I, for one, am not taken in when one seems to be listening to me but facts show that I am not being listened to. Take the authorisation of casinos. Was any referendum in Gozo carried out to see if the Gozitans are in favour of a casino in Gozo?
Despite our present and past administrations’ diplomatic non-recognition of Taiwan, or Free China, this independent self-governed country should teach us a lesson or two as regards adhering to regional wishes.
In a Taiwan Today (February 10, 2009) article called The Challenges Of Delivering Prosperity it was reported that: “The residents of Penghu County voted against having casino developments in their backyard, but that does not mean the idea should be dismissed as part of government efforts to deliver equitable economic development to all of Taiwan.
A number of similarities can be drawn between Gozo and Penghu.
“Penghu County officials have long been searching for strong revenue streams to swell the outlying area’s coffers during the blustery winter months when tourism numbers fall away. Although never promoted as a cure-all for the region’s fiscal ills, the gambling industry was seen as one of the best bets for boosting the local tourism industry while delivering substantial financial benefits.
“The Cabinet-level Council for Economic Planning and Development estimated that Penghu’s casinos would have attracted 500,000 visitors each year and generated NT$100 million (US$3.1 billion) in gaming and tourism revenues.
“For anti-gambling groups, though, these numbers were not enough to offset the real or imagined array of economic and social ills they claimed such developments would bring to the sparsely populated archipelago.
“In calling for a No vote in the referendum, the opposition campaign consistently highlighted the potential negative consequences of allowing casinos. This tactic succeeded in persuading the majority of voters to pass on this lucrative revenue source and look elsewhere for prosperity.
“… the people of Penghu have spoken and their decision must be respected. Local and central government is now refocusing efforts on devising innovative solutions to the region’s long-standing economic problems. This is good news for residents, who can expect to see a generous flow of tax dollars channeled into local infrastructure projects such as transforming the island into a model for renewable energy. Addressing the needs of economically disadvantaged regions is a thankless task and requires bold government leadership when it comes to policy formulation and implementation.”