4 October 2007 Rating 21% No Comment  

"Over a month has passed since Alternattiva Demokratika alerted the authorities about the mass of broken glass bottles, plastic debris and other rubbish around the Marsalforn tower and littering the historic saltpans; however no action has been taken, either by the Malta Tourism Authority, The Zebbug Local Council or the Ministry for Gozo." Party Leader, Dr Harry Vassallo said. Dr. Vassallo added that "Whereas the Minister for Gozo recently issued a media release boasting about how much she cares about Gozo's heritage and her purported intention to present it to tourists in the best possible light, she negligently ignores the obvious fact that Gozo's natural and historical environment is our most valuable asset for attracting high added value tourism and the career opportunities associated with it." The Green Party leader asserted, "An elected MP from Alternattiva Demokratika will nurture and promote Gozo's green and natural environment as the key element in its image. Neither the Labour Party nor the Nationalists understand that sustainable development means long term, year-round, highly skilled and well paid jobs derived from new and repeat business from tourism, of a scale and measured magnitude, which small islands like Gozo can realistically cope with. Strict control of building development projects with these values in mind plus the need to project Gozo's natural assets is its key attraction to discerning tourists, a market segment characterised by very high disposable incomes." AD Gozo spokesperson and party general secretary Victor Galea said, "It is scandalous for the Ministry for Gozo, Ministry for Tourism, the Malta Tourism Authority and the Gozo Tourism Association to peddle partnership projects such as 'The Gozo Countryside Walks', encouraging tourists to explore some of the most magnificent country walks, including the saltpans, where they are faced with the stale stench of rotting rubbish. Discerning tourists never forget nor forgive deceit." The Government has signally failed to address long standing economic issues which are easy and cost effective to solve. The Green Party leader added that the greatest reform would be for Gozitans to be represented in Parliament by AD. The Green Party's Plan for Gozo will tackle many years of stagnant clientelism while providing a framework in which all private citizens and economic operators will know where they stand, what their rights and duties are. Never before has Gozo needed such a clear framework in which its energies may be fruitfully directed. Gozo is ripe for reform which will take it from a near abandoned periphery of Malta to its most successful region."