Migrant's death: PN concerned about racism

Claire Busuttil

Jul 2nd 2012, 12:51

Ah yes PN is concerned about racism?!??!? Very funny.

The Racism, is created by the lack of seriousness in the matter of illegal immigration to our shores. If the PN, being in government, has tmanaged to bring some stability at least in this matter, the problems there are will be much more less.
But the government failed in this, thus all the blame for racism, is his.

Joe Fenech

Jul 1st 2012, 22:57

Racism? No sir. People want legality. Africa was driven into a hole by the NGOs and governments who have made it a dependent nation. Whoever wants to help them should go and help them in Africa

Louis Gialanze

Jul 1st 2012, 14:12

Rather than defending the indefensible the PN should have stood up for the people of Malta and their culture instead of mongrelizing Malta by stealth on orders from Brussels by opening up the floodgates of immigration in 2002.

Edmond Micallef

Jul 1st 2012, 12:50

As if the 'nazzjonalisti' are happy with the inability of GonziPN to address the huge problem of illegal immigration.

Such statements from GonziPN further expose his administration's insensitivity towards the people's concerns.

And these worries that the people feel are not attributable to racism. Stop fooling the people.

It also exposes the extent of hypocrisy this administration still feels so comfortable to manifests towards its hardcore voters.

Sarah Mallia

Jul 1st 2012, 12:06

Good to see our prime minister speaking out against racism. We need more worrk being done with the Maltese community to try and stop racist retoric. However I find it very ironic that Minister Tonio Borg, from the same party as our current prime minister, let out this statment: http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20120623/local/Sending-migrants-back-is-not-wrong-.425553. Here Tonio Borg mentions there is nothing: “nothing wrong” if Malta shared Italy’s controversial policy to immediately repatriate migrants back to Libya. Italy are currently facing charges of breaking international law by not respecting human rights in the Hirsi and other vs Italy case. Is this government planning to do the same when the majority of irregular migrants that come to Malta from Africa are in fact refugees and are entitled to protection under international law? Are we going to send refugees back to a country that has no refugee convention and were migrants rights are continually mistreated? http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2012/01/2012126133028210385.html As I understand that economic migrants are sent back to their countries of ORIGIN (Libya is NOT their country of origin), we have to protect individuals who are seeking asylum and not sent them back like animals. Let us not forget that under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 14:"Everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution." Foreign minister Tonio Borg does not seem to be respecting this universal human right.

Nicole galea

Jul 1st 2012, 11:22

Im sure they wouldn't have killed him if he wasn't a man of colour! Yes i believe this country has a big problem with racism!

Edric Micallef Figallo

Jul 1st 2012, 11:09

As a preliminary point, while I do believe that this is an exaggeration of a threat, and undue alarmism borne of a gross generalisation, I believe that hatred in all shapes and forms is irrational and morally wrong. Hatred serves no one, including those that hate, and is a disservice to all. It should be shunned and spoken against in a proportionate, explicit and precise manner. Open ended and imprecise declarations are a disservice to the party. You show concern and practically issue condemnations, but you do not indicate the culprits. In a way or another, you could be charing us all without letting us know that we're so charged. Since some have turned their focus to love, love is a most noble sentiment but love is known to be blind and we cannot expect those that set out our Nation's policies to be blind about the various facets of a political problems. Reason and just priorities must rule the day in determining policy. Love should not be hindered by politics, but politics is at the service of society's interest and must serve those interests according to reason and justice. Our forefathers fought hard to pass down to us a National society with its own sovereign state, I do not expect us to pass on to our children anything else. I won't be an accomplice to that.

However, my dear PN, while I do not know what statements you are reacting to, and like you I have every confidence that justice will be served, what concerms me is that you seem to derive quite strong general conclusions from one particular case. To me this could be an indication of your stance and policies on a more general level and that's why and against what I have to react. Sorry, you can't be expected to be taken seriously until you put the people's legitimate concerns in pole position. Your press release seems more like the work of some over zealous pro-immigration party official who enjoys issuing such statements rather than the feelings and stances of most PN exponents and supporters.

