Updated: Hunters 'deeply disappointed' by PM's decision

Kenneth Cassar

Apr 3rd 2009, 17:06

@ Anthony Formosa:

Sorry for my late reply.

"Do you know why MEPA never took a stand to distribute RTO signs to land owners? because the only place left will be a few sq/mtrs in Ta Qali which is also shrinking day by day".

I see. So is most of our countryside already taken by hunters? I ask because I was only speaking about RTO signs. Property developers do not put RTO signs.

By the way, forefathers are dead (that's what makes them forefathers), so the ALE can't run after them.

James Baker

Mar 31st 2009, 00:06

Malta is an important place for Europe's common natural heritage. Every European citizen must live by European and National law. Don't get side-tracked in the debate. Illegal shooting and trapping is illegal. Illegal shooting and trapping is damaging to Malta's countryside, Malta's environement, Malta's reputation and to European populations of birds.
Malta's future must be bright. Stop illegal shooting and trapping.

Judith Schembri

Mar 30th 2009, 15:12

Well after all the hassle below. How is that at 3.09pm from Marsa (my place of work) I can hear gunshots or rifleshots or whatever? Can someone pls do something to stop these?

Joe Xuereb

Mar 27th 2009, 06:43

@ Jeremy Camilleri. In suggesting that cruising in the woods, it was just that. A suggestion. Nothing compulsory. Merely suggesting how to stop fidgeting having had to relinquish one sport. To be replaced by another. I was being helpful. I could as well have suggested ten-pin bowling. Again, not compulsory. Like advice, one can give it but one can not enforce it. So, if ten-pin bowling had been my suggestion, I would have stood to gain if you accepted. We could have played a round. If you didn't, then I would have had to play with any of thousands of enthusiasts. So disappointment does not come into it. Cruising is of course somewhat different. As always, not compulsory. If one chooses to cruise, one stands to gain. It is a solo activity that benefits, or damns, the cruiser. So where does disappointment come in? If anything, it is better for me that you do desist. It leaves me freer to operate with less competition. Nobody likes it when it rains on their parade.
The bottom line is, it i's not compulsory. If you're not naturally inclined, leave it well alone. Playing with fire and all that comes to mind.

Joe Xuereb

Mar 26th 2009, 21:19

@ Camilleri. Birds (of any sort) play no part in my life. So anything to do with birds prior to these posts I would not have known about and much less remember. I recommended cruising with the implication that one could handle. Like all sports, it has an element of risk. But this one at least has a human element to it. Unlike the massacre of birds.
What I aspired to I achieved years ago. You concern yourself with your aspirations. I hope this Spring hunting nonsense will be revoked for your sake. If not, you can use the money you save to go on a cruise of your choice. I cannot be fairer than this.

Jeremy J Camilleri

Mar 24th 2009, 15:43

Joe Xuereb, I hate mangled carcasses as well...Hate them enough to refrain from feasting on them.

Mangled birds are just as sad as a slaughtered lamb adorning your dinner table you see....

I can also proudly say that I even harboured the same opinion regarding your mangled bloody carcasses raining down from the heavens way back in Spring 2002....even before that....when our own Zeus was guaranteeing continued massacres.,,,Remember?

As for Slvan glades and the like...Whilst I have no doubt that you are aspiring to be Malta's own Pan....your cruising doesn't really interest me...Hope that doesn't disappoint you too much

Alexander Laurence

Mar 24th 2009, 15:39

Stand firm Dr.Gonzi ! Stand Firm....good job.

A great many of the people in Malta DO NOT want hunting. We have rights too you know.

HUNTING IS TO BE OUSTED!

Joe Xuereb

Mar 22nd 2009, 16:01

@ Jeremy, in my neck of the woods (to use a clicke), my sylvan (or silvan) glades (quick, where's the dictionary) as I prefer to call them are indeed dark and gloomy, depending on the time of day, the season, etc. The are also deathly quiet. When the sun comes up, I do not see lead pellets, bloodied feathers and mangled carcasses. So when I say, deathly silence, deathly as massacred birds is not what I am thinking of. Whereas silence - as in no gunshot wounds that wake the dead. See. We have come full circle.

If you go down to the woods today
There won't be a bird's demise.....

Just a little ditty with a variation (yours truly's of course).

PS. I love cruising in woods. Dark and gloomy is ideal għax ikun hemm is-satra u l-wens. Everybody should try it at least once.

Jeremy J Camilleri

Mar 22nd 2009, 10:36

DOn't know about going down to the woods.,

It seems that down your end, the woods are rather dark and gloomy....

People there only see vague shadows , if what you're saying is anything to go by.

Joe Xuereb

Mar 21st 2009, 23:38

It seems there are people who are prepared to vote in a Party that promises to allow them to massacre birds, etc. Irrelevant of any other issues there may be. Not very mature politically. But that is addiction for you.

If you go down to the woods to-day
You're in for a big surprise.........

Just a little ditty.

Jeremy J Camilleri

Mar 21st 2009, 19:02

J Borg, Of course not!!!!! However, it is time for the political parties to realise that enough is enough, and they should stop treating everyone like fools.

As for the Armier Squatters, they are still there are they not, so it does seem like ONE political promise is being kept!

As for your second paragraph, I totally agree, however I was one of the few who wrote publicly against the promise being made by the Government way back in 2002. I wonder where the others writing comments were saying then!!!

As for Joe Xuereb, once again a brilliant way to rebut a comment.

Technical, analytical and knowledgable as always!!!

Does it ever get dark in the woods?...

Alex Ellul

Mar 21st 2009, 14:28

Lie or not, the most important thing is not what the government wants, nor is it what I wish or any single person wishes, but what the majority declares. I am pretty sure that the majority are for a closed Spring season, maybe even no hunting whatsover. If there are 10,000 hunters and another 30,000 close relatives, there are 300,000 citizens who are not hunters, don't care abut the blood sport, or they are flatly against the 'sport'.

The vote for EU memebership was one in favour of a package. Without it we would be in an economic disaster. Those who would have preferred otherwise may still not realise this, but our future is more important then 28 grams of lead.

J. Borg

Mar 21st 2009, 13:08

@ J.J. Camilleri

So you would support the Armier squatters as well by your same trail of thought?

Hunters can continue pursuing legal action against the Nationalist Party - however they have to admit that other organisations, including AD had at once exposed the inconsistencies of the PN government promises - however hunters chose to hear what they wanted.

Ultimately, an activity that entails having the countryside taken over by thugs brandishing & using shotguns - even in Spring - can never be justified - nomatter what any political party is induced to promise any lobby who have been having their way for decades.

Joe Xuereb

Mar 21st 2009, 11:21

@ Jeremy Camilleri. We are missing the woods for the trees? Coming from you that is truly amazing.

Jeremy J Camilleri

Mar 21st 2009, 11:07

It seems that everyone is missing the wood for the trees,

A spring without hunting is a dream come true. Agreed.

The crux of the argument is, where were all of you when the Government was uttering promises about keeping spring hunting because it was a tradition?

Where you extolling the joys of a hunter less spring then?

Hunters and trappers are citizens to, and the Government, NO MATTER which party, had no right to treat them the way they did.

Alex Ellul

Mar 20th 2009, 22:49

A spring without bangs at 5 in the morning or whatever time that would be, and without illegal bird killing may not be heaven on earth, but its nearly so. Heaven on earth would be.....

Jos Vella

Mar 20th 2009, 19:48

shoot at clay pigeon, why kill a bird? if the answer is to feed the family then a word of advice..go buy a few Quails (summien) from a shop and eat them..you'll save some money cause i believe that cartidges cost more. so your families will be better off. with the rate the countryside is shrinking in malta I agree with the PM.

DVella

Mar 20th 2009, 17:31

Disappointed . . . . Oh dear . . . my heart bleeds for them . . . I shall not sleep at night!!

Joe Xuereb

Mar 20th 2009, 15:34

@ Darmanin. In commenting about insecure women (and men incidentally), it was a general, very valid remark. Valid because commonsensical. I do that and coffee. To take it personally was your choice. If it did not apply, congratulations. As for me, of all people(?), talking about relationships,....oh dear! Maybe I know something you don't know. Just a thought. But you can sleep easy because at the end of the day, what you are about is something I don't care for given the circumstances. And may I say, I am a lateral thinker (as in using my head) so I have no problem diverting from a given topic to all kinds of matters, even though these may appear disconnected to the tunnel-visioned. Now where were we? I yes, the massacre of birds. What a bore. Life is more, much more than birds, whether for preservaton or for the pot. Sorry if I struck a nerve Mrs. it was not meant for you to take personally. And doing so was your responsibility. Not mine for sure.

rocco.camilleri

Mar 20th 2009, 09:50

I feel that the issue of legally birds hunting was not tackled correctly in the case of the Maltese hunters. Malta is a small island and we have no other things to hunt as in other large places. As in the case of fish farming one is harvesting to kill for food, and this argument should work as well as for the legal birds to hunt. Since one is killing to use for consumption there is nothing wrong, as this is done in fruits, animals, fish etc; Thus this problem should be tackled seriously and with sense. May be one consider to incubate bird eggs to have a large number of species to shoot on.

Jeremy J Camilleri

Mar 20th 2009, 09:18

M Catania once again puts his foot in it.

For one Dear M Catania, whilst true that the removal of VAT was a total mess, this mess was construed to keep a promise. SImple is it not?

Rather different than this issue would you not agree.

Of course, It is really no use asking you what you think about THIS broken promise....

joe formosa

Mar 20th 2009, 09:11

I am neither a pro-hunter nor a pro-bird trapper. However, I would like to suggest some lateral thinking to all bird trappers to convince the competent authorities to open the trapping season.

The solution is very simple. The bird trappers have to lobby to convince the Maltese authorities that bird migration (that is, birds reaching our shores) is illegal. Once the authorities are convinced about this, they will definetely allow bird trapping. Why? Illegal immigrants could very easily tell you why.

MARK MIFSUD BONNICI

Mar 19th 2009, 21:28

Cont/..

Mr. Matthews

Hunters have proposed the use of funds from licensing for the setting up of a hunting warden unit well over a year ago. But no reply was ever given.

