Misconceptions dividing one nation

A survey of attitudes among young people in Gozo by the Oasi Foundation has revealed some interesting views about relations between the two islands of Malta and Gozo.

Like many such studies, the sample was limited, even if some will argue that this was scientifically acceptable. It was conducted through focus groups with 300 people between the ages of 10 and 30 years filling the questionnaire.

The exercise addressed a number of topics, ranging from travelling habits and drug and alcohol consumption, to religious opinions and the employment situation. It certainly provides a very good snapshot of Gozitan young peoples’ attitudes to life and their psychological frame of mind in relation to their Maltese brothers and sisters.

The headline-grabbing statistics from the survey concerned this relationship. Thus, 36 per cent of respondents felt the Maltese looked down on them and a further 40 per cent thought this happened occasionally while 14 per cent believed this was not the case.

Only six per cent of young people felt that Gozo offered them enough work opportunities. Fifty-two per cent of those aged between 15 and 24 years were unemployed while 95 per cent of the 25-30-years-olds were in work. Almost 60 per cent felt that there was far too much construction development going on in Gozo and 76 per cent indicated they go to Mass once a week.

At face value, the results confirm what we already know about Gozo and the Gozitans. It is a fiercely independent island. To an extent, its history makes it a race apart. It is deeply conservative in its attitudes, as the high Mass attendance and the recent divorce referendum attest. It is also proud of its rural roots and natural landscapes and realises that its future economic well-being and quality of life depend, to a large extent, on preserving the special beauty that sets Gozo apart from Malta, where Gozitans can see stark evidence of the high price of overdevelopment.

Yet, there is also a latent resentment of the Maltese despite – or, perhaps, because of – the income derived from mainland visitors to Gozo who support its tourism, which is the mainstay of its economy, and have second homes there.

The survey concludes that the Gozitans feel the Maltese treat them with disdain. Should one read too much into this? Neighbourly resentment within nations is not unusual. Think of the Scots and the English, the Welsh and the English or the feelings of northern Italians towards southern Italy.

Gozo and Malta are no different. The issue is about how policymakers in both Malta and Gozo respond to these natural tensions.

It is a fact that Gozo lags behind Malta in employment opportunities and economic development. The challenge lies in improving things so that the Gozitans do not feel that they are the poor relations. Every opportunity must be taken for encouraging greater job opportunities in Gozo while safeguarding those special qualities of tranquillity and natural beauty that make Gozo a unique place to live.

The survey recognised that the creeping urbanisation of Gozo could spell the death knell to what makes Gozo special. The Gozo “eco-project” is most commendable and must be pursued. Digging a tunnel to Gozo may bring unwelcome unintended consequences. The establishment of an investment promotion agency, distinct from Malta Enterprise, could be a step in the right direction.

Until the gaps in employment and economic opportunities are narrowed, Gozitan – and Maltese – misconceptions will persist. They must be removed. We are one nation.