Updated: Migrants arrive in Gozo

A survey showed Dr.Muscat substantially more trusted than Lawrence Gonzi. If you are still doubting of what's causing this, signs show that it is not the dockyard issue, not the surcharge issue, not the reneging on a number of electoral promises as much as the utter disregard of the people,s worries and concern regarding the illegal imigration issue.

Because it is true that although both leaders are avoiding to speak about the problem, it is the party that is in government who is ultimately responsible, hence the loss of popularity of Gonzi. The writing is on the wall and it is evident that though people are burdened by numerous hardships, the imigration heartbreak tops the list.

We have failed to address the issue - however difficult it might be - but it is also true that for every problem there is a solution, let alone death. This is being reflected by the dwindling interest expressed by supporters towards their party. And that is a good sign. Before it was more like "Scratch my back and I scratch yours" , But now it is moving towards the saying "they also serve who only stand and wait:"

Sorry about the mistake guys...

Can please someone explain what this article means... before I jump to my own conclusions?? Or is it probably that my conclusions are already right?

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20080909/local/unhcr-head-says-eu-states-should-build-a-europe-of-asylum

@ Simon Cassar

I realise that my reply is a bit latish, but anyway.

As far as I'm concerned, Malta was never one of the countries which exploited Africa, and yet we are the ones who have to bear the brunt since the other European nations don't give a darn about us.

Applying the same logic, it would be ok for me to hold up a bank, kill people, take the money for myself and live like a queen for the rest of my life, but then expect you to go to prison and pay the penalty in my place.

@A Muscat
Oh No my dear dont even go there.
Hellooooooo I said I live in Birzebbugia remember.... Birzebugia is near Hal Far did you know? HalFar = the new Tent City. Birzebbugia = one minute you are in Wied il Buni with yr family the next minute you see a boat approaching and the next minute the place is full of police and ambulance. Now dont tell me if I recognise illegal immigrants or not. Thank God I am not that stupid.
Another thing, what you see frequently as you say is not right either but dont forget the students you see come here with a VALID PASSPORT and are also an assett to our tourism. On the other hand what I see are illegal immigrants with no passports, a hidden background and living it off at my expense. As I said I'd swap places with you any time. Pity no one has taken me up on this dare. chickens

@ Marisa Darmanin
How are u so sure they were illegal immigrants?
What you says, I see it happening frequently in many places by 'English language students". But the latter aren't African...this is the difference if you know what i mean

@ Robert Cassar

A correction would be in order.

Presently Malta has 11,000+ accumulated over the past few years. The reality is, that the Maltese government will inevitably lose count. It will be left to the Maltese public to keep noticing larger numbers of illegals on the streets and in public places as time goes on. In the meantime, Minister Carmelo will still be saying, at least until the next election, that his contingency plans are still in place.

Robert Cassar, I’m on your side but this year Malta's influx of illegal immigrants was close to 2000. It is 11,000 in total over the years. Still it is a big number when compared with Italy's and Spain's dimensions.

FRANK MERCIECA: The population in the sixties in Britain consisted of legal or illegal migrants to the UK?

Moreover, today Britian is very careful as to who arrives in its territory -- I don't think I need to remind you of the long queues in its airports. Also Britain doesn't have illegal immigrants landing on its beaches...

I think you should know that we are already a multicultural country. Many are married to foreigners and live in Malta, others come here to live and work and there is nothing wrong with that. I am not against Africans or black people. I am against Malta's situation where illegal immigration is becoming a burden to our society.

I have already mentioned Spain -- which is suffering from illegals like Malta and is sending many back. Italy. Today I was watching TG5, where they showed a boatful landing in Ragusa. In 2008 17.000+ illegal immigrants landed in Italy. Sometimes they manage to capture traffickers: the last two were two Egyptians minors who were arrested at the end of August.
Malta has received 11.000+ this year.
Now do you see the problem or need I explain that Italy is bigger than Malta?

@ Frank Mercieca

As you stated you emigrated to the UK in the sixtes and found the same problems and now 40 years later you think these matters have been surpassed. Do you expect the course of action to be different on our tiny island? If it took UK 40 years to 'solve' the matter why should it take a few weeks here in Malta.

The people who are pro-immigrant, have an army of opposition against them and they are not MLP supporters. The opposition is taking a form of its own and it looks like a hardcore, take no prisioners majority.
The immigration opposition is growing and people who are not respecting the will of the people are making a big personal mistake.

Looks like the people are well ahead of the politicians. I still remember when Franco Galea\PN Member of Parlament spoke out on illegal immigration in 2005 and everyone - meaning the PN party elite shut him. He was so right. Where is he now. He should come out and speak on this situation. Again, as some writers have indicated, where is the PM. We talk about nonsense and hunting and no one is addressing the hottest issue that currently engulf us. This issue engulf us every summer and politicians appear not to be listening. I am sure they know we are right, but they refuse to put the maltese electorate mind's at ease. This is pure arrogance. The time will come when they will wake up. But, I am afraid, the time has already came and gone, as this situation is definitely out of control I do hate to live at Hal Far, Birzebbuja or Marsa and I will not because I will run out fast even if I had to lose money in selling my house. I say to the people, be careful as this could happen in any town in Malta as has happened in many EU countries.

So what Frank Mercieca is proposing is to accept the situation and go along with it.
One of the reasons he left Malta must have been to better his way of life. My advise to him is to remain in Britain preferably Brixton and enjoy himself there.
But leave malta to us and our children.
Please don't mention violence. here in malta we know what's going on in Britain.

@all complainers
where were you all complainers during election time???
both main parties made it clear that for them illegal immigration is non existent they did not even breathe a word about it....
the country is in a state of denial not even the media dares make an integrated approach about it. the media only reports and forgets journalism.
so why complain now guys??

Perhaps I should,nt be so harsh on your readers about this problem. When I came to England in the early sixties, I found this same situation, hatred, racism, and even violence.
However we learnt to live together, and now we have highly professional people , entrepreneurs, politicians, and the N>H>S. would cease to exist without these peoples from the ethnic minorities.

@ Joseph Attard

"burden sharing in proportion according to population" had been part of the swindle all along.

