Updated: 115 migrants heading for Malta

Raymond Sammut

Feb 9th 2009, 01:03

@ A. Borg, Malcolm Farrugia From the result obtained by Josie recently, it is clear that calling for a rally/meeting would be premature. Nevertheless, the experience (not necessarily political views) of Josie/AN, KMB/CNI and others, will definitely be essential. This is not a political/partisan issue. This is a national issue whose intensity will inexorably increase as time keeps moving on. No one can deny that its root cause is EU annexation. Gonzi is the protege of the architect of this annexation --EFA--. The arrivals and accumulation of illegals started in 2002, two years prior the 2004 annexation. CNI are pointing out on their website that this annexation was unconstitutional. More importantly, it had a devastating effect on Malta's legal safeguards such as, for example, the decriminalisation of illegal immigration (see the Alvaro Gil-Robles Report, Strasbourg, 12/2/2004). CNI list 17 points that highlight the travesty in which EU annexation was canvassed. In my view, while the benefits were being amplified, the threats were totally concealed. The Maltese people need to revisit and re-assess the annexation and its consequences before anything can be achieved. Simply venting frustration at a rally at this stage against illegals may not help.

Malcolm Farrugia

Feb 8th 2009, 16:37

@ A.Borg,
Definately we will protest, but i rather have a large rally, instead of a meeting in valletta.
Lets all pass the word and invite friends to participate, since malta is a small island and nearly everyone knows everyone, and the true fact is that the majority want to kick immigrants out. This will help us to stage a large rally and maybe get some foreign media coverage.

Marianna Galea Xuereb

Feb 8th 2009, 16:29

The situation is worse than what Malta went through during the 1565 Great Siege, the Second World War and the countless times it was attached by pirates. At least then we had manned watch towers or similar effective set ups continually looking out for signs of intrusion by unwanted individuals.
Moreover the Legal Maltese residents in those far off days were convinced that they had to prevent invasion by whatever means possible because they rightly believed that their own survival and sovereignty justified whatever action was required against the invaders

To-days so-called Maltese have been reduced to caring more about illegal immigrants’ welfare than their own and their children’s welfare and survival.
But then again I know practically nothing about how human traffickers reason thinks out. For all I know they could be intending to harvest illegal immigrants for their organs (as - it has been alleged by certain Italian authorities – may have happened to the children who vanished from certain detention Centres under Italian jurisdiction…..

Marianna Galea Xuereb

Feb 8th 2009, 16:27

The situations demands drastic measures:

The Government should publicly announce on international media – particularly in Africa - that it will be repatriating ALL Immigrants – even ones who have been here for over a year.

Jesmond Micallef

Feb 7th 2009, 23:08

I dont know all the facts about the integration of non europeans into continental europe, but can somebody enlighten me ! Is there a legally defined proportion in relation to the native people of their host countries. I am asking this because Malta is not a classical immigrant land like Australia or Canada, for example.

How do countries of europe integrate such people and at the same time safe-guard their national identity, including their own native language, cultural traditions,etc etc etc etc.........

Do any of you readers know that even the names of new born children are scientifically researched in Germany, before they are approved and issued on the birth certificate. What an outstanding example of protecting one's heritage !!!!!

Food for thought dear Maltese people. Malta needs protection, its own identity is in jeopardy, not to mention the genetic makeup of the Maltese themselves. People from ex european colonies are now invading my homeland. Malta never occupied anybody elses homeland, and it never will.

So the proportion of these people left to integrate in Malta should be thoroughly and scientifically analysed so that limits are IMPOSED just like proud continental Europeans.

A. Borg

Feb 7th 2009, 23:07

lets stop talking and do some action now..... lets see how we can do a demonstration in Valletta but it has to be a legal one. we should not stay quiet about this problem.... maybe the people in power need to see some support from the public to feel more comfortable to act. Lets fix a date, unite and raise our voices!!!!!!

Wayne Hewitt

Feb 7th 2009, 22:27

@Malcolm Farrugia

Dear Mr. Farrugia

I've enquired all party officials and noone seems to have received your email

Kindly contact us on the below email address and I will reply to you personally

Sincerely,
Wayne Hewitt
Segretarju Generali
Partit Azzjoni Nazzjonali
info@azzjoninazzjonali.org

Charles Grixti

Feb 7th 2009, 20:29

@ Gesuarda (Sciberras) Hopkins

Well said Gesuarda. You speak for all Maltese but especially the expatriate ones from all around the world. Our hopes of returning to retire in our beloved island have been dashed to shreds and our heart bleed for Malta!

I personally know a lot of people who have worked and sacrificed in a hostile and foreign land away from family but always with the utimate hope that one day will return to our beloved Malta to spend their golden years and die in the land of their birth.

There is great anger among the immigrant community aboad about the impotency and incompetence of the Government in dealing with this invasion. EU rules be damned, this is our country and we have to take the bull by the horns - we are ready to leave the EU if it means saving our country from these criminal invaders.

edward bartolo

Feb 7th 2009, 20:29

As someone said, this is a silent invasion. After an invasion, no state remains the same. We have the sacrosanct duty to protect our ancestors' heritage.

John Azzopardi

Feb 7th 2009, 19:20

Where are the maltese politicians. Shame on them for not having a policy of there own to control this problem and alleviate this worry some situation on the maltese citizens. If we continue this way, Malta is doomed no matter what anyone says. This situation is getting out of hand. Enough is enough.

