Updated: Burnt oil thrown at historic tower
(Adds PN and MLP condemnation)
Burnt oil has scarred one of the sides of historic Nadur watch tower near Rabat, Malta.
The Resources Ministry in a statement this afternoon condemned the vandalism, saying a substantial amount of motor oil had been thrown at the tower and it would take quite some time to remove it.
At the end of May, paint was thrown at the Mary Magdalene Chapel on nearby Dingli Cliffs. It was also removed by workers from the ministry.
The Nationalist and Labour Parties in separate statements condemned the vandalism against the tower, describing it as a cowardly act against Malta’s heritage.
The PN also condemned an incident yesterday where arson was attempted at a ward undergoing extensive refurbishment at St Vincent de Paule Home for the Elderly.
The MLP also condmned the vandalism on the tower and augured that the police would catch those responsible.
45 Comments
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Clifford Davies
Sep 20th 2008, 19:47
i would suggest that anyone who disagree with some of these Blogs below would take another good LOOK! at the picture printed above and then lets hear your views.That Tower has been standing there for centuries, it probably took a few moments for some idiot(s) to ruin its face heritage and value to Gozo, what do you think the tourists ie., the Japanese, Dutch, Brits.,Germans and even returned migrants from Oz and Nz etc., etc. are going to take home with them in their cameras and memories of Gozo. Eh? think about it you know it makes sence, come on guys grow up, you're still living in the past such acts have gone out with the Ark.. there are other ways to revolt or complain or whatever, and thats the the civil way by talking face to face to who ever is in charge of such matters. Yes??????????????????
Clifford Davies
Sep 20th 2008, 19:29
Yes my maltese friends, the majority of us Brits retired in Malta do really CARE* about Malta and ofcourse the maltese people,from my experience you can't find a better safer country and such great wonderful people as the Maltese and the Gozitans..i just felt i had to open up and express my feelings against such stupidity of a minority which like our football hooligans tend to spoil it for the rest. However i apologise if i upset anyone by my remarks although i meant everyword i said maybe not in that hash context ,but people like us who right blogs,write it for a reason and unless such things are not criticized then nothing is down. please correct me if i'm wrong. Thankyou for your time.
Robert Callus
Sep 20th 2008, 18:46
@Joseph Schmbri
I agree with you that Mr Davies exaggerated and referred to inhumane solutions.
However (not justifying Mr Davies) it is also true that foreigners find it hard to believe that some of us are so stupid that they damage their own country. It's not just vandalism, it's sick.
Clifford Davies
Sep 20th 2008, 15:55
Oh Yes @Schembri, some of us can't spell quite right, however our money we bring into the country has the same value as yours, unless you prefer us to all leave as in 1966 and spend our money elsewhere say Spain Cyprus maybe or now even Croatia and such like where its cheaper. maybe we can run their country as well. T>T>F>A
Joseph Schembri
Sep 20th 2008, 14:23
Why is it that some of the Brits who write here can't even spell but still go on to tell us how to run our country?
Joseph Schembri
Sep 20th 2008, 13:21
Clifford Davies: It's news to me that you shoot vandals in the UK. Let's not succumb to primitive instincts. When I heard that Mnajdra temples were vandalised on Good Friday several years ago I am not ashamed to say that I started crying. The hurt that I felt was indescribable but I will never ask for revenge for it's own sake. May I modestly say that I aspire to higher emotions than the people who commit such despicable acts?
Mike Knight
Sep 20th 2008, 11:55
During the war years when i was stationed in malta, and incidently was badly wounded, any traitor caught whether maltese or foreign would be Hanged and these people to my mind are also deemed as traitors to their own heritage and country.. WHY? for god's sake why be a cowerd all your life?. what happens when they go to their beds and shut their eyes at night? do they feel good about it or Guilty.. my guess is that they would feel guilty for the rest of their miserable life(s) hopefully.
