Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1526855
6 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 20 SEPTEMBER 2024 INTERVIEW What does your locality have to offer any Maltese or tourists visiting Gozo? As you approach Gozo, the first land- marks that you will see are that of Għa- jnsielem including the Lourdes Chapel, Fort Chambray and the Lombard-Goth- ic Church dedicated to Our Lady of Lo- reto. The village centre offers probably one of the most beautiful squares and is surrounded by a number of bars and clubs that serve excellent food to visi- tors who come to enjoy the views. The old parish church and the mys- terious 'Pjazza tad-Dehra', where it is believed that Our Lady had spoken to a local shepherd named Anglu Grech, al- so lie in the vicinity. In summer, one can enjoy the beau- tiful beaches of 'Xatt l-Aħmar', 'Ras il- Ħobż', 'Ġiardum' or 'Żewwieqa' whilst in winter the coastal walk from Cham- bray grove towards Imgarr ix-Xini tow- er offers stunning scenery of the Mal- tese countryside. Comino and Imġarr Harbour marina with its lively Żewwieqa waterfront are also part of Għajnsielem and both are a tourist magnet especially in high season. In December, Għajnsielem is pro- moted as a unique Christmas destina- tion thanks to the popular 'Betlehem f'Ghajnsielem' nativity village, events and decorations. Throughout the year, the Għajnsielem Local Council also or- ganises a number of cultural events as the main square is closed for traffic and changed into a pedestrian area. The popular Feast of Our Lady of Lo- reto is celebrated on the last Sunday of August. As mayor of your locality, what is the biggest concern you have? One of the biggest challenges is waste. The lack of discipline to adhere with the waste collection schedule coupled with illegal dumping and lack of enforcement by authorities makes it a never-ending battle for our council to keep both the rural and urban areas clean. Lack of infrastructure in electricity distribution and sewage system is also a major cause of concern. There are zones in the locality which are still experience low voltage and the fact that a number of large developments are in the pipe- line will certainly exuberate the prob- lem. On a long term, another concern is the dwindling number of volunteers and their participation not only in Għa- jnsielem but all over Malta and Gozo. Although this does not affect the local council directly, the local NGOs are the main pillars of society and form an es- sential part of our identity. Besides the tourism sector, Is enough being done to attract business to Gozo? Are there any business sectors you wish to see developed in your locality? There are a number of sectors which offer potential for further growth such as the arts and crafts market. We often talk about knowledge-based work, behind-the desk jobs and lately artificial intelligence but we are slowly forgetting the values of craftsmanship. Gozo has the potential to invest in man- ual trades and artistic skills that can make our island unique in terms of in- tellectual capital. How does tourism help or hinder your locality? Considering the number of catering establishments, cultural events that are organised and rentals available in our MEET THE MAYOR Kevin Cauchi MAYOR OF GĦAJNSIELEM We often talk about knowledge- based work, behind-the desk jobs and lately artificial intelligence but we are slowly forgetting the values of craftsmanship. Gozo has the potential to invest in manual trades and artistic skills that can make our island unique in terms of intellectual capital.