Migrants' disembarkation from tanker stopped
A group of 58 migrants were this morning disembarked from a tanker on which they were stranded since Sunday, but the operation, off Anchor Bay, then had to be called off because the swell was deemed to be too dangerous for launches to get alongside.
The migrants formed part of a group of 161 rescued by the Overseas Primar, 59 miles south of Malta on Sunday afternoon. Although the ship arrived off Malta late on Sunday, it was unable to make port because of rough seas and sought shelter off Anchor Bay.
Informed sources said the ship will try to enter Grand Harbour later today.
A pregnant migrant was airlifted from the tanker late yesterday.
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Martin Galea
Jan 13th 2009, 18:31
Btw, calling my by my first name implies a condescending, paternalistic attitude, which implies a confidence not granted. I have never addressed anybody by their first name, only by their blog name, so I would appreciate it if I were addressed as such. This is what I meant in my previous comment, where I said that when I meet people in foreign countries, they invariably behave with decorum and respect. The opinion I have is mine, formed through observation and participation, both from within Malta, in that rarefied atmosphere engendered in the army, and from overseas where I work nowadays, and also after I came to the realisation that outright hatred and suspicion will not solve anything, and will certainly not stop the influx. All you can do is succour, teach, inform, and educate. Showing hatred will only breed more hatred, and this is where we are heading. Look at France with, and other similar countries, and shudder. That is where we are heading. And soon.
Martin Galea
Jan 13th 2009, 18:09
No, I haven't missed the point. Because if Malta is full, then we should tell everybody to stop breeding. If there is space, then hospitality imposes a duty upon us to treat people with decorum, give them a fair hearing, keep the ones who deserve it, and return the undeserving ones. Malta was always a heaven, and we earned that name by being hospitable. I have never heard anybody compalining about the large (by comparision) number of eastern european / russian republic migrants, who come in legally then either get married (obviously, they're white, and blonde, in most cases), or just overstay their welcome, because they can for the sole reason that they are mostly white, single females. This hatred all because of colour of skin, and nothing else, so spare me the ponitifications.
Michael Balzan
Jan 13th 2009, 17:55
Why not reroute them to France. It seems this country has the solution.
Kenneth Galea
Jan 13th 2009, 17:53
@Martin Galea
Martin I think you are missing the point here. This illegal invasion CANNOT continue, there is NO more space here in Malta for illegal immigrants. This is regardless of sex, colour of skin or religion. If someone does not have a case to reside/stay then the authorities should take the necessary steps to deport that individual regardless to the quality of life he/she has in their native country. If an individual has a genuine case of persecution/death threats in his native country then asylum should be granted. Figures and fact speak for themselves!!! The majority of illegal immigrants we are currently hosting are not refugees but economic migrants. As to the fact they wait in the sun for some work it was their choice in the first place to come to Malta/Italy etc and if someone has no status in the recipient country then they have NO right to anything apart from immediate deportation.
Martin Galea
Jan 13th 2009, 17:51
I never said that they should not be detained. As in any situation some aren't genuine, which is for the authorities to decide. But the real wrong is, keeping them in detention without educating them. Teach them about maltese and western customs. Teach them about what legal obligations they have towards society, and then when they are released (those who are deemed eligible), can go out, and instead of congregating on the sides of streets seeking safety in numbers, and all gravitating towards the open centres (which is all they know), and overcrowding them, they can find legal work, pay taxes, and give something back to the economy. I work in North Africa, with people like this every day, and I make an effort to teach, and guide. When they ask about where I come from, I tell them that Malta, is good, that if you work hard, you will be repaid. What I don't tell them is the hatred that there is, because they would not understand, being people who treat each person they meet with humility, and decorum, and a long forgotten (to us maltese) sense of hospitality. Btw, better a do gooder, than a ne'er do well.
Martin Galea
Jan 13th 2009, 17:27
@IGalea.
How do you think I know facts regarding how difficult it is for them to get passports. How do you think I know about the endless days, waiting in the sun, hoping that somebody will stop, and give them some work., which will probably earn them the equivalent of 5 euros, only to have to start again the next day, looking for more work. These people, in a lot of cases have no education, because they have never had the opportunity, unlike us. They do not come to take over, but to eke a better existence for themselves and their families. They are not taking anybody's job. How many maltese do you know who want to work with the rubbish trucks, or street sweeping. And if immigrants are educated? So what? Let the best person get the job. In this world, my siblings are not by nationality, but by merit. Creed, nationality or colour of skin are not how I judge a person. I am proud of being maltese, but am not threatened by immigrants. I will always be maltese, in my head, and in my heart, no matter what, and no matter where I am.