This is what Tonio Borg was told when he tried to coin the term "burden sharing" with the EU as reported by the International Herald Tribune on June 12, 2007:

Quote:

Friso Roscam Abbing, spokesman for Frattini, added that a program dividing up illegal migrants among EU members could act as a magnet. "I do not see how we can share out illegal migrants. It would give a bad signal to say, 'You can come, we will save you, we will distribute you among ourselves,' " he said.:Unquote

Tonio Borg thought he was being smart, but his balloon quickly burst in his face.

"When a nation is filled with strife, then do patriots flourish. " Lao Tzu

What Marisa Darmanin and so many others are experiencing in B'Bugia and other towns is completely unacceptable! It is time to take action and stop this uncontrolled influx of illegal immigrants into our small country. Legislation must be put in place immediately, like other countries have done, to close the floodgates before it's too late!

Where are we, do we have the guts to fight this? It seems the government hasnt.! How about taking this on ourselves and taking action. I suggest a public rally infront of the EU commission offices coming week or the week after , and lets be therein the thousands. Let s show the EU we mean business.

EU needs to accept burden sharing in proportion according to population!. NOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW

Only tangible action might get us somewhere! This our MAlta , our country and we were not waiting to jion the EU to be engulfed by such a situation.. The government could have predicted this, like many did, but was definately not going to take it up with the community before jioning in.

@ALL especially the 'saintly' ones,
I honestly invite you to come and live in Birzebbugia. Then come here and write all your 'get a life' and 'saintly' comments. Latest updates for the week in Bugia - 2 drunken illegals urinating in the sink of a local Pretty Bay restaurant's toilet at 9.00pm just as my niece was coming out of the toilet. A drunken couple trying to find their way back to hal Far from Pretty Bay at 10.00pm and the cherry on the cake one illegal in a crouching position opening his bowels whilst another covering him with a newspaper ... during bingo at Pretty Bay on the pier.... public toilets only 100m away. Oh yes my dears this is how we are living. Dont come back saying these could be maltese ...... remember these are poor people whom shouldnt have enough money to go out and get drunk whilst I am paying for their holiday here. Once again I invite you to swap places with me and than come over here and write your insulting comments. Yes insulting because I had a life but I am losing it thanks to sleeping government beauty

Right on people. Looks like the majority of the people got it and our politicians are thinkering with our lives and our children's lives with the help of a few NGOs and lawyers. The time is ripe for both elected officials in both the MLP and PN to stop being afraid and speak up on this issue before it's to late. What the sense of being in the EU and receiving EU funds when we cannot enjoy our homeland and get all flustered every summer, part of spring and part of autumn when these illegals start arriving at our shores. Where are the fierce maltese and gozitan MPs. They know and they hear the people talk. Why aren't they taking any action. Shame on all of them for their silence. Remember people. Silence kills. It's a known fact. The maltese and gozitan public are speaking loud and clear in their majority. Now it's the MPs turn.

@A. Muscat. I would think culture would mean the values that a society holds and adheres to.

While all human beings are created equal, whatever the colour of their skin, unfortunately their values are not. Some cultures are indeed hostile and incompatible with our culture as they do not share our beliefs nor values or ideals.

"By definition, multiculturalism rejects a unified culture, promotes separated cultural compartments, and produces its own form of cultural segregation. Ergo, disunity.

Without a common language, common culture and values, the only thing that that would become common in a nation would be strife and division." R. Morely

A house divided against itself cannot stand. And if this trend is not stopped and indeed reversed, I am afraid that Malta, our island home will perish. The House of this miniscule, once proud Nation will be no more.

I'm absolutley disgusted with what the government are doing regarding these immigrants coming to this great land, You just as well have put up a sign saying "Welcome" These people should be sent back. Malta is such a great land and by turning it into AFRICA will destroy it forever. It will kill the tourism industry because lets face it know one will want to go there again, and that would absolutely kill me.

I was there in 2004 and it was just starting with immigrants coming in a few every week and I thought this was just a once off and the government would crack down on this quick but it seems like they haven't done nothing and it's way out of control now.

This is not about the colour of the skin.
Illegal immigrants: black, white, or any other colour will always be illegal. The difference lies elsewhere. If Eastern Europeans entered into our island illegally, they had false documents and it was up to the authorities concerned to check their validity. Even if they make it here, they don't come in thousands (correct me if i am wrong). Most probably, they go back or move out elsewhere. In the case of African immigrants, they don't go away from our country, on the contrary they keep coming... as we all know by now.

What John Azzopardi and G Zammit say is right. The difference between the large European countries and Malta is that if people want to get away from the ghettos and no-go areas they can move away from the cities, but in Malta we have nowhere to escape to except to leave the country. What will the people who are pro-illegal immigration do then? Leave the country? They need to think ahead because if they think they're immune to what is coming if this situation continues, they have another think coming...

@ John Azzopardi, you hit the nail on its head when you said lawyers are helping illegals stay in Malta. I'll also add with you that this will mean a great business for lawyers especially in a decade time. Crime in Malta will be beyond our means. It happened in those developed countries accepting immigration, Malta is going in the same direction.
Anyone who thinks that the above is xenophoebia, please visit Marseille day or night. The once cultural city being the pride of France where the birth of the french revolution started, today is no longer considered french soil, but instead it is called 'Petite Afrique'. The only filthy rich french, who live in large villas on the outskirts of Marseille, are lawyers!

It is really sad seeing the beginning go Maltese society being dintegrated in not so many years. When you get 11,000 illegal immigrants just from Africa alone who share not one cultural trait with us and others as well from other countries, Maltese and Gozitans are infor a rude awakening. Again, and I repeat, why are our leaders hiding behind the EU. This is our issue and we can address it if we would like it. In laws and conventions, there are always a way out, but in Malta all the lawyers are helping the illegals stay in malta. Such a shame to see Malta and it culture threatened this way. Shame also on our elected ministers for not daring to say anything in public but mumble with us when we talk to them. Shame for the lack of leadership by the leaders of both the MLP and NP for allowing this situation to fester. What will happen to Malta and Gozo. Only God knows. I don't think anyone really knows the implications of this massive influx in a small city state like Malta. Look at many major cities in Europe and US and then you will see what happens.

