My Convictions

Contesting for the Gharb Local Council Election - 6th June 2009

After some feedback and encouragement from a number of local residents I decided to give my contribution as a candidate for the Gharb Local Council Election which is to take place on the 6th of June 2009.


My campaign team met more than once in order to brainstorm ideas and suggestions and we came up with the following proposals:







INFRASTRUCTURE

• The construction of Gharb residential roads meets professional standards, and that there will be no further excuses that such roads do not fall under the Council’s jurisdiction.

• Road pavements will be of a better design and quality.

ENVIRONMENT

• the collection system of bulky refuse and domestic garbage and waste is improved.
• Gharb will be a role model village for other towns in Malta and Gozo; together we will pave the way in rural and sustainable development and alternative energy sources through our contacts with experts on Green jobs and renewables.
  

GRASSROOTS DEMOCRACY

• The Gharb Council will truly represent and address any issue on behalf of its residents; once elected, I shall be in the forefront, as always, to suggest and to provide constructive criticism when dealing with Authorities such as the Gozo Ministry, other Ministries, MEPA, Transport Authority, and will make sure that residents’ needs are given due attention.

• The democratic process is transparent and participatory.

• A Citizens’ Advice Bureau is set up in order to freely support those persons who seek advice in areas where they feel that their rights and obligations are trampled upon, or when they feel lost in the maze of beauracracy and complex legal procedures.
  

WIED IL-MIELAH

• Immediate action will be taken to repair the Wied il-Mielah drainage system; it is no longer acceptable that the first drop of rain creates a polluted raw sewage outflow in the valley and the sea.

AGRICULTURE

• Farmers and townfolk need and will obtain better footpaths and easier access to reach their fields.

• Professional support will be offered to field owners interested in introducing organic farming.

• An efficient rain water management system will be installed to avoid water wastage and street flooding; this could be supplied to those residents who need such resource.

TOURISM / EMPLOYMENT

• Niche tourism such as eco, agro, gastronomy and cultural projects, will be initiated in Gharb and these will provide added income for our locals and an added value to tourists and tour operators.

• The rich historical heritage, religious and social traditions of Gharb will be highlighted in activities and tourist attractions.

YOUTH

• Full support will be given to the social, sport, music, arts and cultural activities held by our town organizations as well as mobilizing all available resources.

• Our young people will have exchange opportunities abroad to other EU towns and cities.

• Strong investment in Information Technology.

SENIOR CITIZENS

• All senior citizens including non Maltese residents, will be given the opportunity to take part in events customised for them.

EDUCATION

• Our Council continues to create educational opportunities for our young and adults alike by providing courses and vocational training within the framework of lifelong learning.

• There is co-operation and co-ordination with the Educational Authorities so that the school in Gharb will truly become a Community Learning Centre for everyone including non Maltese residents.
  

Another Voice for Malta - Think Big Vote Green

Why is it in Malta's interest to have a third voice in the EU Parliament?

The disastrous state of the Victoria Playing Field

Few weeks ago, we visited the Playing Field in the heart of the capital of Gozo. I felt ashamed!

“A place intended as a recreation centre to be enjoyed by children and their parents has now been transformed into an abandoned and neglected area, posing a serious threat to health and safety of the general public, especially children.” These were the words uttered by Yvonne Ebejer Arqueros, one of the two AD candidates for the EP Elections, after visiting the site yesterday together with members of AD’s Regional Committee for Gozo.

I added that: “The scene is one of complete chaos. Broken glass litter the floor even under the swings; bags, containing refuse and other dangerous material, left to rot under the trees for months on end; damaged electric lamps and wires left unrepaired for years! The ramps are almost impossible even for non wheelchair-bound persons to negotiate. Such a state of utter neglect which Gozitan residents, Maltese visitors and tourists alike are facing should also be condemned by all those in authority who shoulder the responsibility not only for safeguarding the health and safety of the citizens but also for doing all they can to boost Gozo’s image as a showcase model for attracting the discerning `quality` tourist, thereby enhancing the tourist product and creating more job opportunities for Gozitan youth now and in the years to come.”

Arnold Cassola, AD Chairperson and EP candidate, said: “The playing field, lying in the very heart of the city of Victoria, has been neglected for years despite many complaints. Such a state of affairs is nothing less than an insult to all those Gozitans whose sole interest is to seek the common good of their island and who are not ready to cover up the mistakes and neglect of those Authorities and politicians who are paid from our taxes to work for the welfare of the country as a whole and not for partisan interests. Above all, such carelessness is an insult also to all those families with young children, who, by right, should be provided with facilities for relaxation and recreation in a clean , safe and healthy environment.”