What might underlie your press release concerns me because you are a political party that thinks it is be trusted to call the shots as regards the policies that govern our Nation. This is a complex question that presents many doubts and I do expect the Nationalist Party to take the Nation's best interests at heart in case of doubt. Given this, at times your rhetoric seems more concerned about the alleged and actual rights of illegal immigrants than those of your own people in relation to them. You give the impression that there is an imbalance in your priorities when you speak out. You know what? Your actual policies are effectively better than your rhetoric. Now that's something that rarely happens in politics.

I do have a few suggestions to change this perception you're giveing out. Amongst other things you need to (no order of priority is intended in the coming list):

1. ACTUALLY WANT TO CHANGE THE PERCEPTION;

2. Effectively and visibly lessen the burden. I know that you did, but is it satisfactory? By your own standards, I believe that it is not. Most impostantly you need and must boast about lessening the burden. You are too shy in this. There is a huge communication deficit in your party machinery and perhaps you need an official that could actually deliver what should be delivered. The party is not delivering. It seems you don't even believe in the justice of lessening Malta's burden at times. Perhaps your information officials aren't too happy about it and aren't working accordingly? While you're content with very nearly throwing parties at airports because an illegal immigrant gets a chance at a new life somewhere else, you also need to boast, visibly and loudly, that you are managing to lessen the burden on Maltese interests. When you do that take the initiative rather than sounding defensive. It also seems you react because you feel under attack and as if you're just giving concessions to calm the attackers. That's not the way to go about it. You need to show yourselves convinced that you believe in the justice of lessening the burden on Malta and that this is of primary importance and your own primary goal. Boast like you believe in it, rather than acting as if you're forced into it. Yes right, you need to boast that you've decreased the amount of illegal immigrants, whatever their status (whether having refugee or humanitarian protection status and thus are relocated, or whether repatriated or deported for not having the right to such status), from Malta;

3. Put in place and inform the people about the asylum and humanitarian protection system so as to allay any popular doubts that Malta is being taken for a ride by illegal economic migrants abusing said system. Wrong impression or not, the impression amongst many is that this is what has been happening and no one likes to be taken for a ride. Once again there is an information deficit which can only anger the people. You're too blame if this is what happens;

4. Understand and state loud and clear that the EU, or the solidarity coming from its Member States, has been consistently failing us. Yes, for pity's sake, state it that the EU is failing us. State that you are most displeased by it as you are Malta's consistently pro-EU party. State that you feel betrayed, state that the Maltese people feel betrayed. I've even read a 2006 intervention by an Italian MEP from the EPP stating that the Maltese have been betrayed by the EU. Can't you do it yourselves and show your people said indignation? You are the ones that appear as the greatest fools when the ever so perfect EU in PN's dreams of yesteryear consistently fails us year after year when it comes to immigration. Express your displeasure, and please be displeased or else you are to be held as the fools you would be. In the eyes of many you seem like the EU's lackeys and the protectors of all things Brussels in Malta. No, that's not just Labour supporters that think that, but a growing number of PN supporters too. Sometimes you're even better in defending the EU than the EU Commission. That says a lot and is not a compliment. Sorry for spelling out the truth for you, some people should;

5. Engage in an electoral commitment to further tighten naturalization laws with relationship to citizenship for all those involved in any way whatsoever with illegal immigration. Yes, that does mean illegal immigrants and their families, and those involved in human trafficking. Make it loud and clear and legal that those engaging in illegal immigration will never have the possibility, under any circumstance, of being citizens of the Republic of Malta. You rightly say in other contexts that the ends do not justify the means. We're all humans and and we are to be held equally responsible for our own actions, and that does not only apply to the Maltese. Let's take you to task and ask you to live by it by not awarding citizenship to anyone using the unjust and often criminal means of illegal immigration. Refugee and humanitarian status can and should be granted if due, but citizenship must not. This must be clearly and expressly stated in the law, not by an omission of provisions to the contrary, but by provisions that spell it out and prohibit it loud and clear; and

