Simshar widow admits begging for money

Nazzaren Vella

Nov 14th 2010, 19:00

Viva Malta u il- Maltin Nisranija !

Tal misthija totali li hafna minn dawn in nies isejhu lilhom infushom insara.

L Borissova

Nov 12th 2010, 17:38

I understand from some of the comments below that this woman did indeed have a job in the past and was a good worker. From this I take it that she was capable of working. I wonder what happened with that job and whether she was working at the time of the tragedy...Nearly all comments say how she found herself in this situation BECAUSE OF THE LOSS of her husband. If this is true, I find it extraordinarily sad that her life depended entirely on her husband! It reminds me of Maltese women I know who once they get married they just stop working and start losing their own identity. They just seize to exist on their own and enter into their husband's shadow. Subsequently, these women lose working habits, all qualifications and skills they might have acquired before marriage and thus deliberately and in full consciousness place themselves out of the labour market. It's no wonder then that they simply become incapable of taking care of themselves should the need arise. What makes these women commit this labour market suicide is beyond me...

David Buttigieg

Nov 12th 2010, 15:12

There is no doubt that this woman suffered a great loss.

However, many men and women lose their spouse through less violent occurrences, e.g. through sickness. They are not well known and, UNLIKE this woman often have children to raise. I personally know of similar cases, and the shock of losing someone like a wife/husband suddenly at a young age is just as great, but they still do their best and pick up the pieces and raise their children.

With all due respect, this woman is young and has nobody but herself to take care of. If she is indeed psychologically unfit to take care of herself then social services should step in.

Otherwise, quite frankly, get a job!

DGalea

Nov 12th 2010, 14:16

.Why should other women left in her situation and worse, and with children to provide for, go out to work and pay tax and national insurance ,so that this particular 30 year-young woman be supported by social services for these next 30 years or so?. No one is stopping this woman from seeking free advice and assistance from the usual sources to improve her present predicament. Racist comments about foreigners being helped to the detriment of locals is uncalled for as well. I have yet to meet some who would rather go begging instead of trying hard to find a respectable job to support themselves and their families.

Jesmond Abela

Nov 12th 2010, 13:35

Din il mara giet fuqi u qaltli jekk mhux narafa ghax kienet hafna fuq it TV. To cut the story short qaltli l-istorja ta Simshar ghax ovjament kulhadd jaf x'gara. Miskina vera, pero allahares kull min jormol jispicca jittallab ghal flus. Kulhadd ghandu xi salib fil hajja. Din il mara romlot imhabba disgrazzja kerha. Jien naf min romol ta l-eta taghha mhabba mard etc. Il Hajja tibqa ghaddeja u trid tghin ruhek biex Alla jghinek. Nispera li din il mara mhux qeda tipprofetta ruha ghas semplici raguni li hawn Malta kulhadd sema kif miet zewga.Kuginti romlot l-istess eta taghha u ghanda tfal u qatt ma marret tittallab

Michelle Grech

Nov 12th 2010, 13:22

She visitied all of the South Area it seems.

I know she must have been through a rough time since she lost her husband in such a tragedy but like some other people in here also stated, I still don't think that begging for money from other people is still the solution. In my opinion there are loads of people in Malta that do not even have enough money to fullfill their own needs... still not everyone goes out begging for money. Instead we try harder to find a job or maybe find a part time job also. She could also register through ETC and could benefit from a small amount of money that could help her on a day to day bases while still searching for a job. You can't depend on others like that when probably they would have problems of their own...

S Baldacchino

Nov 12th 2010, 10:37

I am simply amazed at the comments of most of you out there. I agree it was a tragedy but wasn't that of my father getting cancer and detoriorate in a couple of months a tragedy too??? and what the story was with this Simshar boat is yet unknown, so please, for God's sake, don't speak about tragedies because there are other peoples who have lived a tragedy in there life! I'm sorry but i do not pity this woman.

beppe galea

Nov 12th 2010, 09:19

Hbieb Din il mara gaddiet min trawma mux wahda biss lewwel tilfet lil zewga imbghad riedu jizgumbrawa wara tant sagrificji bixikollom post dicenti, tilfet kollox, ghanda bzonn l ghajnunamin nies profesjonali ghanda ragun harget titallab , hadd ma jista jifima hi biss qed thoss id dulur , ghanda bzon ghanuna bis serjeta tkunx egoisti gej il milied Ghajnuwa !!
u jekk qed taqra dan il messag stephania kuragg !!

Joseph Bartolo

Nov 12th 2010, 05:09

I would sugjest that Mr Pepi Azzopardi and His programme Xarabank help in this situation, making contact will all those that can help this woman, in such a dire situation, by first losing her beloved husband, but we together can make a great difference as long as she doesher part of move on in a positive direction, with people to support her in every way possible.

I wish for this woman and all women with the same circumstances, to be supported, with and open mind, heart and soul. As TOGETHER we can create miracles and she and all those in her situation will move forward to a positive future. God be with you dear one Stefania and may everything become so much better.

albert muscat

Nov 12th 2010, 02:11

The story of the lady making the news is not an isolated case. There are too many families that suffer in silence.
Two actions are needed, an immediate action by mean collecting money and long term action is to help her finding a job.
Words count for comments down here amount to about 12,000 words. If those words turns to few cents each, the above lady’s will be much happier.

"If poverty were a man, I would have killed him."
Does anybody know who said this quote please? Thanks

dvella

Nov 11th 2010, 20:20

who said that begging is a crime???!!!

robert micallef

Nov 11th 2010, 19:41

last year at this time i noticed alot of touts approaching people to sell the mobile phone contracts etc from the 3 companies we have. I counted 30 in republic street valletta. thats worse then begging in my opinion. being approached around 5 times to ask me if i want to buy a mobile phone, not even in the red district in Holland you get approached so many times

John Smith

Nov 11th 2010, 19:12

Magistrate Saviour Demicoli, thank you.

