Are we racist? On balance I would say, yes, we definitely are and the latest case of a Malian migrant who was allegedly beaten to death is proof enough of this.

I have always had the niggling feeling that, contrary to popular belief, the Maltese have a certain apprehension about “the foreigner” and this apprehension increases exponentially if the foreigner is dark-skinned.

If we wish to be truly honest with ourselves, we have to admit that a large number of us are not friendly, notwithstanding all the media hype proclaiming Malta to be a friendly holiday destination. This is another fallacy. I have visited several countries where you are made to feel truly welcome and not ripped off at the first opportunity, as happens here too often.

This state of affairs, could, I suppose, stem from the fact that we have been colonised for so many centuries and, during these periods of occupation, the ruler was seen mainly as a source of income by fair means or foul.

I understand that the number of immigrants from non-EU countries still exceeds those from the continent of Africa. So why do we get so hot under the collar every time a boatload of unfortunate people lands on our shores?

If the arrival of a few thousand Africans over the last years has whipped up such a frenzy of opposition, why doesn’t anybody seem to object to the arrival of immigrants from other continents? There can, in my opinion, only be one logical explanation for this.

It is obvious that immigration, whether illegal or not, needs to be monitored and controlled.

However, just as our economy has managed to absorb thousands of Serbs, Russians, Indians, Chinese and other nationalities working in Malta then, surely, we could also “allocate”, if you will, some of our “immigration quota” to destitute Africans.

Why not allow a controlled number to work and settle in Malta if they wish to do so?

Wouldn’t we feel more satisfied and at peace with ourselves if we were to offer some of these poor souls a chance for a better life?

Can’t we treat this as an opportunity rather than a threat?

The status of the immigrants would obviously need to be regularised so that they can work and contribute to tax revenues in the same way as the Maltese do.

I would also suggest that, in order to prepare those who elect to stay here for their entry into mainstream society, they should attend a three-month course in basic English and also in Maltese culture, traditions, laws and regulations while still in the detention centre.

Malta justifiably pressures the EU to provide funds to tackle this question but this should not be confused with feelings of xenophobia and racism.

In days long gone, Tunisians described Malta as “Malta ħanina, ħobża u sardina” (generous Malta, a loaf with sardines) because Tunisian fishermen who sought refuge in our harbours were invariably offered something to eat.

I hate to admit it, but the unpleasant truth of the matter is that we are not unduly worried about foreigners living among us as long as the present day “invaders” are white.