Birdlife is organizing Bird watch camps with the sole purpose of accentuating any illegality, this is the only way they could fault Malta's right to derogate. The police allocated for the purpose of control are few but enough to exonerate government from guilt in the public eye. Government's failure to take on the hunters suggestion and increase enforcement can only be intentional.

Both political parties would rather see spring hunting out but would rather wait for the EU to do this for them.

A truly pathetic situation if ever there was one.

Thank you for your interest in our plight. Hope you enjoy your shooting, at least that's one thing this Government's done right.

MARK MIFSUD BONNICI

Mar 19th 2009, 21:13

Mr. Matthews
No harm meant. Just to let you know. I firmly believe that both main political parties have agreed to follow the same course of action. This was confirmed by our PrimeMinister in a recent TV discussion programme.

This leaves hunters no other option but to await their destiny at the ECJ. This too has been prejudiced by Stavros Dimas.

Malta is derogating from the birds directive and has a very solid reason for doing so. I can assure you that dove hunting in autumn is hopeless, The only chance of bagging 10/15 doves is during the spring season (approx 40 days.)

The derogation allows hunting in small numbers under strictly controlled conditions. We definitely qualify for small numbers, As for strictly controlled conditions, apart from illegal hunting being not what Birdlfie portray, our Government is so serious about control that recent news items might help you get an idea.

The transport of ground water is illegal, after years of scores of 40ft bowsers roaming our roads, two months ago Government decide to legalize them. This indifference also applies to Gaming halls, 100 halls operating for a year are all unlicensed!!!

Cont/...

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

Mar 19th 2009, 21:03

Mr J Xuereb, it seems you are enjoying omitting part of my name. Enjoy your childish manners!!

I just cannot comprehend how you of all people deem it fit to give lessons on marital respect, love and happiness! I have been happily married for the past 25 years and I believe I have a bit of knowledge about good marital relationships!

Sir, if I remember correctly we are discussing Spring Hunting, and if you are unable to stick to the subject or you are out of ideas, it would be better to refrain from commenting!!

Jeremy J Camilleri

Mar 19th 2009, 20:23

Dear Marco Catania..

In 1996, the VAT issue was a mess.However, it was not a broken promise.

Actually, a mess was made in trying to adher to a senseless promise.

You might note that on this issue I have no qualms in criticising the Pl.....

Thats the difference between you and I I'm afraid....

Now lets hear you tell us what you think about broken promises made by the Pn in relation to THIS article.....

peter azzopardi

Mar 19th 2009, 19:32

Dear hunters you are reaping what you sowed !!!!!!!

a attard

Mar 19th 2009, 19:17

Oh, there's music in the valley
And there's music on the hills
As the birds are warbling greetings
To the spring that's come again.

All their piping is so merry
That the countryside seems to ring,
With the praises of the birdsongs
For the coming of the spring.
Join the joyous country chorus
And raise high your voice in cheer,
Join the birdsongs in thanksgiving
For the springtime of the year!

B Roberts

V.Micallef

Mar 19th 2009, 19:14

@Kaydee Zammit

I'll hand you the 100 euro the moment I get that car registration fee illegally taken from me by 'you know who'. In the meantime I can mail you the rest of that (in)famous letter issued from "Berga ta' Kastilja, Pjazza Kastilja, Valletta less than six years ago. I have since given up my leisure pursuit and am now thinking of giving up even my car. I am also toying with the idea of joining the Ramblers Association, or at least hitch hike on Lino Bugeja's car while he follows his younger colleagues on their endless trek. At the moment he must be rejoicing that the FKNK have been let down by those who promised them a rose garden (without an RTO notice).

Matthew Borg Cardona

Mar 19th 2009, 19:10

My two cents' worth? Here goes ...

There is never enough enforcement to curb the illegal hunting that is practiced by a few irresponsible hunters. This is why hunting in spring cannot be allowed. This is very unfortunate because I see absolutely nothing wrong with hunting quail and dove for the cooking pot. I'd love to try it myself as much as I love eating quail.

Ideally, the country would have enough funds to beef up the police's ALE section, open the hunting season and then vigorously enforce the law. The general public and law-abiding hunters could help the ALE by reporting those that break the law.

The questionable thing about all this is the fact that I distinctly remember a clear pre-accession promise regarding hunting: the promise was that hunting would be allowed after joining the EU. The promise seems to have been taken back and it seems that this is because of the illegal hunting that occurs.

With goodwill all round I think that one day controlled quail/dove hunting should be re-allowed and will prove to be a nice sustainable hobby just like fishing for Lampuki.

John Matthews

Mar 19th 2009, 17:38

Dear MM Bonnici. I am definitely not naive. My statement reads "the Hunter/Trappers have been betrayed. Please don't allow your government to take away your shooting sports as they have done in the UK. My shooting sport was pistol shooting (which you can do in Malta). After the Dunblane tragedy and hence the Cullen report which cost the UK tax payer millions, the government ignored the report and took away pistol shooting from the UK. The UK government then bid to host the 2012 Olympic games (of which pistol shooting is part of). This is what I call REAL hypocracy. I still don't know a British politician that I can trust.. It appears politicians are out to ""Feather"" their own nest.

C.Zammit

Mar 19th 2009, 16:37

Keep banning the hunting seasons so one day we could re see nice birds in the sky. Sory for those who like to hunt but I am against you.

n xuereb

Mar 19th 2009, 14:28

@ j portelli. The environment is for those who own it. Pathways and public gardens are for those who do not.

Paul Borg

Mar 19th 2009, 14:17

Sejjer nivvota bil-QALB, in forthcoming EU election.

Kaydee Zammit

Mar 19th 2009, 14:06

@ V Micallef
I remember. Will you mail me the 100 euros now or later?

Albert gauci Cunningham

Mar 19th 2009, 13:27

M.Callus ----since you must perceive yourself to be the oracle of objectivity and since I seem to have become one of your big chips on your shoulders you might want to read your own comments to learn that apart from being far from objective they are also generally out of point!! What do your comments about farmers finding crops trampled upon have anything to do with my point?? My point was and still is that if Dr.Gonzi promised something he should see that the promise is actuated and if there are court cases that might hinder this promise from being implemented then the PM should be honset enough to tell the maltese the truth i.e that he is no anti-hunting politician as in the ECJ his government is ""defending"" spring hunting!!!! (speaking of opportunism!!!) And yes my last point was that though I am not the little bit interested about what eventually happens to hunting I am neither the least surprised to see Gonzi emerge as a 'promise-breaker" once again. Don't take my word for it M.Callus!! Ask the people in the streets and let them be your answer!!!

J. Borg

Mar 19th 2009, 12:08

@ MMB

You must decide dear whether you want political parties to
- be truthful with you about their policies, even when these do not fall in line with what you wish
- take you for a ride, to have your vote, because you have been holding the vote carrot to have your way for donkey’s years.

No rocket science…..there again I invite you and your fraternity to stand to be counted and contest the MEP elections and gauge whether you garner more votes than AD.
But it seems that without shotgun in hand the courage to enter the fray (rather than playing the spoilt child) seems lacking in the “socio-cultural traditional” hunting fraternity!

Joe Xuereb

Mar 19th 2009, 11:49

What has all this got to do with the massacre of birds.
@ Cardona. If you end up with dead birds hugging your boots, that to me is massacre. You can, euphemistically, call it what you like. As for taking a cheap sideways swipe at my homosexuality with your 'pink camo - I presume you mean camouflage - I do not need a camouflage of any colour. I am secure and proud of who I am in spite of 'tough guy' fantasists like yourself. Camouflage is for you. Not for this one.
@ Darmanin. I couldn't have put it better myself. But allow me (to repeat) - I know women who are insecure in their relationships with men so they tend to go for a man with an addictive personality. The rationale being 'that at least they know where he is'. When these relationships flounder - even an insecure can only take so much of playing second in command to the bottle, feathered birds, gambling, and so on. Problem is, unless they recognise their insecurity and deal with it, they tend to repeat the same wrong choice of man. Ad infinitum. Other comments are childlike. So I won't go there.

MARK MIFSUD BONNICI

Mar 19th 2009, 10:52

it was only AD who spelt it out accurately and truthfully to hunters & trappers - and yet again the Greens have been proved right. DO YOU EXPECT AN APPLAUSE?

[email protected]" target="_blank">http://www.europeangreens.org/cms/default/dokbin/173/[email protected]

EuropeanGreenParty
6th COUNCIL MEETING
Berlin, 16-18 March 2007
Adopted resolution
On Spring Hunting in Malta
The European Green Party meeting in Berlin welcomes the resolution voted in the European
Parliament which calls on the EU commission to enforce the ban on spring hunting in Malta.
The positive outcome of the resolution is the result of the constant and continuous hard work ofAlternattivaDemokratika. who, ever since 1990, has been constantly
working on this issue, in collaboration with the Green Group in the EP, with national Green Parties in Europe and various NGOs in Europe and in Malta.

"THEY NOT ONLY SPELT IT OUT THRUTHFULLY" THEY WORKED WHOLEHEARTEDLY TO ERADICATE IT!

INDEED THE CONSPIRACY COULDN'T BE CLEARER
"working on this issue, in collaboration with the Green Group in the EP, with national Green Parties in Europe and various NGOs in Europe and in Malta."

AD, BIRDLIFE, RSPB, CABS AND FRIENDS ALL CONNIVING TO KEEP OUR DEAR J.BORG HAPPY!!

HOW VERY APPROPRIATE.

d.attard

Mar 19th 2009, 09:13

@M Callus

You may not see anything new in Albert's contribution, but surely you must see something very relevant.

Have election campaigns become a 'say yes to everyone' rush to earn votes and power, only to go back to comfy surroundings and to hell with what had been said a few weeks before?

Well, the answer is only too obvious and as one contributor says...once bitten shame on you, twice bitten shame on me...

Has the maxim 'my word is my bond' become 'my word is my con?

J. Portelli

Mar 19th 2009, 09:11

After raping our enviornment for years, finally Gonzi PN doing some good for our enviornment !!!!

