Brawl during Marsaxlokk protest - one injured
A man was slightly injured this afternoon when a heated argument turned into a brawl during a protest at Il-Maghluq, Marsaxlokk.
The incident happened as a number of Marsaxlokk residents and the locality's Mayor took part in a protest against camping at il-Maghluq.
Those taking part said the campers were taking up space and dumping rubbish. They also said they did not have sanitary facilities.
However the campers intervened. They insisted that they were not hindering anyone and they did not dump any rubbish - the rubbish in the sea flowed in with the current. They also argued that they used mobile toilets or the public convenience near by.
The Mayor said action could be taken against illegal camping by the Lands Department or Mepa. He praised those taking part in the protest for their civic responsibility.
Shortly after the Mayor spoke, an argument developed and one of those taking part in the protest was hit several times on his head and back by about five people before being chased off. Calm was then restored by the organisers and the police were called.
Camps at Il-Maghluq, Marsaxlokk. Picture - Facebook
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231 Comments
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Joseph Gerada
Aug 14th 2012, 09:44
As far as I know, to camp on a beach you need a permit.To have a BBQ, you need a permit.Are the police afraid to move these 'squatters' from the beach beacuse the majority of them are bullies like the ones in the video who ended up beating up a man who decided to stand up for his rights?? This country has become one massive shame - top - down.
Francesca Abela
Aug 13th 2012, 18:38
Commendations to the brave man who faced up to the camping bullies on his own and shame to the other men around who did not lift a finger to help.This man could have ended up seriously hurt and how come there are no Police present??
miriam psaila
Aug 13th 2012, 12:45
we went to swim there last saturday and there was no space on the sand just camps. my 3yrs old daughter and i had to stay on the rocks and to go in the sea we had to walk on small rocks. its not fear campers have to move away from there, thats not a camping site
Chris Borg
Aug 13th 2012, 12:36
The aroma of the "Golden Years" is getting stronger.
P Bonnici
Aug 13th 2012, 11:41
That sight of tents looks disgusting disgusting, it reminds me of Parliament Square in London with protesters camping outside parliament.
Charles Caruana
Aug 13th 2012, 10:18
Don't police "walk the beat" anymore? After all these tents are conspicuous and it should not have been left to protestors to bring the matter to the fore and the matter would not have ended this way.
Or have the police donated the family jewels for IVF freezing?
josette schembri
Aug 13th 2012, 09:16
By what right should these people occupy public land as if it was theirs. Hope this will not end like Ghadira, with built structures!! hope those bullies will be arraigned in court, and stop this might is right mentality!!
Carmen Borg
Aug 13th 2012, 10:50
fully agree with you Josette. no need for M'Xlokk residents to protest. camps should not have been erected in the first place. where is MEPA???
VV Bartolo
Aug 13th 2012, 09:11
action should be taken not only against the m'xlokk campers but against each and every sunbeds/umbrellas beach hawkers around the island as they have occupied every corner of all our sandy beaches, leaving us citizens with little kids to stay at the back of the beach!! shame on the authorities as the beaches belong to everyone. u tigux tghiduli ghax bil-permess u mhux permess!! hekk jonqos ukoll biex immorru nghumu irridu nhallsu wkoll!!! something has to be done ghax irqadna wahda sew!!
S Vella
Aug 13th 2012, 09:09
I wouldnt be surprised that the bullies acted that way....
About ten years ago the government said he was going to remove all the illegal boathouses which are permanently occupying public land at Armier, the police together with soldiers were sent to demolish the illegal structures but were faced with residents at the road leading to armier and the actuall STOPPED there! I recall brawls with the police and soldiers there too, but what happened? NOTHING!! as they still occupy the same public land they have been occupying for years, not forgetting the public land occupied by hotels to build their private beaches, the palces occupied by those renting deckchairs and umbrellas everywere around our beaches and giving you dirty looks when trying to find a spot with your own umbrella etc etc.
The government, only with the hunters and trappers used an iron fist and sent bulldozers and soldiers to clear some hunting grounds such as Pembroke!
Antoine Zammit
Aug 13th 2012, 09:01
Its another case where might is right. when they see they have no argument backing them, they resort to violence.
Needless to say. The campers are there illegally and MUST be evicted. They have absolutely no right to occupy public land at the expense of regular bathers.
francesca paris
Aug 13th 2012, 10:56
Could not agree better with you. It was very clear to everyone and most of all to those present that what should have been a very peaceful walk around M'xlokk to get the attention of the authorities turned out to be a gathering from the campers to insult and state that this was all just envy that because they paid the taxes they had all the right in the world to do so. This is just unbelievable that when a person or a group of people are gathered just to show their concern they are treated in that way. And honestly like many are stating I hope the people who acted so shamefully get what they deserve.
I Bugeja
Aug 13th 2012, 09:01
Ha Ha Ha how pityful seeing 5 men against 1.
Well done for the protest
Duncan Cassar
Aug 13th 2012, 09:00
Pajjiz tal 3 dinja kulhAdd jamel li irrid !!!!!!!
Joe Xuereb
Aug 13th 2012, 09:00
This video-clip is an indictment of Maltese society (particularly disturbing is the thought that children witnessed this shameful outrage something that sadly, I experienced myself.
Sleeping under the stars is wonderful (I imagine). The sense of freedom, not unlike a return to childhood playfulness. However, there should be designated area for this, away from the beaches. Sorting out defective genes - as someone here suggested - is not the answer (wara kollox, il-pulit jista' ikun ħamallu wkoll). What is needed is education and raising of public awareness. For instance, learning to admire a beauty spot without necessarily having to live in it, thus killing the goose that lays the golden egg. And this blackmailing tactic that compels people into inaction has to stop. The Government could start by not holding itself to ransom for fear of losing votes. Or the police officer who chooses to turn a blind eye because the felon is a friend of a friend.
Disgusted, of London.
Paul Borg
Aug 13th 2012, 08:54
Isa Hey , x misthija ta nies !! ara jhalluhomx hemm jikkampjaw issa. Camping trid tigi regolarizzata ghax se nispiccaw nikkampjaw fuq xulxin. Sewwa imbat l-Ghadira lanqas tista taghmel umbrella maqluba ghax timblokka il veduta ta l-ohrajn.
H. Galea (NRK)
Aug 13th 2012, 08:53
And where are the Keystone Cops ????
Joe Galea
Aug 13th 2012, 08:40
The problem in this Country of ours is that when you report camping to the Police they do nothing. And as far as I know camping in Malta is illegal EVERYWHERE on public land. Not even the local council can issue a permit for such activities. Further more BBQ on public land and beaches need to be legally covered with a One day event permit issued at the descretion of the Local Council for €6.99. But this is Jungle Country.
f vincenti
Aug 13th 2012, 08:39
What a disgrace!! it looks like a shanty town in some 3rd world country. Authorities please intervene.
Ronnie Callus
Aug 13th 2012, 08:39
Qed ikollna numru ta' nies fejn art pubblika qed jghamluha taghhom u dan ghax mhemmx inforzar tal-ligijiet mill-Gvern ta' llum. Iktar mhu se' nhallu dawn l-affarijiet jigru aktar se' jizdiedu minghajr kontrol sa' anke raba hawn jinhadem u ma' jhallsu lil hadd. Dan qatt maghandu jkun u kull art ghanda taqa f'idejn il-Gvern ( il-poplu) u jghamel uzu minnha ugwalment ma' kull cittadin u mhux minhu laqwa jhawwel. Nisperaw li l-Gvern permezz ta' min hu inkarrigat jiehu hsiebhom dawn in-nies. u mhux naslu li jiggieldu n-nies bhalma gara.
K. Vella
Aug 13th 2012, 08:22
Are these the new eyesore boathouses?
Better the authorities act now rather sooner than later....like what is happening at Delimara field squaters....
F. Pisani
Aug 13th 2012, 08:14
Throw them out!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Franco Attard Trevisan
Aug 13th 2012, 08:02
where were the police?? waiting for their pay cheque ??
carlos ellul
Aug 13th 2012, 07:48
I was passing from there yesterday and the beach was literally overtaken by camps.
