Alternattiva Demokratika - The Green Party said that Principal Permanent Secretary Godwin Grima informed its representatives Carmel Cacopardo and Arnold Cassola, in a meeting held today, that leave of candidates for local council elections was optional. Therefore candidates have the option of not taking leave.
Michael Briguglio, AD Chairperson said: "AD will therefore be fielding its candidates for the local elections".
Thursday, February 09, 2012
Alternattiva Demokratika to withdraw from local council elections unless OPM Directive is withdrawn
Head of the Public Services Godwin Grima will tonight meet Alternattiva Demokratika over the new directive, the green party has confirmed.
Miriam Dalli - Malta Today 9 February 2012
http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/en/newsdetails/news/national/Alternattiva-Demokratika-to-withdraw-from-local-council-elections-20120209
Alternattiva Demokratika has announced that it will not be contesting the local councils elections, unless the Office of the Prime Minister removes directive restrictions on public sector employees.
A directive issued last February by the OPM orders prospective election candidates working in the public sector to take special unpaid leave for 15 days if they are to contest local council elections.
In a statement, AD Chairperson Michael Briguglio said that it was "absurd" that the Office of the Prime Minister was "penalizing" local candidates by asking them to take special unpaid leave or leave for offering to give a voluntary service to their locality.
"This is obviously detrimental to all candidates who work in the public service, and especially to those who are coming from small parties or who are independent candidates," Briguglio said.
"We have no doubt that this is the true reason why this new directive was introduced less than a year ago and with restricted circulation. In fact we realised in the past few days that very few were aware of its existence."
Yesterday, AD said that candidates from other political parties, including Nationalist mayors, were not aware of the directive.
"Because of these maneuvers to restrict participation of citizens in Malta's democratic process, AD - The Green Party will be withdrawing its 10 candidates from the forthcoming local council elections," Briguglio said.
He added that AD will rethink its position if the directive is revised so as not to "punish public service employees who choose to give a service to their locality".
Contacted by MaltaToday over the latest developments, AD spokesperson for Home Affairs Carmel Cacopardo confirmed that he had been contacted by the Office of the Prime Minister to meet and discuss the directive.
The meeting will be held tonight with the head of the Public Services, Godwin Grima.
Miriam Dalli - Malta Today 9 February 2012
http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/en/newsdetails/news/national/Alternattiva-Demokratika-to-withdraw-from-local-council-elections-20120209
Alternattiva Demokratika has announced that it will not be contesting the local councils elections, unless the Office of the Prime Minister removes directive restrictions on public sector employees.
A directive issued last February by the OPM orders prospective election candidates working in the public sector to take special unpaid leave for 15 days if they are to contest local council elections.
In a statement, AD Chairperson Michael Briguglio said that it was "absurd" that the Office of the Prime Minister was "penalizing" local candidates by asking them to take special unpaid leave or leave for offering to give a voluntary service to their locality.
"This is obviously detrimental to all candidates who work in the public service, and especially to those who are coming from small parties or who are independent candidates," Briguglio said.
"We have no doubt that this is the true reason why this new directive was introduced less than a year ago and with restricted circulation. In fact we realised in the past few days that very few were aware of its existence."
Yesterday, AD said that candidates from other political parties, including Nationalist mayors, were not aware of the directive.
"Because of these maneuvers to restrict participation of citizens in Malta's democratic process, AD - The Green Party will be withdrawing its 10 candidates from the forthcoming local council elections," Briguglio said.
He added that AD will rethink its position if the directive is revised so as not to "punish public service employees who choose to give a service to their locality".
Contacted by MaltaToday over the latest developments, AD spokesperson for Home Affairs Carmel Cacopardo confirmed that he had been contacted by the Office of the Prime Minister to meet and discuss the directive.
The meeting will be held tonight with the head of the Public Services, Godwin Grima.
Wednesday, February 08, 2012
Labels that do not fit
Michael Briguglio, Sliema
The Times, 8 February 2012
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20120208/letters/Labels-that-do-not-fit.405836
I fully agree with Cinzia Grech (February 2) on sweeping statements made against people from Sliema. Ms Grech was referring to a TV progrramme that referred to Sliema residents as unwelcoming and snobbish.
I am a proud resident of Sliema and, if anything, I notice that our locality is one of the most diverse and welcoming in Malta. If Sliema were really “unwelcoming”, it would not be one of Malta’s prime hubs of commerce, tourism and leisure.
In addition, Sliema is characterised by diversity of class and national backgrounds. If only one considers the Sliema primary school one would conclude that the “unwelcoming” and “snobbish” label does not make sense.
My son attends this most pleasant school, which is attended by children of different social and national backgrounds. The school is a prime example of how children, parents and teachers can have a sense of belonging despite their differences.
The Times, 8 February 2012
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20120208/letters/Labels-that-do-not-fit.405836
I fully agree with Cinzia Grech (February 2) on sweeping statements made against people from Sliema. Ms Grech was referring to a TV progrramme that referred to Sliema residents as unwelcoming and snobbish.
I am a proud resident of Sliema and, if anything, I notice that our locality is one of the most diverse and welcoming in Malta. If Sliema were really “unwelcoming”, it would not be one of Malta’s prime hubs of commerce, tourism and leisure.
In addition, Sliema is characterised by diversity of class and national backgrounds. If only one considers the Sliema primary school one would conclude that the “unwelcoming” and “snobbish” label does not make sense.