J. Borg

Mar 19th 2009, 08:42

there's a difference between being deceived because you don't have other guidance, and
letting yourself being mislead because you want to hear what suits you.

the PN, EFA, Busuttil & MIC have been quoted whilst the MLP as usual set on the fence.

it was only AD (the Greens) who spelt it out accurately and truthfully to hunters & trappers - and yet again the Greens have been proved right.

if the hunting fraternity & their leaders tuned their ears only on what they wanted others to tell them - then they cannot play the victims now.

David Borg Cardona

Mar 19th 2009, 07:20

@ Joe Xuereb..

So we common pro hunting mortals are to be considered lucky that we are off the hook right ? I wonder what kind of inqusition/punishment you had in store for us ? U hallina Joe...

Would we all not be better off if you could spare us certain comments from your armchair in the UK. After all you chose to emigrate to a country where hunting and abuses are rampant. If you think we hold a bird slaughter every year, then you are most welcome to hop on a plane and come and join me on a day's hunting to verify for yourself. No pink camo clothes though, they scare the birds away !

D.Galea

Mar 18th 2009, 23:46

I still the remember the echoes "IL-FAMILJA QABEL ID-DELIZZJU!!" by hunters just prior to the last general election. So dear hunters, you took your stand & if you're men enough you should know there is no turning back on your own decisions!

MARK MIFSUD BONNICI

Mar 18th 2009, 21:21

I hope Dr. Gonzi reads these comments as I am quite sure the PN's credibility cannot be shamed any further.

If indeed he fears that by opening spring hunting he might be jeopardizing the ECJ case. Why did his government not send the required reports when it derogated for the years 2004/5/6. AFTER ALL THIS IS WHAT THE COURT CASE IS ALL ABOUT

So who is he trying to fool with all his empty words !!

Indeed DR. Gonzi you are responsible for having broken a guarantee you gave so unreservedly to hunters and trappers. Your party will for ever be remember for this shame.

If you can think of any better excuse to cover your blunders please try harder as so far your excuses and guarantees have all been faulted.

John Matthews

Mar 18th 2009, 21:13

Perhaps the landowners should now put up signs "TRESPASSERS WILL BE PROSECUTED" and make sure the police do prosecute the uninvited onto your private land.

MARK MIFSUD BONNICI

Mar 18th 2009, 21:06

John Matthews
Are you really that naive. The party manifesto GUARNATEED SPRING HUNING AND TRAPPING WOULD REMAIN UNALTERED AFTER EU ACCESSION.

If honesty prevailed why should the Government have derogated illegally which after all is what the ECJ case is all about. Why was an anti hunter appointed as Malta's hunting consultant AND THE HUNTERS FEDERATION EXCLUDED Why should both political parties take the same stand.A FIRST IN MALTA'S HIATORY apart form debating politician's remuneration

And above all why should Stavro Dimas publicly state that he wants to make an example out of Malta.

If ever there was a case of blatant conspiracy and deceit, Malta's spring hunting issue would definitely set the standards.

I suggest you read more of my writing as it is all based on facts and thruth.

John Matthews

Mar 18th 2009, 20:58

I am neither a Trapper or a Hunter. I am not even a Maltese citizen although I have family ties with Malta. Irrespective of the topic, whether it be Hunting/Trapping/Birdlife etc etc, the hunter/Trappers have been betrayed. Perhaps other organisation (no matter what) should bear this in mind whe and if their turn comes.

M Grech

Mar 18th 2009, 20:57

It is interesting to note all the voting threats. Not that it is something new. These same people have actuated their threats in the last elections. Nonetheless the PN was still elected to govern. Sorry mates but that is democracy. Your theats and actions fell flat on the face! Meditate gente, meditate!

MARK MIFSUD BONNICI

Mar 18th 2009, 20:47

ChrisFinch

You would be that dumb to ask such a question

"Once upon a time, dog-fighting, bear baiting and cock fighting were seen as socio-cultural pass-times and a minority of people practiced them legally, Can someone explain the difference between these socio-cultural pass-times and shooting birds? I am at a loss as to the difference."

Simply because hunters hunt game they subsequently eat.

Guess it too hard to understand, it does need a bit of intelligence.

Nigel Lawrence

Mar 18th 2009, 20:46

"---ignores an important sector of the people" 'Scuse me? IMPORTANT sector of the people? In what sense, pray?

M. Catania

Mar 18th 2009, 20:43

@Jeremy J Camilleri

You are so right!!You are reminding me of the pre-1996 promise by Labour re VAT.....and they made a mess out of it..

@Peter Paul Portelli

Whom are you kidding? Last year it was well known that spring hunting season was going to be banned.

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

Mar 18th 2009, 20:10

Mr. Xuereb, it appears you find it rather difficult to address someone with his/her actual and complete name. No wonder you are also incapable of writing convincing arguments!

Sir, it appears that you are bothered that a female non-hunter defends the interests of hunters and trappers. Well, sorry, Sir, but you have to lump it!!! Whether you like it or not, I do not need your permission! Knowing that it bothers you, I will do it more frequently! Some individuals defend hunters and trappers, others gays' rights, etc., etc. Being blessed with tolerance and respect towards others is the key!

"Cannot be bothered to read the rest. Those whose comments in favour of hunting I did not read, consider yourselves lucky. You're off the hook for now." How presumptuous of you, Sir! They must be lining up outside the bathroom in fear that you might notice their comment!! I believe you might still understand Maltese: ARA JINDUNA BINA IL-BABAW!!

Andrew Gatt

Mar 18th 2009, 20:01

To all those gloating about the Spring Hunting ban.............1 Special Arrangement down. 76 to go?

Chew on that, folks.

Peter Paul Portelli

Mar 18th 2009, 19:56

I am a declared Nationalist...and I have on thing to add to this issue of hunting and trapping:
"...you deceive me once shame on you....deceive me twice shame on me" and this goes for all my family and friends which counts quite a number....

R Axisa

Mar 18th 2009, 19:25

I am against hunting, and I congratulate the govt for having taken such a stand. What I am against is that this goes against what was promised by this govt before the EU referendum and a general election. Those promises were nothing less than what we call lies, and this is a shame for this government. Conclusion - I lose all my faith in whoever lies to me!!

Edward Camilleri

Mar 18th 2009, 19:16

Well done Dr. Gonzi for protecting our natural heritage!

Time will prove you and others right, for helping to protect the birds that pass over our country.

Frank Camilleri

Mar 18th 2009, 19:07

INCREDIBLE !!!.......... DEEPLY disappointed ghaliex ma jistawx joqtlu iktar ghasafar!!! Zgur li 2009 qeghdin ??!!............

jimmy vella

Mar 18th 2009, 18:46

Hunters, you have brought this on yourselves and for the majority of the Maltese we enjoy the country side a little bit safer thank you Dr Gonzi you are not always useless prime minister

Jeremy J Camilleri

Mar 18th 2009, 18:39

I am totally, unreservedely against all types of hunting, and am of the opinion that this is a cruel and barbarous practise. I have never shied away from writing to attack hunters in general.
On the other hand however, I am disgusted at the way that a political party, has pathetically lied to a section of the populace, in order to gain their votes.

If they can do that to 20 000 vociferous hunters, they can also do that to other minorities without batting an eyelid.

Shame!

carmelo schembri

Mar 18th 2009, 18:34

Im a hunter and im proud to say so. all my family for decades were trappers and hunters and even my kids will be if not on this island it will be in those countries in EU were hunting is not a prob at all and everyone knows that, When someone do a promise who ever he is should keep it. We were promised things that i never so happening regarding hunting and trapping WHY.

G. Mangion

Mar 18th 2009, 18:23

John Debattista ,
Sewwa qed tejd, TAFU X GHANDKOM TAGHMLU..........MHUX HEKK Hbieb,
IS SAHHA TAL Vote Ghall MEP's ta EWROPA, nigarantijlek li l' li Hbiebna sa Jivvotaw ghal
min ghandu tassew il - GID ghall Malta Kolla, F'Dan il Kas - lil M.E.P's Tal P.N Fil - Gvern !!

M Callus

Mar 18th 2009, 18:15

@A Gauci Cunningham

Apart from your usual absurd tirades without any basic objectivity, there is nothing new in your comment.

The thing is here that there are hunters who like everyone else in this society who respect the law and those who do not. Just ask those farmers who have have their crops trampled upon when a hunter goes to retrieve his catch!!

M Borg

Mar 18th 2009, 18:15

The Quail and the Turtle Dove are considered as Least Concern by the IUCN Redlist (www.iucnredlist.org).

I don't know on which statistics our Prime Minister based his decision. And i don't know on which statistics the ECJ is going to give its ruling!

I think that there are some mistakes but in the widely respected IUCN Red List. Since last year they had to update it and now it should read that:

the Turtle Dove and the Quail
together with the
linet, chaffinch, the greenfinch, the goldfinch, the siskin and the bullfinch

all have respectively increased in their European population since Malta stopped the hunting/trapping season in 2008...........due to the fact that as the Birdlife used to report, the hunters/trappers used to catch millions of such birds.

next spring i will go to MY PRIVATE PROPERTY, take a camera and binoculars and a notebook.....and count the turtle doves i will see!

i assume that since we are not allowed to hunt turtle doves, i will manage to see those millions that pass over....and in summer our 'forests' will be full of turtle doves, which will make Malta their nesting place!!

Halluna ddahqunix !!
Ghax VOTI ghalikhom ma ghandniex,....

C Mallia

Mar 18th 2009, 18:08

Rightly so, as the hunting season is now closed for spring, and probably more people will be going out in the countryside, MEPA should make an online updated database with google maps to give the general public information of where it is exactly private and not. People can then print and plan their country walks safely and no hunter/trapper or any bully can come charging with trespassing or create a conflict. I am sure the general countryside loving public would appreciate this and it is rather a small island after all. Maybe I am dreaming too!!

J. Borg

Mar 18th 2009, 18:05

To all those hunters who are waving their vote


IF you are really convinced about what you term as "socio-cultural traditional rights" , and
IF you really want political parties to be honest with you, and
IF you are so concerned about this country's welfare in the hands of the EC, and
IF you are so numerous as to own the countryside


then simply create your own party, and contest the MEP elections....otherwise obvious conclusions will be drawn!

