Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1533291
3 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 14 MARCH 2025 NEWS GozoToday is a weekly newspaper focused primarily on Gozo. It hopes to serve as a source of information on business, culture, entertainment and of course current affairs. Gozo has a special charm about it but it is also a bustling Island with an identity of its own. GozoToday is published every Friday and is available to numerous outlets in Gozo and on the ferries that carry so many visitors to Gozo from Malta and beyond. GozoToday MediaToday Co. Ltd, Vjal ir-Rihan San Gwann SGN 9016 EDITOR: PAUL COCKS Tel: (356) 21 382741-3, 21 382745-6 Website: www.maltatoday.com.mt E-mail: dailynews@mediatoday.com.mt CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 He said that Gozo's connectivi- ty is not just a national issue but a European challenge. Malta must ensure that Gozo receives its fair share of EU fund- ing to improve transport links and facilitate economic develop- ment, he insisted. "For the last five years we had the short-term half baked solu- tion of the MV Nikolaos," Agius said. "We cannott allow more short-termism for Gozo. We need a longer-term sustainable and efficient solution." Agius said that the European Commission has shown an in- terest in his proposals, and said it is now up to Malta to turn these opportunities into real projects that benefit Gozitans. Agius's meting with Tzitzikos- tas comes ahead of the national conference on Gozo's connectiv- ity this Saturday. The conference, titled "Vapuri Ġodda għal Għawdex – X'tis- ta' tagħmel l-Ewropa? X'irridu nagħmlu aħna?", will bring to- gether policymakers, stakehold- ers, and experts to explore solu- tions for improving maritime links between Gozo and Malta, as well as the broader role of EU funding in strengthening the is- land's economic and social de- velopment. It is being held at the Kempin- ski Hotel in San Lawrenz, Gozo, and kicks off at 10am. During his meeting with Com- missioner Tzitzikostas, Agius underlined his commitment to placing Gozo at the top of his agenda, a pledge he made before the June 2024 European elec- tions. He reiterated that ensuring better connectivity for Gozo is crucial for economic growth, tourism, job creation and overall quality of life for Gozitans. Central to the discussions was the report Agius published in November 2024, which identi- fied EU funding opportunities for strengthening connectivity and financing new ferry services for Gozo. The report highlights key EU financial instruments, including the Connecting Europe Facili- ty (CEF) and Cohesion Funds, which could be tapped into for modern, sustainable, and relia- ble ferry transport. Tzitzikostas welcomed Agius' initiative, stressing the European Commission's commitment to supporting regional connectivity and ensuring that island commu- nities like Gozo fully benefit from EU investment mechanisms. He acknowledged the importance of sustainable transport solutions and encouraged Maltese authori- ties to take full advantage of avail- able EU programs. Agius also referred to the reg- ulation on the use of renewable and low-carbon fuels in mari- time transport, underlining that securing short-term exemptions is not enough; long-term solu- tions must be found to ensure an efficient ferry service operated by clean, sustainable vessels. He said that Gozo deserves a future-proof transport system that is both environmentally friendly and meets the needs of the island's residents and busi- nesses. Agius also referred to the next Multiannual Financial Frame- work (MFF) and the need to en- sure that the next EU budget pri- oritises connectivity for Gozo. He called on the governent to take an active role in securing EU funding for long-term in- vestments in Gozo's transport infrastructure to guarantee reli- able and sustainable links for the island. Peter Agius discusses EU support for Gozo's connectivity with European Commissioner PN MEP Peter Agius (left) with European Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas GOZO'S Dar il-Kantuniera is seeking to open up its services to individuals with the dual diag- nosis of mental health and sub- stance abuse and has signed an agreement with the OASI Foun- dation to collaborate on staff training and client support. To date, Dar il-Kantuniera only accepted those struggling with mental health challenges, but through this Memorandum of Understanding between The Malta Trust Foundation and OA- SI it can now focus on those du- al-diagnosis cases who are ready to return to the community. Located in Għarb, the residence has achieved an impressive 86 per cent success rate in helping indi- viduals with mental health issues reintegrate into the community, away from institutionalisation. It offers a short-stay residential programme, that deals with a so- cial perspective to mental health, and is a collaboration between the Gozo Ministry, The Malta Trust Foundation and the Mental Health Association Gozo. TMTF founder and chair Ma- rie-Louise Coleiro Preca ex- plained that the previous ad- mittance criteria had been too rigid and the challenges of men- tal health struggles and drug use kept cropping up. "This MoU will help expand our services and enhance our outreach within the community, ensuring those in need receive comprehensive rehabilitation and support to be able to be re- integrated within the community and with their families," Coleiro Preca said. Dar il-Kantuniera was founded on the principles of prevention and social reintegration, helping clients rebuild their skills and regain independence within the community, in a place that has the feel and safety of a home. TMTF brings together academ- ics, psychosocial professionals, the business community and civil society organisations to bridge the gaps that frequently arise without duplicating services, while OASI works to educate and help prevent people from turning to harmful behaviours and offers services that enable them to de- velop the skills to face life's diffi- culties. Dar il-Kantuniera services to cover substance abuse OASI Foundation CEO Noel Xerri and The Malta Trust Foundation founder and chair Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca