Marsa open centre to get makeover

Robert Callus

Oct 5th 2008, 23:05

@dbugeja
If you read the article well you would have realised that the money is coming from the EU.

And these restructuring are just basic humane things - medical services, library, refurbished kitchen - basics in health and education.

Also, if you are so concerned about money why don't you talk about ILLEGAL EMPLOYERS who pay migrants a pittance cause they know they have no other choice. If all working migrants work legally and pay taxes they would be better off and we would be better off

dbugeja

Oct 5th 2008, 16:39

With what Malta is endouring I think the maltese, I for instance will not vote for the PN as I have always done in the past. While the government is imposing taxes and increase in tariffs on the maltese workers he doesnt mind spending thousands and thousands of euros on these illegal immigrants who dont belong to Malta. Maybe the government is more eager to please to UNHCR or the EU while dissapoint the maltese citizens. I for one has never been so humilated by our own government

Joseph Cauchi

Oct 4th 2008, 10:31

@ Kenneth Cassar, John Borg and all Illegal/Clandestine immigrant,

You simply surprise me, with your arguments. Your main concern is the well-being of these illegals/clandestines, rather than that of our Maltese citizens.

I believe your views are very short-sighted and you are only seeing this problem up to your noses and unfortunately you are all reasoning with your hearts, instead of your minds!

Where have the Maltese PATRIOTS gone? Those who defend the interests of their country are the REAL PATRIOTS and not those who try to please those foreigners who enter into our territory illegaly.

The Maltese were always proud of their nation and always risked their lives to defend it.

I wonder what our fore-fathers would say if they were alive today, they really loved their nation, and that is why they were called "Nationalists" (not in today's political sense ! ).

Let's all be "Nationalists" in the strict sense of the word.

We all love our Malta and let us preserve this jewel for our future generations.

God Help Us.

.

Luke Gatt

Oct 4th 2008, 10:25

People

THE IMMIGRANTS RESIDING AT THE OPEN CENTRE PAY FOR THE ELECTRICITY, WATER AND FOR FOOD. They also A FEE FOR THEIR BED SO PEOPLE THEY DO NOT GET EVERYTHING FOR FREE.

Michelle Dali

Oct 4th 2008, 09:07

@John Borg

I have never posted a comment on this or any other newspaper website before the past few weeks but because I have become increasingly aware of this tragedy for Malta unfolding before my very eyes, I find it impossible not to voice my concerns. Do not try to insult your fellow countrymen and women. In a democtatic country people have the right to voice their opinion and be heard.
Regarding the article, I do believe that the refugees should be housed humanely, but I also feel that Malta cannot accept anymore of them and that the ones already here should be repatriated without further delay.

Charles Micallef

Oct 4th 2008, 08:44

They have plenty of labour they can do the upgrade with!

A. Muscat

Oct 4th 2008, 02:16

@ John Borg
Well said mate. The Brits and the USA are the major culprits that stole wealth of Africa, India and many other places worldwide!

Louis Sinagra

Oct 4th 2008, 00:15

What do they mean Fondazzjoni Suret il-Bniedem intends to continue to upgrade the infrastructure and services at the centre in the coming years. Is this part of the Vizzjoni 2015 for the inner port area ?

Edward Zammit

Oct 3rd 2008, 23:54

It will all end in tears !! OUR (Maltese) OWN. Then when it's too late, MAYBE the big ones will move a finger.

l Galea

Oct 3rd 2008, 17:42

@John Borg
You ought to be ashamed of yourself for defending the ILLEGAL immigrants and criticizing your fellow countrymen.

Shame on you.

Denis Catania

Oct 3rd 2008, 17:32

Although I beleive they should be housed in a humane way. But I also beleive that they should only be housed no more than 2 weeks before we send them of to mainland Europe or back home. We have to opt out of any refugee treaty as we are being taken for a ride. Yesterday I received acknowlegement from the government of the petition we handed in after the demonstration in New York. What I'm trying to say if we pressure the government with demonstrations and complaints we can fix this problem. Malta can't afford this problem. Sign the petition.
www.gopetition.com/online/21497.html

Sandro Pace

Oct 3rd 2008, 17:23

The amount of immigrant centres, eventually becoming shanty towns uglifying our island, will be the tangible measure of the government's success in the burden sharing agreement, and the whole issue.

ANTHEA PRESTON

Oct 3rd 2008, 17:17

Ms Meli - now you know how it feels to be British. We Brits have been second class citizens in our own country for years. I feel sorry for Malta, but I also feel sorry for Britain. It is too late for Britain - Maltese people, do not let it become too late for Malta. Demonstrate, strike, whatever you have to do. Do not do what the Brits do and just simply moan and despair and take no action whatsoever. Politicians do not listen to mere comments in the press....

louise vella

Oct 3rd 2008, 15:46

We no longer hear from the NGOs: they have decided to keep a low profile.

