PL explains Gozo proposals
Hondoq ir-Rummien.
Labour leader Joseph Muscat this afternoon explained the PL proposals for Gozo, first announced this morning.
He said the PL's proposals for Gozo would see capital expenditure on the island increase by €7.5 million over and above current levels.
Tourism
A small cruise liner terminal, likely in Mgarr, would complement Malta's existing terminal and turn Malta into a "double destination" for cruise liner passengers, Dr Muscat said.
"This could be the biggest investment for Gozo since the creation of Gozo Channel," Dr Muscat told his audience at San Lawrenz Hotel..
Dr Muscat also said the PL would reinvigorate the Ta' Dbiegi handicrafts village and make a concerted effort towards developing agri-business and agri-tourism further.
The building of a breakwater at Marsalforn would be included in the PL's electoral programme..
Dr Muscat said a golf course was not on the cards and Labour was also opposing the Hondoq project as proposed, notably the marina proposal.
Fiscal
He said Gozo-specific fiscal incentives would include a €50,000 tax credit for business start-ups, valid for four years, and a €5,000 grant for each new worker companies employed on contracts of at least three years' duration.
The PL would allocate €1 million to the latter proposal, which Dr Muscat said would create at least 200 new jobs.
Structural and bureaucratic
A specific Gozo office would be established within Dar Malta in Brussels and tasked with looking out for Malta's sister island.
The PL would also create a special investment framework for Gozo which would allow it to tap EU funds over and above current levels and offer more Gozo-specific investment opportunities.
Dr Muscat said that the PL would ask the European Commission to assess economic divergences between Malta and Gozo, by way of pushing for additional EU funds for the island.
Transport
The Labour leader said the PL wanted to set up a fast-ferry link between Gozo and the Valletta area.
Studies assessing the feasibility of a permanent link between Malta and Gozo would continue, while the PL would also see whether it was feasible to revive a helicopter service between the two islands.
Cheaper ferry rates would apply on specific occasions as well as for people visiting Gozo for a minimum number of days.
Social and Health
Dr Muscat said the Gozo general hospital was "underutilised and under-serviced" and the PL would modernise it. Making chemotherapy available in Gozo would be a "priority".
The PL would open a home for the elderly in Gozo and expand childcare services in line with its universal childcare policy. Sports facilities would be improved, Dr Muscat said, suggesting an abandoned site in Qala as the possible site of a sports complex.
A judge would be appointed to handle Gozitan court cases, while planning applications concerning Gozitan land would be bundled together and heard in specific MEPA hearings directly in Gozo.
Education
More university courses would be given in Gozo, and where possible Gozitan students would be offered the option of sitting for exams on their home island.
Dr Muscat said there was potential for Gozo to attract foreign educational institutions to its shores, and made specific reference to the possibility of Gozo general hospital hosting medical school services.
Gozitan university students would receive help when they rented property in Malta throughout their studies.
In the morning, Dr Muscat also said importance would also be given to having government workers from Gozo working in Gozo instead of Malta.
45 Comments
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Joseph Debono
Apr 13th, 00:48
One has to understand our great Leader. A terminal at Mgarr would need a huge amount of rock. Incidentally the best part to cut some rock would be Hondoq. In this way a large hole would be created in Hondoq. Thus our great leader will hit two birds with one stone. A greater harbour at Mgarr and a hole that could easily be turned into a marina in Hondoq. Intelligent great Leader!
anthony sultana
Feb 6th, 10:12
Both PL&PN parties are full of fake propopsals.Just blakmail them to get more fake proposals and promises.
AD have the best proposals, like take the countryside from the gunmen and give it back to the people.Increase the minimum wage,personal rights, and more.Next April you will be nagging because you just did 'nt want to listen.
Alfred Falzon
Feb 6th, 09:48
D PL has not given up its shelved its Hondoq ir-Rummien project!
It's beating about d bush & marking time, 4 fear of losing votes in Gozo.
Its familiarity with developers who r after this pristine site is a danger not only for Qala residents but 4 Gozitans & Maltese environmentalists alike!