Gesuarda (Sciberras) Hopkins

Feb 7th 2009, 16:42

2nd comment.on illegal immigrants. I visited Malta 1999 & 2003 after migrating to Australia in 1951, aged 7 with my mother & 3 siblings following my father who had preceeded us in 1949 to cut sugar cane in Queensland. I was just over the moon to visit my birthplace, at 55 yrs to trace my family roots. To my amazement my sunny island of Malta was now a trendy high standard tourist mecca, a republic by peaceful negotiations with Britain; a living museum of antiquity tracing to Megalithic Temples, Christian convertion by Apostle St Paul in 60AD, the hard-won victory by the Knights of Malta and my ancestors to crush the spead of Islam and uphold the Christian faith made me so proud of Malta's pivital role. The best impression was the safety & no liquor fuelled anti-social behaviour even at festas. So it saddens me that Malta is under siege by univited invaders who again come in boats. EU is now the death knell for Malta's historical preservation as it no longer commands its destiny - first impact will be tourism downturn esp from Australia. Maltese Herald in Sydney will get copy of this blog to bolster expatriate support

R Dimech

Feb 7th 2009, 16:36

@ Deb Bugeja - Qed tara? Kulhadd jahseb ghal rasu! U hekk trid taghmel Malta!

deb bugeja

Feb 7th 2009, 15:48

I thought that Italy and Malta were working together to stop illegal immigrants from coming to our countries and yet Italy is working itself with Libya to stop illegal immigrants going to Italy.
and those who are wondering what happened to our prime minister and dr carmelo mifsud bonnici, they are habernating.

GiovDeMartino

Feb 7th 2009, 15:28

Dawn mhux veru se jirkbuna. Dawn GA RIKBUNA. U rikbuna bil-kbir.

Darren Fucile

Feb 7th 2009, 14:47

Malta is a small but proud country,with great heritage and people. If we keep letting illegals in Malta, There will be No maltese nothing anymore. They are coming in the hundreds everyweek,send them back.Malta is populated as it is,We dont need it getting over populated with imagrants,causing crime,and loss of jobs for the maltese people.Everywhere i go there are more and more,overtaking our streets and terrorizing maltese people.We have to put a stop and fix this promlem before it gets even more out of hand.Everyone one can see the promlem at the moment,Imagine the problem in the summer, the number will be sky high.They will be arriving not just in boats, But crates,trucks and soon more then likely,The immagrants will soon start growing wings on their back and flying over.The war finished in there country,dont let them start one here. Please MP and politicians and the government, The problem will soon be out of hand, Fix it before its too late .

LET MALTA STAY MALTA
THANKS

Gesuarda (Sciberras) Hopkins

Feb 7th 2009, 14:37

Via Google news I came across Malta's plight with illegal immigrants. I am just shell-shocked with horror to think the island of my birth which withstood the Great Siege and Hitler's airraids earning Malta the George Cross for gallant bravey in 1942 is now under a more sinister threat of rickity boats ex Somalia under the guise of refugees. This same country, Somalia breeds factional armed terror & enacts piracy on the high seas but these militant groups instead of democraticing & helping their own people are driving them out to be a burden on EU member Malta. As a dau of migrant parents I feel so angry at this audacious Somalie exudus to overwhelm tiny Malta esp when my parents like thousands of Maltese immigrants sacrificed cruel separation of families that assisted Malta with post war economic recovery. My heart bleeds my beloved Malta is now at the mercy of an inept gutless government & worse a 'sitting duck' of an insidious silent takeover while other African states, e.g. oil rich (+Islamist) Libya & EU looks on!

Etienne Hopkins

Feb 7th 2009, 13:34

Does anybody know this year how many maltese newborns and how many illegal immigrants came to our country .
Referendum let us decide please.

m meli

Feb 7th 2009, 11:27

only one option!! give them a maltese pasport and they will become maltese citizens hence they can get off to europe without any problems!!!!!

Ivan Visanich

Feb 7th 2009, 07:38

How about a big protest march in Valletta,No politicians should be invited,just us the general public,we can gather thousands of people and give a clear message to politicians and EU mp's....Wake up.We are fed up.Forget what Brussels say,let's do it our own way.Malta is our country and shall be ours forever....The message has to be clear,no racial hate,just clear,immigrants go back home,We can put up big screens on the shores of Libya and transmit live after all Flimkien Kollox Possibli but our and not Gonzi's or Muscat's way,so they would know we won't accept them anymore,they'll fill up their boats with more fuel and fit stronger porpellor shafts at least to get to Italy if they want to head to Europe,Has any of you seen Le Iene yesterday,thousands of pakistani's in the coast of Greece,running after slow moving trailers,breaking the containers door and pack them selves in order to flee to Italy,Could it be that the same might be happening here as well ?.Are the customs checking each and every container which arrives on each and every trailer in Marsa ?.Wake up politicians,we are getting fed up.

E. Psaila

Feb 7th 2009, 07:35

@Frank Mercieca Let us not confuse legal people with these illegal people please. Ms. Kirkbride and her husband did not sneak in here on a boat, they came legally if you know what that means. Then if you hate all foreigners it means that you are racist and you have a problem.

A. Borg

Feb 7th 2009, 07:22

What about a legal demostration???????????

p.grima

Feb 7th 2009, 01:49

@-FRANK MERCIECA -

KELLY KIRKBRIDE and her husband have all the right to work in Malta. They are Europeans, (citizens of an EU country) unlike the Africans. You have just the same right as they have to work in the UK, if you so wish.

Franco Xuereb

Feb 7th 2009, 01:02

As regards to the situation of the illegal immigrants, this is like the never ending story;
I start by asking where are our authorities ? When they should be patrolling our shores to sure that the citizens of this country are protected. As I have been following this subject for years now & there have been situations that our authorities where unaware of the invaders, until they were reported by the fellow citizen.
The authority which is responsible for our shores, must give an explanation why they where unaware of these several landings by illegal immigrants into your shores and if need be the
head of the said authority resigns......PLEASE!!!!!
Our international obligations, first & foremost is to protect our citizens & country.

