Updated: Disturbance at Hal Far centre - Tunisians want to be deported

Mark-Anthony Fenech

Feb 28th 2009, 20:56

@ Massimo Borg:

Keep your religion out of this will you? Religion has nothing to do with it... Stop being an inquisitorial moaner..

Michelle Dali

Feb 26th 2009, 09:30

Kaydee Zammit @ Massimo Borg.

Very well said, Kaydee! You are so right!

Kaydee Zammit

Feb 23rd 2009, 11:18

@ Massimo Borg
As I have already stated, I do not link this issue to religious ones. As a person with mine and my country's interests at heart, I am thus acting.

Massimo Borg

Feb 23rd 2009, 01:01

K. Zammit
If you're a devout Christian ... act like one

Kaydee Zammit

Feb 22nd 2009, 21:11

@ Massimo Borg
Who are you to tell me that by wanting illegal immigrants off our islands means that I worship satan? Well, I don't. I am a devout Christian by all means, but being a Christian does NOT mean being a fool. I know what I see everyday living in Birzebbugia. What do you know of all this? Please, do not preach. I don't need preaching, and frankly I don't really care who you think I worship. However, I would like to thank you for your concern on my soul. Have a nice day.

By the way, Jesus too got angry when he got rid of the money-changers and animal sellers in the Temple, if you have read the Bible. That was because He wanted to protect the values of those who believed. If you are talking religion here, which is really not the issue, think again. Are these people acting in a Christian way? No. I hardly think it would be appropriate to turn the metaphorically other cheek here and let our Christian values be lost. Think twice before submitting everything to Christian and not. In the long haul, we ARE protecting our Christianity.

Billy J McBee

Feb 21st 2009, 15:55

oh and what about THEM attacking our own maltese people ha?...
and if someone thinks they are to be pitied.. NO THANKS.
this event of them burning their own resources that WE provided them, shows clearly that they want to take control, where in reality they HAVE to be grateful towards us to have provided them a roof above their ungrateful heads,,, food for their egoistic stomachs... and etc etc.

and straight forwardly, big shame for the government who let's these OUTRAGEOUS episodes happen!! while we are suffering and not THEM and not the GOV

G. Curmi

Feb 21st 2009, 14:37

Imagine the following scenario. Some people that you don’t know come to your home and insist that you let them in, give them free lodging, feed and clothe them, and give them spending money. Being a good Christian, you agree out of a sense of sympathy, kindness, and charity. Soon after, the unwelcome “guests” start making more and more demands that you cannot possibly agree to; and they decide trash and burn your home.

What do you do? Kindness and charity have their bounds and limits. There is only one thing that you can do. Forcibly toss them out and send them back to where they came from.

That is the situation in Malta. We have uninvited “guests” who arrived on our shores illegally. Out of a sense of charity, we took them in, housed, fed, and clothed them; and in return, they burn and trash the very places where we housed them. They have overstayed their welcome. Send them all back – those that want to go as well as the rest. Our home is simply too small to accommodate them as well as us.

Ronnie Gauci

Feb 21st 2009, 13:14

Then what's the problem, put them back on the same boat they came in, give them food, water and fuel and show them the way back to Tunisia. The weather is nice as well.

I'm sick of having to pay from my taxes for these fellas, they come here in a boat, eat, drink better than most of us and then depart comfortably on a plane, some also with €5,000 in their pockets when most of us are struggling to keep up with the of living.

Joe Xuereb

Feb 21st 2009, 12:57

Please see my comment on yesterday's 'Tunisian migrants erupt into protest'.

John Azzopardi

Feb 21st 2009, 12:29

It is very sad when our government - Gonzi and Mifsud Bonnici, think that there is no problem and push it away. The illegal immigration problem will fester in a few months when thousands will reach our shores. Imagine, 10,000 or even 20000 or more coming to Malta in the coming months. 37,000 illegals landed in Lampedusa alone in 2008. However, lampedusa is part of Italy, thus those people were shipped to mainlaind Italy. What will the government do with an additional 10,000 to 20,000 mainly men. Wake up Gonzi and Mifsud Bonnici before it is way to late. This problem is not going away. If we got 1,000 illegal on jsut 4 triops in the past month, imagine what will be happening when the weather is calm. Hate this thought. This is getting serious people. Time to act fast.

joseph sammut

Feb 21st 2009, 12:28

Stop repairing the damage they do stop their handouts,why should the tax payer keep paying for the damage they cause,and get them out of the country as soon as possible,union or no union,Malta bigest mistake

J. Bugeja

Feb 21st 2009, 12:03

Malta is OURS lets all join forces before its too late. WE cannot let them take it. Send them back to Africa no burden sharing will solve this,,, we will be the parapett of the EU for them it will encourage them to come in greater numbers... and until they will be departed.. who will pay for them? WE are not racist we have to accept the fact that malta is so small that it cannot take more I sometimes feel that there are already too much Maltese..let alone more people coming.
I am sure Africa has a space somewhere where they can stay. GONZI do your duties and save our country and us all. you did sometimes break the EU laws do it again now.

C.Cassar

Feb 21st 2009, 11:40

The minute they land back on 'Viv Tunesie', they will try to come back to Europe and give their backs to 'Viv Tunesie'. Their actions are nothing but a show of force. To instill fear in us, otherwise called intimidation. Their wreaking of the place was meant to send us a message, threats.
Now, assume I went into a government building and brought havoc in there, burned things, broke the window pains and so on. What would have happened to me ? Would I be charged in court, made to pay for the damage, financially or in kind. Would i have a track record on my conduct sheet ? Would I risk going to prison, if only for a few days ?

These men have done what they did out of their own free will. They were well informed that it is the "Vive Tunesie" government who is procrastrinating in getting their documents over, but still forged ahead with the hooliganisim "Viv Tunesi" Style.

These people should be charged in court for:
1-Having come here illegally
2-Causing damage to Maltese property
at the very least.
They should not be sent home before they pay for the damages and sentenced.

Denis Catania

Feb 21st 2009, 11:22

Why do the government still gives them shaving cream in cans? To throw at our police and AFM. Give them little packets of shaving powder. You have to separate them, two in a cell with a 23 1/2 hour lock down. Half hour to shower and stretch. Which is considered humane by international law. Then reward them more free time according to behavior.

Mike Gatt

Feb 21st 2009, 10:20

'They were heard singing patriotic songs.'
And they also were brandishing sheets with the words 'Vive Tunesie' on them...

Patriotism???
Why did they leave Tunisia then?

ANTHEA PRESTON

Feb 21st 2009, 10:13

Talk, talk, talk on these pages but we all know the powers that be are either not listening or listening but ignoring what is now nigh on a state of emergency. You will end up like Rome, Italy soon I fear. I did not feel as safe the last time I came to Malta as on previous visits and I fear I will see even more negative changes when I return in few months time.

E.Vella

Feb 21st 2009, 08:43

The law must be enforced seriously even against the embassies of the countries illegal immigrants are coming from...and who makes damage must pay and if they can not there goverments must be responsable for doing so. One thing is welcome and give aid to refugees who are escaping wars, genocides, persecution and another thing is let Tunisian, Egyptians and so on entering our country. Its not fair that we pay for the illegal incursions. If a Maltese is caught into Libya illegally he passes hard times but here we find lickers afraid of UNHCR Commissioners....its easy to take it with small countries so they make bullying on us.

And than if this immigrants did damage, let them live in the mess they themselve cause; if they broke a window purposly and are feeling cold - good luck for them; they made a famine strike and the food went bad - good luck for them; they want to stay outside in the sun in summer - have a good sunbath. The goverment must harden his hand for now its more than enough.

Poor are the true refugees who because of this guys take a bad name.

Joe Xuereb

Feb 20th 2009, 23:56

One of the problems is there are too many like Massimo Borg in Malta. People who will skin their mother alive if that is what it takes to pave their path to heaven. There is no proof of such a place either way but they choose to err on the side of affirmative possibility. They feel all smug and complacent. And in their troubling insecurity, which they are loathe to admit as the fallout would see their life disintegrate at the seams, they fail to see that in so doing, they are denying themselves the clarity of vision so necessary to make even the most mundane decisions in life. 'I am determined to save my soul. To hell (literally) with the rest'. It is a familar, very strong mantra. Little do they know there is life outside the opium den.

robert ritchie

Feb 20th 2009, 23:54

Malta Malta Malta, you are such a small unique country, do not let this happen to you. everybody in Malta put 5 euros in a kitty and buy a big Boat and send all these immigrants home. look at the rest of europe and take note! I am not racist , but if you do not look after yourselves nobody else will. The whole of the world is in a recession and the last thing a small country like Malta needs is to feed and look after other countrys problems. Look after Malta and Malta will look after you. Stand up and gain the respect you deserve.

shaun Camilleri

Feb 20th 2009, 20:11

Deport them NOW who asked them to come here anyway. People with no respect for other people's effort in supplying their bedding, food and so on. I hope those useless politicians are not going to give them a 5,000 Euro cheque as well.