My son attends this most pleasant school, which is attended by children of different social and national backgrounds. The school is a prime example of how children, parents and teachers can have a sense of belonging despite their differences.
OPM forces local candidates to take special unpaid leave
Ralph Cassar, AD General Secretary, said: "The Office of the Prime Minister is forcing all local council candidates who work in the public service to take 15 days special unpaid leave for contesting local elections. This means that many candidates, including most AD candidates will not be in a position to contest local elections".
Michael Briguglio, AD Chairperson, said: "It is absurd that the OPM is penalizing local candidates for offering to give a voluntary service to their locality".
Michael Briguglio, AD Chairperson, said: "It is absurd that the OPM is penalizing local candidates for offering to give a voluntary service to their locality".
Sunday, February 05, 2012
Lejn kunsilli b'direzzjoni
Michael Briguglio
Il-Gens Illum 4 ta'Frar 2012
http://www.il-gensillum.com/news.asp?newscat=10&news=13204
Wara li l-Kunsill Lokali ta’ Tas-Sliema ġie xolt, iddeċidejt li nerġa’ noħroġ għall-elezzjoni li se ssir f’Marzu 2012 f’din il-lokalità.
Jien kont nifforma parti minn dan il-Kunsill bejn l-2003 u l-2009, u ħdimt tajjeb ma’ kunsilliera oħra. B’ħafna insistenza, sħaqt li l-Kunsill idaħħal kultura ta’ konsultazzjoni mar-residenti u għall-ewwel darba, permezz ta’ proposti tiegħi, il-Kunsill beda jieħu pożizzjoni dwar żvilupp insostenibbli, u dan kemm-il darba sar b’suċċess.
Eżempji ta’ dan huma r-rebħiet kontra żvilupp fil-Pjazzetta, fix-Chalet u fil-ġnien ta’ Qui-si-sana. Iffokajt ħafna fuq l-iskemi tar-riċiklaġġ, it-tisbiħ tal-ispazji miftuħa, u infrastruttura li tkun aċċessibbli. Ħdimt ukoll biex isiru aktar attivitajiet kulturali u biex il-Kunsill juża enerġija nadifa. Sħaqt ukoll fuq is-serjetà fil-finanzi.
M’iniex se nkun l-uniku kandidat ta’ Alternattiva Demokratika fl-elezzjonijiet ta’ Marzu li ġej. AD se jkollha numru sabiħ ta’ kandidati f’numru ta’ lokalitajiet, li fost oħrajn jinkludu Ħ’Attard, fejn se jerġa’ joħroġ il-kunsillier Ralph Cassar, u oħrajn bħal San Ġiljan, il-Mosta, is-Swieqi, Ħal Qormi, San Pawl, il-Ġżira, u Ħal Balzan.
Kull lokalità għandha l-istorja u l-ħtiġijiet tagħha. Per eżempju, fil-Mosta, il-Kunsill Lokali preżenti hu iktar ikkaratterizzat minn ġlied intern milli li jieħu pożizzjoni ċara fuq kwistjonijiet importanti bħall-iżvilupp qerriedi f’Wied il-Għasel. Għal iktar tagħrif dwar dan l-iżvilupp, nistieden lill-qarrejja ta’ IL-ĠENSillum online sabiex jidħlu fis-sit http://www.it-tarka.com/ u jiffirmaw il-petizzjoni li s’issa ġabret eluf ta’ firem.
L-AD qed tisħaq li kunsilliera eletti f’isimha se jkollhom program ċar li jiffoka fuq aspetti soċjali, ambjentali u kulturali fost oħrajn. Se jisħqu għall-kultura, l-identità tal-lokal, u sens ta’ komunità; għal attivitajiet sportivi, mixi u saħħa u għal spazji pubbliċi li jibqgħu pubbliċi lil hinn minn żvilupp bla rażan. Se tingħata prijorità għal aċċess għas-servizzi minn persuni vulnerabbli u f’riskju ta’ faqar.
Kunsilliera ta’ AD se jagħtu prijorità għall-bżonn ta’ iktar ġonna pubbliċi attrezzati b’apparat modern u sigur; u għal aċċessibbilta sħiħa għal persuni b’diżabilità, anzjani, tfal, u ġenituri bi tfal żgħar.
F’dak li għandu x’jaqsam ma’ ġbir tal-iskart, Alternattiva Demokratika qed tisħaq li skemi u inizjattivi ta’ riċiklaġġ għandhom jiġu mifruxin fuq iktar oġġetti u materjal.
Kunsilliera eletti ta’ AD se jaħdmu wkoll għal toroq u bankini b’xogħol professjonali u mhux bl-addoċċ, u ser jaħdmu għal limitu ta' veloċità baxxa, bħal f’lokalitajiet oħra Ewropej, f'żoni residenzjali biex tiżdied is-sigurtà fit-toroq.
Sigurtà fit-toroq u infrastruttura aċċessibbli huma tassew kwistjonijiet importanti fil-ħajja ta’ kuljum tar-residenti. Per eżempju, ħafna mit-toroq u bankini f’Malta huma ta’ kwalità inferjuri, għad-detriment tal-persuni mexjin fit-triq, sewwieqa, persuni b’diżabilità, tfal u l-anzjani, ġenituri bil-pushchairs, u oħrajn.
Ġestjoni ħażina minn Transport Malta u bosta kunsilli qed tħalli kuntratturi tal-bini jagħmlu xogħol ta’ kwalità inferjuri, per eżempju billi jużaw materjal ħażin għall-kisi tat-toroq u bini ta’ bankini, u billi jitħallew jgħabbu t-trakkijiet b’piż żejjed li jagħmel ħsara kbira lit-toroq u l-bankini.
