Updated: Migrants land in Marsascala - one dies on the way

Chris Clayburn

Aug 3rd 2009, 18:07

Immigration issues and policy are important topics, however too much emphasis is placed upon them and animosity and frustration is all too often directed toward the wrong people. It also becomes exaggerated during periods of recession and overseas conflict. People become frustrated with their situations and do not spend the time to think of a long term solution or the real causes of their own frustrations.
I would suggest that a little more compassion and thought is necessary before calling for all immigrants to be forced back from where they have come from. Any one of us would strive to give ourselves and our family's a better life if we could and you must understand that many of their situations are desperate. Resorting to racism is the lowest form of debate and displays a distinct lack of intelligence or consideration for the real issues.
Having said this, it does not mean that we should disregard the concerns of the native inhabitants the 'Maltese'. It is the right of every Maltese to expect that their country is preserved and respected. Pressure should be directed towards the government and the EU to negotiate effectively with the country's creating the 'perceived' problems.

Joe Fenech

Jul 27th 2009, 10:15

Bill Millam:

"... as to California's financial mess, that has got absolutely NOTHING with the article at hand."

It's easy to to shove issues aside. We know how countries have degraded over the last 30 years with the hyper-tolerance (alias laxity) which the hippy philosophies brought along. Now we have illegals expecting rights, an explosion of immigration from African and Asian countries, etc. See the massive problems that countries like Germany, France, UK etc are facing and how their economy, health, social services and housing are being affected at the expenses of hard working locals. There is also an unwillingness of these people to integrate - please don't talk about social cohesion which can't exist due to massive differences in culture - they still tend to marry amongst their own people which is the biggest proof of sectarianism.

SEND ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS BACK IMMEDIATELY and BRING VERY SELECTIVE IMMIGRATION IN A S A P !!!!!!!

Denis Catania

Jul 26th 2009, 20:53

@Bill Milliam: Well than I will tell the Maltese why California is a financial mess. It's ILLEGAL immigration and if Malta continues on this path of accepting illegal immigrants, Malta will be bankrupt too. When you show me a satellite picture showing me a 1950 mile wall that covers the whole border, only then you can prove me wrong. According to Wikipedia.
A wall is a usually solid structure that defines and sometimes protects an area.
1. Is this wall solid for 1950 miles? NO
2. is this wall protecting the U.S.A from illegal immigrants? NO
What was this structure for? Except to fool the people of Border states. President Bush fooled the U.S with his weapons of mass destruction speech and fooled the border states with this so called wall. This is not a wall. This is a bunch of American handball courts scattered across our Mexican American border.

Fellow Maltese take a look at California and it's poor citizens, use them as an example. SAY NO TO ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION. Stop them at sea, look for anyone overstaying their visa whether white, black, brown or yellow and send them back.

Joe Fenech

Jul 26th 2009, 20:09

Where the deck chairs out this time?

Well done Gonzi!!!

Bill Millam

Jul 26th 2009, 19:40

@ Denis Catania
I took you to ask when you personally attacked and challenged another poster to provide you with a link/picture to a border wall between the United States and Mexico. It makes no difference if the wall is 2 miles or 2000 miles long. You were taken to task and proven wrong! I will not be drawn into any arguments with you as to California's financial mess, that has got absolutely NOTHING with the article at hand.

Bill Millam
Los Angeles

A. Camilleri

Jul 26th 2009, 19:15

@W Spenser

The following is taken from http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Why_did_the_Israel-Palestine_crisis_start

the British government promised the Jews a "national home" in Palestine, which was under Ottoman (Turkish) rule. British forces were advancing into the region at the time. There were problems.
It was unclear what "national home" meant.
The area was already inhabited by Arabs.
There was a widespread view among Arabs that the Palestenians had been promised independence by Britain.
So when Britain gained control of the Holy Lands, there were all the ingredients for serious trouble. After all Britain seemed to have promised the same territory to two groups of people!

This mess was largely of Britain's own making. As the author Arthur Koestler, a Jew who spent some years in the area, once remarked of the 1917 Balfour Declaration:
"One nation promised another the land of a third nation".

Robert Callus

Jul 26th 2009, 18:57

@Stephen Farrugia
I'm not trying to stop your freedom of expression. It's your sacred right.
I just asked you 3 very simple questions. Why are you refusing to reply them?

s farrugia

Jul 26th 2009, 18:35

@ Robert Callus

Don't try to stop my freedom of expression and I stand by every word I said.

My quote:

" We have another problem really. We have 3% of pro immigrants that want to tell the Maltese what to do. Here we have a serious internal social problem and compromise is not the answer. The pro immigrants must back down or face the full force of the law and the people.

We all know want is behide all this, pure illegality and national treason at best. The ugly face of multiculturism, pushed by a warped ideology. "

Robert Callus

Jul 26th 2009, 18:21

@Dennis Catania
You are right what you said about legal and illegal immigrants. However I never said I am 'pro-immigrants'. I just stated that most probably in Stephen Farrugia's frame of mind I am as such.
And I'm waiting for HIM to answer my questions

Denis Catania

Jul 26th 2009, 17:53

@Raymond Sammut: Well said. I'm still waiting for Bill Milliam from Los Angeles to answer my rebuttal on his links to this wall and my later post on the bankruptcy of California due to the illegal immigrants invasion of the great state California.

@Robert Callus: If you are PRO immigrant it should give you a better reason to be ANTI ILLEGAL immigration. ILLEGAL immigrants are taking away the opportunity from the LEGAL immigrants.

Raymond Sammut

Jul 26th 2009, 17:03

@ Denis Catania

The walls that Bill Milliam pointed at were hatched to fool people on both sides. If the US government had been serious all these many years to protect its southern border from economic illegal migration, it would have erected a high tech structure and it would have been game over. But the Texan money makers always wanted it to be otherwise in order to access cheap labour while keeping the lid down on public opinion. ICE have to get their act together because what happens on their patch reflects strongly on what takes place in other parts of the world. People are dieing and communities are being shattered as a result of illegal economic migration worldwide.

Denis Catania

Jul 26th 2009, 16:56

@Bill Milliam from Los Angeles: Can you tell us, what is bankrupting the great state of California? Why can't California pay their vendors ? Why are the people of California receiving I OWE YOU instead of tax refunds ? Where is all the Hollywood money ? MAYBE ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION.

Robert Callus

Jul 26th 2009, 16:01

@Stephen Farrugia
I'm pro human rights and not afraid to speak about it. By your simplistic standards, that would mean I'm pro immigrants, which is not necessarily the case. However can you CLEARLY DEFINE what you mean by:

''The pro immigrants must back down or face the full force of the law and the people.''

Are you implying I broke the law? Where?
Worse still, considering other comments you have made, are you implying denying people like me freedom of expression with the threat physical violence?

W Spencer

Jul 26th 2009, 15:35

@ lgalea

Please name one.,

JBorg

Jul 26th 2009, 15:30

I hope that the person responsible, sends tham back from where they came from otherwise he must resign from his office.