A Borg

Feb 20th 2009, 17:50

Get them to do some work to pay for any damage they caused. Then take them for a cruise to TUNISA.

N.Aquilina

Feb 20th 2009, 15:51

and then we have our Prime Minister in Parliament saying that he cannot understand the urgency of Joseph Muscat to discuss the illegal immigration issue. What are you waiting for Dr.Gonzi that some maltese cowboy takes the law in his own hands? Because whether you like it or not we are in that situation! and then what? We are fed up of not feeling safe in our own country, we are fed up of being afraid to go to Marsa/Hal-Safi/Hal-Far/Birzebbuga. Stop putting the EU laws before Maltese National Security. Malta is ours not theirs. If you are not going to do anything about this and fast rest assured the ppl will!

M.Gauci

Feb 20th 2009, 14:52

@Mr. Paul Borg.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion. However if you could have maybe pointed out what was irregular or unfactful from my write-up, I could easily have answered your statements or at best learned something new about the MLP blunder.
However you did not, and just put in a general cheesy senseless statement. Alas, I ask, what's the story ?

Muscat.Pat

Feb 20th 2009, 14:41

Surely Tunisia, a quasi police state, knows something about the whereabouts of its citizens! They either left from TUNISA or from LIBYA! When I went for a holiday in Tunisia the police were everywhere at the airport , and I don't know how many stamps were put on my passport, not to make sure I will not stay a day more! If one overstays, one is deported in Tunisia, in Malta one is given a 5000 euro cheque free lodging and encouraged by NGO's to bully Malta in accepting illegal passengers.

Paul Borg

Feb 20th 2009, 14:30

@ M. Gauci: Typical of you 'I know everything you know nothing' people syndrome. I think that only you know how to read the news, others don't.

Joe Fenech

Feb 20th 2009, 12:51

Yes they will be deported: but they have to pay in some form or another for the time they've been fed and lodged. Ask their embassy to buy their return flights.

Massimo Borg

Feb 20th 2009, 12:43

If you read my words correctly, I wasn't referring to anyone who thinks that there should be an end to Illegal Immigration; I also hope that it will all stop today before tomorrow; I was referring to all those that are using this unfortunate situation to promote their evil agenda with all their racist comments. And yes K. Zammit, racism is equivalent to worshipping Satan; what is it equivalent then, to worshipping God? or you think that there's something else in between! A Christian will never act this way; never forget that today is the time to prepare to meet our maker.......their maker......

Joe Fenech

Feb 20th 2009, 12:05

Incompetent government!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Everyone takes the mickey out of us!!!!!!!!!!!!! You've made Malta in the most laughable nation in Europe.

m.mercieca

Feb 20th 2009, 11:41

just watched the video.. this is the thanks we get for giving them food, shelter, mobile phones, and god knows what else!!

P. Finch

Feb 20th 2009, 11:31

They have got everyones attention so time for us to get Europes attention too.!!! Fill an aircraft with Tunisians who want to leave and fly them into Brussels. Straight to the heart of all these laid back Europeans who seem to think there is no problem here and in Lampedusa. Perhaps they can show us how to do it.!!!

deb bugeja

Feb 20th 2009, 11:11

Tistghu tghiduli t tunezini ghalfejn inzammu hawm meta fil pajjiz taghhom m ghandhomx inkwiet.???? veru l ewropa, l afrika u mexxejja taghna qed jghaddu z zmien bina u bl intelligenza taghna. vera insult!!

Carmen V . Gauci

Feb 20th 2009, 11:10

What did these Tunisians expect more, they have shelter & food for free. If they love there home so much then send then back. The Tunisian authorities should work on the double to solve their paper work. Refugees from war torn countries my foot !! Put pressure on the Tunisian embassy to get their staff to work !

R Galea

Feb 20th 2009, 07:54

immigrnats protesting? I think it's about time that we locals protest in hal far and safi to show them what we think of them!

alan cox

Feb 20th 2009, 07:19

azzioni nazzionali you got it spot on!! At last someone talking sense and not politics

Denis Catania

Feb 20th 2009, 04:58

The facebook group Save Malta From Illegal Immigrants and it's 4700 members will be organizing a peacefull protest in the very near future. The protest will start with a car cade in Malta and Gozo followed by a peacefull demonstration/protest. For more updates and date of demonstration check the facebook site. Join and receive updates. Help us help Malta. The jewel of Europe.

David Seychell

Feb 20th 2009, 01:11

The hundreds of people that are commenting against illegal immigration might be interested to know that according to Fr Joe Borg, when one reads comments like yours, one should "FEEL THE SHUDDER OF UTTER SHAME"

http://www.timesofmalta.com/blogs/view/20090212/fr-joe-borg/shipwrecked-the-irony-of-two-incidents

Joe Fenech

Feb 19th 2009, 23:24

Make them do some hard work before you send them to compensate for the money the Maltese tax paying dodo has paid out of his pockets to sustain them. Why are these here? Why are we so hopelessly lax? No one from the people who enter Malta illegally have the right to stay! All the Africans want is easy money! Let Africa sorts itself out.

Mark Seychell

Feb 19th 2009, 23:01

They want to be deported? Then please by al means send the on their way. What on earth are you waiting for Dr Mifsud Bonnici?

M.Gauci

Feb 19th 2009, 22:10

To E. Cortis, and other people who don't understand the situation. Or who are writing from the MLP headquaters to cover up the mess Joseph Muscat did with the Guantanmo Terrorists.

There is no denying that the LABOUR MEPS, with the blessing of CMJ, voted to bring the terrorists to MALTA and THE EU. Had they wanted they could have voted against that part, like the PN MEPs did but they betrayed us.

While we are not yet sure (but could be) that the government could veto the terrorists coming to Malta, it will be an embarrisment for the Malta Gov not to pool in when other EU countries would have taken on some terrorists once it passed. Furthermore, the situation is compounded because, from the Malta MEPs side, there wasn't unanimaty against getting terrorists to the EU. Giving the impression that half of Malta (represented by the majority of the Malta MEPs (LABOUR)) want to get these terrorists here.

You voted to get the terrorists here, now don't go trying to blame the Malta government if they come here, by saying he should have refused them... I believe you should not have voted in favour in the first place.

a darmanin

Feb 19th 2009, 22:08

"This is the fault of the government... the immigrants are exasperated," Lampedusa's mayor, Dino De Rubeis told Ansa after yesterday's illegal immigrants revolt in Lampedusa. Nuff said!!

Alex Vella

Feb 19th 2009, 21:53

I read the Times on line in order to stay on top of whats going on in Malta. It seems to me that even with the improvements made in the country like roads and infrastructure, Malta is going backwards. Crime, including armed robbery, gun possession , rampant drug use, importation & dealing are all on the increase! When these people are caught, what is the punishment...suspended sentences! In most countries these crimes are considered VERY serious and the punishment harsh, designed as a deterrent.

I read about foreigners and illegals breaking the law , these people should be deported immediately. On top of this, we have the daily arrival of hundreds of illegals. If anyone in government would read the comments by the Maltese public after each story, they would see that by far, what worries the Maltese most is this issue! I urge the government to take action NOW, get them out! Malta is small and cannot accommodate theses people. People, don't just comment, organize, protest, march!!!

Liam Dalli

Feb 19th 2009, 21:08

malcolm azzopardi
‘I appeal to ANR to organise another protest!!!!!’

Being anti-immigrants does not constitute a good politician or a valuable MEP. All anti-immigrants parties only manage one thing: increase racism and create instability (like whats happening in most of these comments). Despite Anti – Immigrants continues scaremongering and xenophobia campaigns they hardly fill one ballot box and usually have one way to go through: drainage . It happened last March and would happen again coming June.

jschembri

Feb 19th 2009, 20:27

what are the authorities waiting for, if they want to go Tunisia why don't they board them on the first flight out of here, not only them but all those who are arriving constantly on our island. imagine what are we going to get in summer if they are arriving here in these harsh weather conditions in february. isn't it about time that the maltese population will do something.they are taking our island away from us, and while laughing at us. whom they want to cheat, by telling us they are escaping from their country.where are the documents? if they are really seeking asylum they would have doucments to proof it, but since this is all a farce they don't produce any documents revealing their identity. or maybe the prime minister does not know what is going on, he is too much absorbed working at castille? is this why we voted yes for the EU so as to let it protect these illegal immigrants, instead of trying to stop this situation. Aren't the maltese ridiculed enough by politicians, who keep promising and promising and instead of fullfilling their promises they keep making fun of us, maybe till the next election

J Busuttil

Feb 19th 2009, 19:51

The hypocrecy of the MLP was shown yesterday in Parliament when they wanted to DEBATE illegal immigration and then in the EU do as their left wing friends,the Socialists and vote to bring suspected terrorists from Guantanamo to Europe including Malta. All Maltese should know that LEFT WING parties including the Greens are in favour of MULTICULTURALISM and so welcome illegal immigrants. This is a fact. The only parties in Europe TRULY against illegal immigration are the ones like our AZZJONI NAZZJONALI. So vote for this party in the coming EU elections so that the ANTI IMMGRANTS group in the EU Parliament gets stronger.

maria cutajar

Feb 19th 2009, 19:38

Tunisians and all Africans leave us alone. When we visit your country, we pay fully. Please, do likewise. And again, take with you all the rest and keep MALTA CLEAN.

