Gozo needs a generous Public Service Contract

Gozo needs a generous Public Service Contract in a soon-to-be liberalised inter-island transport sector

For every one million Euro reduction in fares charged by Gozo Channel, Gozo's economy gains about five to seven million Euro in visitor spending, which would mean two to three million Euro in additional wages and profits.

This was revealed by Professor Edward Scicluna, Labour Party candidate for the MEP Elections while addressing a conference "Vision for the Development of the Island Region of Gozo" organised today by the Gozo Business Chamber.

The grounds for a generous public service obligation (PSO) are economic and not just social, Prof. Scicluna argued in his speech.

This could be arranged through a public service contract (PSC) even in a liberalised transport sector between the two islands. However, this contract must not discriminate between community ship owners, according to the PL candidate.

Professor Scicluna said that the time has come for the setting up of a Gozo Enterprise with a strong business promotion policy and programme covering high value added manufacturing, niche tourism and back office administration.

"Gozo needs special EU funding no less than other Island Regions in the European Union. Although the government seems to have missed the boat for the 2007-2013 budgetary period contrary to what had been promised, a socio-economic study needs to be carried out with urgency in consultation with all Gozitan stakeholders including the Gozo Business Chamber, the Gozo Tourism Association, the NGOs Association, the Church in Gozo and the Gozitan local councils, to establish the real needs of Gozo," Prof. Scicluna said.

Rather than empty slogans of eco-island, the island of Gozo needs sustainable development, Prof. Scicluna concluded.