VIDEO: UPDATE 2: Ferry service suspended after threats

Francesca Portelli

Jul 18th 2008, 16:01

I really would like to know the tourists opinion about all of this gang show which has been hitting headlines all week! Why is it that we have to act like barbarians? Personally this has been done just for show, there wasnt any need for all the rude language, violence and threats, especially towards the tourists or other coach drivers who didn strike! ridiculous!
Pajjiz tal mickey mouse!

And where is the prime minister/president in all of this? i havent heard any comments yet from him?

sabine grech

Jul 17th 2008, 14:36

this is embarrassing !! A nation of violent and greedy people . It seems they don't know how to handle democracy . Do they really call themselfs christians ???? THIS IS A JOKE ..

Ben grech

Jul 17th 2008, 13:27

@C Gatt. Like it or not, some sort of agreement did occur between the previous transport minister Mugliett and the people who were making our life hell this week. Political parties should be held responsible to fulfill their promises, or in this case criticized heavily for promising something that really shouldn t have been negotiable in the first place.

c gatt

Jul 17th 2008, 08:32

@Michael debono,

what betrayal? what the heck are you talking about. successive governments have betrayed the nation by not dealing with this problem earlier. The result: an inconvenient transport system, more cars on the road, pollution, air and noise, and a customer service which is staggeringly awful.
So once again i ask, what betrayal are you talking about?

Peter Xuereb

Jul 17th 2008, 00:28

I am appalled at the leniency with which the police seem to be operating.

Thugs who threaten anybody should be arrested and charged. Period.

Michael Debono

Jul 16th 2008, 20:39

It is very easy to say what the government should do wihout taking into account the possible consequences for example if licences were to be withdrawn and offered to others.
We should better talk about the cause of the present situation. It's all the fault of election promises. Had I been promised something before the elections I would have taken it with a pinch of salt and I would not be influenced on how to vote.
Others took it seriously, voted to see the promises implimented.
The elections over and the people they trusted having won the elections are not keeping their promises.The said voters feel they have been truly betrayed and would like to do something to repair their mistake. Something they are unable to do except in future elections, when they will again be faced with promises and forget all that is happening now.
Gonzipn, say a big mea culpa! mea culpa! Will he?

Graham Crocker

Jul 16th 2008, 19:32

What we need to do is to Trap or Disable them from using their Vehicles, while they are away causing mayhem or sleeping (they sleep don't they?).

We can really use a couple of XXL wheel Clamps.

A.Gauci Cunningham

Jul 16th 2008, 18:59

This action is not only illegal and abusive but it is also senseless due to the fact that the issue here is about the hearses and not about the buses so i think it is grossly unfair and downright arrogant for the bus drivers to be causing all this mayhem and disruption when they know that talks with the Buses' association have not even started let alone a decision taken!!

As a citizen of this country I believe that the President of these cowboys should bow his head in shame and resign, if for nothing, at least for his total inability of controlling his own members who have caused so much hardship in this saga and for turning the whole country ( save a few anti-PN drama queens and the bus drivers themselves) against them!!
And I also support Dr.Gatt---a true Minister who, as the MaltaToday said, has injected this shot of adrenalain to this administration and has kept steadily to his guns...well done!!

Oswald Spiteri

Jul 16th 2008, 18:45

Just wanted to share the irony of the present chaos and to the comment raised by R. Spiteri. I had a business friend attending a conference at a leading hotel in St Julians plus some extra days for a holiday together with his wife and daughter. His departure was on Tuesday 15th July. This gentleman, asked me to help him because of the confusion. So I drove my car to a nearby black taxi service company. I parked my car in the empty Taxi Stand in Ross Street, St Julians (next to the new gardens adjacent to Spinola Palace). Whilst I was making the booking for the black taxi to take this friend to the Airport, traffic police arrived in the precincts and noticed my car parked in the Taxi Stand. May be I took just under 10 minutes to get the black taxi reservation. Upon my return I found Traffic Contravention No. A 0110935 affixed to my windscreen because I was "PARKED OR WAITING OR STOPPING AT PROHIBITED PLACES". Need to say more !!!!!!!!!!

John Schembri

Jul 16th 2008, 18:22

How is it that we haven't seen any wardens dishing out tickets, or are they weak with these though guys and strong with the innocent weak drivers.