Joe Fenech

Feb 19th 2009, 19:24

Why are Tunisians seeking asylum in Malta? Why are our politicians so lax and and devoid of any leadership skills? The quantities of illegal immigrants is growing exponentially and they're still doing nothing about. In 20 years time, problems related to immigration in Malta will be by far worse than the catastrophical ones the UK has been facing over these last 30 years.

cassar i

Feb 19th 2009, 19:23

AN call a protest now . I am in.

g.c.Forte

Feb 19th 2009, 19:07

@ Malcolm Farrugia.....I will bet you that there will be less than 100., because most of the Maltese like very much lick their political party,and hate very much to be seen, taking part with other party especially when in government, but the most important is that they think that God send them to illuminate us of what to do and not to do,.like they are doing in this blog. It is as the story of the mice and the cat goes. Min ser ipoggi l-golgoll ma ghonq il qattus.

J.Scicluna (Rabat)

Feb 19th 2009, 19:03

@Massimo Borg

HOW many Illegal Immigrants are you hosting in your own home?

If, by being worried about the state of affairs in MY country means that I am a racist; the so be it!

What's God and Satan got to do with with this?

See what being so christian has got us? Illegal Immigrants who burn and destroy the stuff WE pay for to keep them comfortable!

Since you are such a Christian, will YOU be paying for the damages?

Wilfred L Camilleri

Feb 19th 2009, 18:56

And of course the Maltese hard-working taxpayer is paying for all the broken furniture, burnt mattresses, etc. Perhaps the government should let them live in the buildings with broken windows and sleep on burnt mattresses!

C.Busuttil

Feb 19th 2009, 18:51

Stop this charade of playing the christian card everytime, Being a catholic does not mean being a fool. Besides the fact that one should follow ALL the teachings of the church and not what just appeals to them. I am sick of people telling me that I should follow their example on this issue but on other occasions they are against the church on homosexuality, divorce, abortion bla bla. I call them Christians when its convenient.
Nobody wants to mass murder or harm the ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS however now it crystal clear that these people are not the persecuted chaps few want to portrait. These are economic immigrants who are trying to slowly infiltrate in europe and once their numbers will increase will start the islamification of europe and GOODBYE to your Christian freedom.

TO ALL THOSE that are against illegal immigration stop believing that by voting this or that in June will change anything. Only a referendum to abolish certain treaties that are tying our hands can solve the problem and which gives no room for excuses from the Prime Minister.

G. Mangion

Feb 19th 2009, 18:41

Raymond Sammut , You say the P.m - bazwi -
what are the three (3) mlp mep's plus leader joe ?
THEY WANT THE GWINTO INMATES HERE IN MALTA !! SIICCCC
THEY WANT TERROR HERE WE ALL WONDER WHY, EVERY BODY KNOWS THE QWINTO
GUY'S ARE THE MOST DANGER PLL OF ALL. DO WE NEED THEM ? NO !
EVEN IN THE U.S, DONT WANT THEM AN YOU ALL KNOW IT.
Dr Gonzi will resolve this illegal immigration Problem But with True & not Parigjanizmu
Propsals from the mlp in the Opposition.

John Borg

Feb 19th 2009, 18:05

All this huffing and puffing about the Tunisians is just hot air or blatant racism (see John Borg mlh). The government can and will deport those who come to Malta illegally from Tunisia. If things are not moving forward as quickly as some of you would like maybe Joseph and Josie can show us what great diplomats they are. In any case, don't worry, the "hordes" of Tunisians will not eat up all the food supplies on these islands.

carmen caruana

Feb 19th 2009, 18:04

@Malcolm Farrugia
I won't......

John Borg (mlh)

Feb 19th 2009, 17:43

Having worked in many African countries, the Tunisians are the most radical and politically motivated people from most of the african countries. They do not have hardship in their country. They just emigrate to exploit other countries and make money. They multiply their numbers quickly and demand that their customs are observed, even in their "host" country.

John Borg

Feb 19th 2009, 17:38

Luke Frendo: OK buddy, go ahead - buy a boat, organize a forced rescue of irregular immigrants from their camp, steal a boat and hijack a plane and pack them in. Then get someone from this forum to fly the plane and sail the boat, sneak into French territory and let the immigrants loose!

F J Brincat

Feb 19th 2009, 17:37

Massimo Borg:

You know what? When my time comes, I will put up with it. Now please get off your soap box. This is exactly what happens when you are charitable, you give an inch and they take a yard. And they will always want more.

This is what people with your mentality have got us into.

maria cutajar

Feb 19th 2009, 17:25

Please Tunisians tell whoever came with you to keep away from our island.

e. cortis

Feb 19th 2009, 17:25

Regarding the Guantanamo Bay detainees. May I draw your atention to an item on the EUobserver site of the 17th instant, where Nancy Pelosi, the U.S.Speaker of the House of Representatives, while on a visit to Italy stressed that:"President Obama is unlikely to ask European Allies to take Guantanamo Bay Detainees. The only way that might happen was if a detainee were a citizen of an EU Country". Far from bringing terrorists here !!. Do we know how many real African terrorists are getting into Malta with the excuse of being refugees?.

AnnMarie Pawley

Feb 19th 2009, 17:23

If they want to go back home so badly, who are we to keep them here? Let's send them back asap, along with the thousands others we have here. After all the poor souls deserve a much needed holiday after the dangers they went through to reach our islands - where, according to them, seems they are not being treated well at all...

Kaydee Zammit

Feb 19th 2009, 17:18

@ Malcolm Farrugia
I would.

@ Adrian Borg
In physics there is a law that states that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. This applies to everything except perhaps these illegal immigrants living here. Because this was not the first riot to take place at Hal Far; theres have been others and no one seems to know what happened after the events. I should think that burned mattresses WILL be replaced, because the poor immigrants can't sleep on the floor, can they, even if the Maltese are losing their jobs and paying sky-high taxes. Malta should pull back from the Refugee Convention scheme, because although it may work in bigger countries, it most certainly will not in Malta. In Lampedusa, after setting fire to the detention center over there, the mayor of Lampedusa Dino de Rubeis has said: "This is the fault of the government... the immigrants are exasperated", like you wouldn't believe. Believe it or not, you will always find these people counter-arguing each argument put forward. More often than not playing the Christian card, like Mr. Borg here. Exasperating, true, but we will have to contend.

Guze Xerri

Feb 19th 2009, 17:11

Tunisia must be a lovely place this time of year.
Please send them on their way.
Now, I heard that Somalia is also a beautiful country...

Sandro Pace

Feb 19th 2009, 16:53

@John Borg
No country is in a situation like Malta. Italy and Spain are large and leave them to cross boarders upwards. And pending agreement with Libya, Italy will be taking actions similar to what AN suggested.

@Massimo Borg.
At this point this is no religious issue. No miracle can fit a quarter of Africa into Malta. This is an issue of social order, and to curb abuse of outdated obligations.

Michelle Dali

Feb 19th 2009, 16:49

AN are 100% right in what they are suggesting the government should do i.e. immediately suspend Malta's obligations under the UNHCR Refugees Convention and the Dublin II Treaty.

This should have been done a long time ago when the alarm bells began ringing at least three years ago. The government should have refused to take in anymore illegal immigrants then.

They chose to adopt a defeatist attitude saying that we are helpless. This has led to a serious crisis becoming a desperately dangerous situation for the law-abiding citizens of this country.

The stupidity of allowing thousands of (mostly) men illegally enter one's country in droves, totally unchallenged, knowing they are not refugees, knowing they cannot work legally, knowing they cannot move on to larger countries, is beyond belief! It doesn't take a genius to work out that this has always been a recipe for disaster.

Now we are witnessing the fruit of that lethal concoction! Well done to our politicians for inadvertently bringing about this situation with their inaction. The time for words is over - now it is time to take action - and fast. STOP THE INVASION!

D Vella

Feb 19th 2009, 16:46

So DEPORT THEM ! ! ! What on earth are we waiting for??

Luke Frendo

Feb 19th 2009, 16:46

Lets create a diplomatic crisis and pass the EU as a fool. Pack them up in a boat and lend them in France and than let them loose also fill a plane with them and lend them in Brussels

Malcolm Farrugia

Feb 19th 2009, 16:45

@ All,
If Azzjoni Nazzjonali would stage a protest, how many of you are willing to attend? Are we afraid to stand up and unite in this fight because AN is a political party? Even if we disagree with this party's ideals we should at least back them on this one, since the vast majority seems to be anti immigration!

Adrian Borg

Feb 19th 2009, 16:43

They burned mattresses and broke windows? Let them sleep on the cold hard floor.

