Vote with integrity

I live in Guernsey in the Channel Islands where, like Malta, which I visit regularly, we rely on tourism.

We are both island communities which need to protect our environments so as to increase the attractions we can offer our tourists.

Unfortunately, I understand the Maltese government has recently bowed to the increasing dominance of the hunters' and trappers' association to the extent that the hunting season has now been extended and even the month of February has become an official bird trapping time.

Surely your cliff walks, your country areas and your wildlife should be protected from hunting and trapping to allow the freedom to visiting bird watching groups and nature lovers (today's tourists) to enjoy these natural attractions as they are able to do in the Channel Islands.

I note that Malta's hunting and trapping association is hoping to influence your government on its EU accession talks and is seeking to sway the forthcoming referendum vote in their favour.

I wish all voters in Malta the best of luck - please vote with integrity and do not let a small but vociferous group ruin your aspirations and, indeed your island.