Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1530938
AN analysis of the main topics of 2024 in GozoToday confirmed that the main themes of concern were connectivity, au- thenticity and agriculture. 2024 also saw the birth of GozoToday as Gozo's first boutique printed newspaper reporting in a fair and independent manner news and analysis from and about Gozo. The newspaper also focused on the political controversies in Gozo, offering a platform for diverse views including those of Oppo- sition spokespersons. And it was a turbulent time for the Gozo Minister himself who battered a political storm after the publication of a stand- ards commissioner report in November. Yet it was the same minister Clint Camill- eri who vowed to improve connectivity, and to work on multiple fronts to make it happen. The minister boasted of 693,361 passen- gers that made use of the Gozo fast fer- ry service in 2023 and of his intentions to convert the Gozo Heliport facility, which currently is only used in cases of emergen- cy by the air ambulance helicopter, into a 445-meter rural airstrip for short take-off and landing fixed- wing aircraft. According to him the aim is to introduce a reliable and scheduled fixed wing connec- tivity between Gozo and the Malta Interna- tional Airport. On the other hand, Joe Muscat as Chief Executive Officer of the Gozo Tourism As- sociation, opined that Gozo still offers an authentic experience to the visitors. "The Island's authenticity is one of the main attractions that we still have on offer and therefore it needs to be protected and en- riched." Interestingly Mario Borg, CEO of the Gozo Regional Development Authori- ty, echoed this belief, saying: "Preserving these areas benefit the general community and add long term value to Gozo. Besides, the indirect and longer-term benefits of keeping Gozo as an island of villages, there is a more direct benefit to owners. Vari- ous studies conducted in different cities support the case that an emphasis on ar- chitectural homogeneity and coherence — characteristics of such terraced houses — contributes to an increase in the value." And finally, Agriculture Minister Anton Refalo, himself also Gozitan and former Minister for Gozo added: "Gozo could be- come the food basket of Malta, significant- ly contributing to the food security of our country. Agriculture is an intrinsic part of Gozo's heritage and culture. "Promoting and supporting its moderni- sation will help protect its identity through land stewardship and recreational land- scape while boosting its attractiveness as a tourist destination. The Ministry of Ag- riculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights is committed to give its fair share to the ful- filment of this vision for the benefit of the Gozitan agricultural community and the public." These comments and of many others re- flected a growing urge with decision mak- ers that Gozo's future could not be com- promised by ill-thought decisions. And that Gozo uniqueness and qualities need to be preserved. SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL FRIDAY 27 DECEMBER 2024 • ISSUE 026 • PUBLISHED EVERY FRIDAY gozotoday €1.00 Connectivity, authenticity and agriculture dominate Gozo's 2024 agenda EDITORIAL Gozo's authenticity needs to be preserved, on this there seems to be consensus