Anthony Briffa

Jul 16th 2008, 17:48

This is a shame. Who is governing in Malta, Dr Gonzi or Mr Spiteri? Malta is a standstill. Government should apply all the emergency laws at its disposal to clear the roads of the vehicles and the hooligans. Mr. Spiteri should be held responsible for not controlling his mob. Three days of this charade is far too long. We are talking here of a few hundred people. Can the police and the army give us the necessary protection so that we will get back to our normal lives? Busnisses all over Malta are suffering. What is the GRTU going to do to safeguard the interest of its members?

gaffarena joseph

Jul 16th 2008, 17:34

So,the coaches have stopped,the park&ride transport stopped as well, and now trhe ferries.
So, these bunch of irresponsable people are winning,these public transport drivers,who every citizen konw exactly how educated they are onb their jobs,are winning this illegal claim.
Are the police,and the armed forces only do their rightfull job on citizens that by far never brought this shame in our island.
Come on do your job, and stop their road licence, and take all the buses where they belong,
we cannot tollerate this anymore,its gone too far now.Day after day they are treathining every sector ,they are being bullied, and yet we are continuing in seeing these illegal actions,that are deteriorating our economy,and without any valid reason.
The police and the armed forces are top of the art in parading, but sorry to say they are not in keeping these illegal actions .

Erika Azzopardi

Jul 16th 2008, 17:33

These bus and van drivers are a BUNCH OF HAMALLI!!!!!!! They are so embarrassing.

Roberta Borg

Jul 16th 2008, 17:21

Shame on these bullies! What do hope to obtain by these protests? Our respect and sympathy?

M Zammit

Jul 16th 2008, 17:14

Enough is enough!!! What is the Goverment waiting for to withdraw the licences and arrest the leaders of these 'thugs' ? The police are being too lenient.

valerie scicluna

Jul 16th 2008, 16:44

I believe a few years ago some of the drivers were sent to england to learn some customer care and how to be civilized with their clients!! I rather suspect that they took a detour and ended up in the Caribbean with the pirates!! The police should tow the buses to ta' qali and remove their batteries and wheels if need be then we'll see what happens. these troglodyts have to reform and get into the 21st. century.

j borg

Jul 16th 2008, 16:40

The government should start running the service using one of the patrol boats. Who is going to transport people who were left stranded on either side of the port? It is unacceptable that a number of thugs can bring the transport system to a halt and no arrests are made when there are vidoes of their actions. The people should remember that in the winter months these same people are entrusted with taking school children around. Their licences should be revoked immediately. One cannot trust these people with other lives. We expect some concrete action from teh governmne..enough of this nonsenset

J Micallef

Jul 16th 2008, 16:39

Looks that these are all coordinated attacks. The mob is well organized and it looks obvious to me that somebody is maneuvering behind the scenes.

The so called strike erupted into exaggerated violence immediately on Monday morning without any dispute will the drivers at all. The whole thing was planned well before Monday and it is not spontaneous at all.

One thing is clear. The Government should and cannot back down now. If the mob wins this time, the government will be very weak with the hunters, the dry docks, the GWU, illegal fireworks and all the thugs that make Malta a banana republic. All these anarchists are just waiting on the sidelines, enjoying the show, waiting for their turn to pitch in order to get what they want.

V. Vincenti

Jul 16th 2008, 16:37

@ RSpiteri

Better still ... Let them board, take them a few miles out, disconnect the battery and let them drift.

carmelo briffa

Jul 16th 2008, 16:32

Let us all help .....let all of us use our cars and do not use buses let say for two weeks. I am ready to use my back seat for any one wants to use free ride. Let show them that we also go on a strike like they do and send them begging like gypsies....Why is Mr Rizzo so afraid to move their busses and make way for Army trucks, Police busses, black taxis and so forth. Believe me we have some leaders that cannot lead themselves. Who are these hooligans? I am sure that the police knows more then 80% of them and they should be brought up for criminal charges.I was desperate to make pee I parked in football ground in Floriana when I got out from ther loo. Only to find out my car was towed away. I am dissabled and I am solo. What a shame to be living in such a nuisance country....I am OFFFFFFF Mr. L.G

Kenneth Cassar

Jul 16th 2008, 16:26

What a pathetic scene: A police officer telling these thugs that they will get aboard the next vessel instead of arresting them for causing a public disturbance as usually happens to apparently lesser citizens.

Kyle Galea

Jul 16th 2008, 16:06

This morning I've spent more than 1 hour to enter Qormi.....Shame on them and even the police force!!

These strikers have been given the full grace from the police force to do what they want in Malta!! Imagine such protests where done by university students or from the government general service? Rest assured that it would have been another story.

Commissioner don't wait for instructions from the Prime Minister, please act

Ganni Mifsud

Jul 16th 2008, 16:02

All I noticed during these three days is that the roads are pollution free and I encountered also less traffic. Apart from those roads closed by these bunch of losers.

