‘First, there’s Our Lord. But after that, there is Mintoff’
Video: Matthew Mirabelli
A divisive character throughout his adult life, Dom Mintoff was accustomed to being received with adulation by one crowd and abhorrence by the next.
But there is one corner of Malta where Mr Mintoff’s reputation remains unblemished.
To residents of his hometown Cospicua, the four-time Prime Minister remains nothing short of a legend.
“There never was and never will be a man like Dom Mintoff,” nonagenarian Giovanna Cassar said yesterday. “He was a soldier, a general. I’ll love him until the day I die.”
Mr Mintoff was born in a corner house in Irish street, Cospicua, and continued to nurture a soft spot for the Inner Harbour city for the rest of his 96 years.
And if the words of Irish street’s modern-day frequenters are anything to go by, Cospicuans remain fiercly loyal to their hometown hero.
Local resident Raymond Zammit lives just a few doors down from Mr Mintoff’s childhood home.
Too young to have ever had Mr Mintoff as a neighbour, he described the political giant as “a star without equal”.
“He was the workers’ hero. Working and living conditions have continued to improve since his time but he was the one who started it all. I doff my cap to him.”
Just one hour earlier, opposition leader Joseph Muscat had laid a bouquet of flowers at the door of Mr Mintoff’s birthplace. But Mr Zammit has little time for modern-day politicians.
“Many try to imitate him but current politicians don’t love workers – they love their [parliamentary] seats.”
Teresa Cassar.Around the corner from Mr Zammit, Teresa Cassar had a more personal take on Mr Mintoff.
The house she called home was designed by Mr Mintoff, an architect by profession, whom Mrs Cassar described as “a family friend”. “He’d meet people at their own level – he could act prim and proper or base, depending on who he was talking to,” she said.
“He felt very strongly about the poor. I remember being 18 or 19, and him telling a group of old people sitting on their doorstep, ‘Once I’m elected, the first thing I’ll do is get you pensions.’ And he did.”
Mrs Cassar gave a slight shiver of emotion. “I was so taken by him. I remember telling him: ‘When will I be able to vote for you?’ He’d just smile and say ‘Be patient, it will happen.’ And it did, too, when he gave us the vote.”
Raymond Chircop.To Raymond Chircop, Mr Mintoff “led one of the best governments Malta ever had”.
He thought back to the early 1970s.
“From Lm 4 (€9.32) a week I started earning Lm 12 (€27.95). It was the difference between being poor and living decently. He lifted Malta up onto its own two feet. I still remember the introduction of children’s allowance.”
So too did Mrs Cesare. “I was a single mother back then. Do you have any idea what a difference having a children’s allowance made to me? It saved me and my children.”
Mr Chircop furrowed his brow when asked to mention one negative point to Mr Mintoff’s years in power.
“I wouldn’t have given them [the Nationalist Party] the majority in the 1980s,” he said, referring to the 1987 Constitutional amendments which ensured the party with a majority of votes was elected into government.
Rose Borg. Photos: Matthew MirabelliBorn in Cospicua but now a Marsascala resident, Rose Borg was looking for Mr Mintoff’s childhood home when The Times caught up with her.
“Mr Mintoff often came round to our house when I was a little girl, smoking his pipe. To tell you the truth I was afraid of him. He had a great heart and always put others ahead of himself. And he always had a finger on the pulse of workers and the impoverished.”
And what of those who saw Mr Mintoff as less of a hero than his fellow Cospicuans? Mrs Borg cut them short shrift, drawing Biblical parallels.
“When Our Lord got furious at market sellers in the temple, the people weren’t happy but He did it anyway. And some time later, they called for His Crucifixion. People will badmouth anyone.”
Religious imagery abounded in Mrs Cesare’s thoughts, too.
“Mr Mintoff was born on Is-Salvatur [The Transfiguration of Christ, August 6] and that’s what he was – Malta’s saviour. First, there’s Our Lord. But after that, there is Mintoff.”
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John Azzopoardi
Aug 23rd 2012, 09:56
May the man rest in peace.
Ms Xixi Caruana
Aug 22nd 2012, 23:01
"First there's our Lord. But after that there is Mintoff"
SPEECHLESS .... I JUST WANT TO CRY !!!!!
Angelo Vassallo
Aug 22nd 2012, 20:16
@ Steve Borg - Marsascala and @ Joe Portelli
I also remember the Labourites scaremongering with every breath they took that once Malta obtains Independence from Britain we would all starve to death or revert to cannibalism. Maybe you do not know this or try to ignore conveniently it.
You do not remember the so-called "rundown" from the British Forces after Independence in 1964 when thousands of jobs were lost but the Nationalist Party under the leadership of George Borg Olivier, started changing the face of Malta by building the first hotels in Malta - Malta Hilton, Corinthia Palace Hotel, Dragonara Hotel alongside with the already existing Phoenicia Hotel.
Mr Kevin Zammit
Aug 22nd 2012, 20:59
Scaremongering???? How can you call it scaremongering when you see the huge debt we are all carrying right now?
Joe Portelli
Aug 22nd 2012, 22:20
Angelo - taring people with the same brush, read before you speak - Politics blinds people on all sides
Joseph Brincat
Aug 22nd 2012, 19:44
With the good things and the bad things,
DOM MINTOFF can never be forgotten
for he have started all all what we have today and
NO ONE >> NO ONE CAN DENY IT
J Martinelli
Aug 22nd 2012, 22:15
Wrong!
What can never be forgotten is, that had Malta not become independent in 1964, we would not have all that we have today.
Mintoff never 'kicked out the British', he just failed at the negotiating table with the Brits. If you do some research and dig into the UK Cabinet archives (available on the Internet) you would find that in January 1972 after Mintoff presented his proposal, the British government decided that they would leave Malta by the expiration of the current agreement. Black on white, irrefutable, classified documents released after the 30 year rule.
The sad thing is that Mintoff was actually the cause of delaying the acquisition of what we have today because of his hard-headedness and miscalculations.
A. Mifsud
Aug 22nd 2012, 18:49
a statement entirely blown out of proportion. For as many who benefit from measures introduced by Dom Mintoff, there were as many other who suffered in some way or another. Therefore let's not be insensible towards that faction of the society!
In a matter of weeks everything will be over and forgotten, and all the euphoria will be something of the past.
It is right that the country pays tribute to a giant in Malta's political scene, but let's not get carried away with unnecessary comments. I believe the media has to do its share in this!
twanny borg
Aug 22nd 2012, 18:39
il-pedamenti ghamilhom borg olivier meta investa fil-lukandi u fabbriki fis-sittinijiet. mintoff ghamel gid ukoll. mintoff ghamel il-bonus u kienu jghidu li jekk jitla l-pn inehhieh. mhux talli hekk talli meta telgha l-pn zied ta' marzu u settembru. l-istess ghac-children allowances il-pn ta lit-tfal kollha u mhux l-ewwel tlieta. rigward il-vot lin-nisa u dawk ta' 18 dan kien gie moghti ghax hekk kien jaqbel lil partit laburista dakinhar. din hija l-verita' ghax kieku ma kienx jinghata bhal ma huwa jigri issa il-pl ma jridx li wiehed ghax idum gurnata u sitt xhur ma jistax jivvota. ara kieku jaqbilli ara kieku x'inhu jaghmel.
VV Bartolo
Aug 22nd 2012, 19:54
same old long play Mr Borg ... ibdilha itfa CD!!
Eddy Privitera
Aug 22nd 2012, 20:17
Twanny borg: Fis-Sittinijet eluf kbar ta' Maltin u Ghawdxin kellhom isiefru ghax f'Malta ma kienx hawn xoghol, hlief mas-servizzi u xi kumpaniji tal-kostruzzjoni minhabba li kienu jinbnew apartamenti u vilel ghal-barranin.
Jekk inbnew fabbriki, il-fabbriki baqghu vojta u kellu jkun Mintoff u l-gvern tieghu li gieb lejn Malta hafna kumpaniji barranin, specjalment mill-Germanja, u hajjar lil-investituri Maltin jipdew jipproducu prodotti hawn Malta stess, bil-protezzjoni u incentivi fiskali li holoq.
