozo Be" lobby should look at the island from a different perspective. No one in his right mind would want to ruin our island. Deep down they know it would be grossly unfair to comment on such matters when these gentlemen do not reside on the island for 365 days. Getting to Gozo for a break, a holiday, is one thing; living on the island, trying to make ends meet with all the difficulties which are not in short supply is another.

These people know how we suffer from the handicap of double insularity, the great setbacks we have had with the island's tourist industry. Our brothers and sisters on the mother island should help us get back on our two feet and not put spokes in the wheels. For once we wish to see some valid points coming from that direction, not opinions harbouring on the selfishness.

Gozo Channel company is giving a good service, but that alone is simply not enough in this day and age. No one would ever dream of having a Luqa-type airport on Gozo. No one, and I repeat no one wants that. However, a realistic air service is a must and is needed immediately.

As to Mr Schembri's concerns about another air fiasco, the disadvantages mentioned, its limited capacity etc., he should leave that to the experts and people in the know, before he puts pen to paper.

Yes, Gozo is a gem, and will always remain so as long as things are done intelligently. Gozo, on the other hand, is no longer a presepju, nor the Gozitans pasturi.