R. Agius

Nov 11th 2010, 18:20

Din il-mara ghandha bzonn l-ghajnuna bis-serjeta. mhux ghajnuna finanzjarja biss izda min jisma il-qalb mugugha li ghandha. Ahna ma' nistghux nitkellmu ghaliha ghax hi biss taf minn xhix hi ghaddejja.

GiovDeMartino

Nov 11th 2010, 18:04

Sufa wahda rebhet lill-iljun. Ahseb u ara kieku kellu sufa minn kull widna!

Marianna Galea Xuereb

Nov 11th 2010, 18:02

@Miriam Attard

Well done Lady and good for you for using your better judgment based on actually having known Mrs. Carabott. To all those who criticise others for judging I'll simply say that heads and brains are for thinking with, analysing and taking decisions based on some form of judgment, suspicion or conclusion...and not merely to support pretty hairstyles.

Charmaine Marmara'

Nov 11th 2010, 17:38

i cant understand why the times brought this up really , there are alot of people begging ,but why this woman had to make headlines ? isnt it already a burden to find a job these days ? why did you have to emberass her even more ?? im not in the shoes of this woman so i cant judge and so shall not you , to all the brave people here who said "find a job" , why dont you talk to your bosses maybe she can find a job like you guys , judging people !!!!!

GiovDeMartino@Fenech MD

Nov 11th 2010, 17:25

Jista' jkun li l-ewwel parti tal-kumment tieghek -JISTA' JKUN li jaghmel xi farka sens...imma sin l-istorja kif dahal fiha Mintoff? Ghax allura jekk Mintoff iljun, u jalla l-Bambin jaghtih dak li ghandu bzonn, mela Fenech Adami x'ikun?

Joseph Borg

Nov 11th 2010, 16:50

Shame on the Times and all other news agancies that made this a news value.

Francis Farrugia

Nov 11th 2010, 16:34

Well recommended Mr.Calamtta. Put on a mask. U HALLINA. Why put on a mask. If nobody is helping these poor people, there is nothing shamefull and go out begging. May be you can put on a play and distribute all you profits to these poor people.

Ian Micallef

Nov 11th 2010, 14:16

Survival of the fittest!!

Two years have passed, I know it might be tough but finding a job the first step to recovery.

It will occupy her time and help solve financial problems.

In my opinion there are too many people appealing for relief or donations nowadays

Perhpas charity should start at home, and her inlaws could be a little more considerate.

Miriam Attard

Nov 11th 2010, 13:00

Stephania and I where colleagues at work some ten years ago she really must be down and in shock to be begging, she was a very good worker and she loved Noel immensely please if any one can help her do so ,I will try to trace her myself and offer all my help. If you read this and know where I can find her please email me on miriamattard050@gmail.com I thank you

Miriam Attard

Nov 11th 2010, 13:00

Stephania and I where colleagues at work some ten years ago she realy must be down and in shock to be begging, she was a very good worker and she loved Noel immensly please if any one can help her do so ,I will try to trace her myself and offer all my help. If you read this and know where I can find her please email me on miriamattard050@gmail.com I thank you fowardly

Narcy Calamatta

Nov 11th 2010, 12:45

I refer to the case not to the lady concerned. I respect this lady's human dignity and pray for her recovery. If you meet people from most sectors of the Maltese society you will realise that they are like dogs chasing their own tails. People are trying to bleed clients, colleagues, employers, employees and family members to try to balance outstanding bills, fines, interest on government unpaid bills and loans. Let us have a special Beggars Day where those who really need to beg are allowed to put on a mask to hide their identity and stand at key places to beg for one day. Then perhaps government will realise the true situation of the national economy.

A Schembri

Nov 11th 2010, 12:15

Stephania came begging at my door last year or earlier this year. I was on my way out of the drive way going to pick up my son from school. She asked me whether I recognized her, and I said No!! She then followed on by asking me for Money. I didn't have cash on me...and even if I had, I would have preferred to give her food and drink than give her money that could be used for narcotics gambling or cigarettes. I excused myself for not having money to give her and told her that she will be in my prayers. Given the chance I meet her again, I will advise her otherwise. And maybe offer her a job. Begging for money is something done by people who are really down and it takes courage to ask for money.
Stephania, you are young and have a life infront of you. Look forward and start new. Noel would never want to see you like this, in this state

GOD BE WITH YOU ALL WAYS

g. desira

Nov 11th 2010, 12:10

Please note that she is still in a state of shock although more than 2 years had pass from the tragedy. She needs help.

N. Pace

Nov 11th 2010, 12:05

Perhaps it is time she finds a job.......

c.t. busuttil

Nov 11th 2010, 11:48

"Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for life."
Which means, give her some kind of training/education so that she can provide for herself. Did the Courts look beyond the 'crime'?

Carmen V Gauci

Nov 11th 2010, 11:28

Although I do not know the person personally it seems pretty clear that she needs help ( and not just financial help ). Lets be honest with ourselves how can she go out working in such a state ? What a sad story. The solution is not to offend this person, one would simply be adding to her injuries. Where is compassion, and where are the authorities ?? Is there no one who can help this person ????

Claire Micallef

Nov 11th 2010, 11:27

It's so easy to just write down what first comes to mind on this subject. I have known many people (me included) who have really tried to help this person out. By helping I mean empowerment not just giving money..... I refuse to give money, especially when circumstances show that money is spent badly (withouth going into details). This person needs a lot of help we all agree. But everyone should know that her family, including her brother tried very hard to help her out.... but as we say 'Trid tghin ruhek biex Alla jghinek'. Giving money will not help her at all

Charles Miceli

Nov 11th 2010, 11:21

We are in the ridiculous situation that everything has been kidnapped by the capitalist state: health, education, justice, environment, non-governmental organizations, politics, media, etc etc. The last scalp it seems is begging.