6. Inform international and supranational organisations and institutions, that are ever so brave in expecting even more from Malta in relation to this burden, that they can talk as much as they like but as long as they don't foot the bill then they're going to be considered as irrelevant. In most cases they actually are irrelevant and we give them more credit then they deserve. Moreover, set a quota for the burden Malta is willing and reasonably capable of withstanding ON ITS OWN without disproportionate stress on our Nation. Beyond that quota any expenses incurred are to be billed to the EU and international organisations that voice their dissent against your government's policies in the field of illegal immigration. Even if they don't pay up, that would be quite symbolic while respectful of the human rights of those in need. Consider no lectures coming from anyone's moral pedestal unless they're willing to walk the walk after they talk the talk.

When you do all these amongst other things, and when you do so effectively, then you can rest assured that you won't need to concern yourself with racism and/or any hatred whatsoever with regard to immigration. Realistically, people that hate will always be around. Don't be fooled into thinking that you can defeat all hatred. I do believe that if you take the stances above even the alleged hatred on racial grounds would be the preserve of an insignificant few with little to no relevance in Maltese society and politics. They wouldn't even deserve a press release, they wouldn't deserve your concern. Fail in what I stated above while enjoying yourself in flirting with left-wing views on immigration and you'll achieve the contrary effect.

Choose your words wisely by the way, dare to taint the legitimate national concerns of many people with "racism", or hint at it, and I believe that you shouldn't come knocking on doors come election time. The burden you present might be shifted elsewhere because you are becoming unbearable, or you could be expelled because you won't deserve electoral protection. Yes, puns intended.

Robert Callus

Jul 1st 2012, 11:06

Rather than a blanket condemnation, I'd rather see the PN actually doing something.

For 10 years the PN talked and did nothing except on the numbers - quantity. They lied to the people giving them the impression migration was a temporary phenomenon when they KNEW it was not the case. They never did any integration policy because that would give the game away - that some, are here to stay.

I's rather see the PN in a serious crackdown on those employing migrants illegally and exploiting them. They are not only harming the migrants but also the Maltese taxpayer, since tax on income is not being declared and Maltese workers by creating unfair competition.

The lack of policy is pitting Maltese workers against migrant worker. This doesn't justify racism of course, but the only mistake some Maltese workers are doing is blaming it on the immigrants rather than government - for allowing it.

M Grima

Jul 1st 2012, 10:58

Il-Malti jghid li tizra tahsad! Mhux hekk Dr. Gonzi. Wara 25 ta' hakma Nazzjonalista il-valuri morali u umani spiccaw mis-socjeta Maltija. Isthu jekk tafu!!!

M Grima

Jul 1st 2012, 10:55

Ah, here we go again, Dr. Gonzi who is shouldering the responsibility of Home Affairs is trying to act the martyr and trying to put the blame on the PL. It is useless to preach what Malta is doing to help the boat people when our European neighbours are sitting pretty doing nothing to help us and you have an untrained army and police force.

tony abela

Jul 1st 2012, 10:53

"and it never did like somebody else who insisted that Malta should do like other countries and refuse to help them."

Other sections of the press reported that Dr Tonio Borg, Vice Prim Minister, few days ago gave his support to Italy's 'Push Back Policy# for immigrants to be send back to where they come from. It was further reported that the UB Official Laurens Jolles was surprised with Dr Borg's stand.

Who do we have to believe?

Can the Government issue an official statement to deny Malta's expressed stand with the Italian Government few days ago?

tony abela

Jul 1st 2012, 10:46

"and it never did like somebody else who insisted that Malta should do like other countries and refuse to help them."

