The Gozo Ministry together with the Faculty for Wellbeing at the University of Malta organised a conference for Gozitan youths at the Grand Hotel, Għajnsielem. The conference highlighted the difficulties and challenges faced by youths,
Gozo Minister Justyne Caruana said in the past great plans had always been planned and promised but had never materialised. “Today’s policy is that what is promised materialises,” she said.Dr Caruana said the Ministry was finalising a Regional Plan for Gozo that would cover up to 2030 with aims to create employment and commercial diversification to generate the economy and decrease independence on the public sector.
Dr Caruana said that in this context there was the urgent need of a fast ferry service, a permanent connection as well as fibre optic and investment incentives.
Dr Caruana emphasised the need for open dialogue to en-able youths to participate in active citizenship.
Attending the conference, moderated by Prof. Andrew Azzopardi, was Pete Harris (inset), a senior lecturer in criminology at Newman University in Birmingham, UK. He discussed youth violence.