Arnold Cassola concluded by saying: “Alternattiva Demokratika fully supports the Mayor and Councillors of Victoria, who, for the last three years, have been pleading for the transfer of the responsibility for the Garden from the Government to the Local Council. We are convinced that the Rabat Local Council have at heart the real welfare of the residents and no one else can do a better job in the transformation of the present disorderly mess into a beautiful garden and modern playing field, to be enjoyed by all Gozitans and visitors to this unique Gozitan capital city.”

For some reasons, this press conference was omitted from the news on the national TV station (PBS).

Believe your eyes by watching this video.

Why should we be concerned about the Gozitan elderly?

’Gozo Age Concern’ and Alternattiva Demokratika ask for Senior Citizens’ Care homes and adequate services in Gozo

The Gozitan NGO, “Gozo Age Concern” (GAC) and Alternattiva Demokratika (AD) - The Green Party have made a joint appeal to the authorities to set up Senior Citizens’ Care homes in Gozo and other services related to the Care of the Elderly.

In a joint press conference, Prof. Arnold Cassola, Alternattiva Demokratika Chairperson, myself as the AD spokesperson for Gozo, and Rev. Fr. Mario Cassar from GAC stressed that in Gozo over 21.5% of the inhabitants are senior citizens over the age of 60 and amount to over 7000 people.

Rev. Fr. Cassar from Nadur pointed out that, as opposed to the fifteen private and government run care homes in Malta, Gozo does not have even one care home despite the high rate of older citizens. Fr Cassar stated “The male geriatric ward and the female “Dar Sant’Anna” at the Gozo General Hospital, have only communal wards and therefore do not qualify as Care homes in this day and age.”

Arnold Cassola, Alternattiva Demokratika Chairperson, added: “The ageing population of Malta and Gozo is on the increase and in about 20 years time, nearly 2 out of 3 Maltese and Gozitans are expected to be over the age of 60. It is therefore important that elderly Gozitans have access to modern Care Homes offering single rooms with en suite facilities without having to be relocated to Malta.”

Yvonne Ebejer Arqueros, AD candidate for the European elections, pointed out that it is laudable that the Dominican and Carmelite nuns house around forty female senior citizens who are not bed ridden, however these religious homes are only equipped with communal dormitories, without any real privacy and organized socio-cultural activities due to the lack of staff and adequate resources.

During this joint press statement I concluded that: “Gozitans know well the difficulties of double isolation during their active working life. Retired people should not have to worry about their future care. A number of modern Care Homes in Gozo offering long term and respite care are a must as well as Day Centres for those senior citizens who are still independent. Other community services for senior citizens such as ‘adopt a Granny scheme’ should also be explored. Respite centres during the day for those senior citizens, who are still autonomous and able to sleep at their home, apart from being care centres for permanent guests, who are no longer autonomous and need more care and attention should also be encouraged”.

Watch this video clip:

The end of the Gozo Channel Monopoly

The Malta Government should not once again lose the opportunity, as happened in the past, to apply for funds from the European Union through the Marco Polo Program. Applications for this funding opened again on the 10th of February this year. These funds would help the Company, awarded the tender, to expand the transport of all merchandise from San Maison as well as from the Freeport, to Mgarr port and vice-versa. Thus pollution, transport costs, road damage and traffic jams now resulting from the overland carriage of goods by huge lorries will be substantially reduced.


This is also the year when Gozo Channel's monopoly of the public sea transport to and from Gozo has to come to an end. We at Alternattiva Demokratika therefore strongly recommend to the Minister concerned that instead of keeping the matter under the carpet, a number of factors must be considered.

Firstly, the future of the existing 240 employees of Gozo Channel must be safeguarded. It is most unfair that after these workers were used as a vote-catching exercise in previous Elections by both the Labour and Nationalist governments, they are now being kept in the dark with regards to their future. The Union representing these workers must be proactive in this regard.

Secondly, the government must not forget that the Gozo Channel provides a vital 'life-line' for Gozo. Therefore the Gozo Channel service must not be looked upon simply as a business venture but as a public service. The needs of Gozitan workers and students in Malta must remain one of its top priorities even when considering tariffs and schedules.

Thirdly, a clause should be included, in the new tender, binding the successful applicant to reduce to a minimum the pollution and energy consumption levels by the ships providing the service.