May God be with you dear Stephania.

ASpiteri

Nov 11th 2010, 11:01

This is the unfortunate end result of when we turn the noble gesture of helping others into a forced, institutional and also commercial outpost.

People today are forced to ‘help others’ through a compulsory welfare state and the numerous bogus fund raising campaigns on a national scale only helps people continue to disregard true calls for help.

People should be free to help anyone who likes and not forced into government social program, that mainly helps the ruling elite establishing its power over its subjects, rather than truly helping those in need. Once people are free, then this kind of unfortunate case won’t be heard of, as people will willingly and instinctively help such people!

Danny Apap

Nov 11th 2010, 10:54

I just can’t get my head round to understand some of the comments made by some morons saying why the church doesn’t do something to help this woman! Well for a start the church maybe is helping her; but why not the EU do more for her, after all they have spent millions of €. On a gym for dogs in Hungary cost £160,000, a cartoon horse called Eurogaloppo in Germany cost £4,300, Chauffeur-driven limos for MEPs cost £4.5million last year. THE King of Sweden has received £1.4million in EU subsidies over the last five years for a farm estate he leases, A club for Eurocrats in Luxemburg cost £4.3million and £1.5million went on a bizarre 3-D Whale project on Madeira, and £770,000 was lavished on the Strelasund golf park, a luxury hotel and spa resort. So for all of you that keep saying the church should do more why not tell the hypocrites in Brussels! Tell it to the moron president Herman Van Rompuy.

Then people like this lady don’t have to beg.

GiovDeMartino

Nov 11th 2010, 10:48

Anqas temmen il-hmerijiet li jinghadu biex jirrdikolaw lil Malta, lill-knisja u lill-Gvern!
Qal wiehed: Jghidu li m'hawx faqar f'Malta. U jien inkompl: Jghidu li m'hawx tigri f'Malta. Il-Mosta HAW wahda! Iehor irid jaf fejn hi l-Knisja. Dan minn meta nipptetendu pensjoni mill-Knisja? Sa fejn naf jien il-Gvern jigborhom it-taxxxi u mhux il-knisja. Dil-mara ma ghandhiex pensjoni? U ghax ma tfittixx xoghol? Kienet zventurata, iva, imma issa se toqghod tibki xortiha?

Richie Curmi

Nov 11th 2010, 10:43

She has been bugging a lot of people. She came twice to my shop asking for money. first time, i felt downright sorry and gave here a good sum. Second time i did not give her, which i saw most odd coming back to ask for money repeating the same story as if you never came to ask me in the first place. Then some months later I was having a drink with some friends at a local club, it was 1.30am in the morning and she comes in asking for money, and always with the same story. One of my friends send her packing,he knew her really well. i was shocked at what he told me and what she does with the money she gets by begging. Yes there is more then meets the eye about this woman. Nothing to feel sorry for. the woman needs forced help.

Deo Catania

Nov 11th 2010, 10:38

Taqra hafna mill-kummenti t'hawn taht u tara l-hdura hierga minn qalb il-Maltin.

m. mifsud

Nov 11th 2010, 10:36

For heavens sake... she's still in her 20s. Life is not over for her. She should look for a job!

doreen fenech

Nov 11th 2010, 10:07

JEKK IL-MARA GHANDA BZOJN IL-FLUS GHALEX MATTMURX TAJDIEM KIF JAMLU IN-NIES U MHUX TMUR TITTALLAB MELA VERU L-ARLOGG SEJJER LURA FLOK IL-DUDDIEM

C Howard

Nov 11th 2010, 09:44

I have seen and heard of this woman begging in other localities too, not only in Zabbar. I fully understand that she has found herself in a bad situation but in my opinion begging in homes is not the solution for it all. I've lost my father too and for my mother and younger sister he was the only source of income. He was deeply missed but what could my mother do? Live in a villa and beg for money? I help her financially but she had to live with the widows pensions and nothing more. Unfortunately life is not that easy, be it illness be it a tragedy like this.

Aged 30, she can do like all other woman and just like my wife and find herself a job.

Charles Miceli

Nov 11th 2010, 09:39

My heart cries out for Stephania. May she find the strength and the peace to pick up the pieces of her life and start again.

But it is shameful and outrages that the authorities instead of finding a way how to help her drag her to court. Most of all it is shameful and outrages that we have a law against begging. Isn't the State itself begging all the time. What about l-Istrina and the Community Chest Fund? Will they drag the President to Court?

Let me make it clear: I have nothing against His Excellency. On the contrary. I would like to thank him and his team openly for their help. My point is that the state should leave the poor beggars alone. They already have enough on their plate. We are free to help them or not but let us not forget that this is supposed to be a free country and the state should NEVER intervene in such matters except to help.

E.Vella

Nov 11th 2010, 09:38

Din il mara ghanda bzonn hafna w hafna ghajnuna pero ghandi mistoqasija...Fejn huma l familjari taghha? Possibli ma jatux kasa? Possibli ma jatuiex ghajnuna?
Il persuna ghal xiex qeda titlob il flus....ghal ghixien taghha jew ghal affarijiet ohra??
Ahjar inkunu realistici...kieku titallab biex tghin lila nnifisa nghid iva, imma f dawn is sentejn daret Malta kollha u baqat fl istess posizzjoni jekk mhux ghar!!!
Il persuna ghanda bzonn l ghajnuna ta nies professjonali biex tghin lila nnifsa tohrog min go dan id dlam!

D. Borg

Nov 11th 2010, 09:32

It's not nice to have this women coming at your doorstep begging for money at 10pm. She should find a job and have her living aswell as all of us do!!! Even more if the money she is recieving are not used for a good cause.

Tanya Briffa

Nov 11th 2010, 09:30

As far as I remember from talking to Stephania herself some time ago, she had to resort to begging in order to pay the legal costs of fighting to keep her home, after her in-laws tried to throw her out of the farmhouse that she and Noel had so lovingly restored out of their own pocket.