We don't need your service anymore (if ever there was a service). The black taxis are doing a great job and they are driven by friendly drivers. That's why they are angry because they know that everyone are against them.

M. Schembri

Jul 16th 2008, 16:00

The time has come for the Government to decide seriously, either use absolute force and finish off these anarchists or retreat from his position - there is no other way since it appears that the process of dialogue is not now being taken into equation.

Francis Bonello

Jul 16th 2008, 15:57

Incredible!!! Am I livng in Malta?

Do we have a police force, army and a Government? When will they wake up? Much harm has already been done

mary Pace

Jul 16th 2008, 15:56

TEN CHEERS for the xarabank drivers,minibus drivers & white taxi drivers,for sticking with hearse drivers, NOW what about our husbands,who works in the tourist sector,when the tourists won't come again,because of this strike,DO YOU ALL STRIKE TO HELP OUR HUSBANDS

I Pirotta

Jul 16th 2008, 15:55

Bus drivers think that by causing violence and threats they will win. They are mistaken because the Government will show them who will win in the end. They (the bus drivers) are like the laburisti in the 80s. The Government should use the SAG to stop these criminals, and take their licences away and give them to a new operator who will surely improve the service.

maria busuttil

Jul 16th 2008, 15:55

Oh poor drivers, not allowed to travel, poor souls! We the ordinary citizens, dead or alive, cannot live peacefully because of these do called ORDINARY PEOPLE,.
Shame on you all this bad reputation you are giving MALTA and THE MALTESEI.
The police should now get hold of these so called ORDINARY CITIZENS and put them in CORRADINO FIVE STAR HOTEL, for at least 6 months,,

Have the police forgotten how, we had years back, but at least we could go on a truck and arrive at the place for important doctors, hospital etc, had we tried to do something we would ofcourse be arrested there and then and if not they keep on till they put you in for some time. So now I am begging all our MP'S to take action and put these people were they belong, Action is NOW, and not then, Please if not for us the living, let us see the poor departed souls have a last good journey

The drivers said they had intended to board the ferry peacefully and had every right to do so like ordinary citizens. Policemen replied they could get them another ferry, but the drivers are now leaving.

E. Camilleri

Jul 16th 2008, 15:54

Well since some are arrainged in court, then I assume if found guilty their licenses will be REVOKED. I hope so. I do not want my son to use a van driven by someone proved to be violent!

C. Frendo

Jul 16th 2008, 15:47

Where is the riot Squad ??? Where are all S.A.G. personell ??? Where is the Army ??? Are they only good for going training abroad and doind military drills, and where there is action they aren't called !!!

emanuel fenech

Jul 16th 2008, 15:43

When are the police going to stop pussy footing with these louts and thugs and arrest ALL who disobey their orders. Doesn't the Police Commissioner realise that he is being ridiculed by these barbarians. What gives them the authority to threaten others going about their daily lives? Who are they? They all must by now be known to the police, so why don't the latter do their job , so the rest of us can live in peace!

S Suda

Jul 16th 2008, 15:41

lovely! this is what the strikers want..... police, army, other services operators, people giving lifts to people .... all giving in to threats..... all in fear! how long is this going to go on for...???

R Spiteri

Jul 16th 2008, 15:34

Wouldn't it have been ideal to let them board the ferry and then clamp their vans/buses which were parked incorrectly?

Additionally, I wish to know what will happen if one fine day (when all this is over) I decide to park in the middle of St. Anne Street (Valletta).. or in Bisazza Street (Sliema).. or block a street leading to somewhere.. for example the airport.

Charles Camilleri

Jul 16th 2008, 15:26

Threatening people is an offense. These people are not striking but want to bring Malta to a standstill. The police are being too lenient with these people. More drastic measures are needed if we want to see an end to the arrogance of these people.

Philip Paris

Jul 16th 2008, 15:20

It is now time to start arresting the Union Leaders if they cannot control there members.
If that does not work, call in the Army and start mass arrest's.

Leonard Cole

Jul 16th 2008, 15:18

Well it is the third day that this strike has caused in Malta.... It is also unbelievable the power certain organisations have, and unfortunately the goverment seems to be standing down waiting...

It is about time to clear the roads even if all vehicles are to be towed on the side... Every organisation has a right to strike but no organisation has a right to block other people who want to work, workers who would like to return home to their families...

Dr. Gonzi and Dr Gatt what shall we do about it let such federation control the situation or shall the Goverment that the Majority of the Maltese elected and entrusted should take immediate action to clear such havoc from our streets...