Emelia Caruana

Jul 26th 2009, 14:58

YES give them a PASSPORT so they can be free I was in MALTA for last 5 months went to marsa centre halfar it was very emotional .....send them here to huge AUSTRALIA people in country towns are screaming for people to live there ......we have many immigrants from NEPAL why not from MALTA who has friendship with Australia ...I met many Africans while there who love to come here and still email me now If only they had everyone's human right PASSPORT ......ABORIGINAL LAND is waiting for them start issuing PASSPORTS I met people who have been there 4 yrs work are great compassionate HUMAN BEINGS ..away from families....

Sandro Pace

Jul 26th 2009, 14:26

@ Mr. Herbert Jones
Spain granted amnesty, but as far as I know, it did not gave any Spanish passports.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Malta is in the EU, and people from the EU has a reciprocal right to freedom of movement in Malta. We have a safeguard if this becomes high, but it is not. Moreso, unlike boat people immigration, intra-EU immigration is market driven, and EU nationals pay for their everything.

Massive immigration from Africa is breaking the rights of the Maltese.

Sandro Pace

Jul 26th 2009, 14:20

If international laws justify demographic upheaval or unsustainable 'invasions', they either be changed, or we have legitimate right to break them, as Italy.

International laws are not cast in stone, neither they are a bible.

Michelle Dali

Jul 26th 2009, 13:46

@ Frank Mercieca

...'why don't we look after these people in a humane and decent way'

In case you weren't aware, we have been doing exactly what you suggest for years. When they come illegally to Malta they are given free accomodation, free meals, free medical care, mobile phones with top up cards and even social benefits. They would have contributed nothing towards the country's welfare system, by the way.

This country is too small and overpopulated and must not continue to allow uncontrolled illegal immigration. These economic migrants should be encouraged to work in their own country to improve their lives instead of paying criminals to get them into Europe illegally to become a burden on others.

Stephen Farrugia

Jul 26th 2009, 13:15

@ Frank Mercieca

No it is not fair, not correct or anything.

We have another problem really. We have 3% of pro immigrants that want to tell the Maltese what to do. Here we have a serious internal social problem and compromise is not the answer. The pro immigrants must back down or face the full force of the law and the people.

We all know want is behide all this, pure illegality and national treason at best. The ugly face of multiculturism, pushed by a warped ideology.

FRANK MERCIECA

Jul 26th 2009, 11:43

Since these refugees are protected by various international laws, there is nothing that Malta can do, without breaking numerous laws. So why don,t we look after these people in a humane and decent way, till the time comes when they either they want to go back home, or another country are willing to accept them. For those who after investigations, pass the test that they got a right to stay here, we should encourage them to integrate into our society, as numerous other nationalities have done in the past. I think that,s fair.

s farrugia

Jul 26th 2009, 11:21

A shoreline protest during their landing, is what is needed and a legal election, to vote for who will stop them at sea.

Maltese unite against illegality.

Rob Alcock

Jul 26th 2009, 10:54

Quite a few Somali refugees are allowed to legally immigrate to New Zealand every year. They don't integrate in our society and are generally a burden on the court system and on the NZ tax payer. In my opinion the Malta AMF should give them food/water and tow them back out to sea.....

lgalea

Jul 26th 2009, 09:41

R. Agius
For me he or she is just an INVADER who is invading MY country to live like a leech on MY taxes and destroy everything I and MY forefathers have worked for.

W Spencer
Well the British did have African colonies that they left in shambles after all didn't they?

CHris Finch
Yes, stop foreigners, all foreigners and check if they have a visa to be in Malta and if not fine them and deport on the next flight out. As for your vigilante idea, this in NOT illegal and immoral. We have a RIGHT to defend OUR country from FOREIGN leeches and other UNWANTED FOREIGNERS. It's done in the USA, its being done in Italy, so what's wrong with doing it in Malta? Stop quoting Christian values. When MY country is being invaded there are only values of SURVIVAL.

cecil herbert jones - K.U.L. EWROPA

Jul 26th 2009, 03:42

@John Borg
Spain granted amnesty to 700,000 migrants in 2005!

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2005/may/09/spain.gilestremlett

Robert Callus

Jul 25th 2009, 22:06

@T. Galea
I never said the US should give up on terrorism. I just gave an example of how building walls and suppressing people's rights are futile attempts that rarely if ever work.
Thanks to Bill Millam you have enough information about the wall I'm referring to.

Yes, things such as the Patriot Act, are extremely dangerous. In fact it has been used to target not only the conventional 'terrorists' but other groups such as animal rights activists.
The problem with such laws is that they can very easily be abused. All that an officer needs is a 'suspect'. He does not have to be accountable. If the suspect, was detained for months was found out to be innocent, no one is responsible.
In our (Maltese) system, after 48 hours I have to be charged and can be detained only with the court's approval. Not at the whim of a particular officer.

You said I'm afraid and weak to fight for freedom. Far from that. I want my, and every other Maltese person to be free from tyranny. History teached us that under the guise of National Security, many of the most horrendous crimes against the same citizens were committed

Denis Catania

Jul 25th 2009, 22:00

@Bill Milliam; How much does this wall cover of the 1950 mile Mexeco / U.S border. Maybe 14, 18, 20 miles. This is a propaganda barrier to fool people in Cali. Do you build a 2 foot wall on a 200 foot property line and call it a wall?

Denis Catania

Jul 25th 2009, 21:22

@Robert Callus says in the U,S abiding citizens are afraid to legally express their opinions in fears of considered "Terror suspect" and detained indefinitely without any accountability.
Where did you get this information? We in the U.S speak out against ANY action the U.S takes without fear. Can you tell us one case, where someone got detained for expressing their views? I don't mean someone who conspires to commit a crime against the U.S.

Bill Millam

Jul 25th 2009, 21:15

@ Denis Catania,
You really should weigh your words before you go out and attack other posters with comments like "What wall in the U.S ? Can you get your head out of the sand and send us a link with a picture of this wall in the U.S."
I'll make it easy on you and provide you with links/pics of such border walls. They are in existence and I have seen them myself, in California, Arizona and Texas.
Who needs to get his head out of the sand now?

http://www.democracynow.org/2009/4/27/us_mexico_border_wall_slicing_through

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5323928

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://harmanonearth.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/border-wall-segment-south-of-weslaco-texas-10-12-08.jpg&imgrefurl=http://harmanonearth.wordpress.com/2008/11/11/border-wall-slowdown/&h=2048&w=3072&sz=3216&tbnid=WbUKSB5tw7ePJM:&tbnh=100&tbnw=150&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dtexas%2Bborder%2Bwall&usg=__alpCjDXjNIWK3z75xuH6BHrRvF0=&ei=pVhrStTOB4SAswP7j5iXBQ&sa=X&oi=image_result&resnum=5&ct=image

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://s.ngm.com/2007/05/us-mexican-border/img/border-wall-615.jpg&imgrefurl=http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2007/05/us-mexican-border/bowden-text.html&h=502&w=615&sz=58&tbnid=-ESnk94EAF6AjM:&tbnh=111&tbnw=136&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dus%2Bmexico%2Bborder%2Bwall%2Bpics&usg=__TemDXyNGjBaYPLNVWyMy1lhVni0=&ei=CFlrSu_eBoz-sgPulZyXBQ&sa=X&oi=image_result&resnum=3&ct=image

If you need any more links/pics, just ask. And remember, Google is your friend too!