Albert Caligari Conti
Aug 13th 2012, 07:24
pIf one should take action against anyone camping out by the sea i suggest that the same action should be taken agains those that for years have been sleeping out by the sea not in tents but in illegle buildings put up on land without permits on beaches around the whole of the Maltese Island.
J Azzopardi
Aug 13th 2012, 07:20
Same situation every year at White Tower Bay - Bajja tat-Torri l-Abjad. Illegal camps take up half the bay aroung protected sand dunes !!!
B Ellul
Aug 13th 2012, 07:08
Where is the police? I expect that this morning the site is cleared now that the police 'know' about them AND those cowboys are sent to court. they can be easily recognised!
Paul Borg
Aug 13th 2012, 08:56
I agree 100% with you. We'll wait and see this morning.
Louis Galea
Aug 13th 2012, 05:51
In the video it does not seem that there were any police presence. Am I correct? If these were present how come they did not try to control the situation and have these bullies arrested?
Joe Xuereb
Aug 13th 2012, 02:08
@A Sciberras (Yesterday, 16:25). In UK, BBQs in parks are illegal because they damage the grass and the use of gas canisters is potentially dangerous. Not even if one asks permission. It is not allowed, period! On Maltese beaches there is no grass but the danger from said canisters is still there (considering that a BBQ area can be surrounded by tents and scores of people.
I get the feeling that many Maltese have many unresolved anger issues and the lash out at the least nothing to give vent to this anger. I wonder why. I found the small man with the gold 'qiesu l-Madonna tal-Ħerba' and venomous eyes particularly disconcerting.
Slightly off piste, a commenter a day ago suggested, regarding convicted paedophiles, that their identity details, including their home address, should be made available to the public. This wouldn't work anywhere, and especially not in Malta. The video-clip accompanying the article here is ample proof of this......'waddya want, blood?!'
Ian Ellul
Aug 13th 2012, 09:13
Not entirely correct! Check these out: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sponsored/in-the-know/london-dining/9337310/london-parks-barbecues.html and http://gothisplace.com/Search/English/bbqs%20an%20parks --- while there are restrictions, there are also desginated areas in which such activity is permitted.
Mark Cassar
Aug 13th 2012, 02:02
Tent city. How these campers are being permitted on the beach in such a manner so close to the sea is beyond comprehension. Where is the rule of law? I suppose with the flotsam and jetsam; il bahar.
Joey Borg
Aug 13th 2012, 01:39
When I read about such stories, a proposal by one of the most controversial figures in Malta comes to mind: disallow people of this like from breeding and passing on their filthy genes to the next generation.
I know, it’s inhumane, outrageous, cruel, extreme, etc., but still tempting.
Anyway, for now, if the authorities clear the area from this rubbish and send it back to the cesspit it disgorged from, it’s a start.
Dorris geddes
Aug 13th 2012, 00:52
I cannot believe they are allowed on the beach! That would never ever be allowed in Sydney! I guess the problem is Malta is so overdeveloped that there is no land close by the beach which people can tent in! Camping is really great fun and perhaps the government should look at reserving land not to far away for people to use. Nothing beats sleeping under the stars!
Steve Zammit
Aug 13th 2012, 00:38
x kawlata ta' ritratt....jungla ta konkrit u issa tined LOL
Hossam Helwani
Aug 13th 2012, 00:17
what an eye sore
they should be removed immediately from the site.
Daniel Borg
Aug 12th 2012, 23:29
What a disgrace.
A Caruana
Aug 12th 2012, 23:28
The council and residents are very right, it is a disgrace that every public beach in the south is taken over, next thing it will be rooms , look at what happened in San Tumas. What is MEPA doing to remove these illegal campers?? They even leave caravans and tents parked on the public beach even when they are not there to reserve a place. MEPA GET THEM OFF!
A. Mifsud
Aug 12th 2012, 23:07
From the picture they're surely an eyesore. Just like boathouses, they look more like to slums to me. I'm sure tourists don't expect anything such on their excursion to the picturesque village of Marsaxlokk.
Mr Adrian Zahra
Aug 12th 2012, 22:50
F pajjiz fejn tirrenja l anarkija ma tistax tezisti id dixxiplina. Ir regoli f Malta jezistu biss meta jiddeciedu li japplikawhom il politikanti il bqija kulhadd jaghmel li jiftillu.
Mr Evan Camilleri
Aug 12th 2012, 22:33
I go to this place since 3 years from swimming and every year people are increasing here - this year camps took lots of space and this last weeks i was disgusted by the amount of rubbish left b some ignorant people! I agree that camps should NOT be let there - it is a small area and it should be enjoyed by everyone --- however (and i think this discussion is being done a long time) the government need to set areas for camping both near the sea (for summer) and also winter areas.
nonethless these campers have not stolen land like those who built illegal boathouses.... and these have been left there and given electricity/water!!!
G Schembri
Aug 12th 2012, 22:23
As far as I know, Tents are not allowed on any beach after sun down, if the law hasn't been changed. I clearly remember asking for police permission to set up a camp. I also remember the police making us put down the tents in Ghadira bay, at sunset.
These people are nothing but bullies, the way they started hitting that man is disgusting, the police should have arrested them. If such people are going to be left to do what they want because they are bullies we will end up like America and all law abiding citizens will have to take the law into their hands.
P Mangion
Aug 12th 2012, 22:11
The camps should have been removed by Police by now and the six clearly visible thugs should be sleeping at Floriana HQ this night.
The m'xlokk resident should open a court case against these six. (Maybe it would be a loss of time as the court will only ask them not to do it again!) Where were the M'xlokk council, how none protected him? Police take action !
Tony Camilleri
Aug 12th 2012, 21:23
NO camps should be allowed in Malta when the sea is no more than 10 minutes away from any part of the Island. They leave a whole mess wherever they camp. As far as I know, all camps have to be dismantled at sundown. Why are they being allowed to camp there during the night?
Regarding the attack on the person of one of the protestors, I hope that they all end up in prison because we have no space for cowboys who take the law in their hands.
Extracts from the Maltese Criminal Code.
68. (1) Whosoever shall incite an assembly of persons, who when so incited shall be ten or more in number, for the purpose of committing an offence, shall, for the mere fact of the incitement, be liable, on conviction, to imprisonment for a term from one to three months or to a fine (multa).
(2) Whosoever shall take an active part in an assembly of ten or more persons for the purpose of committing an offence, although the said assembly may not have been incited by any one in particular, shall, on conviction, be liable to imprisonment for a term from three days to three months or to a fine (multa).
(3) Where the offence which such assembly of persons intended to commi t i s commi t ted, then, i f the puni shment established for the offence is less than the punishments aforesaid, these punishments shall be applied with an increase of one degree;
if, however, the punishment established for the offence is greater than, or equal to, the punishments aforesaid, then that punishment shall be applied with an increase of one degree.
69. Whosoever shall publicly instigate any other person to
commit an offence, shall, for the mere fact of the instigation, be
liable, on conviction, to -
(a) imprisonment for a term from two to five years, in the case of a crime liable to a punishment higher than the punishment of imprisonment for a term of three years; or
(b) imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, in the case of a crime liable to the punishment of imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years; or
(c) a fine (multa) or detention, in the case of any other offence.
79. (1) If three or more persons shall assemble or shall continue together, for any purpose whatsoever, in such manner and under such circumstances of violence, threats, tumults, numbers, display of arms or otherwise, as are calculated to create terror and alarm among persons in Malta, every such assembly shall be deemed unlawful, and every person forming part of such assembly shall, on conviction, be liable to imprisonment for a term from four to twelve months.