S’issa, Transport Malta għadha ma ppubblikatx il-lista ta’ kontravenzjonijiet kontra t-trakkijiet tat-tagħbija li qegħdin jagħmlu l-ħsara lit-toroq u l-bankini.
Hawn min jgħid li kunsilliera minn kwalunkwe partit jistgħu jaħdmu għall-ġid tal-lokalità tagħhom. M’għandix dubju dwar dan. Iżda fl-istess ħin, wieħed għandu jammetti wkoll li għall-kuntrarju ta’ partiti oħrajn, AD m’għandhiex obbligazzjonijiet ma’ interessi bħal żviluppaturi kbar.
Għalhekk, filwaqt li noffri l-isbaħ xewqat lill-kandidati kollha għall-elezzjonijiet ta’ Marzu li ġej, nawgura li AD ġġib riżultat tajjeb sabiex il-kunsilli jingħataw direzzjoni iktar ambjentali, soċjali u inklussiva.
Il-Gens Illum 4 ta'Frar 2012
http://www.il-gensillum.com/news.asp?newscat=10&news=13204
Wara li l-Kunsill Lokali ta’ Tas-Sliema ġie xolt, iddeċidejt li nerġa’ noħroġ għall-elezzjoni li se ssir f’Marzu 2012 f’din il-lokalità.
Jien kont nifforma parti minn dan il-Kunsill bejn l-2003 u l-2009, u ħdimt tajjeb ma’ kunsilliera oħra. B’ħafna insistenza, sħaqt li l-Kunsill idaħħal kultura ta’ konsultazzjoni mar-residenti u għall-ewwel darba, permezz ta’ proposti tiegħi, il-Kunsill beda jieħu pożizzjoni dwar żvilupp insostenibbli, u dan kemm-il darba sar b’suċċess.
Eżempji ta’ dan huma r-rebħiet kontra żvilupp fil-Pjazzetta, fix-Chalet u fil-ġnien ta’ Qui-si-sana. Iffokajt ħafna fuq l-iskemi tar-riċiklaġġ, it-tisbiħ tal-ispazji miftuħa, u infrastruttura li tkun aċċessibbli. Ħdimt ukoll biex isiru aktar attivitajiet kulturali u biex il-Kunsill juża enerġija nadifa. Sħaqt ukoll fuq is-serjetà fil-finanzi.
M’iniex se nkun l-uniku kandidat ta’ Alternattiva Demokratika fl-elezzjonijiet ta’ Marzu li ġej. AD se jkollha numru sabiħ ta’ kandidati f’numru ta’ lokalitajiet, li fost oħrajn jinkludu Ħ’Attard, fejn se jerġa’ joħroġ il-kunsillier Ralph Cassar, u oħrajn bħal San Ġiljan, il-Mosta, is-Swieqi, Ħal Qormi, San Pawl, il-Ġżira, u Ħal Balzan.
Kull lokalità għandha l-istorja u l-ħtiġijiet tagħha. Per eżempju, fil-Mosta, il-Kunsill Lokali preżenti hu iktar ikkaratterizzat minn ġlied intern milli li jieħu pożizzjoni ċara fuq kwistjonijiet importanti bħall-iżvilupp qerriedi f’Wied il-Għasel. Għal iktar tagħrif dwar dan l-iżvilupp, nistieden lill-qarrejja ta’ IL-ĠENSillum online sabiex jidħlu fis-sit http://www.it-tarka.com/ u jiffirmaw il-petizzjoni li s’issa ġabret eluf ta’ firem.
L-AD qed tisħaq li kunsilliera eletti f’isimha se jkollhom program ċar li jiffoka fuq aspetti soċjali, ambjentali u kulturali fost oħrajn. Se jisħqu għall-kultura, l-identità tal-lokal, u sens ta’ komunità; għal attivitajiet sportivi, mixi u saħħa u għal spazji pubbliċi li jibqgħu pubbliċi lil hinn minn żvilupp bla rażan. Se tingħata prijorità għal aċċess għas-servizzi minn persuni vulnerabbli u f’riskju ta’ faqar.
Kunsilliera ta’ AD se jagħtu prijorità għall-bżonn ta’ iktar ġonna pubbliċi attrezzati b’apparat modern u sigur; u għal aċċessibbilta sħiħa għal persuni b’diżabilità, anzjani, tfal, u ġenituri bi tfal żgħar.
F’dak li għandu x’jaqsam ma’ ġbir tal-iskart, Alternattiva Demokratika qed tisħaq li skemi u inizjattivi ta’ riċiklaġġ għandhom jiġu mifruxin fuq iktar oġġetti u materjal.
Kunsilliera eletti ta’ AD se jaħdmu wkoll għal toroq u bankini b’xogħol professjonali u mhux bl-addoċċ, u ser jaħdmu għal limitu ta' veloċità baxxa, bħal f’lokalitajiet oħra Ewropej, f'żoni residenzjali biex tiżdied is-sigurtà fit-toroq.
Sigurtà fit-toroq u infrastruttura aċċessibbli huma tassew kwistjonijiet importanti fil-ħajja ta’ kuljum tar-residenti. Per eżempju, ħafna mit-toroq u bankini f’Malta huma ta’ kwalità inferjuri, għad-detriment tal-persuni mexjin fit-triq, sewwieqa, persuni b’diżabilità, tfal u l-anzjani, ġenituri bil-pushchairs, u oħrajn.