Charles.C. Brown
Aug 23rd 2012, 20:44
Mela veru qed tighx fil qamar sihbi! fi zmien Borg Olivier lanqas kien capaci johloq nitfa xoghol hlif biki ix xatt tal belt ma contx tara, nies jikpu il qrabatom jarawom sejjren l awistralia. hlif tal laba u nies bil qalziet imraqa ma kinx awn , kien ad baqa il kotba tar ration u lamerika kienet tibatilna likel tas CRS kif adom jamlu sal lum fil pajjizi imgewhin ta l afrika , wara li borg olivier kien iffirma kuntrat ta 10 snin mal gvern inglis fuq il bazi ingiza go malta al £3 miljuni fis sena dan dehaq bih u kif tela Wilson fi 1966 kien qallu li dan ma jodx u ried jati is sensja lill kulhadd u dan kollu wara 9 snin ta taparsi indipendenza li kienu belawlu l ingizi.Ir ragel kien gentlom u nista nghid li qatt ma smajt kelma hazina fuqu aparti politika pero fil politika mal barrani kien twajjeb wisq. RIP Gorg int ukoll jishoqlok il glorja tal genna , alkemm kont tigiled il kantunira tiek fil politika qatt ma inotajt kliem ta mibieda kontra dawk li kienu fl oppozzizjoni jew as supporters tahom!
D. Xerri
Aug 22nd 2012, 18:08
Qabel Tikkummentaw dahhlu f`mohhkom li tridu tkunu ghextu dak iz-zmien - f`dawk ic-cirkustanzi ta 40, 50 u 60 sena ilu - hafna nies lanqas biss joholmu u jemmnu t-tbatijiet u n-nuqqasijiet li kien ghawn fil-pajjiz .
Kull fejn kien hemm il-Hakma Ingliza u l-Kolonjalizzmu hekk dejjem qabillu l-Hakkiem li jzomm lill dak il-Poplu fl-Injoranza - illitterat - ibaxxi rasu ghall kull ma jghidlu l-hakkiem jew jigi kkastigat jew eziljat - anke jekk kien jahdem mal-barrani ma setax jilhaq certa status fil-kwalifiki u r-ranks ghax kien Malti - kien il-MAHKUM !
Dom Mintoff ghallem lill Maltin ma jibqawx b`rashom baxxuta u jaccettaw kull ma jrid u kull ma jghid il-Hakkiem Barrani - sistema li l-Malti kien ilu fiha mijjiet ta snin - hemm tara l-kobor tal-Perit Mintoff li biddel l-atitudni - il-hsieb - l-opinjoni ta kif il-Malti jitghallem ma jibqax inferjuri - xi haga li l-Inglizi u l-forzi fit-tmexxijja ta dak iz-zmien ma riedu qatt li ssehh !
Pippo De Marco
Aug 22nd 2012, 17:48
"First there is Our Lord, but then there is Mintoff." - No room for Gonzi then. He WILL be shocked.
Carmen Brincat
Aug 22nd 2012, 17:04
Mr Mintoff's reputation remains unblemished to many not only to the people of Cospicua. He was a man too big for Malta. There will never be anyone like him.
Noel Abela
Aug 22nd 2012, 17:02
No matter what all you nationalists say against Mintoff, he was the one who put Malta on the right track after George Borg Olivier's acquisition of independence. No more no less. But Mintoff's death is now putting to light the hate some people had for this great man. Is this is what being a nationalist is all about?. I remember when George Borg Olivier died, Mintoff was present at his funeral and some shouted abuse at him, just because he was George's political opponent. They should have shouted abuse at those who during the middle of the night got him out of the way and forgot all he had done for the country. The truth is that us labourites have no hatred for our counterparts and we always put aside our differences when it really matters. Unlike some, this is what being a Malti Veru is really all about. This is why we believe in "Malta l'Ewwel u qabel kollox".
Mr D Galea
Aug 22nd 2012, 17:55
"The truth is that us labourites have no hatred for our counterparts and we always put aside our differences when it really matters"
Taf meta l-laburisti ma poggewx id-differenzi fil-genb Noel, meta marru jaharqu t-times, meta marru jkissru l-kurja, meta marru jkissru d-dar ta' Eddie, meta ghamlu l-frame up fuq Pietru Pawl... hemmhekk jiddispjacini nghidlek ma kontux vera maltin.
Carmel Camenzuli
Aug 22nd 2012, 16:56
Ghaziz GonziPN. Qieghed tara hux li ghalxejn ghamilta genna il-Kottonera, u tajta id-dinjita' li jixirqilha, xorta il- laqx ta Mintoff ghadhom jiftakru u dan seta jaghmlu bis sahha ta' Borgolivier li gab l-Indipendenza u seta jamministra certa politika !
Filwaqt li ma nafx jekk nibkix jew nidhaqx, ghandhom kull dritt ta l-opinjoni taghhom filwaqt li fi zmien Mintoff ma kellna l-ebda dritt ghall- opinjoni taghna !
D. Xerri
Aug 22nd 2012, 17:51
bis sahha ta' Borgolivier li gab l-Indipendenza !! Inti taf x`int tghid jew....... X`indipendenza hi ?
Liema Pajjiz gab l-indipendenza tieghu u wara l-Indipendenza l-Portijiet Tieghu Baqghu f`idejn il-barrani ? liema pajjiz gab l-Indipendenza tieghu u l-ajruport tieghu baqa taht il-barrani ? liema pajjiz gab l-indipendenza u s-sistema bankarja baqghet taht l-amministrazzjoni tal-barrani ? liema pajjiz gab l-indipendenza u l-mezzi tax-Xandir tieghu baqghu immexxijja mill-Barrani ?
Jekk ghalik dik kienet Indipendenza ghall-Malta mela allura mhux ta b`xejn li ma TISTA QATT tifhem lill-Perit Duminku Mintoff ghax lanqas ghadek fhimt x`jigifieri Indipendenza !
RONALD ARRY
Aug 22nd 2012, 17:58
missek edt li ma kienx al mintoff kont tibqa minajr ebda dritt as servizzi socjali , bhal children allowance ,pensjoni, sptar bxejn , u hafna hafna affarijiet ohra, kif ma tisthux titkellmu ekk , allijista jkun mintix xi wiehed min dawk li hadt xi bicca art fi zmienu wkoll ux??ghalik nahseb l ghajta hi pn lewwel u qabel kollox
E. Vassallo
Aug 22nd 2012, 18:51
@Ronald Arry
Ghandek tkun taf li mhux kulhadd igawdi is-servizzi socjali. Jien jekk hu kura jew edukazzjoni lit-tfal tieghi dejjem hallastilhom. La qatt hadt xejn u lanqas nippretendi. Din il-mentalita trid tispicca u dawn is-servizzi iridu jibqa ghal min ma jiflahx biss. Li kein ghalija lanqas taxxa ma nhallas ghax kull ma q'ghedt naghmel hu li nissusidja il-haddiehor. rigward il-bolla li nhallas, jien niddubita kemm se jkollhi pensjoni la nirtira. Mela hallas private pension ukoll Gahan!!!!
Andrew Cumbo
Aug 22nd 2012, 19:01
X' indipendenza ? indipendenti meta kont tmur dik li kontu sejhula il- Marsa tal- Inglizi u suldat Ingliz ma kienx jhalikx tidhol ghax kienet biss ghall militari Inglizi. Dik Indipendenza? Nixtieq naf fejn qieghed tara genna fil- kottonera. Dan kollu ghax ghamiltu triq bi tarmac wara li tertaqtu qalb dawn in-nies bi dewmien esagerat. Missek tisti tideskrivi dan il- bniedem bi laqx, meta kien dan il- bniedem li nehha il- haffa min dan il- pajjiz.
Carmel Camenzuli
Aug 22nd 2012, 19:07
Sur Xerri. L-Indipendenza li gab Borgolivier anke il-PL il-llum qieghed jirikonoxxiha.
Taf x'hemm tajjeb li l-Oxxenitajiet u l-Hnizrijiet li kienu saru meta Mintoff kien Prim Ministru( u anke fi zmien KMB) saru ghax konna Indipendenti. Tiftakar meta l-aristokrazija tal-haddiema harqet din il-gazzetta li qieghed tikteb fuqha int u jien ?
Ir-Republika, Il-Helsien ( nixtieq naf minn xiex hlisna jien) gew ghax konna Indipendenti.
Issa Sur Xerri li storja tista ixxebbaha ma twelid ta persuna.Lewwel titwieled (L-Indipendeza) 2 taghmel il-Precett ( Ir-Republika) 3 Il-Helsien ( Il-Grizma ta' l-Isqof )
U mela ma nafx x'jiena nghid Sur Xerri.Mela x'kien tajjeb ghalik l-Integration li ried Mintoff ?????
