Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1406636
4 NEWS 2.9.2021 TOURISM continues to be one of the hardest hit sectors by the Coronavirus pandemic, and the outlook remains still uncertain for the remaining months of 2021. Even destination Gozo expe- rienced drops in tourist arriv- als, as according to the latest Regional Statistics issued by NSO, and covering the twelve months of 2020, Gozo regis- tered an expected decrease of 78% in foreign tourist arrivals in Gozitan accommodation over the same period of 2019. Domestic tourism on the other hand is helping to mit- igate the decrease emanat- ing from the foreign arrivals. During the period January to December 2020, the number of domestic arrivals increased significantly by 61.8%, or 133, 217 arrivals more over the twelve months of 2019. Against this scenario the tourism sector on Gozo now needs to look forward and be- yond the covid pandemic. e Gozo Tourism Associa- tion is still working and con- tributing in order to establish mitigating measures which would help to preserve the Gozitan tourism, but it is now looking beyond the covid cri- ses and focusing on a proper restart and recovery. Recently the Gozo Tourism Association has distributed as customary its Budget 2022 proposals to the competent Authorities. ese proposals are intended to serve as mitigating meas- ures which are still needed at this stage, as well as other measures encompassing me- dium to long term actions which should assist in the re- covery of tourism and estab- lish it back to its former posi- tion prior to covid. Based on the preliminary as- sessment of the major adverse effects of the pandemic on the Gozitan tourism sector, the following five priority areas were identified that need spe- cial attention and assistance: • Inter-Island Connectivity • Fiscal Measures • e Product • Marketing • Human resources Gozo Tourism Authority publishes budget proposals Successful candidates must be in possession of the following: Qualifications: A Bachelor of Laws (Honours) LL.B (Hons) (Melit) degree together with Master in Advocacy (M.Adv Melit) degree or have the qualifications of Doctorate of Laws (LL.D) (Melit). Experience: Experience and knowledge of legislation will be considered an asset. Skills: Legal, interpersonal, communication, presentation, and general management. Candidates are to present scanned copies of all qualifications with their application together with any local equivalence evaluation, which documentation is issued by the National Commission for Further and Higher Education (NCFHE) in case of foreign certificates (excluding Ordinary and Advanced Levels) and certificates which are not issued by MCAST or the University of Malta, by the closing date for submissions. The above post is for an indefinite period. Interested candidates are advised to submit their application, together with a detailed curriculum vitae in pdf format, by not later than Monday, 6th September 2021 to: The Human Resources Manager Planning Authority Ref: Assistant Professional Officer (Legal) Jobsplus Permit No. 405/2021 By sending your application via email on jobapplications@pa.org.mt For further information visit our website: www.pa.org.mt/en/vacancies ASSISTANT PROFESSIONAL OFFICER (LEGAL) The role requires a person who will be responsible to assist and support the functioning of the Planning Authority on legal matters, through legal advice on matters, having legal implications especially related to the implementation of the Development Planning Act, and representation in court proceeding. Vacancy www.pa.org.mt PLANNING AUTHORITY 30th jan and 2nd feb.indd 1 19/08/2021 08:24:04 NICOLE MEILAK A new scheme will see the gov- ernment guarantee loans for people struggling to secure af- fordable life insurance. is scheme is targeted at those who are either denied life insur- ance or are forced to pay a high premium on their insurance due to a disability or medical condi- tion, either past or present. "Government couldn't remain silent in the face of these situa- tions," Prime Minister Robert Abela said during the scheme's launch at Castille on Wednesday. e PM was referring to a per- son he had met months prior, who fell sick with a serious illness but, despite recovering and en- joying a stable job, couldn't buy a residence because no one want- ed to offer life insurance and guarantee the loan needed. "Despite facing her illness with courage, she continued facing the consequences," he contin- ued. Minister for Social Accommo- dation Roderick Galdes shared a similar sentiment. "e past doesn't guarantee the future […], but for many people, this phrase isn't true. For many people, the past guarantees the future in that it prejudices it." He added that this scheme adopts a model that will give peace of mind to banks and pro- spective home-buyers. e scheme is being made possible through the National Social and Development Fund, enjoying a €3 million financing arrangement through the fund. To be eligible for the scheme, one must first try and purchase an insurance policy from a pri- vate company, as is usually the case when someone tries secur- ing a loan from a commercial bank. If that person's application is re- fused, postponed by 12 months, or estimated to cost twice and a half more than the average price due to medical or disability rea- sons, then they will be eligible for this scheme. In this case, that person must fill in an application and submit the relevant documentation to the Housing Authority and to the Commission for the Rights of People with Disability (CRPD). Both entities will process the application together and even- tually issue a certificate and let- ter of recommendation to the participating banks so they will be able to finalise the loan agree- ment for the applicant. e guarantee issued by the Housing Authority will cover a maximum €250,000 loan from any bank participating in the scheme. However, if the applicant is able to secure another form of guarantee over and above that offered by the Housing Authority, the bank would be free to offer a higher loan amount. e beneficiary will be asked to pay an annual participation fee to cover the costs of the scheme. is fee will be based on the me- dian premium on life insurance policies. Home loans to be guaranteed by government for people with disabilities, medical conditions