Eco-Gozo and Ta' Lambert - Xewkija

During an on-site visit to Ta' Lambert on Thursday 5th March, Dr Arnold Cassola, Chairperson for Alternattiva Demokratika (AD), accompanied by other Gozo Regional Committee members of the Green Party in Gozo, remarked, that it seems that either the Authorities are turning a blind eye to certain individuals who are above the law, or, that the Government, contrary to its much-vaunted eco-Gozo campaign, is hell-bent to irreparably harm the long term sustainability of Gozo as a quality tourist destination.


The Ta’ Lambert site, adjacent to the defunct Gozo Heliport in Xewkija, is now being turned into a bulky refuse area, where waste is being discarded by heavy vehicles that could easily be monitored and apprehended. On the one hand Government attempts to brand itself as being environmentally conscious, and then here at Ta’ Lambert we have visual proof of Government’s failure with regards to waste management.



Prof Cassola also remarked that it is futile for the Prime Minister to declare that his government will adopt Alternattiva Demokratika’s green policies to turn Gozo into an ecological island.

The Nationalist Party either did not fully comprehend AD’s green policies, or failed to weigh up the consequences of tourist complaints for the foul smells and country eyesores in areas like Ta’ Lambert in Xewkija. Tourists are encouraged to take country walks, and such embarrassing illegal smelly black spots are often encountered. The area is also turning into a parking space for construction and heavy plant machinery which are a huge eyesore to the marvellous countryside around.

The Xewkija Local Council, composed of a majority of Labour council members, pretends to be the victim of this sad state of affairs, but then it has not taken any action whatsoever. Alternattiva Demokratika is well informed that a number of upright public spirited individuals did approach the Xewkija Labour mayor, and that they did provide information on a named contractor who takes the law in his own hands discarding waste in this area. On the other hand, the nationalist-led Ghajnsielem local Concil in which Ta’ Lambert area also falls, is also dead silent on this issue. The person or authority that fails to take action is in law an accomplice to this crime.

During this press conference at Ta' Lambert, I remarked that “It is of utmost importance that the Gozo Ministry recognizes instantly and permanently that the protection of such areas in the Gozo countryside, and pertinent heritage sites help to enrich various tourist niches that embellish the Gozo product. It is a fact that tourists seek Gozo as a destination specifically for its natural environment”.

“This smelly garbage site at Ta’ Lambert growing daily in front of a blindfolded compliant authority is scandalous and a shame. We need to clean up this site and under the supervision of professional archaeologists restore this heritage to the nation”.



I would like to appeal to the Gozo Associations, especially, the Gozo Tourist Association (GTA) and the Gozo Business Chamber (GBC) to actively lead in all matters that benefit the island and to have the courage to shed off political alliances that may hinder Gozo’s development as a true European region.

Are you 'Joe Citizen'?

I am sure that unless you are not 'Joe citizen' and you read this news, you might feel quite angry and upset. I assume that the reason being is that if you are a common citizen and filled-in an appeal to the MEPA Appeals Board without paying all the necessary fees up to the last Euro cent, the Appeals Board would have rejected your application there and then.

But not in the case of the developers behind the proposed villas and swimming pools at Ramla l-Hamra Bay in Gozo!

Read the report on the Ramla appeal given the go ahead….yet again by clicking HERE.

In this Republic of ours, some people are more lucky than others. But I don't mind being with the unlucky ones unless I stick to my 'green' principles of justice and fairness.

Active Citizens

This week I felt happy that a number of Gozitans felt at ease to express their opinions on the Pjazza l-Assedju proposed buildings in Victoria. Yes, this is a breakthrough since as one of the
writers (Francies Spiteri) said:

"All the neighbours that we have spoken to seem to share the same opinion but a lot of them don't want to write their names in the newspaper etc, because they are afraid of being blacklisted. Are we back to the early 80's? After all, as European citizens we have to learn that expressing a concern or opinion is a fundamental human right."

Read Spiteri's contribution by clicking HERE.


Mr. Carmel Scicluna, another Gozitan, also freely expressed himself on this issue. Like many locals and ex-pat residents in Gozo he puts doubts on MEPA and said:

"I have my doubts about MEPA, but I wonder if MEPA will accept such proposals without the necessary studies concerning the impact of this development on this residential area. Can we residents have access to any studies that have been done or is everything going to be kept secret?"

Read Scicluna's contribution by clicking HERE.


Another contributor, Joe Borg, also from Victoria had the courage to challenge not only the Gozo minister but also the Gozo Curia! He said:

"We invested in our property since the land has been passed from the church to the joint office with the aim of remaining an open space. No wonder the Church also remains silent on such issues. Is the Gozo Curia also going to benefit financially if this open space is turned into a building site?"