Ġestjoni ħażina minn Transport Malta u bosta kunsilli qed tħalli kuntratturi tal-bini jagħmlu xogħol ta’ kwalità inferjuri, per eżempju billi jużaw materjal ħażin għall-kisi tat-toroq u bini ta’ bankini, u billi jitħallew jgħabbu t-trakkijiet b’piż żejjed li jagħmel ħsara kbira lit-toroq u l-bankini.
S’issa, Transport Malta għadha ma ppubblikatx il-lista ta’ kontravenzjonijiet kontra t-trakkijiet tat-tagħbija li qegħdin jagħmlu l-ħsara lit-toroq u l-bankini.
Hawn min jgħid li kunsilliera minn kwalunkwe partit jistgħu jaħdmu għall-ġid tal-lokalità tagħhom. M’għandix dubju dwar dan. Iżda fl-istess ħin, wieħed għandu jammetti wkoll li għall-kuntrarju ta’ partiti oħrajn, AD m’għandhiex obbligazzjonijiet ma’ interessi bħal żviluppaturi kbar.
Għalhekk, filwaqt li noffri l-isbaħ xewqat lill-kandidati kollha għall-elezzjonijiet ta’ Marzu li ġej, nawgura li AD ġġib riżultat tajjeb sabiex il-kunsilli jingħataw direzzjoni iktar ambjentali, soċjali u inklussiva.
Friday, February 03, 2012
The surreal election
Michael Briguglio
The Times, Friday, February 3, 2012
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20120203/opinion/The-surreal-
election.405073
The political situation has been described as being surreal by many of those active in the field. Indeed, we all seem to be going round in circles, yet, we all seem to know that an election will soon take place.
Last Thursday, when the parliamentary no-confidence vote took place, I experienced surrealism first hand. Driving on the way to the PBS studios, where I was invited to participate as chairman of Alternattiva Demokratika in a live TVAM debate with the Nationalist Party’s Paula Mifsud Bonnici and the Labour Party’s Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, I was hearing Joseph Muscat on the radio. Alone in my car, I knew that practically all Malta was hearing the same thing.
By 11.50 a.m. we were sitting down, all in anticipation of the 12 o’clock vote. Just as we all sensed an election round the corner, we all seemed to predict that Franco Debono would abstain and plunge the country into more political instability.
By five to noon, TVAM host Pierre Portelli was on air, warming up the audience for the vote. Suddenly… blackout! We were in pitch darkness. The paradox of being connected to all Malta, yet being isolated from everybody at the same time, returned. We were in pitch darkness as everyone, from those in the studio to those on Facebook, were asking what was happening. Anti-climax galore!
The solitary Dr Debono seemed to have done it again. He might have compared TVM to its counterpart in the 1980s for other reasons but there we were, subjected to a power cut, which was quite a common event back in the days of Dom Mintoff and Karmenu Mifsud Bonnici.
Someone then informed me that a contractor had hit a cable, thus causing the blackout on the radio and airwaves. A contractor! As if we needed reminding that the PNPL duopoly is subservient to the interests of the building industry, we now had a contractor who, single-handedly, like Dr Debono, put the country into a surreal situation.
Dr Debono was addressing the nation, alone, yet, hardly anyone could hear him now. But did it matter? Abstention was in the air.
After a while, electricity was restored and the TV debate commenced. Dr Zrinzo Azzopardi and myself agreed that an election was the only way out of the political crisis while Dr Mifsud Bonnici chose to focus on the priorities of the Nationalist government. This is the same tune that Lawrence Gonzi has been repeating for some days now.
The fact remains that, beyond economic growth and statistical wonders, a solitary member of Parliament has put the whole country hostage and keeps everyone guessing what his next move will be.
Fast forward some days and I was in Brussels for a working group meeting of the European Green Party. Technological wonders of the 21st century allowed me to follow the PN general conference.
Yet again, surrealism ruled the day. Practically all Maltese civil society – including The Times – save for the PN was arguing that an election should take place, yet Dr Gonzi announced that a leadership context would follow in the PN.
Don’t we all know the foregone conclusion? The PN leadership contest can be seen as a surreal spectacle in an attempt to make real electoral gains. The contest looks totally out of place, yet, in practice, it will give time to the PN to beef up its ranks, dish out favours and use its power of incumbency. In the process, it will hope to narrow the gap in electoral polls.
Labour’s mediocre campaign, lacking substance and style, keeps the Nationalists hoping.
Yet, the fact remains that no leadership contest will solve the political instability in the country. This instability risks acting like a snowball, causing economic instability. To date, Malta has managed to avoid the latter, notwithstanding the fact that the labour market is characterised by increased exploitation and precariousness and notwithstanding the fact that our economy is too reliant on unsustainable activities such as over-dependency on fossil fuels and on the building industry.
The political crisis only confirms that the two-party system is bankrupt. Malta remains the only country in Europe, from Germany to San Marino, with only two parties in Parliament.
The time has come to replace our fossilised electoral system, erstwhile designed to protect the interests of the PNPL duopoly, and to replace it with a system that guarantees pluralism.
This will then augur well for politics based on coalitions of parties and joint programmes based on key issues and policies and, thus, do away with coalitions of individuals in catch-all parties.
Perhaps the greatest surreal experience in this spectacle is the fact that both the PN and the PL want to retain the electoral system or distort it even further to keep others out. Yet, who knows, next time around there might be two, three, four Franco Debonos unless Malta truly adopts a European politics of coalitions.
