[WATCH] Gozitans need to play 'bigger role' in decision-making - Prime Minister

Gozitans need to play 'bigger role' in decision-making - Prime Minister

It is high time to consider ways and means how Gozitans could start playing a bigger part in the decision-making affecting the island, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat has said.

"Call it a form of devolution, call it what you may, but 'Gozo as a region' should not remain merely a buzzword," he said.

Muscat was addressing representatives of the Gozo Chamber of Commerce at Auberge de Castille as they presented him their proposals for the 2017 budget.

He said he was still not satisfied with the rate of economic growth in Malta's sister island, although he acknowledged that considerable gains had been made.

"Gozo needs to prepare itself for the increased activity that projects like the new general hospital and the regeneration of the Citadella will create" he said.

"But we should also examine how to bolster the labour force in Gozo and ensure that those Gozitans who want to find full-time year-round employment have feasible options."

Muscat said the government would discuss with the chamber how to make Gozo a year-round attraction for business, as well as tourism.