PN government will simplify planning process to encourage investment in Gozo
Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi
A new Nationalist government will simplify the planning process to encourage investment in Gozo, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said this evening.
Speaking at a political activity in Xaghra, Dr Gonzi said a PN-led government will encourage the development of five-star hotels on the sister island, which were badly needed.
Fast-tracking such projects would create more employment opportunities for Gozitans and improve the tourism product Gozo offered.
Dr Gonzi said Gozo had more advantages than Malta in terms of its beauty and landscapes but had disadvantages which needed to be addressed.
"What did the Labour Party ever do for Gozo?" he asked, as he listed various projects the government carried out on the island over the years including the proposed tunnel, which was being studied, and another proposal for a direct, fast ferry service linking Gozo to the Grand Harbour.
The Prime Minister referred to the Xarabank debate yesterday and said this should serve as an eye opener. Dr Muscat, he said, did not have any idea in which new direction he wanted to take the country.
The PN, the Prime Minister said, had already unveiled some 18 proposals to create more employment opportunities in Gozo for Gozitans and promised to continue earmarking 10 per cent of EU funds the country received for projects on the island.
Dr Gonzi said that the new Employment and Training Corporation in Gozo, which he inaugurated earlier today, promoted specific schemes for Gozitans and new Gozo businesses which employed at least two Gozitans could receive a rebate on income tax.
"Nothing of this would be possible without sound finances," he said adding that Malta had among the lowest income tax rates, which the government was proposing to continue driving down.
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Victor Borg
Jan 20th, 15:26
The falsities being spun by both leaders are depressing. So let's have a sobering factual check: there is no market for more five-star hotels in Gozo - if you remember, one 5-star hotel closed down a few years ago and the site is now another superfluous complex of flats. Second, Gozo lacks the human-resource expertise to run 5-star hotels able to compete internationally.
Pippo de Marco
Jan 20th, 12:25
The only thing that PN did for Gozo in the last 25 years was spend EU money on much needed roads in order to encourage outrageous developments and ruin Gozo in the way that it has allowed developers to ruin Malta.
Read between the lines and remember Gonzi's deeds, not his empty words.
Daniel Borg
Jan 20th, 11:56
Ha jkollu x-xol milli jider :)
M. Bezzina
Jan 20th, 11:40
tooo little too late Gonz!!!
francis Buhagiar
Jan 20th, 11:13
only fools and some CWIEC MALTIN will believe you Gonzi. Try another joke please
John Caruana
Jan 20th, 10:45
Allura ghalfejn qadt tistenna s'issa Dr Gonzi, x'kien ma hsibtx biex twettaq dak li qed twieghed meta kont fl-aqwa tal-legislatura?
Ruben Mifsud
Jan 20th, 10:34
Labourours..two weight, two measures!!
Ctitisizing Gonzi for "Simpilfy Planning Process" as a no no
But for PL to "Simpilfy Planning Process", allowing a 600 million Euro project to built a Powerstation and gas depot without going through Tenders and studies,.. that's ok!!
A direct order for a 600 million Euro Project.. Never ever heard of in a democracy..
PL new proposal!
N. Scicluna
Jan 20th, 10:32
18 proposals for Gozo! Wow, Dr. Gonzi, we are impressed! The thing is, what exactly kept you from implementing any of these in all these years?
Andre Briffa
Jan 20th, 11:35
They were busy implementing the 24 other proposals they pushed through. Research before you comment.
Joseph Bugeja
Jan 20th, 13:16
@ Andre Briffa
They didn't seem to have impressed or impacted the Gozitans much (the 24 proposals I mean!).
Instead we are now promising to build them a tunnel if it is feasible.
Well it is not by any stretch of imagination!
What the P.N. are offering now could easily have been implemented without much expense or effort!
Yes we need to research. The party of studying so as to pay consultants.
Paul Caruana
Jan 20th, 10:31
If by simplifying the process, we make it easier to build new sprawling developments "in the name of progress and employment" in tiny Gozo outside the MEPA BDZ, its allure as a tourist magnet will rapidly diminish! Caution is in order.
