Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1529635
5 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 22 NOVEMBER 2024 OPINION In the case of Amanda Muscat's employment, why should Clint Camilleri resign as Gozo Minister? Clint Camilleri's position has become untenable because this is not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of nepotism and abuse of public resources. Amanda Muscat's employment has raised serious concerns about favoritism and a blatant disregard for meritocracy. A min- ister is expected to uphold transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership. When public trust is undermined, resig- nation is not only appropriate—it's nec- essary to restore confidence in the office and ensure accountability. It sends the right message out there that everyone deserves his position but everyone has to provide redress in case of deliberate mis- takes, in this case resigning. Let us not miss the point that this is not an over- sight but collusion and an undeserving appointment by design. What makes you confident that the PN can break the cycle of clientelism in Gozo? Clientelism thrives in systems without transparency and accountability. The PN is committed to dismantling this by im- plementing strong, enforceable reforms: public service positions awarded solely on merit, a digitalized and transparent recruitment process, and independent audits of all public appointments. Our vision for Gozo prioritizes the collective benefit of the community, not political patronage. We've learned from past mis- takes, and the Gozitans can trust us to build a fairer system that serves everyone equally. Is the government delivering on its promises for Gozo? On many fronts, I say NO. The starting point of an answer to this question is by asking how important Gozo and its well being is for this government? By the many ensuing actions over the years the answer is pretty clear and stark. Not important at all. Hence it fails to deliver most of the promises. I just mention two failed prom- ises from a non-exhaustive list: Infrastructure projects The state of roads and arterial carriage- ways have deterioted to levels never seen before. The Budget allocation for capital investment yet again has decreased when our infrastructure is in dire need of im- provement. The hospital The government has for the THIRD time announced the building of a new hospital and the first phase of a number of unknow phases is to be complete by March 2025. Yet there is nothing on the publicly available announcements when it comes to both planning and public pro- curement for works. A PN government would see to both these ultimately basic but very important aspects that influence the attractiveness of Gozo. We would see to setting up of a ded- icated agency to design commision and ex- ecute infrastructural works that brings the infrastrcuture to the 21st century. As for the hospital, it will be a priority. As a party we always have given a com- mitment to deliver Healthcare projects. We will endeavour to provide that same commitment. What would a PN government do differently? A PN government would focus on cre- ating a comprehensive strategy for Gozo based on sustainability, fairness, and in- clusivity. A social and local plan revisit- ed in tandem that takes us to 2050. We would: - Establish a clear plan for sustainable economic growth that respects Gozo's unique character. - Invest heavily in green infrastructure and renewable energy projects. - Create job opportunities in emerging sectors such as technology and renewable energy to reduce reliance on tourism and public sector jobs. - Implement merit-based systems for public appointments and contracts to en- sure fairness and eliminate clientelism. What do you feel are the biggest challenges Gozo is facing today? Gozo faces significant challenges, in- cluding: - Economic Dependency: Over-reliance on tourism and public sector jobs with limited private sector diversification. - Ageing Population: Young Gozitans are leaving due to lack of opportunities. - Sustainability: Poor environmen- tal practices are putting Gozo's natural beauty and resources at risk. - Connectivity: Insufficient transport links hinder economic development and accessibility. - Accountability: Widespread political favoritism damages public trust. What is your position on the allocation of EU funds for Gozo's development under the current government? Are they being used effectively? The allocation of EU funds for Gozo's development has been riddled with in- efficiency and mismanagement. Rather than investing in strategic, long-term projects that benefit all Gozitans, funds are being used to finance politically ex- pedient initiatives. A PN government would ensure EU funds are used for transformative pro- jects, such as renewable energy infra- structure, new ferries for the Gozo Channel, affordable housing, and mod- ernizing Gozo's health and education services. We would also improve trans- parency by involving independent over- sight in the planning and execution of EU-funded projects. Do you believe Gozo is being adequately prioritised in national infrastructure projects, such as roadworks and connectivity? Definitely not. Infrastructure projects in Gozo often feel like afterthoughts. We have just had a 25% reduction in capital investment for 2025. You can- not do infrastructural improvements by limiting the budget. Moreover, almost every project is riddled with delays and overspend. So under a labour Govern- ment we are bound to see a squeeze on capital projects and regress in our infra- structure. Tourism is a vital pillar for Gozo's economy. Is enough being done to ensure the sector's sustainability while protecting the island's unique environment and also its authenticity?* Absolutely not. While tourism remains critical, current policies focus too much on short-term growth rather than long- term sustainability. Overdevelopment threatens Gozo's natural beauty and cul- tural identity, which are its main attrac- tions. A PN government would prioritize eco-tourism, promote local businesses, and enforce strict regulations to protect Gozo's environment and authenticity. Tourism should not come at the cost of Gozo's soul. Why should Gozitans trust you when politicians have consistently failed to deliver real change for the island? Do you think the PN has done enough to present itself as a credible alternative for Gozo? We understand the frustration Gozitans feel after years of unmet prom- ises. The PN has reflected on its past and is determined to regain the trust of the people of Gozo by focusing on transpar- ency, fairness, and vision. We paid that political price dearly and we have learnt many lessons. We feel that trust is veering towards us now. Taking that from the local council and EU elections whereby if a thorough analysis is carried we have seen a delib- erate choice by the electorate of not on- ly rejecting labour but choosing the PN candidtes as a real valid and viable alter- native. Our policies are not just promises but actionable plans rooted in the realities Gozitans face every day. We will contin- ue to engage directly with the commu- nity, listen to their concerns, and deliver tangible results. That is the key for us. We are ready to lead Gozo into a brighter, fairer, and more sustainable future. 'Trust is veering towards us now' The Nationalist Party's spokesman for Gozo, Alex Borg, sees five major challenges the island is facing: economic dependency on tourism and public sector jobs, an ageing population, sustainability, connectivity, and political accountability. He sat down with MARIANNA CALLEJA to explain how the PN would do things differently. Alex Borg