Read Borg's contribution by clicking HERE.

I would like to give a big congratulations to these active citizens and others who are woirking to safeguard Gozo and its characteristics from greed and speculation.

Pjazza l-Assedju 1551 - Victoria

Don't destroy one of the few open spaces left in Victoria

On the 26th January 2009, residents from Victoria, together with Alternattiva Demokratika, protested against the building of a new Court premises in the centre of Victoria Gozo and the residential area of Pjazza l-Assedju 1551, which is at the moment being used as a parking area. Apart from this, the residents have not been at all consulted with regards to the plans of the buildings, which will certainly affect their quality of life.

Alternattiva Demokratika chairman Arnold Cassola stated that we (as The Green Party) are not against the building of new premises for the law courts. On the contrary, we are in favour. But we are against it being built in the centre of Victoria because this would bring with it more traffic in the midst of the population with an increased rate of noise pollution and air quality deterioration, and the consequent dangers posed to the health of residents and their children.

I urged the Gozo Ministry and the Home Affairs Ministry as well as Transport Ministry to seriously reconsider their plans and said that given that the present premises in the Cittadella are inadequate to accommodate the volume of legal work, coupled with the consequent concentration of traffic in the heart of Victoria, together with the inadequate conditions of the workers.

My Party is instead proposing that the law courts be moved to the outskirts of the city to a vacant complex formerly rented to Malta Dairy Products (MDP), where commuters could be served by a shuttle bus service.

Not only does it afford ample office space but AD also proposes this new complex includes other services such as a public registry, a regional police headquarters with lock-up cells, the fire brigade and rescue centre, a regional Attorney General office, a regional office for local government and any other department that falls under the Justice Ministry.

This way, Gozitans will be better serviced through these proposals and the much talked-about traffic congestion in Victoria would ease considerably. Don't you think so too?

Residents in the area are worried that the site being put forward by the government is grossly misguided since it will increase the chronic traffic and pollution problem in Victoria and will destroy one of the few open spaces left in the capital of Gozo.

Ramla Blue

On the 21st of this month I reiterated that the pristine area of Ramla l-Hamra in Gozo is still under threat of development. Although, late last year, PN MEP insisted with the European Parliament Petitions Committee to close a petition submitted by Alternattiva Demokratika and residents against the development at Ramla l-Hamra (Gozo) and later opposed its reopening simply because, according to him, there was no authorized development in Ramla to object to, the truth is that there is in fact still the possibility of development in Ramla.

Here in Malta and also in the European Parliament AD will continue working to safeguard what little remains of our countryside after years upon years of ravage and irresponsible governance.

The appeal on the Ramla l-Hamra case is going to be heard by the Planning Appeals Board at the University Centre (Xewkija) Gozo on Friday 6th February at 10 a.m.

Aquatic sports facilities required in Gozo for clubs, schools and the public

On a press statement issued on the 19th of this month, I remarked that Gozo still lacks public aquatic sports facilities and that the lack of development of sports facilities in Gozo is another sign that Gozitans are not treated equally as their Maltese counterparts.

My Party - The Green Party (AD) is supporting the Gozitan Waterpolo Club Otters ASC in their plea for a fresh water pool in Gozo. One national swimming pool already exists in Malta, together with another two covered and heated pools; hence we believe that Gozitans deserve, by right, an indoor heated pool in Gozo.

AD has long been insisting that the government should invest in aquatic sports in Gozo. In our electoral manifesto for Gozo, Alternattiva Demokratika proposed that a pool and aquatic sports facility would form part of the existing sports complex in Victoria where adjacent land is available.

I reminded that a swimming pool in Gozo was part of the Nationalist Party`s manifesto in 1991. But we are still waiting 18 years after.

We urge elected parliamentarians to cross party co-operation in order to safeguard the interests of all Gozitans and Gozo's specific needs. The government should invest in sports in Gozo rather than speculating further on public land.

The Green Party Chairperson Prof. Arnold Cassola also commented on this issue and said that given the socio-educational advantages of aquatic sports in Gozo, he sincerely hope that in the not-so-distant future sports finds itself on the national agenda and is not used only for lip-servicing exercises that seem to have become somewhat of a national pastime.

Prof. Cassola concluded by saying:

"Give Gozitans what is theirs by right. Gozo deserves the construction and development of a common Olympic Standard pool heated to be used both in Winter and Summer for training and available to all clubs, schools and the general public.”

