My wife and I recently had the pleasure of hosting two young ladies visiting the Maltese Islands for the first time. After spending most of a day at Ramla beach they took a taxi back to our residence in Għarb. They were asked to pay €20 but eventually agreed on €15.

On reaching Għarb church, which is about 15 minutes’ walk from our house, the taxi driver shamefully refused to take them any further. Their shock and tiredness prevented them from resisting and, after a hot walk, they somehow, and with some difficulty, found their way to us.

I am sure that many taxi drivers would not have acted in this way but it only needs one behaving disgracefully to leave a sour taste and reduce interest in Gozo. As residents we also feel ashamed that Gozo has not shown its better side.