UPDATE 3: Large group of migrants lands at Marsaxlokk

Raymond Sammut

Feb 5th 2009, 11:02

@ Kevin Bonnici

The 1967 Protocol (that justice minister Dr Anton Butigieg signed in 1971, and to which you are referring) had special reservations included. These had been formulated and negotiated by Prime Minister Dr George Borg Olivier (1962-71).

The aim of these reservations was to safeguard Malta's sovereignty. They prevented Malta, as a small island nation, from falling prey to the type of abuse that Malta has now been enduring after these reservations were forfeited by the Dr Fenech Adami government in 2002.

Also, your remark -- "kangaroo court" style justice -- needs explaining. The kangaroo, in case you are not aware, is a marsupial specific to the Commonwealth of Australia whose justice system ranks among the highest in the world. Hence, would you please be able to clarify your remark. Thank you.

Finally, may I remind you Mr Bonnici that the so called "refugees" you are also referring to are no longer able to hide their bluff. Since 2002, these have been originating from Libya after working in that country. They collaborated with human traffic crime syndicates in order to enter Malta illegally and by way of grossly abusing Maritime law.

J. Borg

Feb 3rd 2009, 20:43

Dear Denis, you didn't hit anything on the head because I am not a lawyer. On the other hand, I did ask IGalea, a couple of weeks back (on a Sunday actually) if he or she is a lawyer. Since, however, you seem to be so sure that I did say I was a lawyer, I invite you to look in the Times archives and find that quote that you seem so sure of and paste it on this forum. Neither am I benefiting ("pofiting" as you so amusingly call it) in any way from migration to and from Malta.

Nigel Lawrence

Feb 3rd 2009, 20:42

There is a simple answer to this problem. The EU demand that we be "hospitable" and to accept the illegals into our society. Great. let's do just that AND present them with EU citizenship. Then we simply buy them a RyanAir ticket to an EU destination of their choice so that they can continue to their journey to the Great EU. It's a lot cheaper than giving them €5.000 each (plus ticket)to return home. THEN we'll see how the Great EU will maintain IT'S hospitality status.

J. Borg

Feb 3rd 2009, 20:33

Let me hazard a guess Kaydee - are you an expat who moved to Malta from the UK and now gets all hot and bothered because, as in the UK, this island is also going to the dogs? Incidentally, the buses that go to the university are also often packed. Should we perhaps start deporting students as well as immigrants? Have a good evening.

Denis Catania

Feb 3rd 2009, 20:20

@Kaydee Zammit: As stated in one J Borg comments a few weeks ago. J Borg claimed to be a lawyer. Altough not all, a lot of lawyers are making a lot of money on representing these so called refugee's and asylum seekers. Maybe I hit the nail on the head. Maybe he is pofiting from the destruction of Malta. Maybe he is starting to feel the shame.

Kaydee Zammit

Feb 3rd 2009, 19:16

How admirable it is for Mr. J Borg for wishing anyone opposing his views a nice day. Have a nice day yourself, preferably refraining from commenting any longer. This really has to stop. The Maltese have to stage a protest, and not just moan about this situation any longer. I am not the only person who has noticed that the authorities are doing nothing to help the Maltese. There are still a few blind idiots out there, but mostly the Maltese want the immigrants to depart. I'm not a xenophobe, and frankly, I really do not give a thought to what I get called. I will still be able to sleep tonight. I'm tired of not being able to go outside at night, without an illegal stopping to talk to me. Some of them get violent. I live in Birzebbugia, and feel free to ask any local to back my opinion. I would not have spoken like this a few years ago, but enough is enough. Our buses are always full up, because of them. And the smell is terrible! Some act out.

fabian muliet

Feb 3rd 2009, 18:37

I think that all the irregular immigrants in Malta should be given a Maltsese passport, that way they could move freely throughout the e.u. then we'll see what happens to other countries that don't have a this problem but want to have a say in passing laws about it, as long as it does not affect them... and i'm sure that with Maltese salaries being so low compared with other states, they might even stay there.

J. Borg

Feb 3rd 2009, 17:25

D. Catania: have a nice day.

J. Borg

Feb 3rd 2009, 15:41

R. Azzopardi: actually we don't all know what you mean. Why don't you go ahead and tell us if this is a cause that you believe in so much.

G. Curmi

Feb 3rd 2009, 15:39

The facts are irrefutable. Our islands are 316 square kilometres in area of which about 33% is arable. With a population of over 400,000 people, we are one of the most densely populated nations. Additionally, Malta has no resources to speak of except the eternal hope of one day striking oil deposits within its territorial waters. Simply put, Malta is in no position to add to its population density problem by accepting illegal immigrants claiming refugee status. It is clear that these illegal immigrants are being ferried from Libya to areas close to Malta and then placed in unseaworthy vessels to finish the final leg of their trip to our shores. It is no coincidence that most of these illegal immigrants are Muslims. Remember Ghaddafi’s words, “We have 50 million Muslims in Europe. There are signs that Allah will grant Islam victory in Europe - without swords, without guns, without conquests. The fifty million Muslims of Europe will turn it into a Muslim continent within a few decades.” Yet, there are misguided people among us who argue that it is unchristian or uncharitable to refuse entry to illegal immigrants. We should all remember that charity begins at home.

joseph pisani

Feb 3rd 2009, 14:24

I would suggest that we should give to these our beloved brothers and sisters a Maltese passport and we should also consider to give them some money to spend if they would consider leaving freely to Europe. And, if they decide to go to places like Holland, Belgium, the Uk, Spain and France, an additional 50% would be given to spend in these past colonising countries of these same immigrants' places. ONLY countries which used to dominate SHOULD take the burden of these people!!!

J. Borg

Feb 3rd 2009, 14:15

Ian Sammut: the only irregular immigrants that have been deported from Italy as a result of the so-called "state of emergency" are irregular immigrants from the same countries that Malta deports: Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, Pakistan etc...

Denis Catania

Feb 3rd 2009, 14:08

@J Borg: You should be ashamed of your self. Igalea is a true patriot. On one of your past comments you claimed to be a lawyer. What kind of lawyer?? An asylum or refugee lawyer with your hands in the EU kitty.

R. Azzopardi

Feb 3rd 2009, 08:53

I may be talking right out of the top of my head and I know that my arguments are going to be shot down, however, I believe that a situation like this is leading to a state of emergency. These "invaders" are a threat to our security, our health and our people. I think that drastic situations need drastic measures (and you all know what I mean). Stop them 14 miles out...

Stephen Farrugia

Feb 3rd 2009, 07:53

@ J Borg

'I believe the others and not you position, just like the 97% of the Maltese. What you and your small gang of extreme immigrant supporters stand for is unacceptable.

We are now facing a security threat. Thanks to your mindless politics.

Kevin Bonnici

Feb 3rd 2009, 03:47

As a signatory to the 1951 Geneva Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol (Malta signed up on 17 June 1971), any person (let's give them a human face, not the title of "illegal immigrant" to start with) arriving in Malta, properly or improperly documented, and claims s/he is a refugee is entitled to have his/her claim determined under the internationally endorsed terms of the Convention. Until that determination is made by the competent Maltese authority, one cannot label these latest arrivals "illegal". If some or all are determined not to be refugees under the Convention, then they can be lawfully removed from Malta after any due process of appeal has taken place. Such are the tenets of civilisation and the price to pay for being part of the international community. Anything less (and some of the sentiments expressed in this column tend to suggest this to be the case) would be tantamount to "kangaroo court" style justice.

