78 migrants rescued in difficult operation

Joe Xuereb

Oct 18th 2009, 11:55

@ John C. Betts. The 'immigrants' - as you so sweetly describe them - did leave a legacy. Notably, the Arabs who left the language. Which many Maltese reject and resent in spite of the truth being inviolable. You infer that these latest immigrants, they too will leave a legacy. The others in your list came and went, having left a legacy.
These latest are here to stay. Forever. So more importantly, their legacy will not be left. It will supplant all the legacies left before their coming. You seem incapable of understanding this. Or you just choose to reject and resent the truth. I wonder why!

T. Pace

Oct 15th 2009, 17:15

Isn't it strange that rather than call Rescue Co-ordination Centre where calls are recorded the illegal immigrants phone "foreigners in Malta" who in turn, rather than call the AFM, phone the UNHCR office? Is the caller afraid that he would be identified if his voice is recorded? Was the call received during office hours or later when perhaps the staff was working overtime if not expecting any such call? Are we to believe that the UNHCR office passed on the request for assistance without first identifying the caller? And who are the "foreigners in Malta". Did the JRS have a hand in the matter? It is high time that unelected persons, whether dressed in black or wearing a white collar & tie refrain from trying to influence or sabotage the government's efforts to solve this problem.

D Schembri

Oct 15th 2009, 14:33

Congratulations to the AFM Airwing Frontex Casa Mission and AFM Maritime for a sucessful rescue. I know everyone is fed up with the arrival of more illegal immigrant but we have to appreciate the work done by OUR soldiers. The Casa plane was circling the dingy for 5 hours in such bad weather conditions and the Maritme Patrol boat had to endure the very rough sea. So lets a least appreciate their dedication!

T.gauci

Oct 15th 2009, 13:58

@John C Betts

Most of those you mentioned Arabs, British etc..were not immigrants but invaders and occupiers, Phoenicians, knights, Romans etc..they shared our culture and are our ancestors.

Christopher Debattista

Oct 15th 2009, 12:04

I'n not against the immigrants, but with such small capacity our island can't contain more of these. Apart from the ILLEGAL Immigrants aswell. And lets not forget who has to maintain them, Food, shelter, water and so on. We know how we are struggling with today's expenses. Let's not make the burden heavier. PLEASE !

Joe Xuereb

Oct 15th 2009, 11:19

@ A. Camilleri. Very well said.
It is disgusting that the media keeps showing women carrying newborns to their bosom. This reminds the Maltese of the thousands upon thousands of images of the Virgin and Child that the Maltese are exposed to every day. The media pictures play on people's sentiments and hopes to move them. This propaganda seems to work for many. But for this one, and the sensible A. Camilleris of this land, this footage is disgusting. Disgusting that a woman would endanger her child's life on the high seas. And the faces of the men surrounding her - we are supposed to imagine them as economic migrants? Pull the other one Media. IF YOUR ARE NOT PART OF THE SOLUTION, YOU ARE PART OF THE PROBLEM.

Marion Pace

Oct 15th 2009, 09:28

I wish Berlusconi was my Prime Minister. Prego Signor Berlusconi noi Maltese desideriamo vostro guida per governare questa Isola Perduta.

A.Camilleri

Oct 15th 2009, 01:16

What a joke!!!!! The telephone call from Libya informing the UNHCR and the Maltese authorities that a boatlood of illegal immigrants was adrift was made immediately after the boat set sail. Soon we'll have a telephone call made to UNHCR prior to a boat setting sail to ensure that FRONTEX - the EU sponsored Libya-Malta ferry for illegal immigrants - and the AFM are on the Libya-Malta border waiting to pick them up. What a joke!!!!

Pse let's stop kidding ourselves saying that the AFM "saved" a boatload of immigrants. And let the paper media stop giving us a photo of a woman holding her child every time illegal immigrants make to Malta. I think the Maltese are beyond the compassion stage now as they have realised that they are being taken for a ride by the immigrants themselves, the media, the Govt, and the Eu.

Raymond Sammut

Oct 14th 2009, 22:57

@ Captain James Grech

When the next dinghy appears, please don't set off unless first you secure the order directly from Lawrence Gonzi in Castile. Have the order from Lawrence Gonzi himself recorded on tape, log it, and leave the tape with someone you trust. Only then you should go if you have to go.

colin stanley

Oct 14th 2009, 21:39

we are complaining about the illegal immigrants, I wonder how many of us, including myself, will actually go to the PL protest in zabbar, with banner in hand, to protest against illegal immigrants that come to Malta, wheter by boat or by plane. I hope that also Joseph Muscat will say somthing about it.

Claire Formosa

Oct 14th 2009, 21:37

Well done to Capt. Grech and all the crew on board the P61 !!

