‘Aggressive’ bus driver may face racism charges

Joe Xuereb (Central London, UK)

Oct 25th 2010, 00:43

Already stated but needs repetition for anyone slow on the uptake. Plus afterthoughts.
In First Aid, a rule of thumb is that the First-Aider must ensure his/her own safety. If not, instead of one potential corpse on the road, one could end up with two certain corpses (on the road). Now, how educated and intelligent does one have to be to get one's head round that one? Of course there could be some obscure agenda that will entertain refusal of this simple First Aid fact, but such an agenda would only interest me to afford me a belly-laugh. Some people!!
Malta has always been colonised and so does not owe anybody, anything. Big colonisers MAY have obbligations and anybody who thinks immigrants of whatever status/colour are welcome there, are mistaken. Ours is a global-village (but not a free-for-all). Thinking any adverse effect on British, French, German, etc. economies will not affect tiny Malta? Think again!
Interesting that suddenly, it's claimed that help is not to appease past wrongs. Malta has no past wrongs, no closeted skeletons. Altro che`!! So who's going to help Malta? Some shipwrecked itinerant? in a story with more holes than a sieve?

Joe Xuereb

Oct 23rd 2010, 19:11

Someone further down said that Libya does not have an office in the desert to process asylum claims. Therefore, it sends them to Malta instead. How convenient. Maybe whoever said this stupidty has vested interests in Libya? Maybe? In UK we say about this kind of 'court jester' that they know which side of their toast is buttered.
To pick on Joseph Gaffarena because his English is not 'academic' is niggardly and mean. He has a point. But rather than engage him civilly, no! he is pulled down because of some typos. So!
How very Maltese! Anything to divert the debate rather than face facts.
What's wrong with beer-swiling pot-bellies. They are in their own country and pay taxes. They contribute even if it is picturesque language.

Joe Xuereb

Oct 21st 2010, 14:49

In First Aid, a rule of thumb is that the First Aider must ensure his/her own safety. If not, instead of one potential corpse on the road, one could end up with two certain corpses (on the road). Now, how educated and intelligent does one have to be to get one's head around that one? Of course there could be some obscure agenda that will accommodate refusal of this simple First Aid fact but such an agenda would only interest me to allow me a belly-laugh. Some people!!
Malta has always been colonised and so does not owe anybody, anything. Big colonisers MAY have obbligations and anybody who thinks immigrants of whatever status/colour are welcome there are mistaken. Ours is a global village. And you think any adverse effect on the economies of Britain, France, Germany, etc. will not affect tiny Malta? Think again!

gaffarena joseph

Oct 20th 2010, 21:51

Re David Buttigieg
My friend,
A refugee is a person taking refuge in another country,due to an unrest in his country etc.
As far as I, know all these people that came from Libja are not refugees but ara all illegals.
I, am going to teach no one, because we are all in need of learning.
There was no need to attack me personally, because what I, said was only the truth.
There are people both men and women, that want these illegals for their own personal reason,and I, do know what I am saying.
It is in vain to tell you more about this matter,so relax,and take five.

gaffarena joseph

Oct 20th 2010, 21:42

Re,Robert Callus,
Heavy patriotic work????????
My Maltese friend,do not exegerate,and try to make me laugh.I, have every right to submit my
view about this matter,and I, am doing this because we are witnessing what is hapining in other EU, countries.We are already over populated,and surely we do not need an invasion from these illegals.
Few people that want these illegals here,is only for their personal reason.
We fought the second last war to keep on surviving from the nazi, so why they will not do the same to their country,and leave us living in peace.
Time is already teling us what we are having back from these people,it is the sdame story that happened and is still on going in every country that accepted these illegals.
Now if you permit me my dear friend, I,am going to see my team manchester united paving the way to win the euro cup.

gaffarena joseph

Oct 20th 2010, 21:41

Re,Robert Callus,
Heavy patriotic work????????
My Maltese friend,do not exegerate,and try to make me laugh.I, have every right to submit my
view about this matter,and I, am doing this because we are witnessing what is hapining in other EU, countries.We are already over populated,and surely we do not need an invasion from these illegals.
Few people that want these illegals here,is only for their personal reason.
We fought the second last war to keep on surviving from the nazi, so why they will not do the same to their country,and leave us living in peace.
Time is already teling us what we are having back from these people,it is the sdame story that happened and is still on going in every country that accepted these illegals.
Now if you permit me my dear friend, I,am going to see my team manchester united paving the way to win the euro cup.