Lawrence Fenech
Jan 20th, 10:21
L'ewwel "5 Star Hotel" ghal Fondoq Ir-Rummien" u ghaqtaw minn ser jiehu it-tender ghal bini taghha?
david debattista
Jan 20th, 12:17
WE need Gozitan people to protect what is possible their only attraction to the island. NO it is not Discos nor restaurants nor the hotels, it is OUR environment TAKE THAT AWAY AS IS HAPPENING AND WE STARVE . WE NEED PEOPLE FROM MALTA ESPECIALLY ,TO HELP US IN THIS BECAUSE YOU PEOPLE KNOW VERY WELL WHAT HAPPEN TO THE ENVIRONMENT, YOUR HEALTH AND CONSEQUENCES TO YOUR CHILDREN, Gozitans wake up !
Lawrence Fenech
Jan 20th, 10:00
"Simpilfy Planning Process" ala Zaren.
Albert Farrugia
Jan 20th, 09:33
Aha....so it IS possible to simplify the planning process after all. So why is so much fuss being made about Labour simplifing the planning process as regards the power station? The PL is being accused it will bypass MEPA regulations and environmental impact assessments...would the PN now be doing the same thing in Gozo? I am really amazed how this time round the PN have lost the plot completely.
david debattista
Jan 20th, 09:17
3 People suffering from respiratory condition and other health problems . Winter in the Gozo is great . Green, mild. quiet and the winter environment is fantastic . It would be very attractive for people especially foreigners who want to get away from the below Zero temperatures in their countries . It would also create work for Gozitans in the health sector, without having to go to Malta.
david debattista
Jan 20th, 09:03
2 Gozo does not have to wait till the elections to be promised manna from heaven , Tourism should have been directed towards Gozo long ago especially during the winter months . We had hotels four stars in Gozo and they still were empty during winter . What we needs is a good strategy to attract tourism towards the island .Why not invest in a REHA center for Maltese, Gozitans , and foreigners.
Victor Borg
Jan 20th, 15:28
This is a great idea. Retirement homes would be a great business for Gozo! (But hotels: the tourism model in Gozo is not based on 5-star hotels and it will never be - the islanders are not up to it, they can't compete in upscale tourism.)
david debattista
Jan 21st, 10:25
Victor Borg You can have a A well organized REHA center with arrangement from other countries for people who want their rehabilitation to be carried out in Gozo especially during the winter months . I am no expert in such matters but I imagine arrangements can be made with other countries in the EU who have experience in such fields such as Germany . A 5 star hotel in Gozo in winter FORGET it.
pat muscat
Jan 20th, 08:56
GonziPN delayed, but time did not! Today cash, tomorrow free!
Thomas Anderson
Jan 20th, 08:50
So where was Gonzi the past 15years, Why all these promises now and not when he had the chance.What are Gonzi's proposals, just a statement and that's it? Where are all the GonziPN apologists that wanted the beef from Labour, aren't they a little curious about Gonzi's promises? Or is it more of the same for the next five years if Gonzi regains the government?
david debattista
Jan 20th, 08:47
1 Propaganda is all phony ! What Gozo need is for the FAT CATS to stop playing GOD with the people and subject them to intimidation even with their jobs if they dare open their mouths. Clean MEPA and protect the environment which lets face it, is the only attraction on the island and let the Gozitains advertise Gozo themselves without any dirty tactics from Malta. Five star hotel my foot .
Sandro Borg
Jan 20th, 08:29
It's time a serious study is carried out to create an authority to replace Mepa . The new structure should assure the protection of the environment but also have less red tape for developers and the common man in the street who for a small alteration may have to pass hell before having a permit in hand. I am sure the PN had never foreseen Mepa in becoming the monster and vote loser it has become.
Lawrence Fenech
Jan 20th, 07:44
Kollox facili bhal issa ghal Gonzi bl'elezzjoni wara il bieb u l'ewwel fil-lista Ghawdex, dnub li it-tunnel mhux lesta ghax kieku kien johghodha bil mixi ma shabu li hadu 500 euro fil gimgha wara dar l'ghawdxin u baqu' go buthom.
Eve Axiaq
Jan 20th, 07:37
Encourage five star hotels??
L-Imgarr Hotel saret flats u ta San Lawrenz parti minnha ukoll ghamluha flats taht dan il-gvern.
Lawrence Fenech
Jan 20th, 07:29
X'wicc ghandu Gonzi wara li ha 500 euro fil gimgha minn wara dar il poplu ghawdxi iwieghed biex jerga jisirqilhom il vot u wara l'elezzjoni kollox imur mar rih.
