Media coverage of illegal immigration

I would like to thank Ryan Dalli for sharing his story about the immigrants who offered their seat to an elderly gentleman while riding on a bus packed with Maltese youngsters (March 6).

The media too often feasts on any wayward incidents regarding immigrants, however, human interest reports about these people are few and far between and, I believe, would go a long way in stamping out the growth of racism in Malta.

As it is, sensational press only fuels the cancerous spread of xenophobia. One fine example is the glaring announcement that immigrants account for 50 per cent of HIV cases in Malta.

As unattractive as that may be, I think it is far more worrying that the other 50 per cent are Maltese nationals who are much more likely to spread the disease.

Like Mr Dalli, I am no fan of illegal immigration but it is a sad reality and we sometimes need to stop and remind ourselves that every individual immigrant has a story to be told.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank our MEP, Simon Busuttil, and his team for the sterling work they are doing in Brussels in order to alleviate our island from this unfortunate reality.

It is an uphill struggle but I am convinced that his perseverance and determination will come to fruition to the benefit of these unfortunate individuals - as well as to our islands.

Again... thank you for your contribution.