A few days ago, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi together with some ministers came over to Gozo to give our constituted bodies a pat on the back, or so it seemed. One has to remember that, only last May, a similar meeting ended in mayhem because of what these bodies clearly saw as the sheer arrogance and gross insensitivity of the powers that be with regard to the needs of the sister island. They seem to forget its double insularity.
One hopes that, this time, what was asked for at this meeting will not fall on deaf ears. Gozo is fed up of always playing second fiddle and being made only half-baked promises few, if any, of which eventually materialise.
It was stated that about 17 urgent points were being raised. These took the form of two separate lists. Some are considered as top priority; others for the medium term. Let's hope, however, that eventually all the 17 points will be implemented.
It is imperative for the region of Gozo to be recognised as one whole tourist locality but for this to happen, it's a must that access to the island, with whatever means, is open at all times. In this respect, it is important that an airstrip is considered essential and should be marked as a priority.
When last summer the budget for 2009 was being prepared, there were 29 electoral proposals and countless pre-budget promises, but only a few ever saw the light of day and made it to the budget. Most were long overdue, but had remained on the waiting lists.
We are promised to have cruise liner berths at Xlendi and Marsalforn for small cruise liners. Why small liners, may I ask. Is it because Gozo is small? Gozo needs the full-size ones, like the ones that visit other small islands in the rest of the Mediterranean.
Eco-tourism is still a new concept but one also has to note that the bulk of visitors come in the warm season when most of the land is just one big mass of brown and burnt soil, unlike the three winter months when Gozo is green and lush. How many of these tourists would want to savour this still remains to be seen. Gozo needs niche tourism; youngsters completing their tourism studies deserve it. Despite the global financial crises and the huge economic problems, small islands similar to ours are inundated with visitors, mostly young people. The Greek islands and the Balearic islands to the west of the Mediterranean are having exceptional good business.
Service is always with a smile, the roads impeccable, everywhere is clean and tidy and working like clockwork. Can't we have that here as well? People flock to these islands in thousands by ship, by plane, by private yachts, by every means. Can't we have a slice of this cake too?
I am sure that the constituted bodies and whoever has Gozo at heart will keep on pressing the government to have our wishes met. This is most important if we are to survive.
We have been waiting far too long. Give accessibility and proper marketing to the island top priority.