A Caruana
Aug 22nd 2012, 16:50
I am certain that Mintoff contributed significantly to this island and its people however, these people's comments show it was not enough to educate them, give them a mind to think rationally and at least give clever comments save for Mr Raymond Zammit who seems able to analyse the present as well rather then stick himself to the past. Most hilarious of all comments must have been Mr Chircop's...'I wouldn't have...' well, luckily we never had you as prime minister and hopefully never will, so we're safe from any possibilities of your doings.
E. Vassallo
Aug 22nd 2012, 16:49
Raymond Chircop's fevour would have made Dom Mintoff proud. And I thought the skewed way of thinking was long over.
Daniel Mizzi
Aug 22nd 2012, 16:43
Mintoff ghamel hafna gid. Malta huwa pajjiz zghir, ilu li gab l indipendenza inqas minn mitt sena, ghadu m evolviex u ma kibirx sewwa. Mintoff ghal dak iz zmien ghamel hafna gid, il Malti ma baqax fqir. Ghamel hazin ukoll imma ghamel aktar tajjeb.
Pero il quddiem il politika tieghu ma kienitx ghada tghodd u tapplika ghal Malta. Pero il mentalita li ghadd hawn fuq dawn l anzjani hija bla sens. GHadhom bil mentalita taMintoff li ghax hadmu jippretendu kollox b xejn bhal penzjonijiet u, benficcji socjali. Ghadda zmienu u l mentalita u l politika tieghu ma tghoddx. Partit li jippromovi il politika ta Mintoff jaqa ghac cajt ghax b dik il mentalita Malta tmur ghal isfel. Dil mentalita li ghax jahdmu jippretendu kollox b xejn bhas servizzi tas sahha, medicina, tal linja trid tinqata.
Dil mentalita waslet ghall abbuz enormi fil beneficcji socjali bhal din tas single mothers. Il flus kollha tal benefficji jistghu jintefqu fuq affarijiet importanti aktar bhal edukazzjoni u l infrasstrutura. X jigifieri mara tmur ma dak u ma l iehor u imbadd tghix minn fuq il poplu u imbaghad itiha xi dar ukoll? Imbaghad studenti fl universita jaghmlu xi 5 snin jistudjaw u jaghmlu il bqija ta hajjithom ihallsu l loan tad dar waqt li din 's-single mother' qeghda tghix komda. Kemm hawn abbuzi ohra, irgiel li qatt ma haddmu u ghandhom penzjoni, ohrajn li taparsi huma inkapaci biex jahdmu u jiehdu l beneficcji. Ohrajn li qed jirregistraw u imbaghad jahdmu illegalment minghajr ma jiddikjaraw xejn? Negozji li jiddikjaraw nofs il bejgh u imbaghad igergrulek fuq l isptar u t-toroq..
Malta minn dan trid tibda. Kemm il partit Laburista u kemm Nazzjonalista mohhu fil poter u m ghandux il hila iwaqqaf dan, Mintoff kellu l hila li imur kontra n norma politika u ghalhekk jibqa imfakkar ghalhekk, ghax ghamel riformi u l poplu gabu fuq saqajh. RIP
Colin Camilleri
Aug 22nd 2012, 17:00
naqbel mieghek. Imma sibli politiku wiehed, specjalment minn naha tal gvern presenti, li mejjer bil-guh! Kolla jiddikjaraw li ghandhom ftit flus meta qed idahhlu elufi kbar ta flus, bara incentivi ohra.
l onesta, u t trasparenza minn fuq trid tibda. Meta l politici kolla kemm huma jkunu umli u onesti, hemmhekk biss ghandhom id dritt u d dmir morali li jitkellmu. Ghalhekk Malta qatt ma jsir xejn. Ghax biex tiskongra trid tkun pur!
Colin Camilleri
Aug 22nd 2012, 16:43
All this venom against one of the greatest politicians in Malta is not only disgusting but outright unpatriotic.
I would some up Mintoff in short: He was the only leader to remove beggars from the streets by giving them a perspective and a decent job. Contrary to the current administration which forcefully removes beggars from the streets sending the police. That is the difference in dignity offered by Mintoff vis-a-vis his adversaries!
Ms Sandra Grech
Aug 22nd 2012, 16:24
My, what a bunch of nitwits
Eddy Privitera
Aug 22nd 2012, 16:41
What would you have said if you were ever in their shoes, being poor ??????? Isn't it true that he eradicated most of the poverty in the 70s ????
Colin Camilleri
Aug 22nd 2012, 16:47
It only takes one to recognise them!
Ivan Calleja
Aug 22nd 2012, 17:18
Exactly my thought Colin! Well said!!
Philip Micallef
Aug 22nd 2012, 16:09
May his soul find eternal happiness. Ahfrilhom Mulej ghaliex ma jafux x'qghedin jghidu.This is turning into a tragic comedy by all counts.
Eddy Privitera
Aug 22nd 2012, 16:42
U INT MA TAFX X'QED TIKTEB, SIEHBI ! MIN JAF KIEKU KONT INT FQIR DAK IZ-ZMIEN, X'KONT TGHID ????
D. Xerri
Aug 22nd 2012, 17:58
Mid-Dehra sibt halqek fix-xghir minn mindu kont zghir Mr Micallef u ma tafx x`inhu faqar u ghaks bhall ma nafx x`inhu jien l-ewwel wiehed ! Li jkollok tmur tittallab wara li tkun ghamilt xi 40 sena tahdem quddiem il-bieb tat-Tarzna - jew bieb il-belt - jew thabbat il-bibien tan-nies - jew tlaqqat minn gol-landi tal-iskart ! Dak Hu li Qata minn Malta Dom Mintoff ! U genituri li kienu jahbu lill Uliedhom ghax b`Dizabilita go xi kantina - Bis-Sahha ta Dom Mintoff hargu minn god-djar fejn kienu mohbijja u bdew isiru parti mis-socjeta Maltijja ! Il-Hakkiem Ingliz flimkien mal-Forzi li kienu Jikkoperaw mieghu u jilaquh dak iz-zmien hekk kien jaqbillu li Jzomm lill Maltin fl-Injoranza u l-Ghaks - Ghalhekk haduha qatta bla habel kontra l-Perit Mintoff ghax beda jiftah mohh hafna Maltin u jurihom x`inhu bid-dritt taghhom u ghallimhom jiggieldu ghad-drittijiet taghhom u ghall - pajjizhom !
T.F. Busuttil
Aug 22nd 2012, 16:05
ili jumejn naqra dak kollu li kellu xi jghid kullhadd dwar Mintoff, hafna fahhru dak li ghamel ohrajn ippruvaw ibghatlu li stonku (minghajr censura). Kien hemm minn staqsa Mintoff huwa l-aktar ragel sinjur f'Malta. U dan l-gharef (gharef ta veru) staqsa min fejn gabhom. Qatt ma smajt mistoqsija dwar certi nies vicin in Ministri ta GonziPN min fejn gabu l-flus, lukandi,power stations, djar ghal anzjani etc. Mintoff kien il bidu ta Malta, kien dik ix xihaga li tghat bidu ghal evulazzjoni tal polplu Malti. Mintoff qatt ma bezgha min hadd dejjem iggielet u l-gliet u l-mod rough tieghu dejjem saraf aktar gid ghal Maltin. Il glieda tal knisja kienet zejda vojta u pika shih. Intilfu hafna erwieh. Dak li ried Mintoff illum ilu li wasal. Jista xi hadd jimagina li jkun Mintoff li jdahhal id divorzju. Kellu jkun Prim Ministru demokristjan. Mintoff lanqas ambaxxata Russa qatt ma ried Malta. Fil fatt din fethet fit 80. Jippruvaw kemm jippruvaw biex icceknu lill Mintoff dan ma jistax issir ghax il kobor ta Mintoff huwa kbir wisq. Mintoff qatt ma ha flus mill but tal haddiema.Mintoff kien difensur u tarka ghal haddiem.
Antoine Vella
Aug 22nd 2012, 15:53
It is only fair to add that, under Mintoff's administration, the Irish Street area of Cospicua - indeed the whole of Cottonera - was always held back and remained a backward, dilapidated and disadvantaged area.
Eddy Privitera
Aug 22nd 2012, 16:47
Antoine Vella: There are dilapidated areas in Malta TODAY ( go around Valletta etc..) after 25 years of PN administration ! But despite the dilapidation, when Mintoff introduced those social measures, those who were destitute, STARTED TO LIVE MUCH BETTER LIVES !!! Today, they are slowly going back to those times - becoming destitute !!!