@Frank Mercieca: Please give Barrack Obama's mom credit, she is white, she also raised him without his father's help. I hope he becomes president, he is going to make a great president. He will be the first biracial president , not the first black president. Barrack Obama's father was 1st generation, he had no ancestors that were slaves. Let's not stereotype all African Americans as slaves. Also it wasn't the Americans who bought these slaves, It was Europeans, that bought these slaves from African businessmen, the Americans freed the slaves after the British were thrown out.You also need to understand that these immigrants coming to Malta are not coming to Malta willingly. They are drifted to Malta. They want to go to mainland Europe. So why don't we let them go, where they intended to go. They would rather go back to Libya and try again. But certain Maltese see them as cheap labor and are willing to profit from them.

Read all about it

http://www.migrationinformation.org/Feature/display.cfm?id=484

It seems to me that this is part of a plan on a grand scale. Flood the West with a surplus of potential workers, whilst at the same time supress Unions and move jobs to China and other workers' hellholes like South America, were you can employe people for a few cents for 14 hour stretches.

I recommend the video film "Fast Food Nation" (including the special features section) and the video documentary "Maxed Out" to one and all to see what is happening elsewhere and who the real winners are in all of this. Remember, this process started decades ago, and they have plenty of money and are willing to wait a few more years for everything to fall into place. I have news for you, the same people who have raped and are raping Africa are also raping you.

It is necessary to have a global perspective to see the patterns emerging. Guess who the partners in crime are? The answer might surprise one and all.

Bringing Barack Obama into the argument is both silly and mistaken. The ancestors of the african americans were brought to the united states as slaves. they entered america unwillingly not as illegals. in time they reproduced were granted freedom and became american citizens. the white population were reaping what they had sown. we, on the other hand are not responsible for the illegal immigrants coming to Malta. Malta had nothing to do with the rape of africa and we didn't ask for them to come here. so comparing the black americans to the migrants coming here does not hold water.

Well said Charles Buttigieg. Maltese people in general have always lived comfortably with non-Maltese. We are hospitable and friendly by nature and this is why so many tourists continue to visit Malta year after year. These people who continually call us names for being concerned about this problem of illegal immigration just don't get it. Human trafficking is a criminal activity and Malta is aiding and abetting criminals by taking in these illegal immigrants. Thousands of people flooding into your country without documents is unacceptable to anyone in their right mind. At the end of the day, no matter how Christian or hospitable we may be, we cannot solve Africa's problems by letting them move in and take our homeland! Time for the government to take action and close the floodgates.

Attention culture protectionist:
Culture that has been built through thousands of years, and feels threatened by immigrants - Is this culture worth saving? If these immigrants manage to do that, they must be super genius then, and I would love to learn from
Please, threes no need to use flare words that only creates unnecessary social tension among population.
By the way, I am still waiting for a definition for culture

"Would you sleep tranquil if you lived at Hal Far at the moment?"
Yes, especially if the noise pollution levels were lower than they are here.
My point on progress is that this has affected our culture - for example, the way we write Maltese - far more than the immigrant question has.
Mr. F. Camilleri, I appreciate your comments, but I think the point in Mr. S Cassar's letter is that is that viewing there are alternatives to viewing the immigration situation as threat; and I feel that is a view that should not be ignored. I agree with you that the situation should not involve Christianity (or any religion) at all, and that it should not be a national-scale political tool.

May I please add that both petitions are highly active , therefore please, we need all the support, sign the petitions.

http://www.gopetition.com/online/21435.html

http://www.gopetition.com/online/21497.html

Brian Fenech

@ Frank Mercieca,

Don't bet on Obama!.

I think I exhausted all my ideas or comments. These illegals seem to be above the law and no-one wants to take action to stop the crossings between Libya and Malta/Lampedusa. The majority of these illegal immigrants do not require international protection but want a better life. It seems to me that deportation or repatriation process is painfully slow. Malta is in need of a long awaited clean up (enviroment). Can DR Gonzi take on these illegals to do the job, they earn a bit of dosh and then encourage them to go back to their home country. DR Gonzi and Carm leaving these people idle in the overcrowded centres is not doing any good to our strained welfare system.

Stop.

All of you who think that lying down taking it is a solution, stop.

All of you who welcome them as humans, but forget that they are culturally hostile, stop.

All of you who try to seem 'outside' the problem by posting about how we complain and never get anything done, stop.


Now, liberate Malta.

http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/save-malta-from-illegal-immigrants/sign.html

Start.

M. Aloisio, don't be childish my friend, i just asked you a simple question and expected a simple answer with no further 'frilli' added to it.

@John C Betts. Cultures evolve naturally and in spite of ‘the evil of progress’ we had evolved and progressed quite satisfactorily. I have no problems living with non-Maltese nonetheless given a choice I would prefer Europeans as my neighbours. Are you different? Would you sleep tranquil if you lived at Hal Far at the moment? But this is all beside the point; the point is that Malta must, repeat must, find a way to stop illegal migration be they Africans or whatever.

@Frank Mercieca

Probably you are suffering from nostalgia for OUR country.

Keep it up if it makes you happy!
We simply UNDERSTAND.

@Victor Zammit
I always argued that this issue is far above LOCAL POLITICS.
I have always argued for UNITY among our politicians (Government and Opposition) to resolve this problem.

I have criticized both too for their apparent inaction and for lack of communication with us.
We have a right to be assured that the problem is under control.

I NEVER turned to any other local political party to solve this pressing problem as you imply.
It is not their duty.

I am definitely not interested in a political life.
Thanks be to the Lord and my hard work (and no one else), I am very happy in my present career.

I am interested in the well-being and the secure future of my country and nation for the sake of our children as my arguments consistently show.

@ A Daley
All questions you asked should have been addressed prior to EU accession. But, then, we were obsessed, and we were only after a remedy of our inferiority complex to feel more Europeans!
Think of it, Malta to join the EU was the only item in PN’ agenda, and if you remember well, to reach this target, all other parts of the world were demonized, this is of course includes Libya (Where EFA were licking their feet few weeks ago)
Now the whole EU thing is a closed chapter. But to remain ignorant about what’s happening in EU politic-making corridors is very bad.


@ John Betts
Please note that, @ Louise Vella sincerely, I doubt if she could explain what she says!