John C Betts

Oct 14th 2009, 21:24

"What of value will these illegal immigrants leave as Maltese heritage when they leave"
Their predecessors set a good example - to name but a few:
The immigrant Phoenicians
The immigrant Romans
The immigrant Byzantines
The immigrant Arabs
The immigrant Normans
The immigrant Knights
The immigrant Caravaggio
The immigrant Mattia Preti
The immigrant British.

T.gauci

Oct 14th 2009, 20:02

@claire farrugia

funny how you blame the men and not both. the women is the prostitute so she's the one spreading diseases and men who goes for prostitute instead of getting himself a women is a loser. you need to provide a source to back up your claim regarding the HIV rates. South Africa has 45 million population and counts for 5.6 est million people living with HIV, Russia (where prostitute come from) has 142 million population and counts for 900k est people living with HIV. that's like 16 in 144 of South Africans are HIV positive compared to 1 in 144 of Russians HIV positive and what makes South Africa worse is the small population compared to that of Russia. globally eastern europe counts for 4% of people living with HIV while Africa counts for 65%. HIV education programs sponsored by the world leaders mostly USA have failed in Africa as more and more are becoming HIV positive.

c cardona

Oct 14th 2009, 19:36

The Maltese are practically falling in the same trap over and over, while destroying the essence of their own nation, their future. That is what they deserve after all, for playing the part of the doo gooders at a stupid level indeed..

A Final Solution. That is what we need, and not one single idiot will think about landing ashore.

D Camm

Oct 14th 2009, 14:19

This is ridiculous!! i'm a young full time worker who has been paying taxes and will continue to pay taxes till im at least 70 now and for what? for this!! to support pregnant people who come to our shores just becasue other countries dont want them and I long with the rest of the working force are paying for them?? unacceptable! the government needs to sort their priorities out! i know these people are coming from a worse life but there has to be a limit on our part!! what is the long term solution???

Joe Xuereb

Oct 14th 2009, 13:58

And there I was thinking that I had quite clearly talked about our heritage (Caravaggio, the Knights, et al, all leaving a wonderful legacy for Maltese children. Malta is still, I believe, a Commonwealth country. What of value will these illegal immigrants leave as Maltese heritage when they leave (if they ever leave, that is). For our Maltese kids, a heritage from these people? What Maltese kids? Mr. Betts, the influx of children from wherever it is they are coming from - we are never sure - they will learn and appreciate Maltese history after eight generations. Of course by then the Knights of Malta and the 8 settembre will, as now, be history. A forgotten history to be sure. But our history nevertheless. But to these people, it will be, IF ANYTHING, merely academic. I don't think they'll care.
I hope this second bash makes my meaning a bit clearmore clear.

DVella

Oct 14th 2009, 13:39

welcome to Maltastan!!! Or should we call it Maltalbad?? (!)

James Aguis

Oct 14th 2009, 13:27

AFM must only offer help to people find themselves in difficulty due to some sort of accident or mechanical fault, and not to such people are risking their lives to cross such seas and also putting other's (AFM stuff) lives at risk.

Its true that no one wants to see people dying, but they're asking for it! Immigrants that have made to Malta are now contacting all their families and friends to come to Malta, since Malta is "HANINA" and will accept them to the extent that they come out in rough seas for you!

What if the scenario was the other way round...that is us Maltese going to Libya to start a new life? What would be the result? Will they come out for us...or will they ......?

I wish the authorities say "ISSA DAQSHEKK" as the Italians have done! We're all fed up! They are bringing so many types of illnesses with them and apart that they're making our country look like a third world country!

I agree with charity, but charity begins at home. There are so many Maltese in need and govt MUST help them first and format from OUR taxes.

victor vella

Oct 14th 2009, 12:24

hiv is but one concern , and to be fair if care and precaution is taken by individuals can be controlled,what concerns me are other ilnesses and deseases which one can get without any contact, (remember Malta was desease free up to a few years back) and also and as important our culture and way of life.These people will soon be shouting aboout being discrimenated against simply because we celebrate Christmas or good friday.

Joseph Tonna

Oct 14th 2009, 11:33

' Silent Invasion ' will never stop ... what about the illegal immigrants coming not with the boat but by the plane ... ? ? ?

marthese mussett

Oct 14th 2009, 11:08

I would like to take this opportunity to apologize to Mr.Norman Lowell,I used to think that he exagerates.LOWELL WAS RIGHT.Mr.Lowell I hope you re reading this,I was always against illegal immigration,now look how our country has ended up.No wonder we have a shortage of doctors,and our hospital is overflowing.We have a very very serious problem

claire farrugia

Oct 14th 2009, 08:28

@john agius
blaming increase in hiv in malta due to african immigrants giving it to maltese is in my opinion very immature. the biggest increase of HIV cases in the last years was not in Africa but in Eastern Europe, going with a prostitute from Eastern Europe is very risky too and men going with these prostitutes, Maltese men too, have a big risk of getting HIV or other diseases. why always blame the Africans? men involved in prostition and risky sex behaviour, no matter what nationality and with what nationality are risking, but why blame it all on the Africans?