(2) Where the unlawful assembly shall proceed, either wholly or in part, to execute their common design, or shall attempt so to do, any person so assembling shall, on conviction, be liable to imprisonment for a term from six to eighteen months.
sher tonna
Aug 12th 2012, 23:25
tafu meta nikbru meta nitalmu nghinu l xulxin mhux inkissru l xulxin,ahna kollha maltin ta,mela tigi wahda tghidlek ghax aw m xlokk u nies ta m xlokk la qeghdin f pajjizom jistaw jaghmlu li jridu ghax f pajjizhom...l akbar injoranta li rajt s issa..........ml di meta tkun f xi post iehor toqghod attenta u meta tkun f m xlokk thammeg kemm tiflah ,basta trid tajjarna injoranti u pigs.injorant u pig min jahseb ghalih inifsu biss.l importanti li giet tghajjat ghax hi qeghda mal kunsill.ghandhon biex jiftahru bik e jekk tiraguna hekk
Tony Camilleri
Aug 13th 2012, 09:14
sher tonna inti ma merejt xejn milli ghedt jien. HADD ma ghandu dritt jokkupa art pubblika, ma jħhallix ġost ghal haddiehor u jhammeg b'detriment ta' haddiehor. Iva, ghedt u nerga' nghid. Il-kampijiet mhux posthom Malta meta m'hemmx iktar minn 10 minuti boghod sal-bahar minn kull post f'Malta. Il-kampijiet HMIEG u mard igibu. Gharukaza l-bajjiet gibtuhom mizbla. Ir-ritratt biss ukoll jurik kif qisu xi kamp f'xi pajjiż tat-tielet dinja.
mark borg
Aug 12th 2012, 21:14
x azzjoni se tiehu il pulizija fuq dawk it tnejn li jidru cari fil video li daru u sawtu lil dan ir ragel ?
JJ Agius
Aug 13th 2012, 08:56
Dawk mhux Kaccaturi kieku raqdu gewwa!!
simon ellul sullivan
Aug 12th 2012, 20:53
how anyone can look at thos animals and tell me we are all equal is beyond me ! the world will always be a mess till people with decency cage animals
Mr Kevin Zammit
Aug 12th 2012, 20:40
This video clearly shows who those five bullies were and there is no excuse for the police not to take steps against them.
Another thing that shocked me was:
1. had that big guy in the white shirt punched that stupid old man who was there attacking him he would have been seriously hurt
2. why had none of the other protesters intervened to help? This sort of bullying is totally unacceptable and now I hope these "camps" are cleared up.
mark borg
Aug 13th 2012, 06:41
the big guy was only pushing .(not to justify anyone) but the one's that delivered the reall punches where 2 younger guys, that one of them even came from behind when the man was cornered next to the van.The Police have no excuse, as they have the video and these could be easily identified.
Stefan Fenech
Aug 12th 2012, 20:34
5 fuq 1? Dawn x'nies huma? Nahseb ghandhom jittiehdu passi u jinghataw lezzjoni..
B Agius
Aug 12th 2012, 20:27
Meta ser nikbru f' dan id-daqsxejn ta' pajjiz? Forsi meta dawk li jobdu l-ligijiet jigu trattati ahjar minn dawk li jiksruhom?!
E Lentini
Aug 12th 2012, 20:25
Back to the primitive days?
Andrew Micallef
Aug 12th 2012, 20:18
At these times I am ashamed that I'm Maltese! Those people who started hitting the gentleman are probably the ones who criticize Third World Countries for savagery like this! They should be prosecuted and violence condemned.
Victor Pulis
Aug 12th 2012, 20:15
Are the campers breaking the law? That's the first and only question that needs to be asked. If they are, then there is no need for public protests. The police should descend on them and order them to pack up and leave.If this is not done then we have a right to come to our own conclusions.
J. D. Farrugia
Aug 12th 2012, 19:29
Feel sorry for the gentleman and any violence should be condemned.
The Government (present or future) should set legal camping sites around the island and set practical rules and regulations. Obviously enforcement would still be the key to keep law and order.
A M Bonello
Aug 12th 2012, 19:31
Gentletman ....... get real and stop living in denial these aren't exactly gentlemen are they?
Christopher Galea
Aug 12th 2012, 20:48
.....the Government should by tonight send enforcement officers to instantly remove all tents without any notice whatsoever, the police should round up all the people seen in the video who, in the presence of the Local Council's Mayor and other members, are seen attacking the gentleman and take them to court. Local council should clean up the area and send the bill to the campers. After all if you set up stall without a police permit, you get booked! By the way, I like camping and the outdoors, but that does not give me the power to break the law either.
Mr John Borg
Aug 12th 2012, 21:09
Legal camping sites exists (Armier bay), but no one wants to pay for it when they can use up the public beach and camp there for all the summer and make it theirs.
The photo looks like a shanty town...more squatters only of the movable type this time.
P. Attard
Aug 12th 2012, 21:51
If my memory is right, camping on sandy beaches was prohibited locally soon after Labour was elected in June, 1971. I think that the minister who gave the order was Dr. Joe Micallef Stafrace, but I'm not sure
J Azzopardi
Aug 13th 2012, 07:25
If the camping sites concessions are anything like the Armier one it is a disgrace. The Goverment gave up a pristine bay to a contractor who set up a monstrous restaurant as part of the concession and also created His own sandy beach where in the past were trees till the water's edge! To add insult to injury he also passed a huge drain pipe to the sea to carry rain water where in the past there was a shallow reef full of life now there is the desert. Go and have a look yourself what a disgrace.
doris zammit
Aug 13th 2012, 08:09
people from the south have no place to camp it has to be armir or bahar iccaq we have no problem paying to stay at a camp site coz its much easier for us then having to deal with all of u who keep interfering like we are doing something so wrong !!! the people who come with families for a day and leave in the evening leave dirt and food on the sand we are the ones cleaning after them the people camping there do not leave rubish coz we then have to stay in it COMMIN SENCE we are the ones keeping the beach clean and to the cleaning crew commin in the morning clean only haf the beach today u can still see the mess 2 fammilies left behind on friday night after they left from their so called bbq and go so dont come telling us we leave dirt and all of that and after all that beach is not a beach u can swim in coz it doesnt qualify so whats the problem IF THE GOVERMENT WANTS TO KEEP THE PEACE THERE IS ONLY ONE THING TO DO WHICH IS CLEARLY SHOWN IN MARSA XLOKK GIVE THE SOUTH PEOPLE A PLACE TO CAMP AND A PLACE FOR CARAVANS WHICH WE ARE HAPPY TO PAY FOR !!!!
David Darmanin
Aug 12th 2012, 19:25
If you are fed up of illegal boathouses and camping sites then sign this petition:
http://www.tiny.cc/boathouses
Anthony Castillo
Aug 12th 2012, 19:24
Dawn huma il visjonijiet ta 25 jew 30 sena illu min huwa laqqwa jhawel.
Norbert Abela
Aug 12th 2012, 20:24
Bhal meta qabdu jiggieldu u jerfaw idejhom fuq xulxin quddiem id dar centrali tal PN... imma stenna naqa dan l episodju ftit gimghat ilu sar mhux 25 years ago...
Arthur Taliana
Aug 12th 2012, 19:00
If not mistaken there is a law or police regulation prohibiting camping on the shore line. If so, why did the police not take action?
M Mealclaff
Aug 12th 2012, 20:35
Law prohibiting Camping on Shoreline ..! There is also a law that prohibits Building on the Shoreline ..Yet around Bugibba there are ' Private beaches ' ... What about the Deck Chair Barons .. squatting on the Shoreline !!
joe vassallo
Aug 13th 2012, 06:05
yes as you said Mr Taliana
Fabian Gaffiero
Aug 12th 2012, 18:54
Gypsies in Malta?? What next?!!!
Noel Scerri
Aug 12th 2012, 18:52
Egoism at its best.
Claire Busuttil
Aug 12th 2012, 18:48
eee u anke daghjes gieli itellu fuq ir ramel biex tkompli taxxaq!!!
Nies Injuranti imsieken!....