@F.Mercieqa: What has Obama got to do with this debate? He is one in hundreds of millions of US citizens who has every right to do so. He will not be our leader as we do not have a say (by means of vote) in what goes on in the US. It has nothing to do with colour either. We have never exploited or colonised any counties from anywhere, so this forced immigration is a product of other countries exploitation of African being forced upon us only due to our geographic proximity and political allegance to the EU.. a ticket to ride, so to speak. We are simply a 400,00 bed hotel with 410,000 occupants, 10,000 being free loaders being paid for by you and me. They can never assimilate. On the contrary, we will be expected to assimilate to them.If they were russian, chinese etc, it would be the same argument.
@S.Debono: Exactly my point, though in our case, we cannot move away as we are a tiny nation. Our only option would be to move out ourselves and make more room for them.

Dear Mr. Camilleri, you are of course correct that one must consider other points of view in order to form his or her own opinion. In this case however the argument made by the other side are well known. Illegal migrants pose a real though hardly existential problem for Malta and many developed countries. Many (including myself) would argue that this whole uproar about illegal immigrants is nothing more than an excuse for some people to vent their general paranoia at all things "foreign". The views put forward by such individuals must be rebutted and shown to be not only inappropriate but also reprehensible. Does that mean I need to read every such comment written by such people to make up my mind? I think not.

When Australia had a problem with lack of workers it opened its borders to LEGAL migrants a great percentage of whom were Maltese. they did not enter illegally but after being vetted and examined closely both medically and financially. prospective migrants had to proove that once in Australia they would not be a burden on society both financially and where housing was concerned. If europe is in such dire need for millions of workers why all this opposition from th EU to share the burden with us? Rather,the EU should organise flights from africa to bring over those migrants who would otherwise risk their lives crossing in boats.
But perhaps they're waiting for us to train them here before accepting them!!!!!

@John Betts
I agree with your statement ‘simply ignoring those whose views you do not agree with is a disappointing argument’.

The comment in question simply had ‘no arguable view’ to argue about!
The answers to the questions in Simon Cassar’s comment are too obvious to present an interesting ‘arguable view’.
The only option left is simply to IGNORE.

I feel no grudge against anybody who disagrees with me.
This includes yourself, Simon Cassar and the majority of the others.

Admittedly, I am very sharp against those (especially our own compatriots) who dare mudsling our beloved Country and Nation.
I am sure you are aware of such comments.
This does NOT apply neither to you nor to Simon Cassar.

I believe that it is SHAMEFUL to turn this issue into a LOCAL POLITICAL FOOTBALL.
Worse still is to drag Christianity and using the HOLY BOOK to back or to try to stifle arguments re this political issue.

@M. Aloisio
Your ‘argument’ runs ‘To all of you who waste time every day moaning "ma 'rriduhomx" - get a life!

What about those 'who waste time every day' reading through all the comments to find out who, according to their wisdom, moan '"ma 'rriduhomx," M. Aloisio?

Some comments are quite sensible and portray a number of arguments worth looking into - especially those arguments which I am personally totally against.
These set me think deeply about my own.

Moreover, some comments are highly informative too.

Looking at your own arguments/worldview in the light of opposing arguments/worldview sharpens your thinking and arguing skills.
More importantly, they provide a platform to test your hypothesis re a particular issue/reality.

Opposing arguments/worldviews can precipitate a modification, or strengthen one's outlook on an ongoing issue/reality.
This is a prerequisite of an open mind as opposed to an indoctrinated bigotry.

Admittedly, some comments are not worth the title 'arguments' and at best deserve to be IGNORED.

Mr Frank Mercieca
at this rate we would have a Coloured (never say blach or they would sue you) President here in Malta.

IM Dingli, I do not live in Pennsylvania but in any case where I live is none of your business.

Dear All,

Please help Malta by signing this petition to order the government to take action, please go to this link, there is already 380 people who signed, your support will be greatly appreciated.

The link is http://www.gopetition.com/online/21435.html

Brian Fenech

@M. Mercieca

If Europe has a demographic problem of shrinking population, I'm sure that immigration is not a choice. If there is a problem it should be solved by encourage more children. If everyone has 2, 1 or nothing, its obvious that population will shrink. So Government should solve it in that way that it should be solved. Problems must be solved from their roots, not by immigration from third world nation, because no 2 ethnicity will live in peace forever

Did you read the letter by Dr Josie Muscat in todays paper, if you are really worried and concerned about the future of this nation now you have an opportunity to try and change the situation. Moaning behind closed doors will get us nowhere.

The hardest thing to do in politics is to create interest in your party.

Creating fear of the illegal immigrants, and then selling yourself as the best person to handle them, this is the only item left to Azzjoni Nazzjonali, ANR and Norman Lowell’s like.
After their failures in the election, now we have them on line in forms of Vellas and Micalefs and F. Camilleris

Why don,t most of you raise your level of consciousness, and realise that this 2008, the year we are going to have a BLACK PRESIDENT as leader of the free world. Most of you are like those people in Alabama in the fifties. Join us inj the modern world.

The fact of the matter is that at this rate we will eventually end up with ghetto's and no-go areas as with many countries in the west.

The US has the Mexicans and African American Ghettos where one dares not go for fear of being shot. The UK has the "Yardie" and Arab ghettos which pose the same dangers. Germany has area's with Turks where again, a white German cannot walk through without getting shot or stabbed or in the least of cases, beaten severely and mugged.

The difference is that while these countries owe it to the minorities for their exploitation throughout the ages: The ex-colonial countries in England, black slaves in the US, Turkish men in Germany for cheap labour after WW2. Malta has never had any ties with these countries, nor has it partaken in any form of exploitation of resources from them in any way.

Our government is being weak for no reasons of compensation whatsoever, and doesn't seem to command any respect within the European parliament. Gonzi's weakness has become an embarrassment to the country, let's hope his one seat majority doesn't hold out for much longer.

We-Are-Fed-Up!!!!!

Would Giovanna accept to have a detention centre or an open centre in Gozo?