T.gauci

Oct 14th 2009, 04:23

Malta will be the republic of Africa in a few more years.

Rodnick Abdilla

Oct 14th 2009, 01:05

The Maltese people are not anti-immigrant. We are concerned about the lack of coherence in our immigration policy and enforcement.

Charles Grixti

Oct 14th 2009, 01:03

@Moses Mula, C. Betts and Co.

Talking about Mattia Preti, the Knights and the Commonwealth are just red-herrings.

The truth of the matter is that these ‘immigrants’ are being directed to come here. I am old enough to remember the great Biafra famine in Africa. Not one solitary refugee ever made it to Malta, or even Europe then. And these were “bona-fede” people in need as seeing their pictures even to this day bring tears to my eyes.

No, what we are seeing today are well fed, and well clothed individuals coming in their boatfuls to partake of ‘freebies’ paid by the European taxpayer..

Our EU leaders, the Vatican and Brussels of course are in on this unholy alliance between the Europe and North African and African (mostly Muslims) countries. The project is the Islamization and breaking up all the nations of Europe. Once these people make up a certain percentage in each European country, the trap will be sprung. If you want more proof, look at the photos of Gaddaffi and Berlusconi tête-à-tête together at the last G20 summit. And the Knights of Malta are still actively involved, but this time they are on the other side.

N. Bonello

Oct 14th 2009, 01:00

Someone mentioned that they will ensure their pension ! I dont think so.

What I see is an all expenses paid life for them - from the boat to the grave. With Maltese Tax Payers paying for everything needed till death - FRONTEX Taxi Service, food, housing, utilities, healthcare, schooling, clothing, accessories and of course spending money.

We are told that we now need/want immigrant workers. Can we really trust our Gurus and their policies ?

What we need (if anything) is a controlled inflow of temporary workers that are properly educated/trained in WHAT WE REQUIRE, people are then chosen and prepared to start work immediately and embrace European life.

What we get now is a ragtag group of people with only one aim - to milk the European Social Security system, in Malta or any other European country to the fullest. Also, if they 'feel' like it they can make something 'extra' on the side without giving any Social contribution at all. Just 100% pure burden.

What a life, not bad and all this for just a thousand bucks.

After paying for all this no money for pension for us.

chris mifsud

Oct 14th 2009, 00:26

Italy gets away with forcefully turning them back to Libya ....

Why does Malta not do the same ?

Dr Gonzi , LISTEN to the majority of Maltese.

Berlusconi increased his popularity ten fold by sending ILLEGAL immigrants back by force ..

DO THE SAME

J. J. Borg

Oct 13th 2009, 21:40

John Agius: Conspiracy theories are the only refuge for those who have no logical argument to make.

Mark Cushcieri

Oct 13th 2009, 21:30

J. J. Borg ...sex ..and blood transfusion..sharing of needles. in this case sex ..do you remember last year the case about the african immigrant with hiv prostituting for her earnings.. i think you get the picture now...i wish that article resurfaces..instead of trying to hide facts..these facts should be known to us from our goverment. Why all the silence.?

J. J. Borg

Oct 13th 2009, 21:20

John Agius: you obviously have no clue how HIV is transmitted. If you did you would not be making such absurd statements.

Mark Cushcieri

Oct 13th 2009, 21:03

some insight from euronews..hiv increase by 8% in just 1 year in europe...malta which cases of hiv doubled.
i'm sure now we will hear from NGOs lambasting against discrimination and stigma against hiv ppl. However the maltese citizen who is suffering/dying becuase of hiv these people brought onto our shores will never be mentioned for sure.

joe scerri

Oct 13th 2009, 20:47

The people of these maltese islands are REALLY WORRIED about this INVASION and OUR maltese government seems to have LOST CONTROL of the whole situation .It is a GRAVE MISTAKE not to take care of what the majority of the people are saying and feeling. I as a maltese citizen beg OUR MOST ONOURABLE PRESIDENT OF MALTA to intervene in this GRAVE PROBLEM for the BENEFIT of our people, because this is a REAL INVASION of OUR BELOVED ISLAND.

R.Zammit

Oct 13th 2009, 20:27

@Marie Louise Said

The AFM, in particular the Maritime Squadron and the Air Wing are held in very high esteem by all. They are the ultimate rescuers for all in difficulty, particularly at sea. They do a great job.