Aktar dwar eku-Għawdex u l-belveder tal-Qala

Jekk tħares biss lejn dan il-bini propost fuq il-belvedere tal-Qala wkoll tistaqsi: "Xi jridu igħidu biha din ta' l-eco-Għawdex?"

Niftakar, xi żmien qabel l-elezzjoni ġenerali li għaddiet, kienu kellmuni xi nies minn dawk l-inħawi. Qaluli li jixtiequ li l-Alternattiva tgħinhom joġġezzjonaw.

Pero' sibt li l-closing date sabiex wieħed joġġezzjona kien ilu li għalaq. Jien staqsejthom jekk laħqux għamlu 'objection' huma jew jekk kellmux xi avukat jew perit. Huma qaluli "L-Avukat bgħatna għandek, għax hu ghandu post hemmhekk ukoll".

Jien ghidtilhom sabiex ninġabru u nagħmlu konferenza stampa fuq il-post. Pero' x'ġara?

Dak iż-żmien, ħadd ma ried juri wiċċu ma' ta' l-Alternattiva "anke minhabba l-Avukat, mhux sew li nidhru magħkom li ma jmurx jaħseb li se nivvutaw AD flok xi partit iehor".Qiegħdin tajjeb f'dal-pajjiż!

Għada hemm il-każ quddiem il-famuża MEPA. J'alla tiġihom żewgt.

Saħħa

Yvonne Ebejer Arqueros for MEP

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpages%2FSupport-Yvonne-Ebejer-Arqueros-for-MEP%2F45848675621&h=4f5490dd9429a072898a2487971bd078

Arnold Cassola for MEP

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Support-Arnold-Cassola-for-MEP/32067413885

Gozitan University students in Malta

We met the Gozitan University Student group (ĠUĠ). It was one of the most honest meetings I attended to in these recent days.

It was a nice meeting, but at the same time I felt saddened. I said to myself that nearly fifteen years have passed and yet the Gozitan students are still being treated like rubbish, same as it was in my times. It is difficult to understand the suffering if you do not experience it.

However, it was nice to listen to the Gozitan students voicing their opinion. In our days, these opportunities did not exist.

They wanted to meet Alternattiva Demokratika and I hope that they found an ear which can truly listen to them. Apart from Arnold Cassola, Andre Vella, a representative of Alternattiva Demokratika Youths (ADZ), was also present. Michael Bajada from Munxar came representing the Gozo Regional Committee.

Everyone should be aware of the Gozitan students’ sacrifices; day by day they cross over to Malta in the early hours of the morning to study, or they spend the week in some apartment and they only return to Gozo in the weekend. On the other hand, Maltese students, after university, probably go home to a warm meal. In the morning they find clean clothes, and to make it in time for the first lectures they would not need to board a ferry.

I feel that those who think that the Gozitan complain, they are not really understanding what it entails to go to and from Gozo and Malta. Those who cross over to Gozo once in a year for a holiday do not really understand.

I don’t want to depict the Gozitans as victims. This experience, from an early age, nurtures an independent identity in the Gozitan student. He would be able to face all the challenges involved in an independent way of life, like money management, the hiring of the apartment, the food, the social or solitary life of the Gozitans in Malta, and public transport, amongst others. The same problems I used to face many years ago.

But the ĠuĠ committee is determined to address these problems in a serious manner. They are thinking of updating their website and from simply a website wherein one looks for an apartment in the vicinity of university, they are thinking of building a website updated with work and press releases that this hard-working committee is engaged with.

During our meeting, the members of the ĠuĠ committee mentioned the challenges and the discouragement they received from the authorities regarding their journey to Malta, especially the public transport and the ferry crossing. They also mentioned the way some students are treated by owners of the apartments they hire during the academic year; moreover, none of the Gozitan students are given the opportunity to use the University residence, since the University prefers to hire out this residence at a higher rate to the foreign students rather than the Gozitan students.

The lack of digital information of the books in the library of the University Centre in Gozo was also mentioned, together with the need to make more use of the video conferencing facilities that are kept in the University Centre of Xewkija. It seems that this equipment was bought to be kept stowed away in a kind of wardrobe.

The Authorities should give more heed to what the Gozitan students are saying. I believe that now after these students got together for a press conference with Alternattiva Demokratika, we should soon here of the PN and the MLP following suit. Let it be the day!

The infamous Public Transport Authority should understand, once and for all, that because of the laid-back attitude of some of the drivers, or the lack of trips from Valletta, many a times students end up having to wait for long hours in winter for the ferry back to Gozo. Of course … it is not them that the next day they have to wake up early again to catch the ferry back to Malta.