T.F. Busuttil
Aug 22nd 2012, 17:24
It is a problem area But Mr Vella this government has been in power for 25 years and the area is still the same. After Mintofff Bormla had your champion as a Minister of education where you know very well that the students coming from Bormla only amounted to very very few. so what was wrong with your Champion Minister later President
Kevin Marks
Aug 22nd 2012, 15:48
Proverbju Malti li nahseb Il mibki Dom Mintoff qatt ma tghallem kien.....taghtix zarbun lill hafi ghax jirfsek u jghaddi min fuqek nih!! Ghax hafna mill apologisti tal PN li jiktbu dejjem f din il pagna insew minn fejn bdew kemm ghamel nies mejtin bil guh nies Mintoff imbaghad daru kontrih...Min kien familja kbira jara l missieru jahdem minn filghodu sad dlam ma ttihx tort jitkellem bhal dawn in nies tal filmat imma min twieled halqu fix xghir jahsibha mod iehor fuq Mintoff....Strieh fis sliem Perit ghax haqqek
Charles Mangion
Aug 22nd 2012, 15:47
No matter what every one says Mintoff never feared anyone he was a fighter brought education and proper housing and progress even if the church was all against all this as they wanted to control the people and leave them ignorantsso it could manipulate them even PNnow is moving towords progress with divorce cohabitation and ivf
James Vella
Aug 22nd 2012, 15:45
I really can't beleive some of the comments. Ok you may have your political believes and trust the party leader blindly (which I don't), but to put Mintoff on the same level of God I don't know????.
That Mintoff governed in hard times its true, but it is also true that he was a Dictator, even if one see's with whom he was close friends.
Eddy Privitera
Aug 22nd 2012, 16:51
James Vella: You have twisted words. That person said " First God, after him Mintoff". So Mintoff came After God, not at the same level, as you wrote !
Well, if for you he was " a Dictator", for so many others he was their " Saviour" ( not in the religious sense, of course ) ! Still. you have benefitted from all the social laws introduced by your " Dictator " ! And still do !!!!!!!!
Joseph John Camilleri
Aug 22nd 2012, 15:36
I don't know whether to cry or not. Can you please be serious.
Josephine Muscat
Aug 22nd 2012, 15:24
Mintoff was the turning point for our island. He was the man who succeeded to start off change and improvement in the social local environment with his all social benefits introduction. The young today take for granted but it all came about through the mastermind of our beloved Mintoff.... We will always remember and cherish your input towards Malta, our dear island. You deserve heaven. R.i.p.
Joe Portelli
Aug 22nd 2012, 16:50
Right - by stoppin importation of Choclate or Japanese TV's , that was a great turning point. Then he let got a fully armed world power and tried to drill for oil and was bullied by his new freind Gaddafi -
If we had accessed the oil - all Maltese would have a second home in Uk or California , instead he offered free milk and we accepted, because it was too late.
Fantastic turning point - so many of us left..............
Eddy Privitera
Aug 22nd 2012, 17:32
Joe Portelli: the PN has been in government for 25r years , less 22 moths, and haven't been able to find and bring up oil. Now , once again, we hear the same story about oil. While I do believe that oil exists in Malta's waters, GonziPN cannot be trusted to negotiate on such an important matter as oil. The PN's negotiations on Smart City, the power station and the building of Mater Dei, show that the PN are not good negotiators !!!
Julien Catania
Aug 22nd 2012, 15:07
I'm not sure where some of the below 'Anti British' comments are coming from. Let us remember that colonialism is a thing of the past so don't tar all 'Poms' (as some on here call them) with the same brush! Let us also not forget how many employment opportunities arose for many Maltese during the 1960s in the UK with many thousands making this 'Dictatorial land' their home. We can all criticise the past and apportion blame- but wouldn't it be better to live and learn from this and move forward. Malta owes a lot to the Brits in the same way Britain owes a lot to the Maltese.
GL Calleja
Aug 22nd 2012, 15:40
I agree. The Brits as some call them, fought to protect this this island side by side with our forefathers against the Germans and the Italians. Most of you do not remember this, but they did. We still use the Brit's hospitals and medical services and expertise to tend to our medical hard cases up to this day. Ask those patients, PN or PL that are sent to England for treatment. The Brits might not be perfect but they always regarded Malta and the Maltese people as their friends. Never bite the hand that feeds you..
Joe Portelli
Aug 22nd 2012, 15:46
In Malta the tools used are negative ones - apportioning Blame , never for one moment recognising what is 'common good' and agree / focus on what we have in common. Saying ' sorry' or encouraging 'reconciliation' are considered as weaknesses in the macho culture that thrives on Parading its best assests , an insecurity of a small fish in a big pond.
UK is not perfect - but life is not perfect anywhere. One makes good whereever they happen to be , only if they have it in them. Critising the country that gave us Nelson who saved us from demonic Napoleon should be the last thing one should consider - if the Island remain under the french , they would still be hear, just liek they are in most west african countries (Gabon/ DR Congo, Point Noir etc.) and even treat our elections like they did in Algiers. Thank God for Nelson , I say...........
Stephen Lock
Aug 22nd 2012, 16:30
Totally agree :)
Stephen Lock
Aug 22nd 2012, 16:31
Totally agree
Angelo Vassallo
Aug 22nd 2012, 14:50
@ Raymond Chircop
"Mr Mintoff “led one of the best governments Malta ever had"
F'liema qamar qieghed tghix Raymond?
Eddy Privitera
Aug 22nd 2012, 16:59
Angelo Vassallo: Zgur li min-naha FNANZJARJA, l-gven laburista taht Mintoff HALLA MIJIET TA ' MILJUNI KBAR
KBAR fil-kaxxa ta' Malta u mhux €5,000 miljuni DEJN ! Mela zgur kien L-AQWA.
Dwar SERVIZZI SOCJALI: Zgur li HADD ma ghamel daqsu ! Mela anki f'dan kien L-AQWA !
Fil-BINI TA' SKEJJEL, HADD M'MA BENA DAQSU ! Mela anki hawn Zgur kien L-AQWA !
Fil-bini ta' djar u flats ghal-poplu ZGUR LI HADD M'GHAMEL DAQSHU, mela anki hawn KIEN L_AQWA !
tridni nibqa nsemmi , Sur Ang ???
Joseph John Camilleri
Aug 22nd 2012, 17:54
E. Privitera,
Daz-zgur halla l-miljuni, bil-patata fuqhom u jgawdu ta'madwaru u kollox tas-second hand. colour TYs xejn jew jirrangalek xi hadd ta' gewwa, sistema tat-telefon tal-antikalji, airport aghar minn ta' pajjiz go qiegh l-Afrika, biex issiefer qiesek se tahrab mill-pajjiz u ma tistax tiehu aktar minn £250 Maltin li lanqas tibda bihom, cikkulata ta' Malta, prodotti mill-Japan xejn, u iktar u iktar . L-aqwa li kellna l-miljuni taht il.......
Eddy Privitera
Aug 22nd 2012, 20:31
Taf x'insejt issemmi, Sur Joseph John Camilleri ? Li dak iz-zmien il-mara ma kienx ikollha BILFORS tohrog tahdem, u setghet tibqa tahdem id-dar u tiehu hsieb hi u mhux ommha (bhal lum) il-kura tat-tfal. Li haddiem seta jkollu c-cans jibni daru billi kien jinghat plot bi ftit mijiet ta' liri ( LM200-LM300 ). Meta l-haddiema kollha kienu - u ghadhom- jinghataw il-bonus, children allowance, paga lndaqs ghan-nisa bhal-irgiel, pensjoni ta' zewg terzi, gimgha ta' 5 ijiem xoghol u hafna beneficcji ohra etc.. U mela ssemmi c-cikkulata, it-TV bil-kulur, meta anki l-Italja damet hafna biex dahal it-TV bil-kulur, u hmerijiet ohra.!
Eve Axiaq
Aug 22nd 2012, 14:47
Dawk is- 70s kienu zminijiet! Takkwista plot b'xejn u anke jghinek biex tibni, jew inkella xi flat tal- gvern bil- kera b'xejn.U zgur li viva Mintoff! Mela bhal lum iddejjint ghal ghomri biex ikolli saqaf fejn nghix u mhux terraced house tafux!