The conditions last night were not easy at all, but the AFM is finally being equipped with advanced new vessels and aircraft, capable of safe operations in inclement weather. I have no doubt that investment is coupled with training of all personnel, which is indispensable for successful and safe operations.

Being an island, it makes sense to have cutting edge SAR components, capable of dealing with every-day events as well as natural or un-natural catastrophes, which by laws of probability alone, are bound to happen around Malta. Training and investment in modern equipment has to be ongoing.

AFM, keep up the good work.

moses mula

Oct 13th 2009, 20:17

@John C. Betts spot on my friend. The irony is that many still think that the Knights came to Malta because they cared so much for the Maltese. They came here to defend their own order and skin and if Malta wasn´t christian they would have let us be invaded.And what does Mattia preti and Caravaggio have to do with it? As for the commonwealth, there are more African countries in the commonwealth than in Europe. And we are part of the commonwealth because we were under British rule. Now why Mr.Xuereb, does that make you feel proud?

John C Betts

Oct 13th 2009, 20:07

"@John C Betts
You are more than welcome to take them (illegal or economic migrants) to whichever country you hail from."

Really? I am Maltese and I live in Malta. 8th generation Maltese.

And all that has nothing to do with the comments made in the post I quoted.

M.Spiteri

Oct 13th 2009, 19:50

@John C Betts
You are more than welcome to take them (illegal or economic migrants) to whichever country you hail from.

Graham Holme

Oct 13th 2009, 19:46

Malta,R.I.P.soon your country will no longer belong to you.
This is an invasion,make no mistake about it.
Remember,there is strength in numbers,and their strength,is slowly gaining momentum .

Denis Catania

Oct 13th 2009, 19:09

When will these so-called parents be arrested for endagering the lives of their children/ fetus ?

John C Betts

Oct 13th 2009, 19:08

"These illegal immigrants' children will not know and much less care about Malta's Commonwealth status, the legacy of the Order of St. John, the Caravaggios and Mattia Pretsi and the rest (unless to use them as firw-wood in their ovens), 8 Settembre."
Why so?
According to this statement refugees can universally respect no culture and use fire wood in their ovens - oh sorry, paintings (and presumably their frames). Why should they do either of these things? Because they are African? That argument does not hold.

Are all Maltese children capable of even recognizing a Mattia Preti?

Incidentally - poor set of national examples:
The Commonwealth is an intergovernmental organization of nations which were formerly part of the British Empire.
The Order of St John came from across Europe and its members were not Maltese.
Neither Caravaggio nor Mattia Preti were Maltese.
8 Settembre might be the closest to the mark, celebrating victories by the knights (see above) and the British, and the fortitude of the Maltese; pity it's written in Italian in the post I took it from....

Raymond Sammut

Oct 13th 2009, 18:57

78 means the traffickers could not put on the dinghy a few more in because of the inclement weather. Else it would have been 100+.

Note how UNHCR in Valletta stays mum in regard to children being put on this dangerous dinghy. There is never a public condemnation to this effect coming from UNHCR. No-one is ever charged. When things go wrong, it will be the Maltese skipper who will become famous. It will be Malta to come under the spot-light. It will be more children drowning in Malta's territorial waters.

Gonzi is now caught up in his own petard. The Italians are clearly aware of Gonz's predicament. Gone are the days when 400-men-boats were sailing from Zuarha to Lampi, instead of appearing 80 miles south of Malta equipped with sat-phone.

One cannot blame these people, either. It all comes down to utility. If it is that little bit better for them, they will keep appearing, waiting to get picked up. It is natural law.

I Vella

Oct 13th 2009, 18:48

In just one week Malta has to provide food and shelter for 184 more. An unsustainable situation and the sooner everyone understands the gravity of it all the better.

Marion Pace

Oct 13th 2009, 18:43

@ Marie Loise Said its because of these illegal immigrants that families like yours are continuously passing through hell. Because of the greed of these illegal immigrants and those who are trafficing them your families are threathened. They are also threathening the stability of Our Country.

Joe Xuereb

Oct 13th 2009, 18:40

I'm sick and tired of suggestions that illegals should go elsewhere in Europe. That would be a soluction for Malta not Europe.
I'm sick and tired of reading the praises about the guys who man the rescue boats. What if one or more of the rescuers were to die tragically, and for what? They are doing a difficult job, obeying humanitarian orders. But look at their cargo, the rescued.
I looked at the faces on the boat and I said, what have these people to offer Malta (or anywhere else) for them to be economic migrants. And anyone short-sighted enough to believe their taxes will guarantee tomorrow's pensions, think again. These illegal immigrants' children will not know and much less care about Malta's Commonwealth status, the legacy of the Order of St. John, the Caravaggios and Mattia Pretsi and the rest (unless to use them as firw-wood in their ovens), 8 Settembre. Mdina will mean nothing to them unless to be festooned with awnings and become a veritable souk. Taxes to take care of future pensioners? What pensioners? I do not have a solution to this sorry state of affairs. But unless something is done, the future is not bright.

pat camilleri

Oct 13th 2009, 18:26

Enough is enough Mr Gonzi. You must do something for your people or the consequences will be dire.