And what about the fact that the drivers of the public buses do not allow the Gozitan students to board the bus if they have more than two bags? They do not know that these bags most probably would be full of dirty stinking clothes that the Gozitan student takes with him home to wash.

The Gozitan students today form 10% of the University students in Malta. As Prof. Arnold Cassola, the leader of the party, said during this press conference, “The Gozitan students do not need favours but more respect as citizens in whom the country is investing for the future. It is certain that the Gozitan students do not need to be treated as second-class citizens.”

Heartfelt greetings to ĠuĠ.

Visit their site on http://www.gug.org.mt/

L-Istudenti Universitarji Għawdxin f'Malta

Iltqajna mall-Grupp Studenti Universitarji Għawdxin (ĠUĠ). Kienet waħda mill-aktar laqgħat sinċieri li attendejt dan l-aħħar.

Kienet laqgħa sabiħa iżda fl-istess ħin tnikkit ħafna minn ġewwa. Għidt bejni u bejn ruħi li kwazi ħmistax il-sena wara, l-istudenti Ghawdxin għadhom tista' tgħid qed jiġu trattati ta' żibel bħalma kien fi żmieni. Diffiċli wieħed jifhem it-tbatija jekk ma tkunx ġarrabtha.

Kien sabiħ pero' tisma' l-istudenti Ghawdxin isemmgħu leħinhom. Fi żmieni ma kienx hawn dawn l-opportunita'.

Riedu jiltaqgħu ma' Alternattiva Demokratika u nittama li sabu widna li tassew tismagħhom. Minbarra Arnold Cassola gie ukoll rapreżentant ta' Alternattiva Demokratika Żgħazagħ (ADZ), Andre Vella. Mill-Kumitat Reġjonali ta' Għawdex ġie miegħi Michael Bajada mill-Munxar.

Kulħadd għandu jagħraf s-sagrifiċċji ta' l-istudenti Għawdxin li ta' kuljum jaqsmu kmieni lejn Malta sabiex jistudjaw jew iqattgħu l-ġimgħa f'xi flett u jirritornaw biss lejn Għawdex fi tmiem il-ġimgħa. Ħaddiehor, wara l-Universita probabli jmur id-dar u jsib platt sħun. Fil-għodu jsib ħwejjeġ nodfa, u sabiex jilħqu l-ewwel lectures m'ghandux bżonn jaqbad vapuri.

Inħoss li min jirraġuna li l-Ghawdxin jeqirdu, tassew ikun qed juri li ma jifhimx xi jfisser tiela' u nieżel minn Għawdex għal Malta. Żgur ma jifhimx min jaqsam biss lejn Għawdex xi darba fis-sena għal xi btala.

Ma rridx noqgħod impenġi lil Għawdxin bħala xi vittmi. Din l-esperjenza sa minn eta' bikrija tagħmel lill-istudent Għawdxi persuna ndipendenti li kapaċi issaqqaf wiċċha ma' l-intoppi kollha li jirrekjedu ħajja indipendenti bħalma huma l-immaniġjar tal-flus, il-kera' tal-flett, l-ikel, il-ħajja soċjali jew solitari ta' l-Għawdxin f'Malta u t-trasport pubbliku fost oħrajn. L-itess problemi li kont insaqqaf wiċċi magħhom jien snin ilu ħafna.

Izda l-kumitat tal-ĠuĠ jidher determinat li ser jindirizza bis-serjeta' dawn il-problemi. Hemm il-hsieb li jaġġornaw il-websajt tagħhom u minn sempliċement websajt fejn wieħed ifittex flett fejn jikri qrib l-Universita'; il-ħsieb hu l-websajt tkun aġġornata bi stqarrijiet u xogħol li qed jagħmel dan il-kumitat ħabrieki.

Waqt il-laqgħa magħna, il-membri tal-Kumitat tal-ĠUĠ semmew l-isfidi u l-iskoraġġiment li jsibu minn Awtoritajiet waqt l-iskariġġ tagħhom f'Malta speċjalment fejn jidħol it-trasport pubbliku u t-traġitt tal-vapur. Semmew ukoll kif ċertu studenti jiġu trattati minn sidien ta' flettijiet fejn jikru biex joqgħodu matul is-sena universitarja’ u kif ħadd mill-Għawdxin ma tingħatalu l-opportunita li jagħmel użu mir-Residenza ta' l-Istudenti ta' L-Universita', peress li l-Universita' tippreferi tikri bi flejjes akbar lill-studenti barranin milli lil studenti Għawdxin.

