Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1543739
5 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 6 MARCH 2026 NEWS THE need for stronger connec- tivity, economic diversification, and sustainable development for Gozo was highlighted during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Gozo Business Chamber held on Thursday, 26th February 2026, at the Auditorium of the Queen Mary University of Lon- don Malta Campus in Victoria, Gozo. Opening the meeting, GBC CEO Daniel Borg emphasised that the Gozo Business Chamber is not an entity that operates in isolation, but one that has developed within the Gozitan community. Over the years, he noted, the Chamber has continuously evolved in order to adapt to changing economic, so- cial and global realities. "The Gozitan community is changing, businesses are chang- ing, and the world around us is changing. The challenges of today are not the challenges of yester- day," he stated. Within this con- text, the AGM serves as an im- portant moment of reflection and forward vision — a time to review the work carried out over the past year and to set clear priorities for the future. He reiterated that the Chamber is not merely a business association, but an institution embedded within the socio-eco- nomic fabric of Gozo, which must remain relevant and responsive to the needs of the island. During the AGM, the financial and administrative reports of the Chamber were presented. A key highlight of this year's AGM were the keynote interven- tions by Mario Borg, Permanent Secretary within the Ministry for Gozo and Planning, and Ivan Falzon, Chief Executive Officer of the Gozo Regional Development Authority. The meeting also featured an address by Chris Said, Parliamen- tary Spokesperson for Gozo for the Opposition. In his closing address, GBC President Michael Galea out- lined a clear and forward-looking vision for Gozo's development, centred on connectivity, diversifi- cation, sustainability and stronger regional governance. He described connectivity be- tween Gozo and Malta as the island's economic and social life- line, reiterating the Chamber's consistent position in favour of permanent connectivity, while stressing that such a project must be accompanied by sound plan- ning, environmental safeguards, strong governance and public trust. "The question is not whether Gozo should strengthen its con- nectivity, but how we prepare the island for sustainable growth. Connectivity must go hand in hand with intelligent planning, environmental protection and strong governance," Galea stated. President Galea further em- phasised the need for sustained investment in strategic infra- structure and essential services, describing such investment as fundamental to quality of life, economic competitiveness and long-term resilience. Economic diversification was identified as a priority for Gozo's future. While tourism and con- struction remain important pillars, he stressed the need to broaden the island's econom- ic base through digitalisation, knowledge-based sectors and innovation-driven activity, while continuing to support small and family businesses that form the backbone of the Gozitan econo- my. Referring to youth, President Galea highlighted the importance of the Youth4Entrepreneurship initiative, now in its seventh edition, as a concrete example of how the Chamber is actively contributing towards building an ecosystem that empowers young Gozitans to innovate, create and contribute to the island's future economy. Concluding, President Galea re- affirmed the Chamber's commit- ment to building a resilient, com- petitive and sustainable economic future for Gozo through collabo- ration at local, national and inter- national level. Gozo Business Chamber calls for stronger connectivity and economic diversification RESTORATION works on five historic statues located around Victoria will begin shortly after the completion of the tender- ing and adjudication process, the Victoria Local Council has announced. Taking to Facebook, Major of Victoria, Brian Azzopardi said the project will see the monuments undergo conser- vation works aimed at pre- serving their structure and appearance as part of efforts to safeguard the city's cultural heritage. Funding for the initiative amounts to €30,000, which was secured by the Victoria Local Council through the Ministry for Gozo and Plan- ning. Council officials said the restoration programme re- flects their commitment to maintaining important cul- tural landmarks and ensuring they are preserved for future generations. Further details on the time- line and the specific statues included in the project are ex- pected to be announced once works commence. Five historic statues in Victoria to be restored GBC President Michael Galea described connectivity between Gozo and Malta as the island's economic and social lifeline, reiterating the Chamber's consistent position in favour of permanent connectivity