Christianity is not about going to church and obeying all the stupid rules. It's about emulating Jesus Christ, showing love and compassion for our brethren. The only people Jesus never had time for were the hypocrits.

j.schembri

Nov 11th 2010, 09:28

dwar dan il-kaz kulhadd jitkellem u jikteb skond l-agenda li jkollu. Jiena naqbel li din il-mara ghanda bzonn hafna ghajnuna li taqa taht modi differenti, ghajnuna ta finanzi, ta sahha, terapija, ta simpatija, u modrija. Dawn kollha jistaw jinghataw kemm mill-hbieb, il-poplu Malti, il-knisja u l-ahhar izda mhux l-inqas mill-Istat li huwa reswponsabbli ghac-cittadina tieghu. Min-naha l-oħra din il-mara trid tghin ruha ukoll billi tohrog titallab biss mhux qed tghin ruha. Dak li tkun qed taghmel huwa bhal ma isir ma nies tat-tielet dinja jibghatulhom l-ghajnuna ta emergenza izda mhux dik permanenti. Din il-mara mhux il-huta ghanda bzonn imma l-qasba sabiex tkun tista taqbad il-hut. B'hekk ikollha biex tghix, tilbes u tibda hajja gdid. Mhux haga facli u ghalhekk ghandha bzonn l-ghajnuna ta kulhadd.

AAzzopardi

Nov 11th 2010, 09:22

i do sympatise with this woman but need to say that at 30 years old one needs to help himself more. Even if she has problems - seek help but not in the streets.

On the other hand, let's say out of 413,000 people that live in Malta, 300,000 are working/money earning adults. If we spare Euro0.04 each (Lm0.017) a year. We would give this woman in the region of Euro12,000 a year which is enough to live on for one person.

Now imagine there are 100 similair cases. That would be each one of the 300,000 will pay Euro4.00 but have no-one begging in the street.

How much money do we spend on anything we need - I'm sure that all those that work can afford Euro4.00 a year which is Euro0.33 cents a month.

Not saying that every case is to be helped but for the sake of doing something good in life, let's forget how important we feel, and think of how more important we would feel if we had to help all these people.

Yanes Desira

Nov 11th 2010, 09:10

hearing a knock at the door in Birzebbuga and found this woman begging for money, stating " you know who am I, im a widow from the tragedy SIMCHAR" - the person who should care for the situation is the owner of the boat as in my opinion no safety measures were assured on the incident....after a 5 minute speach i refused to give money as i know that she has funds from the government wich i pay for to be institutional......the answer from not giving money was very rude. I work for the money......this event happened several times and the answer was she came again !!

Carmel Garcia

Nov 11th 2010, 08:52

Do anyone know she was also forced to leave her home were she lived with her husband by her husband's family? So do not judge and look into your eye and try to find the beam that it is making your eyes blind.

Nathalie Gilford

Nov 11th 2010, 08:42

This woman has knocked on my door twice and the two times I had welcomed her in. You can read through her eyes the pain she is going through. She is not in a state to search for work because all she is after is to try to protect what she and her husband had built in their marraige as to keep his memories within her home. She is in great danger of loosing her house because her husband's family took her to court to sack her out .

She is seeking support from strangers as family has turned their back on her. She is begging for money, I am begging whoever is reading this article to support her in any way he /she can, even by listening to her grief is a help to comfort her.

m muscat

Nov 11th 2010, 08:34

Come on! I know women whose husband died. Those of whom needed money found work, not depending on charity. We are in 2010 ta!

Rmangion

Nov 11th 2010, 08:27

Listen people,

there are people who go through a very very hard time after a loss, in this case of a husband and child. The grieving process is short for some and much longer for others.

Although I cannot understand why she was arraigned for begging. I mean London, Rome , all the big cities are full of beggars, they do not end up in court. Secondly the authorities are so cold hearted to actually take her to court instead of offering help through etc for a job , psychological assistance.

Jeremy J Camilleri

Nov 11th 2010, 08:24

Everyone here really needs to get their facts right. Perhaps talking to folks from Marsaxlokk might help.

A.Gatt

Nov 11th 2010, 08:19

It takes a very desperate person to go around begging for money. Poor woman.

I hope she gets the help she needs asap. It's not fair for anyone to be living in that condition.

M Borg

Nov 11th 2010, 08:11

am shy to say that i am Maltese when reading all these comments! You can give this poor women all the money in the world, with which she cannot buy what she lost! It's easy for many to say that she had to 'wake up and find a job' but honestly, you don't know what you are saying. Time goes by but the memories makes a person feel worse off as time goes by. And i don't know why the Court published the name and more over why The Times chose to publish the photo again, and put the story in headlines! Please everyone shall be responsible in this so called Christian island!!

Carmel Cilia

Nov 11th 2010, 07:55

Reading all about this woman I want to put a question to those who are so eager to send her off to work viz. Is this woman suffering from depression? If so how can anybody suggest that she should find work. Who is going to employ her? They say she is receiving social assistance.I dare defy any one who can live on the social assistance of about 349 euros a month. Here I mean live not just scramble through. With the the present cost of living I am quite sure nobody can live with that amount . Yes because she is still in her 30's she needs more money to cope.
How come some protected criminals have their identity withheld whilst others are splashed on front pages. This is truely a silly nation.

joanne pace

Nov 11th 2010, 07:43

COMPASSION, COMPASSION !

S. Vassallo

Nov 11th 2010, 07:25

With all due respect but many women lost their husbands in tragedies - should they go out begging all?? Many of them have also children and they had to get on with their life, supporting their children and survive to such problems. I'm not saying its' easy but you can't dumb your life in the trash when you face problems. Seriously and I say Seriously she should look for help, if she needs to deal with the tragedy and also look for a job. It's easy saying I can't find a job when at the end of the day one is doing nothing to find one. With the argument that she faced a tragedy therefore she is excused I'm sorry it solves nothing. So should the mother and wife of those 5 who lost their lives in the fireworks factory in Gozo do the same??? Don't you think she had much more to deal with????

