Bridging the gap : overcoming insularity in the island of Gozo 1930-2000

Abstract

The main purpose of this dissertation, which is based on a quantitative approach, is to analyse whether the different means of communication present in Gozo during 1930 2000 have succeeded or not in bridging the gap between Malta and its sister-Island. Furthermore, this study will look into the development of transport in Gozo in comparison with that in Malta in an attempt to understand better the changes that have taken place in the former Island. Sea transport can be considered as the lifeline of Malta's sister-Island because it depends on the main Island for most of its supplies. Besides generating Gozo's economy and commerce, a considerable number of people rely on the ferry services in order to go to work in Malta or to attend university. Another transport facility available in Gozo is that by air which is carried out by a seaplane, which service has replaced that of the helicopter. Moreover, land transport brings people closer together, therefore, reducing remoteness but, at the same time, it sometimes marginalises areas which are not within reach of public transport, hence, causing a great dependency on private vehicles. Likewise in importance are other forms of communication which also help relieve isolation, for example, the internet, press, television, radio, and telephone networks. Especially in the case of islands, efficiency in all these areas is a must if they are to advance and be competitive in the larger world and this applies just as well to the Maltese Islands. Considerable literature is published yearly dealing specifically with the history of the main Island but at times only slight reference is made to Gozo. Indeed, a lot of windows that give a view into diverse spheres of Gozo's historical entity are still kept closed or at the most left ajar and this is the case with the phenomenon of insularity in this Island. Furthermore, few has been written on communication links in relation to Gozo's insularity. It is for these reasons that the decision for a theme on which to carry out this scholarly piece of work fell specifically on this topic. The abovementioned timeframe was chosen because it is a transitional period in the field of communication (and in many other aspects of Maltese and Gozitan history).