If they can't even think with their head, let's make them realize at least that there are consequences to each and every action!

victor Vella

Feb 19th 2009, 16:38

For just over the amount of money they would pay an imigrant ie E5400 they could get them all a flight to Tunisia.Why wait for the papers? Send them back and let the Authorities there sort them out,I believe that these people have heard the news yesterday or else are in touch with thier counter parts in Lampedusa.
The new EU law should if the goverment has guts be enforced without favour or fear and I believe that the best man to do it is the PS for Lands.He has got them believe me.Let's start with the big boys and if they try to blackmail the government with redundancies if they do not get public contracts , for each one of the big contractors who fires his workers for not getting government contracts there will be 3 who would employ the trained workers.
I believe the time has come for the Members of parliament to start naming and shaming these big contractors in PARLIAMENT AND SUPPLYING PROOF OF ILLEGAL EMPLOYMENT.

o mallia

Feb 19th 2009, 16:32

I join with Joseph Mifsud, Who Does?

John Spiteri

Feb 19th 2009, 16:30

@Massimo Borg - stop playing the misinformed 'christian values' card. I am a christian and a well informed one. Since when is inviting trouble to your country christian? since when was it that to escape from your troubles at the earliest opportunity without staying there and correcting them the christian way? since when is doing charity at other people's expense christian? Since when has it become christian not to resist an invasion? since when has it become christian that you sit idly whilst we get colonised by Islam? imagine if your christian forefathers had to think that way? I can go on - perhaps there should be a debate on proper christian theology vis a vis illegal immigration. there are such things as natural rights. And let us not forget that christ warned the do-gooders not to attempt to build paradise on earth because it will end up being hell - as for the multiculturalists, just read the story of babel. so please don't give us anymore of this christian revisionism - it's not christianity that you preach.

T Pace

Feb 19th 2009, 16:28

Are the authorities going to give them mattresses so that they can sleep on them tonight and burn them tomorrow?

Kaydee Zammit

Feb 19th 2009, 16:25

@ Massimo Borg. Sorry for the mistake.

g.c.Forte

Feb 19th 2009, 16:19

@ P.N. Lovers..............Stop swallow half the truth about the Guantanamo Bay issue. The fact is that there were two motions. A. the E.U. accept and agreed with the U.S. President to close down this prison. B. That if possible countries from E.U accept part of these prisoners. Now when they come to vote there was a disagreement between the E.U. members on the second motion, but because there was a total agreement on the first motion, everything is at ease. But do not forget, that we are like married couple now with the E.U.and if they accept ,we have to accept,even if the P.L. members voted against. Do not forget also that your government gave to the U.S.A. a big area at ta Qali, which is going to be developed to be the largest embassy in all Europe, and I strongly believe, that the reason that the crafts village project stopped, is because all ta Qali is going to be a United State Village. including all the sports facilities. We wait and see. Personally I have nothing against if this happened.

Kaydee Zammit

Feb 19th 2009, 16:17

@ Massimo Mifsud
I sincerely hope that your statement was a joke. Either you never venture out of your home, are being ironic, or have an odd sense of humor. This is not a question of racism, which by the by, is not equivalent to worshiping satan. This is a question of protecting our country and ourselves. Yes, I believe in God, but that does NOT mean I will welcome trouble makers into my country with open arms and give them the red carpet treatment. Tunisia is not even in trouble, meaning these people have even less right being here! I really do hope you were joking.

Joseph Mifsud

Feb 19th 2009, 16:16

Nixtieq inwiegeb lill P. Zammit u lill kull min qieghed jikteb ghax jahsbu li ghax tlabt lill-prim ministru taghna L-Onor. Lawrence Gonzi biex jirrizenja li jien laburist, sejjer zball kbir. Jien nirringrazzjak lill Mulej li jien dejjem haddant il-principji nazzjonalistata u ghalekk tlabt ghar-rizenja tal-kap taghna ghax bhala nazjonalist pajjizi jigi l-ewwel. Jien la naqbel mal-immigranti llgali la naqbel li jkollna lit-terroristi li hemm fi Guantanamo Bay, jien irrid li n-nazzjon Mlati jibqa taghna l-Maltin, hekk kif hallewulna missierijitna. Jekk il-prim minstru ma jhosshux komdu mal-kuxjenza, nirringrazzjah talli dahhalna fiz-zona Ewro, ghamel xoghol tajjeb imma issa WARRAB. Hemm bzonn Kap u prim ministru li lest li jaffronta din il-problema. X'jiswa li l-pajjiz ghamel passi ta' ggant il-quddiem biex imbghad ma inkunux jew ma jkollniex ir-rieda li insolvu din il problema kbira li qieghda tohnoqna.
Nazzjonalist ghal dejjem imma b'riserva rigward kif qieghda tigi rizolta l-problema tal-immigranti llegali.

K. Vella

Feb 19th 2009, 16:12

"Malta ħanina, ħobża u sardina!" no more? :)

J Attard

Feb 19th 2009, 16:11

First I would make them do forced works to repay expenses done to rempatriate them

E. Azzopardi

Feb 19th 2009, 16:06

Hurry, give them their blessed boat back. What are we waiting for ? They are asking for it!!!

mario mifsud

Feb 19th 2009, 16:04

xandu x'jaqsam dan kollu ma gauntamano ?
id-decizjoni ahharija jekk jigux dawn il-prigunieri tibqa xorta f'idejn il-gvern.
bhal ma kienet d-decizjoni li ha dan il-gvern biex jilghaq dak kollu li jghidulu ta EU
issa qed nghidu li mhix problema allarmanti u noqghodu nomodu l-helu u nghorku idejna

R. Azzopardi

Feb 19th 2009, 15:59

I may be talking out aloud here but can the government declare the immigration problem to be a state of national emergency?

a.mifsud

Feb 19th 2009, 15:58

Since the only thing that's holding up their repatration is their papers then we should take them to the Tunisian coast and leave them there.I bet their papers will be found in a matter of minutes.

o mallia

Feb 19th 2009, 15:57

To continue with Malcom Azzopardi, ANR please organise another protest and e-mail all EU members media ASAP

R. Orland

Feb 19th 2009, 15:56

People comming to our islands illegally and they still want to do as they please...

Something which I would like to point out is about those two hundred and so which arrived lately...almost an other dozen of illegal immigrants, who are already based here in Malta, went to welcome them upon arrival...how did they know about them? interesting!

Saying this, notwithstanding the fact the 'stealing of jobs'. Receantly I went to Arcadia Gozo, where I've got really frustrated to see all those illegall immigrants working when I've got friends who have just lost their jobs, and others who are working with a 4 day week job, pending to loose their job too.

J.Scicluna

Feb 19th 2009, 15:56

What are we waiting for then? Send them back...send them ALL back. Let's hope there are more who want to go back!

emmanuel zammit

Feb 19th 2009, 15:55

i hope now we will not give them 5000 euros too as we done with others.??
we are paying allot of tax..lossing ours jobs..........and we pay this people to go back!!!are we donkeys??? jew!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

c.camilleri

Feb 19th 2009, 15:55

@ Vincent Galea. Imagine the situation if in addition to these we have the inmates of Guantanamo here too as our socialists so fervently voted for in the European parliament.

Marion Pace

Feb 19th 2009, 15:51

@CSapiano
Please dont compare the prisoners of Guantanamo to the influx of Illegal immigrants. If the Americans do send some prisioners I am sure they account of only a very small number (possibly a mere one or two) and the real terrorists will be handled by the Americans. In the case of illegals they are comming by hundreds weekly and the situatution is and will be getting more out of our control and will have disastorous consequences.

John Borg

Feb 19th 2009, 15:49

Wow! How come no European country has adopted any of the brilliant ideas being suggested on this forum? Oh, wait...maybe because they're not brilliant ideas after all - just the usual drivel.

Gaetano Schembri

Feb 19th 2009, 15:48

If an illegal immigrant cost the country 50 euros a day, he has to pay back in daily work for the country. No cell phones allowed. Probably we start seeing less illegal immigrants coming in our counrty.

V. Formosa

Feb 19th 2009, 15:36

Well, we do have a problem and only sober minds can deal with it (I'm not sure about solving it outright!). But going through the comments below why do I get this nagging feeling that the few elves of AN are actively instigating them to use them for their own political gain?

Massimo Borg

Feb 19th 2009, 15:36

A good thing for all to remember, you cannot be a Christian and a racist at the same time. this is the day for you all to decide, are you with God or with Satan? you can't be with both. The meaning of Christ is Charity and Love. Remember, the day will come when we'll have to face of our maker. And our maker and their maker is the same God.

Kaydee Zammit

Feb 19th 2009, 15:29

@ P. Zammit
That Guantanamo Bay problem is a serious one, as well, seeing as Kordin is situated amongst houses and all, and riots still take place in the Guantanamo Bay prison with all the training the guards have. I sincerely do not know what they were thinking to accept these terrorists to live amongst us. One can only conclude that the vote was just to please other countries.
However, the illegal immigration problem is still an immediate problem which needs to be solved, possibly without further delay. But the closest date for the debate will be on the 16th of March, and the debate will be without a vote so I doubt anything'll be done. On both issues. Sometimes I wish I didn't get to know these things, because it drives me mad that a couple of people can have Malta's fate in their hands, and throw it all away.

