A tribute to a trapper, a colleague and a friend

Life is short and we leave behind our actions towards our families, towards our friends and for that in which we believe.

Victor Vella left us during the night of 25 August, after a year in which he was taken over by an illness that did not release its claws before winning over his life.

Victor had been President of the Federation for Hunting and Conservation – Malta (FKNK) and was a friend. He was someone with clear and firm ideas. He formed part of the Council of the FKNK at a time when the hunters’ and trappers’ ideals were slightly different from those of today’s era, and when they started to taste bitter attacks from various quarters. However, he was adamant in finding a way for the members of the FKNK to secure a decent place where they could practice their passions.

By this, he was instrumental in and part of the FKNK team that in the 1980s managed to make the FKNK come to an agreement with the government so that the lands in the outskirts of Mellieħa and in Miżieb would be administered by the FKNK as reserves for hunting and trapping. To date, these hunting reserves are managed by the FKNK and have also served to increase the integration between hunters and trappers, members of the FKNK and also the general public by means of picnic areas and footpaths accessible to everyone.

Victor was a trapper, and you could sense his passion each and every time you spoke to him. He worked for a variety of sectors, including those who specialise in rabbit hunting and ferreting so that even they could have adequate means to practise their passion.

I would like to take this opportunity to convey to his wife and all his family the most sincere condolences of the Council of the Federation for Hunting and Conservation – Malta. Recently, whenever Victor and I used to have a word, I would always try to instil some courage in him, however, I would immediately realise that courage was one thing that never eluded him, the same courage that he used to create so much wealth for all Maltese and Gozitan hunters and trappers.

Thank you Victor; you will always remain in our thoughts and prayers. Joseph Perici Calascione President, FKNK