Bill Millam
Los Angeles

David Portelli

Jul 25th 2009, 20:55

Wecan see clearly now all the illegal immigrants who weregoing to Italy are coming here in a few months we're going to add with thousands of illegal immigrants arriving in our country.Shame on our Government for showing such No interest in our people.Even on the media we are tryingto hide it as most as possible.Shame on us for not protesting and rebel.

Alexander Morana

Jul 25th 2009, 20:52

With so many posters why aren't you all at the beach at 41C! You might have prevented them from landing instead of complaining about the lack of security?

T.gauci

Jul 25th 2009, 20:37

@Robert Callus

you're clearly showing us that you're afraid and weak to fight for your freedom. you want the USA to give up because they are losing the war against terror ? you leftists crack me up.

Denis Catania

Jul 25th 2009, 20:20

@Robert Callus: What wall in the U.S ? Can you get your head out of the sand and send us a link with a picture of this wall in the U.S.

Marjolene Grimaud

Jul 25th 2009, 20:16

@John Borg
Incidentally his banner is K.U.L. EWROPA and it stands for Koerenza, Unita', Liberta'.

And you're right for asking, 'Who is Cecil?' He claims to be an ordinary man who happens to be an artist with no frills. But what I have gotten to know so far is that he has an amazing talent for gaining perspicacity on any subject, once he gets around to it (Ah! Artists) Not very ordinary is it? He also claims to adhere to only one feast day during the year, Malta's Independence because he is an Independent.

His theory or hypothesis surrounding the issue (as he sees it) of human migration (as he calls it) from Africa is far reaching, almost a prediction that once federalised, the EU (or whatever it will be called) will enlist all the immigrants (a few million there) and dispatch them in uniform back to Africa to reclaim their homeland. It is very idealistic but one cannot deny it is also visionary, and it does give Malta a chance to excel in International affairs. If he is right it couldn't be better for us. If wrong, what do we stand to lose?

T Mifsud

Jul 25th 2009, 19:41

First of all: Where is our National Security? Really is it possible that a group of illegals (immigrants/terrorists/or non-refugies) can just come in on a rubber dinghi and if it not were for a few campers they would have had free entry to complete their mission? OUR BORDER SECURITY DOES NOT EXIST! Where is FRONTEX? How ridiculious!

Secondly: The government has the obligation that, never mind what the EU told Italy, we should send them back. And if the EU points its guns towards us as one of its members, THEN WE SEND THEM FORWARD. Issue them an EU passport!

carmel cataia

Jul 25th 2009, 19:34

yes Farrugia you are rigth meet them at the shore with food and water and send them off to sea and thats all we could do this is become to much for the island to take on

B Crocker

Jul 25th 2009, 19:24

A. Camilleri
The answer to yur question YES I was always asked why I was visiting Malta pre you joining the EU. And when Inow visit the UK I am sometimes asked the same question as I have a FCO issued passport. your other question I know why I moved here 16 years ago but why I stay in Malta I do not know why as most of the people I know will not visit Malta because of the racism.

Louis Gialanze

Jul 25th 2009, 19:16

Rest assured that we shall soon be inundated with more immigrants unless the authorities re -criminalize illegal immigration , making the act itself punishable by a 3 years prison term as in the case of Italy and fining anyone giving them shelter or renting property to them.
PNPL beware, your deceit will be unmasked.

Trevor Lorenzo Mizzi

Jul 25th 2009, 19:13

And so the islamification and africanization of our homeland continues....

This is part of the masterplan our overlords want and are achieving.

L. Gauci

Jul 25th 2009, 19:11

I have always had my doubts about burden-sharing. I don't believe it is the solution to this african invasion of our island. Because a few countries have promised to relieve us of a small number of those immigrants that deserve refugee status, the boat-loads have started arriving again. No doubt, the traffickers have heard that France and one or two other countries have relieved us of a few migrants. These unscupulous people are again urging would-be immigrants to set sail for Malta, because they would have a better chance of going to other Europeon countries of their choice.

The only solution for our tiny island is to patrol our sea-borders and to prevent any boats from entering our territorial waters. We have to do this ourselves, because we can expect help from no other quarter.

Dr. John Zammit

Jul 25th 2009, 19:04

The more the Americans and other European countries take from Malta...more immigrants will come, because this is what they want to go over to other countries. So they first come to Malta in the hope that they will end in the USA, France, Germany etc. So keep them coming and will will be invaded again.

Jonathan Muscat

Jul 25th 2009, 18:57

The biggest fact which scares me is that before coming on a small boat these immigrants are transposted on something else... and how is it that not even one of those who orchestrate these plans and are getting rich are caught....

Kenneth Galea

Jul 25th 2009, 18:56

@Alexander Morana
I like your comment Alex, straight to the point! Gonzi kompli sejjer hekk, of course he will. The EU is telling him what to do. The UNHCR manipulates the EU and the EU dictates the spineless GONZIPN government. I simply do not get it anymore, Italy managed to decrease heavily the number of crossings from Libya. The EU and the UNHCR started jumping up and down, there must be officials in the EU commission and the UNHCR whose personal interests are at stake should the crossings stop once and for all.

S.Farrugia

Jul 25th 2009, 18:55

The next boat, we meet them at the shore line.

Robert Callus

Jul 25th 2009, 18:46

Migration cannot be stopped. It's riduculous that everyone seems so in denial or belive shooting people or boats will make any difference. They even built walls (US, Berlin, Israel) and even those were penetrable. The reason is simple - people driven by fear and despair will find means. Like a person who doesn't know how to swim make world record at swimming if he sees a shark behind him.

While one should try to curb illegal migration, being too obsessed about it to even dream of throwing our civil rights for it is a much larger threat than that of migrants themselves.
Such things are similar to things like the 'Patriot Act' in the US against terrorism. Did terrorism decrease? Far from that, it increased. However now many law abiding citizens in the US are afraid to legally express their opinions for fear they are considered 'terrorist suspects' and can be detained indefinitely without any accountability.

NO way. I prefer to have migrants here (whom will be here anyway) and could still enjoy my civil rights.

Wayne Hewitt

Jul 25th 2009, 18:34

Please join Moviment Nazzjonali Malti, No to Racism, No to Illegal Immigration. We need to get people in the streets to protest against the authorities' inaction on immigrants entering Malta ILLEGALLY.