It is true that Malta is facing a huge challenge and doubtlessly needs the help of its EU family, but adhering to international law and expediting the correct determination and removal processes as quickly as possible is the only acceptable way.

p.grima

Feb 3rd 2009, 00:23

If the Italian gov. declared a state of emergency about illegal immigration; what should WE declare then? If even pensions are hardly sustainable even now, for how long can we (ill) afford to maintain illegal immigrants? (and how many more?)

I am shocked to see toddlers and pregnant women also crammed among them defying all sorts of weather. (not all of them are refugees) If they care so little for their own and their families' safety; how much would they care about our families, our culture, our beliefs, and our fragile economy?

J. Borg

Feb 2nd 2009, 20:00

IGalea: nobody who comments here takes your views seriously anymore. Have a nice day!

Muscat. Pat

Feb 2nd 2009, 10:39

If this is not an emergency, I don't know what constitutes an emergency.

Y. Sammut

Feb 2nd 2009, 09:47

John Borg

I admit I mentioned the word "countries" whilst in fact I know by fact only of one; forgive my generalising. However, it is common knowledge that the Italian Prime Minister Berlusconi declared a state of emergency a few weeks ago, as you surely should have heard, and the rest was a commmon talking topic for a long time afterwards, even on this website......

p.grima

Feb 1st 2009, 23:17

For how long will this situation be sustainable? (if at all) How much more can we take on our tiny island?
Repatriate them all as soon as possible.

lgalea

Feb 1st 2009, 22:36

G Darmanin
The people are not panicking but they feel insecure as they should feel because what security do we have if a boatload of illegal immigrants enters our ports undetected by the security forces and are reported by civilians to the authorities?

How many have entered without being detected?
Don't you think that it's possible that terrorists have also similarly entered into Malta as evidenced by the preoccupation shown by foreign countries embassies with the government?

And should not the people be concerned when they see thousands of illegal immigrats being allowed to remain here, be a burden on our taxes, steal their work, when we know absolutely nothing about their past and who they really are?

Re the eu and NGOs to hell with them.

J. Borg
What about the NGOs spin and yours?
You don't happen to be involved in their trafficking or are employing them for cheap labour are you? You should really be ashamed of yourself defendign illegal immigrats instead of Maltese citizens. Shame and shame again.

M.Gauci
This has already been done by British and Italian television crews.

MuscatPat

Feb 1st 2009, 21:36

Surely if these people came on a fishing boat, the registration number can be acknowledged and given to the authorities in Tunisia or Libya? This is a huge organized human trafficing sheme, with people who organize it close to the police authorities of the places from where they left. Surely the United Nations can for once condemn these trafficers and not simply citicise Malta which is a small and at the receiving end.? No one should force a Maltese citizen to forcibly give away his savings hopes and investment in the state of Malta. to the vast multitudes in Africa and elsewhere. We help only if we as individuals want to. Local NGO's taking care of these people should not force us to accept their hopes; these do not always coincide with ours. Besides, I already help other unfortunate people elsewhere. I should have the CHOICE whom to help and NOT to help.

Jesmond Micallef

Feb 1st 2009, 21:16

This endless movement of people is as I said , endless. They will continue to come and I have no doubt in my mind about this.

Malta will be facing, if not already, problems of integrating these people into Maltese society. This is where the Maltese Government has to argue. THE QUESTION OF HOW TO INTEGRATE. Whilst countries on continental Europe have this same problem, then may I suggest that our bigger European brothers be of role models and show the Maltese, how these people integrate in Europe. Prison statistics, social segregation, employment in higher positions make all very very interesting analysis. Off course, I would not dare mention the word racism here, but just being critical about the word INTEGRATION............??

European nations like Germany, France, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Belgium and Britain should tackle the root causes of this problem, not the aftermath.

Good Luck to Malta, it needs it.

Anthony Attard

Feb 1st 2009, 20:13

While I have sympathy for these illegal immigrants who are escaping poverty and misery in their own countries, Malta is going through difficults times itself and we are in the words of Carm Mifsud Bonnici only able to integrate small numbers of immigrants. I am not racist and I deplore racism although In the European elections I think I will have to vote for a party that is serious about this problem and neither PN or PL are. Also shame on those Maltese employers who employ them in preference to Maltese workers! I urge all Maltese to boycott these local companies. They exist on a large scale and I actually have 2 cousins married to builders who employ these illegal immigrants and one of my cousin's husband even told me "I only want to hire Africans, not Maltese not even Eastern Europeans! Blame also has to go to the government for the highest acceptance rate in the E.U for illegal immigrants, some 50% are granted 'humanitarian protection' while in Greece the figure is below 1%. This is a national emergency and we need to co-ordinate a national emergency plan. Down to you our elected politicians!

louise vella

Feb 1st 2009, 20:03

There is a solution. So far the political will has been lacking because Gonzi & co have been too ready to appease the do-gooder NGOs and such organisations as UNHCR which have been quicker with words and statements than with practical solutions.

For Malta this is a crisis. The EU does not forbid or prevent a member state from taking emergency measures to meet an emergency situation, especially if the matter is vital to it.

Gonzi & co must take a firm decision to defend Malta's national interests before all other considerations. The solutions will then follow. Gonzi needs to show guts.

G Darmanin

Feb 1st 2009, 19:26

Today a lot of Maltese are panicking, which is understandable. But I wish to ask:

What is the difference between 300 illegal migrants who enter Malta on one boat and three groups of illegal migrants who enter Malta on 3 seperate boats (with each boat carrying 100 migrants) in the same week in summer? Afterall, dont forget that usually in summer, we have more than one landing/Frontex/AFM rescue in a single week.

The point is: It is understandable that the Maltese public panics but essentially the only new trend is that now this activity will continue to take place throught the entite year. If last year 2000 migrants entered in 4 months, how many more will enter in 12 months?

Also, I dont believe that those in power are not understanding the consequences that this will have in the coming years. However, they know that if they try to do someting they will have to face a number of EU based NGOs who will start to call the Maltese authorities as racist and xenophobic. But funnily enough these NGOs will never label in such terms those countries who dont want to share with us this burden!

David Seychell

Feb 1st 2009, 19:11

My message to the Maltese people is to NOT let anyone fool you into thinking that there is no solution to this problem. DON'T let anyone brainwash you into believing that our fate of being overwhelmed by the illegal immigrants is inevitable and that hence we should just remain passive and wait for the inevitable. The solution is to resign from a couple of conventions but to do this we need to elect people with the will and courage to act in the best interest of our nation.

By the time of the next general election, it might already be too late. Also, by that time, our big parties might pass a law that prevent political parties with an anti-illegal immigration agenda to run for the election. Next June might be our last chance to SAVE MALTA FOR THE MALTESE.

Emma Xerri

Feb 1st 2009, 18:53

Just the fact that the EU is ordering the integration of these illegals and providing the funds for this to happen should be ample proof for everyone, it this was ever needed, that it is not just a few criminals moving human contraband, but a carefully orchestrated operation by the highest echelons.