Ms Rudi Mcbeal
Aug 22nd 2012, 15:40
Oh Lord, please help us. I'm afraid that we are going to need it.
S. Calleja
Aug 22nd 2012, 16:37
Takkwista plot b'xejn eh? U min taħseb li kien qed iħallas għalih dal-post?
Eddy Privitera
Aug 22nd 2012, 17:00
Rudi McBeal: First ask the Lord to herlp YOU OPEN YOUR EYES !
Eddy Privitera
Aug 22nd 2012, 17:01
S. Calleja: Mela skond int illum tajjeb ghax biex tixtri plot trid tkun sinjur, halli tibni darek !!!!!!!!
Ms Rudi Mcbeal
Aug 22nd 2012, 17:45
My eyes are wide open, Sur Privitera, and most importantly, so is my mind.
I consider myself lucky.
Eddy Privitera
Aug 22nd 2012, 20:34
Rudi McBeal: I invite you to watch all the events taking place in commemoration of Dom MMintoff, starting tomorrow Thursday at 3.30pm on One TV. You will then perhaps realize what Dom Mintoff means to the people of our dear country !
paul camilleri
Aug 22nd 2012, 14:47
GOOD GRIEF MS BORG so you admit that Mintoff is a mesiah???? OH woe Oh woe what have we done??? get this inside your clouded brain Mintoff was a human no saint and definatly no Mesiah. no wonder he remained in power for such a long time , its people like you tht help this man ruin so many peoples lives with his bullying and tyrade against peopple that try to express their right of free speech
Eddy Privitera
Aug 22nd 2012, 17:02
Paul Camilleri: Jaqaw dak li qalu u kitbu Dr. Franco Debono u Dr. Pullicino Orlando, ma kontx taqrahom, dwar GonziPN u l-klikka tal-hazen ????
M Damato
Aug 22nd 2012, 14:38
Reading the above one thing comes in mind is that ignorance is still rampant....
No comments for the preposterous comment passed by Raymond Chircop....
I sincerely sympathise with you guys, and feel sorry for you… in many ways
LOUIS JOSEPH BORG
Aug 22nd 2012, 14:37
it clearly shows how far people go with thier political views! first the lord than mintoff! what a statment!
well mintoff did introduce socail services but even if not they would have come in by than.
G. Abela
Aug 22nd 2012, 15:00
Are you so sure Mr. Borg?????
S Farrugia
Aug 22nd 2012, 14:35
Dawn il-hafna kummenti huma xhieda cara tal-ghira bazwija li qed tohloq fost certi nies. Qatt ma kien hawn Prim Ministru bhal Mintoff, u tghidu x'tghidu qatt mhu se jkun hawn.Mintoff gie fiz-zmien fejn Malta kienet qieghda tnin ftit ftit, faqar kull fejn thares, Mintoff qerdu. Iva ghamel hazin, mela le, imma kunu rgiel u nisa u ammettu t-tajjeb tieghu.
VV Bartolo
Aug 22nd 2012, 14:35
bhal Mintoff QATT!!
u le ma nehodhomx bi kbar il-kummenti ta' certu nies. forsi Kristu m'ghamilx gid? imma xorta kien hemm min ma fehmux u sallbu. l-istess Mintoff!! Mintoff ta' l-klassi lil fqir, imma s-sinjur ma riedx jaqsam gildu maz-zghir u ghalhekk hadha kontrih!!
grazzi ghalik biss Perit ommi ghada maghna, 31 sena wara li kienu tawha ftit xhur hajja u int batta l-Ingilterra taghmel l-operazzjoni tal-open heart ghax ma kellniex flus min fejn!!
min hawn nerga nirringrazzjak u nsellimlek Perit!!
Gerry Cowie
Aug 22nd 2012, 14:34
I doubt the Vatican will be rushing to beatify Il Perit.
May God have mercy on his immortal soul.
cesco di luigi
Aug 22nd 2012, 14:31
if I had received a free plot to build a house in a place like Pembroke or such like...I think I would have said first there is Mintoff..and then
GL Calleja
Aug 22nd 2012, 14:57
If he had confiscated (requisitioned) somebody else's property and let me live in that property for 19 Maltese liri a year, I would have thought Mintoff was???? But when the property he requisitioned was yours then you would think otherwise. Dom Mintoff did a lot of good, but he also did a lot of bad. So it all depends on what side of the fence you sit on. Everybody is entitled to their own opinion. In the meantime let him rest in peace.
Eddy Privitera
Aug 22nd 2012, 17:09
G-L. Calleja: Dr. Eddie Fenech Adami said that taking everything into consideration, Mintoff had more good points than bad ones ! Don't you believe EFA too ???
cesco di luigi
Aug 22nd 2012, 17:11
Mr GL Calleja. My family property was expropriated and awarded a pittance in return. We had no choice. take it or leave it. I t was not Labour it was not Mintoff...it was the PN who did this in the late 1980's. My family members who are (or at least were) all Nationalists said...heqq there's nothing one can do..that's the law ...heqq.
paul camilleri
Aug 22nd 2012, 14:20
@luke scicluna
Meanning what exactly??????
J Caruana
Aug 22nd 2012, 14:18
Dawn bis-serjeta?!!!! Xi gravita!
Joseph N. Attard
Aug 22nd 2012, 14:15
A look at most of the the characters uttering these idiocies says it all. Explains why education is often abhorred by dictators or certain types of leaders.
GL Calleja
Aug 22nd 2012, 14:58
Sometimes ignorance is bliss.
Eddy Privitera
Aug 22nd 2012, 17:12
Joseph N. Attard: Do you know who used to say that education for all the people , is not good ?Priests in Malta at the time of PN governments in the 1920s and 1930s. And they all used to vote PN
Joseph N. Attard
Aug 22nd 2012, 18:32
@ Eddy Privitera: You have a short memory: Numerus clausus for University, requirement of a Parrinu, closure of Church Schools, .....I could go on, but on second thoughts, perhaps the problem is not a short memory, but a badly selective one. Dangerous that, could lead to amnesia.
Charles Mizzi
Aug 22nd 2012, 14:10
Question Who is Mr. Mintoff for you ?
Answer My Father
Why Because Mr. Mintoff introduce the social services
And what else BAHHHHHHHHH
GL Calleja
Aug 22nd 2012, 15:00
Does your biological father know that?
P. Ciantar
Aug 22nd 2012, 15:03
It was Boffa not Mintoff who introduced the social services. This was a myth of the mintoffjani
S. Calleja
Aug 22nd 2012, 16:41
L-aqwa s-soxjal servisis ħa ngħixu minn fuq dahar il-gvern ħiii!
Eddy Privitera
Aug 22nd 2012, 17:15
P. Ciantar: Boffa - jigifieri GVERN LABURISTA- kien introducs l-ewwel "ghajnuna socjali ". Imma zgur ma tistax tghid li l-Welfare State m'ghamlux Mingtoff, ghax KUçHADD jaqbel li kien Mintoff bil-bizibilju ta'ligijiet socjali, pensjonijiet etc..etc.. li holoq il-welfare State !!!
Eddy Privitera
Aug 22nd 2012, 20:42
Charles Mizzi: What do you mean by BAHHHHHHHH ? Air Malta, Red China Dock, Industrialisation of Malta, Sea Malta, Freeport etc..etc.. Dan Bahh ??????
Sarah Camilleri
Aug 22nd 2012, 14:08
Mintoff's obituary on the Guardian Newspaper in the UK
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/aug/21/dom-mintoff?INTCMP=SRCH
Angelo Vassallo
Aug 22nd 2012, 14:07
@ Alexandra Mallia Borg
Mintoff NEVER KICKED OUT THE BRITISH. In 1974 he renewed the agreement signed by GEORGE BORG OLIVIER for another five years, till 1979. In 1979 Britain simply did not want to renew that agreement again. Far from the Bristish being kicked out.
I remember the Maltese and Gozitans crying when the saw HMS LONDON leaving the Grand Harbour.
Victor Boyde
Aug 22nd 2012, 15:48
get your facts right Mr Vassallo! Bitish forces pulled out because the Maltese Government at the time wanted over £2 million more than the British Government was offering. Check your Maltese newspapers as well as British to read the reports at that time. Mr Douglas Herd visited Malta to try and persuade the Maltese Prime Minister but to no avail. So, there was no other option and the British had to leave.
