Three tons of Maltese fireworks light up Bilbao sky for 20 minutes
Three tons of Maltese fireworks lit up the Spanish skies last night in a 20-minute show put together by the Għaxaq St Joseph fireworks factory.
The enthusiasts, who took part in a nine-day international festival, competed with factories from Australia, Tenerife, Austria and Valencia.
Although the Maltese fireworks manufacturers’ show, in the Basque city of Bilbao, lasted only 20 minutes the planning process was much longer. In fact, work on the fireworks, which ranged from ground, mortars and coloured pyrotechnics, started two months ago, enthusiast David Caruana said.
They packed the fireworks carefully on a truck and caught the ferry to Catania, Sicily, on August 16, five days before the festival started. From Catania, they caught another ferry to Genoa and drove overland to Bilboa.
Mr Caruana admitted it was not an easy process to take part, especially in terms of the preparations and logistics.
“Sometimes it felt like we were never going to make it but here we are and all is well,” he said.
They set up camp at a Spanish fireworks factory and spent three frantic days preparing the firing mechanism.
The Maltese team faced stiff competition, especially from Foti International Fireworks, the Australian factory that is world renowned for its intrinsic and striking displays on the Sydney Harbour Bridge every New Year’s Eve.
“Obviously, it was a great show but I feel the Tenerife team was the best so far,” Mr Caruana said.
Yet, he was optimistic about the Maltese display. “The jury actually came to the factory to see how we did the ground fireworks, which is something they don’t usually do,” he said.
The team was determined to do Malta proud. “At the end of the day, we are not here just representing the Għaxaq factory but we fly Maltese flag.”
The festival ends today and the winners will be announced tomorrow.
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Christopher Bonnici
Aug 30th 2010, 20:59
Prosit lill-Kamra tan-Nar ta' San Guzepp ta' Hal Ghaxaq! Kburi li Malti, ghax wara li l-Imqabbin rebhu titlu mondjali, issa l-Ghaxqin ghamlu l-istess. Dan kollu jikkonferma kemm il-Piroteknika Maltija hija professjonali, dinamika, u eccellenti! Mhux f'Malta biss, imma fid-dinja! Prosit lil kull min hu involut f'dan ix-xoghol! J'Alla naraw kumment pozittiv minn dawk li meta jigri xi haga johorgu jigru jibku biex jinqata' n-nar!!
Antoine Farrugia
Aug 30th 2010, 20:23
F'isem is-Socjeta Santa Marija u Banda Re Gorg V Mqabba nawguraw lill-Kamra tan-nar ta' HalGhaxaq fl'okkazzjoni tar-rebh ta' l-unur. Wara l-Imqabba gabu dan l-unur l-Ghaxqin. IN-NAR HARQU BARRA MINN MALTA L-GHAXQIN U L-IMQABBIN REBHU ZEWG UNURI LI BIHOM MALTA FERM KBURIN.
Rachel Galea
Aug 30th 2010, 18:18
Really Proud of this result.... I'm sure there is always room for improvement, but I'd say the critics to this art should really stop and try to appreciate what they have become some much used to.
J.M
Aug 30th 2010, 18:41
U Dan kompla jzid mal-bosta unuri li Pajjizna kiseb fil-Piroteknika! Immorru lura ftit snin ilu, fl-2007, L-GHAQDA TAN-NAR SANTA MARIJA TAL-IMQABBA rebhet KAMPJONAT MONDJALI mhux biss festival, f'Caput Lucis, F'Ruma! U Imbilli kien hemm Il-Gappun, Ic-Cina, L-Italja, Spanja, L-Ingliterra, Slovenia u R-Rumanija ... Ic-Champions tad-DInja xorta jibqghu ta' Santa Marija !!
simon cutajar
Aug 30th 2010, 17:26
Nixtieq nawgura min qalbi lil dawn in- nies kolla li kinu involut f'dan is- success kbira ghal- loghob tan- nar f' pajjizna . Prosit
Kevin Gauci
Aug 30th 2010, 16:09
S.vella int qed tejd li huma ma ghamlux kollox kif sipost rigward trasport, mela jek dawn ma amlux kollox sew allura kif dawn ghamlu video il-preparazjoni, it-tabija fil-container, u il cintejner waqtli diehel gol vapur li mhuwiex catamaran kif tista tara fdan il-video!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nTyxu8A35c
Proset guzeppini gibtu unur iehor ghall malta, riklam tajjeb dan ghall pajjizna, u wihed fil ftit unuri li malta gabet, Ahjar issir EUROFIREWORKS mili EUROVISION ax inkaxkru kull ma nsibu!!!
VIVA IL-PIROTEKNIKA MALTIJA
A Zahra
Aug 30th 2010, 16:05
First and foremost a good well done to the guys of the Ghaxaq factory. You did all of us Maltese enthusiasts proud.
To all those raising their ears because fireworks get transported on Ships please note that all over the world tonnes and tonnes and megatonnes of fireworks are transported every year on major shippping lines and pass through our harbours unnoticed and accidents during such phases of transport are unheard of. Fireworks are even sold at supermarkets in Major cities in Spain, Belgium ,The Neteherlans and Italy to name a few.