Clifford Davies
Sep 20th 2008, 11:44
What a bunch of tosspots* such a stupid act to their own heritage and ofcourse country. i'm not a national of your country, however people like that who i presume are no the full Quid! these are the same people that i reckon go to their church and prey to their god 'Look Boss see how good i am, bless me father.. what a load of hippocrates and that goes for any other would be cheater to their fellow men. where i originate from their punishment would be not inside but lined up against a wall and shot , so they can kiss their ass goodbye. Sorry folks but these idiots are the sort of people if one can call them that cut their own throats to spite their own faces- : WHEN WILL THEY EVER LEARN: guess never and its up to the law to pursue who ever is the culprit(s). Burnt oil - uneducated animals who happens to roam about IN MY Country as well, so its not only in your country,just in case of feed backs,. happens in the UK TOO> but not oil most probably horse shit (manure)
robert mifsud
Sep 20th 2008, 11:30
Its just amazing that there are so many ignorant people in Malta.These acts prove exactly how stupid they are,because these historical places we all own as a whole country,and whether its blue in goverment or red they still remain all ours.Shame on the culprits who should be fined and imprisioned,maybe some day they will regret what they did.Urgently CCTV systems should be affixed as stratigic places of interest.
R Spiteri
Sep 20th 2008, 09:13
It seems likely that these acts of vandalism are going to keep going on unless effective measure are going to be taken. The CCTV and heavy fines and use of wardens MUST be implemented, EU funding should surely help in this matter. To make fines even harsher I would suggst that the criminals would also have to pay a percentage of the overall vandalism costs on heritage sites. These incidents are hurting everyone ACTIONS PLEASE.
Joseph Schembri
Sep 19th 2008, 18:48
I remember only one incident when the people allegedly involved in this type of vandalism were arraigned and handed out a sentence. It involved the spray painting of graffiti on the wall adjoining a chapel. I had seen these graffiti and years later I met and talked to one of the men who had been found guilty of this act. He was a minor when he allegedly committed the act. He is semi illiterate which surprised me immensely as the spray painted words were perfectly spelled in English and Maltese. That is why I urge people not to judge others, even after the courts deliver a sentence, let alone before.
Erin Stewart Tanti
Sep 19th 2008, 13:27
For once, Goverment ought to make use of satellite data, and project recordings repeatedly on local media....all responsible ought to be named and shamed. Only then will these acts not be repeated/considered anymore.
gaffarena joseph
Sep 19th 2008, 12:59
I, DO NOT CARE WHO THEY ARE, WHAT I CARE IS THAT THESE PEOPLE SHOULD BE PUNISHED,WITH A MINIMUM OF 5 YEARS IN PRISON
nazzareno dimech
Sep 19th 2008, 12:41
we sould put some cabs watching the tower ,they are good for catching illegal activities !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sandro Agius
Sep 19th 2008, 11:27
Who is accusing hunters must be responsible of his accuses and if he knows something reports, otherewise better shut up. Its easy to throw mud mud less to bring evidence and its easy to use internet and less to go to the police...grow up guys
Andrew Bonnici
Sep 19th 2008, 10:07
Here we go again mentioning hunters...its like they never have anything better to do, just bash up cars, start fires now even vandalising...
if this is a place where hunters hang out, it could be that the Bird Life losers did this, just to show their mark.
Grow up people, and let the professionals deal with this!
L Buhagiar
Sep 19th 2008, 10:00
The problem is that I cannot remember a case where vandals of historic sites have ever been caught.
These "reptiles" should have their assets confiscated (if caught!!!!!!) and auctioned to make good for the expense to clean and maintain the sites.
simon vella
Sep 19th 2008, 09:04
@lborg
why everything that happens always point fingers at hunters,enough is enough,after all birdwatchers and Cabs stay all day with binoculars and video cameras,whilst the hunter has got till 3.0. o`clock , and now it started to be a habit for everytime a shooting or trapping season arrives vandalism is done,why so that everyone start to point fingers at hunters,who knows who the culprit is ? no one saw anything so don`t judge.
victor vella
Sep 19th 2008, 07:57
It has become a habit on here for people to reach conclusions and put blame one any body .This incident shows only what mentality some people have them being hunters trappers fisherman disgruntled workers you name them it could be them.So please be constructive. I can only say one thing , with a little investment during the restoration these things could happen as much as they like and the building or whatever one is trying to vandalise is none the worst for wear.And I dont mean cctv's here .
