[WATCH] A 'no' vote is a vote for our children's future - SHout

Moira Delia speaks at Sant'Antnin Family Park, encouraging voters to create a 'legacy for our children that Malta can be proud of'

Photo by Ray Attard
Photo by Ray Attard
A 'no' vote is a vote for our children's future - Shout • Video by Ray Attard

At a Spring Hunting Out activity in Marsascala this afternoon, Moira Delia said that a 'no' vote would secure a better future for our children, creating a legacy of a countryside rich in nature.

Speaking at a SHout campaign event in Sant'Antnin Family Park, Delia said, "Anyone with children wants them to grow up to have a better future. We are now being given the opportunity to ensure that our children grow up in a country where birds and nature flourish, where they can have unhindered opportunities to enjoy the countryside and our rich natural heritage at the best time of year."

Delia reminded the public of the birds that returned to breed in Malta during the spring of 2008 and 2009, where there was no spring hunting due to Malta's ongoing court case in the European Court of Justice.  

"During these years, when there was no spring hunting, beautiful birds returned to breed here in Malta and Gozo - kestrels, swifts, swallows, colourful bee-eaters. Just imagine how our countryside could be in five, ten or 20 years without spring hunting, imagine the legacy we could create for our children."

She also spoke about the importance of nature for our children, saying, "Getting out into the countryside, experiencing nature, is so important for our children. For them to run and play under the trees, to have the freedom to explore, for their imaginations to run wild."

Delia said that, during spring hunting seasons, many people feared letting their children play in the countryside. "At the moment, we cannot let our children do this in spring while there is hunting going on. We know that school groups have had to turn back due to lead pellets falling on them, that children have found dead birds in their playgrounds. We have the chance to change this for them."

"Our children deserve a better future, and we can give it to them. Vote 'no' on 11 April, and together we can create a legacy that Malta will be proud of."