Issemma wkoll in-nuqqas ta' informazzjoni diġitali tal-kotba fil-librerija taċ-Ċentru ta' l-Universita' t'Għawdex u l-ħtieġa ta' aktar użu mill-video conferencing li qiegħed jinżamm fic-Ċentru ta' l-Universita' fix-Xewkija. Donnu dan l-apparat inxtara biex jibqa' merfugħ ġo speċi ta' gwardarobba.

Hemm bżonn li l-Awtoritajiet jagħtu aktar widen ta' l-ilmenti ta' l-istudenti Għawdxin.

Jien nemmen li issa wara li dawn l-istudenti ingħaqdu sabiex saret konferenza stampa ma' l-Alternattiva Demokratika, dalwaqt nisimgħu li tal-PN u l-MLP għamlu l-istess. J'alla!

Il-Famuża Awtorita' tat-Trasport Pubbliku hemm bżonn tifhem darba għal dejjem li minħabba t-tnikkir ta' xi sewwieq jew nuqqas ta' vjaġġi mill-Belt, l-Universita' saċ-Ċirkewwa, ħafna drabi studenti jispiċċaw ikollhom jistennew għal sigħat sħaħ fix-Xitwa l-vapur lura lejn Għawdex. Daż-żgur...ma jkunux huma li l-għada fil-għdu jkollhom jerġgħu iqumu kmieni sabiex jilħqu l-vapur lura lejn Malta.

U xi ngħidu għal fatt li sewwieqa tal-karozzi tal-linja ma jħallux lil studenti Għawdxin jitilgħu l-karozza jekk ikollhom aktar minn żewġt basktijiet? Ma jafux li aktarx dawn il-basktijiet ikunu mimlija ħwejjeġ jintnu seba' pesti sabiex l-istudent Għawdxi jeħodhom lura d-dar sabiex jinħaslu?

L-istudenti Ghawdxin illum jagħmlu 10% ta’ l-istudenti fl-Universita’ ta' malta. Kif qal il-kap tal-partit il-Prof. Arnold Cassola waqt din ilk-konferneza stampa, "L-istudenti Għawdxin m'għandhomx bzonn pjaċiri iżda aktar rispett bħala ċittadini li wara kollox il-pajjiż qed jinvesti fihom għall- futur. Żgur li l-istudenti Għawdxin m'għandhomx ikunu trattati bħala ċittadini tat-tieni klassi."

Awguri mill-qalb lil ĠuĠ.
Zuru is-sit tagħhom fuq http://www.gug.org.mt/

Shhhh...Ta' Cenc......don't tell anyone....

After all these years battling to safeguard Ta' Cenc pristine plateau, everybody knows of its national and international importance with regards to its richness in plant biodiversity and habitat, of geological and archaeological interest. This, not to mention Ta' cenc as the most important regional site for birds and its high landscape value.

Well if some Maltese tax-payer is still not aware, I will do good to remind that the Ta' Cenc issue is also currently subject to a pending infringement procedure for insufficient special protection area designation opened against Malta by the European Commission in June. The infringement procedure opened against Malta by the European Commission relates to an insufficient Special Protection Area designation for Ta' Cenc.

It is most unfair for the Maltese tax-payer to be asked to fork out money for fines due to negligence from the Maltese Authorities.


During the past days, new plans were submitted to MEPA by the developers. No you could not see these on-line from the mepa website. There was a very limited time for those concerned to go and view them at the MEPA Office. We at AD called for transparency in this issue and we said that the lack of it is 'disrespect to the citizens'. (Read HERE)

Following that, the developers held meetings with some of the environmental NGOs and the Sannat local Council.

Thank god that the people of Sannat elected an AD Councillor on their council. This way we at AD can keep you informed of the happenings whenever we can.


Whilst welcoming the meetings held by the Ta' Cenc developers with some of the main environmental NGOs and the Sannat Local Council, Alternattiva Demokratika firmly believes that information should be made more public. In particular, the Mayor of Sannat has a duty to inform all his residents of the Council's stand on the new plans. It seems that the MLP mayor opted to remain silent on this national issue. Such stand is unacceptable in this time and year considering the national and international importance of Ta' Cenc.

John Michael Mizzi, the AD Councillor in Sannat said that: "Following the meeting between the developers and the Council, the Public has a right to consider if any development of Ta' Cenc can be reconciled with the Government's policy of Gozo as an Eco-Island. It now transpires that the Hotel would be extending its building to cover the existing carpark on one side and extending to about 130metres from the cliff edge on the other. Can such a sensitive area designated as potential Natura2000 site be built so extensively?"

