Nikki Abela Mercieca
Reception camp set up in Marsa to house refugees fleeing unrest
The Civil Protection Department premises in Marsa has been converted into a place of refuge for an expected influx of refugees fleeing Libya. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier
The government is preparing for a possible “huge influx” of refugees fleeing Libya, according to the Justice Minister.
“The crisis in Libya isn’t over. There is a civil war, which may present new challenges for Malta as one of the countries close to its border,” Dr Mifsud Bonnici said yesterday.
The minister was shown around the Civil Protection Department premises in Marsa, which has been converted to a reception camp to handle refugees fleeing the unrest. There are nine large blue tents, a long line of mobile toilets and a large dining area.
The place was initially set up to cater for evacuees, in the event of more people passing through Malta than hotels could handle, however, that was never needed and the tents were left in place for the “next phase” – delivering humanitarian aid, according to CPD director Patrick Murgo.
But it was not only asylum seekers the CPD was working around the clock to cater for. It was also raising funds to deliver aid to Libya, mainly in the form of medicines.
Dr Mifsud Bonnici stressed that medical supplies would be available for both sides in the civil war. “Our message is clear: We are friends of the Libyan people,” he said.
The CPD has already raised about €36,000 through the bank account it opened.
Dr Mifsud Bonnici said three of the six flights Air Malta planned to operate to fly evacuees on the Tunisian border to Ghana and Chad had already been carried out.
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Denis Catania
Mar 11th 2011, 05:55
Here we go again, UK don't want them but this Maltese government is inviting them. What fools.Maybe this is what the government used the recent trip to Libya for, to invite more illegal immigrants.
c.camilleri
Mar 10th 2011, 15:09
Welcome to the land of honey. The more we give them a treat the more they come. We hope that Government will finally realise that enough is enough and send everyone back home.
S. Degabriele
Mar 11th 2011, 08:33
Fully agree.
I always wonder how many illegal immigrants REALLY need help. Some of them pick up a boat and cross the mediterranean because now that's the TREND. That's all. I used to believe in the trip of salvation for some of them, but when you look at a vast majority you understand that they do it just because they have become aware of the good systems there are with some people defending their illegal act to immigrate without the proper permissions. Many of them are really well dressed and they are equipped with mobile phones which leaves me wondering about all this misery in their countries.
Many african countries should just do as in libya and fight to throw away their irresponsible governments. But also, when you mangae to do it, stay there to ripe the fruits of your fights. It's non sense fighting for something and then fleeing the country as in the case of Tunisians. Let's not abuse charity please.
Louise Vella
Mar 10th 2011, 12:36
This looks like an open invitation to an infinite number of African illegal immigrants to come to Malta.
Olina Tretyak
Mar 10th 2011, 10:45
Nine camping tents.
“huge influx” of refugees fleeing Libya can come, we are ready.
We are well informed that Gaddafi ‘rounding up migrants’ on boats to unleash them onto Europe
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20110309/local/gaddafi-rounding-up-migrants-on-boats-to-unleash-them-onto-europe
We got nine blue camping tents for them.
John Caruana
Mar 10th 2011, 17:52
THAT IS NINE TO MANY.
JOHN.
Bernice Debono
Mar 10th 2011, 18:56
John Caruana not only agree with you but also say that all illegal immigrants centres in Malta are all too many. They should all be sent back to their own countries.
Olina Tretyak perhaps you would care to host them in the USA at your own home at your own expense?
J. Caruana
Mar 11th 2011, 17:38
No not in Malta and not the U.S. but were they come from .I only care to help my self and my family and no one else, life is to short to care about other people and if you have an edge in life use it for your self . John.