Claire Busuttil
Aug 12th 2012, 18:47
dawn il 'campers' qed jiehdu il bajja kollha. laqqas ikun hemm post ghal xugaman. Il problema hi li dawn ghamlu il bajja taghhom, ghax anke jorqdu hemm, sajf shih. Barra min hekk, ihallu hmieg ta kul tip kemm fuq ir ramel-li sar haga muqzieza, u kemm gol bahar-fosthom, bicciet ta ikel, u anke hmieg tal bniedem.
IL bajja ta kulhadd u mhux ta dawn l erba cowboys biss.....itilqu lura lejn djarkom.
S Sammut
Aug 12th 2012, 19:33
totally agree!
j dough
Aug 12th 2012, 20:08
likewise to all the camps and illegal boat/summer houses.
X Borg
Aug 12th 2012, 18:45
The fault is squarely with the Police as they should swiftly enforce the law and protect society by not allowing these things to happen in the first place.
No amount of ping-ponging to other government departments will absolve their responsibility.
Joseph Campbell
Aug 12th 2012, 18:43
Can some one of all those who are saying that it is illegal to camp quote from were and from which section of the law did they find out that camping is illegal if any of those has found this from the law book please do let us know the section where you got the info about all this thanks.
will be waiting to see cause i would really like to see if it really is illegal or not
Tony Camilleri
Aug 12th 2012, 21:37
Joseph, here you are.
Did they apply for a MEPA Permit?
http://www.mepa.org.mt/NatureDocuments/ApplicationForm-OutdoorActivity-Sep09.rtf
Also have a look at
http://www.maltacaravanscamping.com/maltacampsitecaravanscamping_rules.html
Carmel camilleri
Aug 12th 2012, 18:42
A scene reminiscent of the past.
A. Mizzi
Aug 12th 2012, 20:27
What past.... we are in the present?
Where were the Police......before and during the incident?
Busy giving parking tickets to reach their monthly quota?
Joe Busuttil
Aug 12th 2012, 18:41
Miserable lot; camping on a dirty beach,whose water I doubt is safe to swim in, just opposite a power station. The country has really scraped the bottom and I wonder what the tourists think of us. The law of the jungle is supreme hundred per cent.
Jay Oatmon
Aug 12th 2012, 18:37
An illegal occupation of public land - answer arrest and confiscation, then put up notices saying "Public land no camping, dumping, caravans etc - fine 500 euros"
john vernon
Aug 12th 2012, 23:35
Jay i believe there are several notices posted down there already, but no one can read
jesmond zammit
Aug 12th 2012, 18:33
x injoranza ta nies , nispera li l pulizijja twehhel multi jew habs lil min jahseb li jista jerfa idejh meta jiftillu.
John Vella
Aug 12th 2012, 18:31
3 on 1 !!!.......... now thats not fair.
Maria Vassallo
Aug 12th 2012, 18:30
F'dal-pajjiz kulhadd irid jaghmel li jrid.
Maltin jisirqu art li mhijiex taghhom.
Ghax hemm tghallmu fis-snin l-imghoddija u qed mghallma hazin!
Roberta Debono
Aug 12th 2012, 18:21
From Newfoundland i see there are still some uncivilized folk still in Malta even now in 2012. n Greeting from a Gozitan/ Canadian.
Josef Pisani
Aug 12th 2012, 18:51
Some ? Lol
Jeffrey Mallia
Aug 12th 2012, 19:01
Ms Debono.....Please note than on this rock 50% are neanderthals, 20% are primates and the rest are of human origins.....if you look at the video you would notice a rare species wearing a Green top which he was using as a camonflage when he used to live on trees.......In the history of evolution these two species never came across each other..............accept here in Malta.
Mary Pace
Aug 12th 2012, 19:25
Roberta the Maltese are getting worse!
stephen mifsud
Aug 12th 2012, 20:27
to tell,u the truth i used to love coming to malta and i did visit about 27 times in 45 years that i have been away but now Malta is over populated and way to many cars and its getting worse so i am staying away from my birthpalce which i love very much but something is very wrong in Malta ... even the old buses are gone whatba shame shame and more shame ... i cry seeing Malta going down the toilet when its such a beautiful island err it was now its full of skyscrapers and cranes and its lost its charm i think ... someone tell im wrong please so i can come back to my home land ?
Phil Zammit
Aug 13th 2012, 05:35
I'm literally in Stephen Mifsud's exact position. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
I concur with you 100%. I have fond memories of the beautiful island of my birth. Even harboured the idea of eventually retiring there.
Malta always had it's hotheads who reacted like spoiled five year olds rather than mature adults. I have witnessed it in awe during political or parochial arguments! My "Madonna" is better than your "Madonna" or my 'Patron Saint' is better than your 'Patron Saint' - oftentimes breaking out into fist fights or worse!
I was hoping that with time, progress and education, these ignorants would outgrow their pea brain behaviour. I don't think I see it yet! Were it not for brothers and sisters living there, I doubt I'd ever set foot there again.
From what I see, read and witness about our beloved island, it's not a good picture - unless someone can convince me that it's a few bad apples!
Carmel camilleri
Aug 12th 2012, 18:21
The police should book these cowboys and remove those illegal camps immediately. These camps are prelude to a permanent ones as happened elsewhere. The campers at Ghadira were not allowed to camp overnight . Why are these allowed?
Mr Alexander Galea
Aug 12th 2012, 18:17
Get this violent squatters handcuffed and escorted and confiscate their camping stuff. Everyday that passes we are seeing bullies committing illegalities whilst the authorities watch.
Jeff Mead
Aug 12th 2012, 18:16
We've been here in Malta for a week now and the video proved to be a very nice entertainment for us thankyou verymuch as my indoors was begening to get a bit cheesed off with the same old think. Cheers better then watching an Ali fight.
R Caruana
Aug 12th 2012, 18:16
Nixtieq li l awtoritajiet ikkoncernati imorru jaghtu titwila fejn il Pitch tal Waterpolo Marsaxlokk halli jaraw b ghajnejhom il hmieg li qed ihallu warajhom dawn il campers. Tal misthija!!!!!!! Apparti li bhal mhu qed jigri n naha l-ohra fil-Maghluq u lil hemm mit Torri ta San Lucjan ma jhallu spazju fejn joqghod hadd aktar hlief huma. Itilqulna l barra ghax dejjaqtuna!!!!!!!!!!!!
sher tonna
Aug 12th 2012, 19:02
ma nahsibx li tal kampijiet ihamgu ta hij,ghax it scommon sense min ha jaghmel granet hemm fin nadif irid joqghod mhux fil hmieg.
Mike Hunt
Aug 12th 2012, 18:12
i hope they get fined and put on a diet
Claire Busuttil
Aug 12th 2012, 18:50
I guess put them on a diet, will work out better!!
Michael borg
Aug 12th 2012, 18:06
In my opinion, the residents and the mayor have the right to protest against such people who abuse from the village's hospitality during the summer months, the police and the army should have rounded up these campers and moved the some place elsewhere in order to reach a compromise between residents and campers without any blows. The man or men who have injured the individual should be punished harshly as an example to others. Arrests are the only tool if necessary
C Galea
Aug 12th 2012, 18:05
These squatters should be removed ASAP .But wait till after the elections baby
Tony Camilleri
Aug 12th 2012, 21:41
Iva, skond l-ahbarijiet il-Kunsill Lokali ghamel by-law imma l-awtoritajiet tal-Kunsilli Lopkali mhux se jiehdu decizjoni qabel nofs Settembru meta dawk ikunu telqu u tkun waslet l-elezzjoni.
Vincent Cassar
Aug 12th 2012, 18:03
X'faqar ta' pajjiz jahasra....aghar minn gungla sirna!
anton murcia
Aug 12th 2012, 18:03
Readers should note that the illegal and drab rooms in the shanty town in St.Thomas bay off Marsascala were supplied with electricty by a Labour minister
A. Borg
Aug 12th 2012, 18:13
U ghadda dak iz-zmien kollu u xorta ghadhom hemm!