According to international and other local news, the Deputy Prime Minister, Dr Tonio Borg this same week was condemned by an EU Official as Dr Borg supported the Italian stand to send immigrants back to the country where they came from.

Who we are to believe?

P. Attard

Jul 1st 2012, 10:41

I am so sick now of this subject. Why does the PN keep talking about racism when the BIG majority of honest Maltese citizens are worrying about our dear country's future. If these illegal people had not decided to force their entry into our shores, we would have avoided all the trouble they continuously cause, apart from all the funds and manpower needed to take care of them. An appeal to the honorary people at the top; please do not accuse us of racism any more; we only love, care and worry about the future of our beloved Malta!

Godfrey Galea

Jul 1st 2012, 10:10

I'm 23. When I was a kid Malta accepted refugees from Iraq because of the war. They were welcomed in our class and became our friends. When they left the islands we missed them because we loved them.

In 20 years we have lost all that. We have lost our humanitarian approach, our love and respect towards another human being.

Who will assume the responsibility for this huge educational deficit?

A 23 year old government, who had all the time to stir the public opinion towards love and integration instead of hate and xenophobia, cannot simply blame the media or other political parties for this failure.

B Agius

Jul 1st 2012, 10:06

Violence is never the correct answer. However, I don’t see the Maltese people as racists. For centuries we have learned to live with all kinds of people and have even gained respect for our hospitality. It is fear that is driving our stance. Fear of change. Fear of losing what we (and our forefathers before us) have so very hard worked for – our identity; our heritage; our future.

Austin grech

Jul 1st 2012, 10:05

most of the time we hear the cries of burden sharing from the
government, but the EU country's seem to not want this. Instead lets do the other logical thing and send them back to the land of departure. Fair for all.

J Degabriele

Jul 1st 2012, 09:39

I'll say it again. This is NOT racism, at least for most people because one can never be generic. It is the great numbers and waves and waves of illegal (whatever anyone might say) migrants who are inundating our tiny land. Being darker in colour they show up more, but many people are concerned as well about the thousands of Eastern Europeans who come here (albeit legally) to try and find a niche for themselves, knowing full well that honest opportunities for them do not exist here!

Alfred J. McEwen

Jul 1st 2012, 09:33

Alfred J. McEwen

So much for Tonio Borg`s statement that Italy had every right to push back illegal immigrants, this country is being blindsided by a bunch of politicians that have no interest in preserving Maltese heritage and culture. What comes next? Are they now considering muzzling the press and all those who give their views in it about illegal immigration? How dare they call us irresponsible and racist when it is blindingly obvious what will happen next after this country is overrun and eventually become just a backward third world country, where it can be assured that a ``fair society`` will be nothing more than just a pipe dream. May I add that helping people in their hour of need is one thing, but filling up a miniscule country such as Malta with illegal immigrants who by and large intend to stay here against the wishes of the people of this country is nothing short of a downright invasion fuelled by nothing else but political expediency. If the government is touting it`s defence on the rights of illegal immigrants, they would`nt be keeping thousands of them in detention centres, they should be instead repatriated to their country of origin, which is a sizeable chunk of mother earth. Who is the the government kidding when it says it is working to ensure that the burden of immigration is evenly borne by the EU... I cannot see that as a likelihood when major countries such as Italy have an arrangement to Push Back illegal immigrants, with Tonio Borg obviously condoning the idea with his much vaunted statement. The EU political hypocrisy knows no bounds as it allows mechanisms like the UNHCR and non governmental organisations to make Malta a sacrificial lamb to bear the brunt of illegal immigration whether we like it or not.

