The Minister for Gozo, Clint Camilleri, has announced that Kevin Francica has been appointed to lead the Wild Birds Regulations Unit (WBRU).

The Ministry for Gozo said in a statement that Francica has 36 years of experience working in the public service, as well as vast knowledge in the hunting and trapping sectors. The WBRU is the Unit responsible for the administration and regulation of the hunting and trapping sectors, which includes implementing government policy and coordinating with stakeholders to ensure that the sector is running in accordance with national laws and international obligations.

Kevin Francica started his career in 1989, in the Customs Department, and has served in various leadership positions within different government entities over the years, the Gozo Ministry said. I

n the past, he has served as the Director for International Affairs, Policy Development and Implementation at the Customs Department; Director General (Compliance and Investigations) within the Ministry for Health; and Director General (Corporate Services and IT) within the Malta Tax and Customs Administration. 

Francica holds a Master of Science degree in Management and holds various other qualifications related to leadership, governance, and public administration.As the new man in charge of the WBRU, Francica will continue improving the Unit's administrative efficiency while addressing sector-related priorities. 

Among the WBRU's main priorities over the coming period are continuing the work on the legislative framework regulating the sector, simplifying administrative procedures, and bolstering research programmes.The Ministry for Gozo stated that his appointment forms part of the renewal process within it and its subordinate entities. 

The Ministry for Gozo concluded its statement by thanking the former WBRU Head, Richard Lia, for the work and service he gave it over the past years, while wishing Francica every success in his new position.