Emmanuel Ebejer
Aug 12th 2012, 19:15
@Anton Murcia
What a stupid and senseless comment. My family was supplied electriciy at our boat house in St. Thomas Bay ( oh and btw, it is a boat house in which we keep our boat) by a Nationaist administration. No Ministers were involved; on the contrary, the usual red tape involved in everything here in our beloved country. Thank you very much!
mark borg
Aug 12th 2012, 20:59
what a stupid comment....
who was governing for the past 25 yrs ????
this is the result of a spineless pn govt .....take a look around you !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tony Camilleri
Aug 12th 2012, 21:44
anton murcia the buildings in St Thomas Bay were built on PRIVATE LAND before there was any kind of laws regulating these things and still the PN has done nothing about them for the last 25 years because it cannot apply laws retroactively and not because it has any love for the residents.
Vincent Cassar
Aug 12th 2012, 18:02
X'faqar ta' pajjiz jahasra....aghar minn gungla sirna!
A. Borg
Aug 12th 2012, 17:59
Jekk kull sindku jaghmel by-law li jiprojbixxi kull attivita simili fuq il-bajjiet u xtajtiet il-Pulizija jkollha tiehu passi trid jew ma tridx.
Christine Bailey
Aug 12th 2012, 17:58
As far as I know, but I stand to be corrected, nobody can set up a camp on the beach without permit. The mayor should have simply called the police - they could have told them to pack and leave.
In Mellieha, to camp at L-Ahrax, - which is not a beach - you pay the local council and state exactly where you are going to stay, the number of days etc, etc.
I don't agree with shanty towns but the situation in Armier and Qawra seems different to me than this one. The Armier Caravans, Qawra and Gnejna boathouses had some type of govt blessing. Taking up the beach does not.
stephen koludrovic
Aug 12th 2012, 17:58
The gypsy spirit is still alive in certain people on this island.
david debattista
Aug 12th 2012, 17:48
And they want to develop our limited number of bays into a marina .
Eric Camilleri (Q)
Aug 12th 2012, 17:47
Organizing a protest of this sort is tantamount to holding a barrel of gun powder and waiting for someone to light a match. If these campers are illegal then it is the Authorities who should have taken action (long time ago) and secondly should have never given permission for this protest to take off since the outcome was obvious. The five physical aggressors should now consider camping in a cell since this was clearly uncivilized behaviour.
Tony Camilleri
Aug 12th 2012, 21:46
The people have a right to protest against those destroying their environment especially as they come from other places. It is SAVAGES who resort to violence.
GL Calleja
Aug 12th 2012, 17:45
Pardon us, but was this picture taken in some ghetto in India? Because if this is really Marsaxlokk in Malta, this is a shame for all. On the other hand most of Malta and Gozo beaches are becoming slums and still the government keeps looking the other way. Which party has the cahunas to stop this unlawfulness and clean up once and for all? Every year it gets worse and there seem to be no answers by the government.
Alfred Falzon
Aug 12th 2012, 17:31
Malta has been turned into a jungle...the strongest (with the right political links) shall prevail!
Shame on those who are in no mood to bring by hook or by crook the lawless to understand that parts of Malta are not for grabs by those who still believe that some animals are more equal than others!!
The PN in government can no longer afford to watch complacently the Island go to the dogs!
PL in Opposition please note, and stop sitting gleefully on the fence!
Alfred A. Falzon
Emanuel Farrugia
Aug 12th 2012, 19:08
Mr. Falzon, I agree with the point made in the first part of your comment. What I would like you to clarify is the following :- " The PN in government can no longer afford to watch complacently the Island go to the dogs !
PL in Opposition please note, and stop sitting gleefully on the fence ! Alfred A. Falzon ".
You left out Alternattiva Demokratika ? If you are a regular reader of The Times, you should have noticed that the fovourite critiscism of ALL PN sympathiser levelled at the PL is that Dr. Joseph Muscat and the PL have no plans on how to solve Malta's problems because he has not shown any. Yet.
Who do YOU think has the responsibility to stop Malta from going to the dogs, as you put it ? Can you tell us specifically, what YOU would do to stop Malta from going to the dogs, and DO something other than sitting gleefully on the fence ?
If you were Prime Minister for a day, what would you do to solve this particular problem ? And what should be the position to take for Alternattiva Demokratika ?
Alfred Falzon
Aug 12th 2012, 20:50
@ Emanuel Farrugia
As far as "Alternattiva Demokratika" is concerned I have very little to say...
It is today more than ever an insignificant party, akin to a "pressure group", so its role in local politics and latest howlers do not warrant any particular attention, though democracy wills that it should continue to soldier on!
As for the PN in Government, I expected from a Party that believes in justice for everybody to react to such lawlessness by way of adequate measures to curb once and for all such blatant abuse!
Only time will tell, hopefully to atone for the injustice meted by the same PN to others, among them one of their own MPs, Franco Debono!
The PL is today fishing for votes, just power lusty and yes, indeed, sitting on the fence without uttering the least word of condemnation for those bullies who think that violence will prevail over what is right in a civilised society.
The PL which sided with the hunters, which kept mum during the People's Uprising in Libya broadcasting slanted news in favour of the ruthless Kadhafi regime, which runs with the hare and hunts with the hound, the PL which has become the Party of all those who sustain Babel, well I do not expect any better!!
Alfred A. Falzon
G Falzon
Aug 12th 2012, 17:23
Was the protest at Il-Maghluq, Marsaxlokk, this morning covered by the necessary police and any other permits required by law?
Tony Camilleri
Aug 12th 2012, 21:49
You should have asked whether the camps were covered by a permit from MEPA.
G Falzon
Aug 13th 2012, 01:29
Yes, Mr Camilleri, you are right. And perhaps, why enforcement was lacking?!
But two wrongs do not make a right.
Tony Camilleri
Aug 13th 2012, 09:18
G Falzon Agree that two wrongs don't make a right. Enforcement was lacking because although it was going to be a peaceful protest the campers turned it into a violent one. The police knew about the protest because it was all in the media, so they should have taken care of everything. The police are required to first of all prevent the commission of a breach of the law and if a breach does occur to bring the perpetrators to justice.
J. Tabone
Aug 12th 2012, 17:20
Until people start paying big fines and going to prison for violent and dangerous behavior. No fear of authority will always be an issue in Malta.
carmel muscat
Aug 12th 2012, 17:13
jekk huwa hazin li wiehed jikampja jinad xjinad huwa dejjem hazin l ahjar li jinholloq camping site u ma jibqawx ijsiru dawn laffarijiet meta sa nikbru?????????????????
Patrick Zammit
Aug 12th 2012, 17:03
These campers have the rights as those who built illegal "boathouses" on public land at Armier and other places like Gnejna and the Inland Sea.
GonziPN should also reach a (secret) agreement with them.
G Schembri
Aug 12th 2012, 17:15
IUf he did that I would personally set up camp in front of Auberge de Castille.
GL Calleja
Aug 12th 2012, 17:26
The whole country knows about the illegal boat houses but it seems our Government prefers to look the other way. Some of the politicians, their families or their friends own these boat houses, not to mention VOTES. Besides Mr Zammit. you must ask yourself. If these boat houses are all illegal, why did the government provide them with all utilities? Electricity, water and sewer connections? The people are not the problem, the government is. The government has to take responsibility and declare these boathouses legal or illegal. If they are illegal, start by taking the utilities away, if not let them be. Maybe the courts should decide.
C Sant
Aug 12th 2012, 17:51
Just to remind you, the labour party had agreements with Armier squatters in 2002 and then again in 2007. I still remember the slogan that these were the poor people's holidays!!
Charles Vella
Aug 12th 2012, 18:15
The illegal boat houses in dwejra, nahar ic caghaq, m xlokk etc etc where all givern permission by Labour in the 70's and 80's! L'inkwiet wara jigi...! Ghax huma ILLEGALI, let alone a total EYE SORE!
Patrick Zammit
Aug 12th 2012, 18:33
G L Calleja
Governments (of both colours) gave them utilities to continue with the illegalities already committed.