Adrian Azzopardi

Feb 6th 2009, 22:12

Illegal immigration is a nightmare! All it does is add extra strain on government resources causing more of a financial burden.9/10 of these people have no skills to offer the country.I'm sorry to say Frank you are out of order.Kelly Kilbride and their family have decided to have a better life in Malta.In return they are working,paying their way so in my opinion contributing like any hardworking citizen.They are not taking jobs off anyone.If they have a skill to offer let it be.If a maltese came to the UK with a skill to offer would thet be turned away.I think not! Illegal immigrants are BAD news are should be turned back.Malta needs tourism and tourists don't want to see these people loitering the streets.My Father was forced to find work in the UK a skilled technician and contributes to the system.If we all take your attitude the country would grind to a halt.you need to get out more.

FRANK MERCIECA

Feb 6th 2009, 21:09

KELLY KILBRIDE

YOU SAY YOU AND YOUR HUSBAND BOTH WORK, ARE YOU NOT TAKING JOBS FROM THE MALTESE PEOPLE? OR IS IT THAT YOU THINK BECAUSE YOU ARE "WHITE" IT IS O.K. TO ME YOU ARE JUST AS MUCH A FOREIGNER AS THESE UNFORTUNATE PEOPLE,

kelly kirkbride

Feb 6th 2009, 20:46

THIS IS A DISGRACE.... I CAME HERE IN 2006 ON HOLS AND LOVED IT WAS A PEACEFUL PLACE CAME AGAIN IN 2008 ON HOL I NOTICED A FEW MIGRANTS THEN I MOVED HERE IN 2009 WITH MY HUSBAND AND 2 CHILDREN MAY I ADD WE PAY IN TO THE TAX SYSTEM BOTH WORK FULL TIME AND PAY OUR WAY... THE CRIME RATE IN MALTA HAS SHOT UP, I PERSONALLY FEEL UNEASY NOW WALKIN ROUND THE STREET, MALTA IS TOO SMALL TO HARBOUR ALL. WITH ALL THEM HERE THERE WILL NOT BE AS MANY TOURISTS VISITING MALTA SO THAT WILL BE EVEN WORSE FOR THE ECCONEMY GET OUR ARMY TO PROTROL THE WATERS N SHOW THEM WAY FROM OUR ISLAND. SOME THING NEEDS TO BE DONE....... KELLY KIRKBRIDE ST PAULS BAY MALTA.

m.muscat

Feb 6th 2009, 19:59

Unbelievable, all of our leaders are afraid to tackle this dramatic situation arrogantly defying the people's pleas. We are being made to look as the laughing stock of Europe.The Italians are very attentive in that as they spot a boat which touches our territorial waters, they just phone us up and we just swallow the bait - go and bring them over to Malta. Our friends from Europe with their promises of burden sharing and a few millions of Euros, made our minister CMB look like an imbecile on television. Experts arrogantly come here and criticize our way of doing things, writing damning reports to belittle us with their puppet friends. Yet they do nothing to help in spite of their finding bad and degrading situation in Malta. How hypocrite can you be ? But everybody seems to be happy especially the media. Of course this is not a sex or pornographic subject so Xarabank and Bondi plus are not really interested. From the look of things everybody wants to shirk responsibility , it's too hot to handle. It's obvious, we are being let down by people who should know better. We deserve respect, otherwise just call it a day.

Albert Gauci Cunningham

Feb 6th 2009, 19:15

A few months ago I had written to say that Gonzi should sign the Imm. Pact keeping in mind that the Pact itself was a means to an end and not the other way round. I honestly expected heavy lobbying from the government and the authorities to make sure that the pact is actuated in the shortest time possible. I was also expecting the PM to come back to the nation with some tangible results by now, but it seems I was expecting far too much from our PM who according to Nationalists (now!!) has become the person who cant do anything on nothing!!!! J.Muscat had asked the PM a series of questions on Xarabank one of them being "HOW MANY IMMIGRANTS WILL COUNTRIES TAKE??" I thought that at the time the question was rather premature but now that so many weeks have passed I and the rest of the population expect Muscat's question to be answered!! In the meantime may I remind you of gonzi's often repeated phrase "Tiggudikawnix b'li nghid imma b'li naghmel" .............u f'dan il-kaz la qed jghid u lanqas qed jaghmel!!!!!

Ivan Attard

Feb 6th 2009, 17:31

Welcome to our worst nightmare everybody. The writing has long been on the walls and nobody from our impotent political class schoolboys have lifted a finger or uttered their concern loud enough for the EU to hear. Now we must stop complaining and enjoy what we have allowed to fester as the biggest single threat EVER to look us in the face! In the meantime, can someone tell Austin Gatt and RCC (who are de facto running this country) that the people's concern is now running at all time levels?

Mark Anthony Portelli

Feb 6th 2009, 16:30

The government should the declare the "state of emergency".

G. Curmi

Feb 6th 2009, 15:46

In the 1500s, Suleiman I of the Ottoman Empire failed to penetrate and dominate Europe in the name of Islam when his forces were twice defeated in separate sieges of Vienna in 1529 and 1532. Suleiman then turned his attention to our nation in the Great Siege of 1565. He sent an overwhelming force (48,000 of his forces against 6,100 of ours) to invade our islands and we sent them packing after four months of horror.

Malta is now experiencing a new and more subtle form of siege sponsored by Ghaddafi who in May 2006 said, “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."

Isn’t it strange that all the vessels bringing these illegal immigrants to Malta from Libya somehow manage to make it all the way here and then develop some sort of failure when they reach our waters? When are we going to learn to say, “Sorry, we have no room for you here. Now please be on your way. Godspeed.”

Raymond Sammut

Feb 6th 2009, 15:07

@ E. Azzopardi

You are terribly mistaken. "Talk" is definitely not cheap.

As recent as last summer, when I first started following this issue on The Times, many commentators were still having us believe that what we are seeing in these pictures were genuine refugees.

Those of us commenting and arguing against illegal immigration numbered only about half a dozen.

It quickly became obvious that many Maltese people on Malta were not fully aware of the precarious situation Malta was in. They were also clearly reluctant to speak out because of fear of being called "racist" or "xenophobic".

Big Brother Lies and Big Brother "Talk" cannot continue for ever.

