All is not well on this island in just about every department that a government is responsible for. This morning, for instance, I was again shot awake by illegal hunters in the valley near my home. I have been listening to these since the end of the autumn season (January 31) up to, throughout and since the supposed end of the spring hunting season.

These shots are intermittent and I have so little faith in the police with regard to enforcement that I have not reported each incident. However, today I thought enough is enough and I mustdo something.

So, this morning, I immediately phoned 119 but, sadly, though I got to police headquarters, the administrative law enforcement unit were not answering the phone when I was put through to them. So I made my report to HQ who, I assume, took it as a routine report and, as far as I know, did nothing more.

I cannot understand why the ALE are so difficult to contact for is of the essence that one can reach them if they are to catch these people.

Another thing I find strange is how CABS and Birdlife can find 40-plus illegal bird traps/callers while the police/ALE cannot.

We are all aware of the disruption caused to the ALE by mass transfers after the election. Also worrying are the daily allegations of corruption affecting every facet of government and seriously eroding public trust in all officialdom and politicians in particular.

As to the spring hunting derogation and the statistics provided (by the hunters themselves), I am sure everyone, including the hunters themselves consider them a joke.