If you want to start worrying about what goes on ships you better start worrying about gas and fuel cisterns passing through our roads every single day just in front of your door.
It is also astonshing to note the myriad of assumptions and allegations that certain individuals make when they even do not have a mere idea of how the process was handled.
Viva Malta, Viva il festi Maltin , Viva in nar Malti , Viva dak kollu li jaghmilna Maltin. Min ma joghgbux issa ghandu ewropa shiha fejn imur jaqbad ajruplan u jdabbar rasu l hemm.
M. Aquilina
Aug 30th 2010, 15:16
Imbierek Alla kulhadd jifhem! Kulhadd professur! Jista' kulhadd iserrah rasu li ZGUR sar kollox kif suppost. Minjaf kemm saru permessi biex inghataw il-via libera! Il-kaptan tal-vapuri ikunu jafu x'merkanzija tghabbiet, fejn xiex ghandha titpogga, f' liema parti tal-vapur titpogga ecc. ecc. Il-pajjizi kkoncernati jkollhom regoli dwar kif din il-merkanzija tant delikata ghandha tigi trasportata. Il-fatt li waslet bla incidenti jfisser li kienet mghobbija kif suppost u li r-regoli gew mizmuma. Kull ma jibqa huwa li nghidu prosit lil min hadem dan in-nar! Ghamlu UNUR lir-rahal taghhom u lil Malta. Viva San Bastjan u San Guzepp!! (u prosit ukoll lil Hector)
HENRI SALIBA . VIRTU FERRIES MANAGING DIRECTOR
Aug 30th 2010, 14:50
For clarifications sake. The fireworks cargo was not transported on any of the Virtu Ferries Catamarans.
karol spiteri
Aug 30th 2010, 18:32
well done mr Saliba... the fireworks were carried on a commercial ship that has the neccesary permits and safety mesures and even the people on board it know what he is carrying. this ship carries fireworks every week and none of these bloggers knows even the truck is made for carrying fireworks only everyday but our experts think that who work fireworks are 2nd class citizenz so that they are not open minded because in this country of experts you have to be a POSH guy to be respected from these bloggers
MGrech
Aug 30th 2010, 14:12
Do you even for a second reckon that the necessary precautions weren't taken? As for those who pointed fingers and bellowed that the truck was not properly labelled, please consider visiting an optician next, especially those who watched the youtube video. An orange/red sign with a large flame painted on it clearly marks that the contents the vehicle is carrying are flammable. Now that particular truck had at least 5 signs: front, sides and back. I believe that Mr. Keith Fenech has already explained everything there was to say.
I'm proud on this day to say that I'm Maltese. It is an honour for all of us that these Maltese men, who I'm sure worked hard for this competition, made a dream come true and have helped crown Malta, and Ghaxaq, as international fireworks champions. Good luck Greens and may you have a safe return voyage.
C.Busuttil
Aug 30th 2010, 15:12
Tista ggib r-ragunijiet tad-dinja kollha imma ghal certu bloggers m'hemm ebda raguni valida hlief dik li jaqtaw in-nar u l-festi. L-istess bloggers li jitkazaw jekk f'xi marc ikun hemm x'hadd bla flokk imma ma jsibu xejn hazin anzi johduha kontra l-pulizija ghax ressqu xi studenti li kienu gharwiena hdejn il-bahar!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Minn qalbi nifrah lil ta' San Guzepp ghal dan l-unur Proset tassew
ta' l-anqas fil-loghob tan-nar nirbhu mentri fil-kumplament falliment f'kollox u mhux nigu t-tieni imma dejjem l-ahhar
Koz kif l-anqas news item dwar dan is-success miksub mill-Maltin............. ara fuq x'haga negattiva !!!!!!!!!
dvella
Aug 30th 2010, 12:07
Well done to all involved who light up the skies, but the transportation in this case is not impressive at all, leaves to be desired!! What if anything happened? I bet people who were to travel and know what was in store, rightly wouldn't have boarded ship!! And they had the right to know!!!! No matter how well packed they are and what cautions taken, we saw that happening in Mosta recently when everyhting seemed OK, but look what a disaster!!
S.Vella
Aug 30th 2010, 11:36
Despite being attacked by one very keen blogger for saying this a few days ago I repeat once again.................Well done St.Joseph fireworks factory for WINNING the Bilbao competition...;;;you have made Ghaxaq and Malta proud.
And by the way the Maltese were criticized for transporting fireworks all the way to Spain. How do you think the Australians got there ? via a magic carpet ? Yet I cannot hear any Australians complaining and belittling their fellow country man. Grow up all you fireworks haters. Address criticsm when it's due fair enough. But do not criticize just for the sake of it as you usually do.
Stephen Florian
Aug 30th 2010, 13:39
The should be transport chatered solely for that purpose.take no risks and braek no laws.
C.Busuttil
Aug 30th 2010, 14:25
@Stephen Florian
Qabel ma titkellem qis li tkun taf dwar xiex qed titkellem ghax tidher bic-car li ma taf xejn fuq is-suggett anzi qed taghmel hafna allegazzjonijiet.