Michael Schembri
Aug 12th 2012, 17:02
An ultimatum should be given to all those illegal campers around Malta, on that date police and armed forces squads should be there to remove anyone staying on the spot before the whole camping area get cleaned up by bulldozers, and nothing should be claimed back as an ultimatum was given.
DO IT!!!
David Mangion
Aug 12th 2012, 16:57
Another case for Franco Debono's attention ?
Go for it Franco!!! Do your thing !!! Get Gonzi to get them out of there !!!!!
You are the only one that manages to scare him.
E. De Marco
Aug 12th 2012, 16:55
Squatters! Picnickers! Apart from Armier "holiday" resort, what about Qawra? The part slightly away from Fra Ben up to the Suncrest beach concession. The boathouses here have been given water & electricity facilities by a former minister decades ago...but the owners turned the so-called garages into holiday bunkers, with kitchen & all sans toilet facilities - the beach is only 5 metres away! Glug!Glug! Siluri avvistati nel mare blu'! They even park their cars there. Tourists & Maltese included NOT WELCOME, except hamalli relatives.....Har!Har!
GL Calleja
Aug 12th 2012, 17:32
Again don't blame the people, blame the government and the Local Politicians. Trying to wake up MEPA is a waste of time.
Silvio Abela
Aug 12th 2012, 17:32
What makes other human beings "hamalli"? What qualities do they need to have? And if you're not a hamallu, what does that make you, an elitist? God's gift to society?
Mr Peter Barbara
Aug 12th 2012, 16:49
Puts camping at the Lake District to shame !!
A. Borg
Aug 12th 2012, 16:47
Din il-problema hi ta kull fejn hemm bajja imma l-Pulizija QATT ma tara xejn. Ticcaqlaq biss meta jkun hemm complain. Il-Pole dancers dejquha l-Pulizija!
Ivan Calleja
Aug 12th 2012, 16:42
Why did the authorities let them erect a camp in a PROTECTED area in the first place!!! We are still lagging behind at least 50 years where environment protection is concerned....apart from other things!!! I agree with Brian Portelli.....we are nearly a 3rd world country...if not....definately heading there!!
Carmel De Gabriele
Aug 12th 2012, 16:38
The Malta Police Force are always on the scene.... afterwards that is!
Qatta reqdin, only good for public ceremonies to play their tumpets!!
The rise given to them by Gonzi is justified... to get some more votes that is!!!
francesca paris
Aug 12th 2012, 16:37
Today me and my family went to a peaceful protest with us came the Mayor Edric Micallef and councillor Angelo Micallef wich we thank them and we thank especially Leslie Pavia for taking notice of what was happening.in our lovely village.
It has been going for over three years but thankfully with a new Mayor things will move.
Our village became like a refugee camp but no respect for other people who want to have a relaxing swim. Hope the Government and the supposed authorities will take action on this argument and hope justice will be taken against these bullies.How can you believe them that they are not littering everywhere when we have proof and pictures we have had enough of this in our village . Francesca Paris
A. Borg
Aug 12th 2012, 17:43
Jekk jtnehhew li hemm Marsaxlokk iridu jitnehhew TA l-Armier, Ghadira ,Qawra, Bajja taz-Zejtun u hafna ohra. Ma tarax li bhalissa mhux zmien! Kull vot jghodd Sinjura jew sinjorina.
J. Camilleri
Aug 12th 2012, 16:37
il-mepa fejn qeda??????????
Ivan Calleja
Aug 12th 2012, 18:37
kemm nixtieq inwiegbek imma zgur zgur jiccensurawni......!!!!
Joseph Borg
Aug 12th 2012, 16:35
The govt should abolish all campings in all areas. Malta is a very tiny island and little space is left for us the public to make use of.
MARITA MICALLEF
Aug 12th 2012, 19:13
i think that you are forgetting the umbrellas and deckchairs that occupy the whole beach and no space is left for anyone who want to take a small space and put up an umbrella for some shade
Tony Camilleri
Aug 12th 2012, 21:54
MARITA MICALLEF including those. No one should occupy or reserve part of any beach.
Mario Vella Laurenti
Aug 12th 2012, 16:32
I hope that the police take action against these people.
A Camilleri
Aug 12th 2012, 16:28
Whether campers had a right or not to camp is not the main issue here. Ganging up on one man who showed restraint in figting back is. Hope we see them being brought to court in the 8 o'clock news.
A Sciberras
Aug 12th 2012, 16:25
I agree with the protest. A few days ago we went there to swim with our kids. We could not find a small spot just to put down our beach bag. All the tents equipped to the full with gas bbq's, showers and even playpens for small children. There were others who also had about 4 deckchairs in front of their two gazebos, taking up space so that no one stays in front of them. Not to mention that they start to look at you angrily if you try to put down your bags infront of them. What was worse is that the tents were all tied up with ropes making it easy to trip over. And then if you go on another day you find the beach full of rocks, where these ropes were tied to, making it really dangerous for young children. The set up of tents and gazebos should be stopped as the beach is for everyone and not just for the few... If they want to camp there are the camping sites.. after all it is illegal to put up tents and stay overnight in public areas!!
GL Calleja
Aug 12th 2012, 16:24
It gets worse every summer and nobody wants to do anything about it. One look at this picture and you can see the ghetto campsite. The whole picture, this kind of arrogance is taking place in all of Malta and Gozo beaches. Have you checked Little Armier lately? I can assure you that most of these campers are still using the bucket (is-slop) to do their business. To be honest, you cannot Maltese citizens from enjoying the beaches but this is a bit too much. These campsites are a disgrace and an insult to the country in general. I wonder what tourists say and think when they see pictures like this? This is getting almost scary, these people are turning our beautiful beaches into a third world campground. Why are the government and the authorities so tolerant. If I was a Marsaxlokk resident I would react the same way. Hello Local Council, hello Mr Mayor, hello Minister. Can somebody please clean up this mess and return the beaches to the public. These campers are squatters and you know how I feel about squatters. How can anyone look at this picture and not protest or comment? Hello Minister De Marco, helooooooooo.
Joe Morana
Aug 12th 2012, 16:24
A similar situation often developes at Wied il- Buni B'Bugia near the slipway........
stephen koludrovic
Aug 12th 2012, 16:23
A nice hefty fine plus some financial compensation to the victim would go down nicely.
martin chetcuti
Aug 12th 2012, 16:22
GOVERMENT PLEASE NOTE If you are scared of losing votes from these Squatters in there Shanty towns/tents all over the Island YOU ARE WRONG for the majority of citizens are after righteousness over these situations. Therefore take this opportunity and give these SQUATTERS a lesson...
Lawrence Fenech
Aug 12th 2012, 16:21
It looks more like slums to me, and occupying a private beach and who knows where all the rubbish and what have you goes. Who controls such abusive?
Mario Tabone
Aug 12th 2012, 16:21
I hope the Police use this video evidence against these thugs. The bloke clearly did not lift a finger against any of them and he was assualted.
If the police dont take any action on this occasion, then next time there will be a riot or people will arm themselves for protection.
This mentality has to stop on these islands or we shall keep seeing dead people all over the place as what happened in St Julians.
Tony Camilleri
Aug 12th 2012, 21:56
Mario Tabone hear hear. If the authorities do not defend you you have a right to defend yourself.
Joseph Caruana
Aug 12th 2012, 16:19
If its wasn't for he Church, you think its some shanty town in India, LOL, what an eyesore.
Victor Pulis
Aug 12th 2012, 16:19
Was the camp site erected overnight? From the number and size of the tents I hardly think so. So where were the police all this time? Why did it have to be a public protest to bring this issue to the attention of the nation? Did the council have the necessary permits to make the protest? if yes why were not the police present? This piece of rock in the middle of the sea never ceases to amaze me.
cesco di luigi
Aug 12th 2012, 16:18
rest assured..next year the tents will become little wooden cabins..the year after they will have a concrete pediment and windows ...after that a corrugated roof. and then an ariel and a water-tank . Within 6 or 7 years running water and electricity Following two or three years hut will be repalced by fixed stone walls..then an extension or two and then there will be an election some 15 years hence and they will all have their own cosy leagl bugalow by the sea...typical Maltese toothless authorities.