Lawrence Gonzi and Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici are doing the job of the NGOs instead of defending Malta's national interests.

C.Ccamilleri

Oct 3rd 2008, 15:41

All this helps to make their stay more comfortable and naturally permanent.

Stephen Vella

Oct 3rd 2008, 15:40

Who said maltese society wants these illegals to integrate? Maltese society has shown enough what it wants....Repatriation!

P Debono

Oct 3rd 2008, 15:35

That's great... So as the government ponders increasing my exorbitant electricity bill by as much as 270 euro, thus eroding my purchasing power and putting my job at stake, these illegals get their centre embellished whereas we can't even afford to give our house a paint job, they get free medical services three times a week whereas my single mother hasn't had a dentist appointment in FOUR YEARS because she cannot afford to pay the bills, and they get a free library whereas I have to pay 100 euro for a University book.

These guys are breaking the law and getting rewarded for it FROM OUR OWN POCKETS. What a disgrace.

John Borg

Oct 3rd 2008, 15:17

Nice to see that it's always the usual suspects commenting on these stories - AN and Lowell wannabees, a couple of disgruntled Brits, and others who evidently have nothing better to do with their life except sit in front of their computer all day.

abaldacchino

Oct 3rd 2008, 14:30

@mary meli kieku 2nd class mux hazin.... jien nahseb ar minn ekk gejna...

avella

Oct 3rd 2008, 14:09

BRAVO! should we Maltese be glad? Oh they will have a clinic as well! how many maltese have a clinic and a doctor at their back and call? go on..make them more comfortable! This is really an injustice against us Maltese. First of all the immigrants should at least carry out the tasks themselves not find them ready and done. and what about the damages they will do? will they be paid by the government as well? If at my house i burn, destroy or damage something I pay, certainly not the government. Why are they privileged, when they entered here illegally in the first place?!

D.Galea

Oct 3rd 2008, 14:07

Since Malta joined the E.U. at least, this country is being apparently going through an active process of Africanisation rather then Europeanisation with which we're bombarded with in all those billboards, nothing wrong with that of course, I'll be off before it's done! But at least do make the Maltese masses aware of it. ...On second thought, it would cause alot of upheavel & social unrest, not a good idea Mr.Government, alright it seems keeping them confused is a much better bet!

isobel mcgonigle

Oct 3rd 2008, 13:56

Loise Vella where are you?
You are conspicuous by your absence
Have Corrine Vella and M Mercica kidnapped you and holding you for ransom?

isobel mcgonigle

Oct 3rd 2008, 13:41

Why not go the whole way.
Beauticians.hairdressers,manicurists,chiropidists,therapists,masseuses,etc lets pamper to their every whim,
Not forgetting lesiure centre with full size olympic pool,gymnasium plus cafe and bar facilities
I wonder how many of Maltas population working two, three jobs a week are financially able to afford a computer
What a farce///////////
,

JC Mifsud

Oct 3rd 2008, 13:25

What a good news to hear.

So at least now they will have something new to break!!

I'm obliged to pay taxes and that is what I do, but still I pay for bills for electricity, tv, internet and everything and these people are in Malta imsieken, without paying taxes and other bills.

B Borg

Oct 3rd 2008, 13:20

Great! Next time some illegals feel let down by the pampering menus provided to them free-of-charge, they have a lot more stuff at their disposal to damage and destroy. It didn´t cost them a cent.

I very much like the idea of taking a boat out to several hundred miles away from Malta, just outside Libyan waters, and call Frontex, via a state-of-the-art satellite phone, to rescue me as a way of protesting against this monumental waste of money and against the stripping away of whatever rights are left to law-abiding tax-paying citizens, while everything is dished out on a silver plate for free to the illegals.

The funds thrown down the drain on this centre should have been used to charter flights to repatriate these illegals, until the very last one is gone.

Charles Sammut

Oct 3rd 2008, 12:37

Marsa Open Centre is already full. 10% of Marsa residents are now African. Hal Far is also full. All available ex-UK Forces barracks are occupied, tent city is overcrowded and in the area by the huge hangar, a large number of big mobile homes have been installed. The result is that the people of B'Bugia are exasperated.

Several hundred illegal immigrants will be released from detention in the next few months. Where will they be accomodated? Which town or village is next on the list for the multi-cultural experience?

Will mayors interested in gaining "Strength through Diversity" for their locality please keep an orderly queue!!

There will enough for every locality, guaranteed.

malcolm seychell

Oct 3rd 2008, 12:36

Dr Mifsud Bonnici should stop them. After all he told us, that the burden sharing pact is an excellent deal from Malta.

So why do a makeover of the place, when these will have to leave very soon.