Please join here www.maltanationalmovement.org

Charles Grixti

Jul 25th 2009, 18:13

As I recall, when one of the regular blogger here made the suggestion that the 'immigrants' were told to keep it on 'hold' until after MEP elections, he was boo hood and ridiculed for suggesting this.

Now it turns out he was vindicated.

Which goes to show you how well orchestrated this invasion is and how it is being done.

Alexander Morana

Jul 25th 2009, 17:52

Mali, Gambia, Guinea, is there a war we don't know about folks?

Kompli sejjer hekk Gonzi, come the next general election and try hiding the issue, seeing what will happen! Ha! Blame the illegal immigrants then or burden-sharing, for all the propaganda you are making that European countries are compiling with your bright idea.

John Borg

Jul 25th 2009, 17:51

Good old Cecil! If his solution is so "perfect", how come no country has thought of it yet? And by the way, who is Cecil Herbert Jones and why is his movement called "Eat Europe" (Kul Ewropa, according to Marjolene)?

Raymond Sammut

Jul 25th 2009, 17:42

Dr Gonzi, another alien is reported to have died. The aliens keep coming and dieing because you don't want to return them back to Libya.

Raymond Sammut

Jul 25th 2009, 17:29

"They claimed that one of their party had died in transit and was dropped overboard during their journey." We do not know whether this person who died in transit as a result of this illegal act was a man, woman, or child. Mr Barott has just "warned" the Italian government that these people acting illegally in contravention of SOLAS cannot be returned to Libya, thus condoning this illegal act which endangers human life. Had these people remained in Libya, this person would still be alive today. Will Mr Barott now accept responsibility for this loss of human life after what he has just said to the Italian government? Will Mr Barott be held to account for what he has said to Italy? What is stopping the Maltese and the Italian police from laying charges against Mr Borott for the irresponsible recent statement that someone of his position in the EU was reported to have directed against the government in Rome?

Mary Borg

Jul 25th 2009, 17:20

This is what 98% of the population voted for. The illegal immigrants were wise enough to wait till after the election to start their trips. It seems to me that the immigrants outsmarted the Maltese voters.

W Spencer

Jul 25th 2009, 17:08

@lgalea

Why would we foreigners want to interfere with you and your Authorities policies, decisions, etc ? Your Authorities are VERY efficient in incompetence and lack of action regarding illegal immigrants and various other subjects, so they do not need any more help.

I am SO surprised that YOU have not blamed ALL of the Country's problems, on past British Colonialism. Its got to be SOMEONE ELSES fault as Malta is PERFECT.

g.sinagra

Jul 25th 2009, 16:52

I think Dr.Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici should cancel his summer hols. and sort it out as always.There is the Swedish presidence to help him out.

clifford vella

Jul 25th 2009, 16:46

So with these new radars installed they did not manage to see a boat of 44 persons aboard so imagine how many other boats come with drugs and no one knows.

Marjolene Grimaud

Jul 25th 2009, 16:43

Mr. Cecil Herbert Jones of Kul Ewropa has the perfect solution albeit seems radical. Give the migrants a Maltese passport and they will all leave, almost as fast as they arrive. The passport can be amended by parliament so as to detach civil rights from it and retain only protection rights. If that can be done the situation will in a short time turn in Malta's favour.

The benefits are:
Malta will never be burdened.
Malta will save a lot of money (approx €30 -50 million a year)
Malta will coerce the EU to either provide sufficient aid or to provide a maritime borderline force
Malta can go back to the original oil drilling hole that Libya chased us away from once we have borderline protection.

Granted we cannot grow oranges on banana trees, but we can make lemonade from a lemon.

Mr Norman Lowell wants to stop them at 14 miles out. Who does he think we are facing, Zulus?

John Borg

Jul 25th 2009, 16:21

Ivan Attard: LOL! Are you for real? I know it's a hot day but come on, get a grip on yourself and think about what you wrote.

R. Agius

Jul 25th 2009, 16:13

@lgalea

so you don't "care a hoot" that a person died?

Hmmm.....Such intelligence coming out of these blogs!

A. Camilleri

Jul 25th 2009, 16:13

@B Cocker
A few years back whenever I went to the UK I used to be asked by the passport control staff "What is the purpose of your visit, where shall you be staying, relatives, money bla bla bla".
Were you ever asked these questions when visiting our islands?

You have chosen to live here for some reason. I see no Maltese choosing to live in Somalia, Ivory coast, Gambia and Guinea.

Maybe you should lead by example and enlighten us.

M'Scala resident

CHris Finch

Jul 25th 2009, 16:10

I Galea, so how will the police decide who to do these spot checks on? WIll they stop people with dark skin, black curly hair and brown eyes?
Will they stop people who look arabic?
Or will that mean them stopping all the maltese people of this description too.
As for your vigilante idea, apart from this being illegal and immoral it was in 1930's Germany that a certain individual used vigilantes otherwise known as brownshirts to attack people he decided he didn't like. Our forefathers fought a War to rid the world of this kind of evil thinking. Its a pity some people aren't a little bit more civilised and possessing of christian values.

Michelle Dali

Jul 25th 2009, 16:05

@ C Ebejer You ask some very good questions. Why should Malta have to allow each and every illegal immigrant that decides to land here from Africa in? Why is our country at the mercy of criminal human traffickers? Why must we sit back and do nothing while our country is literally being invaded before our very eyes?

Instead of encouraging illegal immigration, the EU should be telling Africans that they are better off staying in their own countries, working hard like most Europeans do, and making a success of themselves there. What we have instead is thousands of idle African men loitering around in our streets with nothing to do all day. Any fool can see that this is not a healthy situation and can only lead to trouble.

Concerned citizens should join Wayne Hewitt's new movement at www.maltanationalmovement.org

Ivan Attard

Jul 25th 2009, 16:02

The Employers' Union has warned of MASS UNEMPLOYMENT if the COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment) is rightly given to MALTESE workers!!!! The Unions have warned of unrest and a long slog if COLA is not rightly given to MALTESE workers!!!
...Meanwhile, and with the complicity of the weakness of the Gonzi government (who is weak with the strong and strong with the weak) a new second - and larger- invasion of unwanted illegals from Africa is preparing to unfold. These will bide their time in our bursting detention centres getting EVERYTHING for FREE while making a monumental filth mountain in the process. Then after their time in detention is over (something the liberals, the no-good NGO's, the UNHCR and the Jesuits want to be as short as possible) they are let lose on society as parasites for the few jobs remaining.
So, yes, I applaud the GAHAN MALTI for failing to anticipate what is happening and how he and his family will soon find themselves unable to feed themselves! When the darkness envelopes everything, and when living is akin to a continuous struggle to survive - REMEMBER THAT WHEN YOU WERE CALLED TO STAND UP YOU FAILED MISERABLY!