V Mercieca
Jan 20th, 06:34
Once I also heard a promise by the GonziPN that they were going to simplify the income tax law by revising it. Wonder of wonders in the budgets that followed the election, they made it more complicated.
As the Italian saying goes, fra il dire e il fare ce` in mezzo un mare.
Silvan Said
Jan 20th, 04:49
Some commentators here are so blinded by political prejudice that they simply cannot find any good in 25 years of stable government. What ignorance amd arrogance.
Mark Muscat
Jan 20th, 02:28
Kont nahseb li Joseph Muscat ghandu ghatx kbir ghal-poter imma indunajt li haw xi hadd iehor imxennaq hafna iktar minnu miskin, J Brincat (jb)
Alex Cutajar
Jan 20th, 00:28
Gozo? Under a PN government Gozo was completely left out.
After 25 years, now it's the time for promises?
Please give us substance. Not just negativity and rubbish proposals. We all know that hundreds of jobs in Gozo were lost. Such a shame.
Alex- www.alexcutajar.com
Joseph Aquilina
Jan 19th, 23:32
Finally dr. Gonzi woke up and discovered that Gozo still exists, bongu.
pat muscat
Jan 19th, 23:30
Dak li ma ghamilx f'25 sena f'Ghawdex se jaghmlu issa bil-weghdiet ta qabel l-elezzjoni? As regards Xarabank, it looks as if Dr Gonzi does not have any idea what his budget was all about: he did not even know how to answer Dr Muscat about the succession duties?
A Spiteri
Jan 19th, 23:18
Meta idur ma Ghawdex u Malta kieku tara xi haga li ghamel il-labour. Kollox sar mil-PN. X'ma jghirux tal-PL
Malcolm Farrugia
Jan 19th, 23:13
After 8 whole years in government GonziPn decided to curb bureaucracy only if elected in government again. Definitely another trick aimed to lure voters to trust him one more time!
Joseph Aquilina
Jan 19th, 23:05
It looks so clear that this government has made it's time and the PN is in dire need to be sent in opposition to renew itself by letting go some of the old timers and let in new blood.
Peppi Borg
Jan 19th, 23:03
Taking account of trhe 17 years Cirkewwa project had taken until now, then Gozitans are due for a long period of waiting to see the tunnel project finished.
Peppi Borg
Jan 19th, 23:02
Finally Gonzipn admitted that too much bureaucracy exists in Malta. Will the tunnel project be ready in 5 years time? How much will it cost and since when a proposal becomes a finished project?
A. Mizzi
Jan 19th, 22:55
Nemmnuh?
U ghalhiex mhux qabel....ma kellhux cans jew kien qieghed jiehu xi wiehed mill brejks li ha biex isolvi il-problemi tal-Partit tieghu????
Kemm inhela zmien ...issa jrid jghamel kollox facli???? l'Istess nies xejn gdid, hlief retorika irtukkjata u riciklata!
Charles Micallef
Jan 19th, 22:47
PN government will simplify planning process to encourage investment in Gozo...
... yet another pn promise, quarter of a century too late.........!!!!!!
please anyone do on do not rush them please.. give them time please!
David Borg
Jan 19th, 22:46
Dr Gonzi you are pulling the legs of the Gozitans. In 25 years you forgot them. Now you are promising and promising. I do not think this is credible.
A Dimech
Jan 19th, 22:37
the simplest plan is get rid of Gonzi!!
Liza Zarb
Jan 19th, 22:36
Ma nafx kif ma jisthiex ighid dan lil ghawdxin. Meta kien diversi minnhom li sahansitra abbandunaw il-gzira sabiha ta ghawdex biex jaqilaw l-ghajxien taghhom gew ighixu Malta. Sur Gonzi 5 snin ilu dhaqt bl-ghawdxin imma din darba le , se jaghtuk risposta bil-vot taghhom fi 9 ta Marzu.
A Dimech
Jan 19th, 22:29
Some questions for PN please:_
1. When will this happen?
2. How is it going to happen?
3. Who will be affected?
4. HOw much will is cost to implement?
5. Will there be any workers made redundant?
6. What type of investment will it attract?
7. Will environment be protected?
.....
Can we have some answers please?