Now we know, thanks to these comments boards, that no matter what CMB wants us to think, these "boat people" are illegal immigrants who have collaborated with crime syndicates operating in Libya, and they keep coming and coming because the Maltese government decriminalised illegal immigration.

The Times editor may have to filter some comments, but comments are essential to stop Big Brother from making us "talk" the way it wants us to talk.

Malcolm Farrugia

Feb 6th 2009, 15:02

@n.camilleri.
You are wery right indeed, But since the authorites do nothing i wonder what the locals can do! Yesterday i sent an email to Azzjoni Nazzjonali regarding this situation, believe it or not no one bothered to answer or at least acknowledge. I have been writing in these blogs to stage a ptotest at Safi, but i think that the police won't give the goahead to this!

m.muscat

Feb 6th 2009, 14:22

Shocked. Government, Opposition, politicians, MEPs, Church Leaders, Unions etc. do not care a damn of what's happening in Malta. They are more interested and focused of how to get the sixth seat in Europe, of how to get the pairing system, of how to impress us to vote for their MEP's, (if we are fools enough), etc. Yet, a catastrophic drama unfolds and they choose to turn a blind eye, as if this tsunami is not going to wipe them off too. To pull our legs, some big European head comes over to Malta and takes us all for a ride, shedding some crocodile tears in the process, promising us burden sharing and to crown it all our Ministers laud him and help him make fun of us. Yes, it;s a sad, dramatic story which will have grave consequencies on our future living, on our children, on our economy, on our tourist industry, on our health sector but especially on our SECURITY sector. We already have revolts, clashes with the army, escapees from detention centers, but just imagine when they will soon be roaming our streets having no money, no place to live in. This is the truth - SHAME

Joseph Duca

Feb 6th 2009, 14:21

So our soldiers roam the seas to bring home hundreds of illegal immigrants, while other illegal immigrants come ashore without any difficulty and roam our streets and vilages.
Welcome to Malta, the skip to the European Union.

n camilleri

Feb 6th 2009, 13:20

Malta and the maltese are becoming a farce!!! our beautiful island is being invaded and we are sitting , watching and complaining here and there. DON'T YOU THINK IT IS TIME MALTESE TAKE SOME SERIOUS ACTIONS. I think everyone agrees that we have had enough now and want this to stop.

Michelle Dali

Feb 6th 2009, 12:20

@ d.borg

You're so right!

d. borg

Feb 6th 2009, 12:12

M Farrugia
When your country is being invaded under your very eyes, you don't give a hack about international obligations because your first obligations are towards your country and your people.

A Vella

Feb 6th 2009, 11:53

hasn't the war ended in Somalia? Can they now be sent back? otherwide i am afraid we do not have any hopes left. They have started coming in huge numbers now. They come with a purpose- they exploit their situation to remain here

Michelle Dali

Feb 6th 2009, 11:13

@Matthew Bonanno

Well, that's exactly what Malta is going to become after being invaded by thousands of Somalis.

Just because Somalia is the most lawless country in the world, doesn't mean we have to allow Malta to go that way too. If Somalis are escaping trouble in their country, they can go to the nearest African nation which is safe and apply for asylum there.

Doreen Sultana

Feb 6th 2009, 10:47

Has anyone noticed..... the number seems to be getting bigger with each boatload. This is the Winter, the numbers will probably triple in the Summer time. Instaed of baots, they'll probably start arriving in Cruise lines. Action needs to be taken......and taken fast please!

Doreen Sultana

Feb 6th 2009, 10:11

The number of illegai lmigrants seem to be getting bigger by the boat load!
This is the Winter time......one tends to imagine what the numbers are going to be in the Summer time. Guess they will start arriving in Cruise liners.
What is the E.U waiting for........the whole of Africa to empty???
Erm.....Mr Gonzi please take action.

GiovDeMartino

Feb 6th 2009, 08:36

I DD E J J A Q N A!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Hafna wkoll!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pierre Attard

Feb 6th 2009, 06:47

Just received the patriotic publication of 'Pajjizna'. What a joke were the parlamentary secretary Chris Said said '..is-simbolu taghna li jidistingwijna bhala poplu, bhal nazzjon...' what is the government doing to save our Nation. With all these ILLEGALS coming here and doing whatever they want, soon the Maltese Nation as we know it today will be no more. Please Dr. Said, if you really mean what you are writing, please take a stand to save the country.

J.Barnes

Feb 6th 2009, 01:05

It appears the boat has fenders in position, does this not indicate that it would appear to have been lowered by a mother ship rather than leaving a beach?

p.grima

Feb 5th 2009, 23:31

@-P.Zammit-

I agree with you. Libya seems to be helping them to cross, rather than hinder them. What's worse, they were recently given brand new patrol boats for free, in order to "patrol" their waters. (as if they don't afford them) These patrol boats can easliy tow smaller boats out to sea.

Moses Mula

Feb 5th 2009, 23:21

@ Mario Gauci is the war really over in Somalia? Where do you get your news? Or matbe you have been to Somalia and know something that the rest of the world does not know. The Ethiopian troops left Somalia and as soon as they did that the same people whom they were fighting took over stations left vacant by the ethiopian troops. The country can`t even be called a state as their is no kind of constitution or order, and the power is in the hands of various groups and warlords, some of them terrorists. Imagine parts of Malta controled by the PN, some by MLP, and others by AD. And beyond that factions of the same group fighting each other. So you are all free to comment about the immigrant situation, even if I find a huge bunch of them a bit too extreme, but at least get your facts right.

M.Spiteri

Feb 5th 2009, 22:39

No burden sharing from our beloved blood brothers in Europe's mainland. Where are you Mr. Verhojgen now that you and the PN got what you wanted? Nice advantages we got by joining EU at all costs. Took our puny little nation and its people for a ride, that's for sure!

T Mifsud

Feb 5th 2009, 22:35

Malta's history of invasions has physically shaped its architecture. Bastions, Gardioli, winding streets. watch towers, smoke signals, the Madliena early warning radar by sound, castles, Victoria Lines, Forts, Mdina and so on!

