Transport between Gozo & Malta Present & Future
Over view Ê Part 1 – Introduction. Ê Part 2-‐ What lead us to the current situation? Ê Part 3-‐ What are the problems. Ê Part 4-‐ Which is the way forward. Ê Part 5-‐ What does the general public think? Ê Part 6-‐ Conclusion
Introduction Part 1
RYAN MERCIECA Ê M.A. Tourism -‐
Gozo, a regional brand within the national brand
Ê M.A Diplomcay -‐
The role of the Maltese Islands in the Euro-‐Maghreb Relations.
Ê
B.A. Hons Geography
-‐
People’s Perception of a possible airport in Gozo.
Ê Diploma in Travel Marketing (IATA) Ê Diploma in Tourism (MTA) Ê Diploma in Internet Marketing
MERCIECA RYAN Ê President GUG Ê Vice-‐President KNZ Ê Board Member JECI-‐MIEC Ê Youth Representative MCCF Ê Civil Society MCESD Ê Youth Ambassador EU-‐
China Year of Youth
Gozo University Group (GUG) Ê 25 years Ê Represents students from
University (10%), MCAST & ITS
Ê Gives support to Gozitan
Students throughout their studies in Malta
Ê No political affiliation Ê Making Changes Easier
What lead us to the current situation? Part 2
How it is perceived!! MALTA (Island & Nation)
GOZO
Comino
Other Islands
The real situation MALTA (Nation) GOZO (Island)
Comino
Malta (Island)
Other Islands
What led to the current situation? TWO main ways of thoughts: Ê Colonialistic Mentality Ê Family Centered Mentality
1. Colonialistic Mentality Ê Came from the British period. Ê Before the British period Gozo was self-‐autonomous for two years,
which was recorded as the most prosperous period of Gozo.
Ê During the British period, the Gozitans lived in Gozo waiting for the
decisions and orders from Malta. (British)
Ê When the British left, the Gozitans still waited for the decisions and
orders from Malta. (Maltese)
Ê Every time a Maltese comes to Gozo, we give him a red carpet
treatment and his decisions are never faced or debated because the mentality is that the Maltese are superior to the Gozitan.
Ê On what basis?
1. Colonialistic Mentality Ê There were various attempts to change this mentality such as
the:
1. Gozo Party, 2. Gozo Civic Council and the 3. Ministry for Gozo. Ê Which is the best for the future?
Case Study: Belgium Ê Is the longest state without government Ê In this absence, the country still managed to have its normal
day to day running because of its regional structures.
German Speaking Community Ê Not even 1% (0.7%) of the whole population Ê 1 regional parliament ( to administer the regional decisions) Ê 1 MEP
2. Family Centered Mentality Ê Has its positive and negative. Ê We grow up to live for our family. Ê We must bring pride and honor to our family. Ê We must do everything to be better than our neighbor. Ê This created selfishness in the Gozitan society. Ê This selfishness is leading to the downfall of the Gozitans.
-‐ Inter island transport is a case in point
2. Family Centered Mentality Ê While in Malta we try to impress. Ê Gozitans always searched for their personal success but than
never for the benefit of the Gozitan Society.
Ê This lead to the politics in Gozo being based on individual
clientalism not for the Gozitan Society.
Ê The Gozitans cast their vote according to the personal favors
achieved and not to the politicians that work hard to secure a future for Gozo.
How does all this relate to transport?
Ê We are not discussing the issues on the basis of what is best for
Gozo and the Gozitans but what is best for ME.
Ê We are refusing to look at a long term vision but instead we are
looking at the present personal needs.
Ê The two ways of thoughts mentioned before are the result of the
double insularity Gozo has.
Ê We are becoming more dependent on Malta for our needs than
ever before.
What are the problems Part 3
The main problems of Gozo Ê Double Insularity. Ê Lack of one front. Ê Lack of agreement of basic issues. Ê Lack of creativity and innovation. Ê Lack of vision, sustained with a plan. Ê Mismanagement. Ê We tend to look at our differences between then rather than to the problem. Ê We focus on the problem, not on the solution. Ê Youths are an important tool in the search for solutions to our problems.
Double Insularity Ê Quite a common word now a days. Ê Is the result of Gozo, being an Island in a archipelago. Ê Is it considered as the main, or the only problem of
Gozo?
Ê Is not only geographical but also psychological. Ê The solution lies in improving accessibility between
Gozo and Malta and in connecting the island of Gozo with Europe and beyond.
Accessibility to Gozo 1. Sea 2. Air 3. Other ??