T.gauci

Oct 13th 2009, 18:09

@Mark Galea

The Maltese population has increased to more than 14k since 1990, Malta 316 km square rock became over populated country, now with illegal immigrants among us is overtaken...given that unemployment is high, more illegal immigrants = more social benefits , higher taxes to sustain our poor services...most probably you will end up starving. you know your government GonziPN has failed, don't come up with nonsense excuses in order to defend the party you support.

Marie Louise Said

Oct 13th 2009, 17:55

While I fully appreciate the dangers encountered by P61's crew last night it comes to me as a surprise and a great disappointment that the same appreciation is not shown to the Air Wing's crucial involvement in the operation, after I spent the night up waiting for my husband and the crew to land in the same ghastly conditions as those met by the P61! Incidentally this is the umpteenth time this happens...

No matter what views one may have about illegal immigrants... all those involved in these operations merit appreciation and praise, being they Maritime, Air Wing or HQ... and humbly this must also include us as their families who spend odd hours of day or night eagerly waiting for their safe return...

Joseph Calleja

Oct 13th 2009, 17:52

This is not going to stop, as a matter of fact it will get worse unless the government puts his foot down and says NO MORE with some conviction. I keep looking at these clips and these people don't look mistreated in any way. First it started with all men in small numbers, then the numbers got bigger with a few women added, now they are adding pregnant women ready to give birth. What a set up. If this is not a very well planned mission what is? Why is the government sitting there speechless? The USA ( the only country to take any significant numbers has it's own problems with illegal immigration and the rest of the EU states have the same problem and don't want them going to their countries. If they don't want them why is Malta being so naive, why not stop them before they get here, and send them back, like other states are doing. Saving them in the high seas is very commendable but they have to go back, these people are not refugees, these people are illegal immigrants, opportunists.

victor pulis

Oct 13th 2009, 17:45

@Alison Natalie Keeler
The problem is there is no law breaking in phoning a friend in Malta to tell him/her you're in trouble. These people are not as dumb and helpless as some make them out to be. They are organised and know exactly what they're doing.

Claire Busuttil

Oct 13th 2009, 17:27

Neverending story!

Guze Xerri

Oct 13th 2009, 17:14

The masterplan is easy, they keep coming unabated, we take them in, and the government just keeps mum.
Simplicity in its self.

David Portelli

Oct 13th 2009, 17:03

Issa qed naraw car li persuni li tkellmu dwar din il-problema fil-bidu nett taghha u li hafna nies, fosthom il-media u membri parlamentari dahqu bihom,issa qed naraw li dawn kellhom ragun.Pero nghid kellhom u mhux ghandhom ghax dizgrazzjatament jien verament qed nara t-tmien ta dan il-pajjiz.Nippruvaw ma nammettux uhud minnha pero nafu li veru.U sfortunatament id-dghajjes se jibdew jigu dritt hawn u mhux lejn l-Italja bhal ma filfatt qed naraw.

c. camilleri

Oct 13th 2009, 17:01

This is a well organised illegal immigration with the Mafia behind. The conditions of those coming ashore does not look like having been long at sea and they are well provided with safety attire. We are acting out of pity and they are having a good laugh at us all.
Did these refugees ask to come over to Malta?. In the past they used to want to continue their trip to Italy. What is happening now?

louise vella

Oct 13th 2009, 16:59

Can Dr Gonzi or Dr Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici give us a breakdown for the year 2009 so far?

How many illegal immigrants arrived?
How many were repatriated?
How many were taken off our back by other countries?
How many are still in Malta?
Where are there staying?
Have they or have they not become a security problem?

Joseph Cauchi

Oct 13th 2009, 16:51

This situation is becoming alarming when our country cannot control the continuous influx of illegal immigrants.

The comments in these columns are obvious.

My question is, if the Government is aware of what the general perception is as regards to this matter, then why is it not taking any proper and drastic measures to control these influxes?

As the Italians say “Sopra Corna Bastonate”, our Government does not give a hoot of our concerns and what we all are saying and continues to ignore us with its deafening silence and continues with this “laissez-faire” attitude towards its own citizens!

Isn’t this shameful?

Malta needs a response, NOW!

JC.

Alison Natalie Keeler

Oct 13th 2009, 16:29

In view of the liaison between the boat and a contact in Malta, no doubt the authorities can look into the communication and perhaps access mobile calls made etc in order to try and build evidence against those here on the islands who are adding to the situation.

