US warships

It was reported (August 27) that Dom Mintoff approached John Kerry, the Democratic candidate for the election of the American President to be held in November, requesting him to guarantee that no American warships should continue to visit Malta.

I have ascertained that the following ships made major visits to Malta so far during the current year. Other ships which called for a short time are excluded.

Each ship visits Malta for an average of four days.

It is calculated that each crew member spends $100 per day ($1,427,900 = Lm505,477).

I use the Grand Harbour road several times a day. When a ship is moored, I always see buses, trucks delivering food, water and other items to the ship. I also understand that, many a time, repair and maintenance works are carried out by Maltese companies and the Drydocks. All this must involve huge amounts diverted to Malta.

I can agree with Mr Mintoff to pursue his initiative, provided his supporters collect from their personal funds the amounts spent by the American crew and ships in Malta, and the sum collected is remitted to the Malta Exchequer.