'Mhux hekk Dr Mifsud Bonnici'

M. Tabone

Oct 3rd 2008, 11:48

I had the impression that the open centre in Marsa was a temporary thing and had to be shifted to Hal Far at some point in time as part of the regeneration of the Grand Harbour and Marsa area. Did we forgot it?? Are we disposed of doing whatever it takes to appease them and the EU.
Illegal immigrants are becoming too pampered by this administration at the expense of the average Maltese worker that has recently seen a substantial decrease of his purchasing power due to the increase of fuel, alimentary increases, water and electricity bills..........in the near future also more expensive gas cylinders. But it seems that illegal immigrants are immune from all these problems. Is this situation sustainable?

G.Hoare

Oct 3rd 2008, 11:37

I totally agree with Mr Graham Holme I lived in the UK and yes that is what i believe that MALTA is gonna end up just like England next it will be giving them cars so they don't take over the south buses, then it will be brand new housing estates like they done in Kent uk
they really don't know what they are getting into , HUH i thought moving back to my country was escaping the refugee that took my job , it seems like from the pan into the fire .

Judith Schembri

Oct 3rd 2008, 11:30

@ everybody

How about a make over to the Detention Officers guardrooms and watch areas before they are all carried away with flies, mosquitoes, fleas and other insects at Hal Far and Safi??

Some guardposts are situated next to where the drainage overflows and some officers have to endure excrement smells during their watches.... apart from direct excrement smells that come from immigrants who do not use the toilets!

Please will someone listen to my never ending complaints! Or do I have to be an immigrant!? I can always take a boat and float out - maybe the AFM picks me up and maybe someone will listen to me!

I Grech

Oct 3rd 2008, 11:27

My apartment needs some little things done here and there. Where can I apply? I am Maltese and I pay taxes.

Graham Holme

Oct 3rd 2008, 11:08

Mata welcome to the E.U.
How long before Malta follows Britains lead and starts buying the illegals cars(it works out cheaper than paying for taxis)
Cant have them walking or catching the bus to pick up their social security benefits.
Meanwhile the hard working tax payer patiently waits at the bus stop to catch the bus to their place of employment.

l Galea

Oct 3rd 2008, 10:49

@M. Mercieca
They already have some 28 or 30 ADSL connections for which WE are paying and with which they communicate and coordinate their friends journey to pampering Malta, apart from the telephone cards which they are given regularly, again at OUR expense.

E Gatt

Oct 3rd 2008, 10:35

Once they’re at it why doesn’t Fondazzjoni Suret il-Bniedem issue postage paid ‘Wish you were here’ postcards to the illegal immigrants.

Who knows, more of their family and friends may risk their lives at sea and join the party next year.

Also if they are living the good life in Malta (relative to their alleged miserable conditions in Africa), then we will have less ‘voluntary’ offers to offload them to other countries.

Charles Sammut

Oct 3rd 2008, 10:06

Further confirmation, not that it was needed, that this government rewards illegal activity. The vast majority of the residents at Marsa open centre are not refugees. They are just illegal immigrants. The term "Asylun Seekers" on that billboard is a dead giveaway. Every illegal immigrant who arrives in Malta is encouraged by the do-gooder NGOs to apply for asylum. That makles practically 100% of them asylum seekers on paper.

So, these people are given all necessary facilities free, at our expense, and then blatantly flout labour laws by getting day work illegally at the Marsa roundabout. This puts the Maltese worker at a double disadvantage.

Maltese workers do not get free accomodation with free water, electricity, internet, mobile phones & top-up cards and free meals. Maltese workers have to pay tax and N.I.

Is it surprising that there is so much antagonism against these illegal immigrants. Malta is presently like a pressure cooker without a safety valve.

D Azzopardi

Oct 3rd 2008, 09:46

What about an indoor pool and SPA facilities?

l Galea

Oct 3rd 2008, 09:40

This shows the arrogance of the NGOs and politicians who keep harping at integration of ILLEGAL immigrants against the will of the Maltese citizens when the vast majority of the Maltese population does not want their integration into Maltese society, but their repatriation at all costs.

Politicians, you are only exacerbating the ILLEGAL immigrants problem and burdening the Maltese population ever more.

You shall get our answer at every election until you listen.

M. Mercieca

Oct 3rd 2008, 09:39

Thank you peoples in charge
Few months ago, I have communicated with the minister suggestion to provide a computer and internet connection, so at least, we ‘public’ could communicate with the immigrants and make them part of our on line debates. Don’t peoples think that a democratic debate should have all parties concerned?

Mary Meli

Oct 3rd 2008, 09:37

So lets recap Malta's situation:
*Over 1400 Maltese workers laid off.
*Utility costs getting higher
*Curia proposing fees for medical care, to name but a few.............................but at least the ILLEGAL immigrants have a pretty place to live and medical staff at their beck and call. And the authorities and do-gooders wonder why most of the Maltese population is so disgruntled. Hasn't Malta heard of looking after your own and charity begins at home? We have a pathetic system and pathetic society. Maltese people have turned into second class citizens in their own country!!