Red Cross cancels plans to send team to help girl in Cambodia

E Aquilina

Apr 15th 2009, 19:22

Very rightly Lia has taken the matter in hand and is doing a brilliant job, so please support her by all means, and let her get on with it Well done girl!

Noel Enriquez

Apr 15th 2009, 17:39

The irony in all this situation is that our beloved government spends millions here, millions there, for pavings, roads, schools, minister vehicles,.. and nobody from the government has the decency to make a decision to fork out a few thousands and bring this maltese national here back with us!! What happened in Cambodia is none of my business, but her being in a third world country needing help is more than a good reason for the government to dig in it's pockets and bring her here, instead of procrastinating this issue. Shame indeed,.. I am disgusted and disappointed! Well done Lia, I admire you and your relentless work!

Therese Vella

Apr 15th 2009, 16:27

Money is ALWAYS a problem. This girl cannot be brought home because there is a money problem and though many bloggers have said that first the girl should be brought home and later discuss how to foot the bill, this is erroneous thinking. We live in a capitalist society - no money, no service. There are hospitals in the US who turn down very sick people simply because they cannot pay for the hospital bill. The first thing they ask is not what blood type the patient is, but what insurance coverage they have.

Lia Gatt - I'm very sorry for what happened to your sister. I wish you the best of luck to get her home. I also hope your sister recovers completely both physically and psychologically.

Lia Gatt

Apr 15th 2009, 15:06

I have sent Pierre Casha an email, now I am asking people who know maltese people in that area, or who are in that area now and would like to assist us by travelling to the CT Clinic and helping us to communicate with the Doctors at the CT Clinic.

Please if you can be of any assistance please contact me on my email address. Liagatt@hotmail.com

Thanks for all your SUPPORT guys!!!!!!

Melanie Charles

Apr 15th 2009, 13:37

I know Lisa and her family and truly I do not understand why some people below are causing all this drama. Donate if you want, and do not complain/moan if you do not want. I am sure that like me, there are many people with a good heart who have come forward and gave their donation no matter how small or big. Anyone can be caught up in a bad situation ; what matters is that Lisa is brought back to Malta safe. To those making nasty little comments there is no point in dwelling over insurance and responisibilities. This family is appealing for 8000 Euro. You would want help too, if you needed it.

Steven Brockwell

Apr 15th 2009, 12:52

we help everyone else why not help our own ???? if can send a ship in rough weather to pick up the boat people, why cant we send a group to assist our fellow country men oops woman.

Keith Marshall

Apr 15th 2009, 12:50

For anyone interested in assisting Lisa in her plight (this is the point where all the biblical stone throwers should turn away) - tomorrow we're organising a fund raising dinner at Dimples Bar in Mosta... majjalata, choice of 6 salads too - 15 euro a head. The owner of the place very generously accepted to give up his time and all profits to help bring Lisa home.

All interested - please contact me on 9947 1813. Need to know very soon though so p-l-e-a-s-e hurry!

PS i'm surprised that there are so many people out there who find the time to reprimand common decency and the safeguarding of our global being rather than getting off their derriere and doing something for someone. Oh and by the way, it has little do with being Catholic, Muslim or any other religion-affiliate.....just fraternity. Some of you would do well to rummage in the nearest dictionary.

r ferriggi

Apr 15th 2009, 08:32

a clarification of an earlier comment i had made.

WHATEVER the case and situation,, the Maltese authorities are DUTY-BOUND to assist maltese in distress.

NO QUESTIONS ASKED. after the person is assisted to safety,,,, THEN we can check and comment and complain as to what should have been avoided etc.

URGENT ASSISTANCE a PRIORITY.

let us not show the vicious side of our maltese character!!

Darren Buttigieg

Apr 15th 2009, 01:33

Adrian Tabone, I think many people would disagree with you that Malta is a catholic country. Being catholic is a personal choice and not a birth right obtained by citizenship. Joe is right to the extent that not every conversation has to circle around the god theme or the classic question; "What would Jesus do?"

Events in Malta or to Maltese do not have to be always seen through the lens of a religion.