And if not, why not?

I feel very sorry for the women and children but not sorry at all for the greedy thugs behind this people trafficking.

lgalea

Oct 13th 2009, 16:16

Mark Galea
Allowing illegal immigrants of whatever color to rob Maltese workers of their work in an overcrowded country which is the smallest in europe and living like leeches on our taxes is not on. The scaremongering about pensions is all crap.

Kenneth Galea
"The government has to fork our for their upkeep..."
You are wrong my friend. We have to pay for their upkeep through OUR taxes.

How about the extremely dangerous situation where our security forces are outnumbered by some 5 or 6 to 1 by the illegal immigrats?

T Pace

Oct 13th 2009, 16:12

@ E. Vella

I agree entirely with you regarding "the enemy within:"

We cannot solve the problem unless first we remove any quislings from our midst.

David Muscat

Oct 13th 2009, 16:00

@Mark Galea

If what happens in other countries is anything to go by, the immigrants you are pinning your hopes on will be taking a share of your pension, not contributing to it. Your attitude is very short sighted, these immigrants will get old too and will expect a pension too. Most probably they will not have contributed much if anything to the pension scheme, so byebye go part of the funds earmarked for your pension.

If you want to see what happens/ed in Norway see the link below.
http://www.brusselsjournal.com/node/227
25 years later (yes 25 years), 50% of the immigrants were still welfare dependent. If you think they're going work for your pension think again.

The Maltese may not guarantee your pension but you have even less of a guarantee if your suggestions are taken up.

victor pulis

Oct 13th 2009, 15:44

This has ceased to be news. It is becoming a tradition. Soon we will have flash news saying " Today no immigrants were brought in!"

mario gellel

Oct 13th 2009, 15:37

Gonzipn has lost all track of what is happening in Malta.
It's like we are in a blackout peroid. The whole administration is in a caos. Every ministry is out of control and our Priminister covering every abuse and mistakes being done.
How can this goverment take action on this issue, when he is struggling to survive himself?
We need to organize ourselves and take to the streets if we want somthing done. We have to protest with every means,it takes what it takes. This Govt has forgotten about us and is litterly destroying our children future. WE NEED TO WAKE UP AND TAKE ACTION NOW....

c. camilleri

Oct 13th 2009, 15:37

Can our Minister please tell us how much more can we take? It is time that drastic action is taken and these people should be returned to Libya in the same boat. Govt should dismiss all criticism for those irresponsible organisations and do what is right for Malta. So long as we welcome them with open arms they will keep coming. Now they more organised then ever, so we can expect more. Dear Gonzi and Joseph dismissing the subject of the refugees is not going to solve the problem. We must faced it head on in unity before it is too late.

louise vella

Oct 13th 2009, 15:17

This is proof positive that Frontex has been a failure. How many boats - with 79 or 106 or whatever number of illegal immigrants - is the weak Gonzi government prepared to accept before calling a halt to the invasion? Dr Gonzi is showing such a lack of determination to tackle this problem that one can seriously doubt if he is on the side of the NGOs or on the side of Maltese public opinion, that is, the opinion of the common man and woman in the street. Put simply, we have had enough.

patrick bellia

Oct 13th 2009, 14:56

Lanca gejja u ohra sejra
lejn dan il kontinent
il kaptan bil pipa f halqu
jidderigi l bastiment

kull meta nohorgu
dejjem inkunu attrezzati
f kaz ta emergenza
ikollna l mobile satellitari

dawn jghidu li jaharbu l faqar gwerra etc ma kontx naf li jkollom it telefon directory fuq id dghajsa. ghidilhom ihalluna ha nghixu, meta ha jieqfu u titihed azzjoni ghadna ma nafux, u ahna nhallsu t taxi peress li ma ghnadniex x inhallsu

mike pace

Oct 13th 2009, 14:50

Well done to our army forces because they risk their life to others and with a rapid responsed they save the lives of these unkown people
Now when the new patrol boats will arrives they are prepared for heavy and stormy weather with more power to reach the area in less time hopefully or we going to pay from the nation burden taxes without any bright light at all.

louise vella

Oct 13th 2009, 14:48

BBC news writes: ‘Australia PM seeks migrant help’
(http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8303992.stm)

“Australia's prime minister has made a personal plea to the Indonesian president to prevent a boatload of Sri Lankan migrants reaching Australia … The boat, which set off from Indonesia, had 260 suspected Sri Lankan asylum seekers, some women and children.”

Australia is a huge country and its PM intervenes to prevent 260 illegal immigrants from getting there. Malta is a small island and Dr Gonzi does nothing about 184 illegal immigrants arriving in a week. Does Dr Gonzi think that it is in Malta’s national interest to keep bringing these illegal immigrants to Malta? Does Malta have any religious obligation to keep taking an unending number of illegal immigrants? Or is Dr Gonzi’s weakness that is forcing us to take all this lying down?

