The Universita' of Gozo

Abstract

The Universita' of Gozo, instituted in the year 1416 or perhaps earlier, resembled in many points that of Malta. Though these two forms of government were completely independent, they were always on good terms with each other, and any rights or privileges were generally asked for in the name of both. This autonomous commune, deprived as it was of any legislative powers, enjoyed, for a fairly long time, ample administrative and judicial powers; in point of fact, it bore a distinct resemblance to a democratic system of government. It had the right to submit to the Sovereign the needs of the people and to ask for such measures as circumstances required, to administer the public expenditure and to provide stores and provisions. By special authorization, it levied taxes on bread and wine to pay the men of the Militia, known under the name of Deima. This was a standing army consisting of the cavalry, the infantry, and later, the regiment. It superintended the cleanliness and lighting of streets, and kept a watchful eye on the expenses of the hospitals and the prisons. Another function of this Universita' was the repair of the Citadel, within which the people used to take refuge from the Barbary pirates. But its most legitimate sphere of action lay in insuring the inhabitants against the misery of famine, and to sell corn and other foodstuffs at a moderate price. It is also satisfying to place on record the handsome contributions made by this Universita' towards the restoration of several churches and convents in Gozo.