Where’s Everybody?

A few days ago I coincidentally read an online news item about the Ministry for Gozo’s beneficial financial contribution it provides from year to year to two of Gozo’s key non-governmental organisations. I am referring the Gozo Business Chamber and the Gozo Tourism Association.

Without irony and no sense of sarcasm, I find it so hard to actually understand what is the purpose of these two organisations? What are their aims? What is their objective? What do they stand for? What is their relevance?

Time and time again, I just come to the same obvious conclusion that these organisations serve no purpose at all. Honestly, I render them useless. And in all truth, I don’t think I am the only one of such an opinion.

Can the purpose of these organisations be to white wash the Minister for Gozo's every move? Maybe these organisations serve as a play ground for our humble leaders to get their fair share of the limelight and feel that little sense of importance. You know… being key leaders… setting such example… pushing up the bar… in search of excellence… and all the rhetoric… these leaders certainly expect nothing but the best for Gozo. Then again, how can they not be fast tracked to get their hands on a prestigious board of directors chair?!

To be fair, I am sure that they mean no harm. But let’s be pragmatic. Are they serving Gozo’s best interests? Are they setting the pace for our beloved island to acquire its fair share? Are they representing Gozo’s interests and aspirations sufficiently? Or is it a case of looking around and literally asking oneself where’s everybody?

I mean let’s take the famous Gozo1234 extravaganza. What contribution did these two organisations put forward to ensure that the event was a success? Were they not so blind to realise that the event was a total rip off? Didn’t they have the decency take account and use their position as a pressure group to ensure that such an event was carried out in a meritable manner? Shouldn’t they have safeguarded that public funds were being used effectively? And emphasising that Gozo benefits the maximum return from such an event?

I don’t think so. Nobody probably thinks so. Why bother? Why contemplate? Why complain? Why even have expectations? Probably not worth the time. Probably not worth the effort. There were probably more pressing matters to address. A newsletter maybe? Or an interview or photo opportunity? Because with due respect, that is all these bunch of clowns are good for!

Come on Gozo. Wake up. When will we realise that enough is enough? When will we start expecting more from our piers? Don’t we have Gozo at heart? Don’t we want Gozo to be a better place? Why are we giving up so easily?