Pauline Thompson

Oct 20th 2010, 19:28

Joseph Gaffarena - I pity & hope that the likes of you would never for what ever reason would have to suffer what some of these people have. Just think for one moment if you had to flee from your cozy little home, leaving your family & friends behind to seek refuge in an other country hundreds of miles away & risking losing your life in the process to be welcomed with more hatred.

As for your brilliant advise regarding what these poor people should do to overthrow their corrupted leaders you may as well be their new leader & no doubt all their problems will be solved. While you're at it as you ooze education don't forget to educate them too.

Again your comments are based on assumption "maybe you're not Maltese and your country is also ruined by these illegals". How did you work that out? It doesn't matter what nationality I am & where I live. The fact is that I accept others like I would expect others to accept me - shame you can't say that for yourself.

The best education you have thought me is that I 'm so fortunate not to have your mentality.

Joe Xuereb

Oct 20th 2010, 19:17

This driver is not very educated, his vocabulary is limited (in part, blame a country that fails to teach its citizens the importance of their langauge). He, like millions of others across the world is disgusted, looking at the wider picture, at how mass immigration by largely unskilled people is rocking the boat. Silly man, he lets rip. He could rein in his anger and vent it by writing, like so many others, to this newspapers. Otherwise, he could shut up and wait. And then say, 'I told you so!'.
Did Dr.Bugeja name-call the bus-driver 'trash', a word he used himself? She shouldn't have called him anything but if needs must, 'trash' in Maltesee is 'hmieg', or 'zibel'. Just a thought.
Rudeness, like racism, is but a word. Quoting truisms without any backing, asking people how immigration is affecting them in Malta shows lack of patriotism, cunning and most important of all, ignorance (as in uneducated, ill-mannered). As is lack of patriotism (as in lack of respect and regard towards own's own) as distinguished from nationalism, potentially, a true evil. Rudeness is wilful denial of the obvious and not caring (indeed, not understanding) how adversely it affects people. Very rude!

Robert Callus

Oct 20th 2010, 17:17

@Joesph Gaffarena

In what sense are you "defending the country"? Is the bus driver defending the country too? Maybe you can illuminate us on your heavy patriotic work you are doing for our benefit. Hope you are not referring to writing comments here - defending ignorance. No one who genuinely loves his country wants unnecessary racial tensions.

Raymond Sammut

Oct 20th 2010, 16:29

@ Sean Grima --"Being agressive towards a customer is a fair and justifiable reason for terminating employment, according to law."

The furthest the description goes in this article is this: "...he got hold of the foreigner and pushed him towards the back of the bus".

It is highly doubtful whether this would be considered as aggression in court. "Aggression" requires a person to show signs of violence or readiness to attack another person. There is nothing of the kind here in this description. Passengers being pushed towards the back of the bus is a common occurrence when the driver is desperately in need to create more space closer to the entrance.

It is up to the Malta courts and not you (or the likes of Ms Bugeja) to decide whether this bus driver was "aggressive". You are in no position to make judgments, let alone to declare a priori that this bus driver should have his employment terminated "according to law".

This bus driver is being deprived of his earnings. Those who have taken this course of action against this bus driver aught to reconsider their position, in my view.

gaffarena joseph

Oct 20th 2010, 12:12

Re Pauline Thompson.
Better if they leave us live in peace.They have a country of their own,all they want is to have guts,and overpower their corrupt leaders.There couintries are blessed with minerals,and they can easily unite and fight them, instead of ruining our nation,(maybeif youare not maltese,your country is alredy ruined by these illegals).
About ignorance,your writing tells the hatred you have for people like us defending their country.
We are already over populated, and first and formost I, want jobs for our children,and not let these illegals taking all our jobs.
About my education,I, have enough to teach you,no doubt about that.
I, am only defending my living, and if you call this sheer racism,than I, honoured being called that.
This is not a matter of letting them live, but a matter of letting us live our normal life.