Lia Gatt

Apr 14th 2009, 23:45

Mr. Joseph Sammut
My father and I are her immediate family. And we are doing EVERYTHING to try and bring her back as soon as possible. I would have thought you would have atleast an idea about what is going on before you made such a distasteful comment.

Had my sister got herself travel insurance, it would have expired by now as it is only open for 3 months, so in all fairness she did not make ANY MISTAKES AT ALL. She went travelling as do many others, and she was UNLUCKY.

This has nothing to do with being spoilt or silly my fellow 'citizens' It has to do with bringing one of our own back home for proper treatment. And this whole comment board has truly left me feeling sick to my stomach.

Thank you to all the maltese and non maltese who have helped us with donations, without your help, WE WOULD NEVER HAVE BEEN ABLE TO BRING HER BACK AS FAST.
God bless,

Lia

Adrian Tabone

Apr 14th 2009, 21:52

Joe Fenech:

I mention God because I am catholic and live in a Catholic country. Although I consider myself responsible and mature, this does not mean that I do not have my share of mistakes in the past. Therefore I would be an hypocrite if I try to play it as the perfect guy and try to send out a message to our young people to teach them how to be strong, responsible citizens.

I do not mind that the government helps her from our taxes... he forks out a minimum million euro per year for immigrants, why object for a young girl who had an unfortunate accident?

If someone overspeeds with his car just because he/she is silly, and becomes disabled such that he/she cannot work , the government provides the health care, operations etc... and provides financial aid. So are you saying that such unfortunate persons should not be helped just because they are in this situation because they were silly?

wendy bugeja

Apr 14th 2009, 20:24

I met Lisa breifly at work and she is a lovely pleasant helpful young woman.Lisa needs our help and we should be there for her.After all we have been helping alot more people arriving in Malta!!!Why not her miskina....

Darren Buttigirg

Apr 14th 2009, 19:33

Guys...my earlier post was not to suggest that we do not help her, as it's a personal choice of each and every person. My comment merely reflected that this whole campaign took off because of the person's youth and to a certain extent her gender, but also because we live in a world of rapid communication brought upon by the internet. Lets not fool ourselves here; she isn't the first Maltese to be injured abroad nor will she be the last. Maltese are known for travelling and settling elsewhere. I live overseas, and my parents did so before me, and my grandfather sailed on British merchant ships all throughout the world and witnessed his own cousin drowning in front of him after a German attack on their ship.
This girl's plight, and indeed it's a sad one, reached the masses because of the unique individual circumstances and because of the internet age we live in. When helping her you should bare in mind that there are other Maltese and other people across this world who need help but do not have the same opportunity or need to voice their plight.

Joe Fenech

Apr 14th 2009, 19:23

I hope that those who are supporting this cause are sending big cheques.

Individuals are free to help, but this issue should not be imposed on the tax payer via the government. No one is trying to be cruel, but many feel that they should making up for someone's silliness (alias going to exotic places without insurance).

Let our kids grow up and learn from their own mistakes. The country has spoiled them and ruined them. We are MAMMONI and likely to remain so!

Charles J Buttigieg

Apr 14th 2009, 18:41

One must not hit a person when the person is down.

Joanne Aquilina

Apr 14th 2009, 18:09

What's wrong with paying back a bill that is due by oneself? She was unlucky to have an accident in such a god forsaken place and insurance or not she would probably have needed help with repatration anyway. No we should not penalise her for not taking a travel insurance and we should help, this is not a question of religion. But in this day and age she should be fully able to pay back whatever needs to be paid. Isn't her family able to help out isn't this one of the rainy days we all save for?

Gareth Buttigieg

Apr 14th 2009, 17:26

@Joe Fenech -

Who are you to lecture the rest of us on what is responsibility?
Thankfully the majority of the below readers show their true Maltese Catholic values in solidarity to one of their own something that you clearly do not understand and will never do so I pity you!! It is people like you that make this world a worse place to live in. I truly hope you will never be in a situatation were you are helpless on your own and you would need kindness and solidarity from others to get through.
Insurance or no insurance this girl needs help yesterday!!!

S.BELLIZZI

Apr 14th 2009, 16:58

I just keep reading the blogs and all i say: this girl needs help and not blame her for not taking insurance. It is already a nightmare for her family....do not worsen up matters!!!

