Christian Peregin
Ranger shot in 'ambush'
FKNK condemns such incidents
The gate to the Foresta 2000 which was forced open before ranger Ray Vella was shot at.
A BirdLife park ranger escaped with slight injuries yesterday after he was shot at for the second time in two years.
The incident happened when ranger Ray Vella went to the Foresta 2000 reserve he tends to in Mellieħa as usual at 6 a.m. to find that one of the padlocked gates had been forced open.
As he got out of his car to inspect the damage, Mr Vella said someone hidden in the trees fired shots at him, injuring him in his right ear and leaving bruises on his head.
"His vehicle's lights were on and it was dawn, so I don't think he was mistaken for a bird. This was not a chance accident. He was ambushed. His aggressor was waiting for him. The act was premeditated," BirdLife president Joseph Mangion told a press conference.
The incident has sparked outrage among a number of environmental and political organisations, which said action had to be taken once and for all. Mr Mangion said the organisation had been targeted about 20 times in the past two and a half years but so far no one had been brought to justice.
"We want to see results. We do not want to hear any more promises or condemnation. The lack of action is protecting the perpetrators," Mr Mangion said.
"We believe there needs to be a strong message from the authorities. We find it hard to understand why no one has been brought to justice yet. We're not saying the police are not doing enough. But questions are being asked."
Mr Vella had also been shot at in the face in October 2007 by a hunter who later turned himself in.
The ranger chose not to press charges against him because of medical reasons but the police still charged him in court. The case continued, the police said yesterday.
Then, in June 2008, Mr Vella's family farm, also in Mellieħa, was set on fire while olive trees were uprooted and oil was poured down his freshwater well.
Din l-Art Ħelwa president Martin Galea, who was also present for the press conference because the Foresta 2000 site was a joint project between the two organisations and the government's parks department, described the incident as "very serious", recalling that Mr Vella had been singled out and targeted a number of times.
"I don't know who did it. I imagine it was a hunter. It doesn't mean all hunters are the same, obviously not, but there is a criminal element there and I appeal to everyone, hunters included, to try and get information to the police as soon as possible to catch the person responsible," Mr Galea said.
Mr Galea insisted that the organisations would "not be intimidated" by such acts but said that, in light of the incident, the security measures of the site had to be reconsidered.
"Mr Vella is very courageous. But we have to see whether it makes sense for him to continue going to the site alone every day because if this were to happen a third time, he might not be so lucky," he concluded.
The ranger was released from hospital yesterday morning but did not want to be photographed.
The police have so far questioned one person in connection with the incident.
Investigations are ongoing and a magisterial inquiry is underway.
When contacted, Lino Farrugia, secretary of the hunters' federation, FKNK, said he was not familiar with the circumstances of the case but the federation condemned any incident of this nature. The Rural Affairs Ministry said it would continue to back the Foresta 2000 project and that Minister George Pullicino, who is abroad, had phoned BirdLife and DLĦ to express solidarity as soon as he heard what had happened.
The Labour Party, Alternattiva Demokratika and the Mellieħa local council also condemned the incident.
Labour described the attack as an evil act that could have had grave consequences.
It expressed solidarity with Mr Vella, his family and BirdLife, which, with much sacrifice, maintained the reserve.
AD chairman Arnold Cassola hoped that those who resorted to firearms and extreme violence would be brought to justice as quickly as possible.
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Sylvana Zarb Darmanin
Apr 16th 2009, 13:15
Mr Franco Farrugia, first and foremost I would appreciate if you would address me with my correct surname!
What exactly is your argument Sir? Of course everyone has the right for his own opinion! But where exactly have I intimated otherwise?! Please read again my comment and try to understand it. What I (and many readers) actually expect is unbiased reporting. The Times is supposed to be an independent newspaper and as such one would expect it to keep clear of siding with anyone. Is this so difficult to understand?
As for your reference to a "particular small section of the population" you might be disappointed to learn that this particular section consists of hunters, trappers, their families and many Maltese citizens who are not bothered with hunting and who know the meaning of respect, love and tolerance!!