J Busuttil

Mar 18th 2009, 17:52

To all labour apologists. Is the MLP going to organise a signiture collecting event to defend hunting? After all the MLP is the Malta Gemgem Party.

n xuereb

Mar 18th 2009, 17:49

Dear Mr. Prime Minister, do you remember these quotes: "Ir-regolamenti bl-iswed fuq l-abjad jassiguraw li l-kacca u l-insib fir-Rebbiegha se jibqghu jigi prattikati bhala parti mit-tradizzjoni taghna."Eddie Fenech Adami - March 2003... and “Il-kaccaturi Maltin se jkunu jistghu jibqghu jmorru ghall-kacca fir-Rebbiegha, izda limitata ghall-gamiem u s-summien.” MiC – February 2003… and finally, “Gvern Nazzjonalista jassigura li l-Kacca f’Marzu, f’April u Mejju titkompla u l-insib ghall-ghasafar ta’ l-ghana jibqa.”

John Matthews

Mar 18th 2009, 17:43

As a foreigner, may I respectfully suggest that the Hunter/Trappers, before changing alliegence to another political party, firstly find out what that party's manifesto is regarding your sport. Secondly, and I may be mistaken, I thought that if a process is going through the courts, things should revert to the status quo, which in this case allows hunting/trapping prior to to the court case which has been started.

Christopher Grainger

Mar 18th 2009, 17:41

"our incompetent government wasn't capable to derogate properly for just 2 species"

The problem is not about two species, but the abuses carried out on a large number of protected species very regularly, presumably by a small minority.

Unless the hunting fraternity is seen to self regulate, and perhaps even take a pro active stance on conservation, this is the face of the future of your sport.

John Debattista

Mar 18th 2009, 17:32

MIN XARBU QED JIEKLU IL- BAKALJAW heq ISSA DALWAQT IKOLLKHOM IS SAHHA TAL Vote Ghall MEP's ta EWROPA, DAL GVERN MA ZAMMX KELMTU ..TAFU X GHANDKOM TAGHMLU..........MHUX HEKK Hbieb...............................................

V.Micallef

Mar 18th 2009, 17:20

@Mr Albert Gauci Cunningham
If you want to know more to confirm your opinion about this Government's baseless claim to credibility I would add some more lines from the letter I brought to commentators' attention: "Neither hunting nor birdtrapping is prohibited in the EU - on the contrary, they are leisure pursuits that practised with plenty of passion; moreover the agreement reached between Government and the EU puts Maltese hunters and bird trappers in a better position than those coming from other EU countries because it is based on the geographical factors of Malta: the size of the country and the dearth of residents birds ... Hunting out at sea will continue, birdtrapping will continue even after 2007 regardless of what those with a political agenda may be telling you." Would you believe it, Mr Cunningham?

PHILIP CAMILLERI

Mar 18th 2009, 17:16

(Pure Hunter) We are being hatred but that's not a big deal. We will continue to past our hobby until death as well as our generation will continue to grow and grow..About the Land you are saying, My Father have bought the property and no one will ever enter it. If you want to stay on the concrete that's not my business. :) ..

Mark Piscopo

Mar 18th 2009, 17:10

Well done Dr Gonzi for banning Spring hunting.

Joseph E Briffa

Mar 18th 2009, 17:09

Whatever happened in the past has gone forever and no amount of resentment and disgruntlement will bring it back. Facts of the matter are that the hunters are a small minority and they did not discipline themselves and did not act in a prudent manner. They acted as if they owned the countryside and they forced everybody out in the most arrogant and aggressive manner, they destroyed the plants and animals that roam the countryside, they sprayed everywhere with pellets and lead shot, they broke all the rules. Unfortunately their association never managed to educate the cowboy members by inflicting expulsions and therefore the lawbreakers just carried on in their ignorant ways. The arrogant and aggressive hunters drew the wrath of the majority of the people who pushed for reforms for years, but both political parties were reluctant to act as they were held to ransom by the hunting lobby. The entry of Malta in the EU proved to be a golden opportunity to curb the powers of the hunters. The rest is history.

Chris Galea

Mar 18th 2009, 17:05

@ Keith D'Amato
Ghandek zball ! L UK ridt tghid,L-Iraq m'humiex fl-ewropa !! Fhimt sabih ? ahna s-suwed ta' l-Ewropa !!

Albert Gauci Cunningham

Mar 18th 2009, 17:01

I was never a hunter nor do I ever want to be one!! Its simply not my cup of tea and not exactly my preferred way of socialising!! I have never based my voting intentions on the hunting issue and neither will i ever do!! But a promise is a promise and if (and it seems that it was the case) the hunters were promised spring hunting than it is grossly unfair of dr.Gonzi to break his promise for the secobd time in a row conveniently after the election!! But hey!! Why am I surprised?? Why should anyone be surprised?? isn't this the same person who lied to practically everyone before the election when he told us that 'finances were in order"???

Point is not hunting the point is that we have a PM who has lied to the people and is till doing so!! Yesterday it was civil society, today its the hunters and tomorrow it could be you!!!! This hunting saga just goes to confrim that Gonzi is a liar and a cheat with a nice smile and a huge PR machine to support him and shows how stupid I and many others were to believe him!!!

Alexander Grima

Mar 18th 2009, 16:37

@ Joe Xuereb – No, but perhaps I wonder if you could direct me to your webpage entirely devoted to ornithology. Hopefully, your fathomless knowledge on the topic might shed some light on my questions!

Chris Galea

Mar 18th 2009, 16:33

Spain can hunt quail(the same like ours) 12 months a year,UK has a derogation for 17 species,France can trap songthrushes and lapwing,Austria can trap song birds and tiny Malta ? our incompetent goverment wasn't capable to derogate properly for just 2 species........... after he promised us heaven on earth !! unbelievable.......or should I say he politely pinched our votes...and now .......... ??? as if the hec he cares,even the way we found out that he's banning spring once again...........remember before last election ? gvern tal-Maltin kollha,except il kaccaturi u nassaba of coarse........he only cares of our votes,not our passion..now who the hell needs our votes.... you feel bad when you cannot pratice what you love doing,but believe me, feels much more worse when your party takes you for a nice long ride....

James De Giorgio

Mar 18th 2009, 16:26

Tell the hunters we're deeply disappointed by their shooting.

Joe Xuereb

Mar 18th 2009, 16:26

@ Alexander Grima. I take your point about shameful littering. Otherwise, do you have a profile on confused.com?
@ S. Mizzi. Thank you. You have proved my every point. As for what you massacre birds with, being air-gun, shot-gun, rifle, - that is indeed of no import to me. Mad barbarians? Your words. Little children throwing tantrums more like. Ridicule taken and processed as appropriate (if you get my drift).
@ M. Cardona. What a clever retort. I live in Cool Britannia (where there are tantrum-throwing hunters, like back home). Vested interest? I condemn - calmly, with reason, Cool Britannia and all that - the massacre of birds. I would not waste an energy sapping emotion as hatred on anyone, least of all a tantrum-throwing child. It is not like I am here to change minds, addiction being what it is. I leave that to Malta based professionals. From here I can only post a comment.
@ Riitanne Agius. The profiles on confused.com are taking off. Farcical. Your word not mine.
Cannot be bothered to read the rest. Those whose comments in favour of hunting I did not read, consider yourselves lucky. You're off the hook for now.

V.Micallef

Mar 18th 2009, 16:26

One hundred euro to anyone who can still remember who spoke these words: "The leisure pursuits of hunting and birdtrapping are intertwined with Maltese culture. They will remain like that even when Malta joins the European Union. What the Nationalist Government and the European Union agreed upon is written in black and white in the Accession Treaty. This assures that hunters and trappers like your goodself will continue to practice their pursuit in an absolute manner. Moreover, in order to enable everybody to see for themselves that these pursuits will continue to be practiced once we are inside the European Union, last January Government saw fit to issue the regulations concerning hunting and birdtrapping at present and in the future. This means that present regulations will be maintained." These words were not only spoken but written in black and white and distributed to hunters and trappers in Malta and Gozo, not 600 years ago, or 60, but a mere six years.. Guess by whom! Well, Larry, the birdies are coming home to roost.

R. C Conti

Mar 18th 2009, 16:23

My only wish is that hunting becomes history.

lgalea

Mar 18th 2009, 16:22

Anthony A.Mifsud
Vote for your party and then write your message on your vote.
That is the only way politicants and political parties understand.
If you do not vote they will simply say that you were not interested.

I am no hunter or trapper, but what they were promised must be delivered by the eu and Gonezipn.

Robert Caruana

Mar 18th 2009, 16:22

I am personally against spring hunting from a conservation point of view because I do not believe that birds should be shot on their way to their breeding grounds. This still does not alter the fact that things are turning out to be very different to what hunters and trappers were promised before the EU referendum.

As to hunting being a socio-cultural tradition, it definitely is, even though an increasing number of people may not agree with it. And contrary to what some people seem to be implying, it is not some Maltese perversion but is practiced all over Europe and in all developed countries. All birds that can be legally shot are edible. It is neither more nor less cruel than killing any animal, domestic or otherwise for food. And all birds that can be hunted legally are edible. So legal game ends up as food, making it similar to any other harvesting from nature as long as it is sustainable.

Muscat.Pat

Mar 18th 2009, 16:07

Although I hate "cowboy" hunters, I have a lot of respect and admiration for those sportsmen who hunt for the "summiena" "gammiema" and the "fenek". The old timers still obey the laws and ar by nature not mean with birds;thats on the hunting issue. However, on the political issue, I cannot help but smile at how the hunters were taken for a ride by the Nationalist Party Is it possible for someone who poses himself as a leader, did not know the laws of the EU? The pro-green lobby could be seen and even felt in and around, but the hunters were not aware of this? The hunters thought that through their party affiliation- PN- read blinkers- they could believe what the PN politicians were promising! Even now, there are whispering campaigns going about that only the PN could bring hunting back! I say this is not true, because literally the birds flew away! The fault lies not with the EU, (hunting is not exactly encouraged) but with you, because you believed what you wanted to believe and not what was in the offing!

