There is talk once again of a permanent link between Malta and Gozo. I am against such a link but may change my opinion if I am convinced that such a link is in Gozo’s interest.

While this possibility is being carefully considered transport between Malta and Gozo should be liberalised. When this was done in air transport through the introduction of low-cost airlines it boosted the economy and made it more tourist friendly. Today the Gozo-Malta link is monopolised by Gozo Channel.

This should be opened up to competition as I am sure we would witness improvements such as reduced waiting times.

I believe that a permanent link would change Gozo’s concept of an island forever. But while waiting for a decision let’s not neglect the present. We are continuously gobbling up Malta and Gozo’s natural beauty and we will end up with batching plants and sites storing building machinery everywhere.

The government will certainly not make Malta the best in Europe if it rewards illegalities by sanctioning batching plants and sites for parking construction machinery in the countryside. Does it makes sense to grant agritourism operators the right to build in the countryside when existing accommodation is 10 minutes away by car?

Doesn’t the government realise that this will open a loophole that will destroy more natural land in Gozo? And all to appease some greedy developers who do not have sustainable development and the natural beauty of Gozo at heart.

Why doesn’t the government focus on making Gozo better for the Gozitans?

Malta has benefited a lot from new family parks in Marsascala and elsewhere as well as embellishments in Cospicua. Nothing like this is happening in Gozo.

Please don’t use the permanent link as a red herring to show how much you care for Gozitans. I have a number of suggestions for Gozo.

The quarry in Ħondoq should be converted into a family park; a public heated swimming pool should be built near the Sports Complex; Gozo’s natural beauty should be marketed instead of being spoilt; and holidays in Gozo involving walks and bike rides should be advertised.