The fascist-globalist agenda is to break up nations along the lines of culture, race and religion. One of the most effective tools they use is a steady flow of illegal immigrants, particularly in cases where there is a homogeneous population, like Malta.

I highly recommend the book by Jim Marrs “The Rise of the Fourth Reich” to give readers a better understanding of this global phenomena.

J. Borg

Feb 1st 2009, 17:48

Louise Vella: I don't "see" anything except your spin.

louise vella

Feb 1st 2009, 17:33

UNHCR would be fine if it limited itself to taking care of refugees.

The problem is that it has been trying to extend its mandate to illegal immigrants too. For evidence, see the Depasquale Report on the riots in 2005, where Judge Depasquale describes the role of Michele Manca de Nizza, then UNHCR representative in Rome, who happened to be in Malta.

See also the interventions of the present UNHCR head of office in Malta whenever some boat or ship full of illegal immigrants approaches Malta. By now we all know that most of them are not genuine refugees. See especially his intervention in the Spanish trawler case, where he sided with the Spanish, while the UNHCR office in Madrid was dumb silent...

UNHCR has a track record of always being on the wrong side whenever Malta's national interests were concerned.

J. Borg

Feb 1st 2009, 17:20

Here's the mission statement of the UNHCR in its own words: "Its primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees. It strives to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another State, with the option to return home voluntarily, integrate locally or to resettle in a third country."

Unfortunately for you, Louise Vella, anti-immigrant bitching is not something that the UNHCR is interested in. That is best left to others like you.

c.camilleri

Feb 1st 2009, 16:53

The more we give them carpet treatment the more they come. Strong independent action is called for to stop this influx and at the same time give the right signal.

louise vella

Feb 1st 2009, 16:38

In crisis situations like the present one, UNHCR and the other do-gooder organisations distinguish themselves by their silence.

Can we hear your voice? Do you have nothing to say?

Martin Bugelli

Feb 1st 2009, 16:25

The text of a Press Release issued this nafternoon follows for the benefit of readers of this thread - Martin Bugelli DG (Information)

IL-PROĊESS TA’ RIPATRIJAZZJONI TAL-IMMIGRANTI ILLEGALI LI WASLU DAL-GĦODU JIBDA IMMEDJATAMENT

Il-Ministeru għall-Ġustizzja u l-Intern jirreferi għall-wasla ta’ grupp ta’ madwar 260 immigrant illegali fuq bastiment kmieni dal-għodu f’Marsaxlokk.

Mill-investigazzjonijiet inizzjali jirriżulta illi dan il-grupp ta’ immigranti illegali huwa magħmul fil-maġġoranza assoluta tiegħu minn persuni li ġejjin mit-Tuneżija, Alġerija, Maroc, Eġittu, India, Pakistan u Bangladesh. Persuni ġejjin minn dawn il-pajjiżi m’humhiex eleġibbli għal status ta’ protezzjoni umanitarja u għalhekk ma jistgħux jibqgħu f’Malta.

Fis-snin li għaddew il-Gvern irripatrija bosta persuni li ġejjin minn dawn il-pajjiżi, peress li dawn jistgħu jiġu identifikati b’aktar faċilita. Fi-fatt, immedjatament diga inbdew il-proċeduri neċessarji biex dawn il-persuni jiġu ripatrijati kemm jista’ jkun malajr.

Evarist Saliba

Feb 1st 2009, 16:03

This report says that the illegal migrants came from Libya while the ministry concerned says that they came from Tunisia? Can the Maltese public be supplied with non-contradictory reports from official sources?

Will the illegal migrants who have been arrested be brought to court so that the true facts behind this criminal activity will be exposed?

M.Gauci

Feb 1st 2009, 16:02

All the EU have to do is send some under cover agents in Libya pretending to want to cross over to Europe and that way the Libyan perpetrators would be caught. Its not like it something out of this world to do. Remember the Mossad had sent two agents in Malta and slained Fathi Shahi. The EU has to act as Gaddafi will not spend a dollar to do so.

Charles DeMicoli

Feb 1st 2009, 16:01

@Paula Tanti: Seems like you blame the US for every perceived negative thing under the sun.

The problem here is that the government has failed miserably to find an ethical and humanitarian solution to this situation.

Or maybe this is payback by the Libyans for all the derogatory and insulting remarks made about them by the present party in governement a few years back.

John Borg

Feb 1st 2009, 15:50

Ian Sammut: can you name at least one of the "larger countries" that "have declared an emergency situation with invasions of much lesser proportions than ours"? What kind of "state of emergency" was it and what happened afterward? I ask these questions because so many people seem to have a ready-made solution to a problem that, as far as I know, no other EU and western country has managed to solve. Unless, that is, the countries you have in mind are called China, Zimbabwe and Sudan.

a darmanin

Feb 1st 2009, 15:36

I consider that without doing nothing about this, the government is encouraging illigal immigration......

Giov DEmartino

Feb 1st 2009, 15:26

Call me what you like. Give them fuel and send them away. ALL OF THEM.

Sandro Pace

Feb 1st 2009, 15:23

Next June, mine will be a protest vote. Even if this is an insignificant election. There is more than the government can do. This was no boat in distress. Someone came under our noses and unloaded them, undetected.

If the State cannot protect us, then there is no point supporting it.

Moreso, the government and MLP supports the Lisbon Treaty, which is going to take our vetoe, even on immigration issues. Also, the government is continuing observing the Dublin II, which means that immigrants which make it to the mainland are sent back here, and accepted. This should not continue. Take a stand, for once.

David Meilak

Feb 1st 2009, 15:19

When the UN embargo on Libya did not allow airplane travel to Libya, I used to go there by ship many times yearly. On some occasions the weather and sea were so rough that I was afraid that we might not even make it to Malta or Tripoli, and this was on a large ship.

Nobody can EVER convince me that these people are not being ferried over to Malta by larger ships and then being lowered right outside our harbors at night. It is IMPOSSIBLE for the kind of vessels to pack so many people in them and make it to our shores. I INSIST THAT THIS IS IMPOSSIBLE. Id love to have a statement from some of our authorities giving us some proof that these criminal acts of ferrying these people over to Malta is not by mass organized crime. We must put our foot down NOW. we used to say ' For our children, and our children's children..........not for the children of other people. We are letting them destroy what took us hundreds of years to build.

I must see some action or I will start to lose faith in those that I normally do.

Pierre Attard

Feb 1st 2009, 15:15

This is the last straw. The government must act NOW to safeguard our nation. The EU does not care what happens in Malta. I wonder what's going to happen in the summer ILLEGAL immigration season. The people should see that the MEP vote goes to the party who takes this problem seriously for the benefit of the Maltese.

Joseph Cauchi

Feb 1st 2009, 14:54

I heard the news today, Oh boy!

1) ST Microelectronics to downsize its workforce…
2) 260 Illegal Immigrants land at Marsaxlokk…
3) Three daring hold-ups reported last night…
4) Britain is in a recession…

Oh what a circus, Oh what a joy…

Keep smiling you’re on candid camera!

../..
.