Raymond Sammut

Oct 20th 2010, 11:31

@ Sean Grima --"if the man is rude, the employer would rightly dismiss him"

This statement may be valid only in a country like Singapore under Lee Kwan-Yew, and it still would not be applied all that freely by a Singaporean court. I very seriously doubt whether it would be accepted in a Maltese or European court. At the very least, not after several warnings had been given, and many several counseling and training sessions later.

I also very seriously doubt whether this bus driver had been given any prior warnings or asked to undergo counseling/training sessions. There can be no doubt that whoever dismissed this bus driver will be struggling to answer some very hard questions in the Malta courts.

Mr Grima, you don't decide who should or shouldn't get sacked in Malta, even if the guy happens to be a bus driver. And if you don't understand why your own statement needs to be explained, then you surely do not understand the ramifications of what you are saying. People who think they can just dismiss a worker without having to explain should take a good look at themselves and go talk to their lawyer.

Joe Fenech

Oct 20th 2010, 11:26

The word 'racism' is just a trump card used by Africans and Asians to get what they want. The UK was the country that allowed it to happen most and the country that suffered from it most. But Malta is naive and can't learn from other countries' bitter experiences!

Joe Fenech

Oct 20th 2010, 11:23

Simon Busuttil : you are just a Yes Man in Brussels, live in posh houses. How dare you suggest anything that doesn't affect you and your family?

Joe Fenech

Oct 20th 2010, 11:20

When it's the Maltese public that's involved, that doesn't matter!

Joe Fenech

Oct 20th 2010, 11:16

Get the priorities right first:

these ILLEGAL should not be here. FULL STOP!

It is this unfairness and lack of respect for hard working people who struggle to make ends meet and who pay taxes that is creating anger.

And look at the photos: Africans are really needy - look at their designer clothes, expensive bags and IPods!!!

Raymond Sammut

Oct 19th 2010, 22:56

@ Sean Grima --"you do not need to be trained to know how not to be rude."

This is another of your litany of credos, which you never go on to explain. In my view, to make a statement without providing any justification, or stating something which is obvious while it's clearly meant to mislead and to discredit, is rude in itself.

The bus driver needs to be trained by the Public Transport Association. Instead, this Association has dismissed the bus driver and deprived him of his livelihood. A dismissal is normally meted out when there's a risk to the community or to property. On the basis of what has been described in reports regarding this case, this bus driver clearly doesn't fit into that category. He clearly lacks in understanding on how customers should be assisted instead of being pushed around. He needs to be trained in customer service if he's going to be driving a bus, managing space availability on a bus, and managing fares on the go.

The fault in regard to this debacle lies squarely, in my view, on the Public Transport Association for employing bus drivers who had not been adequately trained.

Pauline Thompson

Oct 19th 2010, 20:40

Joseph Gaffarena - so the word racism is driving you crazy. Just as well you weren't at the receiving end and I hate to think what the consequences would have been. Had you been the victim of racism you will have a different perspective. You assumed that Dr Bugeja defended the victim for her own personal gratification. Furthermore you passed judgement on their (illegals (your words not mine) lack of education. Your comments below spell out your sheer racism, ignorance and based on assumption. You need to open your eyes and mix with other races and learn about their cultures, maybe one day you will yourself be educated, stop your hatred and learn to live and let live.

Joe Xuereb

Oct 19th 2010, 20:21

3) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Raft_of_the_Medusa

Don't let the picture disturb you unduly. It is only symboic of Gericault's politicised mind at a time when people had to express their concerns in any way possible and stay this side of the law. Plus ca change.....!

Before I sign off.....it's suddenly occurred to me. There are instances when 'racism' becomes just a word. If it is true that in some parts at night cars, with Maltese occupants presumably, are pelted with stones, does this make the 'zbandolieri' (stone-throwers using a sling) racist? If it is true, throw stone that could have dire consequences - that I would not call an act of love. That said, I guess many Maltese are angry but they are not allowed to express it. Because it's not allowed. Racism! Has so many layers, all rotten. And if one's a bus-driver, with all the stereotypical baggage that's attached to the job, one has just about had it when one steps out of line. It's called lynch-mob mentality, ironically enough. But that's what happens when one jumps onto the first dusty stagecoach that comes along. Waddya expect?!