P. Borg

Nov 11th 2010, 07:19

I am in no way going to accuse this woman even though I heard various things about her and the reasons why she begs (that are much different from asking for money to survive). However what I would like to say is that first of all she should pick herself up and try to live a normal life. It is just about getting some strength. I know that it is hard and the loss has been big but come on, many people suffered the same thing and mved on and tried to continue with their life. In case she can't move on with her life, she should try to seek help for it. Years have passed now, it's time to get back on her feet. And please to those saying that may have not succeeded in finding a job, I would like to say, that whoever wants to find a job and seriously looks for it, he/she finds it at some point. It's all about will and motivation. And by the way I guess that she is getting some sort of social benefits like the widow's benefit etc. I just ask where she is using these money?

AGNES BEZZINA

Nov 11th 2010, 02:46

What is wrong with you people, this woman does not need training to get a job, that might come later. What she needs now is compassion and support. She needs her family and her friends. We can't judge her, she is doing what she thinks is the best thing to do to support herself. You just don't know what you will do if you find yourself in her situation. Keep her and her husband in your prayers.

Marcel Dingli

Nov 11th 2010, 00:21

I stand to be corrected, however i think that although Mrs Carabott deserves Social Welfare Assistance, she cannot receive any, as her husband is missing and not deceased. If this is the case i think she can only be officially recognised as a widow after ten years lapse from the date of the accident. We all have to do our little bit to assist her in the best way we can.

j grech

Nov 10th 2010, 23:45

i had this unfortunate lady at my door in ghaxaq a while back and gave her small change, apparently her father-in-law gave her and her husband ( his son ) the marital home when they married but since her husbands death the father-in-law now wants the property back, she on the other hand would like to keep it for the memories her and her husband shared but father-in-law does not even want to negotiate a rent for it he just wants it back so she is trying to find fast bucks in the hope she can raise enough to pay the going market rate and offer to buy it, on state benifits she cant afford it even if she were of sound mind and had a job by the time she feeds and clothes herself pays the electric water and gas bills that wont leave her much and no bank is going to give her a mortgage are they, and yet i have had the same man 3yrs running knocking on my door for money to buy a wheelchair for his poor old legs, yet once up the street his poor old legs work faster than mine

A Vella

Nov 10th 2010, 23:19

Allahares ir-romol kollha johorgu jittalbu. Missha kif tkun qed timxi u tittallab il-flus tibqa tiela sa hal-far l-etc tirregistra u taghmel bhal kulhadd.

John Tabone

Nov 10th 2010, 22:41

Is begging illegal in Malta ?

Alexandra Borg

Nov 10th 2010, 22:26

Knocking on doors asking for cash for your personal use is illegal. I have found this person knocking on our door 3 times in less than a yea once on Christmas Eve. I never give money (as in such cases money is no help at all) I have given her food and tried to help her enrol in a course or to talk with a social worker but she does not want any of this.... so as one can see there is a lot more than meets the eye.

Tragedies happen to a lot of people unfortunately.... but most of us try to move on and cope.

D Attard

Nov 10th 2010, 21:43

I and I am sure others as well would like to help this woman... not simply by giving her money, this woman needs companionship, friends people who show her moral support.. sometimes a simple smile or hug can make someone feel better. If she isn't emotionally stable she shouldn't be working but at her age she needs people who give her the will and courage to move on and re build her life.... not people judging her or treating her like dirt. I would appreciate if some sort of support system both financial and moral would be thought of for this woman and maybe if times readers, including myself could be made aware? rather then people sitting at their computers writing comments!

M.Bezzina

Nov 10th 2010, 21:42

Minghajr ma nibda naghmel kundanni ...isemmit il knisja....Jin nistaqsi u ma nixtieqx twegiba il knisja qeda tghin lil proxxmu taghha lewwel??Huwa imprtanti li l klandestini nuru solidarjeta maghhom imma mall proxxmu taghna imbaghad??

DGalea

Nov 10th 2010, 21:41

''In handing down his sentence, Magistrate Saviour Demicoli took into consideration the UNIQUE circumstances the woman had found herself in.''

why are her circumstances UNIQUE? Is she the fIrst woman in Malta to find herself suddenly friendless, homeless and unprovided for ?

charlie cauchi

Nov 10th 2010, 21:29

anki fuq din sibtu xi tghidu. ara veru intom nies tedew fuq ix xejn ta. il veru il kaz ta il poplu malti gahan. lil din qed tikundanaw tafu kemm hawn nies li ilhom snin twal jiregistraw u ipapuwa min fuq min jahdem, tafu kemm hawn nies li ghadew bord u jifilhu jaqilbu id dinja ta taht fuq, u intom li qed tigudikaw possibli dejjem kontu retti? qatt ma pruvajtu ma thalsux vat? ghandek tghid naraw zokk ta sulfarina f ghajnejn haddiehor u travu f ghajnejna ma narawhx. poplu gahan

Massimo Costa

Nov 10th 2010, 21:29

Is she the first woman to lose her husband? Horrible as the death of her loved one must have been, it is no excuse for not finding a job herself. She is 30 years old and able to work and maintain herself. Does she expect the state to fund her? If so, she is sadly misguided.

DGalea

Nov 10th 2010, 21:29

There are hundreds of women out there , left penniless with children to care for and with uncaring and unsupportive relatives, who work for a living instead of roaming the streets with the begging bowl. This is a relatively young woman who can join a training scheme and earn a respectable living.God helps those who help themselves.