C.Sapiano

Feb 19th 2009, 15:23

If there are socialists speaking against Dr.Gonzi they should be ashamed. Socialists are in favour of illegal immigrants everywhere in Europe. Look at the way the PL votes even in Europe (Guantanamo etc...)

m.muscat

Feb 19th 2009, 15:23

All MP,s and MEP,s please take immediate note that people have lost faith in you. You have lost your credibility - nobody believes you any more and you will have your answer in the coming elections. It is no longer the concern of a couple of hundred people but the wrath and anger of a nation. You have continuosly failed to see the obvious and preferred to procrastinate hoping for a miracle from some European charlatan. Now you have the proof, if it was ever needed, that the Maltese will stop being politically gullible and turn to be patriotic. Doing nothing in such circumstances, when it was evident from the very first boatload of these immigrants that there was no solution to this tragedy, was a grave political and national suicide and now one must face the music. Playing a HIDE AND SEEK game could turn out to be a very dangerous move which could spell disaster.

AN was telling us all along and is now being proved right. However, because of our political indoctrination we chose to ignore the obvious and chose to trust our demigods. Perhaps it is time to see the light and pray to God. Amen

louise vella

Feb 19th 2009, 15:11

URGENTLY WANTED: For immediate delivery - 100 brand new orthopaedic mattresses for Hal Far and Safi Detention centres.
The Jesuits' Mount St Joseph will otherwise be used for housing the illegal immigrants who have no mattresses to sleep on as they accidentally caught fire this morning.

P.Zammit

Feb 19th 2009, 15:11

U mhux talli dawn in-nies biss, issa biex tghaxxaq, Il-Partit Laburista ivvota biex jgibilna skoss terroristi minn Guantanamo li tinsab f'Cuba, pero territorju Amerikan, ghall-Malta, biex jghixu ma saqqajna fil-habs ta' Kordin. Mhux tad-dahq din. Qed nghidu lill Prim biex jirrezenja fuq l-Afrikani li as such m'ghandux kontroll fuqhom, ghax jigu wahedhom. Umbad minn naha l-ohra, dawn l-erba' Laburisti li qed jiktbu hawn ma jghidux lill Call me Jospeh, jirrezenja talli kellu kontrol u xorta ivvota, via l-MEPs Laburisiti biex jgibilna l-marmalja terroristi ta Guantanamo.
Isthu jekk tafu sinjuri Laburisiti. Ghax qed tkunu llogici.

Carmel Camilleri

Feb 19th 2009, 15:08

Can anyone at least bother to read the details of the article?

The Tunisians cannot be deported to their homeland without the required paperwork, and that paperwork has to come from the Tunisian authorities.

This is similar to the process that led to the deportation of those Egyptians earlier this week. I am sure that the authorities are eager to send these illegal immigrants back as much as we do.

J.Duca

Feb 19th 2009, 14:58

What are we waiting for? Put them back on their boat, some water and a couple of oars and let them row happy back to Africa. They don`t want to stay here, and we don`t want them either, so everyone `s desire will be fulfilled.

R Chetcuti

Feb 19th 2009, 14:53

This is great news!!!! ...Give them a boat (they can probably even chose the one they originally came on) and get them out of this place !!!!

We can also tow them to Tunisia if they want!

What is the government waiting for to let them go back???!!!

Alex Sciberras

Feb 19th 2009, 14:52

If they claim to be Tunisians, then the Tunisian Consulate is responsible for them. So one would willingly suggest to send the Bill to the Tunisian Consulate for all the damage incurred, which may I remind you that this has been forked up by US MALTESE, and in return, the culprits would have to work hard in their own country to pay back for their misbehaviour.
If they were not afraid to show their faces then now they must stand up for the consequences.
VIVA MALTA TAGHNA.

Matthew Galea

Feb 19th 2009, 14:43

If Chuck Norris was there, he would kick them out of the window and fly them back automatically to Tunisia. If they protest to leave, why don't we protest to let them leave!!. I do not believe that Tunisia is in some governmental conflict to keep them here!!

Clinton Farrugia

Feb 19th 2009, 14:43

It is about time that a BIG protest is organized to protect OUR country. All things which are legal can be done to protect this tiny island. Malta belongs to us, let us protect it. Wake up!

PS - Please stop politicizing every news article! Let us unite to save our children!

RW

D. Bartolo

Feb 19th 2009, 14:35

You can rest assured that all of us in this blog are treated as anti goverment critics and inciting an anti goverment movement.

I would like to see all those who think that, what they have to say in a few years time when all has been to late to rectify, to late to control and too late to say we are proud of a country we had strived so hard to get where it is today.

Are we to believe or is the government to emmersed in something else not to realise that this situation has been an urgent subject of discussion for quite some time.

The goverments claims this crises does not warrant urgent attention, the public thinks otherwise and now the PL somehow or another has woken up or being opportune at the right moment.
Whatever it is they are absolutely CORRECT ( very loud and clear) Yes Sir very much CORRECT.

It is time for the latest version of " RAJT MALTA TINBIDEL"

Michael Galea

Feb 19th 2009, 14:22

they were heard singing patriotic songs ????????????????????
and yet they tried to escape their mother land.........
MALTESE CITIZEN I BEG YOU----Don't waste your vote on MLP/ PN/ AD candidates in the MEP elections...
PN is afraid of their EU Masters
MLP just wants to take advantage of the PN's inability to handel the situation
AD don't even know what they believe in

Cittadin choose wisely in your vote...It is the only chance we cittadini have to do something against this coming and already present disaster.
These people do not deserve your pity..they are all ECONOMIC immigrants..they just want to jibbamjaw kemm jifilhu minn fuq darna...
MALTA SHOULD RENOUNCE ALL IMMIGRATION PACTS...IT HAS EVERY RIGHT TO DO SO...

Kaydee Zammit

Feb 19th 2009, 14:11

@ Marcel Dingli
You may be right, but we're not talking cart and horses here. Throughout history, the Maltese have managed to keep control over our country, why let it go to the dogs now?

Sandro Pace

Feb 19th 2009, 14:01

@M Callus

You are wrong. The Italians turned it back because that boat touched Maltese territorial waters, which are just a few miles offshore. At high seas, Malta can repair, resupply and refuel with no problems. But at this stage, every action is legitimate by Malta.

The problem is no longer a legal one. Of course, the present politicians, being all legalistic will tell us that Malta's hands are tied down. But pending that there is reluctance to change such laws, the issue for Malta is a political one. Do not believe that nothing can be done short of waiting for burden sharing.

By suspending UNHCR obligations, in principle, all landings should be returned to Libya. By suspending the Dublin II, immigrants will not be fingerprinted and hence can leave to their final destination, leaving no trace that they came from here. All actions now legitimate.

For those who asked, the law forbid referenda about international treaties, so unfortunately AN cannot take that action.

As Mr. John Spiteri said, this is a political issue. Street presence is a prelude to the ballot. The only language politicians understand.

What can be done, depends on us only. Flimkien kollox possibli.

a. sciberras

Feb 19th 2009, 13:52

when are we going to do something? it is all coming out of our taxes!

H Gatt

Feb 19th 2009, 13:51

Tunisians?! I can understand someone running away from some war-torn African country. But Tunisians?! They should be deported back to Tunisia IMMEDIATELY!

Joe Gatt

Feb 19th 2009, 13:50

The situation is getting out of control. Not only is the invasion of illegals accelerating rapidly, but we now have riots/demonstrations by these people several times a week. How long before one or more of our policemen or soldiers is killed?

If the so-called Maltese government doesn't take immediate drastic action to stop the inflow and get rid of the thousands of illegals already here, it should resign.

Tony Scott

Feb 19th 2009, 13:49

Yesterday I read about that Gonzi said he is not alarmed? What are you waiting for? That some Maltese get hurt? Or is there some big fish who is making a lot of money? Perhaps it is more urgent to pass a law to send Maltese in jail for disapproving these illegals? Angry yes I am. And for a reason. What are you waiting for? I hope that who is all behind this should be put in jail for treason. Yes I am ready to protest even though I am in a wheelchair for the past year and so. Also I am ready to post this in my site with around 30,000 members...Hope that I no one will start shouting that I am damaging the image of Malta.....

Jimmy Attard

Feb 19th 2009, 13:49

The Goverment must act fast. What AN are proposing is just right to save our beloved small country.

Otherwise 2009 will be remmebered for as the worst year for arrivals of illegal immigrants. We as Maltese are going to end up as immigrants in our own country!!!!

These Tunisians should go and make these scenes in their own country if they are so patriotic!!!

louise vella

Feb 19th 2009, 13:37

SOS Carm Mifsud Bonnici. RESIGN NOW.

