Feeling of isolation
Gozitans endure much that they do not deserve. Noise and air pollution, crumbling roads, job losses, government neglect, encroachment and rape of the environment, incessant construction, resulting in blocked village streets and roadways, lawlessness,...
Gozitans endure much that they do not deserve. Noise and air pollution, crumbling roads, job losses, government neglect, encroachment and rape of the environment, incessant construction, resulting in blocked village streets and roadways, lawlessness, lack of respect from those who should know better, the list is endless!
However, nothing irks Gozitans as much as the feeling of isolation and helplessness that descends upon the island each time a means of transportation used to maintain a life-line to the outside world is suspended, albeit temporarily.
Such was the case when the original helicopter service was discontinued. This was then replaced by another air service which charged passengers more, and as a result did not last beyond a few months.
The seaplane service is due to start operating within a few days, but adverse weather conditions and the proposed landing area leave Gozitans sceptical about its viability.
Which brings us to the service rendered by Gozo Channel. It is understandable that in anticipation of the very busy summer schedule, each of its three vessels should be pulled out of service and undergo maintenance on a rotational basis. But this rotation should have been undertaken earlier in the year.
On June 4, much to the consternation of many passengers who wished to board the 8:15 a.m. crossing from Gozo along with their cars, some of whom even had airplanes to catch at the airport, Gozo Channel was able to operate only one vessel. Therefore, the 8:15 a.m. crossing never took place! This was as a result of a second boat becoming inoperative on the Cirkewwa side. The third had been undergoing maintenance since late May.
With all due respect to Slim Dusty of Pub with no Beer fame, the following describes the sentiments of those who got left behind, due to lack of space on the one ferry in operation, and what eventually became the 9:00 a.m. crossing: But there's nothing so lonesome, morbid or drear, than to stand at Mgarr, and see your ferry still tied up at the Cirkewwa pier!