Note d terms Dr Muscat used: "opposing d Hondoq project AS PROPOSED"!
Still on its hidden agenda!
aaf
Alan Deidun
Feb 6th, 05:35
@ Peter Simpson - since when have environmentalists suddenly become 'extremists' for the new PL movement? I thought that such a movement was sympathetic to environmental concerns.
Please check your facts....the Medn is NOT full of Posidonia meadows - these occupy just 2% of the Medn seafloor and are in continuous regression....it is known as a keystone species in view of its importance
Alan Deidun
Feb 6th, 05:32
@ anton cassar - please remove your partisan blinkers and widen the material you normally read - for example:
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20110206/environment/when-pigs-fly-in-gozo.348823
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20110204/local/study-on-gozo-tunnel.348524
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20120506/environment/Is-the-tunnel-vision-wise-or-blinkered-.418542
Nenu Cassar
Feb 5th, 23:04
Peter Simpson and all other PL apologists; Would you please explain what sort of Hondoq proposal the PL is supporting instead of the marina? First of all do you know what Hondoq-ir-rummien looks like or where it is. The PL said that where possible exams will be held in Gozo - these are already being held in Gozo. MEPA hearing are already being held in Gozo. Other proposals are just smoke.
Joseph Farrugia
Feb 5th, 22:00
X'ironija hux... Qabel l' 2003 l MLP kien ibezza lin nies li jekk nidhlu fl-ewropa cruise liners ma jidhlux izjed hawn Malta u minflokk imorru Tunes. 10 years down the line irid jaghmel cruise terminal go Ghawdex ukoll. Hekk ma jridux jigu cruise liners ukoll!!!!!!!
Peter Simpson
Feb 5th, 20:34
The Gozo minister, in answer to Pl'sGozo proposals said that the cruise liner terminal is already in action.......ghax GonziPN f'hames snin wahhal baga go Xlendi! More of the same...jghaddu iz-zmien bl-Ghawdxin!
Alfred Falzon
Feb 5th, 21:52
@ Peter Simpson
Why don't u call a spade a spade & acknowledge that Gozo is being transformed into a first-class tourist resort without allowing greedy developers to do as they please by turning d Island into a dump & a forest of concrete?
Maltese & foreigners who visit Gozo are of d same opinion: beware of over-development because that would simply b killing d goose that lays d golden eggs!
aaf
Mr Lawrence Calleja
Feb 5th, 20:17
Somehow I think that I have already heard these proposals from the PN. Dear Joe, try and be original and next time bring out your own proposals if any.
A Said
Feb 5th, 19:36
Certain things already exist. Imma nsomma. I think it would be better if someone proposes an airstrip, so that tourism will boost a bit in Gozo. As many of you know, tourists coming on tours, end up visiting Gozo only on the last day of their holiday and in 6 hours, they have to visit all the sites, like Ggantija, Citadel, Dwejra, etc, and dine. And then one says that tourists are coming to Gozo!
Alfred Falzon
Feb 5th, 19:30
D people of Qala are still being haunted & hunted by d Hondoq ir-Rummien project that had to b shelved by d PL under Sant!
Will it make a come-back, under a PL in power, riding rough shod over everybody, calling anyone who dares dissent, a VOICE IN D DESERT?
D PL, a close friend of developers, should not defy d will of d great majority of Qala's residents.
Hands off this pristine locality!
aaf
Peter Simpson
Feb 5th, 20:36
Mela ma tafx taqra bl-iIngliz? Labour is opposing Hondoq's project as proposed.... and it does not agree with a marina!
Alfred Falzon
Feb 5th, 21:39
@ Peter Simpson
Read between d lines & wake up!
There have been various attempts by d PL under Sant 2 develop some way or another Hondoq ir-Rummien, & this time round Dr Muscat would perhaps find another stratagem 2 reach his goal!
Whether as proposed or otherwise this site should b left untouched 4 all Gozitans & Maltese to enjoy throughout d year!