Malcolm Farrugia

Feb 1st 2009, 14:49

Every time that another boat arrives in Malta, and is reported on the news, we see the same comments regarding what the goverment should do to solve this issue. I believe that unless we organize a national protest and make it clear that actions have to be taken immediatly nothing will be achieved. How about having these anti illegal migration movements join forces and organize a protest in front of the detention centres. We need to organize peacefull protests but at the same time make it clear that the majority will not accept any more influxes what so ever!

a darmanin

Feb 1st 2009, 14:40

Repatriate them to Gaddafi ASAP now, as he supposed to be E.U's friend....we don't need them here. Every one is fed up with these embarkations.
Dr.Gonzi & Minister Mifsud Bonnici don't you have an ear to hear what the Maltese people are saying about this issue....so do something immediately because this problem had become seriously acute now.
By now this winter more that 600 illegal immigrants have landed here, so I question how many more will be arriving to or shores in summer?

PLEASE GOVT. RESPECT & PROTECT YOUR BELOVED COUNTRY AND MUCH MORE YOUR CITIZENS AS IT IS YOUR DUTY & YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO DO SO.

A Cardona

Feb 1st 2009, 14:19

that's another €7800 of taxpayers' money going down the drain DAILY (not counting medical expenses, etc.), and what about the hundreds of Maltese citizens losing their jobs? No help for them? Dal-gvern ta' l-illegali. Jekk irid jerga' jitla' ha jsaqsi l-illegali biex jivvutawlu ghax jien m'iniex illegali.

E Pavia

Feb 1st 2009, 14:03

Malta granted €3.7m to help integrate migrants
The European Commission has allocated €3.7 million to Malta to help the island integrate refugees and migrants.

The money will come from the European Fund for the integration of third country nationals.

EU Justice Commissioner Jacques Barrot said the funds will help Malta in the implementation of a programme on the integration of third country nationals.

Is this true? If so, is this the reason, they keep on coming and in increasing numbers? We need to ACT now... We don't need these funds and neither ILLEGAL immigrants. SAVE MALTA!

Sandro Zahra

Feb 1st 2009, 14:02

Did you notice that in the last 33 days 560 illegal immigrants arrived in Malta? And remember that these 560 immigrants arrived in the middle of winter ... I assume that these numbers will exponentially increase during summer!

I hope our government will take a note on this and take some drastic measurements!

J Debono

Feb 1st 2009, 13:53

Its time to take drastic measures and that means deporting all illegals that arrive without any excusses. These people are communicating with their friends and family and they are giving out the necessary details. maybe their telephones should be buged and more information can be gathered how they are getting to our shores, and who is making a fortune on this trafficking. If they are sent back or most of them sent back, the message will go foward and they will tjink twice about paying to get to a place only to be sent back.
If they don't show documents then that is the first reason to get them out again.
We are waiting for one of these imigrants to be carrying some deadly contageous desease and then all Maltese will suffer.

Joseph Calleja

Feb 1st 2009, 13:51

The numbers get bigger by the boatload? Pretty soon the illegals will be arriving on cruise ships. Where is this all going and is there a stop to it. As I mentioned a few weeks ago the welcome hotel at Lampedusa is closed so now the only welcome sign is pointing towards Malta and here they come. It's not 28 at a time anymore but 260? I do believe that the government cannot do anything anymore since they let the situation get out of hand in the first place. I do think that the people have to speak up and have their say before it gets any worse. I don't think the bleeding hearts have anything more to say, this is starting to turn into an emergency and it has to be stopped immediately. This is only 01 February, and in mid Winter.. How bad will it get before the government wakes up and admit that the illegal emigration is Malta's huge priority. It seems like it's going to get worse before it gets better and there is no end to it. EU, UN..now what?

Raymond Sammut

Feb 1st 2009, 13:43

The illegal immigrants collaborate with human traffickers. They had been doing it all along. This collaboration is an affront to all protocols and conventions. We simply cannot ignore this fact. Unless the government and the Church take concrete action, this unacceptable behaviour will continue unabated, and Malta will not cease to be victimised.

Jason Borg

Feb 1st 2009, 13:40

What the government should do is not let any immigrants enter or send them to another EU country even if the EU disapproves...and keep on doing so until Malta gets exempted from the Dublin Regulations (which means that the country you first land in, is the country you will stay in till your application is processed) and for anyone who is geographically challenged...MALTA IS AT QUITE A DISADVANTAGE here!!!
We could also say that if 1500-2000 immigrants arrive in Malta each year, that is equivalent to 100,000 immigrants arriving in a country like France of Germany every year.
I should also hope to see some resignations from the people who are letting the EU treat Malta like their little 'bitch'.

M. Mercieca

Feb 1st 2009, 13:38

@ Paula Tanti
Your comment is factual
Look at this business circle please

• Production:
Europe manufactures weapons. Everybody knows these weapons are not used inside Europe.
Marketing: Africa is the nearest market- taking into consideration the long colonial period by many European countries
Marketing tools: creating political instability (EU doing now in Sudan for example)
Wars: Then people leaves home. Heading to Europe. (Malta is victimized in between)
• In Europe
Too many political parties are hungry for power. This apply on all politicians of any color (Red-Blue-Green-Yellow...etc) and from any direction (Right-Center Right-Far Right-Left- Far Left-Upside Down.
People reaction: Every body talks. This includes top EU Politicians to Mary tal Hut at Marsaxlokk fish market.

• Facts:

EU birth rate is down to about 1.5 children per woman, raising fears that an ageing European population will not be able to finance pensions systems. This population’s deficit must be filled. This fact Immigrants understand it. We citizens (politicians not included) don’t.
Irregular immigrants are silent tsunami. Too mush of them is an Earthquake.
With economy slow down may be within few years we will see immigrations taking opposite directions. Who knows!

Mario Farrugia

Feb 1st 2009, 13:33

are these not EU shores too, why isn't Europe patrolling them ?? I think our Minister is too much a good guy

M Brincat

Feb 1st 2009, 13:20

I am shocked to hear of this latest landing of illegal immigrants. It seems to me that the government are just the puppets of the EU and are being walked all over.
I feel like my little island is disappearing under the blanket of ridiculous legislation that must exist to allow this to continue in the way it is. These people are not all asylum seekers and are not all in danger in their home countries... if this is the case then why did those that were repatriated recently go back so willingly with money in their pockets to start businesses.????
ACTION IS NEEDED NOW!!!!!

Joe Morana

Feb 1st 2009, 13:15

The Times of January 15th qouted the Foreign Minister as stating that "illegal immigration is putting extreme pressure on.......the social fabric of the Maltese islands". Government has sold out the Maltese People! Neither should the Opposition pat itself on the back because of the government's squirming under the weight of this threat!

Our head-in-the-sand government, perhaps even taking heart from the deafening silence emanating from the opposition on this matter, has been continuously intimidated by the UNHCR, Amnesty International, and our neighbour to the south. It has blundered on with its policy of accomodation which has encouraged more and more illegal immigrant arrivals. The Minister may well turn out to be too late the hero. Prior pleas for understanding of Malta's position have not impressed the incoming Czech EU Presidency which has gone on record as declaring illegal immigration as not being a priority of its tenure.

Meantime, persons who have spoken out against illegal immigration, the burden it was placing on the country, and the debilitating effect it was having on Maltese socety, were labelled 'racists' and 'xenophobes', and in effect muzzled.

As ye sow, so shall ye reap!

lgalea

Feb 1st 2009, 13:15

Mario Gauci
No party is going to do that.
The only way is to go and vote for your party and then put your comments on your vote.
You can then be sure that the message will get home.
This is the only way politicians of every political shade and colour understand.