John Borg

Jul 25th 2009, 15:15

L. Galea: go on then big boy. Get off your soap box and set up your crack vigilante group so we can see how tough you really are.

lgalea

Jul 25th 2009, 14:38

Saviour A Ellul-Bonici
You are perfectly correct. It's about time such vigilante groups as have been established in Italy are set up in Malta.

R. Agius
Yes, Agius it's a ploy by the illegal immigrants to raise pity but our pity for any of them has long been gone. We no longer care a hoot about any of them and want the OUT OF MALTA. OUR TAXES ARE BEING SQUANDERED ON THEM WHILE WE ARE NOT MAKING ENDS MEET.

Wilfred L Camilleri

Jul 25th 2009, 14:24

Until people take to the streets in protest the government will not listen! Perhaps a daily protest in front of the PM's office would get the message through that enough is enough. Of course you will get the liberals screaming discrimination and racism but so what? If the government doesn't have the guts to take a stand they will keep coming since Italy has done the right thing, regardless of what the EU morons say!

C Ebejer

Jul 25th 2009, 14:21

So just before the MEP election, these illegal immigrations stopped. Now that the elections are over they have started again. Who is going to beleive that this was coincidence!!
So Sweden is against compulsory sharing, and it is ok for them to be against compulsory sharing. BUT Malta has no choice. For us it is COMPULSORY that we have to accept all these illegal immigrants. We have no say. Is the EU made up of preferential countries, like Sweden, and the underdogs, like Malta.
And why is it that the Maltese people get tough taxes and surcharges. But with these illegals the authorities are soft, and give them more benefits than the Maltese are allowed, and it is the Maltese that pay. I feel that my role in my own country is to provide finances for these illegal immigrants by being heavily taxed.

Louis Gialanze

Jul 25th 2009, 14:20

Readers ought to start asking some very serious questions about the security of Malta. Furthermore it is rather odd that both major political parties are keeping mum on the subject matter.
Your readers must have noticed how illegal immigrants are being disperesed all over the island. This move is no doubt systematic and has the blessing of both parties. I very much suspect the electorate have been taken for a ride. Businesses and our politicians keep harping on competitivity and therefore a cheap supply of labour is very much their priority.

R. Agius

Jul 25th 2009, 14:18

All these comments and not one single person has spared a thought for a dead person. Anzi kien hawn min azzarda jghid li kienet storja biex jigbdu l-attenzjoni. Ref: Joseph Galea "Probably the claim of dropping one of them dead overboard is also one of those stories"

And who is going to convince me that we are not becoming a xenophobic society?

R.I.P

J oatmon

Jul 25th 2009, 14:02

Why not set up CCTV's on poles with high resolution cameras and motion activated recordings, with a wireless feed of the data to a command point, for 24 hour recording, and playback the following morning. A night vison capability might also be needed.

Modern all weather zoom and pan CCTV cameras cost around $150 each, and they could be setup - say 1km apart on high points to monitor marine traffic - a lot cheaper than looking after 500 illegals I think.

Then the authorities will have forewarning of a landing, and a record of when and where the illegals come ashore, do they have 'onshore assistance' etc.

Joanne Micallef

Jul 25th 2009, 13:50

21 from Mali and 1 from Guinea - Guess they are testing the waters since the Spanish just like the Italians are making it difficult for illegal immigrants to enter their borders.

Is it a coincidence that the boats have started trickling in after the Italian fishing boat incident?

John Azzopardi

Jul 25th 2009, 13:49

This week Barrot spoke and said that Italy is not suppose to send illegal immigrants back. Well, here we go again. All illegal immigrants needs is reassurance from Big Brother EU and they will cross over. Enough of this nonsense. All EU governments in the mediterranean should say enough is enough and stop this influx. I am sure our northern EU brothers do not want these people as well. Europe is full up. Look at Spain. today, they have 19% unemployment. Look at the massive immigrant population they they. What the the citizens of Spain expected to do now. Emigrate. Really sad what is going on. These illegal immigrants are going to destabilize the whole of Europe soon. We are full up. Send illegal backs and they should be stopped from taking jobs that are needed for our people. We cannot support the large influx we already have, how can we be expected to take on more. This is national suicide.

victor vell

Jul 25th 2009, 13:47

A 30 foot dingy with 40 persons on board makeing it from Libya to Malta in 4 days, halluna mirru orqdu, what kind of engine did it have mela? and in what condition were the migrants, khemm ser iddumu thalluhom jghaddu z-zmien bikhom?

Peter Roberts

Jul 25th 2009, 13:46

Dont the Maltese politcans ever read thease comments. After all they are servants of the people and sould take note of public opinion which is made quite clear. They must heed this advice otherwise minority polictical will threaten their grasp on power.

Joseph Cauchi

Jul 25th 2009, 13:01

What worries me more than the influx of illegal immigrants is the inability of our forces to detect and deter any alien sea-craft from entering our internal borders let alone landing on our shores!

I cannot ever remember of Malta being so vulnerable as these present days. Are we safe or are we prone to any invading undesirable that decides to enter our country as it pleases; when today we are threatened by terrorists, arms and human traffickers and all sorts of criminal activities?

Where is our National Security?

JC.

Sandro Pace

Jul 25th 2009, 12:41

Contrary to what was reported, nowhere did Italy said that it is going to stop the repulsions.
Why was it reported so here?

Joseph Tonna

Jul 25th 2009, 12:26

aktar kemm jaslu anqas jobs ac cittadini maltin + anqas spazju + aktar piz finanzjarju fuq malta tana.
mur ajdlu lil san pawl ,ir religjon tana fejn se qeda tasal ...

vincent a galea

Jul 25th 2009, 12:24

@David Attard
It takes one idiot to recognise others...

LONG LIVE FREEDOM OF SPEECH.............

Marion Pace

Jul 25th 2009, 12:17

Europe Beware! This is the begining of your end. If you leave Malta to succumb to this invasion and force her to keep these thousands of Illegal immigrants on this tiny island then your invasion will be the next. Remember if Hitler won Malta we would probably be all nazies now. If the Maltese and the Knights did not resist and win over the Turks Europe will not be what it is today with its rich culture and heritage. I am starting to believe in Nostradamus Prophecies!

David Muscat

Jul 25th 2009, 12:09

Again they landed on the wrong side of the island. They should be landing at Zurrieq/ B'bugia etc. Probably, they are being landed from a ship in the channel between Sicily and Malta

J. Micallef

Jul 25th 2009, 11:48

Send them back to Libya like the Italians do.

pauline gatt

Jul 25th 2009, 11:47

I find it totally unfair that Italy and Malta cannot send illegal immigrants back to Libya ,but obligatory burden sharing does not apply so we must have to be burdened more than we can cope with.
When is our Prim minister and all those concerned put a stop to all this?? Don't give me humanitarian rights because my family and I are so suffering because of African culture and most of all egoism from these invaders we have them as neighbours unfortunately and we cannot cope with this situation anymore!!!!!!!!!!!!!

c.caruana

Jul 25th 2009, 11:42

Why does it take us so long for Maltese in power to copy the example of the Italian Government and send these people back where they belong??Maltese authorities wake up and take quick action because it seems that we are back to square one once more.