Steve Borg - Marsascala
Aug 22nd 2012, 16:05
If they were servile and infantile as yourself in their mentality, or barmaids from Strait Street, well they would have cried. And you are so wrong. The closure of the military base was negotiated in March 1972 by Mintoff and Lord Carrington. Borg Olivier was in the Sixties happy to host Malta and its Grand Harbour as a NATO base, with its offices in the Europa Centre in Floriana.
I remember the Nationalists scaremongering with every breath they took that once the British forces left Malta in 1979, we would all starve to death or revert to cannibalism. Oh, your memory is so short.
Joe Portelli
Aug 22nd 2012, 17:09
@ Steve Borg - Marsascal
Re the Nationalist's warning 'I remember the Nationalists scaremongering with every breath they took that once the British forces left Malta in 1979, we would all starve to death or revert to cannibalism. Oh, your memory is so short' they were proven right, metaphorically .
Our business 'profits' are at the expense those not connected. Thousands of Maltese proffessionals emigrated because there was no work, selling their homes and leaving families behind (28 % of the nation ) today there are more than 3 x the Maletes in Malta , living overseas. So what they said - actually occurred and people adjusted as they always do. I'd rather none of this happened, Brits stayed Put, Malta got it Oil extraction and Production and leaving the Brits to Punch Gaddafi if he sent any gun boats. But whats done is done -
Eddy Privitera
Aug 22nd 2012, 17:20
Angelo Vassallo: Tipprova kemm tipprova tghawweg li storja - KIF TAQRA FIL-' BEANO' - mhux se jirnexxilek !
Mintoff iffissa z-zmien meta l-Inglizi riedu jitilqu minn Malta.
Insejt meta kien tahom 48 siegha biex izarmaw ghax ma riedux jaccettaw certi kundizzjonijiet, U bdew hergin, biex meta l-Inglizi ndunaw li ma kienx qed jibblaffja, malajr irrangaw u tawh li ried, u regghu gew lura !!!
Joe Portelli
Aug 22nd 2012, 19:21
@ Eddie Privitera
So what would Mintoff have done , if as you ' The British, called his, Bluff as you put it - probably resign once again as he did, when the British Governemnt turned down his demand for 'integration' - but the british did not want him to resign, they left, it was the right 'time' to leave Malta to the PM elected by people choice , our choice.
In a democracy we get what we deserve - I did not vote for Mintoff - but he was elected fairly and we must respect that he was our choice , but that's where it stops for me - if he made catastrophic mistakes, I dont have to pretend he did not, because he was elected - truth is truth.
John Vella
Aug 22nd 2012, 13:56
Reminds me of when the leader of the North Korea died.
watch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccsNr9UJeVY
Eddy Privitera
Aug 22nd 2012, 17:22
Paul Camilleri:Meta jgghid l-ewwel Alla u wara Mintoff, ma jfissirx li Mintoff ghalihom jigi qabel il-Madonna u l-qaddiisin !
paul camilleri
Aug 22nd 2012, 13:36
i dont know why these people have no shame !! First our Lord then Mintoff. what happened to the virgin Mary and all the patron saints that we celebrate every summer? what happened to patriotic duty to your country??
Mintoff is no was flesh and bones and in 2 years he will be dust just like any other mortal so give us a break soon you would be asking the Pope to make him a saint!!!!
Mintoff was a human just like anyone else the differance is that he gained power and used that power the way he used everyone. to his advantage and preyed upon the weak minded.
Luke Scicluna
Aug 22nd 2012, 14:01
Without Mintoff, neither you nor the rest of the Maltese would
GL Calleja
Aug 22nd 2012, 15:05
Sometimes ignorance is bliss. On the other hand, everybody is entitled to their opinion.
Joe Portelli
Aug 22nd 2012, 13:20
Mintoff's short sightedness caused much hardship
Asking for the removal of the British bases and pleasing Gaddafi - then he engages an Oil Rig to explore Malta's territorial shelf for oil production and Gaddafi sends Gun Ships to a helpless undefended Malat, now this amuses the British - who kept on dealing and exploring oil for Libyan Interest.
No wonder Mintoff comes after the Lord - perhaps he should come last, under every Maltese person. Blinding support I think the call it - apt name too.
Steve Borg - Marsascala
Aug 22nd 2012, 16:23
Your argument is baseless and hopelessly out of point. I accept that the underlying tone of your scribbling is that you might detest the poor and defenceless and to have them remembering their champion is perhaps too much for you to muster. In that case, tough luck.
Mintoff was seeking independence for Malta in the early Sixties, following the botched intergration proposal that was sabotaged by the dictatorial and egocentric Bishop Gonzi and the Catholic Church, for fear of having the introduction of divorce in Malta and the Archibishop of Canterbury on a higher status then their ever so holy selves.
Your assumption that Mintoff sought independence to please Gaddafi shows your absolute immaturity. Mintoff addressed the UN in his Malta's Quest for Independence in the early Sixties, whereas Muammar Gaddafi overthrew King Idris in September 1969.
The Saipem II incident between Malta and Libya was in August 1980, and if your cranium has enough grey matter to register this, you may remember that Mintoff had been working on the brokering of a neutrality agreement with Italy. Italian Defence Minister Lelio Lagorio himself had warned Colonel Gaddafi that he should back off or else Italy would definately intervene. Consult this with the Italian State Archives and if you prove us otherwise, we would be too glad to be accept your findings.
Meanwhile, do us a favour - check your facts before you scribble anything that fancies your mind.
Joe Portelli
Aug 22nd 2012, 16:57
@ Steve Borg - Marsascala
in the meantime - we never got access to our Oil because Mintoff's freiend Gaddafi manged to stop us, Italian woffle or not (I would have loved to see if the Britsih bases were still in Malta -no waflle then, exceptional opportunity to smack Gaddafi on the nose).
Let me remind you (as someone who spent 7 years in Libya - Mintoff and Gaddafi were known as ' hobza Sardina' , because poor Mintoff had no more choices left - and Malta was Isolated for 13 years.
Steve Mifsud
Aug 22nd 2012, 13:20
Some of the comments here are truly pathetic.......from both sides of the argument. Firstly, most Brits I know no longer consider their country to be a world power and are well aware of where they stand globally. You may get a few comments from old "fuddy duddy" Brits (50 years and over who dream of better days) within The Times online, but I hardly think they are representatives of the general British populace.
Furthermore, you have to understand that people from the UK under the age of 50 are simply not interested or aware of Dom Mintoff. All because Dom Mintoff was possibly the most important politician ever to grace these islands, people beyond our borders, in general, are not interested and why should they be.
Dear Man Xerri: Now regarding the second world war, please note that this was a "world war" and essentially good against evil. Rather than resenting the Brits for attracting the attacks by the Axis forces, we should be grateful that we were part of the allied forces that brought this evil to an end. God knows what the world would be like today had they won.
Furthermore....no investment by the Brits????? So for how many years have the Brits been the largest contingent of visitors to our islands and therefore supporting our most important source of income? it sounds like you have a huge chip on that little Maltese Australian shoulder of yours.
Marthese Mussett
Aug 22nd 2012, 16:31
Kemm qed tghid sew Steve.
Stephen Lock
Aug 22nd 2012, 16:38
Well Iam in my 20 and I believe the UK to be a global power as do many other brits. May be you mr mifsud know something the Brits and the UN don't ??? As I am aware the UN rates the UK as one of 7 Global powers. Apart from that I agree with the rest of your comment
Steve Mifsud
Aug 22nd 2012, 17:09
At Stephen: I was not dismissing UK military power, but it is clearly on the decline in terms of hardware and influence - I know having served in recent years. My comments were in no way meant as an insult but the truth is the British forces are not what they used to be following cuts by the government.
Stephen Lock
Aug 22nd 2012, 18:12
@ Steve . I agree that point, it is a shame, the UK lacks a great leader ! Maybe a UK version of Mintoff is what is needed without the violence of course !
Pablo Mallia
Aug 22nd 2012, 13:02
BEWARE.......il-passat mera tal-futur ! From the comments said and written, more is to come, so vote well in the coming election. Ahjar uff milli ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh !
Jason Zammit
Aug 22nd 2012, 14:14
king int siehbi
S Farrugia
Aug 22nd 2012, 14:37
uzguurr, issa hadniha l-lezzjoni, ghandna bizzejjed ufffs u aahhhhs, so next time i'll vote Labour.