Chris Grillo
Sep 19th 2008, 07:23
I cannot believe such ignorance is still afoot in these days? These idiots, should they be caught, ought to be locked up and the key thrown away! These things make me so angry! What did these 'SCUM' , really gain from this senseless act?
T Farrugia
Sep 19th 2008, 02:39
Good idea to set up cctv cameras, but i do not agree with prison sentences. with prison sentences they will live off our taxes in prison. the best punishment would be them being forced to clean the oil at their own expense being filmed so that all malta knows who they are, and also an extremely heavy fine!!!
J Martinelli
Sep 19th 2008, 01:30
The problem with crime in Malta is that the penalty never fits the crime.
Too many people commit crimes only to receive a suspended sentence and a meaningless fine.
The criminal code should be revised, the penalties increased PLUS restitution should be sought - in full for any property damage. If these cowards are ever apprehended, they will probably be fined 100 euros each while it will take a few thousand euros to clean up and restore the tower, if at all possible. That's justice!
Not for the taxpayer, it isn't.
Rita Spiteri
Sep 18th 2008, 23:42
Prison? what prison? there's no room there ,haven't you noticed everyone is getting a suspeded sentence
CLIFFORD VELLA
Sep 18th 2008, 23:15
This is stupid. The authorities have to change the law about this type of vandalism. They have to put huge jail terms and huge fines. Unfortunitely our court always reduce fines or jail terms either because the criminals have a clean conduct.or because they have social problems, or because they are under the influence of alchahol or drugs ect ect. Even if the vandals are under 16years, they have to say their names and not hidden them because they are under age. If a crime was commited, it is still a crime either if the criminal is 16,40, 90 ect ect of age.
Although it is not so much easy for the police to solve these types of vandalism, but once they will solve these cases hope that the authorities will give an example to all of us by given huge jail terms to the vandals.
Michael Vella
Sep 18th 2008, 18:30
What a bunch of cowards. What is the point of doing something so stupid. I hope you are caught and locked away for a few years. That should teach you and anybody else that thinks of doing something like this a good lesson!!
Paul Barrett
Sep 18th 2008, 18:11
@ Chris Galea
M Borg was not blaming either hunters or bird watchers - he was making the point that despite the possible presence of both, the culprits still seem to be able to carry out vandalism with impunity.
This, like many of the acts of deliberate vandalism that continue to take place, make no sense other than to make people really wonder at the sick mentality of those that carry them out.
a.cassar
Sep 18th 2008, 17:58
Vandalism is the worst of crimes. It is worse than theft because the perpetrator gains absolutely nothing except of course the abhorrence of the people. If and when caught these sub humans should be given such a punishment that they would remember for the rest of their miserable life. inprisonment is not the answer. why should we feed these vandals from our own pockets? they ought to be put to work in the worst jobs imaginable and made to pay for the damage. Now i hope no one comes along and say that this is probably the result of a difficult chilhood because in that case we mightas well close down corradino and the law courts.
Martin Galea
Sep 18th 2008, 17:51
Oh for Pete's sake! Stop it please. We don't know who it was, and as much as hunters annoy me and everybody else blogging, I can't and won't say it was a hunter, or hunters. Unless there is proof, don't point fingers. For all we know, it could have been somebody aiming to give hunters a worse name than they already have, knowing that a lot of 'maltese gemgem' would immediately point at the hunters.
For the record, I am not a hunter, and will never be one. I have seen enough people die to know that I will never intentionally kill a living creature. Ever. However, as much as I personally abhor hunting, what I want is to see the end of all illegalities more than anything else. Rabid anti this, and anti that people bore me, or even worse, p"%! me off. For any side to win, there must be reasoned arguments, without passion being involved.
In the meantime, I will refrain from making generalisations, and will take each case as it happens. Once again for all the Agatha Christies out there, let the police do their job, and find the culprits. Who knows, we might be surprised!
charles Micallef
Sep 18th 2008, 17:18
A cowardly act by this menancing sect
DAVID MALLIA
Sep 18th 2008, 17:04
MA TARAX CHRIS GALEA!!! MELA DAWN IN NIES JAGHMLU AFFARIJIET BHAL DAWN!!!