Aktar perikoluz mill-gar tan-nar f'dan il-pajjiz hemm dak tac-cilindri tal-gas imma ovvajment la darba ahna komdi ninqdew x'jimpurtana !!!!! U l-petrol stations vicinn d-djar tan-nies mhux perikoluzi dawk jew !!!!! Alla hares ikun hawn incident jew bil-gas jew bil-petrol ghax stragi aktar minn mitt kamra tan-nar ikun hawn
Biex jingar in-nar trid balla permessi jekk ma tafx, mhux haga li tqum filghodu u jigik f'mohhok li tmur dwara bil-murtali mieghek....... hallina tridx
Stephen Florian
Aug 30th 2010, 11:02
If the Catamaran owners did knowingly accept the transport of fireworks alongsige with passengers then they should be prosecuted by law. This is a very serious issue and should be in the hands of the Police and Transport Malta.
karol spiteri
Aug 30th 2010, 13:45
qedin jistennew lilek siehbi ittijom l informazzjoni ghax bhal li kieku hsibt int taqbad u tmur bin nar fejn trid ghadek ma tafx kemm trid iddum tghamel permessi u inspection biex jaraw li kollox huwa sew ...
Stephen Florian
Aug 31st 2010, 16:42
The public has aright to be informed, especially when it comes to issues of safety. I cannot understand you attitude.
Gordon Grech
Aug 30th 2010, 11:01
Prosit lil Kamra tan nar San Guzepp ta' Hal Ghaxaq ghas-success li ghamlu gewwa Spanja. Nispera li nara headlines din l-affermazzjoni fuq il-mezzi kolla tax xandir u mhux qisu ma gara xejn. Malli tigri xi haga hazina mill ewwel ingibuha headlines!!!!!
Xuereb T
Aug 30th 2010, 10:02
After the last two consecutive years of success for St.Mary Fireworks team of Ghaxaq in the Malta International Fireworks Festival now it was time for St.Joseph Fireworks Factory of the same village to win this international festival in Spain. So glad I am from this village which although small it has a lot of dedicated volunteers who work for our two village feasts. Well done to both clubs for making Hal Ghaxaq one of the best where fireworks are concerned. It is a confirmation that the Maltese fireworks are unique beacause if one sees what others had to offer, it was nothing against our local fireworks which lit up the Maltese skies during summer.
May our patron saint Saint Mary and her husband St Joseph keep protecting both groups in this dangerous but very artistic work of art.
A.Debattista
Aug 30th 2010, 09:47
Prosit tmur lid-dilettanti Guzeppini Ghaxqin. :)
Issa fejn huma dawk in-nies li jparlaw kontra n-nar ????!!!!
V.Cutajar
Aug 30th 2010, 09:24
Well Done. So first we take the CHEESE CAKES (Pastizzi) to Australia, Maghdum Min tagh Hall man to England and now fireworks to Spain.
Ghana kunnu kburin Pajiesna ghal future.
J. Pace
Aug 30th 2010, 09:20
Prosit tas-success. Pero jien bhala cittadin li ma rridx immut bin-nhar, ghandi kull dritt nkun naf li trukk li qieghed nsuq warajh fih 3 tunellati bombi fih!
C.Busuttil
Aug 30th 2010, 12:38
Mela ssuqx wara truck tal-gas ghax perikoluz aktar minn-nar.
C Attard
Aug 30th 2010, 09:06
It is appropriate that the news item that the fireworks factory of the St. Joseph Band Club, Ghaxaq are the winners of the 20th Edition of the Bilbao International Competitive Fireworks Festival by international jury and against world class competition, is given appropriate recognition in the local press. For the uneducated on the subject, this is an extremely prestigious competition in the international fireworks scene and past winners are all professional fireworks factories that stage international fireworks shows during international events like New Year shows, international sporting events and national events of large countries.
Congratulations to all who have, with great personal sacrifice, for this great day.
E. Farrugia
Aug 30th 2010, 08:31
Prosett lil din l-Ghaqda tan-Nar San Guzepp, Ghaxaq champions Mondiali ghal darba ohra fin-Nar tal-Ajru wara li Hal Lija gabu dan l-unur lejn Malta wara l-Imqabba fejn regaw gabu l-unur u issa biex ikomli jikber issa l-Ghaxqin. Prosett u komplu paxxuna bin-nar tradizzjonali u sabih Malti naf li mhux dejjem ikun hemm il-mumenti sbih ghax jofri ukol naqra diqa u niket izda xorta jibqaw sodi dawn n-nies voluntira biex ikomplu ipaxxu lilna u lil baranin.
malcolm dimech
Aug 30th 2010, 07:28
Well done Boys you made us proud
http://www.sanguzeppghaxaq.com/homepage.html
Keith Fenech
Aug 30th 2010, 01:32
A big congratulations to St. Joseph Fireworks Factory of Ghaxaq that late last night was declared the WINNER of the Bilbao International Fireworks Festival 2010. You made us proud. The fireworks enthusiast will arrive in Malta next Tuesday at 8.30 am in the morning.
