Birds' revenue potential

I have visited Malta every year for the past 21 years and decided to purchase a property here so that on semi-retirement I could spend months here rather than weeks.

Every day I buy The Times, which I find most interesting, and nearly every day there is an article or letter about the shooting of birds, destruction of trees and litter. It is difficult for me to understand why the government doesn't get to grips with these issues.

I know there have been improvements around the island i.e. various stretches of main road completely cleared of wayside rubbish and buildings and gardens in Valletta scrubbed up and I realise that it is a task when an uncaring minority of people could not give a hoot. These people should be brought to court more often and fined heavily.

I have asked several Maltese people about these matters and they have all said that the government doesn't want to upset the hunters because of their votes. Well, if that is the case it's about time they realised that their most important asset - the tourists - are voting with their feet and not returning. Do what many people are suggesting: employ and train green wardens to patrol the areas where the birds are being shot and rubbish dumped and educate the masses to report when these things happen.

Offer an incentive to the "hunters" to open up their shooting posts to bird watchers and instead of guns let them bring their cameras. I am sure that if Malta became known as a haven for bird watchers instead of hell for birds then revenue would be created. Stop pussyfooting around with law breakers. Malta is a jewel steeped in history with loads to offer to historians, divers, sailors, bird enthusiasts. Call time up for the environmental law breakers