Mano' Xerri
Aug 22nd 2012, 12:41
As one local politician once said. THE BRITISH HAVE WON THE WAR WITH THE HELP OF OUR CITIZENS who died and gave their lives for the British, but then again ALTHOUGH THEY WON THE WAR BUT ALSO LOST THE PEACE. An example now we see more investments by the Germans on the islands employing many locals the any British firms., am i right or am i dreaming? andf as far as the Germans labeled as the bad boys ( now our friends) - the British are no different one has only got to pick up a newspaper and follow the daily events, but i do actually agree as i read sometime ago, the Brits. or as we call them in Aussie the Poms are not exactly the best loved nation anywhere in the world, they still think they can police the world and also have to be different or try to be.
Victor Pulis
Aug 22nd 2012, 12:21
Mr Chircop furrowed his brow when asked to mention one negative point to Mr Mintoff’s years in power.
“I wouldn’t have given them [the Nationalist Party] the majority in the 1980s,” he said, referring to the 1987 Constitutional amendments which ensured the party with a majority of votes was elected into government.
No comment!
G. Abela
Aug 22nd 2012, 15:07
Why no comment ?? be a man Mr. Pulis and say the truth.......all of it.
Labour had every right constitutionally to continue as it was, by the way a constitution voted in by EFA and 3/4 of the parliament.
So has GonziPN every right to mock the parliament as he is doing now by escaping every vote and by his delaying games.
At least Mintoff was a man of principle and amended the constituation. what did GonziPN do..........a mockery!!!
Joe Portelli
Aug 22nd 2012, 12:02
'People have memories - Politicians like Companie don't'
People can have a good memory or a bad one - in the meantime, politicians (like a business0, speculate on what to offer that they can sell for votes. This is called democracy and it works, occassionally we get a Leader who has tends to require 'dictatorial' tactics (Mr Mintoff) and people admire leadership even if they dont agree with the man (DeGaulle/Hitler / Churchill too had this experience last century). Many people have memories of these men simply categorised as either Good and Bad - but none of them were really Great people , just leaders at the right time for that generation only.
M. Hills
Aug 22nd 2012, 11:19
Today's English paper The Times is carrying a full write-up about Dom Mintoff in the Register Section of the paper...a very fair and good report about the conflicts, trials and tribulations the island went through in Dom's lifetime ...
Victor Vella
Aug 22nd 2012, 11:12
I agree.
Joe Portelli
Aug 22nd 2012, 11:09
@ Jay Oatman
Mintoff wanted to be seen as ' kicking out the Briish' - the son of Mountbatten's RN Cook.
But the British were clever, it was a trap, set finely by Lord Carrington when Britain had no mind (or money) to spend on Empire defence when the empire was no more - rather than demonstrate that Great Britain abondoned the George Cross Island people , who fought a war that was not theirs (quote RAF), it was very convenient to use a Labour and Socialist emotive issue created by Mintoff as Britain did not trust his party with 'Independance - they gave that to Nationalist Party) - causing Mintoff to loose face in Malta , he walked into a trap and got caught, when they turned down the increase in payment for Britsih bases in Malta. Even the Germans and Italians wanted to pay the differenece to Mintoff - but Britain still refused and the left, with the UK governement ensuring British Media to print headlines such as ' Mintoff kicks out the British' - a Tactic in politics equivalent to, Hook, Line and Sinker - landed by Lord Carrington. Well done .
M Grima
Aug 22nd 2012, 12:10
You sure have a high degree of fantasy Mr. Portelli. Of course you are entitled to your opinion and to your theories, but then I am also entitled to label your piece as pure fiction. Unbelievable!!!
Joe Portelli
Aug 22nd 2012, 13:10
@ M Grima
and you are surely a believer that Dom Mintoff kicked the Mighty British out , I would not say dream on, because that is not good advice , suggest you dream on in private , but be awake when in company.
Mintoff delivered the British Objective at the expense of the Maltese (look at us today ?, comapred with Bermuda, Sinagpore, Falklands etc.) we are a like a tiny state in Nigeria , complete disorganisation, law-less. He did all this because he was not smart and his emotive side, showing off, one the day and was snared and trapped and we payed for it every since. Imagine if the Brits where still in Malta, when during Mintoff , Malta commenced on the Oil Exploration , Libya would have not been able to send a gun boat to clear away the Maltese enaged drilling rig - heavy price , thanks to the Mintoff moves. He trapped us on both sides - all the time, even split the nation (you & me) apart .
Joe Portelli
Aug 22nd 2012, 14:02
@ M Grima
Facts
Mintoff was the son of Mounbatten's cook in the royal navy (Mountbatten would say to the PM ' how is my cook's little son?' derogatory approach to put Mr Mintoff in place - typical of Mountbatten's attitude.
Fact - The second World War was not Malta's War - germany also recognised this , despite this Maltese simply supported the war effeort regardless and at high price - thus awarded the GC. (other colonials lost millions of citizens 'India' but instead , their country was divided into 2 by Mounbatten , contrary to Ghandi's wishes)
Fact - Independence was given to a Nationalist Governement and Mintoffeven voted against Independence
Fact - Britain recognised its diminishing world power and hence arguably why spend money on southern europe , protected by Nato countries, such as France , Italy and Germany - ways to rid of these costs was needed and Carrington saw Mintoff as an opportunity. (if we were Cyprus it would not have worked)
Fact - British media is bias (like other countries) and yet they printed 'Mintoff kicks Brits Out' a green light given by the London government , which pleased Nato and US
Do you think Mintoff would have kicked this great power if Maltese Rigs were to be stopped by Gaddafi at gun point to drill for our own oil? No Mintoff loved Malta - but he trapped himself at our costs. All Facts.
J Martinelli
Aug 22nd 2012, 14:20
@ M Grima
FACT: The British had decided that the Malta bases were no longer needed long before Mr Mintoff 'kicked them out"! What Mintoff was asking for renewing the expiring agreement was far above what the bases were worth and by so doing, gave the Brits the biggest excuse to leave. Then, of course, entered Gaddafi!
Actually, to be blunt about it, it was the British government who trapped Mintoff and not the other way round.
Joe Portelli
Aug 22nd 2012, 15:39
@ J Martinelli
Well traps in politics are everywhere just as much as opportunities - Timing is the only tool that is in the hands of a politician. So I do agree somewhat with your statement about the Trap set-up, but Mintoff was the one that took the bate not Borg Olivier , who was too smart for that and a surprise to the Brits.
Anyways what's done is done - people need to move on and think collectively what's good for all of us and tomorrows generation, startinmg off by making amends where needed if we really wish to let go of the horrific Mintoff experience. As with regard to the social improvements claimed by Mintoff, these were coming anyways after the WW2, but many African countries had already established many of these social imrprovements at the same period - only to loose them when they kicked the Brits out .
Alfred Vassallo
Aug 22nd 2012, 16:06
What on EARTH are you talking about man. It was Carrington himself who said That if there was one he wouldn't like to re-negotiate with that person was Mintoff because he fought so much to squeze every cent he could from the british, although now (at that time) they were friends.
Joe Portelli
Aug 22nd 2012, 17:02
@ Alfred Vassallo
That was and is a British trait - always demonstrate you are the victim ( and why British people always side with the underdog)
Maltese trait , is opposite, better known as Bravado and there was a Win Win situation for the negotiatos image - but , Britain lost some of its influence of North Africa, and Malta lost the support of a world power when faced with gun boat diplomacy from Gaddafi during our oil exploration.
j brincat
Aug 22nd 2012, 11:05
@Jay Oatmon
"Mintoff's biggest mistake was kicking out the British that cost Maltese workers thousands of jobs for decades"
Either an imperialist or else a submissive opinion from those who dream that Britannia still rules the sea!
(jb)
Stephen Lock
Aug 22nd 2012, 16:40
Well the royal navy remains only 1 of 3 blue sea navy's so I guess she kinda does ;)
Patrick Zammit
Aug 22nd 2012, 11:00
I very much liked the comment from that gent who said, roughly translated:
Today's politicians are only good as stage actors (ghall fuq il-park). How true...
Jay Oatmon
Aug 22nd 2012, 09:53
Mintoff's biggest mistake was kicking out the British that cost Maltese workers thousands of jobs for decades.
G. Ellul
Aug 22nd 2012, 10:05
Mintoff always knew what he was doing. He was a great negotiator, particularly with the British.
Ask Lord Carrington......?!
C. Sammut
Aug 22nd 2012, 10:10
Why was it a mistake? All the Maltese who worked for the British were eventually employed anyway...