karol spiteri
Aug 30th 2010, 00:29
hafna paroli fil vojt bhas soltu!!! li nista nghid hu LI ISSA SIRNA CHAMPIONS U AMILNA UNUR LIL MALTA.. PROSET LIL KAMRA TAN NAR SAN GUZEPP HAL GHAXAQ GHAMILNA UNUR LIL MALTA. LA BIL FUTBOL LA BIL EUROVISON U B XEJN AKTAR MA AMILNA UNURI LIL MALTA HLIEF BIN NAR TRADIZJONALI LI HAFNA MINKOM TEJDU LI HUWA STORBJU WELLDONE FOR THE CHAMPIONS!!!!!!!!!!
j cassar
Aug 29th 2010, 12:58
jn nistageb meta nisma certu kummenti bla sens fuq in nar dan isu beda il birah jew il hazin huwa dak li jamlu l ghaqdiet volantari tal kazini ninsew warajna meta xi cerimonja li kun hawn fil pajjiz bhal malta fl ewropa dan mhux nar perikoluz ??????????? mhux fuq vapur ikun mghobbi ikol u xoghol li jigi ghal fireworks festival kul sena xinu qatt il media ma gabet kif jingar''''''' u bhala periklu nahseb kollha dawk li kummentaw kontra nar xi darba rikbu go karroza dak mhux periklu hat toroq li ghanda hziena hemm imeskom tajdu kemm ikbar ikolkom biza kemm il elf incident isir fi sena? saqsu lil tal insurance ha nibqu pajjiz tal mishija dak in nar volontajru ima it toroq u affarijiet ohra huma dmir u responsablita taghhom ghax jithalsu min flusna
Jesmond Micallef
Aug 28th 2010, 18:41
A word of congratulations to Għaxaq St Joseph fireworks factory. I am very sure they made a tremendous effort in promoting this Maltese spectacle overseas. Keep at it and I sincerely wish you complete success. Indeed keep the Maltese flag flying !!
Sur Keith Fenech, grazzi hafna tal kumment informativ tieghek. Nispera li Ghaqda Muzikali San Guzepp ta' Hal Ghaxaq jkollha izjed apprezzament ta xoghol ghaqli li ghamlet biex dan ix xoghol ta nhar jingarr b'modd sicur ghall kullhadd. Prosit tassew ta professjonalita f' dan ir rigward u awguri sbieh ghall Ghaqda Muzikali San Guzepp ta' Hal Ghaxaq min gewwa il Germanja.
C. Mercieca
Aug 28th 2010, 19:25
I don't know why all this fuss about fireworks being transported unescorted. Do you consider all the gas trucks roaming around in our streets daily uncovered and fully exposed under the scorching sun! So should all fuel refilling trucks be escorted?? At least these people had the decency to get a special vehicle for this purpose. Good luck and may you get the best results for our country.
S. Abela
Aug 28th 2010, 20:36
Sur Mercieca,
Truck fi triq ihalli herba - veru - jaqleb erba karozzi, itajjar xi bus shelter u xejn iktar.
Ic chance li imutu 900 ruh ipakkjati fuq KATAMARAN ijja ferm ghola meta qed jingarru 3 TUNNELATI splussivi.
Bomba ijja liktar effettiva meta tkun qalb hitan/ jew kumpatta mhux al ajru.
Philip Galea
Aug 29th 2010, 10:44
Attn - S. Abela
Ghal darba ohra => It Truck li kien addatat biex iggor dan IN-Nar Meraviljuz qatt ma telgha il Famuz Katamaran li ilekk issemmi.. Izda ingar go vapur tal-mekanzija li jidhol malta kull gimgha. Li kieku ma sarx dak kollu possibli biex dan ingarr bi prekawzjoni xi hadd jista jahseb li tal media ma kienux se jikkumentaw!!!!!
Min hawn ninxtieq nghid proset lil kull min ta semghu biex dan kollu setgha isehh u PROSET LI GHAQDA TA NAR SAN GUZEPP GHAXAQ....
PHILIP - GHAXAQ
C.Busuttil
Aug 29th 2010, 17:43
@ S. Abela Int taf x'int tghid jew? truck tal-gas jekk Alla hares qatt ikun hawn incident mhux jeqleb xi bus shelter imma kwartier shih. Cilindru wiehed bizzejjed biex twaqqa dar ahseb u ara truck mimli. Nahseb ta' hal Ghaxaq taw aktar minn risposta fuq il-prekawzjonijiet li hadu
JOSEPH BAJADA
Aug 28th 2010, 18:11
UNUR L PAJJIZNA.....DEJJEM ISSIB MIN IRID JEQRED F DAN LPAJJIZ....Nies li ma jafux xinhu volontarjat u sieghat shah ta xoghol u sagrificcji ... Prosit guys u l bambin ibierek id dilettanti kollha.......MIn qalbi prosit,,,,
s.Vella
Aug 28th 2010, 17:39
Once again just to point out that the Video on you tube posted below is incriminating enough with the truck being un marked and unescorted..
And let us just forget that as already mentioned that fireworks should only be transported in the open on a Ro-Ro. The article did not mention that the expolisives were transported on a cargo ship but on a ferry, now for those of you who do not have dictionaries at home:
Fer-ry (- noun) a commercial service with terminals and boats for transporting persons, automobiles, etc., across a river or other comparatively small body of water.
Ok so to those who stated that others have no clue about pyrotechnics... answer me this - What happens when you put a magnesium based mixture in heat and humitiy ?
