SHout calls on all Maltese and Gozitans to vote NO

Spring Hunting Out spokespersons Mark Sultana, Moira Delia and Saviour Balzan encouraged all Maltese and Gozitans to cast their vote next Saturday 11th April, and to vote NO for birds, for our countryside and for future generations.

“If this referendum is won by the hunters, they will be occupying the countryside again with their shotguns on Tuesday,”the statement reads.

SHout thanked the thousands of people who have indicated that they will vote NO and also thanked the organisations and associations that backed the SHout campaign including the animal welfare NGOs, the student organisations, the Archbishop, the Jesuit priests, athletes, musicians, artists and the theatre community.

 “We would like to thank the hundreds of Maltese and Gozitans who have collected their votes from Naxxar as this is a very significant number.”

The spokespersons also thanked the three independent newspapers, The Sunday Times, The Independent and MaltaToday for their support in this campaign. 

“This was an unprecedented step that was never before experienced,” reads the statement.

Sultana also reminded those gathered of the political maturity of many members of parliament from both sides who opted not to take sides in this referendum.

“On Saturday 11th April, thousands of Maltese and Gozitans will be voting for change in our country's first abrogative referendum. The referendum was called for by the people, and this issue is now for the people to decide.”

 The spokespersons stressed that voters have been empowered to speak out and make their voice heard; “to make an important decision for the future of our country.”

“A decision which is guided by a fundamental principle. That one does not kill for pleasure, one does not shoot birds in Spring and one does not selfishly occupy the countryside."

Sultana said that people would be voting to send a very clear message that a sizeable number of the electorate want this country to be a modern country where our countryside is preserved and where birds are protected. 

“We have experienced a campaign which has been between two camps, one that is looking backwards and wants to uphold habits which are destructive and negative, and one that is looking forwards, to create a positive future.”

“There is a lot at stake in this referendum. It is a reflection on whether we are going to give a priority to environmental issues.”