THE EU, AFFRONTEX, UNHCR, GONZIPN AND ALL THOSE WHO DEFEND THE ILLEGAL IMMIGRATS ARE AN AFFRONT TO MALTA AND THE MALTESE CITIZENS.

ALBERT FENECH

Feb 1st 2009, 13:00

Well said Louise Vella! This Government's concerns centre around an undergound museum, imposing a tax on plastic bags and other mainly inconsequential measures. As they play on these lame harp-strings, migrants continue to flood in, hundreds of jobs are at risk, the tourist industry is sinking and many, many families will soon be devoting their incomes to paying off electricity and water costs. This country is in an infernal mess. Prime Minister Dr Gonzi has a number of alternatives. He can either wake up and take the helm of a sinking ship; or he can step aside and allow somebody else to - or he can facilitate the unthinkinable (for the clods of this country that is) and form a National Unity Government based on a Government for the People, by the People (to take a leaf out of Abraham Lincoln's book and now Barak Obahma's), implementing the wishes of the majority of the people.

ralf cutajar

Feb 1st 2009, 12:53

If libya is so helpless to stop these migrants from leaving it should not be such a problem to put them back on libyan shores! Just try it and see what happens. LIBYA is the PROBLEM. Gaddafi is taking eveyone for a ride. The EU doesn't care about us so long as we keep accomodating them. We must act in the same way libya acts. We can furnish these migrants with boats and send them on to mainland europe. if libya can do it so can we.

charles debono

Feb 1st 2009, 12:51

Time has proved me right. I have foreseen this situation a number of years ago when illegal immigration was just starting. I have written a number of newspaper articles about it, but off course one was labelled racist. Where are those imbeciles now?
Well I’ve got news for you. This situation will only get much worse. For those who follow news, Europe is closing its doors to illegal immigration. Our Italian ‘friends’ are keeping immigrants in Lampedusa until their refugee claim is either accepted or refused after which they are dispatched back to Libya (check the recent riots in Lampedusa).
Immigrants now are being diverted to our country in masses as the traffickers now very well what a weak government we have. Our representatives are incapable of taking a stand against Europe in the interest of the people they represent. Our government had even the gall to make us believe he won in the last treaty he signed concerning illegal immigration. Where are those countries that fooled him in believing they would burden share immigration? Wake up and make your voices heard in the upcoming European parliamentary elections .Vote only those who have the real interest of Malta at heart.

Chris Cini

Feb 1st 2009, 12:48

You bet this is a crisis!!! Let us now hear what some goody-goody champions have to say about this utterly ridiculous situation!! Can our country keep on with this influx? We are being taxed up to our noses and millions of our hard-earned taxes are going towards assisting these people!! I am not against helping others but this is right about too much now!! These people are given handouts, they work and earn good money and yet Maltese citizens continue to be neglected and not given what is their rightful due ... there are so many issues where the government is neglecting the Maltese citizens - roads, hospital waiting lists, utility tariffs etc etc ... the list is endless.

L.Grima

Feb 1st 2009, 12:40

What a mess!! Just wait a few more years,and we shall all look back when it is too late to remedy, or when the situation runs out of hand,asking ourselves how this situation could have been so mishandled! Is there any leadership at all in Malta?!

Raymond Sammut

Feb 1st 2009, 12:37

@ albert leone ganado

You obviously have no understanding of how human traffickers operate, and how the illegal immigrants collaborate with them.

The illegal immigrants will not even admit that they were dropped-off a mother-ship, let alone give information on who dropped them off.

Please read again what The Times is reporting:

"The migrants said they had been on the boat for two days."

Now try to imagine yourself standing up for two days on a boat packed with 260 illegals like sardines. You would have to be an honest macho, not an illegal immigrant.

mary camilleri

Feb 1st 2009, 12:33

On a totally different note, does anyone have a kind word for the soldiers, policemen, doctors, nurses and whoever else has to be at the front line in dealing with this problem. I know I do! Well done boys and girls, may you keep on finding the depths of courage and resource that you need to continue with your jobs, irrespective of how we feel about the issue. We, and I hope I speak for all of us, are squarely behind you and with you.

Charles Sammut

Feb 1st 2009, 12:29

300 - 260 = 40

Can the authorities confirm that a considerable number evaded police and have melted into the countryside?

MEP elections are due in 4 months' time. The only party contesting which had the honesty to mention this problem was AN. The others either turned a blind eye or even work to encourage more of the same. This is what will be on my mind when I cast my vote.

K Farrugia

Feb 1st 2009, 12:29

I think it's about that we protest maybe the government decides to take action. It is every citizen's right to protest and have his voice heard! Apparently in this country only people who strike manage to attract the attention of the government and start discussions.

Morgan Brimmer

Feb 1st 2009, 12:22

We will see the burden sharing now!

Jeremy Harding

Feb 1st 2009, 12:15

With the current sea conditions today it is quite clear they are being assisted... and indeed wouldn't even consider setting out at this time of year without knowing they'd be assisted. It's now no longer a seasonal issue.

A multi-approach ethical solution is needed here which sends a firm message. It should tackle the people assiting, the immigrants themselves and the ones already here. The current processes in place for handling this issue are passive, obsolete and ineffective... the bar has been raised... it needs to be raised back.

As it goes for Christian morals that are being brought into question, we'll see how they stand up when one of these young new police men/army recruits gets seriously hurt or worse trying to curtail the almost daily 'protests'/'riots' they're having to deal with in Hal Far. I find it disappointing to think that this might actually have to happen before effective changes are made.

louise vella

Feb 1st 2009, 12:15

The large numbers of illegals waiting on the Libyan coast to cross over to the southern shores of Europe - some press reports say there are two million of them - can only be dissuaded by (a) strong statements from EU leaders, including Maltese leaders followed by (b) a visible and robust coastguard, call it FRONTEX or something else, ready to push the boats and ships back in the direction they came from.

As this is a 'soft' invasion (that is, not by force of arms) the use of force would not be justified. But deterrence and dissuasion by a robust coastguard would be fully legitimate.

Ivan Attard

Feb 1st 2009, 12:08

...now what did UNHCR lecture us about the past week?

C, Farrugia

Feb 1st 2009, 12:05

A Government is elected by the people ...for their benefit. Is it happening?? This is outrageous. GonziPn how are you protecting your people and your country? Is this some kind of deaf, blind and dumb game? Someone is *letting* this happen and sorry but NO, we are not playing!!! Yes, as someone stated earlier, we need another Mintoff, he couldn't care less who and how big his opponents were, no one messed around with him. In his words: Malta l-ewwel u qabel KOLLOX! That is the ONLY way it should be. Pity Malta was duped by a circle of stars on a blue background!!

albert leone ganado

Feb 1st 2009, 11:56

I think that as a first step this fresh group of illegals should be isolated and thoroughly debriefed and grilled to identify the Libyan criminals who are managing this human trafficking.
Perhaps we should offer incentives such as early release from detention or even permanent residence to those who cooperate and help us to identify the criminal networks involved. We must build a solid case which Libyan authoritieswhich for their own European and international interests they will not be able to ignore.
If word goes round that special treatment is reserved to those who can provide information this will soon go round the community of illegals waiting to make this Libyan crossing and they will themselves gather the required information to use as a bargaining chip.