Developers hands off Hondoq ir-Rummien!
aaf
J. Caruana
Feb 5th, 19:25
I am also in favour that Gozitan students sit for their exams in Gozo (some of them are already, but more are always welcome) - even though I'm not a university student per se, but many of my friends are.
J. Caruana
Feb 5th, 19:23
I am glad that Muscat is opposing the Hondoq Marina project - the place is close to my heart, and I'd hate to see it turned into a Marina... and also that the Marsalforn breakwater will be brought back to life (but I hope that it's done properly).
And I also agree that the Gozo Hospital is a mess - in places, wires are exposed - outside, no less!
carmelo buttigieg
Feb 5th, 18:38
Thoroughly pondered proposals presented in Gozo not just for the Gozitans but even for the Maltese. Prosit!
Henry S Pace
Feb 5th, 18:16
' Dr Muscat also said the PL would reinvigorate the Ta' Dbiegi handicrafts village '
THIS ALL DEPENDS ON THE TOURIST GUIDES AND IT IS ONLY THEIR BUSSINES WHERE TO LEAD THE TOURISTS.
INT PRINCIPJANT (CRUDE POLITICIAN) ON THESE MATTERS, JOEY.
Henry S Pace
Feb 5th, 18:13
@ Alan Deidun
The gentleman really knows what he is saying. WELL SAID.
Gianninu Saliba
Feb 5th, 17:50
So beloved Joseph wants to establish a Gozo Office in Dar Malta in Brussels. Has dear Joseph forgotten how he and his possible replacement as an MEP bad mouthed the government for buying Dar Malta. I would have thought that he would get rid of the property the very same day, that God forbid, he became Prime Minister.Shame Joseph, your promises to one and all make you forget what you used to say.
Ray Buhagiar
Feb 5th, 17:44
Prosit. If Gozo hospital is upgraded Maltese patients (those living in Mellieha / Mosta) could attend there and ease pressure off Mater Dei.
J. Caruana
Feb 5th, 19:30
Although the hospital is getting partially upgraded, there's a great need of a complete overhaul. Whilst i was visiting my nanna a while ago, I spotted exposed wires in a passageway outside - the metal conduit had rusted away to nothing! I'm not the electrician who wired the place, but I wouldn't want a rat to chew through them! The floor is crumbling in places as well
Alfred Grech
Feb 5th, 17:43
Great projects for Gozo - It would be wise to consider a catamaran service Valletta-Bugibba-Gozo which will help enormously many people who travel to and fro Gozo. This will be much cheaper than a tunnel or a bridge.
Mario Sammut
Feb 5th, 17:40
1. We don't need an extra ferry service. The Government makes a good enough of income from the tourists that travel from Malta to Gozo
2. About the Fiscal plan.. PN already stated this 3 weeks ago. (Stolen ideas)
3. Gozo doesn't needs a sports complex in Qala. There's enough in Victoria
4. Education, another stolen idea from PN
Alan Deidun
Feb 5th, 17:38
The Mgarr cruise terminal is a non-starter - the relevant EIA has already been conducted 2-3 years ago and its findings let to the proposal being shot down as area off Mgarr is colonised by dense meadows of Posidonia oceanica....but then again, one can always ride roughshod over such conclusions
Peter Simpson
Feb 5th, 18:10
Il-Mediterran kollu fih l-Posidonia u fil-Mediterran kollu jinbnew terminals breakwaters u marinas. Qribna inbnew wahda go Licata, go Ragusa, tnejn Pachin ohra taht l-Etna ohra hdejn Cefalu barra l-ghexieren li inbnew Sardegna u it-Tunezija. L-Posedonia hi importanti u mhux bil-fors tinqered ir-roqgha Posedonia tat-terminal l-gdid f'Ghawdex. Estremizmu mhu tajjeb ghal hadd:anqas ghall-ambjent!
anton cassar
Feb 5th, 18:23
Jekk Mgarr cruise terminal huwa non-starter !!...Allura mina taht il-bahar OK ghalik ?
