What the “bigots” have been saying all along, is today unfortunately a reality. First we got the news that 32 soldiers had contracted TB, and now, according to this newspaper, we learn that some refugee commission employees have also been infected with the virus. In order not to alarm the general public, it was reported that these people contracted TB coincidentally and not because of their job interviewing illegal immigrants. Apart from the fact that hardly anybody will believe such a statement, what worries me is the way these employees’ worries were dismissed, as, according to the authorities concerned, they did after all know what their job entailed.
The World Health Organisation has quarantine rules and regulations for people from the African continent, and this not because it is racist, but because it acknowledges the huge health problems of this continent. A huge percentage of the African population suffers from serious infectious diseases, diseases that have been eliminated from developed countries like ours by immunisation.
Alleanza Nazzjonali Republikana has been warning of such health risks from day one. Unfortunately, instead of taking the necessary precautions by making sure that all those in contact with illegal immigrants are given the necessary inoculations, both the government and the NGOs have always denied that such risks exist. At one point we even had a declaration on national TV where the Maltese public was assured that the illegal immigrants who arrive on our shores have no infectious diseases.
The authorities should face up to their responsibilities and acknowledge that nowadays the Maltese face serious health concerns – burying ones head in the sand will not make the problem go away. Although the media have bombarded the public with a pro immigration propaganda for months, it is a known fact that this has had the opposite effect, as the majority of the Maltese do not feel safe with all these illegal immigrants.
To be fair, the government seems to be more aware of the huge problems our tiny island has to face due to illegal immigration. Unfortunately, Minister Frendo decided only very recently to take a very much-needed harsher stand when addressing the EU. I hope he will continue to persever on this path.
Unfortunately, I feel that both our two major political parties have let themselves be manoeuvred by the NGOs, when it is a known fact that most of them receive thousands of liri from the EU to force the integration of illegal immigrants in Malta.
The Maltese have been very patient, but it is obvious to everyone that “good” and “nice” is not getting us anywhere with the EU, so I am glad that Minister Frendo has finally decided to change both his tactics and his tone.
A recent survey showed that 80 per cent of the Maltese public are dissatisfied with Dr Gonzi’s administration. The public in general want action now as they are fed up with just promises. I hope the PN are of the opinion now that the national interest should prevail and, instead of attacking the Opposition for believing this, all MPs should unite in the fight against illegal immigration, and together work in the interests of our nation.
Malcolm Seychell
BIRKIRKARA