Joe Xuereb

Oct 19th 2010, 20:08

2) The bus-driver's made no friends, myself included (although I wouldn't mind a chat with him to see what makes him tick. The negative's infinitely more interesting than the positive, oftentimes). I wouldn't collude with him - f'sitwazzjoni daqsxejn antipatka - but I do understand where he's coming from. Maybe he could gain some comfort from Una Merkel. Unfortunately, we do not produce leaders of that calibre in Malta. And for that reason the governed, the people, will be short-changed (pun intended) in all kinds of other ways, other than on the buses.
I concede that maybe, just maybe, I have miscalculated the Maltese mindset entirely (I notice that, and this because of abysmal potholes and even more so a bus service with awful drivers, so I hear, people are only to ready to jump onto any/the first band-wagon that comes along. And once installed with all their 'very personal baggage' they shout only in black and white, Vi or Va. And any nuances be damned). In which case I rest my case and wash my hands of this overcrowded little isle basking in the sun like some derelict raft. There, I've said it. No friends gained and none lost.cont./

Joe Xuereb

Oct 19th 2010, 19:51

1) In Malta as elsewhere, Polictical Correctness is all the rage (pun intended). And so it should be, otherwise we'd descend into savagery jugular.
The world is not, never has been, and never will be, just right. If one complains and break the rules, one gets punished. If one does not complain because P/awlu C/urmi says so, one will get ulcers.
I imagine the bus-driver here is not an academic and, foolishly, he let rip. He is paying the price. Because his behaviour was 'inappropriate'.
Many in Malta, and elsewhere, would behave 'inappropriately' - anything rather than get ulcers. People are not saints, never were, never will be. Only saints suffer in blessed silence. Bully for them!
Academics, on the other hand, being educated, never let rip. Not in public, not anywhere.And would never bow to self-congratulatory gestures like self-publicity. So what, in god's name, was the ToM thinking of in publishing Dr. Bugeja's 'very posed/very studio' photograph?
continued

Hans-Peter Fantini

Oct 19th 2010, 16:58

I do not want to judge the part of the driver and the lawyer. But I wonder why nobody at all questiones the part of the 3 cent change.
I just returned from a 2 weeks vacation in Malta. It was a lot of fun to ride the buses. Everybody was friendly. But every driver kept the 3 cent change on a € 0,47 fare. When asked about the fare by tourists they even asked for € 0,5o !
For my part I figured that they had raised the fare but not yet changed the machines.

ola festus

Oct 19th 2010, 16:11

Hypocrisy in our democracies, laws, everywhere are applied when culprit in question are not connected very well. What has being done to night clubs that turn the so called black people away when they so their faces to have little bit of enjoyment after a long day of abuse everywhere in Malta? Our fathers fought to have egalitarian societies, places where people go fishing on a full stomach but external and internal forces never allow this to happen.

Jesmar Cremona

Oct 19th 2010, 15:59

U ejja x ghageb... meta jkunu mal edukati maghna l-Maltin hadd ma jghid xejn?!!!!? ghax klandestin/refugjat dan -il hafna ghageb...
jekk qal dik il-kelma ma weriex razzizmu fil-konfront ta'dak ir-ragel. Kelma li jghid kulhadd.
Kien jkun razzist li kieku ma halliehx jitla' jew ghajru ghax ta'gilda/religjon differenti.

emanuel galdes

Oct 19th 2010, 15:30

Way back in the very late 70s when I drove my first car I always reminded myself what a pleasure it was for this reason: I would henceforth not need to make use of public transport. I think it is still the most valid reason for owning one`s own mode of transport. My reasons those days ranged from smoking on buses, to windows that would not open, others that would not close, smelly and grossly fat people beside me, overloaded buses, arcane and dangerous ones, swearing by drivers, loud music, no time-table, stops away from where I needed, waiting, inexistent bus shelters. For more than 30 years I have not had to put up with this. Just on account of not having to use public transport I consider myself extremely lucky and blessed.

D.Galea

Oct 19th 2010, 11:08

This novel course of action by the police exemplifies why I feel bad for Ms.Yanika Bugeja who I salute from here as I know her heart is in the right place, because of using her example to educate society about racism our authorities instead decide to punishing the name of political correctness.