The author, a sociologist, is chairman and spokesman for economy and finance, Alternattiva Demokratika – the green party.
The Times, Friday, February 3, 2012
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20120203/opinion/The-surreal-
election.405073
The political situation has been described as being surreal by many of those active in the field. Indeed, we all seem to be going round in circles, yet, we all seem to know that an election will soon take place.
Last Thursday, when the parliamentary no-confidence vote took place, I experienced surrealism first hand. Driving on the way to the PBS studios, where I was invited to participate as chairman of Alternattiva Demokratika in a live TVAM debate with the Nationalist Party’s Paula Mifsud Bonnici and the Labour Party’s Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, I was hearing Joseph Muscat on the radio. Alone in my car, I knew that practically all Malta was hearing the same thing.
By 11.50 a.m. we were sitting down, all in anticipation of the 12 o’clock vote. Just as we all sensed an election round the corner, we all seemed to predict that Franco Debono would abstain and plunge the country into more political instability.
By five to noon, TVAM host Pierre Portelli was on air, warming up the audience for the vote. Suddenly… blackout! We were in pitch darkness. The paradox of being connected to all Malta, yet being isolated from everybody at the same time, returned. We were in pitch darkness as everyone, from those in the studio to those on Facebook, were asking what was happening. Anti-climax galore!
The solitary Dr Debono seemed to have done it again. He might have compared TVM to its counterpart in the 1980s for other reasons but there we were, subjected to a power cut, which was quite a common event back in the days of Dom Mintoff and Karmenu Mifsud Bonnici.
Someone then informed me that a contractor had hit a cable, thus causing the blackout on the radio and airwaves. A contractor! As if we needed reminding that the PNPL duopoly is subservient to the interests of the building industry, we now had a contractor who, single-handedly, like Dr Debono, put the country into a surreal situation.
Dr Debono was addressing the nation, alone, yet, hardly anyone could hear him now. But did it matter? Abstention was in the air.
After a while, electricity was restored and the TV debate commenced. Dr Zrinzo Azzopardi and myself agreed that an election was the only way out of the political crisis while Dr Mifsud Bonnici chose to focus on the priorities of the Nationalist government. This is the same tune that Lawrence Gonzi has been repeating for some days now.
The fact remains that, beyond economic growth and statistical wonders, a solitary member of Parliament has put the whole country hostage and keeps everyone guessing what his next move will be.
Fast forward some days and I was in Brussels for a working group meeting of the European Green Party. Technological wonders of the 21st century allowed me to follow the PN general conference.
Yet again, surrealism ruled the day. Practically all Maltese civil society – including The Times – save for the PN was arguing that an election should take place, yet Dr Gonzi announced that a leadership context would follow in the PN.
Don’t we all know the foregone conclusion? The PN leadership contest can be seen as a surreal spectacle in an attempt to make real electoral gains. The contest looks totally out of place, yet, in practice, it will give time to the PN to beef up its ranks, dish out favours and use its power of incumbency. In the process, it will hope to narrow the gap in electoral polls.
Labour’s mediocre campaign, lacking substance and style, keeps the Nationalists hoping.
Yet, the fact remains that no leadership contest will solve the political instability in the country. This instability risks acting like a snowball, causing economic instability. To date, Malta has managed to avoid the latter, notwithstanding the fact that the labour market is characterised by increased exploitation and precariousness and notwithstanding the fact that our economy is too reliant on unsustainable activities such as over-dependency on fossil fuels and on the building industry.
The political crisis only confirms that the two-party system is bankrupt. Malta remains the only country in Europe, from Germany to San Marino, with only two parties in Parliament.
The time has come to replace our fossilised electoral system, erstwhile designed to protect the interests of the PNPL duopoly, and to replace it with a system that guarantees pluralism.
This will then augur well for politics based on coalitions of parties and joint programmes based on key issues and policies and, thus, do away with coalitions of individuals in catch-all parties.
Perhaps the greatest surreal experience in this spectacle is the fact that both the PN and the PL want to retain the electoral system or distort it even further to keep others out. Yet, who knows, next time around there might be two, three, four Franco Debonos unless Malta truly adopts a European politics of coalitions.
The author, a sociologist, is chairman and spokesman for economy and finance, Alternattiva Demokratika – the green party.
Thursday, February 02, 2012
Route 63 - Sliema Buses...
Michael Briguglio
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20120125/letters/Route-63-1-.403771
The Times, Wednesday 25th January 2012
I refer to Albert Borg’s letter (January 20). Mr Borg rightly complains about the fact that bus 63, which used to pass from Valletta through Dingli Street in Sliema, has been removed, meaning that persons who live in the area have to walk a long way when using the bus. This surely does not augur well for accessible public transport.
May I remind Mr Borg and other Sliema residents who are complaining on the matter that when I was Alternattiva Demokratika local councillor between 2003 and 2009 I constantly spoke about the need to retain this route and to reintroduce others, such as route 61 at the Ferries. I also spoke up when the local council was consulted by the Transport Authority on the public transport reform. My comments were endorsed by the Sliema local council of the time.
The Transport Authority does not seem to care about such matters. I wonder how many decision-makers in the authority use the bus.
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20120125/letters/Route-63-1-.403771
The Times, Wednesday 25th January 2012
I refer to Albert Borg’s letter (January 20). Mr Borg rightly complains about the fact that bus 63, which used to pass from Valletta through Dingli Street in Sliema, has been removed, meaning that persons who live in the area have to walk a long way when using the bus. This surely does not augur well for accessible public transport.