This was done as defense systems against invasions.

2009 and we are again being invaded in waves after waves of illegal immigrants. What do we have today? A Mediterranean version of Moses's Red Sea passage to Malta, an Open door to Open centers, free medical care, freedom of jumping queues at hospitals, and the icing ... payment of thousands of euros plus a free flight! Please don't even mention the word citizenship!

Who is suffering here in these times of crisis when we got Maltese fathers and mothers with sleepless nights on the brink of unemployment, pensioners who can't keep up with cost of living, and Police who couragously have to deal with dangerous diseases, dangerous characters and incredible ingratitude while doing their very best to protect us?!

The government SHOULD NOT burden the Maltese families to sustain illegal immigrants! Instead the governemnt should twist EU's arm somehow to absorb them, close the borders physically or cough up the dosh. Certainly, WE shouldn't suffer!

A. Borg

Feb 5th 2009, 22:27

Last time when the group of 262 Illegal Imigrants arrived, they said they will be sent back since they are coming from Egypt..... What are they going to say now??? to console the Maltese people about this invasion??? nothing now.... since they are coming from Somalia... so give them everything... give them what they need.... why not? we are a very rich country... why not bring everyone from Somalia to live here to have a better life???.. we have a huge country... why not we are in a position to help everyone.. lets bring all africans here!!!!!!!!!! What about Malta in 20 years time??? whats going to happen???? or when its not worth it we dont mention the future..... I think its time to act ,we need to save this country otherwise the Maltese people will have to start looking to try to find a better life!!!!!!!....

a darmanin

Feb 5th 2009, 22:10

When is Peppi Azzopardi going to make a Xarabank program on this national problem?

@emily cini
After a certian time in Malta they will be eligible for Maltese citezenship and for all the rights that we Maltese have in exeption that they will not pay taxes, medicines and health care.

T Mifsud

Feb 5th 2009, 22:04

Why not confront them at sea and give them fuel and provisions to continue their cruise to the mainland? I do not think they want to come here. But then again, once they heard of the 5000 Euros, the mobiles, the salaries and the freedom of refugees then they will be coming like a tsunami. Can you believe, we're in the middle of winter and they're not coming anymore in 27, but hundreds now! Just think what's coming for summer!!!

DO SOMETHING!!

Kevin Samut

Feb 5th 2009, 20:43

So let's get this straight... Birds who migrate to and from Malta (over our islands) belong to ALL Europe... Oh Fine! So what about these people? They are migrating... So don't they too belong to ALL Europe??

James A. Tyrrell

Feb 5th 2009, 20:39

Bill Millam you ask 'Oh God! When the heck is someone gonna put a stop to this madness?' Well the answer to that is simple, probably never. To put a stop to it you need a Government to tell the EU where to go with regard to its immigration policy. You don't have such a Government.

What you do have is a Government who welcomes illegal immigrants with open arms. They give them somewhere to stay, free food, free water, free health care, mobile phones and credits so they can invite their relatives to join them.

Under the present policies this is not going to change. The Maltese Government is sending these illegals back home with thousands of Euro in their pockets to enable them to start a business in their own country. When they get back their friends ask them where they got the money and they say from the Maltese Government. Next day their friends are in a boat bound for Malta.

Either the Maltese Government has to take this situation in hand and sort it out once and for all or the Maltese people have to do it for them.

Matthew Bonanno

Feb 5th 2009, 20:05

Mario Gauci:

"The war is over in Somalia."

Somalia is one of the most lawless countries in the world. Do you follow the news?

pat camilleri

Feb 5th 2009, 19:46

Send them back. You know where they come from. Send them right back.Stop- greedy people employing them for peanuts.Its depressing walking around this islands. I might as well be in Africa.They arrive here, well dressed, mobiles,some pregnant. Look after your own Dr Gonzi.

M. Said

Feb 5th 2009, 19:28

To think that our forefathers fought with all their might to keep the infidels away from our shores !!!!!!!!! Now, they do not only usurp the law but they are rescued, made comfortable and let loose to go amock in our country. Do we call this charity? or do we call it an utter folly? Are we trying to lookgood in the eyes of EU? When is the EU coming forward with all the help it promised?

Muscat.Pat

Feb 5th 2009, 19:18

The Justice Comissioner will be coming to Malta to make sure we get the 100% burden of illegal immigrants, and 100% blame and 100% lack of charity and 100% racism and in the meantime "lanca gejja u ohra sejra" and Gonzi sitting pretty!

Charles Busuttil

Feb 5th 2009, 19:05

I fully agree with D. Borg about this being a nightmare. I'll tell you about MY nightmare. Last Sunday at about 8.00a.m. I was having a cup of tea when there was a knock on my front door. Imagine my surprise when I found three or four illegal immigrants in my side garden from where they proceeded to my back garden. They had the audicity to pick my oranges, ate them and left the peels lying about. They knocked on my door to ask for a pair of shoes, size 42. I immediatly called the B'Buga police station from where a group of policemen arrived on my doorstep within 6 or 7 minutes. A good achievement indeed. What if these immigrants were violent? What if the door to my back garden was left open? How far can one go to defend his family and property? I hope this event is not a taste of what will happen in the near future when the number of these illegal immigrants will go up without being hindered.

Raymond Sammut

Feb 5th 2009, 18:48

@ emily cini

You mean, EU citizenship. Trouble is, the EU does not want them.

L Spiteri

Feb 5th 2009, 18:44

I guess history keeps on repeating itself...!!!!! And all we do is seat down and watch...

