Speaking at a Press Conference held at Marsalforn, Alternattiva Demokratika Chairperson Dr Harry Vassallo said that the absence of a clear plan for tourism in Gozo left operators and their employees with an uncertain future. "In order to create long term employment not subject to seasonality both public and private investment investment must be made." Dr Vassallo said. "Any long term plan on which such investment must be based, cannot be threatened by opportunistic developments allowed to some and not to others and completely contrary to existing laws and policies."

"Under pressure from the public the development permit at Ramla l-Hamra which should never have been issued has now been withdrawn. Alternattiva Demokratika has had a prime role in averting disaster by drawing public attention to the threat to Ramla. This U-turn narrowly averts disaster". Dr Vassallo said.

"While legitimate investors remain under threat from those with more money and more political clout, investment in Gozo remains a high risk venture for those who are willing to abide by rules and regulations," Dr Vassallo said. "It is not only blatantly unfair but also a powerful brake on development that some investors find themselves subject to a heavy burden of regulation and have to compete against others who successfully avoid such burdens," Dr Vassallo added.

AD General Secretary and Spokesperson for Gozo, Victor Galea said that "There can be no confidence in any plan for Gozo and consequently only reduced investment as long as there is no even playfield in the business sector. The spectacular landscape value of Ramla Bay and of the whole valley behind it, are one of the fundamental assets for tourism in Gozo. Such natural heritage assets benefit every business in the sector and cannot remain exposed to the threat of opportunistic development having special advantages."

"Tourism in Gozo requires more than last minute, pre-election reprieves it requires a clear and reliable framework in which all stakeholders can insert their efforts with confidence. Nowhere more than in Gozo has it become so clear that the special favours system directly attacks the confidence which ordinary citizens, business operators and their employees need in order to develop a strong and healthy local economy." Mr Galea added.

"Without being represented in Parliament Alternattiva Demokratika has been instrumental in avoiding disaster in Ramla l-Hamra. In parliament Alternattiva Demokratika will be able to promote and investment and employment atmosphere of grater certainty and confidence making rules and regulations a useful and definite framework uniformly applied assisting and attracting investment instead of leaving it a high risk option for some and a no risk bonanza for others," Dr Vassallo said.