Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1543507
7 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 27 FEBRUARY 2026 OPINION relying heavily on central Government interventions. Equitable social and health services For Gozo's residents, equitable access to quality social and health services is non-negotiable. Investment in telemedicine, specialized clinics, and mental health services would reduce the need for residents to travel to Malta for care. Social policies must al- so reflect Gozo's demographic realities, providing tailored support for an aging population, youth empowerment pro- grams, and inclusive services that foster community cohesion. A Gozo-sensitive taxation system National taxation frameworks often fail to account for Gozo's unique structural challenges. As such a non-one-size-fits- all taxation system for the island of Gozo (i.e. a new tax structure designed specif- ically for the island of Gozo to reflect its differences (when compared to main- land Malta) in income levels, wealth, consumption patterns, regional cost of living, business size, and social needs) is vital and pivotal to effectively (a) address regional disparities in income and cost structures; (b) support smaller business base and limited economies of scale; (c) promote social priorities like housing affordability and rural employment; and (d) encourage skilled workers and in- vestors to relocate or operate in Gozo. At present, the local Government has already implemented several regional tax schemes and incentives that helped to make Gozo's tax landscape different in practice; however, time has come to move away from targeted piecemeal taxation initiatives towards a solid and holistic non-one-size-fits-all taxation framework for Gozo based on Malta's Vision 2050 priorities. In essence, the proposed taxation framework would not only help to recognize Gozo's particular realities but will eventually encourage and sustain economic activity that aligns with its long- term vision. A self-sustained revenue model Gozo cannot rely solely on annual budget allocations or EU funds to fuel its growth. A self- sustained economic rev- enue system would empower the island to initiate and complete capital projects timely and independently. In this sense, the provision of diverse revenue models would help to successfully achieve this goal. The latter includes: • Establishing a Gozo Development Fund, financed by eco-taxes, digital economy levies, and public-private part- nerships. • Exploring community bonds and green financing mechanisms to fund sustainable infrastructure projects. • Redirecting portions of revenues generated from Gozo-based industries directly into regional projects. This approach strengthens Gozo's au- tonomy while ensuring accountability and reinvestment in the island. Enhancing Gozo's regionality status Ultimately, addressing the disadvantag- es of double insularity requires elevating Gozo's regional status rather than re- maining with the current piecemeal de- cisional structure formed from multiple committees (such as the Gozo Regional Committee, the Regional Council, the Gozo Regional Development Authori- ty). The idea is to home all organisations and sectors into one body, which works alongside the Gozo Regional Develop- ment Authority and the Ministry for Gozo and Planning. The latter involves: • Greater administrative autonomy in decision-making and funding allocation. • Stronger representation in national and EU policy-making. • The development of a Regional Pol- icy, binding in law, to secure continuity across political cycles. Such recognition ensures Gozo's unique challenges and opportunities are addressed systematically and sustaina- bly. Conclusion: A Future rooted in balance and innovation The holistic vision for Gozo rests on education, environment, economic di- versification, social equity, and financial sustainability. By aligning its develop- ment model with its regional identity and natural strengths, Gozo can trans- form double insularity from a disadvan- tage into a catalyst for innovation, resil- ience, and distinctiveness. Gozo's future must not simply mirror Malta's trajectory - it must chart its own path, one that safeguards its uniqueness while empowering its people to thrive. Gozo's future must not simply mirror Malta's trajectory - it must chart its own path, one that safeguards its uniqueness while empowering its people to thrive