The “demands” that were recently made by the hunting/trapping community to the present or future politicians would be laughable, if they weren’t so sad. 

By their own admission, many of them – and sometimes their dogs as well – suffer from depression. Now who in their right mind would allow a depressed person to own a firearm, or a depressed dog to run around without a muzzle? So much for the physical safety of anyone living, working, driving or taking a stroll in the countryside on these islands.

The fact is that the even the Maltese and Gozitans themselves are simply no longer safe in the countryside – be it walking on public paths or roads, in their own gardens or even sitting on their own terraces or roofs! 

I will not go into all the demands here, but the latest attack on foreigners is quite ludicrous. Perhaps someone should explain to these wannabe dictators just how much foreigners – such as tourists, business people, factory owners, medical staff, retired ex-pats, etc., the list is endless – contribute to the economy and well being of Malta!

However, perhaps they do have a point. Were it not for the far-reaching effects of a foreign community, many of the hunters/poachers wouldn’t be able to afford their highly toxic, polluting ammunition, and neither would many of them be able to feed their families. As a result, the advantage to the countryside and fauna would be enormous.

Malta does not have many natural resources, but the climate is one – especially in winter when the rest of Europe is freezing – and the beautiful countryside is another. The fact that the majority of its inhabitants are wonderful, friendly, helpful people is yet another asset: an absolute magnet for attracting tourism and money to the country, if properly managed and marketed. 

So how is it possible that a handful of morons are holding this county to ransom? It is especially insulting to foreigners who love the islands and who have invested a lot of blood, sweat and tears – not to mention money – to make their homes here. However, it is even more insulting to the Maltese population, who appear to have no choice in the matter. 

It appears easier for both parties to pretend that this very real threat to the economy and well being of the country simply does not exist! 

How degrading it must be for the politicians to have to admit that, basically, they are being dictated to by a bunch of manic depressive Neanderthals!

Lesley Gail Kreupl

GHARB