As most of the views being expressed on the effects of the Budget 2014 are focused on the island of Malta, I shall speak as a citizen living in Gozo.
The Budget is definitely a positive one. Incentives to all levels of society were announced. The country’s financial deficit, a major worry for everybody, is being dealt with. This also puts citizen’s minds at rest with regard to the national debt.
The lower levels of society were very much catered for, as were also the high earners falling in the €20-60,000 brackets. The only one’s left out were those earning between €10,000 and €20,000, which, in my view, are the most numerous.
Citizens living in Gozo will, in general, benefit on the same level as those living in Malta.
The cruise liner terminal and yacht marina project were mentioned. This can be of enormous benefit to Gozo because it will lead to more jobs and property investments. The question is one of timing and location. If situated in Mġarr, it will be ideal as it will be able to take super yachts and can possibly have up to 1,000 berths. If it’s planned to be elsewhere, then many questions will arise mostly of a negative type. It will also take years to complete.
The financing of the tunnel feasibility study and the airport strip extension were also mentioned. The first will take many years to implement whereas the airstrip extension can happen in a short time once further studies are done.
The building of a new law court is welcomed. The only problem is the location: either in the only open area near Villa Rundle or at the former MMU complex, which can cater for all needs.
After eight months of a new government, Gozitans would have expected that the necessary homework to transfer civil servants from Malta to Gozo should have been done. Yet, a review is still in progress.
On the other hand, Gozitan citizens expect that government services can be swiftly, though diligently, decided upon in Gozo without having first to be referred to offices in Malta. The same applies to foreigners living in Gozo.
The positive aspect was that the Government has acquired, with the Curia’s blessing and approval, the former St Joseph Institute in Għajnsielem to cater as an old people’s home.
Gozo needs innovative individuals who have the ability to draw a clear picture of its real needs
The cancer treatment to be provided in Gozo itself is also excellent news.
What is also urgently needed in Gozo is: enlarging both the male and female wards at the General Hospital; certain specialists and professors who work at Mater Dei Hospital should start taking it in turns to visit Gozo hospital to cater for patients, thus ensuring the provision of a real free healthcare service to Gozitans since, at present, several of these services are being provided in private clinics against payment; if the health clinic is to be moved, transport has to be provided, especially for people with disability; Gozitan University students following a course in Gozo have to pay about €700 per term; and if Maltese government workers/professors/students are rightly compensated when detailed to Gozo, Gozitan counterparts should not be treated differently.
In my opinion, having a statistics office in Gozo is the most important measure affecting Gozo to be announced in the Budget. This will ensure that both the authorities and Gozitans will have a true and real picture of the situation Gozo and its citizens are experiencing.
When we joined the European Union, Gozo GDP was approximately what it is today. That is somewhere between 71 and 75 per cent of the mainland GDP. As, at the time, the Government wanted to secure the highest possible EU funds, Gozo’s GDP was included with that of Malta not to exceed a certain level and so qualify. Malta’s GDP grew but Gozo’s remained at almost the same level. Problem is: what way shall we go when the GDP of Gozo is only 75 per cent of the mainland’s?
A back-up office in Europe had been promised to Gozitans, which could promote projects and investments for Gozo. Yet, there was no mention of this and I am sure that if I don’t write about this, the issue will not be brought up.
Prior to the Budget, the Prime Minister met and discussed Gozo needs with the Gozo Regional Committee. I didn’t even know that Gozo had a regional committee but when I saw this meeting being reported on TV I though that we were still under the previous Administration. With the election result I thought things will change for the better in Gozo, especially in this respect. Evidently, I was very wrong and off the mark.
Gozo needs innovative individuals who have the ability to draw a clear picture of its real needs. They should cater for the day-to-day requirements first and foremost and then project for the long term, taking into aspect Gozo’s particular rural and tranquil way of life. The cultural heritage is abundant and Eco Gozo should focus on the national heritage that will not only serve to attract tourists but can also be enjoyed by the locals.
With clear visions and capable and imaginative personnel, Gozo can become a much better place to live in. All it needs is good planning and admirable administration.