Objectivity and a clear vision of the actual facts are essential if one is to make a good reading of a situation. Facts listed in my latest article about Gozo and the EU were confirmed in the European Commission report on the economic and social situation of Gozo.

The report confirmed that Gozo is classified on on equal footing with the worst of similar islands. The only consolation lies in the fact that the report says that “Gozo is in a more favourable situation than many island regions as regards accessibility to the mainland”.

The disparity in the GDPs of our islands became even more distinct. Can this disparity be partially solved? I think it can.

The Prime Minister is using clout and exercising authority in creative investments for Gozo. Otherwise, the situation will remain unchanged.

When Joseph Muscat took over the helm of the Labour Party, he promised a revolution. He did exactly this. He changed internal procedures, the emblem and the name. More importantly, he brought all the different sectors into one unit.

That done, he concentrated on the political path. Like the master chess player he is showing himself to be, he outwitted the other political side and outplayed it in all manoeuvres.

The electoral programme for the last election was well planned and researched both financially and politically, apart from being innovative. His vision was always miles ahead of his opponents in each and every step.

The electorate noted it and the election result showed it.

He even managed to make the Labour vote in Gozo equal that of the conservatives, a feat not done since 1955.

I think that, as Prime Minister, Muscat wants to establish a solid political base in Gozo. The Gozitans showed they trust him, resulting in a big confidence vote for him personally.

Muscat is already sowing the seeds for this. Let’s see what is happening.

A number of long-term projects have already been announced: the cruise liner terminal, the yacht marina(s), childcare centres, a university for health studies, a new courthouse, more magistrates and a judge, old people’s home, cancer treatment at Gozo General Hospital, deploying specialists to the Gozo hospital and the attraction of foreign investment.

Joseph Muscat wants to establish a solid political base in Gozo

A very important improvement is the idea of having an office that would compile statistics dealing with various aspects of Gozo.

The €12 million financial injection from what were “lost funds” is crucial. This will boost the general financial situation of Gozo, apart from making the small island even more beautiful.

One must also appreciate the pilot project that had been initiated by the previous administration, again funded by the EU. Such funds were used to stop the Ċittadella bastions from crumbling.

Works on the Ċittadella roads/rubble walls and the embellishment of buildings are already in progress. Work on the Banca Giuratale is also in hand. The cement covering this historic building and the numerous ugly old hanging cables should be removed soonest.

Such investment will definitely generate wealth and boost progress. Most of the projects will be completed by the next election and they will surely have the approval of Gozitans and will increase support for this intelligent political chess player. People are appreciating the Prime Minister’s decisiveness.

For many years, Gozo lacked investment, especially foreign investment. It was announced recently that foreign investment has finally come to Gozo. This could only have happened because the Prime Minister pushed for it and gave his personal backing.

Financial incentives to employers, the continuous provision of social benefits to people registering for work and similar initiatives will contribute to bring stability to the working class and improve its lot.

Financial stability, such as in the cost of electricity, both for citizens and, next year, for industry and in the price of fuel and gas, did not come out of the blue but was the direct result of vision and direction by the Prime Minister.

I define Muscat as a political chess player because he plans every move he makes carefully and far more in advance than many are willing to believe.

He is already preparing his moves for the next general election, by which time the majority of projects now in the pipeline will have been implemented and in full swing.

Gozitans acknowledge and appreciate these initiatives, as the strong support Muscat enjoys according to surveys proves, and hope of a more prosperous future is rekindling in Gozo. Still, there are many questions to ask and attention to be focused on a number of items.

In fact, I would like to raise the following points:

Will the €12 million be spent on one project, the renovation of the Ċittadella?

Are studies being made to excavate the old city at Ċittadella that used to house over 2,600 inhabitants?

Are old historical maps being revised to localise old hidden tunnels beneath the Ċittadella, which are a tourist attraction in their own right?

I consider such attractions to be jewels in our heritage.

Allow me to mention Borg Għarib Circle, in Għajnsielem, which dates back to, if not even pre-dates, the Ġgantija Temples, Roman Villa in Ramla, Għajn Gerduf Roman catacombs in Kerċem and Ta’ Verna Tunnels in Xagħra, which served as a burial place during the plague in Gozo. I believe this is what makes us an Eco-Gozo.

Finally, I must take this opportunity to urge the Prime Minister to rethink the proposal of priority boarding system for Gozo Channel ferries as such a move will surely erase much of the good already done.

It can only mean loss of votes apart from being discriminatory and anti-social.

The Prime Minister should insist on eliminating bureaucracy and lay more stress on effective meritocracy in Gozitan departments.