Investment growth in Gozo to continue - Gonzi
Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said this morning that more remained to be done to exploit Gozo's potential in order to improve its economy and reduce unemploymnet.
Dr Gonzi told a PN business breakfast in Marsalforn that his government had invested heavily on the island and would do more if returned after the general election.
It was important, he said, that Gozo was fully part of the developments in Information Technology, and progress had been made down this path with the recent setting up of services companies in Gozo.
Gozo also needed to be better promoted as a distinct tourism destination and the government, which had given a voice to the island in Cabinet, wanted the island to also have a stronger voice in other sections of the government and in Brussels.
He underscored work done by the government in Gozo over the past few years, including the ongoing rebuilding of roads, the building of new schools, better facilities at Gozo hospital and the new ferry terminal at Mgarr and said he 'could not wait' to launch Gozo as an eco-island, a development which would mean better quality of life for the Gozitans.
Asked by a listener about whether the government had plans to privatise Air Malta, Dr Gonzi said guaranteed flight access to Malta was essential for growth and it was therefore important to have a national airline.
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E. Tabone
Feb 22nd 2008, 15:30
I find it very funny that Christian mentions the Victoria-San Lawrenz road being excessively expensive... a raod that was awarded to an MLP election candidate... .... And you keep insisting that PN last increased the Ferry tariff... but we know that it was the MLP that first increased the ferry tarriff when you were in your early uni days from 30c to 50c. And it was the MLP govt that reduced the number of trips to a less convenient one... Please Christian, when you start mentioning things MLP have done (for Gozo)..mention everything. It's not anywhere close to a list so it's not that hard to remember... You mention a list of parastatal "companies" that were established by the MLP government... It's funny how you say that the foreign companies are in operation till this very day.. I thought they had to close upon entry to the EU. The only reason why some companies are still here.. and even more came.. is because Malta kept its competitive edge through better standard of living, better IT infrastructure, commitment of workers and their bilingual qualities... All this thanks to the PN govt.
Renato J. Costigan
Feb 21st 2008, 14:22
I thank the Prime Minister, the Comunications Minister Censu Galea and the minister for Gozo Giovanna Debono for the new Mgarr Terminal which was inaugurated today. Another project entrusted by the government. A gift to those who cross the channel between Malta and Gozo. It is true it is late but better late than sorry.
Christian Zammit
Feb 21st 2008, 13:23
In response to Renato Costigan's claims, I would like to correct his errors.
It was in effect, GonziPN which has last raised the Gozo Channel tarriff in 2004/5.
With regards to his statement about the construction of the ship under the current PN government. Yes it is true that these ships have been built lately. But it is fair to remind everyone that Gozo Channel was established in the eighties by a Labour administration; the same Labour administration which had established Bank of Valletta p.l.c Mid-Med Bank, Sea Malta, Air Malta, EneMalta and TeleMalta, and attracted a multitude of foreign firms, which are still to this day, the backbone of our exports sector.
With regards to the touristic aspect, the situation in Gozo is not a rosy at all, as proven by the closure of hotels in Mgarr and Marsalforn.
Renato J. Costigan
Feb 21st 2008, 08:44
Mr. Christian Zammit you are writing exactly as your leader speaks. Opposed to everything - saying no to everything - looking negatively to every project.
It was the Labour Party which back to 1996/98 government raised the tariffs and not the GonziPN.
When you cross the channel just remember that you are on a ferry built by the Maltese for the Maltese including the Gozitans, under the Nationalist government.
Keith Grech
Feb 21st 2008, 07:20
The more I hear about the distinctions between Malta and Gozo the sicker I become. This is just a small town a stone away from Malta!!!! This nonsense was planted during the colonial days of the British and we managed to cultivate it so well over the years. Divide and rule. Investing in Malta, Gozo or Comino makes no difference as long as the foreign exchange reaches our pockets.
Saviour Abdilla
Feb 20th 2008, 17:09
Keith, the comments may very well be GonziPN oriented... but I believe you have every right to provide us with a list of MLP's promises and how to achieve them. You shall forgive me for not holding my breath.
Christian Zammit
Feb 20th 2008, 15:47
Gonzi has stated that the PN loves Gozo.
Unfortunately, GonziPN is the party which has last raised the Gozo Channel tariff; the same party which has announced so many dates with regards to the conclusion of the Mgarr/Cirkewwa terminals, a project which has excessively exceeded expenditure estimates; the same can be said about the Victoria-San Lawrenz road; it is the same party which has turned the Xewkija Industrial Estate into a ghost town; the same party which has caused a brain drain in Gozo due to lack of work opportunities for our youths; the same party which has broken so many promises ranging from the Victoria-Xlendi road to the decompression chamber.
E. Tabone
Feb 20th 2008, 15:20
Keith, are you perhaps suggesting that there is a hidden agenda on who is allowed to comment on this website's articles? Everyone has a right to comment here - if there's a lack of pro-MLP comments it's only because MLP never really did keep Gozo close at heart.. and in turn Gozitans do not keep MLP close at heart.. save a few die-hard Labourites.
Mention one *good* and *major* investment MLP have done for Gozo?
Daniel Formosa
Feb 20th 2008, 15:16
Dear Mr Zammit, it's not a question of not a hollistic discussion..its a question of facts....you can't deny the truth!
Keith Zammit
Feb 20th 2008, 14:12
How come all these comments in favour of the Gonzipn campaign? Cannot there be a holistic discussion at least online?
L. Grech
Feb 20th 2008, 13:14
Gonzi and his party in govenrment have proved to have gozo at heart and recognized its potentiality. Although it has particular difficultaties due to its size and its small popultion, it has achieved admirable goals that encourage stability in Gozo. Well done!
Daniel Formosa
Feb 20th 2008, 12:15
The PN has always prooved to be the party which loves Gozo and puts it at the heart of its policies and proposals...the past government has invested heavily in Gozo especially in infrastructural works..we can all see the investment in the road network across Gozo as well as the incentives the Government gave to private firms to invest..the setting up of 6pm and HSBC back offices are all testimony to this...on the other hand we have a Labour Party that never invested in Gozo...the only thing Dr Sant did in the 22 months as Prime Minister was to increase the Gozo fares for Gozitans...this is how much the MLP has Gozo at heart, and now we have a PN manifesto that is placing a lot of importance to Gozo and is planning to invest in recording studios to develop a niche market, further back office centres and investments so that Gozo will become an eco-island with alternative sources of energy and transport systems which are eco-friendly...Gozo can become a role model of environmental sustainability and this shows that only the PN truly believes in Gozo...and in the Maltese too!