Now thanks to such actions the rest will be discouraged to follow Ms. Bugeja's example. What narrow mentality, what a shame this should be one reason I am sorry for having no pride in being Maltese.

R.Borg

Oct 19th 2010, 10:23

It would very interesting to know how many bus drivers received charges for:
a) smoking while driving;
b) loud music on the bus PA system;
c) stopping on the roads to buy pastizzi and a drink;
d) leaving passengers stranded;
e) leaving late from the vendas thus not respecting the time-table;
f) not giving the change;
g) talking to their friends or their sweethearts while driving;
i) not stopping when comuters ring the stop-bell;
j) using rough language and blasphemies against other drivers;
k) overspeeding;
l) etc., etc., etc.;

These would be interesting material for a parliamentary question.

Joe Xuereb

Oct 19th 2010, 09:45

2) She took refuge in a restaurant where I followed her. No real piece of trash is going to call me queer, even if I am. So I can afford to be objective. Of course the guys witnessing this told me that 'one does not treat a LADY like that'. Nuff said. They are welcome to all the street trash in existence. I want better.
Subjectivity! Don't you just love it?!
The street-whore's 'piece-of-dry-dog-....' tactic goes like this (to all those het males salivating at the thought). She approaches any man with a sob story* and asks for LOAN of a fiver. Mr. Salivating falls into a trap and accompanies her somewhere an in no time at all he is relieved of whatever the going rate is. One smug lady and one satisfied customer. Mug!! Up the queers! Down the ladies, no, not of the night, but blatantly in broad daylight.
*Like: my boyfriend is drunk, I'm frightened to ride with him and I need to get home. Or, stupidly, I have run out of petrol. Please lend me a fiver I need to get home. Oh yeah! Welcome to Ms. Chlamydia!
All this, naturally, happens in London. Not Malta.

Joe Xuereb

Oct 19th 2010, 09:29

1) Racism should be tackled at the roots. Confrontation and calling people 'trash' in public is ugly, and calling a driver trash could be construed, given the climate, as meaning all drivers are trash (readers will start recalling when THEY had a bad experience with a driver and it takes off from there).
Dr.Bugeja may be a lawyer but still needs to learn that verbal exchange in public, for a person of her status, is unacceptable. Unless of course that is all part and parcel of street culture Maltese style, regardless of class and profession. In her position as an attractive young woman, I still think the publication of her picture was ill-advised. Doesn't anybody know that people, men in particular, make subjective decisions in such a situation.
An example. Three times I have been approached in the street by young women offering their 'services' by subterfuge. The third one, recently, I called her bluff. She called me queer. So I gave her a public 'what-for'.
continued

c camilleri

Oct 19th 2010, 08:35

of course! wait until one of these (il)legal immigrants elect one of theirs in parliament, then we see which music most of you "racist" haters will dance to!

gaffarena joseph

Oct 19th 2010, 07:30

This word RACISM,is driving me crazy.
So, this driver is facing racism charges, for shouting with these illegals.
This came to light by this female lawyer,that wanted to make a name for
herself,with the aid of this paper.
I, want to challenge all those that are making a storm in a teacup, about this matter,
and see for themselves the lack of education these illegals have.After all we have to hear
what this bus driver have to say.
Is it RACISM,to be on a public bus,and be invaded by these illegals, talking loudly with each
other,and leaving no space for you on the seat that he is supposed to share with you.
Is it Racism,to venture at night to cross from hal far to birzebbuga,and being stopped by these illegals roaming and try to stop every car that pass that way,and even being welcomed by stone throwing.and when reportingthis to the police, you are being told that it is very hard that they will be identified?.
If the word RACISM,means that you cannot show your anger about these illegals that are ruining our economy by taking our jobs,than only God have the answer.

Raymond Sammut

Oct 19th 2010, 03:10

@ Frans Muscat

I've never mentioned cobwebs, so surely cobwebs must be inside your head. Mr. Muscat, I don't go lecturing anybody as you are alleging. I am stressing a point if you knew how to read carefully: it is the accepted procedure to lodge a report with a police officer instead of indulging in confrontation. Those who are versed in law are fully aware of this fact, provided that they are not being misled by their own personal attitudes. As it turned out, in case you haven't read previous related articles, it was the bus driver who first lodged a report with a police officer, and not the other way around.

colin stanley

Oct 18th 2010, 23:21

@Frans Muscat.
when you say it depends on the colour of your skin, does being White qualify ?

