Imagine, if you will, the sun setting over the Azure Window – now a memory, but a symbol of Gozo’s unique allure. The island, with its distinct identity and challenges, begs the question: what would it take to govern Gozo for the long term?

To govern Gozo effectively, one must first understand its distinct character. Unlike mainland Malta, Gozo is less densely populated, with a slower pace of life. Its economy is heavily reliant on tourism, agriculture, and fishing. The island’s cultural heritage is deeply rooted in its history, with sites like the Ġgantija Temples predating the Pyramids of Giza.

But Gozo is not just about its past. It’s about its people – the Gozitans who are proud of their island’s unique identity and want to preserve it while embracing progress. It’s about the balance between preserving the old and embracing the new, between tourism and sustainability, between tradition and innovation.

Infrastructure is the backbone of any society, and Gozo is no exception. The island’s infrastructure has long been a contentious issue, with many Gozitans feeling neglected by the central government in Malta. To govern Gozo for the long term, infrastructure development must be a priority.

This includes investing in roads and public transport to connect the island’s villages and make it easier for residents to commute. It also means improving internet connectivity, which is crucial in today’s digital age, and investing in renewable energy to reduce Gozo’s carbon footprint and energy costs.

the Gozo Channel, the ferry service that connects Gozo to Malta, must be reliable and efficient. This lifeline for the island needs to be upgraded to ensure it can withstand the test of time and serve the needs of Gozitan residents and tourists alike.

Tourism is the lifeblood of Gozo’s economy, but it must be managed sustainably. This means attracting the right kind of tourism – one that respects the environment and benefits the local community. It means investing in eco-tourism, cultural tourism, and agri-tourism, rather than mass tourism.

It also means managing tourist numbers and their impact on the island. This could involve implementing a tourist tax, investing in infrastructure to handle increased visitor numbers, and promoting off-peak season visits to spread the economic benefits throughout the year.

Initiatives like the recently announced ‘Gozo Residency’ scheme, which aims to attract remote workers to live and work in Gozo, could also help diversify the island’s economy and reduce its reliance on seasonal tourism.

Decentralisation is not just a buzzword – it’s a necessity for long-term governance in Gozo. Gozitans need to feel that they have a say in their island’s future. This means devolving power from the central government in Malta to a local government in Gozo.

It means creating a Gozitan parliament or assembly, with the power to make decisions on local issues. It means giving Gozitans a say in how their taxes are spent and how their island is governed. It means making sure that the unique needs and aspirations of Gozitans are taken into account in national policy-making.

Governing Gozo for the long term is not just about ticking boxes or meeting targets. It’s about having a vision for the island – a vision that respects its unique identity, preserves its cultural heritage, and ensures a sustainable future for its residents.

It’s about creating a Gozzo that is not just a tourist destination, but a place where people want to live, work, and invest. It’s about creating a Gozzo that is not just a part of Malta, but a partner in its progress. It’s about creating a Gozzo that is proud of its past, confident about its present, and optimistic about its future.

As the sun sets on another day in Gozo, let’s not forget that the island’s future is in our hands. It’s up to us – the people of Gozo, the people of Malta, and the people in power – to work together to create a long-term vision for this unique island. Because Gozo deserves better. Because Gozo deserves a future.