Denis Catania
Jan 13th 2009, 17:23
@Frank Vella: The world has an obligation to let us keep the little we have and what we worked for. I will spend my last breath working for that. With or without you. With the government or without the government.
Denis Catania
Jan 13th 2009, 17:21
@Frank Vella: No we are not obligated. When a whole country is at jeopardy of collapsing due the high influx of illegals, than our obligations STOP there. That's even if we were ever obligated. Are you obligated to let my uncle in Malta come to your house and go through your kitchen cabinets, grab your bank card, go into your closet and demand what you worked for all your life?? WHY NOT??Some Maltese have worked a long time to have what they have. Whitout having any natural resources. So why do you want to punish the Maltese. Remember it's not the illegal immigrants that is our hurdle. The illegal don't want to be in Malta?? It's people like you and the government. Do you lock your doors at home, when not home ?? WHY?? I know it's only a few but, Shame on all Maltese people home and abroad who turned their back on those few beautifukll rocks we have in the Med. Remember we only have a few strong rocks and we want to keep them We just want to be left alone and live. Do we have the right to that??
albert spiteri
Jan 13th 2009, 16:48
Dear Mr. Vella. My English is simple enough for all to read and understand without much effort.
Italy and other European countries are all ex-colonial powers. You must certainly be one of the living few who do not acknowledge that.
As for buying cheap-priced products produced by European and American industry, again you must be unique amongst the living. European and American exploitation of world markets leave no room for anything cheap. That is why we have inflation, and recession, and a distortion of human values.
Big multi-nationals from all over the supposedly civilized world, amongst which are European countries, buy raw material for peanuts from places like Africa, Asia and South America, and through their own cartels impose their own prices upon the world's consuming population.
Third-world farmers do not control world markets because consumable products obtainable are supplied by the man-eating, man-exploiting multi-nationals, backed by corrupt European and other SUPPOSEDLY civilized governments and politicians. As consumers, people like me are also victims of European Economic colonial rule.
Europeans like ITALY maintains its armament industry off the back of these Africans by fuelling genocides with the armaments it pours into Africa in return for that continent's mineral riches.
Kenneth Galea
Jan 13th 2009, 16:34
@Sandro Agius
Don't you worry, we will get the chance to show our frustration in the June MEP elections. That will be indeed our protest.
Whatever one says in favour or against deep down we ALL know that this problem needs to be sorted. Malta is a small island already densely populated and there is hardly room for us Maltese and EU citizens let alone illegal immigrants. I am very disappointed in the whole system and in the GonziPN government. DR Gonzi is responsible for Malta as he was elected to defend our national interests first and foremost.
Joseph Micallef
Jan 13th 2009, 16:33
@pete Revell
Sure you can do it. I am sure you would not stand one week the living conditions in the camps. Every dog on this island has a better shelter.
lgalea
Jan 13th 2009, 16:23
Martin Galea
We have always faced our problems in our own country and not left for somewhere else to be a problem and burden on others.
No.
They should not be given any work.
They are already taking work from Maltese citizens, your own brothers and sisters.
They have absolutely NO right to be here.
They have been living in Libya for years.
Why did they not stay there?
No Martin. They should be kept in detention until repatriated.
Since you seem to be a do gooder, how about going back with them to their own countries and heklp them there?
Frank Vella
Jan 13th 2009, 15:54
@albert spiteri
You are using big words. So European countries, like Italy, are historically, morally and politically obliged to these people? Are you sure that you are not obliged? Do you try to purchase the cheapest products like coffee instead of purchasing fair traded goods to allow those poor immigrants a decent life in their home country?