Ivan Attard

Feb 1st 2009, 11:52

@r pace
...So you are saying that since this scourge is emanating from Libya, we shall just have to grin and bear while waiting until the 'Libyan authorities' feel they should do something about it? What naivety! What self-depreciating arguments!
That is why we are saying that this government has to start doing what is in the best interests of its people and not toeing the rules of some obscure and irrelevant Human Rights Societies or UN sponsored 'weekend-break' party.
SELF HELP (as in Italy's, Australia's, Israel's and other Rightist governments) is the ONLY way to help US out of this mess of epic proportions. And fast.
...The MEP Elections are just a small vent for the people to show what they think in the circumstances. I only hope that EVERYBODY will not miss this only opportunity to have their voice heard.

Adrian Mifsud

Feb 1st 2009, 11:47

It's a crisis...and no one can deny this anymore. The fact that the authorities are powerless to face this issue only deepens the crisis further. It's a known fact that diplomacy (be it FRONTEX, EU, Libya, UN, human rights or whatever) will lead to nowhere other than worsen the situation further. And what about this gimmick proposal to hand out a EUR 5000 grant to these intruders? It will only further incentive to channel more and more migrants to our shores. I'm extremely pessimistic about the situation and by the time the authorities decide to take all the necessary drastic measures....it will then be too late.

Y. Sammut

Feb 1st 2009, 11:36

Until a few years ago few would have spoken this way in Malta - we were always quick to extend our help to foreigners in need. But these are now abusing of our generosity and the law appears to be grossly in their favour. Larger countries have declared an emergency situation with invasions of much lesser proportions than ours and it's high time ALL our Politicians take a stand. I recall Kurt Guillaumier once had the courage to speak out but he was promptly silenced. And then we pride ourselves on our maturity of political thought!

And can anybody tell me exactly what Frontex is supposed to be doing? Because I have the impression that its only scope is to net in these UNLAWFUL immigrants before they can drift off to other European Shores. This epsiode is nothing less than a slap in our face - how can we ever believe that a boat so badly overcrowded could ever have made a crossing from Libya in 2 days? Wake up Malta - I am no xenophobe but there's a limit to everything and Malta's limit has been exceeded long ago

Henry Montanaro

Feb 1st 2009, 11:19

Enough is enough. This continous accumulation of immigrants is going to destroy us. No one in Europe wants them, France a country of more than 60 million are only going to take 80 immigrants, so how many are smaller countries going to take a dozen each. last summer Frontex which was supposed to intercept boats and send them back ended up intercepting them and bringing them here.
I would suggest that we should do away with Frontex and create our own Maltese Frontex. Government should immediately buy at least six super fast boats, similar to F1 boats, equipped with the latest state of the art equipment for the interception of even the smallest of boats. These super boats should carry spare outboards, and tow a spare boat with outboard, plus food, water and fuel. Any intercepted boat must be ordered back to where they came from, Boats with "stalled" motors have their motors changed and immigrants on "sinking" boats should be transferred to the towed boat, giving them food, water and fuel and ordered to go back. If we are not going to protect ourselves no body is going to protect us.

Paul Barrett

Feb 1st 2009, 11:13

Whilst still retaining our current western/Christian principles of humanity and respect for life and international law, there is nothing any country can do on its own to stop this massive invasion. It is pointless to demand otherwise unless all western countries move together to throw away the current rule book.
I can not see any civilised country turning around and executing all unarmed illegal arrivals (men, woman and children) on arrival by illegal means which really is the only way that this invasion is going to be stopped if they are not prevented from leaving from Southern shores to head North.
We are stuck between a rock and a hard place with no Christian humane solution other than the efforts that are being taken at the moment.

r pace

Feb 1st 2009, 10:58

Do people really think that by having a different government these people will stop coming to malta? Its a big problem but please stop making sweeping statements and blaming the government and threathening with your vote for the MEP elections......they will still come in unless Libya stops them from leaving its shores. Just put yourself in the immigrants place - what would you do if you were in the same position and had the opportunity to flee your country illegally?

carl cutajar

Feb 1st 2009, 10:53

Have you noticed how, all of a sudden we are getting 200 plus migrants where we usually get 28? Is it a coincidence that lampedusa is bursting at the seams? The traffickers seem to have shifted their cargo handling to malta which means big trouble for us. Libya is breaking the rules and we should follow suit in order to survive. It is clear hat the EU is exploiting our geographical position as a buffer zone from unwanted migrants.

louise vella

Feb 1st 2009, 10:48

In the emergency that is developing, the only solution is self-help.

Malta must help itself and defend its national interests.

gonzi must understand that the interests of Malta and the Maltese are supreme.

chris borg

Feb 1st 2009, 10:36

the current eu presidency has already informed minister tonio borg that immigration has not prevailed on their list of priorities.
It is obvious that the elements are no longer on our side for keeping the immigrants away.
The thought of what will land in Malta next summer is not only scary, it is nightmarish, especially when you consider the eu precidency will belong to the swedes and their policy on immigration.

jimmy vella

Feb 1st 2009, 10:35

Gonzi is doing everything he can do,he has a mandate to govern for the next 4 years and he will continue accepting illegal immigrants because that's his believes,and convictions and until he is gone and we withdraw from the 1951 UN convention we are doomed .

victor vella

Feb 1st 2009, 10:34

G.Mangion, I agree with you 100% that it is not the goverment fault that they come here.
I also agree that the goverment's hands are tied regarding the kind of treatment they get and that they have to be released into the country after a certain period of time.
But it is plain and simple a case were we need to tell all the organisations and what not that Malta cannot take anymore and must send back all of them.We as people can only do this through protests and other things which may sound illegal and who ever says these things may be accused of a million things including inciting, racism call it what you like , but the goverment is dity bound to get rid of them off our islands.If the EU doesnt want us to send them back o they can have them if the UN objects ok get us the money to feed cloth and medicate them and we would put them on comino and feed them, but get them off our Islands,and there Mr Mangion and others is where the goverment comes in

mario borg

Feb 1st 2009, 10:34

Agreements with Libya is not an option any more.

Although we often see exchange of Malta-libya relations have deteriorated especially when the government stopped their visa agreement because of EU regulations.

Help from Gaddafi is hard to get now.

Raymond Sammut

Feb 1st 2009, 10:30

@ a.cassar

The UN were not only quick to criticize, they were also quick to get out of Malta. They are presently writing up their condemnation of Malta in Geneva.

Raymond Sammut

Feb 1st 2009, 10:30

@ Paula Tanti

Can you please elaborate more on this movement you are proposing? Changing the structure of the UN..., Ms Tanti?

The UN were in Malta only a few days ago. You had every opportunity to discuss with them first hand this movement that you are contemplating.

CLIFTON GATT

Feb 1st 2009, 10:27

This confirms my theory that these are being put on a large ship and then put ashore our island.300 in February what about mid august?No more diplomatic missions from the UN or any other agency, telling us what to do or not,or what is good or bad.Action is we need.

When the Maltese had problems of living and migrated to Australia ,they did so with all papers in hand and through the proper immigration channels.

louise vella

Feb 1st 2009, 10:27

27 ... 139 ... 161 ... 260 ...

