Relapsing Hunters?!

Precisely two weeks ago, the Maltese Population took the initiative to voice their opinion regarding whether they deemed it fit to stop spring hunting or not.

The result was shockingly close, with those voting 'Yes' to Spring Hunting winning the referendum by approximately 2,200 votes!

Our Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, assured those having voted 'No' to Spring Hunting, that if any hunter is caught breaking the law, then the spring hunting season would be shut down. I disagree with this, because I understand that not all hunters should be punished because of one foul act.

Rather, action is to be taken against each and everyone who breaks the law, so that an example is set on a continuous basis. However, shooting a protected bird is one thing, but injuring a child with shotgun pellets is another.

Whether it was an incident or not, shouldn't matter in my opinion. If the hobby is a threat to any other human, then action is to be taken more seriously. This could have ended in a more tragic way.

By the above statement, I mean no offence to hunters in particular, as this should apply to all hobbies which could prove to be injurious to humans. For example, if having horses in the road proves to be a danger to others, then this should be tackled in a similar way.

However, one is to add that the behaviour that followed after the incident, as implied by the victim, can under no circumstances be accepted.  The child reported to the police that the hunter slapped him in the face. The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges, and was later granted bail against a deposit of 300 Euros, and a personal guarantee of 2,000 Euros.

He was charged with attacking and threatening the victim, slightly injuring him with a firearm due to negligence and with being a relapser.

What is your perspective regarding this matter? How do you think it would be best to solve such problems?

Kaylie Chetcuti

Voicing Your Opinion - Student Organisations

Before entering University, I thought that investing time in a student organisation would most likely result in me wasting my time and losing interest in my course. With some students, I must admit that this has unfortunately been the case. 

However, I have come to realise that in order to grow and enjoy a holistic experience at university, one simply must join some kind of student organisation! I am currently a member of the Policy Committee of GhSL, and hence I must point out that it is aiding me in building up numerous skills, such as working efficiently in a team as well and socialising better with others. 

Today, as most of you are very much aware of, is the day when students from all the faculties forming part of university, come out to vote for one of the two leading student organisations established within Junior College, MCAST, and the University of Malta – SDM and Pulse.

I personally believe that voting in such elections is of paramount importance for numerous reasons, including the fact that without relevance to the scale given to such organisations in comparison to the General Maltese Political Parties, they are somewhat powerful in what takes place around campus. Therefore, as students, we should have the power to decide (as we do!) who is to represent the student body in KSU.

In addition, we are given a voice. Whether we make use of it or not is a personal decision, especially considering the number of students who do not vote in these elections. I genuinely believe that their absent vote reflects another voice, which should be duly respected and regarded.

I strongly encourage the voicing of opinions, and not being afraid in doing so – which doesn’t necessarily result in voting for any organisation. 

Lastly, I wish Good luck to all candidates and well done for both organisations for the well-organised campaigns

Kaylie Chetcuti 

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Irregular Migration in Western Europe

An exceedingly  popular subject in our local news, has been that regarding the Irregular Migrant tragedies that have been taking place in the Mediterranean Sea. According to the Telegraph, the death toll of migrants has been thirty times larger than that of last year.

Marine Incidents are unfortunately very common, however a large percentage of the time, all possible remedies are taken to make sure that they are never repeated. This might not necessarily be the case here.

More than 1750 migrants perished in the Mediterranean Sea since the beginning of 2015. Meanwhile, most of us are more concerned with Local Council Elections and Hunting Referendums. By no means am I claiming that their importance is inferior, but I genuinely feel that as the time passes by,  the world's priorities are becoming more and more disturbed.

Even though the reason for them fleeing the country should be more than enough, the mere fact that they are as equally human as we are, should automatically instigate us to feel more compassion towards them, and provide as much help as we can.

While understanding that they might substantially be a partial cause to the cultural and economic problems of our country, we should at least be open to diminishing racism as much as possible. That doesn't cost money to carry out!

I also believe that more help should be provided from other European Countries.
Just as in the treaties it is held that the number of seats in the European Parliament is to be determined according to the population of each Member State, then I deem it ideal that the number of migrants received in all Member States are divided between the same states according to their population.

This would aid in diminishing any pressures on smaller countries, while also potentially providing a better home for the migrants.

What do you think about this matter?

Kaylie Chetcuti

Voting Age: 16,17 or 18?

A lot of debating has been taking place lately, regarding the current voting age and whether it should in fact, be changed to 16 or 17.

The matter at hand is whether 16 and 17 year-olds should be given the opportunity to vote in Local Council elections or not.

Numerous arguments have been brought forward to the current discussions, such as the lack of maturity at this age, as well as the inability to form well-based stand-points because of the lack of education and research skills.

On the other hand, it was argued that these individuals are the future of our society, and the changes which will be the fruits of the elections, will also be affecting them.


As a matter of fact, in the latest General Elections held in 2013, a multitude of political parties agreed on extending the voting age from 18 to 16. Their decision was based on the fact that this change will bring with it new responsibilities for these young voters.

Extending this voting age would mean that voters as a whole will be representative of a larger section of society, which will therefore result into electing candidates in a more representative manner.

So, what is your opinion regarding this subject?

Kaylie Chetcuti

Introducing Myself!

Hey there! 

My name is Kaylie Chetcuti, an eighteen year old law student at the University of Malta. With a great interest in local politics as well as the legal sector of society, I figured that a blog portraying the teenage-student perspective would be a great idea.

My posts will regard current political and legal issues, both on a local and international basis. I also aim to transform this space into a place for debate for anyone that wishes to share their opinion or perspective.

Looking forward to hearing about what you have to say!
Have a great day!
Kaylie