Mr ALBERT LEONE GANADO

Jul 1st 2012, 09:18

I see three serious problems of concern here.
(1) The relatively high number of incidents involving our forces of law and order which result in serious injury or death of persons who in one way or another get involved in incidents which should be professionally handled by these forces.
(2) The disproportionate number of such incidents involving persons who originally came here illegally.
(3) The little we know of the often violent background of some of these illegals coming as they do from countries where violence and conflict are endemic.
It is time that our forces of law and order are better trained in restraining in a less strong arm harmful way aggressive persons out of control. Former Illegals should be given lessons on standards of civil behaviour expected in our country.

A DALLI

Jul 1st 2012, 09:09

while i condone any form of violence on any person, i cannot imagine what that poor man went through
but i also don't know what the officers who look after the migrants go through day in day out
well actually i know a little
these officers have to put up with abuse too
while still there is no reason to beat up another man
can we also look into if there may be extreme pressure on these officers because they can't handle the amount of migrants there are at the detention centre?

E. Azzopardi

Jul 1st 2012, 09:08

Well, I suppose that these so called racism sentiments are self inflicted. We have been very generous and helpful with these illegal immigrants, but the "others", who should have helped us, have not kept their word.. This nation is not racist, but this nation is concerned about all this, as it is very small and the effect can be felt at ALL, repeat ALL levels. This statement confirms my believe, that our TOP politicians (both sides, both sides) are really detached from the feelings of the THE PEOPLE. (Not the first time, we have seen it before!!!) No wonder we are in this mess, if you cannot even see this. Yes, it is true, that this government has "tried" to ensure that the burden is shared equally within the EU. What it did not say was that it failed miserably. Miserably. Will our government show some strength in this regard? Other countries have.

silvio loporto

Jul 1st 2012, 09:07

If Malta did" like other countries and refused to help them" We would not have been in the situation we are now and we would not have turned into "racists"

marco caruana

Jul 1st 2012, 08:51

il PN ahjar jara kif dan il bniedem ghamel 3 snin mahrub !!!!

Patrick Zammit

Jul 1st 2012, 08:48

Why is the death of a person (who happens to be dark skinned) under custody different from the death of a light coloured person under custody?

Did the dark skinned person die because of his colour? If yes, did the notorious cases of the two light coloured persons who also died under custody die also because of racism?

GonziPN, stop politicising this unfortunate incident which merits action just as the other two did.

C Dalli

Jul 1st 2012, 08:25

PN 1987-2012 you reap what you sow

Mr Ernest Vella

Jul 1st 2012, 08:23

Minflok tohduha mall-barrani li jahrab minn pajjizu huduha mal-pajjizi tal-punent li m'huma jaghmlu xejn biex jghinuna nghinu lil dawn in-nies

Paul Sulivan

Jul 1st 2012, 07:50

"and it never did like somebody else who insisted that Malta should do like other countries and refuse to help them"

maybe they should reconsider, why do you think other countries send them back to africa??? to protect their citizens. italy done it recently maybe we should follow them and do the same before our beautiful island get overcrowded with them

mark borg

Jul 1st 2012, 07:50

The PN defends the rights of the immigrants and when it speaks of a fair society it does not make vote considerations, as, unfortunately, somebody else does," the party said.
LOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL !

mark borg

Jul 1st 2012, 07:47

The Nationalist Party in government has saved the lives of thousands of people who were in danger of drowning after escaping from their countries.......
wow very touching .......imagine if the situation was the other way round and it was a labour government that inundated Malta with illegal immigrants and presented a problem now even for future generations, what propaganda and protests they would be organising ......
.This is really rich, the PN now is even wanting us to believe it has become more socialist than the socialists by even doing social justice with people that are not even Maltese (you know a socialists for the whole world the pn has become) !......why not dear prime minister we send aeroplanes and make it more easy to the economical immigrants ? and by the way as usual ,many bla bla bla from the pn ,as racism is rife over here, plus I lost count how many murders of these poor people have been done in Malta and all get acquitted ...this under the new wannabe socialist government of gonzipn
P.S By the way it is also ridiculous by letting anyone illegally roaming about for 3 years on a 124 sq mile island and you are only letting the illegal immigrants settle over here TO APPEASE THE EU !!!!!!!!!!