May I remind Mr Borg and other Sliema residents who are complaining on the matter that when I was Alternattiva Demokratika local councillor between 2003 and 2009 I constantly spoke about the need to retain this route and to reintroduce others, such as route 61 at the Ferries. I also spoke up when the local council was consulted by the Transport Authority on the public transport reform. My comments were endorsed by the Sliema local council of the time.
The Transport Authority does not seem to care about such matters. I wonder how many decision-makers in the authority use the bus.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Write to the US Ambassador to show solidarity with Leonard Peltier
Send to : usembmalta@state.gov
President Barack H. Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, DC 20500
Through His Excellency, Richard M. Mills, Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Mission to Malta
30th January 2012
Dear President Obama:
If you, as President, truly seek freedom and justice for all you must act to right the wrongs committed by our government in years gone by. Begin by granting Executive Clemency to Leonard Peltier.
Leonard Peltier, an innocent man, was convicted for the 1975 shooting deaths of two agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. U.S. prosecutors have repeatedly admitted that they did not and cannot prove Peltier's guilt and the appellate courts have cited numerous instances of investigative and prosecutorial misconduct in this case. As late as November 2003, the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals acknowledged that "…Much of the government’s behavior at the Pine Ridge Reservation and its prosecution of Leonard Peltier is to be condemned. The government withheld evidence. It intimidated witnesses. These facts are not disputed."
The courts claim they lack the power to right this wrong. But, as President, you can.
After careful consideration of the facts in Leonard Peltier's case, I have concluded that Leonard Peltier does not represent a risk to the public. First, Leonard Peltier has no prior convictions and has advocated for non-violence throughout his prison term. Furthermore, Leonard Peltier has been a model prisoner. He has received excellent evaluations from his work supervisors on a regular basis. He continues to mentor young Native prisoners, encouraging them to lead clean and sober lives. He has used his time productively, disciplining himself to be a talented painter and an expressive writer. Although Leonard Peltier maintains that he did not kill the agents, he has openly expressed remorse and sadness over their deaths.
Most admirably, Leonard Peltier contributes regular support to those in need. He donates his paintings to charities including battered women's shelters, half way houses, alcohol and drug treatment programs, and Native American scholarship funds. He also coordinates an annual gift drive for the children of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation—a successful program that, in 2006, expanded to include other reservations throughout the country.
A six-time Nobel nominee, Leonard Peltier is widely recognized in the human rights community for his good deeds and in turn has won several human rights awards including but not limited to the North Star Frederick Douglas Award; Federation of Labour (Ontario, Canada) Humanist of the Year Award; Human Rights Commission of Spain International Human Rights Prize; and 2004 Silver Arrow Award for Lifetime Achievement.
Leonard Peltier is over 67 years old and his health is deteriorating. He has suffered a stroke which left him partially blind in one eye. For many years, Peltier had a seriously debilitating jaw condition which left him unable to chew properly and caused consistent pain and headaches. Today, Leonard Peltier continues to suffer from diabetes, high blood pressure, and a heart condition, as well as emerging conditions. He risks blindness, kidney failure, stroke, and certainly premature death given his diet, living conditions, and health care.
Peltier has served his time. Even by the government's own definition, he has already been imprisoned for a lifetime. In that time, he has missed the simplest things of ordinary life—having dinner with friends, taking walks in the woods, gardening, children's laughter, dogs barking, the feel of rain on his face, the sound of birds singing... winter and summer and spring and fall. He has missed seeing his children and grandchildren grow up. They suffer, too. Leonard Peltier is now a great-grandfather. How many more generations must suffer this tragedy?
I say enough is enough, Mr. President. Do the right thing. Grant Executive Clemency to Leonard Peltier right away.
Thank you for giving fair consideration to Leonard Peltier.
Sincerely,
President Barack H. Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, DC 20500
Through His Excellency, Richard M. Mills, Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Mission to Malta
30th January 2012
Dear President Obama:
If you, as President, truly seek freedom and justice for all you must act to right the wrongs committed by our government in years gone by. Begin by granting Executive Clemency to Leonard Peltier.
Leonard Peltier, an innocent man, was convicted for the 1975 shooting deaths of two agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. U.S. prosecutors have repeatedly admitted that they did not and cannot prove Peltier's guilt and the appellate courts have cited numerous instances of investigative and prosecutorial misconduct in this case. As late as November 2003, the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals acknowledged that "…Much of the government’s behavior at the Pine Ridge Reservation and its prosecution of Leonard Peltier is to be condemned. The government withheld evidence. It intimidated witnesses. These facts are not disputed."
The courts claim they lack the power to right this wrong. But, as President, you can.
After careful consideration of the facts in Leonard Peltier's case, I have concluded that Leonard Peltier does not represent a risk to the public. First, Leonard Peltier has no prior convictions and has advocated for non-violence throughout his prison term. Furthermore, Leonard Peltier has been a model prisoner. He has received excellent evaluations from his work supervisors on a regular basis. He continues to mentor young Native prisoners, encouraging them to lead clean and sober lives. He has used his time productively, disciplining himself to be a talented painter and an expressive writer. Although Leonard Peltier maintains that he did not kill the agents, he has openly expressed remorse and sadness over their deaths.
