Peaceful co-existence with hunters

I thank Mark Mifsud Bonnici for his reply, and take his comments on board (Shooting In Malta and Britain, March 20). However, there are a couple of points which I wish to clarify.

I am sorry that Mr Mifsud Bonnici sees me as an Imperialist come to teach the 'natives' how to live their lives, as nothing could be further from the truth.

I do not compare the UK with Malta and would not wish to but using the island's small size is no excuse for not keeping up with the modern world. I believe that I am integrating fairly well into Maltese society, If I had wanted a "little England in the sun" I would have chosen to live in Spain. It is Mr Mifsud Bonnici who seems to have trouble understanding that as the world progresses, so do we all, otherwise he would dress in animal skin, live in a cave and kill his birds with a slingshot and arrows.

I am neither pro nor anti hunting, but believe that the majority of Maltese who prefer to walk in their own (albeit small) countryside are starting to find their voice after generations of keeping silent through fear of reprisals from the hunting sector.

I cannot be blamed if the hunting clubs are unable to regulate their own members. I am pleased to state that only last year, while on a walk, a hunter wished me bonġu and lowered his rifle until I was a safe distance past before resuming his shooting. Simple acts like that go a long way to do credit to the hunting community and should be encouraged so that we may all live peacefully together. It is the peaceful co-existence between us all that I advocate, and that too should be the aim of people such as Mr Mifsud Bonnici.

Finally, regarding the alleged driver stopping in the road to shoot a protected bird I have to state that I am less concerned as to why he stopped, than the fact that he stopped at all (other than in an emergency). Such a stupid and irresponsible act could easily have caused a collision or accident from other drivers taking evasive action and causing an accident which could have resulted in serious injury or worse to innocent drivers. As I see it, the law should bring charges, at the very least, of shooting at a protected bird, wilful negligence and dangerous driving.

So, come on Mr Mifsud Bonnici, how about a little bit of compromise, so that we can all share and enjoy the little countryside there is ?