On Friday, the Gozo Business Chamber celebrated its 25th anniversary during an event held under the patronage of President Myriam Spiteri Debono.
The Chamber was in fact established through a public deed on the 20th of December 1999. The event served as point of reflection for the Chamber providing an overview of the past but also an outlook on the future.
In his opening remarks, Michael Galea President of the Gozo Business Chamber, highlighted that while there is the need to diversify the Gozitan economy, “it is important that Gozo is granted regional autonomy so that it can outline its priorities based on the needs of the Gozitan community.”
He said that, “for Gozo to succeed and be competitive there is the need for more autonomy. Our history shows that we were also determined to lead our own affairs and to decide that which is necessary for Gozo. . . Autonomy provides Gozo and Gozitans with the necessary authority to take the best decisions about the regional economic strategy, the development of new infrastructure, and regional politics. We know Gozo’s real needs because we live, work and employ people on this island.”
Michael Galea also stressed on the importance of connectivity, the need for a new hospital for Gozo, the safeguarding of the environment, and the Chamber’s role in promoting business in Gozo.
In his concluding remarks, Daniel Borg, the CEO of the Gozo Business Chamber, said that this 25th anniversary event served as an important point of reflection to both analyse the contribution of the Chamber, past and present, but also discern its future role.
He remarked that this anniversary comes at an important crossroads in the country’s history as important anniversaries from when the country became independent, a republic, and a Member of the European Union, were celebrated.
Borg pointed out that “Gozo and the Gozitans are mature enough for Gozo to be an autonomous region.”
Nonetheless, he stated that that, “while I believe in the need for the dialogue on the Renewal of the Constitution to restart, Gozo’s regional autonomy needs to be studied, implemented and introduced in the Constitution. In this process political dialogue is of vital importance.”
He went on to say that “while there seems to be consensus from all parties on the political spectrum on the aspect of regionality, there is lack of consensus on the form on how the status of regionality should be implemented. And this is why these past days led me to reflect on the need for political dialogue which is honest, transparent, and sincere, and which does not suffocate the aspirations of the Gozitan community.”
He remarked about the Chamber’s institutional role and for this to be strengthened in order to enhance Gozo’s governance at all levels.
Finally Borg highlighted that the Chamber’s continued existence “cannot be taken for granted. But with the collaboration of all, its future can be secured.”
During the event the book – The Way Ahead, The Gozo Business Chamber in the Light of Gozo’s Recent History – was launched. The book was written by Dr Michael Refalo who also intervened and presented the book.
The book addresses both Gozo’s economic history and also the contribution of the Gozo Business Chamber to both Gozo’s economy and community. Dr Edward Warrington also spoke during the event reflecting on the role and future of the Chamber in today’s world.
Apart from the President, the event was also addressed by Prime Minister Robert Abela, the Leader of the Opposition Bernard Grech, the CEO of the Gozo Regional Development Authority Mario Borg, the CEO of BOV Kenneth Farrugia, and the Minister for Gozo and Planning, Clint Camilleri.
File photo: Gozo News/Alain Salvary
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