Mintoff and Gozo

Abstract

This dissertation will attempt to explain developments, which for Gozitans are of ultimate importance. It is my aim to shed light on a topic that remains till now not well discussed. In Gozo, like elsewhere many tend to label achievements to one government or another, and generally have the tendency to talk about the period of 1971-1984 as a period of ‘neglect’, a period in which Gozo had been paused from the basic communication, and infrastructural developments, and autonomy deserved. I analysed Mintoff’s developments in Gozo, by trying to research three basic needs of a Gozitans citizen’s interest and I have come to see what was achieved. The first chapter presents a basic need for Gozitans - Communication that for Gozo is the gateway to the rest of the world. Moreover, the second chapter delves into the infrastructural developments brought about during Mintoff’s 1971-84 administrations. This chapter shows the continuation of major projects that are still important and vital today, and the continuation of basic infrastructural developments such as the developments of roads that are continued and improved by every administration. The third chapter looks into the situation of Gozitan autonomy previous to Mintoff taking office and at how things emerged and with what autonomy Gozo was left with in 1984. The last chapter is a chapter based more on opinion and the general perception of Mintoff towards the Gozitans and vice versa. This chapter also looks into the event and attack against Mintoff and the Labour supporters of May of 1961 and the consequences this event left on Mintoff and the Labour Party.