Analysing the different perspectives towards a fixed link between Malta and Gozo : a study amongst Maltese University of Malta students

Abstract

This study analysed the different perspectives and views on a fixed link between Malta and Gozo. This was accomplished through quantitative methods of data collection and analysis, namely questionnaires. The questionnaires were conducted amongst Maltese University of Malta students and distributed at the same University House. These questionnaires revealed the understanding of islands and islandness from the perceptions given on fixed links. There was a general consensus that distinctiveness should be a character of an island and that islandness is understood in terms of connectivity, or rather lack of it. The study looked upon three main sectors being, social, economic and environment. The study concluded that distinctiveness in all three of these sectors very much holds, which further emphasize how islands are unique and distinctive in their own way. Malta and Gozo are approximately separated by just a 5km channel, yet it becomes very clear in this study that the sea preserves this notion of 'distinctiveness' and isolation. Often regarded as an island 'off' Malta, and hence away from the mainland, Gozo fulfils the definition of what many consider an island to be. With all their distinctive characteristics and qualities, islands have the capability to mesmerise you on a space and time journey desired by many, and one crucial finding in this study is precisely that fixed links, as the name suggests, disrupts this concept of insularity.