Chris Finch

Mar 18th 2009, 16:05

What has eating meat got to do with animal cruelty. For sure i agree that if a creature is kept in poor conditions and suffered when it was killed that those responsible should be prosecuted.

And Bull fighting in spain is also on the wane, thanks to international pressure. What was once acceptable is no longer.

M Grech

Mar 18th 2009, 16:02

Quote: "In my opinion it is shameful when a Prime Minister ignores an important sector of the people without at least trying to show Europe that it is ready to defend a socio-cultural tradition."

Maybe, like most Maltese, Dr Gonzi finds nothing social, less so cultural, in the primitive behaviour associated with hunting? Well done Dr Gonzi.

g.c.Forte

Mar 18th 2009, 16:01

@ ALL HUNTERS..............L- ghasfur harbilkhom sena ilu . Most of you believed GONZIP.N. at the last elections and now "troppo tardi" It is how you voted, the P.N. is in government, now as the Maltese says " tobzoq fis sema u jigi f`wiccek" It is no use crying now, because "FLIMKIEN KOLLOX POSSIBLI" except hunting in spring.

M.Bezzina

Mar 18th 2009, 15:55

No hunting = No need to take vacation leave or waste your time on yr hobby = also more time at work thus more money in yr pockets and more time with yr family=enjoying life with more birds around and alive!!
Thanks

marco meli

Mar 18th 2009, 15:47

dear s mizzi
" because the land in question is in ODZ areas and one would assume MEPA would oppose this" have you heard about monte cristo estates??? large ammount of land was sacrificed to fullfill one's dream!! and if would continue i will run out of words!!! remember, mepa is strong with the weak and weak with the strong!!

Ritianne Agius

Mar 18th 2009, 15:43

What really strikes me are the people thanking 'gonzipn' because now they can supposedly enjoy 'nature', pointing their fingers at hunters and deeming them cruel for doing what hunters do, i.e. hunt. I cannot address my comment to the people posting here, simply because I don't know them. However, I happen to know well many people who speak in their same manner, and their assertions are ignorant and unfounded. In their narrow-mindedness they accuse hunters of depriving them of the beauty of nature, and in actual fact they don't even know what nature is. Kicking a ball around and munching sandwiches at a park in Ta Qali has nothing to do with nature. Hunting, on the otherhand, is very natural. In fact, predator-prey relationships are vital in controlling populations and sustaining ecosystems. Of course, hunting should be practiced in moderation, and in Malta it is more than moderated! Killing protected species is a definite no-no, but saying that legal hunting is a detriment to nature is farsical. And to those who feel sorry for the birds being shot down, I ask: Do you really care about the overflowing animal sanctuaries? Do you kill so-called pests? Do you eat meat?

Manuel Borg

Mar 18th 2009, 15:41

Well done...full ban will be much better still.

GEORGE CUTAJAR

Mar 18th 2009, 15:40

For those who love to enjoy birdlife and countryside, those who hate having to wake up to the sound of gunshot, those who fear being hit by pellets while sitting in the garden having an early morning cigarette and coffee etc. etc. this is certainly good news.
If on the otherhand your hobby is hunting more so if you are a deep blue nationalist and voted to join the EU - than my friend you do have a problem. You have every right to feel hard done by those you placed your faith in, you may feel betrayed, you may even wish to put back the clock to February 2003 and perhaps tear up your referendum vote. This is all perfectly understandable and I fully sympathise with you guys but please keep your hair on, accept the fact that you will not be able to hunt in spring and look at the bright side of things - what with all the increase in the price of water and electricity, the rise in cost of living etc, your Government is going to help you save money which you can then use to go on hunting holidays. Now that is being pragmatic.

M. Cardona

Mar 18th 2009, 15:37

@Joe Xuereb

By your same logic in addressing Mrs SZA-

"@ Ms. Darmanin. You do not practise this so-called sport. Why do you defend it. Is it a vested interest?"

YOU do not live in Malta. Why all your hatred against Maltese hunters? Is it a vested interest?

Andrew Gatt

Mar 18th 2009, 15:35

@ Chris Finch.........you forgot to mention bullfighting, which Spain retained as a socio-cultural tradition from our beloved EU. If you want to see true barbarity and drawn-out suffering, go to a bullfight.

And I am 99% sure you buy your sanitised, neatly-packaged pork, chickens, rabbits, veal, turkey, beef and whatnot from convenience stores and supermarkets. Please do some research about the conditions these animals and fowl are kept in. and what they are fed and medicated with. It's an eye-opener, I assure you.

As for myself, the game I bag is for the table too. I just catch, pluck and clean it myself. That's the only difference.

Chris, it's either all the way or no way..........in my opinion you can't have the cake and eat it too from your moral high ground.

S Mizzi

Mar 18th 2009, 15:28

Mr Xuereb,
Self respect I have plenty of. At least I sleep soundly at night. I wonder how our PM can. As to your clever suggestion for me to take up another hobby I believe that that is my prerogative and none of your business. Hunting is practised the world over and as long as it is done in a sustainable manner and within the parameters set out by law then there is nothing wrong with it. But to you, the millions that practise some form of hunting are mad barbarians.
Also, for your information, and without wanting to ridicule your expertise in all matters related to hunting it is a shot gun we use, not an air rifle.
And by your very reasoning, with the comment you directed to our British friend Mr Burton, for every Maltese that suffers from 'unresolved rage' and hence 'kills birds', there are at least another 55 crazy brits relentlessly chasing birds since of course there are roughly 800,000 hunters there. All suffering from 'unresolved rage' I suppose.

Mark Camilleri

Mar 18th 2009, 15:28

well done PM Gonzi.

show the hunters that they cannot keep the country at ransom by switching votes one way or another if their demands are not met.

it is time to take decisions for the good of the country and for just for not losing votes.

Anthony A.Mifsud

Mar 18th 2009, 15:23

To All.

NO HUNT NO VOTE

Hope you can read my mind.

Tony

dusty williams

Mar 18th 2009, 15:17

Ghid il verita Gonzi! hux qed taghmel hekk ghax l UE gabitek dahrek mal hajt? kieku tipprova tirbah erba voti ohra u!

Ronnie Gauci

Mar 18th 2009, 15:17

Well done Mr. Prime Minister! Hunters can arm themselves with a camera and take pictures of birds and countryside, it's a wonderful hobby much better than butchering innocent birds.

Hunting = National heritage!! Halluna kwieti FKNK!!

I also hope that all those RTO's will be removed from our countryside, I was in Fomm ir-Rih last week and we couldn't access almost anywhere except for the parking area. Let's start giving the countryside back to the Maltese people.

Alexander Grima

Mar 18th 2009, 15:09

I am certainly not in favor of any form of hunting, be that legal or illegal and I don’t consider myself either Blue, Red or Green! However, one thing keeps puzzling me in understanding this Spring Hunting Ban Saga of ours; if indeed Turtle Doves and Quails are considered as “pests” in most Northern European Countries, then why are we not allowed to kill or trap a small number of them (the majority still makes its way to Northern Europe without having to cross over our heads anyway). I for one, would allow my neighbor to catch as many mice as he can if these are invading my home from his! As for those who love to enjoy the countryside, please keep doing so as this is certainly a fantastic way of spending one’s free time; however, please stop littering our countryside and if you don’t, then do put pressure on those who do!
Again, I’m not saying hunting should not be abolished, however, somehow, I keep missing the point and I feel that justice is not being served. Yes, I’m anti-hunting, but I also feel that the hunters of Malta do have a point somewhere in this issue.

Joe Xuereb

Mar 18th 2009, 15:06

@ S. Mizzi. Never mind the Maltese respect for their country. How about a little respect for towards yourself. The massacre of birds is unacceptable. Play with some other toy.
@ Ms. Darmanin. You do not practise this so-called sport. Why do you defend it. Is it a vested interest?
@ Those concerned. Relinquish EU membership so that you can kill birds? Your rage is misdirected.
@ M. Farrugia. Welcome to UK. Bring binoculars but leave air-gun behind.
@ D. Galea. How old are you? Five?
@ Mr. Burton. Many Maltese suffer from unresolved rage. So they kill birds. Or desecrate monuments.
@ Chris Galea. Yes. Why the upper case?

Chris Finch

Mar 18th 2009, 15:05

Once upon a time, dog-fighting, bear baiting and cock fighting were seen as socio-cultural pass-times and a minority of people practiced them legally. These things were practiced for many centuries - much longer than shooting things with shotguns has been around. These were banned because they were cruel, barbaric and inhumane, much the same as blasting a small bird out of the sky is.
Can someone explain the difference between these socio-cultural pass-times and shooting birds? I am at a loss as to the difference. Would the same people who like shooting also enjoy a dog fight? Mhux its the same? Its still one of Gods creatures suffering needlessly for the pleasure of a few individuals.

ALEX CASHA

Mar 18th 2009, 15:04

GONZI PM end of the road regurding hunting and trapping,theres no else to go nothing else to hide or to lie.the true facts are out now,the PN party has negotiated everything possible to ban both traditions hunting and trapping.and the facts are on black and white,now today every person on this island did see how the goverment work to achive such issues,DR gonzi did lie and did everthing to make people belive that both traditions will be kept and will be practise after malta enter the EU,and even the PRESIDENT was involved in these promises.and besides both the president and the prime did lie and promise to their party supporters,that today are very angry about this ban decitions.in everyone opinion this actions are very serious and a goverment wich cheat with lies and promises to gain votes is not correct,some people are asking for the PL to take action reguard the lies and the promises that PN did make to the hunters and trappers,some people are waiting for the FKNK directives ,some people are waiting for the MEP election,and some are sad and some are happy but at the end,GONZI DOESN T CARE RIGHT !!!!!

S Mizzi

Mar 18th 2009, 15:04

J Borg

Therefore you agree with collective punishment. Because some poachers gunned down protected birds you believe it is right to keep ALL hunters at home with the obvious result of having disgruntled and innocent hunters twiddling their fingers and trigger happy poachers out doing what they do best, breaking the law. Tajjeb eh!

n xuereb

Mar 18th 2009, 15:04

@ John Law Gatt... kindly keep to the public paths please.

J. Borg

Mar 18th 2009, 14:51

@ Andrew Gatt

I have answered your first paragraph in an earlier comment hereunder.