At the end of the day it is not the point of going against the pyrotechnicians it is a point that the negligence of the few give the rest a bad name! Fireworks are beautiful and part of our culture and may we win every competition that exisits. The point being made is that there are cowboys out there, and no insurance can bring back departed loved ones!
A Zahra
Aug 30th 2010, 16:31
Just to answer your question becuse you seem to assume that all pyrotechnicians are somewhat ignorant in chemistry.
If you put Magnesium with water and heat it will oxidise enrgetically and combust with a hot white flame.
However kindly note that in nearly all pyrotechnic mixtures containing magnesium, the magnesium or magal (Magnesium Aluminum Alloy) are physically passivated using linseed or paraffin oil not to mention Potassium Dichromate as a chemical buffer to the reaction.
KEITH FENECH
Aug 28th 2010, 15:47
4) In-nar ghadda minn xi toroq f' pajjizna sakemm wasal il-belt bhal ma jsir kull weekend meta n-nar jingarr mill-kmamar tan-nar sa l-ghelieqi u bhal ma jsir f' kull pajjiz iehor madwar id-dinja.
5) Il-van li ntuza biex jingarr in-nar fih kien ukoll van apposta li ngieb apposta mill-Italja. Ghal darb' ohra kienet tezisti soluzzjoni hafna irhas imma f' gieh is-serjeta intazlet is-soluzzjoni li toffri l-izjed serhan il-mohh.
Nispera li dawn il-punti jserrhu ras hafna nies li qishom hasbu li dawn li jahdmu n-nar huma mgienen jew xi klikka ta' nies irresponsabbli.
Nassigurakom li dak kollu li sar inhadem skond il-ligi u ntuzaw l-aktar metodi gholjin ta' sigurta disponibbli a skapitu ta hafna u hafna spejjes. Pero l-Ghaqda Muzikali San Guzepp ta' Hal Ghaxaq sa mill-bidu nett li dahley ghal din l-isfida kienet determinata li taghmel dak kollu possibbli biex l-affarijiet isiru bl-ahjar mod possibbli.
Nixtieq li minn baqalghu xi dubji jaghmel il-mistoqsijiet minflok jivvinta ma jivvinta l-istejjer u jghid li huma l-fatti. Grazzi
Ian Pace
Aug 28th 2010, 16:03
Grazzi tat-twegibiet tieghek. Pero tippretendix li hadd ma jidhlulu dubji. Jekk sar dak li ghid int, setgha intqal (forma qasira) dak kollu fir-rapport originali. In-nies bir-ragun tallarma ruha - insejtu Naxxar? Nerga nghidlek grazzi mil-gdid.
Keith Fenech
Aug 28th 2010, 16:51
Serrah rasek habib li dawn huma l-fatti.
Kif ghidt diga irrispondejt ghax tweggagh meta taqra dan kollu li kien hawn min kellu xi jghid izjed u izjed meta tkun taf kemm kien difficli l-process biex l-Ghaqda Muzikali San Guzepp permezz tal-Kamra tan-Nar taghha irnexxiela tippartecipa f' dan il-konkors internazzjonali.
Ovvjament nawgura lil dawn id-dilettanti li jkollhom rizultat tajjeb. Nafu li x-xow kien eccezzjonali u gie mfahhar minn kullhadd pero finalment hija l-gurija li tiddeciedi u rebbieh dejjem wiehed ikun hemm. Il-konkors jintemm ghada bl-ahhar wirja kompetittiva u ghalhekk jigu fi tmiemu wara li jkunu taw il-wirja taghhom il-5 partecipanti li hadu sehem fil-konkors kompetittiv.
S.Vella
Aug 28th 2010, 17:53
Mr. Fenech, qed niehu pjacir bir risposta bil ghaqal u bis sens li ghadek kemm ghamilt, avolja kif diga qalu xi nies, jien inkluz - il-fatti ma jidhrux li huma ezattament hekk.
Meta tara xi haga hekk trid dejjem tiftakar fin nies li garrbu. Prova spjega lil dawk il-familji tan naxxar li kollox isir skond il-ligi hawn Malta. Minbarra il-kumment spjegati tieghek jekk tara il-kummenti tan nies ohra favur dan l-atiklu huwa wiehed semplici "intom wed tippruvaw twafqu il-pjacir taghna u ma ghandkom l-ebda dritt tindahhlu" mentri fil fatt ir-realta' mhix hekk.
Nerga nghid x'ghid f'intervent iehor. Il-problema hi li hawn Malta il-ftit irresponsabli qed jaghmlu dell ikrah fuq kullhadd. inti stess ghidt "hasbu li dawn li jahdmu n-nar huma mgienen jew xi klikka ta' nies irresponsabbli." ghax bhali taf li l-percezzjoni hemm barra hija projament dik fuq min jahdem in-nar.
Jien kont prezenti nara lil xi hadd jtella murtal quddiem ajrupjan niezel biex jillandja fuq ir runway principali ta l-ajruport ta Malta. Kieku l-ajruplan kien 6 sekondi qabel kien jaghmel herba ... kif naf? ghax jien kont il-bdot u ghal naqa ma baghatx lili u lil passigiera fid dinja l-ohra? Min kien sa jsabbarli il-marti u t-tfal imbaghad?