Martin Galea
Jan 13th 2009, 15:35
Why are people so afraid of these visitors? Ok, they have no passport. Aargh! In a lot of cases, they have no means of obtaining passports. Give them work, give them dignity, and they will repay it in full. If we keep them living in a ghetto, then they will react and act like ghetto dwellers, because they know naught else. Have the detractors even tried saying hello to any of these people they encounter?? They light up, first with surprise when they are actually treated like humans, and then they grin from ear to ear. These are some of the hardest working people I have ever met, given the opportunity. In their countries, they wait for days on end, sitting at the roadside, to even get a single day's work. They have no hope, and all they want is a decent income for their families. So what if they wear a Hijab, or are coloured. They are humans, and if we can help them, then so be it. If my taxes went to enfranchising them, rather than some politician's expensive vehicle, I would be well content to pay. So there. Go back to your holes.
pete Revell
Jan 13th 2009, 15:23
As I live in England and love Malta to bits..(26 visits so far) can I come over as an illegal immigrant, be fed and watered and stay?... It would be cheaper than me having to pay for the amount of holidays that I have had there!
lgalea
Jan 13th 2009, 15:21
Sandro Agius
We blame the illegal immigrats because they have been living for years in Libya that's why.
They are simply economic migrants and they should be repatriated forthwith and if the UNHCR or the eu does not agree they should take them to their headquarters and Brussels and keep them at their own expense.
Gonzipn, we don't care how but get rid of the illegal immigrats.
We do not want one single illegal immigrat to remain in Malta.
Oh how I and many others are looking forward to the coming elections to deliver our message on our ballot paper to the arrogant politicians and political parties
joe vella
Jan 13th 2009, 15:16
If Dr Gonzi is really worth his salt, now is the time to show us he can stand up and be counted
All he has to do is refuse entry to Grand Harbour or anywhere else- just tell the ship to set sail as soon as conditions improve, if anything send them all back to Libya where they came from and let Gaddafi see how to deal with them. After all he does not stop them from crossing over into his country but then invents all sorts of excuses to let organised mafia in his country to ship them out to us and Europe. Well Dr Gonzi, time to show us you have the guts to show us Country First!!
A Vella
Jan 13th 2009, 14:42
The government is not strong enough to resist the criticism of the UNHCR and the EU. of course it is easy to speak when u just talk. It is weak and indifferent to the will of the majority. Mr Prime Minister, don 't boast of how many egyptians you repatriated- we know that is straight forward. Tell us how many somalis, Ethiopians and the like you managed to move out of Malta. Don t just say_:we can not repatriate them. Then what are you going to do WITH THE THOUSANDS who purposely come here ? let Malta become Somalia?
Kenneth Galea
Jan 13th 2009, 14:36
@P Debono
Complete waste of resources and time, agree! But DR Gonzi does not look at it that way!!!!!!! A large number of Maltese and EU (Legal) citizens are struggling to make ends meet because we must look after the people of Africa. Wasn't Africa better under colonial rule???
When are you going to address the nation Dr Gonzi???? We have a crisis on our hands.
Sandro Agius
Jan 13th 2009, 14:15
Why always blaming the illegal immigrants. We find it easy to bla bla bla but do you know why did they escape, which country let them come to our shores...lets blame the responsible instead of these persons. Well sometimes its easy to say something sitting there infront of a monitor...Why don't you orgainise a protest against the UN, Libya, poverty, rich countries etc
Brian Maloret
Jan 13th 2009, 14:13
I propose that the Libyian Government are taken before an International Court of Law so that they can explain why they are not doing more to stop these illegal immigrants setting sail from theit shores. If Libya thinks that these people are in need of asylum why don't they give it to them?
Lee Micallef
Jan 13th 2009, 14:00
It looks like 2009 is going to be a record year !
P Debono
Jan 13th 2009, 13:27
What a waste of resources and the hard-working taxpayer's wages.
And all this is done with blood on Libya's hands.
Kenneth Galea
Jan 13th 2009, 13:21
The ship will try and enter the grand harbour when the swell subsides??????? No and No and NO!!! Back to Libya otherwise we are NEVER going to get to grips with this abuse and illegal invasion!
albert spiteri
Jan 13th 2009, 13:19
We now have to keep and feed these illegal aliens until the weather gets better. Then, if we are not a nation of stupid asses, we should load them with all the necessary supplies and fuel and set them off out of our territorial waters. They can then choose to go either back to where they came from, or set course for any shore of Europe mainland. European countries, like Italy, are historically, morally and politically obliged to these people and a cause of their tragedy. They also have the means, (territory and money) to do so.
Our Christian conscience and legal obligations impose upon us to give them refuge from the storm. Our generosity and hospitality oblige us that for we feed, cure and clothe them, until it's safe for them to leave, either on their boat, or any other big safe boat we may put at their disposal. The same should apply to all the other illegals we have amongst us.