The forgotten perspective

Much has been said about the issue of illegal immigration in Malta. But little or nothing has been said regarding the fundamental issue of national security, which, ironically, should be considered top priority by the government. But first, let's take a look at the numbers.

At Ħal Far (Lyster Barracks) detention centre, there are about 1,000 illegal immigrants. Another 1,200 or so illegal immigrants can be found at Safi Barracks detention centre. The open centre in Ħal Far accommodates about 1,000 illegal immigrants and a similar number can be found at the Marsa open centre.

It is extremely alarming to note that at the Lyster and Safi barracks we detain over 2,000 illegal immigrants. Why alarming? In this respect, it is essential to point out that it is within these barracks that we can find the largest armouries on the land, a stone's-throw away from where the immigrants reside. It must be emphasised that the number of migrants already exceeds considerably all the available manpower of the Armed Forces of Malta, which total 1,700 men.

We also note that, at both barracks, the number of available military personnel, as a rule, approximates 250. Though this is worrying in itself, what is far more preoccupying is the fact that, after working hours, the security situation degenerates further. Here, the total number of soldiers at these detention centres, including other services personnel, never exceeds 50. So, for half the day, 4,200 illegal immigrants are being supervised by fewer than 50 people, which is incredible.

Periodical searches in the detention centres have regularly revealed the presence of improvised weapons. Furthermore, contrary to what is permissible in other correctional facilities, most of the immigrants in these centres possess mobile phone and satellite communicators, which, in itself, imposes a security risk. This, undoubtedly, makes it far easier for inmates of both detention centres to communicate between themselves and coordinate strategy, which, we shall see later, they often do.

It is to be noted that the AFM rapid response team, known as the C Special Duties Company, is normally stationed at Lyster Barracks, at Ħal Far. This special unit can be mobilised to meet a particular crisis within five minutes but, unfortunately, only during working hours. It will take this same team at least 45 minutes to arrive on site during the rest of the day. Here again, we see that the government realistically lacks a contingency plan should serious trouble break out after hours.

Contrary to general perception, the immigrants are only too aware of all our weaknesses. In fact, it has become a common tendency for them to take advantage. More often than not, once a disturbance is caused at Safi Barracks, and the response team duly arrives there, a simultaneous coordinated disturbance is organised at the Lyster Barracks, in Ħal Far. Here, the army is always caught on the wrong foot. Thankfully, to date, these disturbances have been on a moderate scale, but no doubt should remain that there will come a time when these will escalate. The worst-case scenario would be if the immigrants, in a particular riot, would succeed in taking hold of the armoury and the ammunition, which, as already said, are within the precincts of the same barracks. Matters could aggravate if members of the armed forces would be taken hostage and others held within the open centres are called in to assist those detained in the barracks. This could lead to a national calamity.

The decision to hold illegal immigrants within our military barracks is a situation unique only to Malta. It is absolutely contrary to strategic planning and it is dangerous in itself. No doubt, these immigrants find themselves in a desperate situation and would therefore not hesitate to take drastic action should they feel the need. The problem gets worse as ever more immigrants keep on pouring into these centres.

Without sounding too alarmist, comparisons should be made with what is happening at Lampedusa. Even here, however, it must be said that the situation could prove to be unimaginably worse because Lampedusa, after all, forms part of the Italian state, which, compared to us, has unlimited resources. Here, just a few weeks ago, an entire compound was set ablaze and it is difficult to comprehend how we would be able to handle such a situation considering, once again, that our detention centres form part and parcel of our military compounds, housing both arms and ammunition, military equipment and vehicles, fuel stores and heavy construction vehicles. It is an open secret, after all, that after the Lampedusa crisis, the occupants at Lyster Barracks themselves attempted to set the detention centre on fire.

The point is that illegal immigrants should never have been accommodated in the vicinity of military installations, communication centres, core energy supplies centres, police installations, civil transportation hubs and core administration buildings. These are the fundamental principles of security and administration that all governments, the world over, adhere to.

Should we remain passive in front of this situation? Should we fear criticism, internal or otherwise? Certainly not. Questions of national security should surely prevail over anything else.

Dr Herrera is the shadow minister for justice.

joseherreramp@yahoo.com