Franco Farrugia
Apr 16th 2009, 09:15
@ Ms Sylvana Zarb Adami: I don't think you can stop me or anyone else thinking what there is written on the wall, can you?
After all the militant thoughts as expressed on a particular website belonging to a particular association representing a particular small section of th population, I think you can hardly take it against me or anyone for making the necessary equation ... but I will let the competent authorities give us the official answer. If they are 'competent' enough, that is.
John Matthews
Apr 15th 2009, 20:03
TOO MANY ASSUMPTIONS FROM BIRD LIFE MALTA SUPPORTERS. A HUNTER IN HIS/HER RIGHT MIND WOULDN'T DARE TO SHOOT A RANGER, HE/SHE HAS TOO MUCH TO LOSE
David Borg Cardona
Apr 15th 2009, 19:32
@ J. Borg..
Of course there are ostriches in Malta.. Try Abate Rigord Str - you might get the Turkish or Bermudan variety. They were imported a while ago and are now freely roaming their I mean our countryside !
Karl Consiglio
Apr 15th 2009, 19:11
Yes yes elementary Joseph E. Briffa elementary my boy.
Joe Camilleri
Apr 15th 2009, 17:46
@ Mary Ann Borg
can you vouch for birdlife's members who also own shotguns?
@ J Oatmon
what does the trapping of birds have to do with this article?
@ Joseph E Briffa
if Arthur Conan Doyle knew about you, he would have placed you instead of the fictional character of Sherlock Holmes
Mary Ann Borg
Apr 15th 2009, 16:23
@ D Borg Cardona: Who do you think you're fooling? A man with a shotgun shoots a ranger. Do you need to be Sherlock Holmes to assess the situation? One can never be sure, of course but if this guy with a shotgun is even prepared to shoot at a ranger how much will he hesitate to kill a bird of prey? And how come the FNKN has never, ever, reported one of its members to the police? Can you vouch for them all yourself then? After all, Mr Vella has already been attacked and the police have moved against the man who attacked Mr Vella. And guess what? He was a hunter!
J Oatmon
Apr 15th 2009, 14:53
It seems to be that the root of the problem is the general failure by the police to act fully and forcibly. The lack of action in the other instances of harrasment and vandalisn, arson and shootings, is deplorable - the government needs to instruct the commissioner of police accordingly.
It seems to be that we have a police force which 'just goes through the motions' instead of pursuing these dangerous gun criminals.
The police seem to 'sympathise' with the hunters and gun fraternity in some way, instead of acting professionally and with impartial integrity.
Sooner or later someone will be shot and seriously injured or killed, and the shooter will probably be either a criminal or a dangerously unstable, violent individual, and definitely someone with a gun - it will not be a birdlife individual, or an unarmed member of the public doing the shooting.
Malta is too small for bird shooting, and trapping, there is no good reason for guns in public places.
Antoine Grima
Apr 15th 2009, 14:41
Very sorry to hear about such horrible actions. Unfortunately we have some sick people out there and what is even worse is that they keep on getting away with it. No matter who it is , hunter or not , needs locking up . I am a hunter , and proud of it no matter what people are made to believe . But if i knew who this maniac is , and he/she was a hunter , i'd still be the first to point the finger at him/her.
Tim Ripard
Apr 15th 2009, 14:29
David, stop getting paranoid. 'I imagine' shows that Mr Galea is expressing his personal opinion, or suspicion, that is all. Let's face it, it's quite a reasonable suspicion given that Mr. Vella is a Birdlife park ranger and that hunters hate Birdlife. You certainly know that the vast majority of hunters couldn't give a damn about the law.
PS - contact me.
Joseph Calleja
Apr 15th 2009, 13:56
What is going on? Shooting at another human being for doing his job? Thank God Mr Vella wasn't hurt seriously, but what about the next time? I assume that the ranger does not carry a weapon to defend himself either. What a COWARDLY act by the shooter to shoot at an innocent and an unarmed man. I hope the authorities catch this person and prosecute him to the fullest extent of the law. This is an assault with a deadly weapon. Ray please take care.
