When the Nationalists surrendered our traditions, Labour stood firm. Clint Camilleri proves what true leadership looks like.
Clint Camilleri
When others betrayed their word, Labour stood firm for Malta’s hunters, trappers and traditional way of life.
In recent weeks, we’ve witnessed yet another wave of confusion stirred up by the Nationalist Opposition — this time through an amendment that could have threatened Malta’s beloved traditions, culinary delights, and practices that form part of our national identity.
Many immediately understood how dangerous this amendment was. But as always, there were those who tried to downplay it, claiming that the Government was exaggerating or inventing excuses simply to avoid agreeing with the Opposition.
Let’s not have short memories. We’ve been through this before.
Ask our hunters and trappers.
Years ago, the Nationalist Party also promised them that their hobby — their heritage — would be protected. They were given letters, even from former Prime Minister Eddie Fenech Adami himself, saying that Malta’s rights were safeguarded in Europe. But when the moment of truth came, we discovered that those so-called “guarantees” were nothing but empty words.
The result? A community of thousands betrayed — and traditions that had to be rebuilt and defended from scratch once Labour returned to Government.
And who was at the forefront of that battle?
Minister Clint Camilleri.
Yesterday’s TVM news report showed exactly what leadership looks like. While others talk, Minister Camilleri was in Brussels, defending Malta’s right to responsibly conduct research on seven species of songbirds — a technical yet crucial measure that keeps the practice of trapping alive within European frameworks.
He could have taken the easy way out. But he didn’t.
Because this Government has never abandoned those who love and respect nature, tradition, and heritage.
Every single year, the Labour Government fights on behalf of trappers and hunters — not for political gain, but because it believes in fairness. It believes that Maltese and Gozitans have just as much right as anyone else in Europe to maintain their traditions responsibly.
Let’s also remember that during the same week a conference was being held in Malta to celebrate our local delicacies — another cornerstone of our culture — Minister Camilleri was abroad fighting another battle for the same principle: the right to be Maltese without apology.
So, when you hear the Opposition once again promising that “nothing will change,” remember the past.
Remember the betrayal.
Remember who actually stood up when Europe tried to take away what was ours.
Because whether it’s hunting, trapping, or the preservation of Maltese traditions, Clint Camilleri and the Labour Government have always done one thing: fight, year after year, for the people — and win battles others had long abandoned.
