Speaking at a press conference at the party offices in Gozo, Alternattiva Demokratika Chairperson Dr Harry Vassallo said that Gozo deserved greater attention through specific measures tailored for its particular circumstances."Alternattiva Demokratika has made a number of Gozo-specific proposals in the consultation stage of the pre-budget document" Dr Vassallo said "We have also made a number of other policy proposals in the past several months inviting the government to change course and to embrace Gozo appropriate policies." Dr Vassallo added."

Time and again we have invited government to set an example and to transfer to Gozo more of its backoffice work while providing incentives for the location of such work in Gozo by private companies. It is very disappointing that some attempts by the private sector which anticipate any such incentive scheme have been frustrated by excess burocracy' Dr Vassallo said.

"Time and again Alternattiva Demokratika has proposed the establishment of mooring facilites for cruise liners in Gozo and government has since shown an interest in the matter. It is time that the government goes from proposals and ideas to action in this matter" Dr Vassallo said."

Similarly the dedication of a landing area in the sea off Marsalforn could provide not only an air link to Malta but also allow Gozo to participate in inter-island tourism with other Mediterranean destinations." Dr Vassallo said.

Mr Victor Galea, AD Secretary General and spokesperson for Gozo said that "while it is noted with satisfaction that a public transport service between Cirkewwa and Luqa airport has been established in line with proposals made by Alternattiva Demokratika, public transport in Gozo remains a joke in poor taste" Mr Galea said "Instead of remaining fixated with the construction of a carpark which will only increase congestion, state of the art public transport and other urban mobility options should be a major government priority drastically reducing the need for private transport as well as costs for Gozo residents and visitors."

"Neither golf courses not yacht marinas will address the persistent problem of seasonality in the Gozo tourism sector" Mr Galea said. "Instead government should aim to improve the attractiveness of Gozo for foreign residents who can provide a permanent, non-seasonal source of revenue for various enterprises in Gozo and themselves attract a flow of visitors to the island. It is estimated that 2000 permanent residents which can easily be accomodated in Gozo's many vacant properties, would generate revenues equal to those presently earned by the Gozo tourism sector' Mr Galea said."

Gozo can also be directly assisted at no expense to government if the proposal made by Alternattiva Demokratika to shift public holidays falling on weekdays to a Friday or a Monday." Dr Vassallo said 'While aiding productivity all over the country it would sustain Gozo by increasing the incidence of long weekend breaks which Many Maltese choose to spend in Gozo.'

Dr Vassallo added."Alternattiva Demokratika has also proposed the setting up of a Venture Capital Fund aimed at assisting private enterprise in creating employment opportunities in Gozo by developing its potential as an eco-island" Dr Vassallo said. "If the political will can be found to take concrete steps in this direction we have the promise of assistance from Alfonso Pecoraro Scanio who heads the Italian Green Party and is currently the Italian Minister for the Environment" Dr Vassallo said. "Such a project could create hundreds of Gozo-specific posts while adding value to Gozo as one of the unique islands in the world."

"As an eco-island Gozo can be a national leader in alternative energy providing an additional visitor venue through an alternative energy centre, creating employment for technicians, engineers and marketing and hospitality staff while driving a campaign to reduce energy bills for every household and business in Gozo" Dr Vassallo said.

It is time that the government take up Alternattiva Demokratika's proposals for Gozo, and start implementing these proposals instead of avoiding them." Dr Vassallo said