Joseph Tonna

Jul 25th 2009, 11:38

Let them arrive

R. Borg

Jul 25th 2009, 11:31

Mr Barrott re-elected?!?

something fishy...

hmmmmm....

Joseph Galea

Jul 25th 2009, 11:14

Can someone enlighten me how a 30 foot dinghy can cover a distance of Km1,238 between Malta & Libya in just 4 days with a single fuel supply on board, including the 44 passengers and food supply, which does not make the dinghy so economical?

Probably the claim of dropping one of them dead overboard is also one of those stories.

Saviour A Ellul-Bonici

Jul 25th 2009, 10:56

If this problem is not adequately solved by the competent authorities, I fear the setting up of a large group of vigilante will become imperative.

C.ZARB

Jul 25th 2009, 10:50

@ Melissa Calleja

Simple when he will lose power because of it.

E. Azzopardi

Jul 25th 2009, 10:49

The Italian government is sending them all back. Italy is part of the EU. This is Malta and we are "EQUALLY" part of the EU. So what is holding us from sending them back? If they did it , why can't we do it? Do we consider ourselves inferior, because we are not? Perhaps we do not have the guts to do it? Give them food and water and whatever else they need and tow them back half way and give them a compass pointing south. It seems it is the only way as Sweden is adamant that this will not be discussed. It is not important for them
How many times are we going to be ignored before we act?

Tony Gatt

Jul 25th 2009, 10:48

Maybe someone should tell them the Jerma is no longer a 5-star hotel!

M Bagley

Jul 25th 2009, 10:45

@Charles Alamango

"I clearly stated that spot checks should be aimed at all foreigners. I don't know what colour/nationality you sport but all countries should eject all illegals, irrelevant of what colour or nationality they are. Thank you for your support."

Now how do you expect the Maltese police to do this? Do you expect locals to phone in and report 'foreigners'? What do you mean by 'foreigners'- by using the binary EU/non-EU label? Do you have any profiling in mind? Believe me, that would be opening a can of worms - imagine people slapping lawsuits for suspected discrimination/invasion of privacy. People would be so tied up with this issue that the more important issues would be ignored.

Anthony Formosa

Jul 25th 2009, 10:42

PLEASE READ AGAIN AND AGAIN, NO WAY TO SEND THEM BACK.

Italy told migrants cannot be sent back

EU Justice Commissioner Jacques Barrot has told Italy, in very clear terms, that it could not return immigrants to countries where their life was threatened.

Answering questions from members of the European Parliament, Commissioner Barrot said that following the warning, Italy had told the EU that it had not sent back any more migrants and announced a visit to Libya.

Mr Barrot said the commission had asked the Italian government for explanations on how some boats with irregular migrants, some asking for humanitarian protection, were returned to Libya.

He spoke about the voluntary burden sharing proposals for the immigration burden to be shared among the 27 EU states but said that obligatory burden sharing was not possible. He said that the voluntary measures were being embarked upon through a pilot project tailor-made for Malta.

Melissa Calleja

Jul 25th 2009, 10:42

MEP elections are over. Ergajna koppi. When will Gonzi/KMB learn from Italy's Maroni?

Kenneth Galea

Jul 25th 2009, 10:41

Here we go again! The UNHCR seemed to have got away with it again! The EU shows NO interest whatsoever to solve the problem, infact this week the EU warned Italy that they cannot send migrants back to Libya. The quiet period we had was only due to the extreme pressure Maroni and Berlusconi were putting on Libya. Folks the EU is NOT willing to solve the problems, both the EU commission and the UNHCR must be made up of ex illegal immigrants.

Wayne Hewitt

Jul 25th 2009, 10:39

Please join Moviment Nazzjonali Malti, No to Racism, No to Illegal Immigration. We need to get people in the streets to protest against the authorities' inaction on immigrants entering Malta ILLEGALLY.

Please join here www.maltanationalmovement.org

Charles Debono

Jul 25th 2009, 10:38

I agree with your contributor who proposed demonstrations outside parliament. However these demonstrations must be organised on a nationwide scale and not by individuals who under orders from government are taken to court and made an example of.
This is a job for the leader of the opposition. Come on Dr.Muscat, put your words into action. Stand up for our rights. Lead the way and I assure you thousands will follow.

T Pace

Jul 25th 2009, 10:29

This is an absolute farce and only simpletons would believe the fairy tales that illegal immigrants have been relating. Indeed if one were to publish them in a book, it would surely compete with Aesop's or Hans Christian Anderson's tales.

The Authorities must be absolutely firm in dealing with them, something that we have not seen so far seeing that they are undeterred in their attempts to invade Malta and all of Europe.

In the first instance they should be held incommunicado and their mobiles should be confiscated. They should also be thoroughly searched for false documents and held in quarantine until they it is absolutely clear that they do not have infectious diseases or else decide to voluntary go back - no handouts please - seeing that so far we have been unsuccessful in sending a batch back for a very long time.

Maltese citizens had been deported in the hold of a ship. Why not do the same.

A Caruana

Jul 25th 2009, 10:27

Now that Marroni and the defenders of the central mediterranean have their hands bound up, expect an influx.All of the islands are the target especially Malta where it is known as an "easy" destination and the best portal to Europe. If not mistaken Italy at least enforced itself with a criminal law on illegal immigrants.

Wish to say thanks to Barrot and the "responsible" ones for the problems that we are going to get plunged in, much worse than before. Not to mention their indirect responsibility for the lives that will be lost.

As regards the people who are expecting our government to do something, wish to inform them that he is already doing something:
1. watching (for at least 2-3 more years since no election is coming)
2. Announcing how burden sharing is working when some EU country pities us and takes some 5 or 10 illegal immigrants. This is a real success eh! Its like a student scoring 5 marks out of 100 in a maths exam..... WOW!

C. Farrugia

Jul 25th 2009, 10:27

Mr Lowell was right, and has been right for a veeeeeeeery long time. The biggest nightmare is yet to come.

lgalea

Jul 25th 2009, 10:15

Charles Alamango
Totally agree with you . There are so many people of so many nationalities roaming around that I am certain that most of them are here illegally by having exceeded their visa. What are the authorities waiting for to start a clamp-down on this unsustainable, dangerous and threatening situation to us and our security?

B. Crocker.
What we or rather our authorities do in Malta is none of your or other foreigners business. If you and they don't like it you are free to leave Crocker.

Chris. A. Park
Since Libya has been accepting them back from Italy then it must accept them back also from Malta. If not send keep them locked up until they are sent back to their own countries.

Alfred Bugeja
they will try to come to Malta because they know they have a better chance of being allowed to stay than if they landed in Italy. THEY MUST BE EXPELLED BECAUSE WE ARE FED UP WITH THEM AND THEIR ANTICS.