Joanne Micallef

Feb 19th 2009, 13:34

And how much will the damage caused by this disturbance cost us this time?

If another protest is organised I will surely attend like I did the previous 3, unfortunately only the first was a success, and that is why we find ourselves in this situation because many preferred to shy away from the event rather than stand up to be counted for this Nations sake.

Adrian Gambin

Feb 19th 2009, 13:33

If they want to leave what are we waiting for to let them leave...

Marcel Dingli

Feb 19th 2009, 13:32

@ Kaydee Zammit
I prove you wrong. Put a cart before the horse and flog the horse till he`s dead. Both the cart and the horse dont get anywhere.

Peter Aquilina

Feb 19th 2009, 13:29

The trip/ voyage from the south is always so very organised.......organized by the blessing of one particular state ( in the south) which is situated a few hundreds of kilometres away !!!
So cheeky that they are even encouraging pregnant women to cross over !
And, here......we.....we are so stupidly gullible and naive to this organized network !
We are being silently invaded without ourselves realizing that one day we will put our head out of the sand and find out that we have been cunningly undermined.....our culture......our belief !
From the start of these " invasions" there should have been measures taken to maintain a 24-hour a day coast guard patrol to keep them away.

joseph Mifsud

Feb 19th 2009, 13:23

Issa ilu xi ftitt kien tkellem il-prim ministru Lawrence Gonzi fejn kien qal li ma jmurx jorqod mistrieh fuq l-imhadda jekk ma jaghtiex l-ghajnuna lill-immgranti illegali. "Stand to be corrected". Jista jekk jghogbu il-prim ministru jwarrab min hemm ghax zgur li l-poplu Malti ma jaqsamx l-istess hsiebitjiet tieghu. Jekk inti thoss il kuxjenza tniggzek ghax ma tghinhomx, triq wahda fadallek, warrab min hemm. L-interess nazzjonali jitlob mod iehor. L-ewwel l-interess tiehgek bhala prim ministru ghadnu jkun lejn il-Maltin li eleggewk. Qum mir-raqda, hu hsieb il-poplu Malti, uliedna ghad jistmerruk jekk ser tibqa indifferenti ghal din il-problema. Ara l-prim ministru tal-Awstralja x'qal. L-onor. Kevin Ruud ma qalx ghax l-Awstralja art kbira u tiflah in-nies allura ejjew niehdu l-emigranti llegali. Qallhom car u tond li min mar hemm irrid jobdi l-ligijiet u l-kultura Awstraljana u minn ma jogghbux idabbar rasu ghax hadd ma bghat ghalihom.
Mela noqghodu nifirhu ghax baghtna disa lejn pajjizhom b'hafna pompa fuq l-ahbarijiet u jumejn wara jidhlu 227 ohra.
Nitlob mahfra jekk ma ghogobtx lil xi hadd imma jien mhux razzizt imma Malti mugugh u imbezza ghal gejjieni ta' uliedi.

John Spiteri

Feb 19th 2009, 13:21

@P Debono

the best form of protest is your vote - if you really want to send a message there's nothing a politician understands more clearly than his vote.

@J Attard - UNHCR geneva convention

Article 44. Denunciation

1. Any Contracting State may denounce this Convention at any time by a notification addressed to the Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Dublin II convention - unilateral refusal to meet the obligations therein until the other EU states meet theirs by exercising the fundamental principle of the EU - the much vaunted 'solidarity'. - what's the EU going to do? expel us?

note that libya is obliged by neither and see how tough they act with her!

Alex Debono

Feb 19th 2009, 13:20

What a waste of time for police and army to control these illegal immigrants. We should send them back immediately. Donot realise minister Bonnici that we are wasting our most important resources, which are the people

Well done AN... We need more people like you that really love Malta.

M Callus

Feb 19th 2009, 13:20

@Joseph Attard

The proposal by AN cannot be done as Malta some years back refuelled a boat to continue with its journey but was turned back by Italian Authorities.

Joseph Piccinino

Feb 19th 2009, 13:17

It might be more than a coincidence that the same thing happened at lampedusa Yesterday, also by a group of Tunesians. Could it be that the two groups are communicating through their mobile phones?

M. Catania

Feb 19th 2009, 13:16

@Raymond Sammut

In 4 years time!!!!!

J.Schembri

Feb 19th 2009, 13:16

AND IT IS STILL WINTER.....................WHEN SUMMER ARRIVES THEY WILL BE QUEQUEING IN THE SEA............SUCH A SHAME!!!!!!!!!!

R Sammut

Feb 19th 2009, 13:15

They did the same thing in Lampedusa this morning!!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7898773.stm

The Government should do something URGENTLY to address this worrying situation!

Joseph Cini

Feb 19th 2009, 13:15

The government of Malta must demand a Tunisian military aircraft NOW to process them out of our country..NOW! Then, in view of the fact that Tunisia is not a dangerous country, any further unauthorized border incursions by Tunisians must be severely punished. I suggest imprisonment until a hefty fine is paid and the recovery of any legal or other costs, including AFM and police operations and property damage.

Raymond Sammut

Feb 19th 2009, 13:15

These are only the Tunisians. Imagine when Dr Gonzi gets to the stage when he starts deporting the Somalis, both the ones who have already been entrenched for several years, now, and the ones that keep rolling in.

Gonzi is just not fit to govern. He and his predecessor together have committed a state crime against all Maltese citizens, both on Malta and around the world.

vincent a galea

Feb 19th 2009, 13:14

Will the authorities kindlly TAKE note that there has not been one single comment pro what is going on here on our Islands vis-a-vis these ILLEGAL PEOPLE! WHY? BECAUSE NOBODY CAN NEGATE THE OBVIOUS AND THE LOGICAL!!
We now demand action by the responsble persons to heed and sort things out once and for all!!!!!!!!!!!

Melvin Tonna

Feb 19th 2009, 13:13

If they want to be deported why don't you let them go? If they are protesting they shall be needing the boat they came with, just send them away! We're fed up of this nuisance!

GonziPN qum minn hemm!!!!!!!!!!

Dominic Chircop

Feb 19th 2009, 13:11

This problem does not appear to unduly bother the authorities.

It is only Maltese citizens who are preoccupied, as shown by the Eurostat survey.

The present batch of MP's are incapable of offering solutions.

The PN are too inept to tackle the problem.

The PL is more intent on making political capital out of it.

Then there are certain TV presenters and certain religious orders who are more preoccupied with how to ease the immigrants lot.

We need a new outlook in the curcumstances.

Can we afford to adhere to our obligations under the Refugees Convention ?

Lots of UNHCR officials come to Malta and scold us, rather than lift a finger and help Malta to tackle this problem !

Charles Micallef

Feb 19th 2009, 13:11

These Tunisians should convince all the other
illegal emigrants to join them and ask for their
deportation orders, preferably today before tomorrow...........

Let us get serious and take the necessary action to solve this
problem instead of keeping pussyfooting around this chronic
problem just to please other Countries

ALEXANDER GENUIS

Feb 19th 2009, 13:09

WHAT WE SAW TESTERDAY IT WAS EVIDENT,THIS IS AN ORGANISED SITUATION!!!THEY WENT TO GREET THEM,THEY KNEW ABOUT THEM!!!!!THEY CONTACT THEM TO COME HERE!!!!!OF COURSE THEY COME,EVERYTHING FOR FREE!!!!PROTEST???FOR WHAT???WE MUST DEPORT THEM BACK,YESTERDAY THEY LOOKED FRESH AND STRONG LIKE ARRIVING FROM GOZO!!!!!COME ON,WE ARE BECOMING THE LAUGHING STOCK OF THE E.U. MEMBERS!!!!WHERE ARE THE OTHER MEMBERS?????WHAT ABOUT THE PROMISES?????WHERE ARE OUR M.E.P'S?????FRONTEX????WHO???WHO IS RESPONSIBLE MUST ACT!!!!!!!WAKE UP!!!

E.Camilleri

Feb 19th 2009, 13:08

Re the "Viva Tunisia" banner held by protestors.

A very worrying question comes to mind :
Why do these otherwise healthy immigrants want to clandestinely enter Europe ????

M Aquilina

Feb 19th 2009, 13:07

Dear PM and Minister, they are giving you clear message, they want to go back home... lets organise a nice flight and send them back and make sure they don't come back... i'm sure a charter flight will cost malta and the maltese tax payers less... BUT PLEASE ACTION FAST BEFORE IT'S MUCH MORE TOO LATE

c amato

Feb 19th 2009, 13:05

MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY

The Gov't (meta jqum) will call a "State of Emergency" later this year... I bet!

Probably it will be too late!

D. Borg

Feb 19th 2009, 13:05

@ Denis Catania

Please keep us informed as we shall surely be there.

Raymond Sammut

Feb 19th 2009, 13:05

All you are seeing here is a storm in a tea-cup. Check out the report "Italy migrant revolt sparks blaze" running now on the BBC site. Note carefully the comments made by UNHCR.