N.Aquilina

Nov 10th 2010, 21:24

Not to be unkind but a close friend of mine lost her husband after a short illness when she was 31. He left her with 3 young kids however she found a job and started working to support her family. Don't get me wrong I am sorry for this woman and I cannot imagine what she went through, however there are a lot of young widows who went through tragedies you don't see them begging in the streets. Apart from that I am sure that she gets some kind of social benefit. I am sure that this woman would prefer getting a job than having to rely on ppl's kindness.

David Caruana

Nov 10th 2010, 20:54

Can someone please explain this to me, it seems I'm not understanding this article.

Is begging for money illegal in Malta?

Was this poor widow arraigned for asking for help in Malta Cattolicissima?!

charles philip zammit

Nov 10th 2010, 20:52

given the cicumstances of these people why if they havnt a decent income shouldnt be allowed to beg. then its up to the donors to give or not to give. the police should have othen business on their hands to take care of .

Elaine Compagno

Nov 10th 2010, 20:38

Call me uncompassionate, but I do not feel sorry for such people. There is a whole welfare system that is in place to help people get back on their feet.. there are people out there, who have been through bad ordeals and with no family to support them, who make a life for themselves and their children by working hard.

But some people, instead of working towards a better future, or enrolling in one of the many ETC courses and looking for work, prefer to spend their time going door to door and harassing people for money. And if I am not mistaken, this woman is childless.. so what's stopping her? (Kieku jien neqleb id-dinja, mela mmur nittallab!)

I also find it truly hard to believe that the welfare pension, the numerous subsidies for low income persons etc are not enough for a single person to live on to the extent that one needs to beg. But of course that all depends on the lifestyle one chooses to lead too.

Yes charity starts at home. Which is why I turned her away when she knocked on my door. My children come first. Sorry.

H Galea

Nov 10th 2010, 20:20

I ask where is the church, I am not asking for any money, but help this woman to start living a normal life. She needs help to find her way again,the loss was too much for her, perhaps she can not reason to do what others before her has passed through. Whare are the welfer officers, caritas etc. This is what makes me afried when i pass away, friends present them selves for the funeral mass, and after they abandon the very person who do need support for a long time. Sadness or sorrow takes a long time and varies from person to person, but by time she will get out of it. You have to find what were her interests before and try to reintoduce then back and give confedence. You can ask her to help you at home with payment, this keeps her mind away from the past.keep her active, the village can help her.You will see this rose bloom again thanks your help.

K Vella

Nov 10th 2010, 20:12

I gave her money myself....

It is about time now to start searching for a decent job or attending for ETC training courses.

K Bonnici

Nov 10th 2010, 19:43

I have seen her begging in the Swieqi area too, twice on different occassions. So for those who are telling her to get a job, she has once, and it's begging.

Gerard Cassar

Nov 10th 2010, 19:33

This woman is a widow. Who caused her hardship, the loss of her husband ought to provide for her. The Social Service Department ought to call her and explain her rights.
Even illegal immigrants beg for alms.

J fenech

Nov 10th 2010, 19:31

So should the festa people be taken to court for "begging " for money at my door step for a donation towards the festa?

Should the politicians be taken to court for begging for our votes at election time?

It's true she should try to find a job but mayb she did and didn't succeed. what's the problem, if you don't want to give her money, don't. otherwise let her live as she want when she's not hurting anyone

S. Micallef

Nov 10th 2010, 19:27

Min hu bla htija jitfa' l-ewwel gebla!!
Possibbli ma nirrealizzawx li dak li qed taghmel din il-mara - ghaliha nnifisha stess - hu ta' umiljazzjoni kbira? Halli ghalina biex nitkazaw biha. Vera ahna poplu qabar imbajjad. Imbasta mmorru nhabbtu fuq sidirna u nokkupaw l-ewwel postijiet!
Tajjeb li din il-mara titghallem u tkun mghejjuna tqum fuq riglejha, imma tajjeb ukoll li nifhmu minn xix ghaddiet din il-mara u minn xix hi ghaddejja fil-prezent. Perswaz, ghalkemm ma nafhiex minn Adam, li anqas qatt ma basret li se tispicca kif spiccat.
U tajjeb li l-Pulizija tkun ftit umana. Mara bhal din mhux titressaq il-Qorti ghandha bzonn, izda tkun mghejjuna b'mod konkret halli tibda terga' l-hajja taghha mill-gdid.
Ejjew ma nkunux ipokriti ghax ghada pitghada Alla l-Imbierek li tant naghmlulu festi, naharqulu murtali, ngholluh fuq spallejna u nidghu biH, ghad idawwar wiccu n-naha l-ohra kif jarana ghax l-ipokresija taghna zgur li ma jkunx jista' ghaliha.
Din il-mara haqqha kull ghajnuna mhux biss mill-Istat u mill-Knisja, izda anki minna c-cittadini. Kieku ahna spiccajna bhalha mhux lil min jghinna nridu? Mela ghalfejn mara bhal din ikun hemm min jipprova jsallabha?
In-nisrani veru hu dak li jiddistingwi ruhu fil-mument tal-prova.

Lina Caruana

Nov 10th 2010, 19:24

The priority needs of this woman seem to be a social worker to support and help her get over her grief and find an adequate job. What she seems to be missing right now is a sense of the feeling that life and continues to gin a balance recovery. Which does not mean that she should not be given solidarity temporarily from people around her. Begging is not the right way to continue.

sharon bellizzi

Nov 10th 2010, 19:24

ahjar flok ma xxandruha taraw kif tghinuha. kieku l-ewwel niehdu biex inxandru in-nies u nitkazzaw! ara vera welfare malta lanqas jafu x'inhu! ghal grazzja t'Alla ahna zghar, u problemi bhal dawn kieku npoggu l-welfare system sew, iktar ghandna kontrol taghhom imma fil-kaz taghna dejjem bl-eccezzjoni!!

E Vella

Nov 10th 2010, 19:20

I don't mind helping beggars and give them money, however from experience I note that most of them end up spending this money in cigarettes and gambling (ex: lotto or super 5).

i am not saying that this lady does so, but the majority of them do just that.