Brian Portelli
Aug 12th 2012, 16:13
Disastrous road conditions, continuous failing of electricity supply, hamallagni kull fejn tmur..... 3rd world.....
Carmel camilleri
Aug 12th 2012, 18:57
I think you are referring to 30 yrs ago. yes that was the situation at that time. In fact this scene of aggression is reminiscent of those ugly days.
Tony Camilleri
Aug 12th 2012, 21:57
wrong Carmel camilleri. This is today after 25 years of PN administration.
Brian Portelli
Aug 12th 2012, 22:22
My message was written down on the 12th of Aug 2012 for an event that happened on the same day. 70% of secondary roads are still substandard up to this date. The electricity supply is still dodgy up to this date u l-hamallagni ma' tmut qatt. This lack of standard blended fairly well in a small island in the 1970s but isn't blending well enough today for an Island claiming to have EU standards in 2012 (2013 in 4 months) ............ very sad
E. Vassallo
Aug 12th 2012, 16:12
I hope that a severe corrective action is taken against the people caught on video beating up the lone man. Are these campers taking public land?
Charles Micallef
Aug 12th 2012, 16:10
Let us hope that police action against these unruly hooligans!
francesca paris
Aug 12th 2012, 16:38
Hope so
francesca paris
Aug 12th 2012, 16:39
Hope so
Mark Scicluna
Aug 12th 2012, 16:10
and some complain it's the dogs that are a nuisance on the beach........
Joe Buttigieg
Aug 12th 2012, 16:07
do they have permit?
poor residents of Marsaxlokk - market and now this - no space left for the locals
francesca paris
Aug 12th 2012, 16:40
We are victims of what other villages dont want they come to Marsaxlokk and no they have no permission
robert pace
Aug 12th 2012, 16:46
Very nice you just take up part of the land and call it yours go to qawra, the so called garages near qawra palace? Garages my foot they turned them into maisonettes opposite the sea with their verandas and garages as well in front of them and beware there is hardly spae to walk because they are all out with their tables, bbq and all . To add insult to injury they installed airconditioning and put the units just under the road level. Tajjeb hekk nibqaw you buy flats and apartments in the thousands and they buy a garage opposite the sea and all is allowed!!! Hallihom Gonzi ha tibqa tirbah
A Spiteri
Aug 12th 2012, 16:05
waqt li l'pulizija ser jiehdu 1,800eur bonus...il-populin ikollu jhabbat wiccu ma min jikser il-ligi sfaccatament!!
tajjeb ukoll!!!
Nanette Brimmer
Aug 12th 2012, 16:05
When dogs were banned from beaches, their owners complied with the law immediately. You don't see dogs on beaches anymore because it's illegal.... so how come those camping tents are still there? If I walked my dog on the beach, I'd get fined....those silly teenagers who behaved like carefree teenagers and went skinny dipping at night just for a bit of fun, got arrested.... and these "squatters" are allowed to get away Scott free? Not only are they breaking the law, but they also beat up a decent citizen who was trying to uphold the law.... Why were the police not on site (a) during the protest walk or, at least, (b) a few minutes after the incident. There is video evidence and the culprits can be identified..
Johnny Xerri
Aug 12th 2012, 16:58
not all beaches...it is amisconception...had an argument (just words...no insults or anything) with a person and he had to suffer the humiliation of defeat when he checked the law...
dogs are only banned from beaches that have swimmers zones....all other beaches are ok for dogs to swim in.
C Pace
Aug 12th 2012, 16:03
Now this really looks like a 3rd world country, but with their belly well taken care of.
Lou Camilleri
Aug 12th 2012, 15:56
Awn Malta kulhadd qisu jaghmel li jrid eh???!!!
Jekk illegali...illegali le?
leeeeeeeee.....mhux awn Malta :)
Mr Alexander Azzopardi
Aug 12th 2012, 15:53
sincerament ma baqa xejn sew f dal pajjiz... u ejj najdua kif inhi jekk il gvern ma jaghmilx camping sutes ijja problema dawn f kull pajjiz isibhom u li residenti ma tijomx tort lanqas
Pamela Hansen
Aug 12th 2012, 15:51
Go to this petition sign and share it if you want these sort of sites to go.
http://www.change.org/petitions/malta-remove-illegal-boathouses-from-our-island
Joseph Borg
Aug 12th 2012, 19:51
Yes, signinig pertitions will change things (sarcastic laugh) we need a change, we need someone on the side of the citizen, someone with kukki.
Eric Sammut
Aug 12th 2012, 15:50
Still with the mentality of the dark ages. Question, if there was a protest taking place where were the police? As for the tent city, it looks like a Gadhafi head quarters.
josmar cilia
Aug 12th 2012, 15:49
Well no comment needed. They should be ashamed of them selves. Police should press charges agaisnt those man and jail them.
Kenneth Borg
Aug 12th 2012, 15:49
Hats off Marsaxlokk. Mellieha wake up.
Paul Gauci
Aug 12th 2012, 15:48
I hope the police will ARREST the culprits. This video is more than enough to identify them. ACTION now Mr. Rizzo!
John Fenech
Aug 12th 2012, 15:46
In my opinion, since this is a public area to be enjoyed equally by all, the Local Council should enact a Byelaw to cover this and other kind of activity in similar localities. Take a feather out of the Birzebuga Local Council (Exclusive Zones for Barbecues) K.L.B.L. 15/04 /2011
Joseph Borg
Aug 12th 2012, 15:45
This is the climate that we have in 2012 malta. People protesting against ILLEGAL situations, why? Why are the police not doing their job? If this is illegal than it should be easy to send them home by the authorities. But no, nothing will happen, or else a vote might be lost! Incredible!
S. Zammit
Aug 12th 2012, 15:45
Shame on all those bullies. 5 against one. What an example for our children.
Pamela Hansen
Aug 12th 2012, 15:44
Is this photo taken in a third world country?
Joseph Sammut
Aug 12th 2012, 17:04
No, it was taken in your country!!!
D. A . Agius
Aug 12th 2012, 15:41
Well.. as usual... first we have a mess and then inefficient action.
If the "camping" requires a permit, then one has to be obtained before. If it's not, hard luck, Lands Department and Police should have evicted the people.
Maybe one needs to revisit the "camping" laws on the island, which in reality don't exist at all. While the needs of people wishing to "Camp" need access to reasonable locations, specified rules and environment needs are to be addressed as well.
For the "Rubbish" part, any self-respecting camper knows well that rubbish brings pests and rodents. IN reality, I think they are quite right that rubbish could be coming from other sources,
For the "brawl"... that's a childish action as is clear from the video. However common sense tells me that bringing opposing sides in a face to face situation, together with the Maltese heat , you've got a perfect fire triangle.
John Attard
Aug 12th 2012, 15:41
Marsaxlokk mayor has every right to ask the campers to move out NOW. No camping is allowed anywhere overnight unless one is in an accredited campsite at law with all the related facilities of which i know but two
C Rogers
Aug 12th 2012, 15:39
This video is enough Evidence to send those 3 Thugs to Jail....
R Zammit
Aug 12th 2012, 15:47
you mean to get a suspended sentence.
John Bonnici
Aug 12th 2012, 15:34
are we living in he 21st century or in the 17th century????
Christian Bezzina
Aug 12th 2012, 15:33
PRICELESS video!!!!!!!!
Schembri Ray
Aug 12th 2012, 15:33
Tal-magħluq- il-Mepa ħalqa magħluq. Meta ser jkollna forzi u gazz biżżejjed biex minn jieħu propjeta pubblika jitneħħa mill-post okkupat u jħallas tal-ħsara li jkun għamel? Punt ieħor huwa għalfejn jiġu mpurtati dawn il-karavans meta ma hemmx fejn jintramaw?