J Farrugia Totally agree with you. We are the most overpopulated country in Europe.

david attard

Jul 25th 2009, 10:09

What a load of gibberish. These blogs are fertile ground for the idiocies of our society!

P Debono

Jul 25th 2009, 10:08

L-aqwa li jtina l-hames bozoz u jghidilna li l-weghdiet tieghu qeghdin isehhu!!

Sallabtuna!!!!!!!

Keith D'Amato

Jul 25th 2009, 10:03

Here we go ... A.G.A.I.N !!!! SEND THE BACK!!!!

We do NOT want them, we already have enough of them already! The time we used to have pity is over.. and dead!

Chrissey Zammit

Jul 25th 2009, 10:02

THIS situation cannot carry on, soon Maltese residents will be outnumbered with the rate these immigrants are reaching Malta. The Maltese Goverment are soooooooo weak words fail me. What about all the promises they have given their Citizens !! NONE have come to fruitition. Maltese citizens NEED answers BUT only truthful answers from the Goverment. As far as I can see and read the only thing that comes from Goverment is lies lies and more lies.
If the Citizens of Malta dont demostrate outside Parliment time and time again the MP,s will carry on telling lies.
I realise this is difficult for the majority of Maltese, SO email, send SMS be unrelenting keep doing it. But DEMONSTRATIONS will get answers in the end.

v.pulis

Jul 25th 2009, 09:57

After Barrot's statement some days ago saying that Italy had no right to send migrants back to countries where their lives are threatened (Libya?!) we should brace ourselves for more arrivals.

C.McElhatton

Jul 25th 2009, 09:52

One serious recommendation, follow the Italian example, send them back before the trickle becomes ONCE AGAIN a flood? What became of that proposal of establishing an office of the UNHRC on the Libyan side to process legitimate refugee requests? Was all that just part of the usual useless rhetoric that floods the media but offers no tangible results? The Maltese people need reassurances that our tiny island wont be run over by those who would illegally enter our territory. So far very little has been done to appease this country's apprehension to this ongoing situation.

Charles Debono

Jul 25th 2009, 09:50

The lull in the landings was only due to the change in strategy by the human traffickers after Italy started repatriation. Thanks to the trumpet blaring by the government about France taking a handful of migrants (mind you not any migrants but carefully selected ones) now the immigrants are being promised an albeit longer passage to Europe via Malta.
To your readers who are still hoping that Dr.Gonzi will eventually find the backbone to stand up to Europe or UNHCR, I say stop day dreaming. Europe is the puppeteer and Gonzi will forever dance to their tune irrespective of the consequences to the Maltese nation.
All the ‘bla bla bla’ before the European parliamentary election evaporated into thin smoke as was predictable. Once again the parties played on the voter’s political sentiment and once again the voters were duped to vote through their political alliances and not through reason.
Now we can start expecting boatloads of hundreds as was experienced by Lampedusa.
Thank you Dr.Gonzi and Co.

Anthony Magri

Jul 25th 2009, 09:43

Now Maltese waters have two bibcops one at the top the other at the bottom. The bottom one lets people find refuge in a willing country and the top bibcock quickly refills the Maltese water tank. Perpetual movment system found. Illegal immigration!Should apply for a Noble prize!

J Farrugia

Jul 25th 2009, 09:43

Return them back to Libya from wher ethey came. SDend them back immediately. What are we waiting for. Italy sends back to us those who left from Malta and we have to do the same. and no questions asked. Send them back to their country of origin. Malta is for the Maltese only.

G.Sinagra

Jul 25th 2009, 09:36

On time for the village festa Viva Santa Anna.

Joe Xuereb

Jul 25th 2009, 09:36

If the Somalis, or whoever, are indeed fleeing whatever it is they say they are fleeing, what has that got to do with me? I want my theatre. In Malta. I want my nights at the opera. Capricious?! You bet. No guilt. I have earned it. And I want the Maltese and legal immigrants to share my joy. In Western style entertainment. Am I expected to curtail my enjoyment, censor my entertainment, so as not to offend an illegal infiltrator? And any money I save from staying in instead of improving myself, am I supposed to 'donate' to an illegal immigrant so he and his kids, and another on the way, can feed themselves, and clothe themselves, and have mobile phones? And even if they were legal, what would their contribultion to my country be? Come on, it is a question so banal in its simplicity, it only requires a equally simple answer. And before anyone reminds me that there are things called christian values, I preempt by assuring him that I have buckets of christian values. With one bucket in reserve to save my skin and mine's. It is labelled pragmatism. Get a grip.

Sandro Pace

Jul 25th 2009, 09:34

The Italian govt. knows how to protect its citizens more than the Maltese govt. is protecting his. We are now in the ridiculous situation where tiny malta is getting more migrants than italy.

The Italian and the Greek people gave a strong anti-immigration message whenever an electoral opportunity cropped up. Not so the Maltese.

Lets hope we are not starting to go and get them from 70 miles away.

Michelle Dali

Jul 25th 2009, 09:34

What a joke! Anyone entering Malta, be it by air or by sea, have to produce passports or identity documents - everyone, that is, except for Africans! If you are African it seems you can simply get into a boat or dinghy, steer towards Malta, land freely, and get everything from then on for free!!!!!!!! All you need to do is to say that you are a Somali and you will be given humantiarian status, whether your claims are true or not.

When will the government wake up to this invasion and do something about it once and for all?????? We are sick of reading that more illegal migrants have entered our island home! Dr Gonzi your government has alot to answer for - where is our border security? Why are these people not put straight back on the dinghy they came in and sent on their way? They have no right to enter Malta illegally like this.

Mark Piscopo

Jul 25th 2009, 09:33

Alarm!We are heading for the biggest crisis ever with all these illegal immigrants.

r cutajar

Jul 25th 2009, 09:25

T W T M concern, perhaps thousands in Malta and millions in europe
let's face it our politicians are not twits more or less, especially most foreign ministers are intelligent and conversant in what really is going around the world .
In that case IT IS WITH ABSOLUTE BLESSING OF EUROPE that thousands are being allowed to be shipped over
It is no secret still somehow subdued -the notion of African countries flodding Europe with illegal migrants and multiply has been in place for too long as to be of an unresolved issue any more

Behind closed doors there must be consensus or absolute latergy
On the other hand Europe must do its best to help improve living conditions in these African countries if there is really a desire to find mutual solutions

Colin Camilleri

Jul 25th 2009, 09:04

seems like these illegal immigrants just gave us a short break for the MEP elections. And now they are picking their bad habit of invading our shores again!! So now 4 more mouths to feed, shelter, assist financially and watch.
It may also mean 4 more jobs taken away from the maltese people. Well done to the authorities too. They can detect a shark off Comino but cannot detect 30 feet dingies.