Joe Fenech

Apr 14th 2009, 12:16

Adrian Tabone :

Why do we have to bring God in everything?

We ARE NOT one big family and people should not be paying for people acting silly. YES for emergency help as long as all the bills are paid back.

Let's not create precedents and send out a message to our young people to teach them how to be strong, responsible citizens.

M. Zarb

Apr 14th 2009, 11:54

I'm slightly appalled at the financial attitude on this board. Travel insurance or not, I really hope nothing happens to me while I'm abroad - I don't think I could stomach returning to Malta knowing some people were more concerned on my family's financial situation than my well-being!

Pierre Casha

Apr 14th 2009, 11:03

To Lia : where is the exact location of Lisa at present ? maybe I can visit her as I live in Thailand and I know some parts of Cambodia very well. You can contact me on +668050614698

Pierre Casha

Apr 14th 2009, 10:38

To LIa : please e-mail me the location of Lisa maybe I can go and see her as I live in Thailand. Also I have friends in Cambodia as I usually go there every 3 months. my e-mail pcasha@hotmail.com

Adrian Tabone

Apr 14th 2009, 10:32

Malta is one big family. Lisa is our sister. Every Maltese should have this mentality. I condemn the government should he not do everything in his power to help her.
Our role is to help her, let God be the judge of whether she deserves it.

Joe Fenech

Apr 14th 2009, 10:13

Martin Farrugia:

Well said!

Our young people need to grow up and stop being spoilt thinking that they can be bailed out every time they mess up.

It's fine to get emergency help as long as the bill is paid back.

Margaret Richards

Apr 14th 2009, 10:12

I'm very sorry to read all these letters, we seem to find the smallest thing to quarrel about. This is just a humanitarian issue. So please just stop blabbing, and if anyone does not want to help out then at least do have the decency to keep mum. Also, is there any need to involve irregular immigration as well. And also to show how racist and xenophobic certain people are!!! A humanitarian issue, be the person black, white, yellow or technicolor is of no relevance. And re the fact that this girl made a mistake, do me a favour and don't adopt such a high and mighty judgmental attitude. It could have been you or any one of your family and friends. Maltese christians indeed!!! What the hell!!!

R FERRIGGI

Apr 14th 2009, 09:57

possibli hemm ghalfejn imorru ir Red Cross TA MALTA?? din pratticita??!! jekk l-operazzjoni kollha tiswa eluf kbar??

possibli li ma hemmx medical organisations li jistghu jitqabdu HUMA u jithallsu mil gvern imbaghad dawk il flus jigu migbura mil familja bid donazzjonijiet tal maltin??

REUBEN MICALLEF

Apr 14th 2009, 09:24

So we heard ad naseum about the mistake of not having taken a travel insurance,I'm actually really disgusted at the lack of solidarity by certain bloggers ,we have really changed,solidarity is not priceless anymore .

To all these self proclamied defenders of the country's coffers,do these people speak up when prjoects are overun by millions ,a mere 8000 euros and we are making a big deal and pointing fingers.After all no one is pointing a gun to your head and making you "donate" money.

Come on people ,keeping to point out mistakes its useless ,especially when Im sure a lesson has already been learnt.

Let all hope Lisa is back soon and in good health.

Irene Harrison

Apr 14th 2009, 09:12

Bring this girl home. I dread to think what she and her family are going through. I have two daughters and I pray to God that I or them (or any member of my family or friends ) would never be in such a dreadful situation. Too late to talk about insurance in this case. Lets just hope other people travelling have learnt from the position Lisa and her family finds themselves in. Hope Lisa is reunited with her family soon.

Bernard J Schranz

Apr 14th 2009, 09:08

Priorities first. There is a Maltese casualty out there... one of our own. Regardless of lack of adequate insurance cover that led to this situation, she MUST be brought back home amongst us forthwith, to be cared for by us. For Christ's sake, this girl is in pain and her family must be at their wits end trying to cope with the situation.

I am appalled at how easy it has become for many to comment without reasoning and to appoint themselves judge and jury over others. It simply is not your domain... and such situations do not demand an opinion but Action!!!