Alexandra MalliaBorg
Aug 22nd 2012, 10:22
On the contrary sunshine, the best thing he ever done WAS TO KICK OUT THE BRITISH, the colonialists that occupied the best houses-eat the best food - had the best jobs- and treated the Maltese as second class citizens...now follow that Pal or am i wrong and the history books need to be re-written. I personally am not a British lover by no means and to me he is a Legend and a Hero, look at us now we certainly are not poor, even the British themselves choose Malta to spend their retirement , we have a high standard of education, best Hospital in europe so much so that the British even send their own people on a waiting list to Malta to get medical treatment and the list goes on and on, need i say more... no... then Amen Pal. Have a nice day.
Dom.J. Bugejja
Aug 22nd 2012, 10:26
If as you say he made a mistake that cost the Maltese thousands of jobs, why then now in 2012 most that worked for the \british at the time are not getting what's due to them? any answers am waiting....:-
Stephen Lock
Aug 22nd 2012, 10:35
Totally agree, The British Empire was what it was, it never hid the fact that it was there to rule unlike Europe and the Americans. The British did wrong yes but with our them the current world as we know it would not exist and the same goes for the French and the Spanish, the ideals of the Empire were to spend the word of god and to enhance the life's of those in colony's, look at the world today most of the lead country's are former colony's of the European Empires. Empire has existed since time began and they will occur time and time again in the future one only has to read history to see that it is always repeating it's self
Roberta Debono
Aug 22nd 2012, 10:37
Isn't funny we are not getting or reading of any British reactions or even as much as condolencies to his family, maybe they haven't got the guts to do so eh... so spend your money here and make sure you close the door behind you poms.
Stephen Lock
Aug 22nd 2012, 10:58
@roberto . Or may be the British don't care, about 90% don't know who he is. Why would a global power worry that an Excolonial PM has passed.
Reinhard Azzopardi
Aug 22nd 2012, 11:30
@Alexandra Mallia Borg
Take those red-tinted spectacles off and read a few history books. The British were supposed to leave in 1974. That's what Borg Olivier negotiated with them. Mintoff asked them to stay on until 1979!
You may be right about all you said abotu the british but they left us one legacy.... THEIR LANGUAGE. And that alone has been the best tool that any Maltese citizen can use. Without it, we would be lost. Our knowledge of English is one of the things that attracts foreign investors.
Doris Filer
Aug 22nd 2012, 11:47
Maybe you are right Mr.Lock, as it happens i am British, and as you say why should or would global powers worry or even blink an eye lid of the death of the ex premier of Malta, however most Maltese do same as if when Pince Philip who is on his last legs also expires, so what goes round comes around, i am certainly not bias and respect his passing. R.I.P.
Peter Camilleri
Aug 22nd 2012, 11:59
@ Stephen Lock
Sorry, on what grounds do you rate Britain as a global power to-day?
People like you are still living in the pre-WWII past, and have retained the supercilious and patronising attitude of those British people (mostly the semi-educated ones) who considered everyone else as "natives". One of the disadvantages of EU membership is that we now have to put up with some of these people among us.
Hans Weber
Aug 22nd 2012, 12:01
Re@Reinhard, with respect we are originally from the low countries, and we too may use of the English Language as a world language followed by French and Spanish, so really my friend your argument is actually irrevelent to the subject above, come now the Maltese are not naive and what you said is an insult to their inteligence, i know of many who can converse in 3-4 different languages, so really although English is essential for commerce and business there are other ways of communicating, an example of many Maltese working in my country, don't tell me they go round speaking english 24x7 at their work place, the law now mainly in the Netherlands requires foreigners to learn Dutch, or in the case of Belgium both Dutch and french, take Canada Quebeck, if one speaks english over their they apparently so i hear are ignored, so there are many aspects to your comment, and leaving Malta the Englsih Language is of no importance as sooner or later all the youngsters in malta pick up all sorts of different languages from the media and the tv. Remeber this is 2012 and kids learn fast. The Ball is in your court my friend Tot. Ziens!
Tony Camilleri
Aug 22nd 2012, 12:56
Stephen Lock global power? You made my day.
Reinhard Azzopardi wrong, they could remain here at their terms. Mintoff made them pay much more than what they were paying to make sure that Malta will be able to stand on its own legs when they leave.
Now many of you don't make the distinction between the Government and its military establishment and the people.
Mintoff's and Malta's fight was against the British Government and its military establishment and not the British people.
As for the English language, it is not thje only language in the world and there are certainly more languages which one can learn as many are now doing in Europe by learning Chinese. This shows the way forward by being able to learn different languages and mostly those that would serve you in your daily encounters with those you trade with.
Stephen Lock
Aug 22nd 2012, 13:23
@Doris I am actually 1/2 Maltese and did pay respect to him in an earlier post as he done good for Malta along with bad, was point was against people saying the British don't have to guts to pay tribute to him and that is because he is unknown to them, with regards to prince Phillip he is well loved and respected around the whole commonwealth and you only have to look to the jubilee to see how loved the Queen and him are, attended by millions and watched by millions, Mintoff on the other hand is loved by lauborites of Malta, they are two very different people one a great PM the other a King in his own rites not just to the UK but the Commonwealth
Stephen Lock
Aug 22nd 2012, 13:34
@ peter
Britain and is remains a global and regional power, of the 3 countries that supported Libyan independance it was the UK, it remains on the Security Council at the UN, it stood up to Europe on further intergration, it remains sovereign over it currency and foreign policy. Does Malta any more!!!! It remains 1 of 3 blue sea navy's, it remains a nuclear power. London is the most visited capital in the world. Shall I go on !!!!! And btw I am 1/2 Maltese and remain proud of both counties which are very different, I just can't stand people who seek to damage the UK and bring her down. I am proud of my British roots and I am pround of my Queen and our Armed forces who have for years selflessly given their lives so people around the world like you can knock them and live in a free society. I am proud of Malta and all she has achieved over the last 50 yrs since independance, I am not imperialistic, I am proud of my heritages and of 2 great country's
Ray Galea
Aug 22nd 2012, 14:26
Do you mean to say that the Brits were some kind of benevolent rulers ? I suggest you read some world history books written by someone other than a Brit. Like all empires, they only ruled to use and abuse and protect their own interests. Nothing else. I only say this - compare Malta the way it was left by the Brits following their 200 year rule and the way it is today. That is the only benchmark that makes any sense and so both Mintoff and Borg Olivier were 100% right to follow the path of nationhood and independence.
Reinhard Azzopardi
Aug 22nd 2012, 14:57
@Hans Weber,
Fair enough, you've got a point but I still believe that the countries you mentioned are big enough and strong enough to be able to do without English. We are a tiny nation of just 400,000 people. I love the Maltese language with all my heart but beyond these shores, it is not as useful as English is. I will not go so far as to say that it is useless but I'm sure that you get my drift.
Furthermore, I don't know if you were around during the 80s. Do you know what language was COMPULSORY here thanks to Dom Mintoff and his friendship with Ghaddafi? Frigging Arabic. Who, in the Western World wants to learn blessed Arabic (apart from the few hundreds who work in Libya, and nonetheless, English and Italian are the languages used by Maltese people in Libya).
TuffyDavies Davidson
Aug 22nd 2012, 15:25
Hi Reinhard Azzopardi with due repect and as it happens i am Welsh and NOT i repeat NOT English but still British, you mentioned the Arabic language with respect to you loving your language to most of us from outside Malta, Maltese sounds verymuch Arabic even some words do originate from the Arabic lingo, further more although i myself do not speak Arabic however the Arabic language is widly spoken along with French apart from the Queens English. I knew of many of expats who now work in Dubai and around the region arte are doing verywell indeed and all the high standards something that Malta is lacking and also very good salary with all the fringes that goes with the job.
Stephen Lock
Aug 22nd 2012, 16:45
@ tony
Do you know something the UK and UN do not as last I checked the UK remained 1 of 7 global powers and London is the financial hub of the world, but hey you know best ;) after all you must have a great global overview
Peter Camilleri
Aug 22nd 2012, 19:02
@ Stephen Lock
Re your post of 13:34
Thank you for confirming what I said. Dream on. After all, who am I to dispel your illusion?
Stephen Lock
Aug 22nd 2012, 20:32
@ Peter if you hate us so much why join euro after us, I bet you don't mind all the British tourist cash spend in Malta, typical anti British ( thank good not every one like you ) one of the few Maltese who think the world owns you the favour.
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