The problem has become a crisis.

Either Malta does not have the means to defend itself, or it lacks the political will.

In the meantime Gonzi's main preoccupation is whether or not to build an underground museum under St John's.

ALBERT FENECH

Feb 1st 2009, 10:24

Hundreds are about to lose their jobs at STMicroelectronics whilst simultaneously hundreds of unwanted illegal migrants land on Malta's shores - and the Government says there is no crisis? Crisis - what crisis? Never have so many been fooled by so few.

D.Mifsud

Feb 1st 2009, 10:22

I am not against these ppl. but somethign has to be done. This is not about helping ppl in difficulty. We r being used. It is quite easy for a delegation to come and criticise and write reports and then fly away in a non affected country. I think any person/organistation/ political party who does something will have the majority of ppl behind.

Francesca Abela

Feb 1st 2009, 10:20

Please stop the hysterics. We have to admit that Malta has a big problem with illegal immigration. This has been growing over the years and more than likely it is going to reach gigantic proportions. What I, and I suppose the majority of Maltese would like, is to have their minds put at rest that government is really doing something about the problem. It is not an easy task admittedly. Also I feel that the opposition should also do its bit, after all nearly half the population voted for them in the last elections. They should show a united front with government on serious issues and not waste time any more on petty issues with government. Being in opposition does not mean one has to oppose everything but contribute for the country's good. We have to grow up and try and solve problems ourselves without expecting other countries who have problems of their own to go out of their way to help us. This is the reality no matter what.

S. Calleja

Feb 1st 2009, 10:19

@ Charles Sammut.

Neither Lampedusa NOR Malta are attractive to these immigrants. Malta is a dead end for them. Their intended destination is Sicily, from where they can then travel to northern European countries such as Holland and Belgium.

I wish all the best of luck to these migrants, and that they would one time achieve the prosperous future of their dreams (definitely not in Malta of course).

Charles J Buttigieg

Feb 1st 2009, 10:18

Burden sharing la lal la.

Send them back to Libya if Libya refuses them send them to Brussels.

Dr Francis Saliba

Feb 1st 2009, 10:17

VIVA FRONTEX & UNHCR!

a.cassar

Feb 1st 2009, 10:15

The migrants said they had been on the boat for two days.
They must have meant on the mother ship. There's no chance in hell that a boat like that could have remained floating for two days in this kind of weather. Now we have it straight from them that they started out from libya. There lies our problem. If libya is not held to account they will keep coming. If libya can break international rules why can't we? why can't we take them to within five miles of libyan territorial waters and send them back? Oh I forgot. we don't have any oil to bargain/ threaten with.

Joanne Micallef

Feb 1st 2009, 10:15

And we aint seen nothing yet!!!

But dont worry I hear that our fellow EU states are stumbling on top of each other to be the first to announce how many of them they will voluntarily be taking off us.....yeah right!!

Brian Ferrante

Feb 1st 2009, 10:12

It is impossible for them to have travelled from libya packed like that.

It is impossible for them to have survived 2 days packed like that. Someone somewhere is taking us all for a ride.

J.CUTAJAR

Feb 1st 2009, 10:11

No problem for these 300 new migrants, because GONZIPN signed the burden sharing on volontary basis, so as from tomorrow they will be shared between EU countries, according to Carm Mifsud Bonnici & GonziPn. Good Luck

Alfred Attard

Feb 1st 2009, 10:11

One would ask how secure are our territories when such a boat would land to our shores without being interrupted. The authorities should send these people back to their country like the Italians are doing. Enough is enough.

David Muscat

Feb 1st 2009, 10:06

How many arrivals did Malta have in January last year? At this rate we are going to end up with 10,000 arrivals in one year at a time when the country is entering into a recession. They are no longer using 28 seater boats but 300 . Unless something is done pretty soon we will be outnumbered in 25 years time.

a.cassar

Feb 1st 2009, 10:06

Their arrival was reported by people in the area
Which means that these migrants entered our territorial waters undetected! The PM was right. this is an invasion. Perhaps the UN delegation which was so quick in criticising us can now offer a solution. If not then I say we make our own solutions and to hell with the EU, UN, UNHCR and all the other initials in between. When the balloon bursts no one will come to our rescue as it will be too late. Did you see the condition of the sea INSIDE marsaxlokk? Imagine what it's like outside. how could those boats make it ro malta from libya unaided? Take a look at the soldiers and remember they are fellow Maltese.They come first.

G .Mangion

Feb 1st 2009, 10:05

Stop Moaning,

1 : Ok we all Agree that this has gone Too Far Now !

2 : what i dont agre is, Its not the Gov't Fault, these People cant come here without the help of
some big ship, and Drop them in our territory, Frontex my ..... !

3 : by hook or by crook, This has to stop for the Best of all Malta,
I dont like to be seen as a racist, it has nothing to do, But I have a bad feeling that something
very Unwanted might happen if ...........

John Portelli

Feb 1st 2009, 09:59

This is not going to stop unless serious people are elected into power,who are not affraid to solve this problem .Other wise it's just not going to stop.MLPN are not the ones for this problem.MALTA WAKE UP!!

louise vella

Feb 1st 2009, 09:58

A government's first duty is to defend the country from illegal entry by undesired and unknown foreigners.

Gonzi is failing in his first duty and is instead dilly dallying with parliamentary procedure and empty talk.

Gonzi, you must defend Malta and its rights. That's yur duty to present and future generations.

t farrugia

Feb 1st 2009, 09:55

notice some of them have a clean shave. seems to me they havent been on that boat for long!!!!! they must come from a mother ship

Mark Gatt

Feb 1st 2009, 09:49

We are being abused for our goodwill. The numbers are seriously increasing and are more than we can handle. Please whoever loves these islands and is reponsible for it take action!

YOSEF SCERRI

Feb 1st 2009, 09:48

MALTA WAS CALLED A STEPPING STONE TO EUROPE,
WHAT IS IT NOW?

John Borg

Feb 1st 2009, 09:33

300 at one time in Winter !
By summer we shall expect them flowing like tourists disembarking criuse liners!

Maybe that's the way how we're going to maintain last year's record number of "arrivals" despite recession.

Mark Piscopo

Feb 1st 2009, 09:29

Another serious shock for Malta. Now with that treaty that the government signed more illegal immigrants will come to Malta as their first steeping stone to other European Countries. The Maltese economy cannot afford this huge inflation of illegal immigrants. Hope that the government and his "par idejn sodi" must take a stand on this issue.

David Magro

Feb 1st 2009, 09:28

Can someone from the E.U illuminate us ? There is a problem and we are going around it and no fix has been identified. The EU nations that colonized and made a "hell" in Africa should own the burden and not dump it on us. If only we had another Dom Mintoff !!!

salvu abela

Feb 1st 2009, 09:26

It is only the beginning of the year ,and in Winter ,and what about when those nice calm days of Spring , Summer and Autumn comes,what`s going to happen to poor us Maltese,maybe do like them grab a boat and go to Europe,just to make space for them migrants.

John Grech

Feb 1st 2009, 09:23

Send them back to Libya. ACT NOW!!