Adrian P. Cassar

Jul 1st 2012, 07:47

Yes it is PURE and SIMPLE RACISM!!!

R. Balzan

Jul 1st 2012, 07:42

It's typical of the PN to give this distressing piece of news some political flavor. Also it's so typical of the PN to inform us that, like in everything else, it smells of roses and has never been tinged with racism. Hypocritical whitewashed tombs!

Mary Pace

Jul 1st 2012, 07:31

I am sorry i do not agree with you regarding racism sentiments they are not racist but a cry for help regarding invasion from illegal people. It is the government's responsibility to safe guard the citizen's rights first. When a person feels threatened his emotions will get out of hand and innocent people will suffer. I ask this of the many psychologists and would like an answer if not straight to me but to those who are the present and the future governments of our country.

Stephen Florian

Jul 1st 2012, 07:06

I smell a cloud of political opportunism in this. Watch out for the next move.

carlos ellul

Jul 1st 2012, 05:58

Are we talking about the same party who signed the dublin 2 on our behalf? That same treaty which stresses on the fact that we have to force immigrants to stay here even if they dont want to? Btw mandatory burden sharing will never happen. Not unless we put our foot down and stop acting as the eu yes men.

Jason Coleiro

Jul 1st 2012, 05:55

its not racism , its just we are too small to bear all this.. Try to go to their country and see if you are welcome or if you get even a smile, i ve been there and always slept with one eye opened.

Ben Agius

Jul 1st 2012, 03:05

There is much to be condemned about what still happens in Malta when refugees and asylum seekers are concerned. The attitudes of many Maltese belong to the 18th century. Many others however have some progressive attitudes. But society in general is all over the place on the issue and the Church, which still has a lot of sway over the Maltese psyche, seems to have shut up about this issue lately.

Mauro debattista

Jul 1st 2012, 02:18

I don not agree with any violence and I have to know everything from a to z to comment about what happened and to judge these officers who works with the immigrants day and night. The PN is doing nothing and this problem is escalating. The attitude of I don't care about the maltese society is creating frustration.

James Dewar

Jul 1st 2012, 01:28

They are right to be concerned. Whilst it is natural for residents to question the circumstances surrounding the recent influx of "refugees" there is a difference between this and the overtly racist comments and observations coming from a large section of the population. From an outsider's perspective I would say that racism is considerably more of an issue in Malta than it has ever been and that is not healthy.

Joe Xuereb

Jul 1st 2012, 01:00

Of course racism is wrong and should never be tolerated. Unfortunately, the bulk if not all of immigrants coming through Malta are black so one can play the racist card. If instead of all of
Africa it were all of Russia (or all of South America), the racist card would not come into play.
The Government can say all it likes about people fleeing their country and lives of strife. And their rights. I dare say the Maltese are concerned because THEIR rights as a sovereign people are being ignored. They are concerned about the dilution of their peoples a nation both in numerical terms and more importantly, what they see as their culture. Of course some holier-than-thous might argue that Maltese culture is not worth preserving, what with single-mothers, drug-taking, introduction of divorce, homosexuals parading their sexuality on the streets at the current Pride Rally, and so on. Most if not all of these things we have fought for as free Western citizens. If all this vanishes or is undermined, all because of PN concerns, what does the PN think it is going to be replaced by? Gonzi is not worried if the Malta we know goes down the plug-hole. He will always be remembered - by whom? and there's the rub! - for a roofless theatre and the gap in what are supposed to be defensive walls. See! even a breach in the City Walls has its uses.

