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.

MEPA gives green light for cruise liner berths at Xlendi Bay

Nothing against having a cruise liner visiting Gozo every so often. But I am still astonished by the fact that no feasibility and sustainability study was carried out. Moreover an Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) seems to be out of the vocabulary of the Gozo feudal system or to be politically correct : the Ministry for the quasi-republic of Gozo.


Many of us are still astound to open the local papers and read that MEPA approved of this 'secretive' project at Xlendi Bay.

MEPA = Malta Environment Planning Authority under the auspices of The Prim Minister of our Republic.



Since no Environmental Impact Assessment took place and moreover no consultation ever took place either, many are raising justified questions:

1) So how does a buoy off Xlendi translate into full time jobs?

2) How many full time jobs is this going to create?

3) After all that money spent on Imgarr Harbour why can't the cruise lines make use of those facilities?

4) When was a study regarding the sustainability of cruise tourism on Gozo carried out?

5) What is the cost of these berths and has a swot analysis been done on this project?

6) Who actually benefits economically? Is it the country visited or is it only the owners of the cruisers and the tour operators?

7) If no traffic assessment was done, are they now simply going to add a few car parks,in Xlendi be of more use?

8) How does this futs into the eco-gozo concept?

9) How is marine life going to be effected?

10)Why was an Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) dismissed once again?

As a common citizen, this morning I wrote to the EU asking for clarifications on whether the fact that the government decided to omit an EIA is in breach with the EU Directives. Will have to wait for an answer.

I did not dare ask these questions to the Gozo Ministry for obvious reasons.

Careers in Agriculture

Like you probably, I learned about this meeting from the media. Like you, I was not informed or even invited since this event was organised by the Ministry for Gozo....and by now we should all know how this Ministry works....

"Yes...alone everything is possible".

Anyhow, a meeting was organised by the ministry for Gozo through the coordination of the Institute of Agriculture within the University of Malta.

Apparently the director of the Institute spoke about the opportunities available to those who would like to further their studies in this sector.

How and what, the reporting of this meeting did not say.

What I can say is that I wrote many a times to this Institute of Agriculture to help tapping young Gozitans to work in the sector of agri-tourism. The Ager Foundation is constantly seeking a number of Gozitans working in this sector to provide agro-expertiences to tourists and visitors to our island., since the demand in the past three years is greater than the supply.

So if you are truely interested in working in this sector and learn more about job opportunities in agri-tourism, visit our website www.agerfoundation.com and contact me for a meeting.

I am glad that I managed to keep the Ager Foundation away from the local medieval politics.