When one compares the previous budgets to the present one, it becomes clear that there was a strategy in all the previous budgets leading to the present one. It was to plan a general policy for the past and future. It was to stop the haemorrhage from State corporations like Enemalta and Air Malta, and “medicine”, “deficits”, and so forth.

As can now be seen these haemorrhages not only stopped but turned into profitable business concerns. In the meantime, a long-term plan was made to deal with the creation of jobs, facilitating especially the entry of women, youths and disabled people into the working world.

Services like free childcare and student benefits, social services and numerous others were introduced on a yearly basis. Whenever I am abroad attending conferences and I mention that in Malta we have free childcare services, even the Nordic representatives cannot believe it and ask me how a small country like Malta can implement this system. 

Last year, when the Maltese Former Parliamentarians Association was hosting representatives from 25 European countries, I had mentioned in my speech that for the first time ever, Malta would not be introducing any new taxes in the Budget. Nobody could believe this.

How about now saying that no new taxes were in this year’s Budget?

Our country is passing through golden years. New innovative policies are continuously being promoted. Citizens have money in their pockets and are enjoying a better life.

So when ones takes the previous budgets leading to this one, it can be observed that there was an initial general plan leading up to the present time and beyond.

Business in all sectors is booming. This is great. Also, this feel-good factor brings its unique problems which I shall list.

The housing market is one major problem, which until now the government has not tackled. Locals are finding it very hard to deal with this issue. It is good to have an open market – but the rents are becoming ridiculous and simply out of reach for normal earning people, let alone for those in the lower income bracket.

Till now the government has not tackled this important issue and therefore it needs to look into this issue in a strong and massive way. Giving financial incentives to the public is good but those who already have rents from yesteryear should be able to keep the agreements reached and not have to shoulder the burdens of any new legislation.

The government must initiate massive social housing projects all over the island. These projects have been left behind and people are in dire need of them.

Another grave problem cropping up is that nowadays citizens are more conscious of their national heritage. Thousands are not happy seeing vast national or private lands outside the development zones being issued with a permit like, for example, petrol stations, or government lands given to private companies if not for a national project.

These important issues have to be also tackled.

Whenever a Budget comes up, I as a Gozitan look to see what is in it for Gozo and the Gozitans. The extension of subsidies for Gozitan students and now a new financial initiative to cover all Gozitan workers in Malta. The car pooling financial help is also a new, helpful introduction to Gozitan workers.

The Bart’s Hospital project, the water plant in Ħondoq, the intake of new students, the projections of better medical facilities, the indoor swimming facility, the building of new law courts, a residential judge in the Gozo courts and initiating facilities for small industries in a specified area are most welcomed by all. Also in these last years the tunnel issue has been prominent in every budget.

Gozo is having its fair share of local and foreign tourists and the farmhouses, hotels and private rentals are having it good. There is money in people’s pockets and it shows.

So what do I see that is lacking in Gozo? Before anyone starts criticising me, I will point out that at my age I am in need of nothing. I do not need any kind of work or favours from anyone. I was, am and will always remain a socialist of the old class.

I simply hate it when only sectorial business individuals from Gozo are interviewed on not only the Budget – but on all aspects. As if Gozo has only two voices. On TV and radio programmes, one can only see and hear what Maltese have to say. Gozo is just mentioned as a reminder.

The government must initiate massive social housing projects all over the island. These projects have been left behind and people are in dire need of them

Malta is progressing at a much faster rate than Gozo. Gozo is actually advancing rapidly. But if Gozo makes five steps forward – the Maltese counterpart is advancing by 20 steps. Thus the gap between Gozo and Malta as far as the gross domestic product is concerned is getting wider and wider.

The average income wage for families in both Malta and Gozo is calculated together at €26,610. The Gozitan’s family income alone is €22,402. This means that a Gozitan family earns €4,208 less compared to a family in Malta. That’s €350 a month less.

This means that Gozo is being left behind in the general wealth being created. This has to be looked at and amended.

I waited anxiously to see what the Budget had to offer Gozo. Sadly, apart from the projects already mentioned, I didn’t find any initiatives for any new industries.

I would like to see that Gozo will benefit from industries that are compatible with the island such as the pharmaceutical and high-tech industries. These will be compatible with Gozo’s rural aspects and life as well as to provide high earnings for Gozitans. These type of industries can also provide a higher income for Gozitan workers and thus the wage earning gap could close between the islands.

Some say the gaming people would not cross to Gozo as there is no entertainment there. I wish to remind that Gozo in the late 1960s, 1970s and 1980s had many such entertaining spots. As a matter of fact, many Maltese and foreign guests used to cross over to enjoy this entertainment. If this could be done in the past – nowadays we could do it again and create these types of entertainments. Such excuses are just banal and another way of shedding responsibility.

Also finally I would like to see more impetus on national heritage initiatives in Gozo, which can enrich the island with many other heritage sites that we have but are still unknown to many.

The predictions of €100 million to be spent on roads is an incredible sum of money. We do need these kind of investments. In general, Gozo was mentioned when stating that these €100 million on roads are to be made in Malta and Gozo.

I am informed that there will be only €4 million to be spent on roads in Gozo. If so, then the size of Gozo which is a third of Malta will be enjoying a pittance from these €100 million. I ask: is this right, is this fair?

Permit me to quote from the ‘Negotiations on Gozo’: “Since Malta and Gozo are considered as a single unit for funding purposes, Gozo could lose its status when Malta no longer falls under Objective One, even though it may still lag behind. To address this concern, Malta sought to ensure that Gozo specific needs are still provided for in such case. This was done through the Declaration on the Island Region of Gozo. The declaration ensures that Gozo’s specific needs are assessed before every new EU budget is agreed upon.”

Personally I believe these declarations are only hogwash and void of all intent and purpose. Facts – not empty promises and finely written words – can make up for the deficit that Gozo lags behind Malta.

So as this present government has so ably provided such a good strategy for Malta, I do suggest that another such good strategy should be implemented in Gozo.

Lino Debono is a former Labour MP.

This is a Times of Malta print opinion piece