During a press conference held at ta' Cenc on the 13th of Sepbtember 2008, Prof. Arnold Cassola, the Green Party leader said that "Alternattiva Demokratika eagerly awaits press statements from those NGOs which attended the meetings. AD also asks that the PN and MLP to declare their stance on the Ta' Cenc Development. Politicians, especially those whose portfolio comprises the environment should not shy away from expressing an opinion. Ta' Cenc was designated an Important Bird Area (IBA) for its internationally important breeding colonies of seabirds including the Yelkouan Shearwater, the largest breeding colony of Cory's Shearwater and the only colony of European Storm-petrels outside Filfla in the Maltese Islands."

Ta' Ċenċ saga goes on

I could say that my first political activity was the organisation of the Ta' Cenc educational walk back in August 2005. A walk which turned into a protest as soon as we arrived at Ta' Cenc and found out that the owner illegally closed the access to this plateau. Moreover, the Gozo police were protecting him!

Yes only in Gozo you might say.

Back then both the PN and MLP were both promoting a golf course at Ta' Cenc.

It was strange since at that time the Times of Malta was reporting that the government of our republic included Ta' Cenc in the Natura 2000 programme. Hence Ta' Cenc was supposed to be protected for future generations.

Knowing who is behind The Times of Malta, the AD Gozo Regional Committee did not trust these reports from the Times, and decided to write directly to the EU Commission asking whether it is true that the Maltese government really incuded Ta' Cenc in its list of protected areas. (Read HERE)


Few days later, the Commission replied saying that the Government of Malta DID NOT include Ta' Cenc as part of the Natura 2000 network. (Read HERE) Surprise eh?


It was then that we decided to nationalize the issue of Ta' Cenc. The organisation of the 'walk' was part of the strategy.

However after the Ta' Cenc lockout, we revealed the real intentions of the developers at Ta' Cenc. (read HERE). No golf courses but massive buildings of villas and other land speculations.

Watch video here:



Several NGO's joined the chorus in objecting the destruction of Ta' Cenc. Others joined recently.

Today eight environmental NGOs today called upon MEPA to publish online the fresh plans submitted for the application to extend the existing hotel at Ta’ Cenc in Gozo. In a statement BirdLife Malta, Din l-Art Helwa, Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar, Friends of the Earth Malta, the Gaia Foundation, Light Pollution Awareness Group, Nature Trust and the Ramblers Association called on MEPA to honour the commitment made to NGOs on the 15th of July 2008 to give “NGOs and Local Councils free, unlimited access to digital plans for all planning applications through its e-applications systems.” (Read HERE).

Following this, we just issued a press statement referring to the secrecy of Ta' Cenc as an example of disrespect for the citizens.

Alternattiva Demokratika, The Green Party are four square with the NGOs and insist with MEPA and government that plans regarding Ta' Cenc should immediately be put on line.

"The disrespect for the citizen on the part of MEPA is becoming unacceptable."

We reminded how back in 2005, the AD Gozo Regional Committee was informed by the EU Commissioner for the Environment ithat the Maltese Government and MEPA had failed to include Ta' Cenc in the list of sites to be protected under the Natura 2000 network scheme.

I said that three years later, we still have concerned citizens and NGOs struggling for transparency in the process of the proposed developments at Ta' Cenc. It is a pity that the government and the Gozo Ministry still seem to be unaware of the ecological, ornithological and geomorphologic uniqueness of Ta' Cenc.

It is disappointing that notwithstanding the echoing of the Eco-Gozo project, the Ministry for Gozo still finds it hard to express a simple opinion on this issue.

It is absolutely unacceptable that the Ta' Cenc site, home to various birds, endemic species and historical remains, has not been included in the list of protected sites. Ta' Cenc is a place of unique importance, not only because of its special bio-diversity but also because the natural beauty of the place - with its unique diversity. It is a source of attraction for Maltese and tourists and thus a source of much needed income for the local economy.

Alternattiva Demokratika's chairperson Prof. Arnold Cassola, concluded the statement by saying that "The behaviour of the Maltese government on the long dragging Ta' Cenc issue is, to say the least, irresponsible. The message sent out by the government is that it does not really care about safeguarding Gozo's unique heritage, despite all the hype about Gozo as an eco-island. Ta' Cenc deserves to be scheduled immediately and fully as a Natura 2000 site".