Five workshops held by the Labour Party in Gozo today

The Labour Party has been holding its regional conference in Gozo this weekend. Today, five different workshops were held which were set up to discuss political, social, economic and cultural proposals for a better Gozo.

The five workshops were run by Dr Anton Refalo, Mr Joe Cordina, Dr Justyne Caruana, Mr Anton F Attard and Mr Franco Mercieca.

Many topics were discussed across the various meetings, in discussions took place about the possibility of direct access to EU funds for Gozo, the development of new economic sectors and the island having it’s own regional decision making structures.

Participants in another meetings felt that “Gozo needed a further yacht marina.” Also discussed was that a “better transport service between Gozo and Comino, as well as to possibly some of the bays on the island, should be developed.” Underground car parks built in Mgarr and Victoria to ease the parking problems was another item discussed.

In another discussion it was said that the “Xewkija industrial area should be revived and that a new business park built in Gozo would generate new economic activity, encouraging the return of lost businesses from Malta and abroad to the island.”

Those present in the meeting that had an educational theme agreed that “extra investment was required for the youth of Gozo to provide them with more educational opportunities on the island.” Also discussed was the point that “local university students should be able to submit their assignments in Gozo as well as take their exams in Gozo. Gozitan students who have to travel to Malta, should continue to receive financial support, this could also possibly include those in private education. Better career guidance for the youth in Gozo was also something that needed attention, the attendees thought. Others felt that the “unfair gap in pay between Gozitans and Maltese must be addressed

The celebration of Gozo’s cultural and natural heritage, through handicrafts, art and culture, were discussed, with participants commenting on the need for camping and caravan sites. Investment in new cultural, sports and recreational facilities was also mentioned. “More public gardens and recreation areas for families were needed on the island,” they thought. The chance of having off road facilities was discussed, as well as to hold more cultural events of all types in Gozo. The participants also thought that “more archaeological work must be carried out at the Citadel to prevent its deterioration.”

Changing the health care service was discussed in another meeting so that patients “could be assigned rooms not according to their gender but according to their condition.” Also mentioned was the “urgent need for a chemotherapy service in Gozo and that the medicines service provided by the health system should be under the control of the Health Ministry and not the Ministry for Gozo which is not professionally qualified to provide it.” Those at the meeting also felt that homes for the elderly in Gozo were badly needed.