The President of the hunter’s federation has paid tribute to former FKNK President Victor Vella, who passed away on Thursday.

Joe Perici Calascione wrote: “Life is short and we leave behind our actions towards our families, towards our friends and for that in which we believe.

Victor left us during the night of the 25th August 2016, after a year in which he was taken over by an illness that did not release its claws before winning over his life.

Victor had been a President to the Federation for Hunting and Conservation – Malta (FKNK) and a friend.  He was one with clear and firm ideas.  He formed part of the Council of the FKNK in a time when the hunters’ and trappers’ ideals were slightly different from those of today’s era, and when they started to taste bitter attacks from various quarters.  However, he was adamant in finding a way to have the members of the FKNK secure a decent place where they could practice their passions.

By this, he was instrumental and part of the FKNK team that in the 80s, managed to make the FKNK come to an agreement with the Government so that the lands in the Limits of Mellieha and in Miżieb would be administered by the FKNK as Reserves for Hunting and Trapping.  To date, these Hunting Reserves are managed by the FKNK and have also served to increase the integration between hunters and trappers, members of the FKNK, and the general public also by means of picnic areas and footpaths accessible to everyone.

Victor was a trapper, and one could sense his passion each and every time you spoke to him.  He worked for a variety of sectors, also for those who specialise in rabbit hunting and ferreting so that even these can have adequate means to practice their passion.

I would like to take this opportunity to convey the most sincere condolences of the Council of the Federation for Hunting and Conservation – Malta to his wife and all his family.  Recently, whenever Victor and I used to have a word, I would always try to instill some courage in him, however, I would immediately realise that courage was one thing that never eluded him, the same courage that he used to create so much wealth for all Maltese and Gozitan hunters and trappers.

Thank you Victor, you will always remain in our thoughts and prayers.”