Sylvana Zarb Darmanin
Apr 15th 2009, 13:28
Unbiased reporting indeed!!!!!!!
Whereas PL, AD, Mellieha Local Council and FKNK all condemned such incidents, The Times felt it appropriate to head this article: ' Ranger shot in 'ambush' , FKNK condemns such incidents!! What are the hidden intentions behind this?! Is anyone pointing fingers?!
J Farrugia
Apr 15th 2009, 12:18
I will never condone what Birdlife is doing to those bona fide trappers whose life this Birdlife has ruined now and forever. Their european counterparts are having a field day getting what the Maltese are losing. This is just discrimination against all the Maltese people. Birdlife has asked for trouble. And this is the result. It is useless to interrogate hunters because no one will tell anything he knows. They are not mad. And therefore the police cannot arraign anyone unless they have absolute certtainity that there will be a conviction wwith solid proof.
Joseph E Briffa
Apr 15th 2009, 12:11
Here again...although the perpetrator hasn't been caught yet it is reasonable to assume that the first suspect would be somebody who has an interest in going to Foresta 2000 to do damage to the reserve or to hunt birds. So indications are that he is a cowboy hunter who is not happy to be barred from the reserve. If he is a hunter, he would also most likely be a member of the FKNK. So, one would expect the FKNK to do its research and help the police to try and identify the perpetrator. Condemning the incident is not enough. Weeding out cowboy hunters from its midst and ensuring that they are brought to justice when they break the law is in the interest of the FKNK. It is the only sure way of redeeming itself and improving its tarnished image.
Charles Falzon
Apr 15th 2009, 12:02
Such cowardly and evil acts should be CLEARLY and repeatedly condemmed by all pro-hunting associations.
All violence, in all its forms, is evil.
J. Borg
Apr 15th 2009, 11:43
@ Borg Cardona
I thought we didn't have any ostriches in Malta - it seems I was wrong!
victor vella
Apr 15th 2009, 11:06
This is beyond anything, I urge the police to start requesting the courts and the courts to listen and comply as much as possible for these people to be put away for life.These are unreasonable savages and need to be taught a lesson once and for all.Whatever Mr Vella did and I suppose this is as a result of him doing his job does not warrent him to be shot at and have his property vandalised in such a manner.Go on please police catch the perpetrator and bring him to justice.
Adrian Allain
Apr 15th 2009, 11:04
I feel very strongly that there are two-faced people who condemn this attack in public, but in private they would say 'prosit' to the perpetrator and by so doing, encourage similar violent action. Desperate people take desperate measures. 'Fighting a losing battle' is a phrase that comes to mind.
I see no point in someone accompanying the brave Mr Vella. Two would get shot instead of one.
Dion Borg
Apr 15th 2009, 11:03
If only those entrusted with public offices could show half the altruistic dedication, commitment and courage of Ray Vella - Malta will be such a better place.
Ray you have our wholehearted support.
We also expect the Police and Government to eradicate such acts and threats, once and for all.
Eric Camilleri
Apr 15th 2009, 10:48
Such an incident is to be condemned and to be dealt with a heavy hand once the culprit/s are caugth. However "Gate forced open" ! What sort of ambush is that ? If the intended target was Mr Ray Vella there would have been no need to force open a gate but simply to jump the boundry walls in order to discreetly carry out the "operation". It looks more as if the culprit/s where to some no good deed inside the Foresta and they were startled when surprised by Mr Vella.
David Borg Cardona
Apr 15th 2009, 10:34
@ Martin Galea - President of DLH
First its " I don't know who did it ", then its " I imagine it was a hunter" .. Are not these two statements very much contradictory Mr. Galea ??
And should a person who holds a public position like you do stoop so low to say "there is a criminal element there" thus implicating hunters are criminals.
Typical DLH and BLm statements to say the least.
Joe Fenech
Apr 15th 2009, 10:09
Absolute brutality which necessitates heavy handed laws and action.