Joe Grech
Jan 19th, 22:24
NOW the PM promises to '' simplify the planning process to encourage investment in Gozo,'' Why did he not do that long ago? Why did his administration allow environmental ruin and overbuilding in Gozo? Why did he deny Gozo the berthing of tourist ships for so long? He should EXPLAIN to Gozitans who pay Taxes WHY so many others lead a Tax Free Life with Giovanna Debono just looking elsewhere!
Emanuel. Vella.
Jan 19th, 22:24
@ Reuben Abela,to-day,20:51.,DR.JOE BRINCAT kien wiehed mil L-AQWA ministri li qatt kellhna f 'pajjizzna bejn is-snin 70 u 80.
A Dimech
Jan 19th, 21:40
I think things are simple enough in Gozo already - ask Giovanna. she is the one stop shop.
Grace Delicata
Jan 19th, 21:35
Gozo needs agrotourism, not to go the way of Malta with streets lined with lego-designed blocks of hutches, which will barely sell and are dark and uncomfortable to live in.
Charles Massa
Jan 19th, 21:35
Wara25 ta abbandun gieghed iwieghed kollox!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ruben Mifsud
Jan 20th, 08:59
Mintiex biast ukoll!!... Quote: Wara25 ta abbandun.....
Jew mela illek 25 sena f'coma profonda, jew hbatt rasek biex insejt li il PN illu 15 il sena u hux 25 fil gvern, MLP kien fil gvern bejn 1996-1998, 22 xaghar biex ikun ezat u ghamiltu qassata li laqqas tittiekel, jew tisthu tajdu li kontu fil gvern!! u tixtiequ thassru li's storja? Inti u sejjer ghal mass meet dur dawra ma Malta ta qabel!!
m attard
Jan 19th, 21:06
Look who's promising everything to everyone now
A. Mizzi
Jan 19th, 22:56
...again , and again and again AD NAUSEUM!
Jason Sultana
Jan 19th, 21:01
easy to undersatand no???, if plans are going to be simplified its clear that nowadays such situations are so difficult to invest in Gozo and who made these this way???? contradictions at their best in one sentence lol
Alfred Falzon
Jan 19th, 20:54
The Gozitans do not need a new ETC office, but they need jobs, preferably in the sister island.
Reuben Abela
Jan 19th, 20:51
J Brincat, by any chance... inti laburist ?
Joe Fenech
Jan 19th, 21:02
and????
jm busuttil
Jan 19th, 21:06
Ticcajta
Adrian P. Cassar
Jan 20th, 07:19
Reuben, is what he said a fact or not?
So only Laburisti can say what really happened.
If I say that Smart City was a complete failure, am I a Laburist, or is it the truth?
If i say MEPA reform was a complete failure, Laburist?
Ovjament int Nazzjonalist, if you cannot see any of this!
Leonard Brincat
Jan 20th, 08:09
Nahseb ghandu dritt li ikun laburist. Jew issa ma tistax tkun laburist x'arroganza ghandkhom
Hossam Helwani
Jan 20th, 08:58
what took you so long to realise he is not a laburist he is a lejburist.
Joe Fenech
Jan 19th, 20:51
It is incredible how politicians go to such a low class programme like Xarabank!!
Lawrence Fenech
Jan 20th, 07:30
@Joe
You are right Xarabank reached the bottom of indicency a long time ago.
j brincat
Jan 19th, 20:51
"which the government was proposing to continue driving down"
Like the solemn promise he made on the eve of the last election when to lure the middle class he promised to reduce the income tax from 35% to 25% and revise the tax bands.
AND all this had to happen on his first budget following the election ie on 1/1/2009!
This was supposed to create a multiplier effect!
jb
.
Joseph E Briffa
Jan 19th, 22:10
The little elves are at it again. Elf central in action.
Andre Briffa
Jan 20th, 11:36
Run along and get back to work you little elf...
j brincat
Jan 19th, 20:46
"Nothing of this would be possible without sound finances,"
Has he already forgotten that this week Standard and Poor downgraded us to BBB+ ie we are now in second division.
AND this was the 5th downgrade in the last 2 years?