It is easy to comment when you are not on the receiving end of a nasty situation but I am sure you would change tack if Lisa happened to be a family member of yours.

I agree that some insurance companies make it most difficult for claimants to recover losses such that people are being dissuaded from taking out necessary cover as a result. Perhaps its about time the authorities investigate the culprits in a way that innocent people do not have to pay for the abuse by others.

Denise Vella

Apr 14th 2009, 08:39

Someone , offensively to both women and Cambodia, said that Lisa, a 'young girl on her own', should never have travelled to ' a place like that'. On the contrary, I think Lisa is to be admired for her intrepidity and spirit of adventure. Ok, maybe she should have been a bit better prepared for emergencies. She is a real traveler, a curious, hardy and independent girl who other youths ought to look up to. Far too many young people in Malta are tied to mama's apron strings. Her unfortunate story is an eye- opener to other travellers, and not only should we help her but set up some sort of Lisa Gatt Foundation upon her return to support other dauntless travellers and to lobby for fair insurance deals for those who want to travel the globe.

Joseph Sammut

Apr 14th 2009, 08:34

Could everyone hold your horses please?

Where are Ms. Gatt's immediate and extended family in all this charade? Before we continue judging and patronising each other and being holier than holy, can the Gatt family tell us what they are doing to help their kin: maybe in our folly, we are hampering their efforts?

josette farrugia

Apr 14th 2009, 08:26

How ready are we to judge? Just walk a mile in someone else shoes. just do the right thing and help without thinking if it was you, you would want help from anyone who is willing to give it. SO JUST HELP. TALK IS CHEAP BUT IF YOU HELP PERHAPS SOMEONE SOMEWHERE MIGHT HELP YOU IF YOU NEED IT. HELP HELP HELP DO THE RIGHT THING.

Albert Bonnici

Apr 14th 2009, 03:29

Being a traveller myself, I can understand what this woman is passing through. I also agree with people who are reluctant that the goverment alone forks out the ultimate bill. In my opinion:

(a) A medical team goes immediately to cambodia to give the necessary assistance. Goverment can do its share by just providing the medical team. Travel expenses due to the goverment will be settled later

(b) After the operation, the woman is transferred to a good place - this can be just a clean room or hostel with internet access (skype, msn etc.). The lonely planet would have a list of recommened places and health centres.

(c) When the girl is in a position to travel, she can than come back to Malta (accompained by someone) with normal travel arragements

(d) At the end, the woman is going to have a bill to pay. If anyone who wants to help by paying just 1 euro, it will hurt no one´s pocket, but at the end, it will be one of the most fulfilling euros you would have spent.

Thank you

Steve Cutajar

Apr 14th 2009, 01:59

@ - Darren Buttigieg -

Well the answer for your question could be: To help someone in real need - the age, sex, colour of skin and/or being with different political (or) religious views is completely irrelevant.

Another answer would be... Darren, why don't you look around you and examine what everyone tries to do to help others in need around the globe - A massive media income, loads of charities and many more things to follow...Now.. Someone from your small country is in need of help and irrelevant of everything- she just needs help. It can be a he or (sry to say) even an animal.. why not help???

If you're brave enough to live a flawless life then be it... She made a mistake and ( if we can say so ) she paid a hefty price for it. So not helping is one thing, but asking the question you asked is simply nonsense for whoever wants to help. Hope this answer was of no offence and may every blogger get my point. Help is not a favour or a lesson to give. It's just helping someone in need...

Ruben Gatt

Apr 14th 2009, 01:15

@Vanessa Dimech - Just read your comment....are you serious?? are you trying to be funny cause in that case I think your in the wrong spot. Well if your being serious...then your still in the wrong spot, I don't think family and friends would like to hear people like you whining and trying to look like the "perfect" individuals. I'm sure you made mistakes in your life, and i am sure you found all the help to get through the rough time.

Ruben Gatt

Apr 14th 2009, 01:09

To all those here and in the other article saying no one should give any money because she made a mistake, just take a second and think if it was your daughter out there. You are probably thinking "Well my daughter would not do such a mistake", guess what everyone makes mistakes in their live and I'm sure Ms. Gatt learned from this experience. However that doesn't justify the comments being said about not giving any money.