Mark Cushcieri

Oct 13th 2009, 14:43

I think this other article is more interesting actually.Read it through.
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20091013/local/hiv

Alexander Azzopardi

Oct 13th 2009, 14:42

ma tamilx izjed sens nikumentaw dwar l emigranti ....... il gvern mhux jaghti kas !!!

Mark Galea

Oct 13th 2009, 14:23

@All writing here
Will the maltese people guarantee my pension in the future? I am referring to the dwindling Maltese population. If not, then I would be willing to bet on immigrants, as long as they give them a job and they pay income tax, etc. I do not care less from where money comes, be it of any colour.

P.Cassar

Oct 13th 2009, 13:49

Since the EU is pressing us to accept them, can Gonzipn please tell me which EU country has applied to take them?

e.vella

Oct 13th 2009, 13:34

The AFM was alerted by a satellite phone call from the boat to foreigners in Malta and the UNHCR office in Valletta late yesterday.

Is this a case of 'the enemy within'?

Joseph Cini

Oct 13th 2009, 13:28

Click here and read at least paragraph 4.
http://www.theage.com.au/national/government-signals-tougher-stance-on-asylum-seekers-20091013-gvmr.html
Australia (pop 20 million and blessed with millions of square kilometres and an abundance of natural resources) makes a fuss because 260 illegals are headed there. Justly so? Arguable.One phone call by the Prime Minister and that problem is solved immediately!
Malta....and its leaders.....where are you? Do you have any telephones?Where are your European so called friends?
Poor Malta and its gentle people..as in the days of old, forsaken and forgotten yet again.

Kenneth Galea

Oct 13th 2009, 13:26

Same old story. You never hear Dr Gonzi or his Minister for Justice Carm making any comments. Wherever you go in Malta people are grumbling because of high utility bills etc etc and of course these illegal immigrants are partially to blame. The government has to fork our for their upkeep regardless if they are genuine asylum seekers or economic ones. But we have negotiated NOTHING with Libya so it appears to me that we cannot send them back to Libya. Rather than wasting time going to the USA and posing for the photograph with Obama recently it would have been better if Gonzi organised a trip to Tripoli and hold talks with Gaddaffi like the Italians did! These illegals should NOT have been brought to Malta but returned to Libya where they were living for years. The UNHCR office in Valletta should be demolished NOW! And Joseph Muscat stop dithering and take action NOW on the issue.

godfrey ellul

Oct 13th 2009, 13:22

Don't worry guys.....no cause for alarm, no critical situation, says the Government !!!

Joanne Micallef

Oct 13th 2009, 13:12

And the farce goes on, is Minister Carm still satisfied with what he did not achieve within the EU??????????????????

jj zammit

Oct 13th 2009, 12:51

Again and again and again,why not the Maltese send them back to where they came from,Italy and big countries always send them back,and they are 200 or 250 times bigger then the Maltese Island,and we Maltese are only 19 x 9 miles big,and we always keep them.i ask who´s responsable,IS THIS RIGHT?

John Azzopardi

Oct 13th 2009, 12:44

Before you know it, we will reach the same levels of last year with these illegal immigrants. Then the headlines read US took a small number of refugees, other EU countries about a 100, but how can we keep up when we get thousands. The blame on all this are our politicians on both sides because they have not came up with a unified plan to address this issue once and for all. The goal is to repatriate. End of the story. Detention in Malta is like a hotel.

Louis Grima

Oct 13th 2009, 12:30

The Leader of the Opposition should once again raise the issue in Parliament. Maltese citizens have a right to know what contingency plans, if any, has the Government drawn up to meet this problem full on. And please, no more promises of futuristic EU Schemes and Programmes, by the time of which Malta might very well be hosting 30,000 or more illegal immigrants....permanently.

lgalea

Oct 13th 2009, 12:24

anthea doughty
Being born here does not make you a Maltese citizen unless one of your parents is a Maltese citizen.

Mario Micallef

Oct 13th 2009, 12:23

I just wonder when all other European states will realise that we are in a difficult situation as a country!! Clearly nobody cares...it is organised when you see the way the calls are done. I just ask...who passed them the number of the UNHCR office!?!?!this stuff can be retrieved!! Welldone...and those who voice their concern about such a problem are laughed at or certain comments in the media are censored!!

Adriano Spiteri

Oct 13th 2009, 11:54

-Alerted by a satellite phone call and the UNHCR office

-Vessel damaged

-Maltese people at risk to aid a planned illegal entry

-Second bunch in one week totalling illegal entries to 184

-Number of children: these would remain here

This is an illegal act. Somewhere, someone, somehow is managing all this and is succeeding. Our solidarity is our weakness, the culprit. I want my tax contribution spent in Maltese interests and not in illegal African ventures.