Thanks
L Cole

Ronnie Gauci

Jul 16th 2008, 15:10

What is the government waiting to use force against these thugs who are not on strike but on a mission to destabilise the whole country with their criminal activities.

Ethelbert Schembri

Jul 16th 2008, 14:33

If the transporters continue on this road they will end up with nothing !!
They already threw the stone on their foot but by attack verbally and more serious physically other working people they are heading for a great disaster .
I always and still support the idea for a calm around the table discussion, but at the end if even the transporters don’t want to discuss their issue, well is there problem now !!
Lot of persons from all sides are trying to help to find a solution for this mess and every time they turn down every help !
I can’t understand what they really want now .
They must understand that the old transport sector need a reform that it is imposed by a well known EU directive . Don’t be afraid of change it may leave something good even for you !!
Be the fulcrum of this change !!

P.Seychell

Jul 16th 2008, 14:21

Set an ultimatum and start revoking licenses asap. The arrogance that these birdbrains have been bestowing on both Maltese and tourists alike throughout the years should stop here and now. Government should take this opportunity to turn the tables on them setting a high standard of conduct that these louts have to adhere to in order to maintain their license. A system of points deduction should also be implemented. Liberalisation will bring about an automatic filtering, ridding our roads once and for all of the stereotypical bus driver Malta has unfortunately become renowned for. We cannot let a bunch of thugs continue to undermine the hard work of the rest of the nation with Malta's most prized asset - The
Tourist. So get them off the road asap and set rigorous standards before putting them back on it!

Charles Vella

Jul 16th 2008, 13:58

Its time to boycott these people. Once the strike is over DONT USE public transport. Lets give these bullies a taste of their own medicine.

Kenneth Cassar

Jul 16th 2008, 13:40

I suppose these people think it's funny.

victor vella

Jul 16th 2008, 13:36

The strikers are making sure that they terrorise the passengers using the emergency servicecan the police start making arrests on the spot, some might argue that this way the situations would escalate but what the hell they need to stop provoking the police.

John Tate

Jul 16th 2008, 13:33

Shame on these bus drivers. You are a disgrace to our country. I hope that you will be removed from driving the buses and we get some decent foreign drivers that are much more smart and educated than these bunch of hamalli.

I.Cilia

Jul 16th 2008, 13:21

This is getting insane....

It is getting close to a coup d etat... what is the government waiting to use force on these people... At this point it is perfectly justified..

M Vella

Jul 16th 2008, 13:09

Pirates of the Mediterranean.... Make them walk the plank before they totally get out of hand...

j borg

Jul 16th 2008, 13:06

What is the government waiting for? The Prime Minister should make an official announcement to the nation...either you go back to work or else you licences will be withdrawn with immdiate effect. New licences will be issued in due course. These people are bound to give a service. If they don't want to, then they are out of business..enough harm has been done to the nation. It is clear that some of them are just thugs. Their place is behind prison bars not driving our chldren to school. The government should show that it can bite...even to the extent of arresting the ring leaders of this so called federation and taking their buses and vans...they don't need them if they don't want to work...but they cannot keep holding the whole nation at ransom....the people are behind the government about this issue. The've had enough of tehir nonsense....

william carbonaro

Jul 16th 2008, 13:02

this is madness. if u pick a fight, u have to be prepared with a good plan.
it seems to me the cost of this is already too high.

Louis Grech

Jul 16th 2008, 13:01

Enough is enough!! Gov should suspend road licences and instill some law and order. We can't go on like this. Arrest all the culprits now. Is our army only for parades????????

c damato

Jul 16th 2008, 12:59

We will never have trust in these cowboys in blue shirts again. Whatsoever the outcome of this issue. They have done irreperable damage to Malta and themselves too (the latter not a problem however).

They have all right to strike and don't report to work and maybe organise BBQs instead, but they have NO right to stop ME from going to work or block the road or break my car's windscreen.

What's next now??

Steve Vassallo

Jul 16th 2008, 12:53

Enough is enough…. Come on this is ridicules and bad image to our country. Please finish this for the sake of our island.

Andre Pizzuto

Jul 16th 2008, 12:52

The police have demonstrated themselves totally inept.

The Police Commissioner must resign together with the Minister responsible for internal security. This is a disgrace.

This is just short of a coup d'etat.

Dave Alan Caruana

Jul 16th 2008, 12:50

Seems the public transport workers are desperate to prove their service is 'essential' by causing havoc in other sectors. I think that if they striked quietly, people would forget they even existed after a day or two. I would even think that getting around Malta could be easier with the public transport 'service' out of the way ..

M Bagley

Jul 16th 2008, 12:41

What next?