Nazzareno Ruggier

Nov 10th 2010, 19:19

@S.Callejja

I wonder where from you get this cool attitude when looking at this unfortunate woman ?!

I hope to GOD YOU Mr S.Callejja never go through what this poor women is going through.

What a SHAME you are !

Malcolm Mifsud

Nov 10th 2010, 19:17

. . . laqgħuna tajjeb lilna lkoll u qabbdulna ħuġġieġa, għax kienet bdiet nieżla x-xita

David Schiavone

Nov 10th 2010, 19:10

@All - I show solidarity with this woman but as Fenech MD said Trid tghin ruhek biex Alla jghinek.! Nowadays you can apply for any ETC Course, at least gets you rolling into something and you can easily start by finding a basic job and upgrading bit by bit. Money do not come out of nothing... you have to work for them, which Im sure most families in Malta do that's why we are a solid country with an acceptable amount of economic level despite the high taxes.

Joseph E Briffa

Nov 10th 2010, 19:03

The woman needs help..not just financial but also psychological, so she can pull herself together and carry on with her life. She is young and seems to be in good physical health; there is therefore no reason why she shouldn't work. I don't know what kind of education she has but even if she has just basic education, she can find a job as a cleaner in a hotel or in an office or as a family maid. To those who speak about poverty; wouldn't everyone who doesn't have an income from property be poor if he doesn't work? Do you expect that taxpayers should prop up the work-shy and the lazy?

Mandy Portelli

Nov 10th 2010, 18:50

Thumbs up for what some said earlier on. Mela niggieldu ghal barrani u ghal niesna le?!
Ara veru tac-cajt eh, kemm jghodd il-proverbju charity begins @ home qeghda nghid...

Ghandha bzonn tghin lilha nnifisha iwa veru mela le, pero minnflok jarrestawha ahjar raw kif sabulha l ghajnuna mehtiega u xoghol. Ghax facli tghidha imma trid tkun fiz-zarbuna ta' dak li jkun biex tkun taf x'emozzjonijiet qieghed ihoss!

s vella

Nov 10th 2010, 18:49

we all agree that this lady will be better off finding a job. What we don't know is her mental state following her trauma. Having said that It will be a good charitable gesture if anyone is in a position to do as the chinese proverb says "Give her a rod and line and teach her how to fish instead of giving her fish to eat" .
I am sure that some good hearted employer reads this page and can help this poor lady

Jonathan Cassar

Nov 10th 2010, 18:46

I met this woman some 2 months ago and gave her some small change. no harm done with that i think ... but 2 months later, she's still going round demanding money. Is it possible that she can't find a job?? of course she might be making much more money begging from people like me than working like the rest of us do ...

had a similar experience with a young guy that usually roams the valletta terminus area. He approached me while waiting to for my bus, told me that a couple of days ago he had a fight with his father, and threw him out in the street ... and if please could i spare some money cos he's starving (mind you he was hardly skin and bones) ... fast forward a couple of months and i meet this guy again and he tries to get some more money from me by re-telling me the same story that a couple of days ago he had a fight with his father etc etc ... :)

charles vella

Nov 10th 2010, 18:35

I love reading The Times, both online and the news paper... its the only newspaper I read, however THIS should not even be a news item! Such news items will only put the persons involved in more difficult circumstances, moreover knowing what a tiny rock we live on! God Bless you Mrs. Carabott... I am sure that YOU will find a way.

Raymond Calleja

Nov 10th 2010, 18:28

Tajjeb mela nordnaw likel ghal klandestini mien flus il maltin u ghal ohtna maltija ma hemx ,mhux tghali hekk imma narestawa inresquwa il qorti u inhabruwa flahbarijiet.Very haqqek premju Bandi.Vera made in Malta. com,

Nispera li xi hadd qalb tajba (hawn hafna Malta) jejn lill din il Mara biex ma nergux narawa fuq li news.Nixtieq nist nejna imma ma tanc nista.

ant. pace

Nov 10th 2010, 18:26

Ok Mrs. Carabott we all feel sorry for what has happened to you and others in the Simshar incident, we can give you money today and tomorrow and the day after tomorrow but it has been 3 or 4 years now since the incident and you cannot keep going like this forever. You have to live your life you are still young and I`m sure the government and others have tried to help you but you cannot continue going like this. Is this what you want or am I missing something?

Isaac Sant

Nov 10th 2010, 18:16

Jista xi hadd jispjega fuq liema kriterja din il-mara giet arrestata? Ghax habtet u dejqet lin-nies... jew ghax waslet f'punt fejn i-cirkustanzi ma tawhix alternattiva ohra?

Ejja nghidu giet arresstata ghax habtet u dejqet lin-nies. Mela issa ha nibdew narrestaw n-nies li jigu jhabbtu biex jibgru ghal festa? Jew n-nies li jwaqfuk il-belt meta tkun diehel mghaggel biex tixtri xi ktieb? Jew xi kumpaniji li jwaqffuk, JIFFITAWWK biex tinghaqad maghhom? U elf haga ohra..

Naqbel li wiehed ghandu jghin ruhu biex alla jghinu.. pero kulhadd ghandu jkun rejalistiku, kulhadd ghandu ghajnejn u kapaci jinduna li din il-mara ghandha bzonn l-ghajuna. Nimmagina li hadd m'hu ser jiehu gost jdur bieb, bieb, jittallab. Nemmen li ghandha tinghata xi tip t'ghajnuna ghal persuni bhal dawn biex ghallinqas jiehdu nifs ghal ftit zmien u jergghu lura fuq saqajhom. Xi tip ta xoghol, flus.. kwalunkwe ghajnuna. Jkun hemm moniteragg fuq l-persuna..bniedem mil-ewwel jurik id-determinazzjoni li lest li jqum. Mbaghad hekk ma jkunx, din d-determinazzjoni u r-rieda.. apatija u li trid tiddependi fuq l-gvern u fuq din l-ghajnuna.. storja differenti, hemmhekk naqbel li tigi arrestata.