Chris Galea
Sep 18th 2008, 16:55
@IBorg
By any chance are you trying to say that hunters did it ?! simply cause they hang over there !! I wonder how some people come to certain conclusions,amazing...
Robert Pullicino
Sep 18th 2008, 16:52
ANY PERSON FOUND GUILTY OF DAMAGING OUR HERITAGE MONUMENTS SHOULD BE GIVEN A MIN. OF FIVE YEARS IMPRISONMENT AND PAY THE COST OF REPAIR..
Criss Camilleri
Sep 18th 2008, 16:52
How many such horrible, disgusting acts did happen over the past years? Quite to many I think.
How many of these irresponsible cowards were ever caught & prosecuted? I cannot remember. If any were ever caught, were they handed hard punishments or just a suspended sentence?
Manuel Mifsud
Sep 18th 2008, 16:41
BUT when are these people going to be caught? Among other historic monuments which were vandalised one finds The Mnajdra Temples and Porte de Bombe. Then they tried to destroy Foresta 2000! Let's not forget that there were some who boasted that unless they had what they wanted, Malta would burn!
I tell the authorities and the Maltese people to wake up to this terrible reality and report anyone who is seen doing such uncivilised criminal acts. We all agree that those caught should be named and shamed.
Ramon Zammit
Sep 18th 2008, 16:38
@ apgrech
They wont be able to answer your questions cos they are COWARDS....and as we know cowards do not show themselves
K. Pullicino
Sep 18th 2008, 16:19
Why do people feel the need to do these hideous acts?
apgrech
Sep 18th 2008, 16:18
A question to the criminals: What did you achieve by throwing oil? If you thought you have hurt the government the answer is no - you hurt the people in general, you also hurt yourselves and your families. You hit a bottom low and committed a cowardly criminal act.
Malta and Gozo are our homes - they are also your homes and you deliberately messed up our and your home. Why?
lborg
Sep 18th 2008, 16:12
alot of hunters hang around that area at this time of the year and alot of birds of prey pass over
well did not the hunters see anything?
the spot a hunter who is not ussally hunt there so how did they did not spot the vandals?
S. Caruana
Sep 18th 2008, 15:56
That's not enough.... these "injoranti" who are not even worthy of being called 'animals' since animals are intelligent and lovable creatures, should be scourged and ridiculed whilst doing the job!!!
Mauro Ossola
Sep 18th 2008, 15:56
Such criminal actions against our historic heritage should be treated like crimes against the Maltese people and punished accordingly, it wouldn't be a bad idea if any bill based on this idea would be presented in parliament .....
Ramon Zammit
Sep 18th 2008, 15:46
Following this stupid act and others on numerous historical sites I would suggest that CCTV are installed on or opposite all potential targets. This would allow the authorities to catch these stupid cowards. Once caught they have to clean it up themselves as suggested and get fined or imprisoned.
Peppi Micallef
Sep 18th 2008, 15:43
STUPID people do STUPID THINGS ! The 'persons' who so cowardly threw the oil are the biggest chickens in malta for these last weeks. If you feel powerful in throwing oil, then why don't you let us know what you intentions were...if you have any. Perhaps this was done as a way to pass time, to fight boredom....or maybe to see the his/ their actions listed on the TImes.
l Galea
Sep 18th 2008, 15:42
@cdamato
Good suggestion.
That should teach the criminals a lesson.
Franco Farrugia
Sep 18th 2008, 15:41
Smells fishy!
Smells very, very fishy!
I would seriously follow M. cdamato's advice!!!! Let this incident be an example to one and all - let them clean it with their tongues and lips, without water, even! And let it be filmed. And then, sent to prison!
This is absolutely disgusting!
cdamato
Sep 18th 2008, 15:34
Such stupid criminals, if caught, should be forced at all costs to clean the tower themselves and at their own expense. And while cleaning it, they should be filmed by TV crews....
The film should then be shown on TV for several days, obviously clearly showing the criminals' faces!