No man is an island

Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono and her Labour counterpart Anton Refalo are constantly shuttling between the two islands. But Ariadne Massa finds that when the going gets tough they find solace at home.

Giovanna Debono

As a teenager my favourite hang-out in Gozo was...

Somewhere where I could practise sports - be it lawn tennis, netball, swimming or cycling. My old bicycle is still in the garage at my parents' home. There were no swimming pools back then so the sea was the only place to go for a swim. The people of Nadur usually gathered at Ramla or Daħlet Qorrot, so going to Xlendi or Marsalforn was different.

How many times a week do you catch the boat to Malta?

More than six times a week. There are times when I attend a meeting in Malta in the morning, cross back to Gozo for another appointment, then return to Malta for a parliamentary session. It is quite hectic, but the new Gozo Channel ferries have made travelling easier. Having studied and worked in Malta as a teacher I got used to it.

Should a bridge be constructed between Malta and Gozo?

Accessibility between both islands is paramount. The introduction of new ferries and the extension of the timetable have contributed tremendously. However, while the crossing is a unique experience in itself, this does not rule out other options for better accessibility. Decisions in this regard would have to be taken at the appropriate time.

Santa Marija invasion: Blessing or curse?

Gozo is experiencing a heavy flow of visitors, especially those from Malta. Gozo's tourism sector and its economy need this, so it's a blessing. Constant dialogue and collaboration between the government and stakeholders have reaped excellent results, so sustaining Gozo's tourism industry relies heavily on these "blessings", especially during the leaner and shoulder months.

The advantage of living in Gozo is...

A lot of things... Better air, a greener environment, less traffic, more tranquillity, and everywhere is close to home. Moreover, Gozo has retained much of its charming characteristics, complemented by the warmth of our people.

Which is the best tourist: Maltese or foreign?

Our economy needs both to counterbalance the negative effects of seasonality. However, we are fortunate to have managed to lure an overwhelming number of Maltese. To sustain the industry we need people to stay longer, so together with the players in the field, we have been tapping various niche markets.

Maltese go to Gozo for a weekend break. Where do Gozitans go?

They go to Malta or abroad. However, those who commute for work every day take the opportunity to stay home or go to their favourite spot in Gozo.

When the going gets tough, which part of Gozo do you go to in search of solace?

Solace is found at home. I'm hardly ever home, so I savour every minute I have. My parents' home, where all my sisters and a brother still live, is also a haven of refuge.

The one thing we can't do in Gozo is...

Get lost... It's too small and if you do get lost, everyone would help you find your way.

How hard is it to say no to favours on an island where everybody knows one another?

The fact that everyone knows one another has its pros and cons. However, the former considerably surpasses the latter. Knowing a person means knowing their difficulties and when they need help. It does not mean they need favours. As a politician I feel we enter politics to be of service and you cannot achieve this if you don't listen to the people. It is easy to assume people are just after favours. Reality proves otherwise when you become away of the dire conditions some people face. I strongly believe in keeping contact with people at all times and not only just before an election campaign.

Anton Refalo

As a teenager my favourite hang-out in Gozo was...

The Victoria Scouts Group, where they drummed into my consciousness the movement's motto of preparedness. In those days, there weren't so many places where we could hang out, so my friends and I spent many hours at each other's houses listening to music. I grew up on the good old rock ballads and protest songs of immortal bands such as Deep Purple, Vangelis and Whitesnake, among others. In summer, everyone converged at Marsalforn. I was a keen water polo enthusiast with the Penguins where Austin Gatt was one of my team-mates. They say he was rowdier and I was tougher.

How many times a week do you catch the boat to Malta?

It depends on my workload and family commitments. In winter I catch the boat three or four times a week on average. The bright side to catching a ferry is that at least I find the time to catch up on reading the international papers and to plan ahead and fix appointments over the mobile.

Should a bridge be constructed between Malta and Gozo?

Yes! Communication and transportation between the two islands is essential. Gozo has last out tremendously due to the fact that for several years the ferry was the only means of transport. My party is committed to upgrading the necessary infrastructure, which will permit various modes of transport based on long-term strategic plan.

Santa Marija invasion: Blessing or curse?

I believe that Santa Marija is full of blessings and graces. The exodus of thousands of Maltese families during this period is a fact, which has now become ingrained in the Gozitans' collective psyche. It is one of our selling points as an island and the vast majority look forward to it.

The advantage of living in Gozo is...

The fact that it's a relatively unspoilt island and the family values are still intact. Its flora and fauna are impressive and the landscapes are beautiful.

Which is the best tourist: Maltese or foreign?

Statistics prove that the best tourist is by far the Maltese. They are repeat visitors who spend extensively on their breaks. So they are very warmly welcomed by everyone. It is a pity that it is not in the remit of the Malta Tourism Authority to market Gozo among the Maltese. It is also a great pity that Gozo is not properly marketed on its own.

Maltese go to Gozo for a weekend break. Where do Gozitans go?

Inter-island weekend breaks inevitably work both ways. Personally, unless otherwise committed by some political activity, weekends are sacred family time.

When the going gets tough, which parts of Gozo do you go to in search of solace?

For a politician-cum-lawyer like me this is a very difficult question to answer. Being in the public domain means sacrificing your privacy, and adjusting to this "occupational hazard" would not have been possible without the constant support of my wife Lina. I love my home, and as a result being with my family is my ultimate source of solace.

The one thing we can't do in Gozo is...

Give Gonzipn another five years to rule.

How hard is it to say no to favours on an island where everybody knows one another?

Better ask Giovanna Debono this question! I am proud to form part of a political party which preaches and practises zero tolerance on shady and iffy deals. I have always believed Gozitans' rights are there to be safeguarded and respected. It is high time a new way of conducting politics is brought forward.