Most admirably, Leonard Peltier contributes regular support to those in need. He donates his paintings to charities including battered women's shelters, half way houses, alcohol and drug treatment programs, and Native American scholarship funds. He also coordinates an annual gift drive for the children of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation—a successful program that, in 2006, expanded to include other reservations throughout the country.
A six-time Nobel nominee, Leonard Peltier is widely recognized in the human rights community for his good deeds and in turn has won several human rights awards including but not limited to the North Star Frederick Douglas Award; Federation of Labour (Ontario, Canada) Humanist of the Year Award; Human Rights Commission of Spain International Human Rights Prize; and 2004 Silver Arrow Award for Lifetime Achievement.
Leonard Peltier is over 67 years old and his health is deteriorating. He has suffered a stroke which left him partially blind in one eye. For many years, Peltier had a seriously debilitating jaw condition which left him unable to chew properly and caused consistent pain and headaches. Today, Leonard Peltier continues to suffer from diabetes, high blood pressure, and a heart condition, as well as emerging conditions. He risks blindness, kidney failure, stroke, and certainly premature death given his diet, living conditions, and health care.
Peltier has served his time. Even by the government's own definition, he has already been imprisoned for a lifetime. In that time, he has missed the simplest things of ordinary life—having dinner with friends, taking walks in the woods, gardening, children's laughter, dogs barking, the feel of rain on his face, the sound of birds singing... winter and summer and spring and fall. He has missed seeing his children and grandchildren grow up. They suffer, too. Leonard Peltier is now a great-grandfather. How many more generations must suffer this tragedy?
I say enough is enough, Mr. President. Do the right thing. Grant Executive Clemency to Leonard Peltier right away.
Thank you for giving fair consideration to Leonard Peltier.
Sincerely,
Monday, January 30, 2012
International Day of Solidarity with Leonard Peltier
The Courts may not be able to act but Barack Obama, as President,
can. Please join with us to free an innocent man. On February 4,
2012, tell Obama to grant clemency to Leonard Peltier.
Take a few minutes out of your busy day to write to the President,
too:
President Barack H. Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20500
Fax: 202-456-2461
E-Mail: http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/submit-questions-and-comments
For guidance in writing to the President in favor of clemency,
see http://www.whoisleonardpeltier.info/clemency.htm
DONATE TO THE LEGAL TEAM
http://www.whoisleonardeltier.info/donate.htm
Thank you for all you do on behalf of Leonard Peltier.
-------
Background: Native American activist Leonard Peltier was wrongfully
convicted in connection with the deaths of two agents of the Federal
Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Despite the courts' acknowledgment
of FBI and prosecutorial misconduct in the case, Peltier has been
imprisoned since 1976, currently at the U.S. Penitentiary at Coleman,
Florida.
The evidence shows that the FBI was the aggressor in the firefight
that occurred on June 26, 1975. From 1973 to 1976, Indigenous
People on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota were
victims of beatings, drive-by shootings, and stabbings carried out
by local vigilantes who collaborated with the FBI. Peltier and
other Indigenous activists were forced into a defensive posture
to protect not only their lives, but the lives of others who
were present-elders, women, and children. Indeed, Mr. Peltier's
co-defendants, tried separately, were acquitted on grounds of
self-defense.
The evidence also clearly shows that the U.S. government's goal
was to orchestrate Mr. Peltier's conviction by any means-including
falsifying extradition documents and intentionally committing fraud
on a Canadian court, as well as suppressing evidence of Mr. Peltier's
innocence during his trial. By the government's own admission,
the critical part of the prosecution's case against Mr. Peltier
was the ballistics testimony which, years after his conviction,
was discovered to be false.
You can help to free an innocent man. Learn more about the Peltier
case at www.whoisleonardpeltier.info.
Lauched into cyberspace by the
Leonard Peltier Defense Offense Committee
PO Box 7488, Fargo, ND 58106
http://www.whoisleonardpeltier.info
--
Native American activist Leonard Peltier was wrongfully convicted in
connection with the deaths of two agents of the Federal Bureau of
Investigation (FBI). Despite the courts' acknowledgment of FBI and
prosecutorial misconduct in the case, Peltier has been imprisoned
since 1976, currently at the U.S. Penitentiary at Coleman, Florida.
Help us free an innocent man. Make your $15, $30, or $50 donation
today.
Legal Strategies-The legal team continues to address issues
surrounding parole; a transfer so that Leonard can be closer to
home and family, as well as have access to quality health care;
Executive Clemency; Leonard's conditions of confinement; etc. We
welcome the support of and active participation by the National
Congress of American Indians and several interested Nations who,
with the attorneys and the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians,
are developing strategies and advancing the work towards Leonard's
freedom. Several high-level meetings (some with Administration
officials) are expected to occur in Washington, DC, in early
2012. Our activities will continue to involve work with the
United Nations, as well. Frequent meetings between Leonard and
his attorneys at USP-Coleman in Florida also will be necessary.
Travel expenses, in particular, are expected to be a significant
part of our budget for 2012. Please help.
Lobbying the U.S. Congress-As has been done in the past, we're
busy lobbying senators and other Members of Congress to gain their
support for Leonard's freedom, as well as for hearings on the "Reign
of Terror" and other issues related to the Peltier case. To date,
this activity has been focused on mail and fax communications. To
enhance our effectiveness, a lobbying trip to Capitol Hill and
face-to-face meetings with congressional leaders is planned. You
can make this happen.