Now, you state that hunting is done & dusted by mid-morning, then instead of having just the restricted time-window of after 1pm and this ONLY on Sundays & Public Holidays – we can extend this to afternoons ALL days.

As the allocation of September afternoons – you are aware that this was “allocated” simply because some criminals persist in killing protected birds, whereas the other hunters shy away and turn a blind eye when witnessing such blatant abuse. Nothing new in that either!

Albert Borg

Mar 18th 2009, 14:46

Oh well, this in no way means that people will be allowwed to trespass into private land.

John Law Gatt

Mar 18th 2009, 14:40

Good on you Mr.Gonzi.....You have given me hope and confidence to start enjoying my springtime country walks.
Please add an other feather in your hat.

C.Sapiano

Mar 18th 2009, 14:39

The more the hunters protest the more the PN will increase its votes in general elections. What will the PL do now?? Is the PL only good to repeat things the governemnt is already doing (illegal immigration) or else to give terrorists a place in Malta? What will John Attard Montalto say as an MEP? Is he just there to vote for immigrants being given the right to vote in Malta? (Nothing personal against immigrants obviously)

Karl Falzon

Mar 18th 2009, 14:38

Well even during the hunting season people go out enjoying the countryside. If some people just think that they can trespass anywere just because there will be no hunting, then im sorry you've got it all WRONG!!! The truth is that some people just hate hunter's thats it.

Oh by the way, we'r having another Spring without hunting, so I expect there will be the double of bird population breeding here in Malta compered to last year... well last year I didn't see any of those millions of bird's that were promised by Birdlife Malta if there were'nt any hunting... OK EVERYBODY, SPRING IS JUST ROUND THE CORNER, LET'S SEE HOW MANY MILLIONS OF BIRDS ARE GOING TO BREED... time will tell, who is saying the truth! Good luck...

Patrick Gauci

Mar 18th 2009, 14:31

Following this news that Spring Hunting is again kept closed and therefore an other yeat the governemnt ingored their promises, now try to win the next MEP electiona, council elections and general election. At this time the people can see the lies of this governemnt and recognise that when the Labopur Party said against eu and hunting is the truth.

A large thanks goes to fknk which informed hunters of these problems in eu from the beginning.

You agains hunting you should be shame to say all these things knowing what was promised. About private land, if you have courage come and transpass in any of private land, and we will see what countryside you will see. The only land you can stay in is in roads since those are public for sure or else go and buy your own land.

S MIzzi

Mar 18th 2009, 14:30

Marco Meli,

For your information, the FKNK has taken the PM and/or Govt to court and the case is sub judice. Your comment that hunters will sell their land to speculators and the countryside will be dotted with new villas holds no water because the land in question is most likely in ODZ areas and one would assume that MEPA would oppose this.

godfrey pisani

Mar 18th 2009, 14:29

well as usual the mess gets bigger , well done pn .

Andrew Gatt

Mar 18th 2009, 14:17

J Borg.....in the unlikely event that you ever dig into your pockets and purchase land adjacent to mine (sorry, none for sale that I know of), you can play loud music all you like. I'll simply report you as a public nuisance. I have a hunting license and I practice my pastime within the law. I have nothing to worry about and so you can whine away all you like.

What you NEVER mention is that, even in the prime hunting seasons, it's usually all done and dusted by mid-morning! Not to mention the closed seasons, not to mention that a good part of the Autumn season is a waste of time as migration is poor to non-existent, that September afternoons have been "allocated" to another extremist organisation, that shooting stops at 1.00pm on Sundays and Public holidays, etc.

Go ahead and play your rave music, then! A bit like your usual ravings, anyway - nothing new here!

M Marks

Mar 18th 2009, 14:10

Well done to PM. Maybe Malta will join the 21st Century at last. Hope the law enforcement agencies are prepared to enforce the ban to the full.

marco meli

Mar 18th 2009, 13:49

I am still astonished why the FKNK is taking so long to take our primeminister and president and even the then MIC to court!!! IT was all written in black and white that spring hunting will continue after EU acession and the MIC was aware of this farce and did not inform anyone!!!! I appeal to those who now boast themselves as enviormentalists that if hunters decide to sell their land, our countryside will be turned all in villas and farmhouses with pools as the demand from foreigners is increasing greatly!!

Richard Cachia Zammit

Mar 18th 2009, 13:47

Trespassing was ALWAYS illegal. I just hope that these many land owners who rightly so, will report any trespassing; they will also report any illegal hunting taking place.

Otherwise no one can order people out of public areas including country roads and paths but can always report them if they are doing any act of vandalism including littering.

Mark Seychell

Mar 18th 2009, 13:47

how much of this "private" land is really private though?

Bernard Mallia

Mar 18th 2009, 13:43

At long last ! We are with you on this one Dr. Gonzi; it has been long overdue.

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

Mar 18th 2009, 13:33

It really amazes me how, from all the topics discussed during yesterday's programme, amongst them the many problems which our country has to face, it was decided to report solely on the topic of hunting! Is this a case of deviating the citizen from the many problems we are facing?

lgalea

Mar 18th 2009, 13:31

This shows the DECEIT, FRAUD and THREATS (Verheugen to George Vella etc) practiced on the voters prior to the eu membership referendum both by EFApn et al and by the eu itself http://www.cnimalta.org/edec.html.
Deceit, fraud, threats etc all render null any agreement and any given consent.
Malta is therefore not bound by the accession treaty because consent was taken by deceit, fraud and threats.

Baz Burton, Mike Fitzgibbons
You should tell that to the hunters and trappers in your own country. We do not have forests where birds can breed and the number of birds hunted and trapped in Malta is a miniscule amount compared to that in other countries. I am not a hunter or trapper, but Gonezipn and the eu must deliver what was promised to the hunters and trappers. Those who don't like it are free to leave.

J. Borg Just try to trespass on PRIVATE land.

Stephen Cassar How about starting with Caqnu hotel and the other matchbox concrete jungle created by MEPA?

The greatest LIARS, FRAUDSTERS and DECEIVERS? The eu and the PN.

Let's get out of the eu and regain our FREEDOM from the eu COLONIALIST DICTATORSHIP

Antoine Grima

Mar 18th 2009, 13:29

Dear Prime Minister , you are being harsh only with your people , were as on other matters you could not care less. Thanks for nothing .Government of the people ???? I very much doubt it . But then again , that is the maltese attitude , " I am prime minister and i do what i want "

alf debono

Mar 18th 2009, 13:27

Due to the fact that even this time spring hunting is to be banned, it is highly commendable to dedicate our time to lobby to get our country out of the European Union. It is not in the best interest of Maltese citizens to be part of this Union. Or maybe we can work to deciminalize bird hunting. (By the way not abortion because that would definetely be a crime against humanity).

Further to the above, there is no need to vote in the next European Parliament elections. Those who are not in favour of this outlandish type of European Union are expected to refrain from voting.

S Mizzi

Mar 18th 2009, 13:10

Mr Burton,

I agree with yr self proclamation of being ignorant. You say that Malta must preserve what birdlife it has left. Resident birds are alive, well and thriving for the simple reason that they're protected and not game birds. The debate is about 2 non-resident game birds namely the quail and turtle dove and whether they can be hunted in Spring.Continuance of this practise after EU accession was guaranteed in writing but now we know that these were promises of convenience that the EU turned a blind eye to.
The shooting you refer to that takes place in Britain is done on farmed birds but you fail to mention, either out of ignorance or out of convenience, that British huntersalso take duck, geese, woodcock, rabbit, hare, foxes (definitely not farmed) etc and also shoot at wood pigeon and corvids 365 days a year. I assure you that the Maltese have alot of respect for their country and for the continent. It is when foreigners like you that find no qualms in criticising and name slinging, whilst showing crass ignorance on the subject and trying to paint their country of origin as environmental champions that our respect levels diminish.

J. Borg

Mar 18th 2009, 12:56

@ Anthony Formosa
Don't you think you are shooting yourself in the foot (as a hunter) by pointing out that Foresta 2000 and all the Nature Reserves are ring-fenced?!
These sites have been vandalised (not by litter left by a few ignorant picnic goers - but by heartless criminal arsonists destroying trees and more simply to “punish” everyone for infringing their pretentious “rights”) - cheeky is an understatement!

These Nature Reserves are kept open by volunteers, who do not endanger anyone visiting such places, on the contrary, they educate and give information to whoever shows an interest. Not the same can be said about hunters – try taking your kids out on a Saturday or Sunday morning in Mizieb/Ahrax in Autumn.

By your same point, we should condemn the (truly) cultural NGOs and authorities for protecting cultural heritage monuments and places – and again such initiatives have been made since these priceless heritage have suffered vile arson attacks time and again (socio-cultural my foot).

@ Ms. Zarb Darmanin
So according to you playing music during the day is illegal, whereas shotgun blasts at unholy hours and lead showers on your head are legal & boost our socio-cultural qualities?!

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

Mar 18th 2009, 12:29

Mr / Ms J Borg, if you had to actually act in such an illegal manner, and I happen to be your neighbour, I would definitely report you to the Police for being a nuisance! Whereas hunters and trappers practise their sport in the parameters of the law, you will be acting unlawfully.

As already urged by others, I also urge you to stick to PUBLIC property and it would be appreciated if you could leave the area clean! Most individauls who trespass onto my property tend to leave a mess behind them!

m farrugia

Mar 18th 2009, 12:29

This is not what you've promisesd the hunters before the EU referendum Dr Gonzi. Back then you needed our vote and now it seams that you don't.
Again for the 2nd time I'll have to go spring hunting in the UK again. I wonder if UK is in the EU or not.

Harry Borda

Mar 18th 2009, 12:26

So this is what spring hunting means to most GREEN people! They feel that they can roam on private land and do as they please!!! hahaha. I think it is better for them to rethink their strategy as they have no chance of entering our PRIVATE lands! I for one will be present on my land during Spring monthsand the first of one from the below correspondents who are declaring that they will enter as they please, let them rest assured that they will be prosecuted by the very police force they shower with praise (ALE)

Anthony Formosa

Mar 18th 2009, 12:17

Well done Dr GonziPN now the ALE will be very busy running after our forefathers for practicing what you've promised, and turning them into criminals. Thank you for bringing the Germans to hold our forefathers as POW.