Joe Borg

Feb 5th 2009, 18:40

I can imagine immigrants saying: "Yay! Malta pushed forward burden sharing! Let's all go to Malta so then we go to mainland Europe"

In my humble opinion Burden Sharing scheme is an incentive for more immigrants to come. Then they end end up staying in our country anyway.

m farrugia

Feb 5th 2009, 18:40

Stop these senseless comments. Would you think that faced with such a big problem, if the authorities had the means to stop or send this immigrants back, they wouldn't do so? There must surely be some international obligations which civilised countries should adhere too, about which myself and probably many of those commenting have no idea . You have to be competent to comment on such a sensitive issue, maybe some comments from competent people who are knowledgeable about the issue would make more sense.

mike galea

Feb 5th 2009, 18:25

So far, whatever has been employed regarding illegal immigrants, has failed miserably, including EU patrols. All the nice talk ad nauseam has been translated into nothing but bla bla bla...
A number of Maltese claim that we need to help our poor brethren as well. True. And I believe we are already doing it - before the plight of illegal immigrants ever started!
Personally I believe strongly that each and every boat-full of people, coming from anywhere in the world, that is accepted albeit reluctantly in Malta, is another POSITIVE message to those who are engaged in this human business (trafficking?), to continue with their missions.
In other words, these heartless individuals (maybe even some Maltese too) are becoming rich through the generosity and good will of Malta!
To me, this is complicity in their evil deeds.
Malta, wake up!

victor dimech

Feb 5th 2009, 18:13

And now terrorists from Guantanamo prison?hope that the three PL europarlamentarians who voted in favour will keep some at their homes when they are sent over and maybe they can handle some immigrants as well,they can afford to with their pay packet.

Giov DeMartino

Feb 5th 2009, 18:12

P. Zammit ma jistax jieqaf jidhaq. U jien ma nistax nieqaf NIBKI. Ma jistax ikun nibqghu sejrin hekk. KECCUHOM!

Roderick Chetcuti

Feb 5th 2009, 18:10

The more the merrier. whats next build a new mosque to make them feel at home? Maybe the governament can modify the constitution and make also whatever language thay speak as a language taught in school. Now i can really make sense of that song " Lanca gejja u ohra sejra". This is an invasion not some refugees seeking shelter.....and to make matters worse they dont even show gratitude for have something to eat everyday and a roof above their heads. What will the authorities do? Or is it already too late?

Joseph R Aquilina

Feb 5th 2009, 18:05

Malta is fast becoming the Ellis Island of the United States of Europe!

anthony borg

Feb 5th 2009, 18:03

Somalia now has a Democraticaly elected President.
They should be repatriated immediately.

d brifa

Feb 5th 2009, 17:45

Someone said that this is a silent invasion.. and i must fully agree with him..

I think that what we should do is give them immediate maltese citizenship and automatically they will become EU citizens.. straight to Luqa airport.. airoplane and straight to brussels..

In no time at all, Barroso and Verheugen tpersonally will be on a ship patrolling the mediterranean..

Marvin Mizzi

Feb 5th 2009, 17:42

The goverment told us that as soon as we signed the agreement on voluntary burden sharing the illegal immigrants would be leave our country ...........................everyone can see Malta has become illegal immegrants free.!!!!!!!!!!!! Be serious out boats laden of illegal immirgants invading pour shores we have seen as yet. The Maltese electorate elected a goverment to defend the interest of the Maltese but unfortunately our goverment adbdicated from its duty.... stand up a be counting this is what we demand from our goverment!!!!!!!!!!

John Debattista

Feb 5th 2009, 17:39

Fliemkien Kolox Possibli Viva il Liberta, Veru Pajjiz tal Mickey Mouse ha ha...
L ikun tard qumu min hemm...

Joseph Calleja

Feb 5th 2009, 17:36

I honestly can't say much because the Times will not print my comments as usual. I still think that the Maltese are in denial and as long as this doesn't effect them directly they don't care. Well if it keeps going this way it will effect everybody and by the end of the year, things will get worse. It used to be 28 per boatload, now they are up in the hundreds. The Lampedusa accomodations are closed so the other alternative is Malta. Malta is too small to take this influx of illegal emigrants. Where to from here? How many more illegals can Malta take? If you think potholes are a problem, think again.

Paul Caruana

Feb 5th 2009, 17:35

Unless real pressure is brought, at EU level, on the libyan authorities, this phenomenon will persist, and all talk will be completely useless.

Oliver Vassallo

Feb 5th 2009, 17:26

So the boat had a broken propeller shaft eh! Dawn qed "jitmellħu" bina. U kif?

Paul Barrett

Feb 5th 2009, 17:21

The situation is getting just a little bit worrying.

Apart from the enormous drain on resources accommodating, feeding and the general welfare; have we the resources to control/contain those in closed centers should they decide that they wish to leave and perhaps join up with those in the open centers or indeed make a determined effort to disperse all over the island.

Michelle Dali

Feb 5th 2009, 17:20

If the propeller shaft is broken, fix it, and LET THEM GO ON TO WHERE THEY WERE HEADING. If you can't fix it, take a spare boat, transfer them into it, and let them go on their way.

No one can deny that this is a silent invasion of our country. DO NOT LET ANY MORE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ENTER MALTA. We are full up and cannot take in any more

This is a chance for our government to TAKE A FIRM STAND and highlight the reality of the grave situation we are facing in Malta. Let us not let this opportunity slip by!

Denis Catania

Feb 5th 2009, 17:13

If the these numbers continue. The Facebook group Save Malta From Illegal Immigrants prediction of 15,636 arrival in 2009 will be met. This number was based on an average of 150 arrivals per boat VS 27 arrivals per boat in the past. This is also based on arrivals all year instead of seasonal. We also predict the numbers can reach as much as 750 per boat. We know the government is doing nothing. The question is what are the citizens doing?? Also nothing. Except for a few.

Herbert Guillaumier

Feb 5th 2009, 17:00

Welcome to Malta!!! It's high time we give them fuel and let them go wherever they like.

Colin Galea

Feb 5th 2009, 16:55

Can we get Maroni as our Minster dealing with these imigrants.

At least this person seems to be doing something for his country. In fact one can note from new bulletins of Rai that a considerable number of illegal immigrants are flown back as soon as they land in Lampedusa.