Imma x'taqbad taghmel hekk ma jkollokx alternattivi u rimedji ohra??

c camilleri

Nov 10th 2010, 18:12

I doubt it that this poor woman is not getting any benefits. Social security must be paying her in the region of €350 per month. Someone correct me if I am wrong. If not, then she needs assistance to apply for them.

However, what she needs most, is assistance from ETC so that the woman gets the necessary training and find a job. She cannot rely on social benefits for ever.

S.spiteri

Nov 10th 2010, 18:06

"Charity begins at home ?" What about "ghin ruhek biex Alla jghinek ?"
What, shall this woman, aged thirty, remain a beggar till her death ?
What about training, education, ETC... there are opportunities you know !!

mpace2

Nov 10th 2010, 17:58

Shame to local authority and so money for master cermonies to be pleased with Europeans so called friends we got to be seen and Maltese citizien in needs of help its out question - we are right to stay its a banana republic without directions

Nicky

Nov 10th 2010, 17:53

Ejja nkunu ftit umani ... u min ghandu il- problemi inaqqsulu ... wara kollox din il- hajja tispicca u kulhadd irrid jahdem ghall hajja ta' wara ...

A Sammut

Nov 10th 2010, 17:52

Il-hmar il-maghkus idur ghalih id-dubbien

S. Calleja

Nov 10th 2010, 17:50

A perfectly healthy 30 year old woman should be registering and looking for work, and making a life for herself, irrespective of the circumstances. Many of us have been through tragedies, but we do not drag our mourning period forever. We pull up our socks, keep our heads high, and move on with courage, never forgetting but never giving up. What this woman needs is not money, but to learn that in this day and age, women can join the workforce too.

Fenech MD

Nov 10th 2010, 17:49

Nemmen li din il-mara ghandha bzonn hafna ghajnuna.

Fis-sajf inzertajtha Birzebbugia; timxi minn bank ghal iehor titlob/tiffitta lin-nies biex jaghtuha l-flus. L-anqas riedet temmen li hrigt bla flus meta giet titlobni u baqghet tiffitani u turini certifikati etc.
Thassartha u fl-istess hin ghidt bejni u bejn ruhi, flok ma toqghod iddejjaq lin-nies tittallab, ghax ma tippruvax tirregistra ha ssib xoghol u tghin ruhha. Huwa difficcli hafna meta titlef lil zewgek, specjalment fl-eta taghha, imma l-fatt li ghadha zghira u b'sahhitha huma zewg affarijiet favoriha biex tohrog tahdem.

Trid tghin ruhek biex Alla jghinek.

Emmanuel Marmara'

Nov 10th 2010, 17:49

Well said Mr.Franco AND very well said Mr.G.Swindells. Infact these unwanted visitors are very well of than those who are unemployed, the pensioners and this misfortunate lady.

K. Fenech

Nov 10th 2010, 17:45

I feel sorry for this woman. But can't she get a decent job?

c spiteri

Nov 10th 2010, 17:42

laqwa li nejnu lemigranti illegali ghall maltin memx flus

Franco Farrugia

Nov 10th 2010, 17:42

Pero, tajjeb ukoll wiehed jghid lil din il-mara biex terga' tibda tghix. Din ma kienet 'xejn' qabel izzewget? Ma tistax issib xoghol? Ma tistax tibda titghallem jew titharreg f'xi sengha? Ha toqghod hekk, cicci beqqi, ma taghmel xejn, tippretendi li s-socjeta' ghandha twezinha? Iva, s-socejta' twezinha, imma ... sakemm issib saqajha, hux! Wara kollox, din trid tghin lilha nnifisha. Iz-zmien, issa, ghadda!

Gianni Xuereb

Nov 10th 2010, 17:40

I read the article there is no need to repeat. So we hide the reality of poverty by arresting anyone who goes to beg in the streets.

Franco Farrugia

Nov 10th 2010, 17:39

U kien hemm ghalfejn, lil din il-mara jxandruha fuq l-ahbarijiet u fuq il-media? Mela sew, lil min irridu, nahbulu ismu ... nies li ghandhom poter, dawk li ghandhom il-flus u dawk li ghandhom konnessjonijiet (religjuzi jew mhumiex) imma lil din il-mara hemm ghalfejn ingibu isimha, kunjomha, u sahansitra nfakkru r-ritratt taghha! Ara naqra x'moralita' ghandna f'dal-pajjiz. Fejn huma l-prijoritajiet?

S VELLA

Nov 10th 2010, 17:35

....Imbghad niftahru ma l-ewropa li ma ghannix tallaba....wehlet talli ittallbet minflok serqt....Mela din il mara wehlet daqs min imexxi id droga jew daqs ricediv... Vera ghanna kuxjenza socjali

James Herrera

Nov 10th 2010, 17:34

Ara vera aktar ma tkun mghaffeg aktar jghafguk !!!!

George Swindells

Nov 10th 2010, 17:31

Here is a Maltese citizen who has fallen on hard times due to the unfortunate loss of her husband in unfortunate circumstances, having to resort to begging to keep alive. And yet we have the uninvited visitors, just down the road from her, being given all the assistance they need because they have had to leave their own country!

Something wrong some where. What about charity starting at home?

Adrian Cachia

Nov 10th 2010, 17:29

Seen it with my own eyes on other occasions. Don't pick on this woman. She looks battered and needs help. Losing someone so close to you is already something devastating, let alone losing nearly everything! Help this woman get back in shape!

Ray borg

Nov 10th 2010, 17:29

Doesn'T she have a widows pension ?

Gianni Xuereb

Nov 10th 2010, 17:24

ghal min jiftahar li Malta m'ghandniex tallaba fit-toroq.............