KEITH FENECH
Aug 28th 2010, 15:40
Time for a reply.
Ahna l-Maltin vera nsara ta' vera ... nigu l-ewwel biex inhammgu lil kullhadd u nakkuzaw b' kollox lil kullhadd. Dawn li gejjin huma ftit mill-fatti ta' kif sehhew l-affarijiet. Dan ser nghidu avolja ninsab konvint li hafna minnu ma jinteressa lil hadd imma f' gieh il-verita se naghti xi ftit informazzjoni.
1) Il-Kamra tan-Nar San Guzepp ta' Hal Ghaxaq ghamlet kollox skond il-ligi u biex timxi verament mal-ligi intefqghu eluf kbar ta' ewro zejda biex tkun assigurata s-sahha ta' kullhadd.
2) Il-vapur li telgha fuqu x-xoghol m' huwiex vapur tal-passiggieri izda vapur tal-merkanzija li huwa llicenzjat biex igorr materjal perikoluz u huwa ikkaverjat bl-insurances kollha necessarji.
3) Il-vapur telaq dirett minn Malta lejn Genoa, pero fit-triq ghadda fil-port ta' Katanja biex ihott u jghabbi xi merkanizija ohra. L-awtoritajiet kollha kienu nfurmati b' dan kollu fil-fatt l-Ghaqda Muzikali San Guzepp hallset minn buta l-ispejjes kollha li kien hemm bzonn biex tizdied is-sigurta fil-port ta' Katanja ghax hekk titlob is-serjeta. L-Ghaqda mhux biss hasbet fis-sahha u s-sigurta tal-Maltin imma f' dik ta' pajjizi ohra wkoll.
to continue...
R Attard
Aug 28th 2010, 21:13
Prosit Keith it was about time you set the record straight to these people who unfoutunately do not count from 1 to 10 before judging! I am sure that all those concerened took all the necessary precautions as per safety requirements. It seems as if there are a lot of people out there who have lots of free time on their hands and they choose to be a nuisance in order to kill this time. The honour for Malta has already been done through particpation via an excellent display in this international festival. Let's hope for the best now that all went well and we were able once again to show where the talent actually lies!!! Prosit guys well done!
William Aquilina
Aug 28th 2010, 15:10
I remember that last year soem fireworks enthusiasts were arrested for transporting fire works on the Sicily ferry without the necessary precautions being taken. ANd I believe they were members of the Union Band Club (the Saint Andrews Fireworks Factory of Luqa). What has happened to this case? Is it in limbo? Has justice been done?
s costa
Aug 29th 2010, 13:21
nahseb ghandek memorja hazina sur wil kun preciz meta tiprova titkelem u fuq xi mhux li tisma il media kas ghadu pendenti u mhux sew li titkelem u tigudika fuqu
K.ELLUL
Aug 28th 2010, 14:58
l aktar haga perikoluza li harget min din il wirja mu qiad issemija hadd !!!
it transport ta dan in nar kollu sar go trakk fid dawl tax xemx min gol pjazza ta rahal gdid minajr ebda skorta !!!!
aw xahadd tal kamra tan nar ta san guzepp imerini ??
veru prosit .......provi ta dan emm l ahbarijiet tal PBS ! U KULHADD JIBQA JIFRAH BIS SHOW LI TAJTU !
j.schembri
Aug 28th 2010, 14:41
gcforte jekk hawn bniedem li dejjem fuq in-negattiv fejn jidhol il-pajjiz huwa inti tghallem kun ragel u fuq kollox patrihot aktar milli politiku. Meta se tikber
A Zammit
Aug 28th 2010, 14:14
Is it obvious that the transport of the fireworks was done in a legal a dilegent manner? If it was done illegally why would the same people who took part in this competition invite the press and film the transport? Who said that the ferry was a passenger ferry? Why comment and throw mud when you do not know what was involved? Hope that Sain Joseph win the compentition cause this is a Maltese art which every Maltese should be proud of. The rest is a forte gemgem.
K. Debattista
Aug 28th 2010, 16:00
Because as per usual no one cares to do serious DD before.
As stated before
1) There was no sign of a proper police escort
2) The vehicle was not marked as carrying explosives
Would someone more compliant care to clarify if the IMDG code was followed correctly for this haulage? Because if my information is correct explosives should be carried on an open deck vessel or a RO-RO vessel were both the captain and all the crew are informed of the content which is to be clearly labeled (both container and the vessel)
A Zammit
Aug 28th 2010, 16:38
Mr Debattista you have the replies further up by KEITH FENECH. Hope you are satisified with the replies, altough I doubt it.
Ian Pace
Aug 28th 2010, 14:09
Easy to get a reply to all the questions justly raised by some posts. Start from today boycotting all ferries/catamaran from Malta until the local agents issue a decent statement reassuring us that these fireworks were not loaded together with other passengers. If this was the case, then hats off to all involved and well done for their success.
Mario Cucciardi
Aug 28th 2010, 13:55
Affter reading this article can someone kindly clarify a few things?
1)On what type of 'ferry' were these fireworks carried?
2) Were other passengers going to Catania (if any) aware of this?