Paul Meilak
Feb 5th, 17:32
"Dr Muscat said a golf course WAS not on the cards and Labour WAS also opposing the Hondoq project as proposed, notably the marina proposal."
But, what does this "WAS" mean ? He is in favour now ?
Wally Vella-Zarb
Feb 5th, 19:18
Oh please!
J Mifsud
Feb 5th, 16:53
Interesting proposals for Gozo. I agree with preserving Hondoq ir Rummien and also doing terminal for cruise liners as this will add tourists and business to Gozo. Hope it doesn't take ages like the Cirkewwa Terminal which is still nto completely finished after all these years waiting.
Joe Tabone
Feb 5th, 16:42
Why didn't LABOUR (PL) publish their electoral programme yet?
Does Joseph think that, the Gozitans, like their Maltese counterparts are NOT capable of reading and understanding an electoral programme?!?
Paul Borg
Feb 5th, 17:07
Cause if is not explained item by item beforehand, people will just throw it in the bin like they do with junk mail. The fact that there is an item that interests you directly, you will be intreagued to read more. I think both parties are on the same track.
J Mifsud
Feb 5th, 17:19
Dear Joe Tabone,...as from tomorrow you need to find a different argument since PL will be publishing their program....which is less than 2 weeks after that of PN.
Gianninu Saliba
Feb 5th, 17:56
Mr/Ms J/ Mifsud, two weeks too late, but maybe not.... that would give them enough time to cut and past from the PN electoral programme.
Mark Camilleri
Feb 5th, 18:14
The PL did not publish their Electoral Programme as yet, because they need 2 weeks to copy that of the PN.
William Caligari
Feb 5th, 18:20
Joe Tabone, you can read it to-morrow or on Thursday.
Albert Bonello
Feb 5th, 16:38
Have we by any chance hit oil because I cannot comprhend from where all this money is coming from. I think JM.Com is really trying to emulate Cyprus. If you analyse the PL's proposals there are a number of infrastrucural projects that will cost the country millions probably to appease the said 'Big Contractors of the 4th Floor'. No wonder JM.Com does not want to mention who these people are!!
Victor Caruana
Feb 5th, 17:25
Madoff Albert, dejjem l-istess diska stunata! Il-flus ser jigi minn fejn ser igibhom Gonzi. Apparti hekk, jekk ma jkunx hemm hela fuq konsulenzi u progetti ohra bla sens ikun hawn flus kemm trid. Il-PL ma jghidx li 49 miljun ewro huma qatra f'ocean kif qal is-Sheik Gonzi imma jibza' ghalihom u jaghmel progetti bhal dawn.
anton cassar
Feb 5th, 17:31
Ahseb u ara minn fejn Gonzi ha jgib 600 miljun biex jaghmel mina taht il-bahar !!!
Andre Bugeja
Feb 5th, 17:49
may I ask : Where did PN get money for the new Parliament ? The PL would bring these things to being by making good use of funds and not using them to build an uneeded parliament and a bridge to nowhere !
Eddy Privitera
Feb 5th, 16:30
The GonziOPN advert shown above says " Sahhtek ghal qalbna". But giving themselves €500 per week rise was much more "GHAL QALBNA " !
Andre Briffa
Feb 5th, 16:59
Eddy, you're like a broken record. You're very pro MLP and very anti-PN...we get the point. Please don't ever act like you were a floater though as you have done in the past as it is very clear you are MLP through and through.
L Zammit
Feb 5th, 17:40
Eddie: Sib xi haga ta' sugu.
jm busuttil
Feb 5th, 17:48
@ Andre Briffa
Xi floater floater.
It seems that you do not know Eddy. PL is written all over him.
He was on the forefront for Malta not to join the EU together with Joseph Muscat .
You can google him just write CNI.
http://www.cnimalta.org/ep.html
Ray Buhagiar
Feb 5th, 18:45
Eddy Privitera against Malta in the EU...u ejja. Mela Joe Muscat u Alfred Sant against EU...u ejja, qed ticcajta? Jigifieri jekk JM jkun fil-gvern ser jaghmel bhal UK - jiprova johrog minn EU?
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