This is all the making of Dr Gonzi and his mentor Dr Fenech-Adami over the past eight years. All they do is copy the Italian government. They think that what is good for the Italians is good for the Maltese.

Dr Gonzi is a bazwi PM. You have got to get him out of Castille.

F J Brincat

Feb 19th 2009, 13:04

The last time that our authorities took any action, the media and other bleeding hearts condemned them for “excessive force”. This is what happens when you become too politically correct and tied down diplomatically.

David Mifsud

Feb 19th 2009, 13:02

We wish that GonziPN has enough energy like they did have precisely a year ago for their electoral campaign! How come we are not able to defend our own country from these egoistic people. The people who fights in favour of them should take some at their own home and make them part of their family....if they really want the best to them! Poor are those people working directly with these ppl, such as nurses, doctors, policeman, soldiers, etc!! Authorities should draw a line and be capable of saying "NO MORE"!

C. Busuttil

Feb 19th 2009, 13:00

What have the MEP elections got to do, as if electing 5MEPs would make a difference.

IF AN wants to do something why not collect signatures to force a referendum to suspend Refugees Convention and the Dublin II Treaty

Brian Maloret

Feb 19th 2009, 12:57

Video: Disturbance at Hal Far centre - Tunisians want to be deported

Do it forthwith and a.s.a.p. Malta and the Maltese people don't deserve this criminal behaviour in their country.

P Debono

Feb 19th 2009, 12:57

@ John Spiteri

Is it too late for the AN to hold another protest then? Will the media give it the importance that it desrves?

Kaydee Zammit

Feb 19th 2009, 12:55

@ J.Pace
There already is a petition going round.
http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/save-malta-from-illegal-immigrants/sign.html

c amato

Feb 19th 2009, 12:55

Hope at least that whatever they burnt and broke, is NOT replaced or repaired now!

Kenneth Spiteri

Feb 19th 2009, 12:51

I argue the goverment to act quickly on this issue, and to give it the prioroty it deserve.

J.Pace

Feb 19th 2009, 12:50

Give them the 5000 euro each now ! When they go away !

Mario (Marinton) Gauci

Feb 19th 2009, 12:47

I urge all people that love our island to use your head in the upcoming MEP elections. Do not vote for PN/MLP/AD parties. They are useless and only have their self interest at heart.

Vote for AN like I will be doing. We must all treasure our childrens future and protect the little that we have left. Protest by voting AN and take part in any future demonstrations that will take place.

Ramon Zammit

Feb 19th 2009, 12:47

The situation has reached a point of a DISASTER! I cant think of what is going to happen in Malta during the coming summer!! Something needs to be done and fast

J.Pace

Feb 19th 2009, 12:44

I seems that many are angre with this !

Can someone do a website for use Maltese to sign a petition and forward a mail with the link !

Joseph Attard

Feb 19th 2009, 12:41

Instead of writing the usual rants, can any lawyer or anyone who understands this kind of obligations tell us if Azzjoni Nazzjonali 's proposal can be applied? I know that some short time ago the Italian government suspended acceptance at Lampedusa but not on the whole nation.

If AN are right they have my vote in any election!

Emmanuel Caruana

Feb 19th 2009, 12:40

Too much talk and no action. What I expect out of these people at least, they should (i) respect our country laws and stay in the detention center until they have the right to go out or everything is ready to send them back to their countries. (ii) they should also respect the soldiers and police on duty. It is unfair that these people have their lives on danger everytime there is a protest. (iii) all broken windows should be left as is, they should not be given anymore mattresses and sheets - they decided to burn them - it is their loss.

Kaydee Zammit

Feb 19th 2009, 12:37

It is never too late to do what's right. It's not as if the Maltese are not generous, but we have been slowly getting angrier with each arriving boatful and riot and and this is the icing on the cake. If the people in charge will not give us a voice, then we shall get one of our own one way or another. But we have to act - I will be the first to admit that I did not go to the protest which took place some ago because I didn't believe the problem to be that big. I know now that I was very, very wrong. What's wrong with us voicing what we believe in? Our forefathers have always saved Malta from foreigners all those years ago, yet now it will go down in history that we sat idly by when we were all being taken for an (expensive) ride and stood smiling about it all. If people in charge of the situation lack the backbone to do something about it, we will have to stage a protest. And we WILL be heard. We just have to believe in our cause enough.

J Schembri

Feb 19th 2009, 12:35

My husband is a detention officer at Hal Far and my daughter is a police officer also NOW at Hal Far.

Can anybody speak about the dangers my family - my direct family - is facing please?? Can someone defend these people? I shudder to think what might happen to my family.

I am worried and very much so.

John Spiteri

Feb 19th 2009, 12:33

Those calling for ANR to hold a protest - ANR is defunct. it's majority of members now militate in AN, including myself a founder member of ANR. The reason is that this colonisation (and other challenges we face) are no longer apolitical issues - They are very political issues and need to be addressed in the political field. on the one hand you have the left wing conglamorate of MLPNAD and their suicidal progressive myopia and on the other you have the old party that told you the truth from day 1. now it's time the public decides which side of the fence it wants to be on. If you are not going to become politically involved and leave everything in the hands of the old parties who got us into this state in the first place - than prepare to kiss your country goodbye. All they're interested now is in riding the EU gravy train.

Denis Catania

Feb 19th 2009, 12:32

The Facebook Group Save Malta From Illegal immigrants is working on a peacefull car cade followed by a dmonstration in May. Possibly sooner. We looking for a day it would not hurt or effect the Maltese workers. Join this group for further update as we fear the media will shun us. This group has no political affiliation. We are Maltese working free for Maltese. A date will be set soon.

nmuscat

Feb 19th 2009, 12:32

Everyone who watched the TVM news yesterday evening must have seen other migrants, who are already living in Malta, at the shore waiting for the new arrivals and relaying information over their mobile phones (which are either stolen or else provided by our government on the pretext that they have a right to phone their friends and family!). The writing, as they say, is on the wall - and on camera too! These are no people in need of humanitarian aid (and if they were then the government would be doing the right thing to help). But, they are coming here for purely economic reasons, especially since they know they will get 5000 euros if they voluntarily accept to be repatriated! Once they arrive, they cause disturbances because they are in detention, and if they manage to escape, they turn to crime in order to support themselves because they simply have no means with which to support themselves, unless they are illegally employed by Maltese employers. Something must be done and sooner rather than later before the situation spirals even more out of control and a tragedy takes place. This is one whole sick joke.

R. Cassar

Feb 19th 2009, 12:31

Why haven't these Tunisian illegal migrants been repatriated already after 3 weeks? Last week some of them escaped, now this week more have escaped and caused more riots.

The Maltese authorities do not know how to handle this situation. Let's see what happens when they start to harm innocent citizens after they escape. Will the government take action then? Will it be an urgent matter to discuss then? Better still will it be too late then?

J Farrugia

Feb 19th 2009, 12:30

IRRIZENJA MINISTRU MIFSUD BONNICI. IRREZENJA PRIM MINISTRU .. li ghalik l-immigrazzjoni lloegali mhux urgenti.

C.Busuttil

Feb 19th 2009, 12:28

It is clear that the Government is not capable to solve the problem once and for all. Prime Minister Gonzi is too soft with the EU, although I am no admirer of Dom Mintoff, he would have been the right man at this time and he would have forced the EU to come to our terms. The maltese want illegal immigrants out of these islands and our government shuts it mouth when offered some funds by Brussels. Come Dr. Gonzi stand up and be counted, are we not partners at all levels with the EU, just make it clear that we are not ready to take anymore no ifs or buts.

Antoine Grima

Feb 19th 2009, 12:27

Malta does not belong to us ant more.I expect that my family and i should come first and the government should make sure of this.

clifton gatt

Feb 19th 2009, 12:27

Time to wake up.Malta is our island but i must admit that one fine day we gonna loose our territory .Authorities please wake up and send them back home. asap.

Daniel Cardona

Feb 19th 2009, 12:21

its time for another protest and this time EVERYONE should help out. by sending e-mails using all types of communication necassary (facebook etc etc)

d. borg

Feb 19th 2009, 12:19

I fully agree with what the Azzjoni Nazzjonali said. We must protect our country and people against these illegal immigrants. We do not want them here and nobody is going to make us change our minds. It is time to act. If Gonzi's christian values make him feel more charitable towards these immigrants than his fellow countrymen, then he should resign because Malta is not a voluntary organization.

Marcel Dingli

Feb 19th 2009, 12:17

@ Malcolm Azzopardi
Too late my dear friend. The people should have protested then not now. The MEP elections are the final, repeat final, chance.

Glenn Borg

Feb 19th 2009, 12:17

Yes I agree, we should organise a protest before its too late.

First things first, we could create a new forum where we could discuss this in detail.

Adrian Gambin

Feb 19th 2009, 12:13

Its ALARMING that the government is not stating anything about of any of these disturbances occuring in these weeks...the worst is that the government is simply ignoring this fact.

