GozoNews.Com

During the cold month of February the mighty wind was in its worst form. The consequence of this was that transportation between Malta and Gozo was in difficulty. Many Gozitans workers were “trapped” in Malta while many Maltese ones were “imprisoned” in Gozo.

This means nothing but inconvenience. It is not the first time and it will not be the last that bad weather stops travelling by boat, yet journeys to and from can always be made by helicopter.

Yet, one will refrain from using the helicopter service because the price is too expensive for some and not everybody can afford the exorbitant fees.

It is no wonder therefore that in winter, one thinks twice before going to Gozo. In these circumstances, one wonders if it’s not too much to ask the government of Lawrence Gonzi to subsidise these journeys to make them cheaper.

Naturally, during stormy weather the helicopter service is more in demand. Therefore, subsidising the helicopter service would result in the government providing a social service to the public.

This is what having a social conscience is all about! The production of identity cards for those who want to return to their island is the actual “certificate” of those who genuinely need this service.

This is not something that happens frequently. But imagine the situation when this kind of mishap occurs to Gozitan workers who are “stuck” in Malta and Maltese workers are “trapped” in Gozo during the weekend.

I hope that this suggestion will not fall on deaf ears but will be taken into consideration. Surely a worker should have some support from the government on this matter.