Can anyone treat this as news anymore? My fear is that we are becoming immune to the eventual consequences of all of this. Are we just going to believe that eventually someone will come and solve this problem for us? It is our home, not someone else's and if one does not look after what is his own, who else will? This is now way beyond Christianity, pity, charity and whatever word the activists in Malta may preach to us. It is obvious that these people have specific targets of reaching our shores as if it were a divine right, which in fact it has become! Do we have rights? It is tragic for "them" now, but it will be moreso for us in the not to distant future. Our voices must be heard and the next MEP election is the time for us to be MALTESE first and foremost. I am PN, but I will vote for the person/s who guarantee my childrens rights for a Maltese future as we know it, not as just another inner city ghetto. I am not being xenophobic, but I have a right to be Maltese in a Malta Maltija.

M. Aloisio, are you still in Pennsylvania or am i addressing the wrong M. Aloisio?

I wonder if those, who are repatriated, will have to pay the extra surcharge. Air Malta will be charging. Oh but then again they have access to the internet.

"All the migrants were wearing life jackets."
It seems like the illegal human traffickers had business problems, since last time some 70+ migrants died in the trip and caused some international news, including an admonishment from the Pope. Now they are providing them life jackets, meaning - "We will keep them coming because we want to make more money." We are not keeping alive Africans, we are keeping a big business alive. We are guilty as much as illegal traffickers in accepting them. Does that sound Catholic enough to most of you?
http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/save-malta-from-illegal-immigrants/sign.html

Individual nations should not be expected to bear the uneven burden of this illegal trade, this is an EU problem, the cost of which should be borne by the Community as a whole.
I propose that rather than taking immigrants to detention centres on land, they should be housed in EU funded Prison Ships. These ships would be operated out of the sight of land by EU staff ( preferably those from Brussells ) and moved around at will. The immigrants would be free to leave at any time (unassisted) or remain on board until such time as they were accepted by another country or repatriated. Results: Humanitarian obligations satisfied, No escapees causing problems on land, Cost burden shared among the EU member states, Cultural identities maintained. Feel free to criticise me, but unless you can come up with a better proposal, don't bother.

I was the unfortunate one to board the number 13 bus and sat at the rear end. By the time we got to Paola it was full of illegals and the driver was packing them (more than the 12 standing allowance). It took me quite a time to alight from the bus having crossed Africa and the sahara.
Also note that now they started knocking every door and visiting local shops annoying customers by begging for money

Ms Debono - your main problem appears to be a bus service with insufficiently frequent rides.
Mr. Camileri: "@Simon Cassar and all who agree with him: Simply IGNORE" - simply ignoring those whose views you do not agree with is a disappointing argument.
Mr. Buttigieg - "... a serious threat to our indigenous religion and culture" - I believe there are far more things changing our culture and beliefs than the presence of non-Maltese. Are high rise buildings, open air parties, cable TV and online gambling part of our culture (or religion, come to think of it)? Even ICT, which we have thoroughly embraced (we are, after all, online here) is affecting and changing our culture. Yet there is no similar outcry.

Sometimes I wonder if those who find no objection to ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS and call us moaners and other names have a hidden agenda. Do they stand to gain by it perhaps?

Did any one read the article in todays Times about what is happenign in Spain?

To all of you who waste time every day moaning "ma 'rriduhomx" - get a life!

Now they have a new destination GOZO

I totally agree with Paul Barrett.

Let us know what is going on. We maltese have the right to know what is going on.
There is enough hidden information let there be no more.

By the way are Dr. Gonzi and his ministers living here in Malta anymore?

All those pseudo Christians who invoke Christianity please remember what Jesus did when He entered the Temple and saw the money changers and sellers of sacrificial animals. He did not think "These people here are offering a service to the pilgrims, they all have a wife and children and elderly parents to feed and clothe. Let them earn their living in my Father's house."

"He knew this was not right and he did something about it. He made a whip out of cords, or small ropes and he drove the money changers out along with the sheep, oxen, and doves. He turned the tables over and poured out the money on the floor of the temple." Matt.21.13

When Jesus saw something happening that was wrong, he did something about it. He didn't just pass quietly by and say nothing. Alas, it is this country's leaders who are being unChristian by turning a blind eye to this festering wound which is fast destroying Malta. They lack grumption.

@Simon Cassar: I have a few questions.
1. Where in Malta do you live?
2. What kind of work do you do?
3.Do you need to go to the no go zones in Malta for any reason?
4.Do you have any kids?
Once you answer these questions, someone should be able to give you an answer.

The unchecked illegal migration to our country has already posed a serious threat to our indigenous religion and culture. Illegal migration threatens socio-cultural identity of indigenous European, and at the same time poses an alarming danger to our sovereignty.
What is the main reason for this migration? If seen carefully the main reason is that Africa being an underdeveloped continent does not have scope for livelihood for the poverty stricken people. They come to Europe mainly for their livelihood and after they are brought in safely here by our security forces they will become permanent settlers. They will inspire others to come and show them the way for an easy illegal entry. They don't have much scope of earning a great deal of money and they only look for manual work as even this is much better than their living in Africa and they would encourage their mamas, their papas, their brothers and their pregnant sisters too. With the way things are going they will soon fill up the maternity wards in our hospitals. And we fought for Independence to chuck out the British who gave us the European culture we enjoy today. How more naive can we be?

@Simon Cassar and all who agree with him:
Simply IGNORE.

@the rationally minded
The bizarre reality of ILLEGAL immigration is MORE THAN EVIDENT.
With all good intentions, our island CANNOT physically and economically support ILLEGAL immigrants.

We are gradually becoming a country in which ILLEGAL immigrants are short of being OUR MASTERS rather than our DANGEROUS INTRUDERS.

FOOLISHNESS and PIGHEADEDNESS are not prerequisites to be a good practicing Christian.
Dragging Christianity to shut up sense, truth and rationality is UNETHICAL and SHAMEFUL.

WE should all strive towards UNITY amongst ourselves to protect our Nation.
This is a National and NOT a Local Party issue.

The FINAL SOLUTION is to rid ourselves of ALL ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS who forced themselves on us ABUSING the laws of our land and outdated treaties.

Our DUTY as EU members is to convince the EU to help these ILLEGAL immigrants IN THEIR OWN COUNTRY; each member state contributing technically and financially towards the development of a strong sustainable infrastructure, including a serious investment in education and much needed health services.

This would definitely make ILLEGAL immigration an unnecessary risk.

Our Nation is essentially OUR CHILDREN and OUR ADOLESCENTS whose future depends on our PRESENT CHOICES.