Naturally we have Mifsud Bonnici....he always assures us that the situation is well under control.

Chris Ebejer

Feb 5th 2009, 16:51

I can't stop laughing!!!! What a farce!
No more in 28, now over 100 every trip, and it's pre the Spring season!
Come Summer come !
Malta Hanina - Tilqa' Kull Klandestina!

lgalea

Feb 5th 2009, 16:45

THEY ARE NOW COMING IN THEIR HUNDREDS INSTEAD OF 27/28.

GONEZIPN, CMB, WHERE ARE YOU HIBERNATING

GET ALL ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS OUT OF MALTA.

M.Spiteri

Feb 5th 2009, 16:39

While Maltese persons are losing their jobs, others have their jobs hanging by a thread, companies being paid for their services very very late by th goverment etc etc, our taxes are being squandered to replace mattresses, bathrooms which are periodically burnt/broken by "grateful" illegal immigrants we welcome amongst us.

E. Psaila

Feb 5th 2009, 16:22

Be sure the if the EU will ever pass a new law on illegal immigration it will be in favour of the migrants and not of Malta. EU is like that, its main aim seems to be to make the life of its citizens harder while EU member of parliaments suck up thousands of Euros each year to do nothing...just sit there and if you don't want to understand all you have to do is not put on the translation.

E. Azzopardi

Feb 5th 2009, 16:14

This really shows that talk is cheap. No more comments.

A Cardona

Feb 5th 2009, 16:12

Seems like another tax or charge or surcharge or tariff, call what you like is on the way, because this year is going to be a bomba.

I wonder when the Maltese man of the street is going to protest over this. Illegals protest every other day. Ah, yeah, the Maltese man would be put to jail as it's illegal to speak out now.

Bring on those elections.

J.Borg

Feb 5th 2009, 16:00

What news.....same old story. I don't know why papers and tv stations and radios eep on reporting these items.

Duncan

Feb 5th 2009, 15:50

Wake up politicians...wake up before it is too late!

Vincent Zerafa

Feb 5th 2009, 15:49

I have just commented under the title of 10 escape from safi detention centre. A few minutes later we get the news that ANOTHER 115 illegal migrants are on their way here!!
This is an invasion....period!! The government should declare a state of emergency!
There are hundreds of millions where these are coming from. If not stopped they will keep on coming, over and over and over again! I just hope that all those who understand this threat shall protest if the need be! We have to stand up and make it clear that we shall not take this no more! We have a right to keep the stability in our country and live in peace!

g.c.Forte

Feb 5th 2009, 15:48

Italy and Libya signed a protocol between them to make joint patrols. Hey............where is Malta?..............I wonder if they know that Malta is between them, and I have the feeling that Libya wants to get rid of them and Italy is accepting that it will be more safer to lead them to Malta before entering their waters. And where is our Minister Tonio Borg. I hope that he knows that we make part of the E.U. like our neighbors the Italians, and they should respect us as one of them. Wake up all in parliament, and stop making a fuss about St. John Cathedral and take this matter seriously., and say it LOUD....Maltese interests come first and foremost, and please to those five who suppose to represent us in the E.U....do you know that you can use the veto as a weapon in the E.U. so use it.

Bertie O'Cassey

Feb 5th 2009, 15:46

You forgot to mention that 70 where males (61% of total)!!!!!!!! Empathy is at 0%.

Ronnie Gauci

Feb 5th 2009, 15:46

More than 500 in less than a month and considering this month was January the situation will become unbearable very soon, sooner than I predicted.

We need drastic measures, they must be turned back to Libya when they are still at sea and not welcomed with open arms, this is all a Libyan conspiracy and these joint patrols they mention is all a joke to make us believe they are doing something about it when in fact they are enjoyong the situation as illegal immigration became a profitable business over there.

Open your eyes Mr. Government.

D. Borg

Feb 5th 2009, 15:36

Let's hope that this Libya-Italy agreement will have a positive outcome for Malta too. But, if they keep on coming in their hundreds until Easter we'll be flooded with them. So we need some concrete action now!! Govt. wake up!!

A. Mizzi

Feb 5th 2009, 15:31

Dear Dr. Gonzi, Dr. Mifsud Bonnici,

Please remind me again what has Malta has achieved a lot through the EU Immigration and Asylum Pact? Number of refugees/ illegal immigrants has continued to increase. I am not seeing much of incoming immigrants being taken by E.U. Member States, being on a voluntary basis.

It appears that European Commission's idea for the burden sharing principle to be implemented seems to be that the burden is to be shared amongst the country's residents / tax-payers where the immigrants land, namely Malta.


Dr. Joseph Muscat has being proved right again when last September, he urged the Prime Minister not to sign the EU Immigration Pact, because two aspects were not in Malta’s interest – Member states had a choice of whether or not to help Malta in the immigration problem, and burden-sharing, when it took place, would only be applied to recognised refugees, who formed only a small percentage of the migrants who arrived in Malta.

c.camilleri

Feb 5th 2009, 15:30

Welcome the more the merrier.

M Borg

Feb 5th 2009, 15:29

Im ready to pay for their properer shaft and send them back! We are FULL UP!!!

Ramon Zammit

Feb 5th 2009, 15:29

Great Italian and Libyan patrols...just what we need to redirect all traffic to our island. Cant we just have our OWN patrols and not rely on others.

Joe Camilleri

Feb 5th 2009, 15:27

"30 women" maybe some of them pregnant.

Nazzareno Cortis

Feb 5th 2009, 15:24

We were better in Dom Mintoff's times!!!!!! Had he been Prime Minister today,I am sure he would have solved the illegal emegrants problem(or better still the African invasion of Malta).Wake up parliamentaries,show E U for once that Malta is a nation, and make a stand.Enough is enough!!

C Micallef

Feb 5th 2009, 15:19

Welcome!! :(

Malcolm seychell

Feb 5th 2009, 15:18

Prosit Ministru.

