MaltaMedia.com

The MHRA, Curia and GħKNK Mellieħa have all issued releases stressing the unattractive vandalism and violence is, not only for Maltese citizens, but even more so for tourists.

In its press release, MHRA stated that the vandalism perpetrated at Foresta 2000 and the report on the street gangs at Gzira are two acts which are a threat to tourism, on which most of the Maltese depend for their livelihood. This is being stated apart from the harm done to the Maltese countryside and to Maltese citizens. These acts negatively affect the quality of life for the Maltese.

MHRA states that this is the first gang style report to hit the Maltese headlines. In their statement, the Government is urged to take immediate, drastic steps to ensure that there is no repetition. Malta enjoys a reputation amongst tourists as being a safe place, free from mugging and attacks of this nature. Clearly this style of gang activity witnessed in some countries, has produced a copycat effect locally through international media.

The MHRA statement says that the perpetrators must be caught and an example must be set since the mentality of vandalism must not be allowed to take seed in the Maltese islands. The former is within the responsibility of the Police Authorities and it is inconceivable how in a small country such as ours, an act of such a huge dimension remains unresolved. Under the circumstances MHRA would like to refer to their recommendations made to the Prime Minister last year following such similar acts that have unfortunately and unhappily again made an appearance.

Both these incidents indicate a lack of civil pride and a warped sense of strength and arrogance fostered in some through irresponsible sayings and acts of others, who must bear responsibility for the end result. Once again MHRA urges the Maltese Government to take the appropriate measures immediately to safeguard tourism in Malta and indeed to safeguard the quality of life to the Maltese.

In the meantime, the Curia stated that vandalism is not only an offence to the community, but also to God. The statement released says that for the second time, the Interdiocesan Commission for the Environment joins other people, entities and organisations to once again condemn the vandalism acted out on 104 trees at Foresta 2000 site in Mellieħa.

In their statement, the Curia states that this attack is not only deplorable because it destroyed so many trees, but also because of the intention to hurt all the people, mainly the children, who contributed to the sowing of these trees.

The Interdiocesan Commission for the Environment appeals to whoever committed this heinous act to come forward and redeem. It reminds the people what Pope Benedict VXI and Pope John Paul II said, that environmental crises are in fact moral crises.

The Interdiocesan Commission for the Environment feels that it is time for Maltese citizens to show its environmental maturity and such issues do not remain only a prerogative for environmental organisations. It is time for each and every Maltese citizen to feel the need to defend the environment.

In its statement, the Curia asks for anyone who has information about this act to come forward and fully cooperate with the authorities in their investigations.

GħKNK Mellieħa have also condemned this act at Foresta 2000 as well as the constant damage done in the afforested areas at L-Aħrax tal-Mellieħa.

The Association for Hunting & Conservation said that hunters and trappers would never do such an atrocious act on the environment and would also never accept unsupported evidence to taint their reputation, The Times reports.

In its statement, the association said that members from the organisation have participated in several activities which make part of an environment conservation programme.

It also stated that the organisation plants a number of trees yearly which were also vandalised, however such acts were never uncovered by the media, says The Times.

The organisation stated that BirdLife Malta had not accepted their offer to voluntarily help out in the Foresta 2000 project in 2003.