I need Simon Cassar's address. He's so generous. Next time I am broke I'll walk into his home, sit down, order steak, some wine, a mobile card, brand new clothes (disigner pls Simon), then take his money, his wife and his daughter. I'm very much certain he'll be more than happy to accomodate me.

Today Condoleeza Rice is meeting or has met Gaddafi. I wonder if the issue of illegal immigrants will or has come up?

@Simon Cassar
@M Borg

Africa is ripped off by Europe and USA

On Friday, 14th December 2007 MEP Dr. John Attard Montalto wrote a factual article that may interest those who seriously wish to be aware of the core problem of Africa. Here I quote a paragraph - (The scramble for Africa has started all over again. In the colonial period, European nation-states competed between themselves. After World War II, the US permitted Europe to continue to dominate the continent, on the reckoning that the boost to the European economies would boost trade with the US itself.)
-------
A scenario like the above, in today’s language I would call it economical terrorism!

@ Simon Cassar

If you're so concerned about these illegals, why don't you keep them in your o0wn house? You illegal-lovers really make me laugh.

This problem is simple to solve, instead of making silly agreements where as gaddafi stops them coming, just make an arrangment for weekly re-patriation flights to Tripoli.

they will soon stop coming.

@Simon Cassar/John Betts

I wonder where Mr Cassar and Mr Betts are from! Have you been to Birzebbuga lately? We have become like a 3rd world country over here... and nobody is doing anything to help in this burden. Do you know as early as 5.50am 5 buses come from Hal Far full up with these immigrants?! And these buses are taken from our terminus, hence the juggling to try find buses for the locals. I have nothing against them, however this is getting out of hand. Haven't we joined the EU to share the good and the bad? So isn't it about time all these countries share the burden?

INTO THE FUTURE

Over 90% of the population are now apprehensive and perturbed by present circumstances. Their pleas have been disregarded and doors shut down in their face.

I foresee big surprises when it comes to the final reckoning. People are the power of a nation and will express themselves accordingly. They will ignore those who chose to ignore them and who turned their back on them in the hour of need. Political and religious fanaticism will be a thing of the past and will reach rock bottom. Those who failed to give a sign of comfort when needed, will be ousted. They would have missed the woods for the trees and discarded the threatening storm that loomed ahead. Highly respected persons will have to pack their bags and return home. They would have failed their mission



You see, all this will happen not because problems were not solved, but because people's voices were given the cold shoulder, disregarded and neglected. People would be justified in their judgement in that they would have had no knowledge of whether, at least, an attempt had been made to find a solution. Silence is tantamount to torture.

Only time will prove me right.

Before the last election the PN organised a series of meetings between Dr Gonzi and groups of disgruntled PN voters. I have it on good authority that one meeting was with residents of Balzan who complained mightily about the situation resulting from the presence of the open centre and the refugees and illegal imigrants.
Would the PN care to organise another meeting with the same persons now, six months after the election, so that Dr Gonzi can tell them how he has fulfilled his promises?

For all those sceptics(Simon Cassar/M.Attard), who "verbally" sympathize with the immigrants and their stay in Malta obviously are not seeing the big picture here. I would really love to learn your view, if the dwellings surrounding your house/property are ‘lived-in’ by migrants and all that ‘brings with it’….and the devaluation of your property, fear to go out for a stroll with your family or dog, fear of pick-pocketing (yes rightly so), and dreading when the sun sets….as you do not have the guts to set foot outside your porch

Believe me, when your household is under treat…..our human instinct kicks in…..forcing us to protect our livelihood. The difference between us, is, that I see the big picture…where as you need to experience it. May I suggest…..buy flat in a block occupied by immigrants….see how much of a good investment decision you make! The same counts when they come to live next to you.

Well said Simon Cassar, Europe interfered in Africa and since we are part of Europe we have to carry this burden more than other European countries, personally myself already suffered indiscrimination and deprived from what was promised to us, so what the hack if these people invade us, they deserve a better life like us, that's why we joined right, everyone remember the slogan for our future, our children and grandchildren. No wonder why the EU negotiators were putting so much pressure on us to join the EU block, to make Malta as an exemplary country as they want to do about hunting.

The majority of Maltese are fans of the English premier, and most players are from Africa, so let’s copy UK as we always tried. And for those who still have some hope that this influx will stop, I say that there are around two million waiting to get on board.

Most of you are sending an SOS message and nobody is hearing your plea, but when Georgia (Not in EU) called for support everyone got involved, Why? because there are interests and we are nothing.

I FIND THE COMMENTS OFSIMON CASSAR AND ALL WHO AGREE WITH HIM, ABSOLUTELY UNBELIEVABLE!! THE MIND BOGGLES!!!!!

Frankly, the biggest issue is that of having the local authorities, and all those who can actually influence the general public, maintain the status quo, by doing and saying nothing about this issue, and allowing this Mass Hysteria to run wild amongst the population.

The flow from Africa can never be stemmed. The more the authorities hide the issue under the carpet, the bigger more visible the lump becomes. The Processing of these individuals needs to be improved and made more efficient. A more efficient use of the available resources both Human and Financial needs to be achieved.

Those who are genuine, need to be taken good care of and given all the aid which they require, while those who are here just to live a comfy life should be repatriated as soon as possible. But this cannot be done unless the government takes the bull by its horns and acts responsibly for once.

Malta should provide a safe haven to those who are legitimately running from persecution of any kind, but should know better then to be fooled. [both by these immigrants and by any other foreign country]

There is truth in all of what has been stated. We Maltese are Christians and good people in general. we believe and practice solidarity. But when we take the brunt of it all (remember taht they are coming here because of Europe) and none of our European partners attempt to carry their share, we will be simply stupid to accept it without a fight. WE ARE GOOD BUT NOT STUPID. There is a way we can protest - next year we have the Euro Parliamenary Elections - let's boycott them, let all political particies, all prospective candidates make it known that we in Malta will not fill our EP Seats in protest.

I am convinced by logical argument and unmoved by comments spewed out on gut feeling, limited observation and bias.

Fact: most of the Earth's human population live in less developed countries, 50% live on less than $2.50 a day.

Fact: it is inevitable that a segment of this population will want to escape from the poorer parts of the world.