@ J.borg. Since you talk too much about the countryside, I think you notice that it's mostly divided by rubble walls, which means the place is either Private or leased, or places like Mizieb and l'Ahrax are managed by FKNK but without a fence that can be enjoyed by everyone and not like the Foresta 2000 which is surrounded by fence.

@ Kenneth Cassar, Do you know why MEPA never took a stand to distribute RTO signs to land owners? because the only place left will be a few sq/mtrs in Ta Qali which is also shrinking day by day.

C Mallia

Mar 18th 2009, 12:13

To the prime minister and as minister also responsible for MEPA and the environment - well done! Good sense and real environment conservation is finally prevaling. Another step to be at par within EU standards.

D Galea

Mar 18th 2009, 12:02

I cannot understand all the hate towards people who enjoy hunting, these are dedicated people who love their piece of land owned by generations and few crops they grow whilst practicing their hobby which they have done so for many years. Immagine now either being a pentioner or even worse someone who lost his job... now he has even lost his hobby. Same people who hate the hunters 'love nature' , the same people who pass with their landrovers over crops and fields, the same people who leave rubbish and bbq remains behind them... Now that hunting has stopped I assure you that the thousands of birds promised by 'reaserchers' of birdlife will fly over our country but they will have no where to nest... or they will perhaps under the state of the art tent they built over mnajdra...

Baz Burton

Mar 18th 2009, 12:00

i am just an ignorant 'foreigner' who has chosen to make Malta his home but, from what I can see, Malta has to look to preserve what birdlife it has left. Shooting occurs in other countries because of a surplus of birds, which are -as in the British case - bred to be killed. I am not saying I am in favour of this but as we are now, more than ever, accutely aware, we need to be sustainable in what we do - be it shooting birds, or fishing. It is this short-sightedness of the Maltese people (apologies for the crass generalisation) that makes foreigners feel that the Maltese have no respect for their country or the continent. This same disregard for consequences could be mirrored in the lack polite etiquette on your roads - another sad state of affairs. Nevertheless, I enjoy Malta and hope to for many years.

Chris Galea

Mar 18th 2009, 11:56

"NIKKONFERMA LI L-INSIB MHUX SER JISPICCA WARA HAMES SNIN" -- JOE BORG

"MALTA ARGUED THAT HUNTING IN MALTA IS MOSTLY PRATISED IN SPRING BECAUSE IT DEPENDS ON MIGRATORY BIRDS.THE EU ACKNOWLEDGED THESE ARGUMENTS AND MALTA WILL BE ABLE TO RETAIN HUNTING IN SPRING AND AUTUMN AFTER MEMBERSHIP" -- MIC

"L-INSIB SE JKOMPLI ,ANKI WARA L-2007,JGHIDU X'JGHIDU DAWK BL-AGENGA POLITIKA",
"DAN IL-GVERN NAZZJONALISTA FTIEHEM MA' L-UNJONI EWROPEA HU MIKTUB BL-ISWED FUQ L-ABJAD FIT-TRATTAT TA'SHUBIJA.DAN JASSIGURA LI L-KACCATURI U N-NASSAB BHALEK SE JKOMPLU JIPPRATTIKAW ID-DELIZZJI TAGHHOM FIS-SHIH." -- EDDIE FENECH ADAMI.

"IL-GVERN NAZZJONALISTA JASSIGURA LI L-KACCA F'MARZU,F'APRIL U MEJJU TITKOMPLA.L-INSIB GHALL-GHASAFAR TA'L-GHANA JIBQA' U LI WARA 2007 JERGHU JINFETHU L-LICENZJI GODDA" -- EDDIE FENECH ADAMI

"SPRING SEASON IS TO BE RETAINED ,NAMELY 25 MARCH TO 22 MAY.DURING NEGOTIATIONS MALTA REQUESTED,AND OBTAINED ,A RULING THAT ITS REQUEST WAS IN LINE WITH THE SPIRIT OF THE TREATY." -- JOE BORG

Any comments ladies and gentlemen ???!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

J. Borg

Mar 18th 2009, 11:53

@ Andrew Gatt
So let’s assume that I own the parcel of land that is adjacent to yours….
Do you think I or my family can enjoy our land, seeing you brandishing a shotgun close by, hearing your blasts and feeling the lead falling on our side?!
I for one will temporarily take off my environmental hat, and hire a generator and a pair of loud-speakers and play music loud enough to give you just a small taste of your own medicine, and hopefully also scare away birds from your shotguns’ reach!

David Borg Cardona

Mar 18th 2009, 11:49

@ A Borg

I can just imagine you strolling hand in hand in the countryside with a turlte dove or a quail.. Nobody repeat Nobody has ever stopped you or anybody else enjoying the countryside on PUBLIC land ! Point taken I guess.. no need to explain further

Mark Debono

Mar 18th 2009, 11:49

Well done Dr. Lawrence Gonzi for your courageous decision. Another great step in the right direction for Malta.

A Borg

Mar 18th 2009, 11:43

Good one Dr Gonzi. Hope that this is enforced.
Hopefully it would be our turn now to enjoy a stroll in the countryside with the birds without the Bangs.

Mike Fitzgibbons

Mar 18th 2009, 11:40

Dr Gonzi said "Last year the government had declared that no spring hunting could take place. Therefore, there could be no spring hunting this year." Well done Dr Gonzi, some common sense prevails at last.

M.SAID

Mar 18th 2009, 11:36

@J.Borg
My private property is the property I own mr or mrs Borg. I tought intelligent persons wrote comments here but when asking that question to me, either you are not so intelligent or that you made a joke for us all to laugh but I repeat again......PRIVATE PROPERTY WILL BE MORE PRIVATE NOW THAN EVER. so maybe it will be clear to those who pretend not to understand.

J. Borg

Mar 18th 2009, 11:31

So hunters who egoistically have killed birds (protected and not) they did not own, and appropriated the countryside for years on end – are now venting their frustration by threatening that the countryside shall still remain inaccessible since it is ALL owned by them!

Really?

Let’s assess the area designated as ODZ – incidentally this is what really keeps construction at bay, as hunters only deter the public from peacefully enjoying the countryside.

If all ODZ is owned by these 1,200 well-mannered socio-cultural and traditional chaps, and considering the prices that such land can fetch……

then these hunters playing the martyrs because their lives are now miserable without their blood-stained “hobby” – are really fine comfortable rich folks who can finance more sustainable entertainment, if they stubbornly cannot get themselves to appreciate nature with their dogs/families without showering everywhere with lead.

NGO’s have been requesting for years, a nationwide exercise establishing which lands are really private and whether licensed for hunting.

Such exercise will guide the public, ramblers and tourists when they are finally out enjoying the countryside in peace, and also put into the right place any pretentious claim by those who suddenly have lost their peculiar socio-cultural vocation!

Andrew Gatt

Mar 18th 2009, 11:30

J Borg, let me tell you what my definition of private property is. It is land BOUGHT and PAID for out of my own pocket, registered by public deed at the Public Registry, and neither you or anyone else has ANY RIGHT to enter it.

Want another definition? Privately owned land leased out to 3rd parties, against payment.

Perhaps this might penetrate your warped reasoning. I have suggested to you before: dip your hand into your pocket and go buy or rent some land. Then go enjoy it all you want. Otherwise, stay out of PRIVATE PROPERTY, which is exactly that - PRIVATE, get it???

S Mizzi

Mar 18th 2009, 11:29

I voted PN in 87, 92, 96,98, YES in the referendum and in 03. In light of the PN's broken promise I abstained from voting in 08. Being a born Nationalist I never imagined i'd see the day when i'd be betrayed by the very party I so fervently believed in and against my will, starting from the June MEP elections up until such time I receive what I was promised, I will be voting for the LP. Like me there are tens of hundreds of hunters and trappers together with their wives and families that are swinging in favour of this course of action and I urge every hunter and trapper to do the same. Only in this way will the forces that can take decisions be made to realise that they cannot ride roughshod over all and sundry. I forecast a landslide victory for the LP in the forthcoming MEP elections.You simply cannot promise and guarantee something in writing to simply win over votes and achieve your aim and then try to maneouvre your way out of it and act like you have no responsibility and that the situation is out of your hands. Jmisskom tisthu.

Stephen Cassar

Mar 18th 2009, 11:26

Its interesting to read the comments from hunters about land use. I wonder if those who say that no one will go in their land is in fact their own private land! I wonder who is so stupid to try to go inside a private land of hunters when usually they place loads of RTO signs.

Don't you think that now is the perfect time to demolish those huts created for hunting & trapping? They are such an eyesore! Take a look at the passage between Mnajdra & Hagar Qim - covered with rooms. Go near Benghajsa fortress ... incredible the amount of trapping land! You can easily check google earth & discover those areas!
Now im expecting some vandalism! who suffers after all? us all tax payers

G. Mangion

Mar 18th 2009, 11:25

Welldone prime Minister Dr Lawrence Gonzi !!
Thank You so much.

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

Mar 18th 2009, 11:22

"This will be the second year without Spring Hunting. Hunting was also banned last year after the issue went before the European Court and an interim order was issued pending consideration of the case." This is a big fat lie similar to the lies and guarantees given by prominent people to hunters and trappers. Interim measures only related to the 2008 Spring Season. This time round, Dr. Gonzi had all the right to declare Spring Hunting as open. Shame on you Dr. Gonzi. Is this the way you treat your citizens? Are you happy that the Maltese Citizens be treated in an inferior manner to their EU counterparts? This is definitely not what one would expect from their Prime Minister!

As for all those suggesting that now they will be able to enjoy the countryside, I remind them to stick to PUBLIC property. Trespassing will definitely not be allowed by hunters, trappers and others who own property in the countryside.

Mr DBC, maybe you could use the paper plates left behind by those who want to enjoy private property in the countryside! Unebelievable how certain individuals comment without being well-informed!!

censu attard

Mar 18th 2009, 11:10

To all those who think that because Spring hunting is closed again this year it doesn`t mean that everyone can trespass private land ,whether if there are signs or not private land always stays private land.Now this year the hunters are really hurt and depressed and for sure that they are going to be in their property and I tell you one thing don`t be foolish and try to enter.What I find annoying is some people who have friends in high places still go hunting.