You should be ashamed of yourselves, I am sure that all those flaming with comments are the first to call when we have Istrina....thinking "maybe i win the car" and then probably go bluffing that you called 10 times and that your doing it just because it is for good cause.

M.Vassallo

Apr 14th 2009, 01:04

These numbers work...

Head of Public Relations
Communications Department
Cambodian Red Cross
17 Vithei de la Croix-Rouge (street 180)
Phnom Penh, CAMBODIA

Phone: (+855) 23 212 876
Fax: (+855) 23 212 875
Mobile: +855 12 715 341
Email: chhay.houtcheng@redcross.org.kh

Lia Gatt

Apr 14th 2009, 00:17

Hi to all,

I am Lisa's sister Lia Gatt, I would like to say that Lisa made a mistake. As we all do. And she is paying for it, maybe not financially, but PHYSICALLY & MENTALLY. Now I understand that there will be those people who think she should claim full responsibility for her actions and also have our family come up for the expenses by ourselves, but what I dont understand is why these people feel no compassion for her situation. Everybody makes MISTAKES. And I can garauntee you that she has learnt from hers. But shall we really leave her to suffer? NOBODY is perfect.
Lisa is such a caring and fun loving person and I am so glad to say that the people who have made a contribution have done so because of this, or because they are doing it from their heart. So once again Thank you to all who are helping my family in this time of need!!!

Martin Farrugia

Apr 13th 2009, 23:36

Clearly, this is a question of priorities. The state should do all that is necessary to bring this lady safely back home and to provide her with all the required treatment. After, the government should - in a professional, discreet yet firm manner ask this young girl to foot the bill for her safe return home. No matter which way you put it, going to Cambodia without travel insurance is not a very bright thing to do, and the people should not pay for the consequences of other peoples ill-thought decisions. Once that is done, the government should ensure that such a situation does nto repeat itself. To do so, compulsory travel insurance for travelling abroad, especially outside of EU, might be a solution.

Vincent Valletta

Apr 13th 2009, 22:41

Is it of any use to discuss if's and but's here ? The priority should be Lisa's safe return home then deal with details later if need be. What is happening to this nation ?

Eric Soames

Apr 13th 2009, 22:17

Darren Buttigieg: Ridiculous! You're discussing a co-national who needs to be brought home.

David Thake

Apr 13th 2009, 22:14

To all the people out there who say that help shouldn't be given or should be in the form of a loan..... get a life and a conscience.

Ask yourself, have you really become as bad as your comments? This island is Catholic when it comes to condoms and divorce..... who ever heard of charity to illegal immigrants or kids who make mistakes?

Of course we must help this girl and her family. Come home soon Lisa!!

Mario Martinelli

Apr 13th 2009, 21:49

Dearest readers,

Log on to BOV.com and make transactions using 24 x 7. Click on "paying third parties" and donate money to RED CROSS MALTA / LISA GATT
That is what I have done and hope most of you do the same.
Action is better than words. PLEASE ACT

Christine Vella

Apr 13th 2009, 21:34

Please don't judge why she did not take an insurance, before you know the true facts, . Only two years ago I tried to buy an insurance to Ethiopia and none of the insurance companies would give us an insurance because "they do not cover these places". I am not one to give up easily so I kept looking until I found one that in fact did sell us the insurance. For all we know this girl might have tried three or four companies and stopped there.

Darren Buttigieg

Apr 13th 2009, 21:26

I just wanted to ask the bloggers here how sympathetic they would be towards this person if this person was a dark haired middle age man instead of an attractive young female? Truthfully ask yourselves this.

apgrech

Apr 13th 2009, 21:07

The girl made a mistake by not buying insurance but I don't think we should punish her for her lack of maturity. Government should help her to return home.

Steve Cutajar

Apr 13th 2009, 20:34

@ VANESSA DIMECH - Your help has been accepted Vanessa - impressive. If the next is someone you know just laugh at it and tell him or her to repay back everything after... What a joke!!!