Bill Khan

Oct 18th 2010, 21:59

Whether an african or a tourist , both know they are at the mercy of the local population not only in malta but in most countries of the world. You can legislate against racism and fine people for uttering the wrong words but racism does not go away.

In this episode the financial implications to the driver and his family is of concern. Draging him through court will not help especially when he has apologised.

He should be made to shake hands with African gentleman and allowed to carry on with his work. In the meantime the African gentleman and his family and thousands more have learnt that malta may have the odd personality as the bus driver but it also has a breed as potent as the young lawyer. That is something malta needs to be proud of not ashamed.

Robert Callus

Oct 18th 2010, 20:17

@Louise Vella What's your point? That an MP/MEP should not condemn a crime because people who committed might have voted for him? @Charles Sammut I completely agree that what you mention is more shocking. However, two wrongs do not make a right

Raymond Sammut

Oct 18th 2010, 17:40

@ M. Aloisio

I don't need to "imagine", Mr Aloiso. I've read the article like everyone else, and I have had my own personal experiences along the way. It is you who should stop making assumptions and judgments about someone you don't know anything about. Address the issue, and not try and lecture someone when you haven't been asked to do so.

@ J. J. Borg

I can make a good guess as to who is the one making a "wish" right now. But obviously, you seem to have "no idea" as to what the situation really is from a legal point of view. Try and take your "racism" card to the courtroom, and I like to see how far you will get.

Paul Sammut

Oct 18th 2010, 17:39

Are they going to charge Angela Merkel for saying that multiculturalism which is being forced upon us doesn't work and cannot work?

Charles Sammut

Oct 18th 2010, 17:25

"The Sunday Times has reported that only four people have been charged in court for racist crimes over the last 10 years, a figure described as “shocking” by Nationalist MEP Simon Busuttil."

Dr Simon Busuttil, what I find shocking is the blatantly false declarations of MEP election campaign expenses submitted by certain MEP candidates. And what is even more shocking than that, is the fact that in spite of 2 judicial protests neither the AG nor the police commissioner took any action. As we say in Maltese, "Il-huta min rasha tinten."

J. J. Borg

Oct 18th 2010, 16:50

Some interesting comments. I had no idea that today was "If you're an apologist for racism, stand up and be counted" day.

Louis Gialanze

Oct 18th 2010, 15:00

Looking at things from a different perspective I guess it is also possible for the driver to sue Dr Bugeja for defamation by calling him "trash".

Louise Vella

Oct 18th 2010, 14:48

An article ‘Low racist crime figures 'shocking' in the Sunday Times, March 28, 2010 says the following:

“ … nobody has been charged with racist crimes since the regulations came into force last July … Dr Busuttil expressed shock at the low figures, saying he was concerned about the rising tide of xenophobia and racism.”

I can only conclude that Dr Simon Busuttil wants more Maltese to be charged in court with these crimes, including many of those who vote PN at elections and including many of those who voted for him at elections to the European Parliament.

J Montalto

Oct 18th 2010, 14:43

Last time I went on a bus, 7 years ago, I asked a question about which bus to take to a certain location, and the answer I got was "Li ma kontx kretin, kont tkun taf!" (If you were not a cretin, you would know!)

Enough said.

R.Borg

Oct 18th 2010, 14:32

A bus driver accused of being aggressive towards an immigrant family may face racism charges.

He should be severely reprimanded and perhaps a heavy suspension of licence.
The problem is that, if he is married, his wife and children will suffer. Perhaps she has already been suffering for quite a while.

Raymond Sammut

Oct 18th 2010, 13:56

In my view, the party squarely at fault here is the Public Transport Association for not providing bus drivers with adequate training on how to communicate with passengers. Please note that, on the basis of what has been reported here, the bus driver can hardly be said to have behaved "aggressively". His behaviour was surely ill-mannered and clearly the sign of someone whose level of education is very low.