Fact: The poorer regions were scientifically less advanced at the start of European colonization in the 1500s. The colonizers were more advanced and wealthier by a significant and fortunate overlap of circumstances - climate, geography, cultures... , but not genetic differences.

Fact: most poor countries are mismanaged dictatorships.

Fact: Poor countries would do well to follow economic models evolved in richer ones.

It seems then that economic and cultural shifts in poorer countries are important for richer countries (Malta is one). Now, please, how can this occur without richer countries contributing to poorer ones? If we don't, does this not aggravate the problem? Inevitably we have to pay. Arguably aid could be better targeted, but we will have to pay.

Please don't daydream simple solutions - global issues reduced to Comino!!

I personally do not find the reports on migrants arrivals boring and I think it is essential that the public be kept informed of the difficulties we face.
I would like to know more current details like:
How many have arrived this year.
How many are currently in closed centers.
How many are currently in open centers / have freedom of movement
How many have been repatriated and where they have been sent.
How much assistance (physical and financially) we are obtaining and where from.
Overall balance sheet - costs v assistance.
If costs outweigh assistance, what moves are being made to help balance the books.

@M.Vella

Its true that Balzan is so far immune of any trouble related to refugees. Unfortunately the same cannot be said about Marsascala. There are hot spots...where locals fear to go to....and where regular brawls between the refugees do happen, with police intervention. You can understand, that these areas are understandably off-limits to us (me and you)…cause we fear them. As a result my fried, your property in Balzan is prone or has the probability that some time in the future to host trouble makers too (its not like the bad ones are segregated from the good ones and sent to one location alone!) and thus immediate devaluation of the surrounding dwellings in Balzan is happening too. If you don’t see that as harmful, than I respect your opinion.

@simon cassar: Even you said it..."have been robbed by european countries in the past, " therfore the european contries are ment to take the burden not us! we never robbed anything..italy, belgium, england, netherlands etc should take the burden

@ ALL.

Reading all these comments really worries me. You are all right and in my opinion all have a point. To be honest with you I think the authorities are in the same situtaion and no one has a clear agenda on this "problem ". We keep on discussing with Libya and Italy and it' s clear EU are taking us for a ride. Talk Talk Talk, actions will come too late and then we have no choice regardless of what the decision may be.

anyway we are living in a global village ( africa being part of it ), now, ...and I guess you can t have the cake and eat it or maybe you can???

Everybody comments because we, as Maltese citizens are all concerned, or are we?
Let me raise another subject here because the vast majority of us ( except those who are asleep) are very concerned. Subject - Tourism. We are all harping about re-branding Malta, noumber of tourists, planning, marketing, product development etc etc. Aren't the Minsitry of Tourism, MHRA, hoteliers, handling agents worried about all this with all its implications? Many of these migrants are now out in the streets. Nothing wrong ( I am not an extremist) but WHO ARE THESE PEOPLE? We have already had two cases of rape in the last three weeks. I suggest the people concerned go to Sliema, St. Julians and the surroundings (the mecca for the REAL tourists) to see what I mean!!!! Better tackle this now.

@ Louise Vella - I live in Balzan and the refugees at the open centre do NOT cause any trouble in Balzan at all

I too agree with Mr. Simon Cassar.
Mr. Damato, just in case - I do live in Malta.
Mr. K. Vella: 'Society is based upon the egoistic needs of the singulars.' - this appears to be a contradiction. If 30 persons form a society and each has different needs, that society can hardly be 'based' on this grouping of people. Society represents (well, should) a common good.
Ms. L. Vella: '...are a cause of political and social instability now and will be even more so in the future' - how so?
And 'Saint Francis was one of the greatest saints, but few have been called to follow his precepts. ' - blessed are these few, then. Nothing wrong in aspiring to empathy, or support, or generosity, or love.

One simple question to the authorities. Exactly how many irregular immigrants can Malta absorb ? Is there no limit at all ?

Why not inform the illegal immigrants of the precarious position and advise them to try to contact their friends not to worsen the situation and forget Malta.
Convince them and let them join tha chorus that it is dangerous to continue increase their number. They might find themselves in the position of trying again their fortune in another country, but Malta is not Libya, the authorities will not close their eyes to illegal practices. They will be stuck on this small island. With the increase in their number Malta will not be a place to live.
There is only one solution, use their service to stop the tide before before the situation becomes untenable not for the Maltese alone but even for them.

Since we are now subject to/terms and conditions, EU legislation (call it what you want), and we cannot take unilateral decisions to dispose or to even stop these poor people from coming to Malta, one has a question which one would like to hear the answer for.

Where illegal immigration is concerned, how many of you lot complaining and also suggesting to the authorities what to do and what not to do, know, or are aware of, or have the slightest knowledge of what the present regime accepted when they signed on the dotted line to join the EU?

Anyone?

EU population getting dangerously old

Beyond just ageing, the bloc's population will be decreasing as well.
By 2015, the number of deaths will exceed the number of births in the EU, with immigration becoming the only factor boosting the bloc's population, the survey says.
After an initial increase from 495 million currently to 521 million in 2035, the total population in the EU's 27 member states will again drop to 506 million in 2060.
The population of Bulgaria is to shrink the most (28%), followed by Baltic countries Latvia (26%) and Lithuania (24%), as well as Romania (21%) and Poland (18%).



http://euobserver.com/9/26645/?rk=1

I perfectly agree with James Corbett. If one attentively analyse what Italy does when clandestines arrive in Lampedusa they are quickly dispered in mainland Italy otherwise their numbers would distort tourism on the Island which is considered to be an up market. What Malta does............NOTHING!!!!! Sometimes I feel that no body governs in Malta. It makes no sense that the politicians continue to hide from the problem because it is increasing everyday to the detriment to our own people.

On Sunday 31 August, the Pope spoke about illegal migrants. Maltese do-gooders did not use his words to lecture us on morality and Christian values. Why not? I think the reasons are:
1. The Pope spoke of illegal (not irregular) immigrants and immigration.
2. He described immigration as an “emergency” which is definitely true in the case of Malta; neither the PN nor the MLP have dared speak of an emergency.
3. He called on countries of origin to show a sense of responsibility to remove the causes of illegal migration and eliminate “all forms of crime connected with it”.
4. He called on countries of destination (which Malta is not) to develop ways to meet the needs of illegal immigrants.
5. He said illegal immigrants should “be made aware of the duty of legality which is obligatory for everyone.”
Are Maltese Catholic do-gooders more Catholic than the Pope? The Pope’s full text is on the English-language edition of L’Osservatore Romano: http://www.vatican.va/news_services/or/or_eng/text.html#1.
I shall copy it in the next two comments.

