Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1540024
IN its first public talk of the 2025/2026 season, on Saturday 11 October 2025 at 11:00, Il- Ħaġar Museum will be hosting Dr Alfred Grech, President of Circolo Gozitano, who will be addressing the unique adminis- trative and governance needs of Gozo as a distinct island region within Malta. In this public lecture titled Gozo: An Island Region, Grech will illustrate how despite its rich cultural heritage, geo- graphical insularity, and so- cio-economic particularities, Gozo has historically lacked a dedicated regional governing body capable of tackling its specific challenges. The public talk explores the historical precedent of the Gozo Civic Council (1961–1973) and recent legislative developments establishing regional councils in Malta, including the creation of the Gozo Regional Council. It argues that a fully empow- ered regional council for Gozo is essential to promote balanced regional development, deliver effective local governance, and safeguard the island's unique identity. Through greater ad- ministrative autonomy and tailored policymaking, Gozo can better manage its resourc- es, infrastructure, and cultural heritage while fostering so- cio-economic progress. The talk concludes that advocating enhanced regional governance is critical to overcoming in- sularity-related disadvantages and ensuring sustainable devel- opment for Gozo's community. A lawyer by profession, Grech has lectured at the University of Malta in Family Law, European Law, and Human Rights Law. He is also a widely published author and poet. He serves as the current President of Circo- lo Gozitano, a non-governmen- tal civil society organisation founded in 1913, whose prima- ry aim is to promote Gozo and advance the socio-economic and cultural interests of the Gozitans. As always, admission to Il- Ħaġar and participation in our public talks are free of charge. However, seat reservations are recommended by sending an email to events@heartofgozo. org.mt. In the coming days, Il-Ħaġar will be releasing details of its full and busy programme of events up to January 2026. 5 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 3 OCTOBER 2025 NEWS Gozo Tourism Awards 2025 to honour excellence in island's tourism sector THE Gozo Tourism Association (GTA) will hold the 16th edition of the Gozo Tourism Awards in February 2026, recognising in- dividuals and businesses that have made significant contri- butions to the island's tourism industry. The annual awards will include the Tourism Worker Award, which honours a professional for outstanding service, and the Young Tourism Worker Award, which acknowledges exception- al performance by an emerging talent in the sector. For the 11th consecutive year, the Entrepreneurship in Tour- ism Award will be presented to a Gozitan entrepreneur whose work has had a lasting impact on the island's tourism landscape. This year's programme also fea- tures two new categories. The Gozo Business Niche Tourism Achievement Award will recog- nise innovative initiatives that enhance niche tourism prod- ucts, while the Gozo Cultural Niche Tourism Achievement Award will highlight events, festivals, or other cultural initi- atives that have boosted visitor numbers. The awards ceremony is scheduled for Friday, 6 February 2026. Nomination forms and regula- tions are available online at the GTA's official website or from the association's offices at Mli- et Court, George Borg Olivier Street, Victoria. Public lecture explores need for stronger regional autonomy in Gozo Dr Alfred Grech, President of Circolo Gozitano, will address Gozo's unique administrative and governance challenges in a free public talk at Il-Ħaġar Museum on Saturday, 11 October 2025 President of Circolo Gozitano, Alfred Grech will give a public lecture on 11 October