Commenting editorially on the sad death of Sudanese Suleiman Abubaker, The Sunday Times warned that if attitudes did not change for the better the situation could only get worse. It would be wise not to restrict such timely admonition to Mr Abubaker's death and the evident signs of racial hatred for it is evident that the situation at Malta's foremost entertainment mecca is far from what it should be in terms of safety.

Indeed, the incident that led to the migrant being seriously injured and eventually dying and the fact that the same person had been involved in a similar violent incident a year ago proves, if proof were ever needed, that safety in Paceville demands a thorough review, even if the authorities may invoke statistics to depict a safer place.

Paceville attracts people - and not just those of a young age, even because one is as young as one feels - from all walks of life, including visitors. Given the growing community of migrants in this country, it is only natural that some of them are likely to find their way there too for different reasons: entertainment or employment. A clear danger here is that, if racist hatred manifests itself in violence against black people, then any dark-skinned tourists may end up being targeted too. This is a danger that needs to be addressed seriously and urgently because its economic consequences could be catastrophic to a tourism industry that is already facing an uphill battle.

In this regard one has to look into how policing is carried out in the area, what safety and security measures are in place, including CCTV cameras, the regulation and control of bouncers and the instructions these are given by their employers, to mention but a few points.

The Sunday Times has been told that the Minister of Justice and Home Affairs will be meeting the Chamber of Small and Medium Enterprises - GRTU to discuss better legislation for the area. That is a good start but it is far from what needs to be done.

There must be the involvement also of the Ministry of Social Policy, the Ministry of Education, the police, the army, the detention services, all those who have direct and/or indirect contact with youth and arriving migrants in particular. Paceville revellers and migrants need to understand each other better. They may not be willing to fully accept each other's ways but, at least, they could start realising why they react differently to given situations and misread each other's actions.

Of course, those on the front line dealing with such situations must be given the necessary preparation and tools. Adequate training is certainly a must. The stationing of personnel in strategic spots also demands careful attention. Just as crucial are the rules of engagement the security forces and bouncers follow.

Such a thorough revision of both strategy and tactics employed to deal with the situation at Paceville is not only essential in order to stem the spreading of racism but also to protect all those who frequent the area, especially the young and the more vulnerable.

There have been very serious instances of Maltese people and even tourists being violently manhandled there both by bouncers and by other revellers. There were times when the forces of law and order were nowhere to be seen or arrived too late. And the installation of CCTV cameras does not seem to have been the answer either.

An urgent Paceville "summit" would be in order.