3) I am aware that local ferry companies won't even carry coffins. Is carrying fireworks allowed to be carried on Ferries?
I need to learn more ....
A. Xuereb
Aug 28th 2010, 14:33
just watch this! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nTyxu8A35c
K. Debattista
Aug 28th 2010, 14:54
That video doesnt show anyithng apart then what we know already, the explosives were loaded into a van and onto a ferry.
Also noticed the lack of a police escort.
Mario Cucciardi
Aug 28th 2010, 15:07
Thank you Mr.Xuereb.
That answers one question though.
Thanks once again!
Stephen Farrugia
Aug 28th 2010, 13:48
How can they be allowed to take explosives on a boat full of people ?
All this fireworks insecurity has gone far enough. Someone must step in now and sort this out.
Darren J. Galea
Aug 28th 2010, 13:41
It would be interesting to know if the truck carrying the fireworks was covered by adequate insurance before embarking on two passenger vessels full of innocent civilians. Was the truck marked that it was carrying extremely hazardous cargo? Also was the ship's masters informed of the cargo the truck was carrying?
Why does something tell me that three "no" answers apply to the above?
Anne Farrugia
Aug 28th 2010, 13:20
Gosh! Can't anyone be a little bit positive and have some encouragement? I'm sure that these people from Kamra tan-Nar San Guzepp Ghaxaq did everything as it should. Would anyone in their right mind load a shipping vessel with fireworks? I don't know, like you that commented in the negative don't know, but I have a VERY STRONG FEELING, that these men acted very responsibly. Yes I know accidents happen...and don't tell me that you are all pure! Please! ...go get a life...
G. Attard
Aug 28th 2010, 14:23
No amount of assurance can guarantee safety. There are risks in everything. I have no doubt that everyone did their utmost to assure safety but would you board a transport carrying 3 tons of explosives if you knew they were on board your transport? It's not about being positive, as you put it, I'm sure those people are happy to see one of our fireworks factories represented abroad. It's plain and simply about safety. There is nothing stating whether the fireworks were carried with other passengers or if they made a separate, solo trip, so it's premature for anyone to jump to conclusions but it DOES ask a lot of questions the travelling public have every right to know.
PACIFICO GALEA
Aug 28th 2010, 13:05
Sur S.Abela GHAX QED TURI KEMM MA TIFHEM XEJN FIL PIROTEKNIKA.
1.3MIN QALLEK LI IN NAR INGARR FUQ VAPURI TAL PASSIGIERI?
2. MIN MINDU META SIRT TIFHEM XGHANDOM IGORRU IL VAPURI.?
3. MIN META SIRT TIFHEM FIL MANIFATURA TAN NAR?
4. MIN MINDU SIRT TIFHEM FIEX GHANDA TIDHOL INSURANCE U GHALXIEX?
HALUNA NGHIXU BI KWIETNA. VIVA IL PIROTEKNIKA GO MALTA U MADWAR ID DINJA KOLLHA.
K. Debattista
Aug 28th 2010, 14:26
Mela jista xi hadd jiklarifika id dettalji ta kif dawn ingarrghu?
Fuq ta l insurance, inti tifhem? Spjega mela ala m ghandiex tidhol?
S. Abela
Aug 28th 2010, 20:16
Sur Pacifico Galea,
Ha nirrispondik kif jixraqlek.
1. Gradwat fil KIMIKA - Chemistry - Ghandi degree fl-gholaa livell u hdimt Fl-industrija. Il kimika nafa FERM iktar minnek, nassigurak.
2. Ironikament nifhem hafna wkoll fil GARR ta materjal. Miniex ser nidhol fid dettal.
Qed nara li ma qrajtx sew il kummenti tieghi - Ta Santa Marija, sploda KOLLOX waqt li qed igorru l-isplussive. Sissa L-ESPERTI - li inti mintiex - ma jaghfux xgara ezatt u kif setghet is sehh l-ISPLUZJONI.
Mela jien nahseb li trid tkun mignun jekk thalli il familja tieghek fuq CATAMARAN filwaqt li fuq ikun hemm 3 TUNNELLATI ta splussivi.
XTAHSEB?
L. Gatt
Aug 30th 2010, 11:39
oh snap! well done mr abela! :)
gcForte
Aug 28th 2010, 13:03
Kemm gew jiswew flus ? Kemm konna nitimaw tfal fqar ? Ara sewwa jghejdu li iz zaqq il mimlijha tigi u tqum miz zaqq il vojta. Qeghedin niftahhru kemm hraqna flus.............prosit.
zammit.s.
Aug 28th 2010, 15:17
Sewwa qed tghid gcForte, naqbel mieghek hafna imma nixtieq nfakrek li ahna l-Ewropa u l-Amerika moderna qeghdin nghixu maqtughin minn dawk li qeghdin fil-bzonn. Hafna nies x'jaqaw u jqumu minn nies ohra, x'impurthom minn haddiehor'L-ewwel jien, it-tieni jien u e bilhaqq it-tielet jien ukoll! Mentalita hazina u egoistika.