Tony Caruana

Apr 13th 2009, 20:16

@ Franco Farrugia If she was a bird or a dog you would be more compassionate. Hallina !!!

VANESSA DIMECH

Apr 13th 2009, 20:05

I hope that if the government or the community chest fund finances the costs she will afterwards repay everything back. She was quite irresponsable to travel in a third world country without insurance. Her family should have insisted for an insurance before she left. Why don't you take a loan from the local banks. Loans are really cheap right now! If she had the money to travel all the way to Cambodia, she surely had the money to pay for an insurance policy.

Steve Cutajar

Apr 13th 2009, 20:03

To all brave bloggers not wanting to help: This is a case where someone made a mistake and now she's paying the price - lesson will be learned hopefully. Question is: What if this was someone of your relatives - a cousin, a niece, someone...? Now if some ppl don't want to help out, why showing your ANTI-sympathy for someone in need? Just don't blog.. don't bother saying what you think or just trying to influence others that ARE willing.. not to pay - BUT TO HELP! We pay so much in charities, Isrtina, political fund raising... so why all this fuss. It's as if you're forced to pay! This is simply a person in need that made an error by not appointing a proper or full insurance. So all of those saying loads of things bout the insurance and being irrisponsible ect ect... I ask you directly - are you flawless? Wouldn't you want help when you might need it? It's nice saying we're Christians and we pray and help ppl.. especially in these Easter moments. Just preach what you say or what you pray cause one day it can be you needing such help!!!

Melchior Ciantar

Apr 13th 2009, 20:00

I will be watching this case very carefully and scrutinising every development. I used to take out an insurance policy with what was then probably the most reputable local insurance company... and it didn't come cheap. I never had any problems regarding the few and far between claims over the years. Then, I had a mishap in another EU country and the insurance company left me high and dry to bear the considerable but not excessively high costs myself. Since that day, I decided never to bother taking out an insurance policy ever again. A relative had a similar but even worse sour experience with another major local insurance company, involving even greater expenses, and that incident reinforced my reasoning. If we spend millions of euros on ILLEGAL immgrants, what is a few thousand euros to help one of our own in such a desperate situation? Nobody tries to have an accident or put their life in imminent danger on purpose - except ILLEGAL immigrants, of course! I have no idea who this young lady might be. The moral of the story, having an insurance policy MIGHT help, BUT NOT MUCH.

a darmanin

Apr 13th 2009, 19:59

@Charles J. Buttigieg I fully agree with you!

a.camilleri

Apr 13th 2009, 19:56

why do you have to bring the issue of illegal immigrants mr.charles j buttigieg? this is a person with enough funds to take a long hoilday in a third world country, she was on an adventure holiday and not looking for a better standard of living somewhere else. have you ever heard of travilling insurance?

L. Grech

Apr 13th 2009, 19:35

Tonio Fenech, why doesn't the Good Causes Fund step in this time? Or would you prefer help out the elite few in 3-4 years time? How about buying some extra, unwanted seats to see yet another mediocre football match maybe?

Kevin Azzopardi

Apr 13th 2009, 19:22

It is not the time to discuss whether the person involved did right or wrong but it is the time to ACT to ascertain that our compatriot returns back home safe and sound.....just put yourselves in her parents' and sister's shoes and I am sure one and all would react IMMEDIATELY without discussion

Eric Soames

Apr 13th 2009, 19:12

I'm flabbergasted at the mean spirited among these comments. What if it were your daughter marooned out there? I think the authorities should have acted immediately, as some of the comments said, and worried about the details later. I also find it a little strange that the local Red Cross seem to feel that their hands are tied. Oh I know, aren't there some MSF personnel hanging around not doing much at the moment maybe they can jump in?

Charles J. Buttigieg

Apr 13th 2009, 19:12

In full agreement that our Government should re charge the girl when she returns but now she must be given all the help she requires. Repayment of all the expenses should be enough to teach her and other adventurers that the tax payer has no obligation to pay for other people’s mistakes. But first things first.

Christopher Xuereb

Apr 13th 2009, 19:08

It was certainly foolhardy to have travelled to a country with whom we do not have reciprocal health arrangements without the medical cover provided by a travel insurance policy and I have little doubt that the oversight is much regretted by Lisa and her family. We are still a civilised and compassionate people (despite the less than laudable remarks one often sees in relation to our African friends) so let us make a concerted effort to help one of our own.