As for the PN wanting to share the burden - thank god for small mercies it does at least recognise the phenomenon as a burden - with the rest of Europe, but otherwise, parole! parole! parole!......well, it ain't happenin' guv! Nofs tużżana kultant dak mhux burden sharing, dak daħq fil-wiċċ. Not in any significant way. And to pre-empt any comeback.....no, I do not necessarily believe that the MLP would fare any better. I say this because I feel that as far as the EU countries are concerned, Malta 'jżommuha fuq demm id-dars. Inħoss li għal xi raġuni jew oħra, hemm nuqqas ta' rispett, u antipatija, lejn il-pajjiż'.


Li miet dan ir-raġel minn Mali, jiddispjaċini. Skond ir-rapport kien iħobb 'jaħrab', kien ukoll aggressiv għal raġunijiet li HU BISS kien jaf. Ifakkarni f'tifel imqareb, fil-ġesti w l-aġir tiegħu mingħajr kontroll. Illum jew għada, tifel hekk ikorri sew. U jekk ikollu x-xorti jilħaq l-eta' matura u, f'dan il-każ, jiġi wiċċ imb'wiċċ ma' nies 'razzisti' il-korriment pjuttost jiġri llum qabel għada. Qatt ma hu ġġustifikat, imma...... Dan bħal meta wieħed jitlaq minn pajjiżu għall-kapriċċi ta' moħħu u jitlef ħajtu f'baħar qalil. Miskin, imma fl-aħħar mill-aħħar it-tort ikun tiegħu u, ejja nkunu ħanina w ngħidu li tort ta' l-injuranza. Ma nistgħux nagħtu fuq sidirna għal kull inċident li jiġri fid-dinja meta ma jkunx tort tagħna. L-ewwel jien hu alla sidek hija n-norma skond id-duttrina. L-ewwel jien u alla sidek toqgħod sew jekk ma rridux negħrqu lkoll.

So now, at long last, we have it from the horses's mouth. The Government sees 'this' as a burden and wants to share it. Well, get on with it! What you waitin' for?! Parole, thrice!

Rita D'Amato

Jul 1st 2012, 00:35

No wonder they keep coming then!! So larger countries refuse to help them & we, being a dot in the world map are playing the good samaritans!! In two months i figure that more than a thousand came to this island, which even for our nation only is too small!!

We should help whoever is in need of course, but is the burden of immigration borne evenly by the EU countries??? I doubt it!!

Joe Fenech

Jun 30th 2012, 22:59

Fair society? So one has to put up with and care for people who choose not to do anything for their continent by escaping and entering Malta illegally?

B. Cachia

Jun 30th 2012, 22:52

I do think it's about time that the Nationalist Party stopped boasting that it does not care about votes, as if this is some great virtue. What that really means is that the Party does not care much what voters think. May I remind them that the whole point about democracy is that politicians should care very much what their constituents think.

Raymond Sacco

Jun 30th 2012, 22:48

This is not a PN/PL issue. It is a E.U. issue, and if the E.U. leaders want to help Africa, they should help them by giving them a rod to catch fish with and not the fish! By welcoming them into Europe we are not helping them, but we are introducing them into modern slavery and making them compete with European citizens for jobs, thus lowering European workers' salaries and rights, which eventually trigger racism. The E.U. leaders are not defending these people's human rights by encouraging them to flee their country and branding them as immigrants. They should defend those rights by helping them live a better life in their own country. They can start by controlling the European companies which pay mercanaries to instigate conflicts in Africa so that they can sell their weapons or buy diamonds and other minerals for cheap!

B. Cachia

Jun 30th 2012, 22:46

The Nationalist Government unfortunately has put all its money on a failed strategy - that of burden sharing. It has also been less than honest in its presentation of its policies in this field. I distinctly recall watching an interview some years ago with the then minister for home affairs in which he touted burden-sharing as a quasi-obligatory system that would produce concrete results. Not only did it not do so, but it may have actually encouraged more immigration.

As for 'racist sentiments', I must say that I do follow the media quite a bit, and I have come across very few expressions of 'racist sentiment', or even any references to race at all.