Il-loghob tan-nar sabih hafna , imma kif ghedt int, nemmen li xi drabi qeghdin nahlu wisq flus fuq dawn l-hmerijiet. Ara vera minn jaf kemm kont titma nies bil-guh bdak il flus li spiccaw fl-arja!. Dan ma jghoddx biss ghal-loghob tan-nar imma ghal-kull haga ohra li naghmlu materjalistika bla bzonn.
Vera xi drabi ikun ahjar jekk kelna nieqfu ftit, nharsu madwarna u naraw minn huwa fil-bzonn u nghinu lil haddiehor.!Nahesb hekk San Guzepp jiehu hafna akta pjacir!:)
Chris Ebejer
Aug 28th 2010, 17:11
Ghalxiex ghandna nibghatu lill sportivi ghall kompetizzjonijiet?! bil kumment bazwi tighek! ironikament kompetizzjonijiet simili huma l-gvernijiet li jghinu, u dawn xprunaw il flus il-kazin innifsu.
Gordon Grech
Aug 28th 2010, 13:00
Good luck and well done.
Antoine Farrugia
Aug 28th 2010, 11:46
F'isem is-Socjeta Santa Marija u Banda Re Gorg V Mqabba, nawgura kull success lill-Kamra tan-Nar San Guzepp Ghaxaq. J'Alla ggibu dan l-unur lejn Malta biex b'hekk f'Malta jkollna 2 unuri internazzjonali fin-Nar f'inqas minn 5 snin. Fl'2007 l-Ghaqda tan-nar Santa Marija gabet unur internazzjonali meta rebhet il-Kampjonat Caput Lucis gewwa Ruma.
Good Luck Ghaxaq and MALTA.
S. Abela
Aug 28th 2010, 11:43
Is this INSANE?
We just experienced 3 mighty explosions, the whole area around the fireworks complex in Mgarr was annihilated, and this was during the transport stage of the fireworks for SANTA MARIJA.
Whilst these people - to make GHAXAQ proud - carry it on the SHIP/Ferry loaded with people, familes actually and the authorities allow it to happen?????
I think an impromptu explanation is needed.
I am sure that the INSURANCE policy does not cover explosives on board!!!!
A mistake has been definitely made somwehere!
Jason Azzopardisardi
Aug 28th 2010, 13:39
Why is this insane. Fireworks are a beautiful display. I have lived in NY and they have some of the most beautiful displays around, especially 4th of July
Jason Azzopardi
Aug 28th 2010, 13:45
Why insane. Color fireworks are a beautiful displays. I have seen some of the most beautiful displays in New York where millions of people line up on both sides of it's river to watch a spectacular display and I have never say anything say anything like the Maltese do. Enough negativity and controls over other people's lives.
K. Debattista
Aug 28th 2010, 14:21
I'm sure Mr Abela meant that its insane to ship 3 tons of explosive materials on a ferry. Sometimes I wonder if some of you read the whole comment before posting a reply
S. Abela
Aug 28th 2010, 20:08
Yes, THANK you Mr. Debattista.
I think i was clear enough - its insane shipping 3 TONS of EXPLOSIVE - 3 tons on a Catamaran filled with families!!!!
The Gozo channel has a service ONCE a week from Gozo to Malta to ferry Hazardous/Toxic waste. The ship would be empty.
I love fireworks, they light up the summer sky, but something is amiss. Regulation needs to start from the ground up.
S.Abela
Aug 29th 2010, 15:15
Which part of the article says "Catamaran filled with families" ????
A. Calleja
Aug 28th 2010, 11:18
I wish you heartily success because although I haven't seen this display, I'm sure you gave a spectacle of fine Maltese fireworks BUT....
"They packed the fireworks carefully on a truck and caught the ferry to Catania, Sicily, on August 16..."
Have you insured yourselves to do this? What if something went wrong aboard the ferries?
S.Vella
Aug 28th 2010, 11:09
This is some kind of joke right?
If not when will these people be arrested and arraigned in court?
Can anyone with any sense whatsoever explain to me how these people got away with such negligence? ... and they are proud of it too!!! Are you telling me that they actually loaded 3 tons of explosives onto a truck and got on to the catamaran? then onto the Catania/Genoa Ferry without asking permission to do so?
If on the other hand they did have permission - who the hell was this genius who granted it?
I can understand that someone who is passionate about firework manufacturing blowing himself up by accident by going to a firewoks factory in a remote area by choice, but what about all the thousands families and staff on the said ships! What choice did they have? Did they know that they were sitting on 3 tons of explosives in a metallic ship in the heat swaying to and fro???
This is where I feel ashamed to say that these are my countrymen! As the expression goes all they thought about was themeselves "Kuntent jien Kuntent Kullhadd"
R. Borg
Aug 28th 2010, 13:09
Definitely not worth a constructive reply.... all i suggest is to get your head out of the sand....
J.Fenech
Aug 28th 2010, 14:51
PLEASE.... do not invent thing which you are not sure of ( or even have no idea). Fireworks were transported on the vessel EuroCargo Genova. This is a merchant vessel of the company Malta Motorways of the Sea.
S.Vella
Aug 28th 2010, 10:34
Well done to the St.Joseph fireworks factory for making Ghaxaq and Malta proud!!!!
gcForte
Aug 28th 2010, 13:07
Speak for yourself please, I am part of Malta and I am absolutely not proud.