Gozo – ‘an abundance of gentle charm and an impressively relaxed atmosphere’

Published on the Malta Independent on Sunday 29th August, 2010 by Leo Attard.

Leafing through various travel brochures, local and foreign, one notices a different presentation of these islands: the hectic, nightlife world of Malta with its St Julian’s, Paceville, and the centres of history and architecture in places like Mdina and Valletta.Leafing through various travel brochures, local and foreign, one notices a different presentation of these islands: the hectic, nightlife world of Malta with its St Julian’s, Paceville, and the centres of history and architecture in places like Mdina and Valletta. And then there is Gozo, described in almost all ads as laid-back, greener and with “an abundance of gentle charm and an impressively relaxed atmosphere – two of the principal qualities which for centuries have drawn visitors inexorably to this celebrated archipelago”.

Quote taken from a Prestige Holidays ad which goes on to describe Hondoq as “…a favourite with locals… It is a small sandy beach with crystal clear waters and is very good for diving, particularly for beginners”.

VisitMalta.com has this to say about Qala and Hondoq: “The coastline below the village of Qala is dotted with traditional salt pans, some of which are still actively used to ‘harvest’ salt throughout the summer months. On this coast is a small cove, Hondoq ir-Rummien, which is popular with snorkellers because of its deep and clear water and the small caves at water level. Access to the sea is from bathing ladders. The cove has good views of Comino.”

So we are inviting people to come to Gozo for its serenity, greenery, and natural beaches – people don’t come to do shopping! It’s cheaper to shop online or grab a cheap flight and go abroad. They come to Gozo for the relaxed atmosphere and the beaches. Hondoq is a Mecca for beach lovers! I heard that even Austin Gatt himself and other MPs have had the pleasure of having barbecues at Hondoq! Why not have it in the middle of Marsalforn? Because it would not have been as relaxing as in the quiet of Hondoq.

And this brings me to my point: the Hondoq Project developers have the audacity, the gall to lie to the public to give the impression that Hondoq is not used that much! I challenge them to come now and see Hondoq packed with people in the afternoon! Come and see the camps and the barbecues and the enjoyment of foreigners and locals, young and old! Do you think if the project gets the green light that people will be having their barbecues at Hondoq? No, because the rich residents would want their peace and quiet.

Same thing happened to a local disco called “The Countryman”, which was forced to close down because of the residents of the then Imgarr Hotel complained of the noise. The Countryman had been there before the Imgarr was built.

So, a ‘yes’ to the Hondoq Project will mean bye-bye to barbecues! (Of course, there is the argument that the buildings will end up unoccupied like Chambray so there won’t be any residents to complain!)

So let’s not be hypocrites! We advertise peace, greenery and clean beaches (Hondoq is top of the list, probably the only one on the list of pristine, natural bays) so let’s not destroy it. This month of August is the busiest for Hondoq —— if anybody says that Hondoq is not much used, then I will tell him or her point-blank: liar!