Keep up the good work.

Frontex and burden sharing are really working well.

In a civilized country your resignation would be a must.

Sandro Pace

Feb 5th 2009, 15:07

Well it is our fault isnt it? Just see how the Lampedusians have protested against the continous influx and the building of an other open centre. And who elected Maroni?
Perhaps the traffickers know that the Maltese people are a quite lot and cant even protest in a secret polling booth.

Lampedusa, the southern most south of Italian territory elected Lega Nord councillors. How more intelligent a voting can be?

We are getting what we deserve. Bipolarism is suicidal.

Stephen Vella

Feb 5th 2009, 15:04

GREAT, stop chasing the escaped ones...you will need extra space for these after all.

Adrian Borg

Feb 5th 2009, 15:04

These people represent selfishness and cowardice.

They only think of themselves and run away leaving their people behind them.

I ask, why don't they face their problems? Still, thousands are losing their lives in the cross-over journey.
So why not give such lives for an honourable cause? I find the answer to this question in the first sentence of my comment ...

Carl Spiteri

Feb 5th 2009, 15:03

None of our MPs bother about our feelings and preoccupations - all they bother is about their party's policy. Come June and they will find out the Maltese people's policy.

John Borg (mlh)

Feb 5th 2009, 15:02

It seems that our MP's (all of them) can't see the wood from the trees, but soon enough the trees won't be there for any of us to see.
I just pray the the prospective MEP candidates are clear in their policy objectives regarding this matter, otherwise it will be a protest vote from my end, albeit my beliefs that a protest vote is a shameful waste, but the next show of protest would be a general election, so I sincerely hope that our cry for solid concrete action is taken note of and heeded.

salvu abela

Feb 5th 2009, 15:01

We should protest by not vote in the next MEP`s election or make the vote invalid by writing our message on the voting paper to show the EU and the political parties that we are not treated fair,ENOUGH IS ENOUGH,remember we are still in the middle of Winter,what`s going to happen when Spring, Summer and Autumn comes.

c amato

Feb 5th 2009, 14:57

@ Bill Milliam...

... far fetched my friend... this is Malta... there will NEVER be a STOP!

Malta is doomed!

Carmel Borg

Feb 5th 2009, 14:57

We know that the PN is doing nothing seriously enough to stop illegal immigrants coming over to Malta. What is PL going to do? Speak out loud now. Do something about this situation cause by the time PL will be in Government it will be already too late. So act now Joseph Muscat. Do not remain silent or will not trust your party with our vote.

Kenneth Galea

Feb 5th 2009, 14:57

It is only February and we are experiencing large number of arrivals already with women and children now too. This is just a warning of what we can truly expect during the spring and summer months. This clearly shows that Italy and even Malta are not getting to the root of the problem. We hear the usual stories with no concrete action and the illegal crossings continue. Surely these illegals can be deported to Libya or Yemen or even Somaliland where they came from and where they can apply for asylum. The EU is too soft and that is why these people keep coming. This is very serious now and the Maltese people should take the law in their own hands and deal with these people accordingly.

louise vella

Feb 5th 2009, 14:56

When did Gonzi last make a statement on the illegal immigration crisis?

One would almost think that it is none of his business and none of his concern.

But in fact he is the minister responsible for Malta’s security and for the AFM.

Come on, Gonzi, take your head out of the sand.

The Maltese are worried and seriously alarmed.

Raymond Sammut

Feb 5th 2009, 14:49

Pity Molly Bordonaro is quitting at this point in time.

@ Eddie Fenech Adami

What are you going to do without Molly Bordonaro? Who is going to organise the garden party for the Somalis coming in?

A.Tabone

Feb 5th 2009, 14:49

Welcome. Last March 92% of the population didn't have any objection for your arrivals, so I guess you are very welcome :)

A Vella

Feb 5th 2009, 14:48

Sewwa wkoll! we are in our own country and we have no control over who goes in. Even worse, we can not stop them from entering! and where is the government in front of all this?! June elections are near...but our votes are very far away from who is doing nothing to protect our country from turning into a constant illegal landing spot.

emily cini

Feb 5th 2009, 14:43

Welcome!! Why not give them maltese citizenship so that they can move freely in the EU!

Mario (Marinton) Gauci

Feb 5th 2009, 14:39

The ware is over in Somalia. I suggest you send these and others already in Malta back to where they came from.

sandro grech

Feb 5th 2009, 14:33

please give them what they need and let them move on .

Carmel Borg

Feb 5th 2009, 14:31

A true example of a silent invasion., and what are the people representing us in parliament are doing? Nothing. We will show them in next coming EU elections.

d. borg

Feb 5th 2009, 14:30

What a nightmare we're going through. This has become a real invasion now. It is time for us to do something otherwise we're losing control of the situation!! When is the govt going to take a firm stand, declare a state of emergency and refuse entry to other immigrants irrespective of what the EU says. X'dispjacir ghandi li kont ivvutajt favur l-EU!!

P.Zammit

Feb 5th 2009, 14:29

Ha ha ham din farsa. Ma nistax niqaf nidhak. I'm going slightly mad, goes the song. Come on, it sounds like Gadaffi is encouraging them, rather than even lifting a finger to do something. The EU should punish Libya for this I dont care. Heh had this been USA with Ronald Regan as president, the landings would stop immediately because they would have dealt with Libya in no soft way.
These are African people that need asylum, so they should be granted humaniterian passage to African countries not to Europe. Why is the EU so much gobsmacked ?

Andrew Gatt

Feb 5th 2009, 14:25

Grrrreat! Landings, escapes, riots, disturbances, protests..........and the saga goes on....and on....and on!

Bill Millam

Feb 5th 2009, 14:24

Oh God!
When the heck is someone gonna put a stop to this madness?

Bill Millam
Los Angeles

john micallef

Feb 5th 2009, 14:24

and again, at least this time they were intercepted. malta parliamentaries WAKE UP the alarm clock is sound THE ALARM