Outreach and Public Education-We continue to reach out to luminaries
and activist organizations to galvanize support for Leonard's
freedom. We've recently received the support of the largest
labor union in Canada, as well as resolutions passed at various
Occupy Movement sites. In addition, we're conducting outreach to
U.S. colleges and universities to educate the students about the
Indigenous Rights movement and Leonard Peltier's case. Demonstrations
are planned worldwide on the International Day of Solidarity
with Leonard Peltier on 04 February 2012, too. Participate as
you can. These and more activities will be the highlights of 2012.
Please support these efforts.
We accept checks and money orders made payable to the LPDOC. Please
send your donation to LPDOC, PO Box 7488, Fargo, ND 58106. If you
prefer, you may make a secure donation via credit card by visiting
our Web site at
www.whoisleonardpeltier.info/index1.htm.
Point to and click on the Donate button at the top of our home
page. You also may pledge to make a monthly, quarterly, or annual
donation in the amount you choose at
http://www.whoisleonardeltier.info/donate.htm.
Thank you.
can. Please join with us to free an innocent man. On February 4,
2012, tell Obama to grant clemency to Leonard Peltier.
Take a few minutes out of your busy day to write to the President,
too:
President Barack H. Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20500
Fax: 202-456-2461
E-Mail: http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/submit-questions-and-comments
For guidance in writing to the President in favor of clemency,
see http://www.whoisleonardpeltier.info/clemency.htm
DONATE TO THE LEGAL TEAM
http://www.whoisleonardeltier.info/donate.htm
Thank you for all you do on behalf of Leonard Peltier.
-------
Background: Native American activist Leonard Peltier was wrongfully
convicted in connection with the deaths of two agents of the Federal
Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Despite the courts' acknowledgment
of FBI and prosecutorial misconduct in the case, Peltier has been
imprisoned since 1976, currently at the U.S. Penitentiary at Coleman,
Florida.
The evidence shows that the FBI was the aggressor in the firefight
that occurred on June 26, 1975. From 1973 to 1976, Indigenous
People on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota were
victims of beatings, drive-by shootings, and stabbings carried out
by local vigilantes who collaborated with the FBI. Peltier and
other Indigenous activists were forced into a defensive posture
to protect not only their lives, but the lives of others who
were present-elders, women, and children. Indeed, Mr. Peltier's
co-defendants, tried separately, were acquitted on grounds of
self-defense.
The evidence also clearly shows that the U.S. government's goal
was to orchestrate Mr. Peltier's conviction by any means-including
falsifying extradition documents and intentionally committing fraud
on a Canadian court, as well as suppressing evidence of Mr. Peltier's
innocence during his trial. By the government's own admission,
the critical part of the prosecution's case against Mr. Peltier
was the ballistics testimony which, years after his conviction,
was discovered to be false.
You can help to free an innocent man. Learn more about the Peltier
case at www.whoisleonardpeltier.info.
Lauched into cyberspace by the
Leonard Peltier Defense Offense Committee
PO Box 7488, Fargo, ND 58106
http://www.whoisleonardpeltier.info
--
Native American activist Leonard Peltier was wrongfully convicted in
connection with the deaths of two agents of the Federal Bureau of
Investigation (FBI). Despite the courts' acknowledgment of FBI and
prosecutorial misconduct in the case, Peltier has been imprisoned
since 1976, currently at the U.S. Penitentiary at Coleman, Florida.
Help us free an innocent man. Make your $15, $30, or $50 donation
today.
Legal Strategies-The legal team continues to address issues
surrounding parole; a transfer so that Leonard can be closer to
home and family, as well as have access to quality health care;
Executive Clemency; Leonard's conditions of confinement; etc. We
welcome the support of and active participation by the National
Congress of American Indians and several interested Nations who,
with the attorneys and the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians,
are developing strategies and advancing the work towards Leonard's
freedom. Several high-level meetings (some with Administration
officials) are expected to occur in Washington, DC, in early
2012. Our activities will continue to involve work with the
United Nations, as well. Frequent meetings between Leonard and
his attorneys at USP-Coleman in Florida also will be necessary.
Travel expenses, in particular, are expected to be a significant
part of our budget for 2012. Please help.
Lobbying the U.S. Congress-As has been done in the past, we're
busy lobbying senators and other Members of Congress to gain their
support for Leonard's freedom, as well as for hearings on the "Reign
of Terror" and other issues related to the Peltier case. To date,
this activity has been focused on mail and fax communications. To
enhance our effectiveness, a lobbying trip to Capitol Hill and
face-to-face meetings with congressional leaders is planned. You
can make this happen.
Outreach and Public Education-We continue to reach out to luminaries
and activist organizations to galvanize support for Leonard's
freedom. We've recently received the support of the largest
labor union in Canada, as well as resolutions passed at various
Occupy Movement sites. In addition, we're conducting outreach to
U.S. colleges and universities to educate the students about the
Indigenous Rights movement and Leonard Peltier's case. Demonstrations
are planned worldwide on the International Day of Solidarity
with Leonard Peltier on 04 February 2012, too. Participate as
you can. These and more activities will be the highlights of 2012.
Please support these efforts.
We accept checks and money orders made payable to the LPDOC. Please
send your donation to LPDOC, PO Box 7488, Fargo, ND 58106. If you
prefer, you may make a secure donation via credit card by visiting
our Web site at
www.whoisleonardpeltier.info/index1.htm.
Point to and click on the Donate button at the top of our home
page. You also may pledge to make a monthly, quarterly, or annual
donation in the amount you choose at
http://www.whoisleonardeltier.info/donate.htm.
Thank you.
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