He doesn't deserve to be suspended. At most, I would have had him put on leave and sent off for a course in customer care, whether he likes it or not. He will not be driving a bus again ever unless at least two professional trainers can certify that he has passed the course.

As to the young lawyer, Ms Bugeja: it was she who confronted the bus driver. If she had any problems with what she saw, her avenue was to lodge a report, but not indulge in confrontation, let alone call him "trash".

And why the "African man"? Hasn't this "African man" got a name, or at least use some fictitious name. Is the "African man" a grown up man who can lodge a complaint himself?

colin stanley

Oct 18th 2010, 13:40

Is the case of the Spanish girl , considered as racist abuse ,or not. !!!!!

e. muscat

Oct 18th 2010, 12:43

Dr Bugeja's action is to be commended. However does it always have to be John citizen to bring these cases forward? Where are the A:D:T: officers and inspectors? It is their job to do these inspections. Or the bus drivers are so afraid to do it in their presence.! If this is the case then we owe them a 'clap hands'

I am saying this not just for this particular case. I t applies to other areas. got fed up hearing politicians urgin the public or the opposition to go to the police commissioner. Taxes are being paid for supposedly responsible officials.

Anne Farrugia

Oct 18th 2010, 12:24

Reading this article I note that one has to report things to the newspaper to get the ball rolling for any action/s to be taken. How disgusting! I was under the impression the Malta was much more advanced than this! Potholes are found everywhere...not only on the roads but even in all systems...disgraceful!

Charles Sammut

Oct 18th 2010, 12:12

"Dr Bugeja said she replied saying he was trash....."

How very charming of this 'lady'.

Hauling people to court for "racism" will only exacerbate matters. Multi-culturalism has failed miserably and absolutely in all of Europe. Ask Angela Merkel. http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE69F19T20101016

"Racism" is just the cobwebs. It is the spider that has to be removed.

john camilleri

Oct 18th 2010, 12:03

Yes.I agree, the driver should be charged, even though he apologised.
We cannot tollerate, anymore people abbusing the law, and if we want to have a better transport system, these people have to be removed. News about these happenings give bad image with the tourists.

Edwin Mifsud

Oct 18th 2010, 11:45

Why is it that action is taken when bus drivers are aggressive towards foreigners but not when they are on a daily basis towards the Maltese?

Are Maltese second class citizens in their own country?

Joseph Cauchi

Oct 18th 2010, 10:46

.

If the driver’s remark “These are all trash” is considered to be a racist remark, then by the same argument can the reply by the lawyer Dr. Bugeja that “he (the driver) was trash” be construed also as a racist remark?

JC.

Mike Farrugia

Oct 18th 2010, 10:33

What baffled me most was why the police asked the driver to apologise to Dr. Bugeja. The offence was originally aimed at the migrant. Did he get an apology too?

I Cassar

Oct 18th 2010, 10:21

Bus drivers need to realise that like all other people rendering a service they need to polite to their customers be these of what ever colour, status of gender. They should also be the first to obey rules stated on their own buses as the one that does not allow smoking. Things need to change if people are expected to use public transport.

J Azzopardi

Oct 18th 2010, 10:05

And so he should, face racism charges I mean. Yanika Bugeja is my hero and an example to be followed. As J Borg pointed out many, not all but most, bus drivers need to be drastically trained in customer relations and quite a few need to be dismissed altogether.

Dan Cohen

Oct 18th 2010, 09:59

FINALLY there are some Police officers with a brain in Malta to take note that the Bus Drivers are the BIGGEST racists on the island. Not only to African people, but to anyone that is not Maltese.

Let's hope he doesn't just get a €100 Fine and a Suspended sentence. The authorities in Malta need to use this guy as an example of what can happen if caught being a racist!

J. Borg

Oct 18th 2010, 09:38

If car drivers like me are going to be motivated in the coming months to start increasingly using public transport, clearly, one motivating factor will be a "quantum leap" in how bus drivers (sorry to generalize!) treat their customers. Otherwise, we'll once again have another set of new buses but little motivated and committed clients. We had read that some bus drivers were sent abroad on a Leonardo da Vinci project etc. - clearly many many more need to be exposed to how their peers work abroad. Transport Malta & relevant Ministry please take note.