T Mifsud

Feb 19th 2009, 12:11

We should unilaterally put our foot down with the EU and demand an immigrant high security prison paid for by the EU and located somewhere away from Maltese habition. A hard stance needs to be taken against the perpetrators and arrigned in court. If necessary all of them.

G Camilleri

Feb 19th 2009, 12:11

This island has had enough! The EU has taken us for a ride. Now other illegal immigrants wait for their cousins, brothers, sisters and members of their family to arrive in Malta. These immigrants are making a fool of us, including PN and PL. What next? This is indeed a disgrace. WAKE UP GONZI AND CO. What are our five MEP's doing? What about FRONTEX? It is all a farce and we are getting the brunt. For how long is this going to last?

John Borg

Feb 19th 2009, 12:10

@C Sapiano
"We understand that these people are suffering..." it did not really transpire from their faces when yesterday some of the immigrants went to welcome the others in Birzebbugia. This continuous efflux of immigrants seems to be at the base of a plot to overturn their current condition within the detention centres. It is already difficult with the present number of police and armed forces to control these centres, an increase of illegal immigrants will make it impossible and they could easily riot and escape. And the worst thing, Gonzi is not alarmed and wants to discuss this issue in several months time. What an irresponsible attitude. We need to vividly protest. People UNIT and PROTEST as was the case against the tariffs. The immigrants protests are becoming more frequent. LET'S SHOW THEM THAT WE TOO KNOW HOW TO PROTEST!!!!!

P Debono

Feb 19th 2009, 12:10

I second Malcolm Azzopardi's appeal for ANR to stage another protest like the one in 2005.

ANR is perfectly placed to stage a protest because it has no political affiliations, and the message it sent through the various media in 2005 worked wonders, so why can't it work again?

Please ANR, do it for Malta!

Noel Buhagiar

Feb 19th 2009, 12:09

when are going to protest against all these immigrants maybe to goverment would take action, when it will be to late?
Malta wake up.

Glenn Borg

Feb 19th 2009, 12:06

I think our soldiers should be harsh on these people. They have food, drink and where to sleep, shall we polish their shoes too?

Send them back, we can't afford, we're not the USA.

Charles Sammut

Feb 19th 2009, 12:06

But Gonzi is not worried about Malta and the Maltese, he is worried about our "values". What shall we do? Eat our values?

Gonzi clearly cannot stand the heat, he should get out of the kitchen.

edward bartolo

Feb 19th 2009, 12:03

What about a national petition? I find no problem giving my details and, I am sure, many agree with me.

Louis Galea

Feb 19th 2009, 12:01

E N O U G H! Time to act, Time to DO something about it right away. The people's patience is being stretched out of proportion. Charity begins at HOME. These people are even taking priority visits at our hospitals which has cost the Maltese taxpayers hundreds of millions to build and to run. As has been commented before, these guys are even ungrateful towards the Maltese Nation. Besides rescuing, feeding, shelter, medical care etc they even want their rights - which rights they do not even have a clue about from where they come from!

Kenneth Galea

Feb 19th 2009, 12:01

Dr Gonzi said last night in parliament that he is not alarmed by the situation posed by the illegal immigration issue. He is two faced and he betrayed the Maltese people.
Joseph Muscat wanted to debate the illegal immigration issue in Parliament last night as a matter of urgency.
It was the biggest tragedy when the GonziPN government was elected again in March last year. Dr Gonzi is not on our side regarding this national crisis. He made it simple and clear last night that is the attitude of the Maltese people needs to change. Our government is going mad!!!! We are totally finished now.

malcolm azzopardi

Feb 19th 2009, 12:01

I appeal to ANR to organise another protest!!!!!

m.muscat

Feb 19th 2009, 11:58

How is it possible that with all this going on our big heads remain passive? What arrogance. As if they are turning a blind eye to the overall call and pleas of the people and as if they are not reading these comments. I am sure that true and faithful Maltese will show these people what we mean comes election time. Every vote cast for these people will be like adding another nail to the coffin. It would be like signing your death warrant to satisfy their egos. If they do not care for us the answer is DO NOT CARE FOR THEM, after all they are not worth it. Let them go to Europe for their solutions where they will be given a rope to hang themselves. They have let the country down and sold it for a few millions of Euros. But you all know what happened to JUDA. Yes, almost all is lost but "mill mitluf tiehu li tista" so give them a taste of their own medicine.

L..Galea

Feb 19th 2009, 11:57

C.Sapiano
We no longer care a hoot for them.
They must be expelled never to return.

David Bonello

Feb 19th 2009, 11:57

Yet the Prime Minister still says that there is no urgency regarding the issue of illegal migrants landing on our shores! Imma viva s serhan tal mohh!

Brian Maloret

Feb 19th 2009, 11:56

And whilst the police are engaged in dealing with disturbances at the detention centres they are not available to do the job that they are employed to do; policing of the community.

Gerard Cassar

Feb 19th 2009, 11:55

Just yesterday TV showed fires at Panteleria set by illegal immigrants. It is contagious.
If I am not mistaken there is some sort of agreement that prisoners are sent to their country of origine to be kept in prison according to the sentence.Could not this apply to illegal immigrants since they are breaking Maltese law.

Tony Caruana

Feb 19th 2009, 11:55

And what about the Police ? What action do they take against these people.

The police are quick to arraign any MALTESE and they take them to court even over a trival thing.

Is this not discrimination !!!

Alfred Mallia

Feb 19th 2009, 11:55

.........and the do gooders wonder why the public dislike the ILLEGAL immigrants so much. They are given too much power!!!
Give them a plane ticket and tell them to obey the rules or leave.
We DO NOT WANT THEM. They are here because of their own actions, they are ILLEGAL and have no right to disobey our laws. The law is too lenient on them, they should be told to shape up or ship out and STOP abusing the Maltese authorities generosity.

Chris Poulton

Feb 19th 2009, 11:54

We should not accept this any more. Give them their right - the right to leave. They are not welcome here. We rescue them (costing the Government millions of Euro every year and risking the lives of the AFM personnel), we feed them, we clothe them, we nurse them, we educate them, and this is how they repay us! Not acceptable. Why do we punish somebody who is helping them leave Malta. Award them with a medal of honour instead!

mario mifsud

Feb 19th 2009, 11:54

fejn hu dak li tana l-ewropa?
halli tipprotegina u tghina?

Charles Busuttil

Feb 19th 2009, 11:53

I suggest that what they burn and destroy should not be replaced. That ought to teach them to behave when they are offered hospitality in a civilized country.

Chris Borg

Feb 19th 2009, 11:53

@ M Borg:

LOOOL at "chucked out the british".

Kaydee Zammit

Feb 19th 2009, 11:53

Why am I not surprised? I wonder.

mario mifsud

Feb 19th 2009, 11:52

viva il-liberta
viva d-demokrazija
mhux ghal maltin imma

Joseph Borg

Feb 19th 2009, 11:52

When we are going to wake up, when one of our soldiers or policemen will lose his life. We need to act now. Wake up!

Christian Abdilla

Feb 19th 2009, 11:50

In the next 2 weeks, a 'sob' story will be run in newspapers about how some of these illegal immigrants do not even have a mattress to sleep on. Most of them will claim that they only want a better life in peace while in the background the mattresses which most probably are being burnt today will still be smoldering.

C.Sapiano

Feb 19th 2009, 11:50

A big effort must be made to solve this problem. We understand that these people are suffering but we must also look at our interests. We must stop taking lessons from left-wing organizations (who in Europe are in cahoots with the PL and AD). The centre and the centre-right must act without heeding the green-socialist alliance.

J.Pace

Feb 19th 2009, 11:50

Are we going to continue like this till it will be toooo late ?
Till they will have an army of immigrants and start making panic in streets !

I heard that in Lampedusa they made a disaster check this site .

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7898773.stm

WE ARE NEXT !!

joseph zammit

Feb 19th 2009, 11:50

u l-poplu malti jhallas it taxxi..
KEMM AHNA IMBECILLI ! ! ! ! !

Cardona Charles

Feb 19th 2009, 11:48

That is very nice .We work pay taxes ,pay social insurance ,we pay what ever we have to pay as good citiziens ,we feed them and all the do is burn burn durn.. That is very nice of them and a very nice way to say thank you.Send them back home now before something worse happens.

M Borg

Feb 19th 2009, 11:44

Ara kif spiccajna!
Malta used to be one of the safest places on planet earth, and now these ILLEGALs are making riots every week with costly damages.
When are we maltese going to start waking up against the invasion? Our ancestors fought the turks, french, chucked out the british, gained our freedom and this generation only seem to be cabable of moaning without taking action!

malcolm azzopardi

Feb 19th 2009, 11:38

how cheeky they are!!!! the government is providing them with shelter from our taxes then they burn it !!!

we are going to end up like Lampedusa!!! yesterday they burned down their whole opencentre!!!

duncan Tanti

Feb 19th 2009, 11:34

its becoming a daily thing.when will the authorities do something??

malcolm azzopardi

Feb 19th 2009, 11:31

we cannot continue going on like this!! lets protest