Chris Said proposes regional council for Gozo

Parliamentary Secretary Chris Said said today that one should consider the setting up of a Gozo Regional Council as an interface between the Ministry for Gozo and local councils.

Speaking at a conference to mark the 50th anniversary since the setting up of the Gozo Civic Council, Dr Said said Gozo had its particular characteristics and requirements. He personally felt that time had come for socety to consider the best model for the administration of Gozo, which should be considered as a region.

The proposed regional council, he said, could be presided by the minister of Gozo and include within it the island's MPs and mayors. It could consider proposals and oversee projects which were specific for Gozo, including issues of environment planning and social-economic developments.

The Gozo Civic Council - which was wound down in 1973 - could well be a model for the future, Dr Said said, while adding that the proposal he had made for regional administration was a personal view.

Speakers at the conference, held at the Kempiski San Lawrenz Hotel, generally backed the idea but warned of over-governance

Those present included Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono who said the administration of Gozo needed to be constantly updated accordingto current needs.