MARK MIFSUD BONNICI

Mar 18th 2009, 11:03

The Prime Minister stated he would not open the spring season so as not to prejudice the case.

Stavros Dimas the EU environment commissioner stated that he wants to make an example of Malta. He did not seem to worry about prejudicing the case when saying this!

When one considers that the case involves the illegal opening of 4 seasons by D. Gonzi's Government, and does not concern Malta's right to derogate for spring shooting. Who is Dr. Gonzi trying to fool! If anything he should have seen to the proper procedure of derogating before being ridiculed by the ECJ for doing so.

One has also to remember that spring hunting was guaranteed without reservation by the same party that now fears to open it. The same party that did not derogate properly. It is the hunters that are suffering at the expense of Government's incompetence.

Is Dr. Gonzi ashamed to say that the PN made a total mess of what should have been a right for all hunters.

J Borg

Mar 18th 2009, 11:03

@ M.Said
what is your deifinition of private property? i very much believe that you and your hunting collegues consider all the country side in Malta to be your private property!!! and then its the usual threats to the public...

Charles Attard

Mar 18th 2009, 10:52

I very much agree with the ban and hope that it will be permanent. What gristles is the lies that were told prior to the elections.

M.SAID

Mar 18th 2009, 10:48

@EVERY ANTI PERSON.
For all of you dreaming and saying that you will go freely in malta's countryside, cont dreaming!!!!!!!!!!!! Nobody, I repeat, NOBODY will ever enter in private property. Hunting or no hunting. I will go a step further and many will follow for sure...........I didnt object at persons collecting snails and picking capers from my property but from TODAY I will allow NOBODY to enter for sure.
My answer to these people will just be......I cannot enjoy my hobby so no one enters, I am sorry. BYE BYE.

David Borg Cardona

Mar 18th 2009, 10:42

@ Chris Mallia... Its all 3 of these.. a sport, a hobby and a pastime. You are not a hunter and will never understand what we feel in practising our pastime.Poaching & illegal hunting is to be condemned always and are a huge blemish, but yes, as a matter of fact, the few heads of game (Turtle doves and quails) we used to bag in April were all destined for the pot. Calling us selfish is definetely a case of the pot calling the kettle black.. don't you agree ?? After all you were selfish enough to condemn our hobby. Oh yes and by the way, which "plates" would you like me to shoot on, my mother's fine china ones or the cheap plastic ones I use by the sea in summer. U hallina...

Anthony Formosa

Mar 18th 2009, 10:41

Well done Dr GonziPN, now I can enjoy San Anton Gardens no more dead birds inside. I will also enjoy Mizieb, make BBQs and leave all the trash to be cleaned by the hunters, who paid for the hunting license to keep their guns at home. Well done Birdlies now I can take my children in summer to the nature reserve, to watch the beautiful sandy reserve.

The merit is also due to the MIC and President Edward Fenech Adami for deceiving many hunters and trappers before the EU referendum and 2003 election.

Last and not least, thanks to the EU for holding Malta and the Maltese at ransom.

Now I can confirm that the issue is the countryside and not the birds, but I can assure everyone that we will safeguard our interests.

And BTW I reduced my eating out on weekends, and I'll spend my money in UK for a week hunting.

God Save the Queen.

Chris Mallia

Mar 18th 2009, 10:32

Good one prime minister!

Honestly where's the fun in killing or capturing flying creatures? What do u call this? A sport? A hobby? A pastime? Because in my opinion it doesn't stand in any of those categories. It's inhuman and unnatural, it's not like you are shooting game to feed yourself. Pure selfish "fun".
If you wanna shoot something, shoot some plates or targets at a shooting range. That is actually a SPORT which shows SKILLS.

Unbeleivable

R. Gatt

Mar 18th 2009, 10:25

@ James De Giorgio - Muscat will not follow suit. He'll just sit and watch from the balcony. A consensus would hurt his party on voting day. He would'nt want that would he? He'll do exactly what Sant did. Nothing!!!

Joseph Buttigieg Attard

Mar 18th 2009, 10:22

May I ask GonziPN, which is arguing in favour of Spring Hunting at the EU Courts , what it really believes in? How come that one adores God and the devil at same time?

As always VOTES is GonziPN 's priority rather then National Interests. How pathetic !!

E.Vella

Mar 18th 2009, 10:16

I have no words if not feeling being betrayed by the Goverment and by the European Union. Malta is the exception for all cases. EU must first ban spring hunting in the other countries were the birds are put down in great number, in comparison with the few that are put down in Malta.

Were are the old nice promises...I like many are boycotting all actions with immediate effect for betrayal is worst than denying hunters to hunt. I am against illegal hunting but on the other side I am in favour of those hunters who follows the law, and let me say, many of them are so. I personally, am not a hunter but side with them when they follow the law.

Maybe birdlife has some secret agenda but one is clear, I am not permitting anyone to enter my property, to bird watchers, nor to those who make Sunday picnics. Thanks for betraying, there will not be a second time.

David Borg Cardona

Mar 18th 2009, 10:13

Grazzi Sur "par idejn sodi" Gonzi.. I suppose we should now come up and turn at your door with a huge thank you card, a box of chocolates and a beaming smile. The hunting issue was one of the most blatant lies your party could ever conjure. I seriously doubt that the PN will ever mange to come up with such another lie and fool so many people Thank you for sending a renowned & self declared abolitionist to negotiate hunting, thank you for leaving FKNK out of the pre accession discussions, thank you for all the "rough paper" containing null and void promises before 2004, thank you for letting your propognada machine MIC spew out false information by the bucketful but most of all thank you for slowly eradicating a way of life deeply embedded in our lives for years. Mintiex kaccatur sur Prim Ministru.. ma tafx xi nhossu ahna !!!!

James De Giorgio

Mar 18th 2009, 10:12

Thank God!

Well done Gonzi. Let's hope Muscat follows suit and we'll have a national consensus.

I'm sure Alternattiva agrees...

Keith D'Amato

Mar 18th 2009, 10:08

Great! Countryside here we come !!!!

Danica Rosso

Mar 18th 2009, 10:01

At D Borg

Pls can you explain what you enjoy exactly about turtle dove and quail? The only thing I can think of is their taste.

As for the countryside, if you think this is going to let you enter private land, think again.

mark sultana

Mar 18th 2009, 10:01

Dr Gonzi I would like to thank you for this decision on behalf of my two sons who will surely be enjoying more countryside this spring. Your firm stand has acquired a lot of respect from the ever growing public opinion on this matter in particular hunting and nature in general.

Keep this up!!

Andrew Gatt

Mar 18th 2009, 09:57

Guess you should change the slogan GonziPN to GonziPNOCCHIO. The promise guaranteeing Spring Hunting was nothing more than a cruel, calculated LIE.

Another point. Why ban Spring Hunting if you're so sure Malta has a case? Or is the ongoing EU Court case another convenient smokescreen to hide behind, taparsi qed taghmel xi haga?

Kenneth Cassar

Mar 18th 2009, 09:51

@ D Galea:

"Another thing is that people can not enter private terrain even if no hunting is done".

Very true. This is why I suggested several times that MEPA should distribute official RTO signs to land owners, and remove the illegal RTOs that are definitely an eyesore apart from being illegal.

D Galea

Mar 18th 2009, 09:41

I dont know why all people say now we can enjoy our nature... What nature? I think we should first abolish all the bully construction companies who build on our nature terrains with flimsy permits. Another thing is that people can not enter private terrain even if no hunting is done. It is really easy to pick on minorities!! Now I know that we really are second class EU citizens. And if anyone has already jumped to conclusions I am NOT a hunter!

Chris Galea

Mar 18th 2009, 09:40

Dr Gonzi,
Legally you can open the season,you're not opening it cause you don't want to open it !!! Well done .......... especially after all those signed promises !!! You just stole our votes and used us.
Blue Hunter.

Chris Borg

Mar 18th 2009, 09:37

Thank you PM!

Andrew Camilleri

Mar 18th 2009, 09:35

This is wonderful news! Well done!

d. borg

Mar 18th 2009, 09:33

Allelujah! We can enjoy the countryside and the birds.

J. Borg

Mar 18th 2009, 09:33

Well it seems that Dr. Gonzi can take a good decision in the national interest after all - although he had to be guided by the EC.

Well done nonetheless......hope you don't go wasting further money and our Attorney General's time - on a court case that is serving only as a face saving exercise.

Adrian Borg

Mar 18th 2009, 09:27

Jekk m'ghamilt xejn tajjeb matul il-mandati li ghamilt s'issa fil-Gvern, din hija l-ewwel wahda!

Gorg Borg

Mar 18th 2009, 09:16

Well done PM. You da Man.!!!
Perhaps we can now enjoy our outdoors.. Thank you.!

M. Cardona

Mar 18th 2009, 09:14

OUT WITH THE HUNTERS>>>>>>>>LET THE LAND SPECULATION BEGIN!

WELL DONE BIRDLIFE MALTA AND BELLA COMPANIA! A FEW MORE NON-ENDANGERED BIRDS MUCH LESS COUNTRYSIDE......ENJOY!

chris camilleri

Mar 18th 2009, 09:13

good going!!!!! At least we'll be able to enjoy nature lead free this spring!!!

C.Sapiano

Mar 18th 2009, 09:11

A very firm decision. Good One.

Harry Borda

Mar 18th 2009, 09:01

Prosit Mr prime Minister! It seems you are ready to discuss anything under the sun except hunting. This after our previous Prime Minister (EFA) had declared more than once that spring hunting will be effected by EU membership. You are taking up issues with EU on practically everything and somehow you really are out to see local traditionals such as hunting, festas, carnival, fireworks etc totally abolished form these islands! Shame on you!

Stephen Cassar

Mar 18th 2009, 08:58

Fl-ahhar nistaw ngawdu l-kampanja ta malta u mhux nigu mghedda li jisparaw fuqna!

Chris Finch

Mar 18th 2009, 08:57

Prosit GonziPN stand firm.