Updated: Lisa Gatt takes first steps after Cambodia accident

Paul Cave

Apr 24th 2009, 17:52

@Mr Schranz: "We tend to forget that this could have happenned to one's own family." at the risk of sounding like a pantomime audience "oh no it couldn't!" As any member of my family even contemplating visiting a country with the type of medical care Cambodia has would not set foot outside their front door without fully comprehensive insurance. When I first saw an article about this case, it was my first thought "why are we being asked for donations, did she not have insurance?" It must have been a traumatic experience for Ms Gatt and her family. Let's hope many people learn from it. Hope you get better soon, Lisa! PS, I've not seen any description of what happened apart from 'a motorcycle accident'. Can someone from this paper perhaps tell us the FULL story?

Franco Farrugia

Apr 24th 2009, 16:01

@ Mr Schranz: 'Ideology' hardly fits in the context you use it in.

We always tend to use the words 'humane', 'big heart', 'generosity' when it suits us.

I maintain that this episode shows the stark stupidity, irresponsibility and lack of foresight. Anyone and his granny know that to go abroad you need insurance cover. The more so when you are out of the EU, and especially certain continents.

This is no question of 'ideology' but a question of common sense and putting your money where your mouth is.

This situation did not call for a humane approach even though I still maintain that the girl should have already been brought back by the authorities (and slapped with the bill, of course, which should not be a problem, seeing that there have been so many contributions).

Think before you leap!

Bernard J Schranz

Apr 24th 2009, 11:56

Although I disagree with the 'adverse' comments posted about this unfortunate incident, I might understand that they are triggered by the fact that these same people disagree with a particular behaviour/decision, in this case for Lisa to travel without insurance cover. This is because that action clashes with their own ideaology and actions.

However one must understand that even if one's own ideaology might be correct, it does not mean that it has to be followed by others. That is the beauty of varying opinions and its how we grow!

The greatest news is that Lisa can be repatriated back to her homeland and with her family. I think that ultimately that is the biggest achievement after all.

We are a small island with a big heart, notorious for our generosity. It is sad when one reads harsh comments in situations that beg for a humane approach. We tend to forget that this could have happenned to one's own family.

May this be a lesson to others not to fall into the same trap. I don't know Lisa but I am sure she's most grateful for the help she's received.

jcmicallef

Apr 23rd 2009, 16:39

@ franco farrugia & ronnie gauci

sad to hear the way my comment was interpreted.

as edward camilleri rightly said, let's learn from Lisa's experience, and since this issue came out so prominently in the news, I am quite sure that many people will take insurance more seriously when travelling (or for their home or vehicle, come to that!)

I found some comments lacking sensitivity simply because I believe that first and foremost, co-nationals should stick for each other, and whether she made a mistake or not, Lisa (and her family) certainly do not deserve to remain isolated when in trouble.

We are prepared to help total strangers, so why not help Lisa?

Peace & Love to all.

Karl Farrugia

Apr 23rd 2009, 07:41

reply to Franco Farrugia's thread.

Franco Farrugia seems to be defeating his own argument by not allowing jcmicallef to voice his own opinions. Perhaps a bit more tolerance is what everyone needs - people spend more time commenting about each other than about the news item in question.

Well done to Lisa. Been to cambodia and the healthcare situation there is far from heartwarming! - take some serious guts to plough through like she did. Glad to hear she'll soon make it back.

Ronnie Gauci

Apr 22nd 2009, 22:38

@ jc micallef

The let's eliminate travel insurances, perhaps closedown all insurance companies and when the bad happens the Maltese people will fork out the expenses from their taxes. And let's promote also the culture to travel to third world countries for 6 months or more uninsured, you'll surely be of great help for this by donating your comments to the campaign.

Jesmond Mugliett

Apr 22nd 2009, 22:12

Very good news. Good Luck wish her a good recovery and God bless her.

evelyn vella brincat

Apr 22nd 2009, 21:01

Thank God Lisa is on the way home to her family and to Malta. Wish you a speedy recovery and our thoughts and prayers are with you. Prosit to ALL who collected money towards this good cause.

Edward Camilleri

Apr 22nd 2009, 19:31

I think its only fair that help is given to Lisa so that she recovers fully from the trauma. One has to learn from her experience, but it is inhumane not to offer help to someone in need. The Red Cross are doing a great job in helping. Hope no more complications are encountered.

Franco Farrugia

Apr 22nd 2009, 17:43

@ jcmicallef - 'some comments in past news pieces did leave much to be desired....'
So, what do you expect?
That everyone should be of your same opinion?
Or that there would be only one opinion?
Or that people do not voice their feelings - especially when such feelings are logical?

jcmicallef

Apr 22nd 2009, 16:55

This shows the tenacity of the Maltese.

Hold on, Lisa, and we look forward to your speedy recovery and return to Malta.

Perhaps unfortunate instances like this should bring out more our character and the ability (of the Maltese) to think for each other, though some comments in past news pieces did leave much to be desired....

H Dempster

Apr 22nd 2009, 16:19

This is some good news, at least now she is moveing on her way back to Malta.

M.Bezzina

Apr 22nd 2009, 15:38

Good luck wish you a good recovery and hope you arrive safe and sound to our island