I am convinced that linking Malta and Gozo by tunnel or bridge would be beneficial to these islands, particularly to Gozitan residents.

I am not swayed by the arguments being presented mostly by the Gozitan tourism industry that such a link would in the long term be detrimental to Gozo as it would open the island to rampant land speculation and a building frenzy destroying in the process much of its attraction as an exemplar of old Malta and a natural paradise.

Much of this argument is fear of the unknown. The present situation has proved to be disadvantageous, particularly to Gozitans who have to travel to Malta frequently. Its status of double insularity has built over the years a formidable array of obstacles that do not make economic sense.

The extra costs linked to time and transport are of themselves prejudicing any initiative towards new sustainable projects.

The time wasted on transport from Malta to Gozo and vice versa and its unreliability is proving to be the greatest disincentive. Over the years various forms of travelling modes were experimented upon and almost all failed.

One can recall the Aliscafi, hovercraft, helicopter, light airplane, and others.The tunnel or bridge are the only options for a link that could solve the problem permanently.

Last summer I visited the Faroe Islands. This archipelago of 18 islands of 49,000 people and 70,000 sheep is linked by bridges, tunnels and boat ferries.

The most impressive link is the Northern Isles Tunnel – a two-lane road tunnel under the sea that connects the two largest islands. It was officially opened in 2006, is 6.3 km long and goes down to a depth of 150 metres below sea level.

Since then surveys have confirmed that the tunnel is economically viable and has boosted both the tourism industry and the economic performance of the islands.