Certainly nothing to write home about!
jb
j brincat
Jan 19th, 20:45
"The PN, the Prime Minister said, had already unveiled some 18 proposals"
As regards ribbon cutting ceremonies and other pomp and zest NOTHING beats the PN!
jb
j brincat
Jan 19th, 20:43
"The Prime Minister referred to the Xarabank debate yesterday and said this should serve as an eye opener. Dr Muscat"
Is he referring to the debate which Dr Muscat won hands down?
jb
Reuben Abela
Jan 19th, 20:52
You must have seen a different version of xarabank than i have seen.
Mr Stephen Borg
Jan 19th, 21:02
@ Reuben Abela
He must have watched the same program I watched and I do confirm that Muscat trashed Gonzi throught the program, Gonzi is like a tape recorder speaking of Education and Employment of which there is not much to boast as in Education we are not getting the desirable results and employment in our country is still based on cheap labour and explotation.
George Cutajar
Jan 19th, 21:36
The end result of Xarabank is that we are all none the wiser as to which direction JM and Labour will take Malta . Malta taghna lkoll is just a hollow slogan with no substance or beef. This is similar to Labour's other slogans over the years and we all know where they led us.
James Abela
Jan 19th, 22:51
There must have been two different programs because the one I saw, Muscat kept avoiding the facts and did not answer questions that were put to him.
Donna Parnis
Jan 19th, 23:06
He sure is lol. Gonz couldnt even answer simple questions and yet all of a sudden hes got 18 proposals, must have sat up all night thinking of them. How come we havent heard them yet. all weve heard today is demands from gonz to JM, What a waste of space.
A Vella
Jan 20th, 01:47
@Reuben.. well said !! also gonzi tried to fool people with female participation rates which was a huge mistake apart from that gonzi is trying to justify the 'thing' that no proposals from pn yet,because they are already in the budget!!from when the budgets cover 5 years?? and i WONDER what is the relationship between oil lobbying and not accepting the free gas pipeline from the Italians!!
A Vella
Jan 20th, 01:48
@stephen borg**
Lawrence Fenech
Jan 20th, 07:36
You are right Gonzi has become an expert of how to slip away from questions put to him on todays problems.He knows when to turn on his Father Christmas atittude starting with his self giving gift of 500 euros per week not forgetting his close friends.
Thomas Anderson
Jan 20th, 08:42
@J.Brincat
I watched the same programme and I agree with you Joseph Muscat was in a class of his own, whilst Gonzi was nearly pathetic.
j brincat
Jan 19th, 20:43
"What did the Labour Party ever do for Gozo?"
Labour was in power 25 (twenty five) years AGO - sive for a short span in in 1996!
In just three months Labour fully refurbished Bugibba and the costs roads of Marsascala and Birzebbugia - remember in just 3 months!
AND in 25 years we still have to see the Cirkewwa Project completed although it was promised by both EFA and GonziPN!
jb
j brincat
Jan 19th, 20:37
"A new Nationalist government will simplify the planning process to encourage investment in Gozo"
How?
When?
What are the details?
Is this as the other promise of 'one stop shop' by Malta Enterprise - how successful was the latter?
jb
j brincat
Jan 19th, 20:35
"Speaking at a political activity in Xaghra, Dr Gonzi said a PN-led government will encourage the development of five-star hotels on the sister island, which were badly needed"
Where has he been in the last 5 years?
In his ivory tower?
jb.
Angelo Xerri
Jan 19th, 20:31
Angelo Xerri
I and 85% of Qala residents that voted in a referendum against to built Qala Creek Project at Hondoq Ir - Rummien. I hope is not one for creating jobs in Gozo by encouraging developers for this project. I also hope that you remain committed to preserve the beauty and landscapes of Gozo. Specially this pristine bay, that everybody loves including many tourists. A hondoq National Park .
Lawrence Fenech
Jan 20th, 07:38
@Xerri.
The problem is that if there is a favourite contractor for the Honndoq project MEPA would not find any dilfficulties to pass the permit, with the blessing ofcourse of GonziPN.
A Dimech
Jan 19th, 20:27
the first suggestion by PN in this campaign...
and it seems to me a "weak" suggestion as anybody could just come out and say "I will simplify the planning process";
Hopefully we will not get another MEPA!
Mr Emmanuel Muscat
Jan 19th, 20:12
Gonzi PN planned 500euro every week
mario gellel
Jan 19th, 20:02
Deficit to disappear by 2015 – Lawrence Gonzi
HOW,WHEN, BY HOW MUCH ????
Please choose the reason of your report below: