The Labour government has justly been facing criticism for its lack of action over a span of six years when it comes to connectivity. They have promised a fast ferry, but we still do not have the service, they promised a fourth RO-RO passenger car ferry but the government is yet to find this ferry after an entire year.

When in government, PN has delivered big time when it comes to connectivity. It was a PN government that planned out, built and inaugurated the new airport.

As then Parliamentary Secretary withinthe Ministry for Transport and Communications, one of my very first tasks was to set up the Malta International Airport public company that manages our airport that now links us to all over Europe and beyond.

Before MIA plc was set up, we had a structure known as ATD – Air Terminal Department. That’s right – it was then a government department that ran our air terminal and the only duty free concession at the terminal was an Air Malta exclusive non-competition zone!

The new organisational set-up that we saw to has been as much of a game changer as building a new terminal that for the first time ever had conveyor belts for our luggage handling.

Subsequently as minister responsible for tourism, I introduced low-cost airlines to Malta which radically improved our connectivity and opened up new opportunities for all, including those wishing to travel, the hospitality sector and those who rent apartments to tourists.

I shall never forget going to our air terminal to welcome the first ever Ryan Air flight to land in Malta. Coming to think of it, nor shall I ever forget the tough negotiations at all levels that led to that occasion.

When my ministerial responsibility included capital projects, I had seen to the development of our present cruise liner terminal at the Valletta Water Front.

Gozo is no longer benefitting to the extent that it should from European funds

That project further connected our islands to other destinations in the Mediterranean and brought to our shores another niche of tourists.

Equally, it was a PN administration that led Malta to join the European Union and the Schengen area, apart from facilitating our travel through visa-waiver agreements. These measures created their own positive revolution to boost our connectivity as an archipelago even if at times we take such measures for granted.

When it comes to Gozo our track record is remarkable. We have invested in new terminals at Ċirkewwa and Gozo thanks to European Union funding. In the early 2000s we introduced three new vessels, Ta’ Pinu (2000), Gaudos (2001), Malita (2002)] that are still serving the people of Malta and Gozo.

In 2012 we invested to improve the capacity of Ta’ Pinu ferry to become a double decker ferry.

While again in Gozo recently to attend the opening of the PN General Council, I could not help bring back memories of how a PN administration had dealt with connectivity in a most effective manner.

And contrary to what the Prime Minister said, Gozo was always given utmost priority in all sectors by the PN in government.

Another factor that could be considered as pertaining to connectivity in the wider context is having a communications system that works. When I had seen to Malta’s transformation to the digital era in telephony, we had made sure that Gozo would have the very first digital exchange even before Malta.

Colleague ministers Anton Tabone and Giovanna Debono would leave no stone unturned to make sure that Gozo was given priority and utmost attention.

What about Labour? After six years in office (yes, it’s been already six years) not only have they failed to stick to their promise of offering a fast ferry service and introduce a fourth ferry but went out of their way to remove the cargo service between Mġarr and Sa Maison.

Since 2000, the population of Gozo and Malta has increased. International tourist arrivals are on the rise. Gozo deserves its fair share of tourist arrivals and for good reason attracts internal tourism.

 So, it is no surprise that the demand for crossings has increased. This implies that rather than merely resolving the current problem by immediately acquiring the much needed fourth ferry, we need to look ahead and have plans in place for a fifth ferry.

When I regularly visit Gozo to listen to what the residents there have to let me know as their member of the European Parliament, they remark that the government is not investing in connectivity for Gozo – that is required here and now, irrespective of any future plans.

That is apart from learning that Gozo is no longer benefitting to the extent that it should from European funds since the government is not ensuring that 10 per cent of funds received from the European Union are allocated to projects for the benefit of Gozo, a policy strictly adhered to by the former administration. Moreover, the decisions about how funds are spent are not being made by the people of Gozo.

In my campaign for re-election to the European Parliament, I am giving utmost importance to the issues that matter for residents of Gozo. Over the coming days, it will be my pleasure to visit Gozo more frequently to make sure that their concerns and needs are seen to and addressed.

Francis Zammit Dimech is an MEP.

This is a Times of Malta print opinion piece