Loyal leaders should step forth and bring down this Government if need be, our country is at the brink of collapse. Whatever we achieved be it Independence Day, Freedom Day, Otto Settembre...all that would be meaningless in a matter of few years.

anthea doughty

Oct 13th 2009, 11:49

What a good job the rescue services did is not the issue - nobody would disagree that they do a courageous and fantastic job. What you need to do now though is ship them straight around back to where they came from. Five pregnant women on top of the influx that means five little Maltese citizens born to them after arrival - great! 184 in one week! Great! Unsustainable. Bang go some of the hospital beds earmarked for your own peoples - no doubt some of them had to be taken to hospital upon arrival. Bang goes a few beds on the maternity ward for your own women sometime soon. I mean we have got to pay for and fund these ILLEGAL immigrants haven't we? Let's be honest the majority of those arriving are not in danger of their lives where they have come from, they just want a better life for themselves at our expense. I come to Malta 2-3 times a year but I am seeing and noticing the changes when I come now and I am beginning to be put off you as a holiday destination. Be warned as tourism is your biggest income.

Mark Cushcieri

Oct 13th 2009, 11:35

when will it end dr.gonzi?

Tano Walker

Oct 13th 2009, 11:34

Malta was never conquered, now its being taken over without a WAR

Joseph Cauchi

Oct 13th 2009, 11:16

As I have had said earlier in these columns that why do we have to risk the lives of our Armed Forces in trying to rescue these illegal immigrants from the seas when we could easily send our Gozo Channel ferries to pick these illegal immigrants from Libya directly and avoid all the hassles that are continuously encountered by our Armed Forces?

Whether we pick them up from the seas or ferry them direct to Malta, the illegal immigrant will still make it to Malta!

This is no win situation and Malta is doomed! Let’s admit it, please!

However there is some consolation as I can see the light at the end of the tunnel – hope not it’s a freight train coming towards us – that after the Gozo Channel has ferried these Sub-Saharan Africans to Malta, which undoubtedly would number in their thousands, then we Maltese, citizens of this country can also be ferried to Sicily and start a new life there and live happily ever after!

This is the DESTINY for Malta, as long as this laissez-faire is allowed to prevail!

Quo Vadis, Malta?

JC.

lgalea

Oct 13th 2009, 11:11

This shows that there is a whole organization that is working from Malta to import cheap labour.
Is this the reason that they are not being repatriated or sent back to Libya?

FRANK MERCIECA

Oct 13th 2009, 11:05

HOW RIGHT YOU ARE MR.JOSEPH SAMMUT. 100% AGREE WITH YOU.

John Azzopardi

Oct 13th 2009, 11:01

25 women, 5 pregnant and children. Big risk. How could these people leave a place and place themselves in so much danger. This is like committing suicide. these are always sad stories to hear and thank God our AFM is doing such a great job saving these people the AFM always get's blamed on little things, but I never see any recognition from our refugee groups or other international organization. The AFM should win the Nobel Peace price for the work it is doing.

J. Bugeja

Oct 13th 2009, 10:19

Oh God, Please help us and them.

Joseph Sammut (Ta' Harrbat)

Oct 13th 2009, 09:51

Hats off in salute to the brave courageous seamen of AFM's patrol vessel P-61: they make the Maritme Squadron proud, for sure without a doubt! These few good men are a rare breed of Maltese, and unappreciated enough by the remainder of Maltese society for the great work they do on the high seas.
Although they may be a far cry from being a navy, but as a coastguard they have certainly held the Maltese flag up and righteously high for all, especially the international community, to understand that Malta fulfils all its international obligations.
Over these years, the Maritime Squadron has grown and evolved in its role and importance, and Government ought to seriously provide more adequate funding, as their operations at sea cost a packet.
Well done, a big PROSIT, Capt. Grech and crew: keep up the good work. God speed and safe navigation, we're proud of you all!

m azzopardi

Oct 13th 2009, 09:46

always the same ....satellite phone call from the boat to foreigners in Malta and UNHCR office and the rescue starts

Pretty organised indeed !!!

C. Farrugia

Oct 13th 2009, 09:43

And....here we go again!

Alfred Fenech

Oct 13th 2009, 09:27

This just shows how well organised these people are. They have local contacts who help them to cross over and they have also been given the UNHCR number in Valletta. I remember some kind person asking us Maltese to provide the local foreiners with phone credit cards!!! Then they can use them to bring their friends over!!! How kind.

d. borg

Oct 13th 2009, 08:49

In just one week Malta has to provide food and shelter for 184 more. An unsustainable situation and the sooner everyone understands the gravity of it all the better.