Charles Alamango

Jul 25th 2009, 09:00

@ B Crocker
I clearly stated that spot checks should be aimed at all foreigners. I don't know what colour/nationality you sport but all countries should eject all illegals, irrelevant of what colour or nationality they are. Thank you for your support.
@Chris A Patrick
To assist illegal immigrants back to International waters or to the country of departure you don't have to be a water taxi/towage vessel . A Maltese Patrol Boat has all the necessary authorisation. Hence my comment to pick them out at sea and DON'T let them land on our shores. Yes I completely agree with you that some form of agreement should be reached with Libja to return illegal immigrants immediately and not let them and us suffer for years. All things being equal we have supported Libja countless times especially during the Air Embargo and other international situations. This terrible business of assisting immigrants leave Libja/other countries for profit being organised by criminal rings should be stamped out and addressed to by teaming up police forces from the countries being affected.

philip pace

Jul 25th 2009, 08:53

Here we go again.
Wasted political talk around Europe that solved nothing.
A weak strategy from our Government who tried to sell it and failed all over Europe.
45 more possible threats towards our culture.
What is the next possible solution dear PM (Prime Minister or Piano Man)?
Answers.

Alfred Bugeja

Jul 25th 2009, 08:52

lgalea,

These two news reports below certainly deny your premise that immigrants are coming here because they will be sent back to Libya if they go to Italy...

The italians have only sent back 6 boats intercepted close to Libya so far. They are still stuck with those that manage to land.

Palermo, 16 lug.- (Adnkronos) - Oltre cinquanta immigrati clandestini, tra cui donne e bambini, sono sbarcati la notte scorsa sul litorale siracusano, nei pressi della riserva naturale di Vendicari. A lanciare l'allarme e' stato un automobilista di passaggio che ha notato gli immigrati mentre camminavano sulla strada che porta a Noto marina. I clandestini sono stati accompagnati al Commissariato di Noto, in attesa di essere trasferiti presso un centro di prima accoglienza. proseguono le ircerche di eventuali fuggitivi.

Sbarcati in 150 nel siracusano, decine in fuga (http://ilsecoloxix.ilsole24ore.com/p/italia/2009/07/16/AMLAdvkC-sbarcati_siracusano_decine.shtml)

Le Forze dell’ordine proseguono le ricerche per individuare parte degli stranieri sbarcati questa notte nella costa sud orientale della Sicilia tra Noto e Vendicari.

Fino a questo momento ne sono stati rintracciati solo 70, tra cui 30 uomini, 20 donne e 20 bambini su circa 150 persone segnalate.

Stephen Vella

Jul 25th 2009, 08:50

Obviously they will all claim that they are from Somalia to obtain humanitarian rights - they could be from anywhere else. What is going to happen when all of Somalia ends up here?
perhaps change our country's name to SOMALTA

Denis Catania

Jul 25th 2009, 08:49

We will be flooded with illegals as yesterday the EU gave them the green light to invade Italy and Malta.

m azzopardi

Jul 25th 2009, 08:32

thanks a million Mr Barrott!!! what shall we do now??send them to your country???

send them back immediately!!!!!

Charles Vella

Jul 25th 2009, 08:32

I'm sorry and SAD to say, but the government has FAILED the test of not sending the group which arrived last week back to Libya! And also... if we are EU STATES, why not send the burden to countries such as FRANCE, GERMANY, HOLLAND ETC!?

Anthony A. Mifsud

Jul 25th 2009, 08:23

It's true that a rubber dinghy is hard to detact, have the AFM ever heard of the Radar the Israelis build? then should look for it as this Radar picks up even a floating bottle, andit would show on radar scope.


Ninu

Chris. A. Park

Jul 25th 2009, 08:20

@ Charles Alamango:

AFM patrol boats are NOT water taxis, or water towage vessels is the reason why the Maritime Squadron cannot repatriate them back to Libya.

And, unlike Italy, Malta DOES NOT have a struck deal with the Libyans on such illegal migrant repatriations, whilst dishing out millions for WW2 reparations, building some super highway between Benghazi and Tripoli and what have you.

To couple it even more complicatedly, the moment these ''Somalis'' entered irregularly without paperwork such as passports, visas, authorised trip plan (like a ship's, ferry or aircraft) into Maltese territory i.e., its waters, they have infringed local immigration control legislation.

AFM patrolboats, on the other hand, CANNOT be everywhere always all the time, stretched in resources, manpower, and vessel characteristics as they are. Government though, musn't fall in complacency, and must also engage Libya with the help of the EU and FRONTEX to start repatriation returns ASAP !!

B Crocker

Jul 25th 2009, 08:09

Charles Alamango
as a EU citizen living in Malta I have no problems with your idea of spot checks as long as the British police do the same to Maltese citizen in the UK

clare spiteri

Jul 25th 2009, 08:05

So they have started again. Send them back now.No one will help us Mr Gonzi.The British have lost control. Have you been to the uk lately?Mr Alamango is right. Sliema and elsewhere on the island is full of people of every nationality working as waiters ,dressmakers, maids etc without permission.Send them back as soon as they are spotted.Our islands are full.

mario gellel

Jul 25th 2009, 08:04

FRONTEX,MALTESE PATROL BOATS, AND YET NOT ONLY THEY ARE STILL COMMING, BUT MANAGING TO LAND ON SHORE WITHOUT ANY HELP. MIGHT AS WELL KEEP OUR SOLDERS HOME AND STATION THEM ON THE BEACHES TO PICK THEM UP. AT LEAST WE CAN SAVE SOME FUEL. BRUSSEL DOES NOT GIVE A DAMM , OUR GOVT IS TOOTHLESS. WE AS MALTESE ARE ON OUR OWN.

Patrick Bellia

Jul 25th 2009, 08:02

where is the help that we were supposed to give them so they will continue with their voyage????????????????? the first boat 28, the second one 44 the number is increasing again, we havent heard of migrants landing for some time and now in 11 days came in 72, where is this famous obligatory sharing??

lgalea

Jul 25th 2009, 07:53

THIS IS THE START OF THE SECOND INVASION BECAUSE THEY KNOW THAT IF THEY GO TO ITALY THEY WILL BE SENT BACK.
45 ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS COMING FROM LIBYA IN A 30 FOOT RUBBER DINGHY? TELL IT TO THE MARINES (AND GONZI BECAUSE HE BELIEVES YOU).

d. borg

Jul 25th 2009, 07:32

I hope the govt. is not in lethargy again since this is the second arrival this month.

richard paul agius

Jul 25th 2009, 07:31

here we go again!

Charles Alamango

Jul 25th 2009, 07:22

Why are patrolboats NOT picking up illegal immigrants at sea and returning them immediately to Libya once the Libyan authorities are now accepting them back as their responsibility?? We have a huge recession creeping in on us !!! These people, they will end up on the streets mostly in Marsa begging for menial payment for jobs thus creating a further strain on our economy.The police should also start spot checking foreigners of any nationality on the streets to check for the validity of their being in Malta. I'm sure that apart from the normal illegal immigrants we have thousands of foreigners ovestaying or being in Malta illegally. Dear Dr Gonzi please DO something