Mediation in transport dispute fails
Two attempts at mediation in the public transport dispute have failed, Transport Minister Austin Gatt told a press conference this afternoon. The attempts were made by different third parties but he did not give details.
He said that although he wrote to Transport Federation president Victor Spiteri twice today, he had received no reply.
Dr Gatt condemned incidents which led to the government's bus emergency service to be stopped at 7.30 a.m., just 90 minutes after it started. He said the decision was taken in the interests of public safety after incidents which saw a van's windscreen smashed and people intimidated.
Dr Gatt said traffic flow throughout Malta was better today than yesterday, with the worst time having been during the morning rush hour, when part of St Anne Street, Floriana, was closed. One lane of St Anne Street is now open. He said the police had also cleared the roads to enable black taxis to operate from the seaport and the airport.
Dr Gatt said he was hopeful that arrangements could be made tomorrow for funerals to take place from Mater Dei Hospital, and he condemned the Hearses Association for not providing an emergency service.
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RONALD AZZOPARDI
Jul 16th 2008, 00:29
Not so often - But on this issue the 3 Main Political Partis are untied. That means that the absolute majority of the Maltese are against such dispute.
john zammit
Jul 16th 2008, 00:06
What a strong government .. Par Idejn Sodi vera! He gave up providing emergency transport services because the Police failed to co0ntrol a small mob! Now what shall he do with the undertakers .. they already got the message .. we will not provide any emergency service because some mobs may attack it.
It is true that these people are not right in what they are doing. They all knew that with the entry to the EU these things will take place and that when promises were made (especially like those on the eve of elections) they were taken for a ride. So all this is a result of their shortsightedness .. they got what they voted for!
m farrugia
Jul 15th 2008, 23:02
Enough is enough now. It is about time the full resources of police and army are used. It is pathetic that the country is unable to run an emergency service simply because it cannot control these cowboys concentrated mainly in one location.
These people and all other cowboys should learn what civilisation is. Otherwise we are and will be continued to be ruled by cowboys, such as those stopping with their pick up trucks in the middle of the road in st pauls bay so that their wife buys a loaf of bread from giormina, creating havoc in one of the island's busy main road. And mind you complain, as it is very easy to be intimidated if not hurt.And believe it or not I have never seen a policeman or warden in the area.
But as soon as some other driver parks on a double line for a few minutes in another location without obstructing anybody, he gets a ticket from a warden within seconds.
It is about time our police and wardens receive proper training and priorities and enforce them on citizens in a bid to civilise these cowboys who make our island a hell to live in.
Keith Chircop
Jul 15th 2008, 22:50
All those cops and not a single baton in sight.
Joyce Calleja
Jul 15th 2008, 20:53
Where are the riot police squad (SAG). They should be out there protecting all citizens now when most needed??
How can we live each day like this in a so called democratic country? Liberalization is the best solution to get rid of these people once and for all.
Enough is enough!!
D Gatt
Jul 15th 2008, 20:00
Way to go Minister - please don't bend into the pressure! I hope the opposition is mature enough to support you (perhaps then we will be able to consider them as an alternative government).
Hope other ministers will take your example. They have SOOO much opportunity!
Sabine Cassar-Alpert
Jul 15th 2008, 19:51
This must be one of the most disgraceful situations hitting the country since the early 80s. With each hour it is allowed to continue it will hit a deeper wound into the tourism industry.
The right to strike is one thing, but no-one has the right to scare the hell out of those who, after all, represent the bread and better of these hooligans. None of the tourists coming to these islands owes us anything. Looking at the competition we are facing as a destination, not just in Europe but globally, we ought to be amazed - and grateful - that anyone still bothers coming here. Instead, we're having luggage-laden arriving travellers wander along a busy road to try and catch a ride, and giving them an almost picture-perfect impression of a civil war. Prosit. RIP Brand Malta
Dr.Emmy Bezzina,B.A.,LL.D.,Dip.S.Th.
Jul 15th 2008, 19:24
Dear Minister, Austin, you alone stood out in this Battle for Democracy - there was no collective Cabinet Statement as we THE PEOPLE heartily expected.We are disappointed at the behaviour of the Members of Parliament from each one of whom We THE PEOPLE expected a personal Statement condemning these anarchical acts against civilization and Democracy in our Country.I disagree with you in attempting to communicate with a Gang Leader.The rupture should be complete.All public funds must be halted forthwith.We must be creative in our Thinking and laterally and parallely we must creat an alternative to our Public Transport System.The People have to teach a Lesson to these Enemies of the People,Nemici della Patria, Obnoxious anti-Democratic Demons!
In the Name of Liberal Democracy We THE PEOPLE thank you - We believe that the PM should place you forthwith also as Minister of the Interior because our PoliceMen and Soldiers were ridiculed by these barbarian hoardes with their heavily-pregnant tummies protruding out! Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici should exclusively concentrate on JUSTICE a field in which there is much to do.Meanwhile JOHN DALLI concentrate on having a fully-functioning MATER DEI making it worth the €600 million spent.
Stephen Borg cardona
Jul 15th 2008, 19:24
Its about time the Govt adopted a zero tolerance policy with these uncivilised people. They are the first people visitors to our island meet and they give a nasty first impression. No more overcharging, swearing and driving like maniacs.
Karl Abela
Jul 15th 2008, 19:11
The solution to the transport problem is in the PM's hands. He should send Austin Gatt on a long holiday to wherever and call all interested parties around a table for discussions. But as long as Gatt remains involved we can only expect sparks and an escalation of actions and counter actions. He may be the hero for some but he's also arrogance personified for many.
Joseph Mifsud
Jul 15th 2008, 19:09
Public Transport is using taxpayers money that subsidized so heavily on their buses to modernize the fleet to block roads and cause inconvenience and havoc.
The general public is being offended by their action. On the goverment side stiffer action should be taken such as ordering the public transport vechiles to be garaged once they are not fullfilling their obligation.
Andy Towler
Jul 15th 2008, 18:57
Well said, Kenneth Cassar.
It's about time not only the hearses, but the buses, minibuses and taxis were all deregulated. Perhaps then good customer service would act as a natural selection mechanism - survival of the best.
Vincent Valletta
Jul 15th 2008, 18:51
They are giving us all the reason to support and encourage liberalisation.
Kenneth Cassar
Jul 15th 2008, 18:40
Less talk, more action. Send out the riot police. Remove any vehicles blocking roads illegally. Arrest immediately anyone breaking the law. They have the right to strike, but normal citizens have the right to live in a civilized democracy. If they don't like democracy and civilization, they should emigrate.