Improved accessibility to Gozo: is it a must? Ê The present level of accessibility creates problems to: -‐ Manufacturing industry in Gozo -‐ Tourism Industry in Gozo -‐ Commercial community -‐ Gozitan residents students in Malta -‐ Gozitans residents working in Malta
Which is the way forward Part 4
SEA What we first think! Ê Gozo Channel Ê 3 ferries Ê Mgarr to Cirkewwa Route
Ê It’s a social and
infrastructural service
Why Do we need more access to Gozo? Ê Because Gozo is getting more dependent on Malta. Ê There is no adequate infrastructure. Ê No job creation. Ê Lack of opportunities. Ê No economic growth. Ê No investment.
SEA – The way forward Ê Improvement of the current service. (Short Term) -‐ Online & pre booking, priority to all Gozitans & Smartphones Ê Introducing new routes, with a fast service (catamaran) to
connect Mgarr with: -‐ Sa Masion -‐ Valletta Waterfront -‐ Sicily (Taormina which is the center of tourism in Sicily)
SEA Ê 2 Existing Reports
-‐ One was presented during a BOV conference in 2001 -‐ In 2007, MMA appointed a UK consultancy and carried out a study on the Port of Mgarr Strategic Plan and Gozo – Sicily Ferry Study. Ê Are these two reports forgotten? What happened?
Development of Mgarr Harbour Ê The report gave three clear options: 1) Do nothing 2) Internal Remodelling (LM 16.22m / €37.78m) 3) Harbour Expansion (LM 23.43m / €56.91m)
Internal Remodelling (LM 16.22m / €37.78m)
Harbour Expansion (LM 23.43m / €56.91m)
AIR Ê This option is considered as the one that will remove the
double insularity once and for all
Ê Three visions: -‐ Helicopter pad (which is already present) -‐ Infrastructure for Fixed wing operations -‐ Infrastructure for International Airport
Video 1
Video 2
Facts about this airport Ê 12th busiest international airport in the Caribbean Ê An average of over 1,600,000 passengers per year Ê On an island of 35km2 (Gozo is 67km2) Ê With a population of 37,500 (Gozo is 31,00) Ê Flights from Amsterdam & Madrid
Facts -‐ Gibraltar airport Ê Gibraltar airport is located about 300 yards from the town
centre and there is a road the runs through it so when a flight is arriving the road is closed.
Ê 6.7km2 (Gozo is 67km2) Ê 30,000 inhabitants (Gozo has 31,000) Ê An average of 350,000 passengers per year
What does the general public think Part 5
What do people think? Ê Three main sources:
1. Mercieca Ryan, 2009, B.A. Hons Geography Thesis 2. OASI Youth Survey 3. GUG Student Survey
2009, B.A. Hons Geography Thesis
2009, B.A. Hons Geography Thesis
2009, B.A. Hons Geography Thesis
2009, B.A. Hons Geography Thesis
2009, B.A. Hons Geography Thesis
OASI Youth Survey Ê From 10 to 30 years: -‐ 60% agree with the tunnel link -‐ 40% do not agree
GUG Student Survey Taqbel ma’ link permanenti (tunnel / bridge) bejn Malta u Għawdex? &'(# %%#
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GUG Student Survey Taqbel li Għawdex għandu jkollu ajruport sabiex ikunu attirat aktar is-suq turistiku u investiment dirett lejn ilgżira Għawdxija, bil-għan li jinħolqu aktar postijiet taxxogħol f’Għawdex stess għalik? $%#
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GUG Student Survey Taqbel ma servizz aktar frekwenti li jgħaqqad lill-Mġarr ma’ Sa Maison (Msida)?
GUG Student Survey Taqbel li għandu jkun hemm priority boarding għall-Għawdxin?
GUG Student Survey Taqbel li għandu jkun hemm skema għal dawk li jużaw il-vapur ta’ kuljum? $#
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GUG Student Survey Għandu jkun hemm Students’ Fare sabiex tintuża għas-servizz tal-Gozo Channel? #$"
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Conclusion Part 6
Conclusion Ê We should set priorities. Ê Unite as a common front. Ê Create short, medium & long term goals for Gozo. Ê Base our future on a creative and innovative approach. Ê Gozo does not need a solution, but plan with adequate
management.
Ê A solution should not be an idea of a person, but a detailed
and transparent study.
What do students and youths want? Ê To have a future in Gozo. Ê To have opportunities in Gozo. Ê To have investment in Gozo. Ê To live the ‘Gozitan Dream’
-‐ to be able to work, have a family and live in Gozo.