Can anyone tell us the total amount that arrived this Summer?? I think we'll be surprised... since this has become a news item everyday.

Simon Cassar said "These people are leaving their countries since if they remain there most of them will get killed."

Though Africa is no heaven, this argument does not tally with rational reality, but whatever the case, neither Europe nor Malta for that matter can fit Africa in it.

@Joseph Grech, I understand your point of view but Comino is an ecological and environmental gem and must remain untouched, as much as the North of the island. (I am not from the North by the way). We cannot afford to ruin it.

Malta has no more places where to populate these people.

@ Simon Cassar: I'll just remind you how the immigrants are harming our way of life (as if they haven't been stressed ad nauseam): the immigrants are a continuous drain on our national coffers (they pay no taxes whatsoever; no water, electricity and telephone bills) a burden on our medical and health services; they may constitute a sanitary threat; their culture is incompatible with our closely-knit society; and so on and so forth. And please don't harbour the illusion that the majority are genuine refugees. The vast majority are simply economic migrants. Need I say anything else which hasn't been repeated a million times?!!!

@Simon Cassar - Iperfectly agree with your comment. This is why I want to suggest something to you. Why don't you go to the concerned authorities and suggest them to open a new open centre next to your house.
Ohh - after a couple of weeks I would love to see your comment on this article.

Gozo?? How did they manage? Do they afford submarines now as well???

@Simon Cassar

Wake up and smell the coffee.

Society is based upon the egoistic needs of the singulars. Whether you like it or not, that is the reality. Do you really believe that all these immigrants are genuine refugees? The world is not the nice place you imagine.

I totally agree with Mr Simon Cassar. Yes I believe that is a very great burden to us Maltese, but we have to understand the reason why they are fleeing their countries. One reason being that they were robbed by many European countries before and now they live under the control of dictators. The European countries that left a massacre after robbing them SHOULD roll their sleeves and give them the support which is due to them. I grieve those mothers, wives who are still awaiting news from their loved ones who fled with the hope for a better life, but are in the depth of the Mediterranean Sea which surrounds us/ or cannot contact them due to their moves. When our children go on holiday, the last thing we tell them is to let us know that you have arrived safely. Can you imagine not knowing what has happened to your children ? ? Think. Well, may God help us ALL.

@Simon Cassar
1. These people and their families do not belong to Malta. They have no right to enter or be in Malta. They are a cause of political and social instability now and will be even more so in the future, as their numbers are growing and keep increasing.

2. These people are a direct burden to the taxpayer, at a time when the government is struggling under a growing budget deficit. They are in direct competition with our workers because they lower wages and standards of work. They have already stated forming slums.

3. They are negatively affecting our way of living – see Birzebbuga, Balzan, Hal Safi etc

4. The events and standards in their countries are most regrettable, but Malta is in no way responsible, nor are the Maltese.

5. Saint Francis was one of the greatest saints, but few have been called to follow his precepts. These few are free to live their beliefs in Africa or in Malta, without imposing them on others.

Why do newspapers still carry these reports........it's always the same..20, 30, 80 immigrants arrive. This has come a part of our live now......so please do us a favour and fill your appers with some more interesting news. Tnx

@ Simon Cassar...

Do you live in Malta?...

I doubt it!

The Maltese government should build a detention centre in Comino under the watchful eye of the minister for Gozo and Comino Giovanna Debono.There they would be bored and isolated from their mates.That's what the Australian government is doing, every boat that enters the Australian waters with illegal migrants are sent to Christmas Island. Since then illegal migration have stopped.

The word is spreading around the travel agencies concerning the influx of illegal immigrants.' Avoid Malta!'

Actually what harm are these persons causing to you and your families? Are they really a burden? Are they effecting your way of living? I think no! Its their way of living in THEIR countries which is causing such events. Well their countries, besides facing lack of rain and poor unfertile soil, have been robbed by european countries in the past, and now they are ruled by dictators (some appointed by european countries) who spend their money on warfare. Not mentioning civil wars as well. Can these people live a decent life? Are we christians who believe in peace? If you were in their positions what would you do? We can go and live in other european countries as if we had a right!!! These people are leaving their countries since if they remain there most of them will get killed.

Roll up your sleeves and DO something Lawrence! You are letting us down. Malta is of more concern to us than Georgia. You should be trying to solve domestic problems first before other countries'. Shame on you all!

Is Salam U ghalikom,
This is what Gaddafi said to Berlusconi, and Berlusconi said, Is Salam ghalikom my foot!! stop sending these boat people to Italy.
mr. Gaddafi said, but I have get ried of them, I have to send them some where, so I will divert the journey.

Hence... Passing the Buck over to Old Lorry it's nor fair.....

Just keep them coming.

Toni

They came just in time to enjoy the long weekend!!Always the same story over and over again!!

And the silent invasion continues.

why were they brought over to Malta?! they should have started a detention centre in Gozo ....I have no doubt Giovanna would have jumped and Gozitans would be starting to put pressure ..........

These boats are only licensed to carry 28 passengers. Carrying 30, this one was clearly overloaded and the Malta Maritime Authority should raise the issue with its Libyan equivalent. Besides the obvious danger, this is tantamount to unfair competition with human traffickers who bide by the rules.

Gaddafi is certainly keeping his word, not the one he gave Berlusconi a few days ago, that doesn't count, but what he said a couple of years ago, that he wants to take over Europe.
Well, it's there for the taking, nobody is minding the front door. Libya might as well join the Schengen group.

Daily boring news... why give a damn anymore?... Its a lost battle!

On a "positive" note, the "tour package" to Europe now includes life-jackets, at least...

Hip, hip, hip! Hurrah! Is it not time we set up an open centre in Gozo? Or is someone in authority putting her foot down?

and more ..... and more....... and more still to come.................. all we have to do is work and pay their food and accomodation !! ha! ha! ha! we are the laughing stock .......