J.Borg

Apr 13th 2009, 18:51

What about the fund for good cause ....can't the ministry of finance help here.......surely this wil be money spent with a GOOD CAUSE!!!!!!

A. Pulis

Apr 13th 2009, 18:34

Jekk ahna Nsara ta' veru u mhux tal-isem u jekk ma nhossux li ghadna nghinu ahna almenu m'ghandniex innaffru lil min ikun forsi behsiebu jghin! Inqisu kull kelma li nghidu qabel nghiduha! Min ma jridx jaghti ma jaghtix imma lil min irid, thajrux biex jerga' jibdielu!

Franco Farrugia

Apr 13th 2009, 18:31

This is an adventure-turned-badly! It is silly to go abroad without being adequately insured. This is so within the EU, but especially in third countries, and particularly in Asia!
The Government should immediately assist the woman and bring her back. Once she's back, send her the total bill and demand that she repays within a number of years.

Martin Schembri

Apr 13th 2009, 18:29

There are so many Maltese people who were victims of accidents or wrongdoing by others and have received no money. E.g. passengers in traffic accidents where the guilty driver has no insurance coverage, victims of crime who lose all their savings, people who lose their jobs and livelihoods after suffering a permanent injury, etc. These are all worthy of our compassion but they didn't all expect the public to collect money for them. They do their best to adapt to their change in circumstances. This girl was holidaying since last November in a part of the world where accidents can happen too. Obviously, she was able to afford the luxury of a VERY long holiday in an exotic land. She was unlucky enough to have been involved in a traffic accident abroad. What makes her more worthy than others to receive public funds? Why doesn't her family bail her out immediately? Why don't they get a loan instead of requesting donations. She made a mistake - needs to come back home - needs to foot the bill. The furore around this story hurts so many other people with real desperate financial means and no hope for change.

Charles J. Buttigieg

Apr 13th 2009, 18:22

This incident shouldn’t have taken this long to solve, Cambodia is very near to Bangkok I’ve been to both places several times and I know that the Medical facilities in Cambodia are not what we are used to, this girl needs to be brought home as a matter of urgency.

We have an Honorary Consul in Bangkok who should have made all the arrangements to repatriate the girl on day one. We are spending millions of Euro to save the lives of African illegal immigrants why are we being so mean to save one of our own?

The Maltese girl is suffering physical pain and neglect and might even sustain permanent disability if we neglect her. Imissna nisthu !

jason vella

Apr 13th 2009, 18:04

well said ruben baldacchino !

@ mario agius
you don't have to fork out anything but please do not try to influence those who are compassionate enough to want to help.

Deo Catania

Apr 13th 2009, 18:00

Always the usual bla bla bla...............we help illegal immigrants but at the same time are not capable to help a fellow citizen. Total disgrace, by this time the government should have already sent a team to bring her back. But anyway, we're living in Malta where anything is possible (on the negative side that is).

Josette Cardona

Apr 13th 2009, 17:25

thanks for your comment ruben.... lets concentrate on her safe return.... hopefully soon...

Mark Fleri

Apr 13th 2009, 17:24

@Mario Agius
1. If you read the article properly first time around it states the Red Cross are asking for donations hence you are not being forced to fork out money.

2. We all make mistakes and I am sure at some point in your life you have also. Although mistakes can be costly at least we learn valuable lessons from them as I am sure Lisa has.

The only thing that reflects badly is you comment and your inability with regards to tact. Maybe your money should stay in your pocket.

Ruben Baldacchino

Apr 13th 2009, 17:14

@ Mr. Aguis If you made a mistake wouldn't you want your people to help you out? I would you and that's show unity of a country, when we help each other. If you ain't ready to help someone who made a mistake, then you shouldn't call yourself a Maltese, as Maltese we're a civilization that help each other when in need. That's our strength....

mario agius

Apr 13th 2009, 17:06

May I ask why should we fork out money for someone who travel without a minimum insurance coverage? This shortcoming reflects badly on the person concerned.