Ludwig Flask

Feb 1st 2009, 09:15

We have 5 problems - an emergency! We have a political problem (both EU and African countries, just ignore us), a leadership problem (local government including opposition and MEPs - we are midgets and cannot formulate one solution), a financial problem (government has no funds - needed for increase in wages), and a humanitarian problem (these people really need our compassion and help!)... One solution might be - accept them, give them EU citizenship within a few hours as they arrive, and send them to those EU countries they
prefer, we can give them the necessary medical attention, for finance (maybe use EU funds allocated to build roads - roads aren't built to standard anyway... or other EU funds...) our country's juidicary, accountancy & auditing people can provide ample on this matter!

Joseph Agius

Feb 1st 2009, 09:12

welcome to Malta! any UN wise guy to give us advice?

Paul Caruana

Feb 1st 2009, 09:04

In moments like these it is important to keep a cool head. It is also pointless to go to the EU and get vague statements of solidarity in dealing with this problem.

However, there is one area where EU pressure would prove crucial. Libya, after all is the key to stopping this flow of illegal migration. After all the empty talk by the Libyan authorities of them wanting better relationships with the west (where it suits them), the Libyans should be told bluntly that the only way to do that is to EFFECTIVILY and TRULY collaborate in the effort to stem this phenomenon, No more pussyfooting around with the powers that be in Libya on this issue - a softy softy approach towards the Libyan authorities will be interpreted by them as weakness on our (Malta and EU) part - hence the immigrants will keep on coming.

I do believe that Malta should insist for a meeting of the EU council of ministers as soon as possible. The only item on the agenda, as moved by Malta should be: The EU / Libyan relationship and future collaboration (which would indirectly bring up this issue).

ANTHEA PRESTON

Feb 1st 2009, 09:02

When is your Government going to stand and say enough is enough. Malta needs to be moving these people on within 24 hours either back to where they came from or hand them over to the UN! How are you going to look after these people? Where are you going to put them? More mouths to feed, more hospital beds needed. Where is your national security? You can't seriously tell me that it is acceptable for 300 illegals to land in a fishing village and alight and start wandering around!!! I do not know how you are sleeping in your beds at night! How my heart breaks at the dreadful future your beautiful island now seems set to face. I will see with interest how much it has changed no doubt when I return again soon.

Charles Sammut

Feb 1st 2009, 09:02

Lampedusa ia no longer attractive for them now that the Italian government has taken concrete steps to address the problem.

We shall see tens of thousands arrive this year.

This incompetent government's priority is to enact thought and expression suppression legislation in a bid to control racism and xenophobia. The only way is to reverse illegal immigration whatever the political fallout. Let those countries which criticise take a couple of thousand of these uninvited guests.

Paula Tanti

Feb 1st 2009, 08:59

They are being delivered to detention centres which is another word for prison Mr.Zammit. What are you suggesting ? Crucifying them after whipping them ?...
What is the solution? Whining?

Malta is now playing with the big boys. And emigration from the monumental mess known as Africa is a problem the big boys have too. Could it be that Africa is such a mess because its not represented in the Security Council of the UN? Could it be that the atrocities in Gaza and Iraq are because of the abuse of procedure by the US in the Security Council of the UN? I suggest YES!

Could it be that maybe instead of whining about our teeny weeny rock we could start a movement towards changing the structure of the UN that is responsible for the massive emigration from bitterly impoverished countries to the first world (which we are not) but are pretending to be.

Vincent Zerafa

Feb 1st 2009, 08:58

This is an invasion! And no-one can hide the reality..... Its a fact Jack!

D. Bartolo

Feb 1st 2009, 08:55

What do we expect!
With the expected repatriation Italy is suggesting the next best place is Malta.
This is a burden on the whole country that merits a top priority decision however drastic it may be.
Is it possible that with all the manufacture of these crafts and purchase of consecutive numbered engines , the source cannot be found?

This is the real moment for " enough is enough" our good record of being a charitable nation is now being abused.

Carmel Saliba

Feb 1st 2009, 08:48

And yet Malta is considered an badly treating the migrants.

What kind of care should be taken? Do we need to evacuate a five star hotel and put them in?

This week on television we saw the place where such migrants are put in the Italian territory. Even worse the large number of illegal migrant children in Italy that were reported missing.

A real action PLEASE. Europe should help Malta.

malcolm seychell

Feb 1st 2009, 08:47

Dr Mifsud Bonnici should resign immediately.

He has to solve this problem by stopping illegal immigration and not pass laws in parliament to arrest those who speak against this problem

L Vella

Feb 1st 2009, 08:47

And they came all the way from Libya in probably a half called boat in these weather conditions - SELL IT TO THE MARINES. Criminals in this business are really having a field day - the only way to stop them is to REFUSE ENTRY OUTRIGHT no matter what. Sometimes you have to be cruel to be kind and we have now got to this point.

A.Saliba

Feb 1st 2009, 08:46

Winter 300?!!!!!!!..........Summer how much then?!!!!!

TOO MUCH NOW!!!!!

Goverment plssssssssssss WAKE UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mario (Marinton) Gauci

Feb 1st 2009, 08:44

Forget the government or Opposition to do anything about this problem. They are too engrossed in petty tit for tat issues.

Nobody is taking the problem seriously and I for one will not vote for this present incompetent government which I have voted for all my life; come to think of it I will also not vote for PL as they do not seem to have any guts either.

My vote in the upcoming European elections and future national elections will go to that party that seriously makes a stand on this issue.

Enough is enough.

p.vella

Feb 1st 2009, 08:42

That's over 600 in the first month of the year.
Serious action please not bla bla bla.

Ivan Delia

Feb 1st 2009, 08:41

if lampedusa is fully booked .... we are not better than them...


Malta is full up....pls no more !!!!!!!!!!!

Vincent Zerafa

Feb 1st 2009, 08:41

Will the UN delegation, that came here to criticise, do something about it?

Its about time the government takes a harsh stand and protect its people!

Sandro Pace

Feb 1st 2009, 08:40

Allowing 300 to enter our territorial waters is the authorities' fault. There must be a large ship involved and is not being chased. Yes, it is the government's fault. Especially if this is going to be the trend.

Our representatives will wake up to their responsabilities when they will be shown by the vote.

And they are telling us to remove detention.

P Debono

Feb 1st 2009, 08:38

I can't wait until the June MEP elections...

Although I suspect there will be many other cases where certain people will not be able to run as candidates...

John English

Feb 1st 2009, 08:36

This situation needs to be addressed on the high seas and not through written texts and verbal interventions locally and abroad. Dialogue and diplomacy needs to be more effective otherwise drastic action needs to be taken by the AFM and FRONTEX. Whilst one can understand the fragile situation in countries of origin of these illegal immigrants, we cannot lose sight of the problems they are creating to this tiny island.

D.Galea

Feb 1st 2009, 08:29

Their landing is the biggest single arrival in many years, but the beginning of many more similar possibly larger arrivals, nobody can state this wasn't perfectly predicted now!

A Vella

Feb 1st 2009, 08:20

We need to put pressure on the government to address the issue seriously. This is too serious to let it roll by.

M Debono

Feb 1st 2009, 08:17

That's more than the entire population of Ghasri!

joseph zammit

Feb 1st 2009, 08:10

When are our elected representatives going to wake up and tackle this matter seriously?
What are the authorities waiting for?
Isnt it a crime to enter a border without documentation? So why dont we apply such law equally to everyone?