The latest edition of The Gozo Observer includes interesting articles by various contributors with subjects mainly relating to Gozo.

Published by the University of Malta Gozo Campus, this 39th edition has an editorial by Professor Maurice Cauchi, focusing on the Citadel, which he describes as ‘The Jewel in the Crown’ and comments about the extensive restoration works carried out in recent years in this important and unique tourist attraction on the island. This also led to the site being as “an open space area for artistic activities and festivals.”

Annemarie Camilleri’s contribution features tourism, relating to a particular niche, that of Adventure Tourism.

The author discusses the importance of such a niche with regards to the sector’s mitigation of seasonality challenges while backing her arguments with the outcome of a study she made in this regard.

Gabriella Cassar highlights an important issue related to the island of Gozo’s political history.

In her article ‘The 1948 Gozo Commission: Redesigning a Future’ she traces the historical aspects of what was described as the ‘Monster Gozo Report’ prepared by a specifically set up commission.

In her conclusion the author explains how ‘the Commission could still be seen as the preliminary step for modern Gozo.’

Toni Calleja, an avid researcher in local history, recounts the personal experiences of a young man in Ghasri during World War II, with particular reference to the activities connected with the Invasion of Sicily.

The article includes reference to the building of an aerodrome on Gozo as part of the strategy used by the Allies in this historical event, which marked an important development that eventually led to the surrender of Italy.

Andrea Muscat gives a detailed ‘Analysis of Rainfall Readings Data in Gozo’ over the period 1991 to 2017.

Supported by various graphs of the readings taken along the years, the conclusions of this study coincide with a more detailed study conducted for a shorter span (1997-2007) by another researcher.

Geoffrey G. Attard – a regular contributor – traces the origins of the Ciantar Family of Gozo particularly their Ghajnsielem-Xewkija Connection.

The author also reviews the book – Zebbug of Gozo. Its People, Inscriptions and History – the work of classical scholar Professor Horatio C. R. Vella, which was published recently.

This edition also includes a book review written in 2018 by the late Anton F. Attard, renowned expert of the Folklore and History of Gozo.

In what most probably was one of his last writings, Attard treats the book ‘the Maltese Cinderella and the women’s storytelling tradition,’ a work by Professor Veronica Veen who managed to imprint the folk stories recounted by an old Gozitan storyteller with particular reference to that about Il-Germudija (the Sooty One).

Gozo Campus Administrator Joseph Calleja concludes the issue with an update of all that happened at the campus since the last issue.

Free copies and more information can be obtained from: The University of Malta – Gozo Campus, Mgarr Road, Xewkija, Gozo.

Tel: (+356) 21564559, (+356) 23407900 A printable version (PDF) of this and other issues is available by clicking here.

Photograph by Alain Salvary

Permalink: The Citadel, tourism, political history and more in the Gozo Observer