C Calafato
Aug 12th 2012, 15:30
Seriously ... as far as I know there is a law that states that you cannot setup a tent overnight ..anywhere on public land . If its illegal there should not have even been the need for a protest. If its illegal , its illegal. The law has to be enforced . Full stop.
josmar cilia
Aug 12th 2012, 15:51
we are in malta...... ONLY IN MALTA.COM the law hear no body cares about it
James Dewar
Aug 12th 2012, 15:52
And as far as I know the law also states that it is an offence and illegal to assault someone! Hopefully that aspect will also be dealt with!
A DALLI
Aug 12th 2012, 16:16
what law mr calafato, the law is briken by everyone tha thinks they own the country
James Dewar
Aug 12th 2012, 15:29
Hardly a good advert for Maltese tourism and even less so for Marsaxlok on a Sunday. Presumably asault charges will follow given that the fracas was captured on video.
Kevin Muller
Aug 12th 2012, 15:28
As much as it is understandable that the poeple of Malta want to enjoy the same summer fun like their fellows in other countries, they seem to forget that we are living on an very dense populated small island which offers only very limited space and possibilities. This limitations forces us to be much more sensefull in our doings and to develop a culture of awareness and selflimitation to keep Malta a peacefull und nice place to live on. It looks like we are still far away from that. Selfishness rules !
Carmel camilleri
Aug 12th 2012, 15:27
As far as i know camping is illegal in other parts of the island. Why not in M'Xlokk? Action should be taken to stop this illegal activity immediately.
mike buttigieg
Aug 12th 2012, 15:26
same is happening at hondoq ir- rummiem Qala gozo, campers took half the space of the place
Michel Ellul
Aug 12th 2012, 15:23
such tents should be prohibited on beaches, this is rampant abuse of public land. Mepa knows that they should have the Permit Application for an Organised Outdoor Activity and should step in this situation and check if the people in question have this permit and if not removed immediately.
N. Agius
Aug 12th 2012, 15:21
Jekk hemm m' hemmx permessi ghall- camping site.... kif kollox jibqa ghaddej qisu xejn mhu xejn? Hemm ghalfejn protesta? Mhux talli ghandhom jiccaqalqu minn hemm imma ghanhom jehlu multa. Nispera li l- ghorrief li refghu idejhom jehlu xi haga ha sservi ta' deterrent. Dawn rawhom Malta kollha.
A DALLI
Aug 12th 2012, 15:20
unfortunatly here in malta people tend to make their own laws, and beware if you dont obide by them
no one can plan early to go to the seaside and get a good spot as they are already taken by campers
and dont even think about going near them because the looks and comments are not pleasent
it is a shame that in this country we are beyond repair, everyone does as they please and you cant do anything about it
A M Bonello
Aug 12th 2012, 15:18
What a nice fine,healthy in mind and healthy in body lot :)
Carmel Ellul
Aug 12th 2012, 15:16
Another shantytown in the making?
Thomas C. Cassar
Aug 12th 2012, 15:13
Din il-problema hemm bzonn tigi eliminata darba ghal dejjem, bizzejjed Malta m'hawnx fejn iddur, li jkollok nies 'jahtfu' l-isbah areas ta` Malta u jaghmluha taghhom jonqos. Fejn huma l-awtoritajiet?? Kellu jkun il-KL tal-post biex issir xi haga?
A Zammit
Aug 12th 2012, 15:13
Dawk l-erbgha 'irgiel' li sawtu l-persuna li kienet qed taghmel id-DMIR TAGHHA w tipprotesta gew arrestati? Bhas-soltu min isawwat...jahsad!
Mark Demicoli
Aug 12th 2012, 15:12
x'disgrazzja ta pajjiz jaqq!
James Mifsud
Aug 12th 2012, 15:12
if i get this right, the media was there (in big fancy cameras) - but the police not... !!
Adrian Grech
Aug 12th 2012, 15:12
dik mix camp site.
Ryan Schembri
Aug 12th 2012, 15:07
If they are camped illegally, they should be treated like everyone else. They should be fined and forced to evacuate the area within one hour. If they persist, bring a bulldozer and sweep the area clean.
joe galea
Aug 12th 2012, 15:06
We look like gypsies villages vera pajjiz tal bannana!!!!!!!!
Karl Consiglio
Aug 12th 2012, 15:04
And this heat doesnt help.
Michael Gauci
Aug 12th 2012, 15:01
The same problem exists at Birzebbugia, at the corner closest to the Freeport, the place reeks with the smell of urine and poo. Camping on beaches and boat parks is not legal, and the police who should be upkeeping the law, should make sure that all is clear every sunset. Or do they want to get paid for sitting pretty. What has happned to the environemental Wardens? Had the Police done their job when the first camp stayed up at night, there would not be such a mess.
Well keep it up Marsaxlokk Mayor! Tent are for camp sites only and the beach is not a camp site.
The Birzebbugia Mayor seems to prefere the illegal campers to normal beach users, and has not even reinstated the no parking signs on the slipway (which the camper removed last year) so that they can park right next to the tent, Law abiding slipways users, keep off.
C Cassar
Aug 12th 2012, 14:57
God that site looks absolutely terrible and a cpomplete eyesore with all those tents there. Surely this is completely illegal and should be cleared as a matter of priority? No tourists are going to visit that area with it looking like that. What's wrong with some of the Maltese where they simply can't see beyong the end of their own pockets?
James Dewar
Aug 12th 2012, 14:56
Glad we postponed our proposed trip to Malta till later as we would probably have been at Marsaxlokk today as it is a regular Sunday visit. For what it's worth I would agree with those that want the camping stopped, it's not an appropriate location and despite what the campers say their presence there will create a nuisance and blight on the area and may be a potential health hazard. The mayor should proceed with formal action at full speed!
Charles Grixti
Aug 12th 2012, 14:50
First you cut down the trees and build every field and valley, then you have camping companies selling their equipment - people look for every crook and cranny that might be considered 'nature''.
Toni Borg
Aug 12th 2012, 14:49
This is what I love about Malta!!!
Joseph Sammut
Aug 12th 2012, 15:45
What?
Johnny Xerri
Aug 12th 2012, 14:45
so one protest against campers on public land...and the protestor gets injured...
and numerous trespassing and what not on private hunters land and no person was ever hit several times on the head and back
yet the only savages in the public persons eyes is the hunter...hunters have become scapegoats for society to blame them for this and that...and yet all armed and they never hurt anybody...even though molested several times a day on each and every hunting season...
who is going to give campers who occupy public land illegally the same hassle that hunters are given for being in their private land?
Anthony Formosa
Aug 12th 2012, 15:10
Well said, it seems that our land belongs to anybody except the owner because he's a hunter.
Stephen Frendo
Aug 12th 2012, 16:33
Ezatt!!! Tal-A.L.E. li suppost they enforce every law, ma xi nassab anzjan jitkesshu!! Ara li taqbad u tikkapparra u tikkampja go art tal-gvern, dik ma jimpurtax. Xi kaccatur/nassab facli jaqbdu ux!!
H. Galea (NRK)
Aug 12th 2012, 14:42
WHAT A CHEEK !!!!! What guts ! just pitch your tent wherever you choose and woe betight whoever dares show or express any form of disapproval !
Not even the wild west compares !
I would dare put it all on the authority's shoulders - all is needed is a mobile loud hailer giving 30 minutes time to run for their lives then clear the place.
fredu debono
Aug 12th 2012, 14:39
mhux hekk bhal ta l-armier, ghamluh taghhom u l-mepa halqa maghluq.
A Camilleri
Aug 12th 2012, 14:36
Unless drastic action is taken once against squatters here, there and everywhere and l irrespective of political allegiance or consequences, Maltese will continue grabbing tracts of public land for own personal use.
A Dimech
Aug 12th 2012, 14:23
Better than watching the Olympics!!
Mr Ryan Portelli
Aug 12th 2012, 15:27
Epic!!
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