News has spread of thieves stealing an entire olive grove planted by two brothers Jayden, 14, and Jake Scicluna, 12, in Ahrax. Their father, Joseph Scicluna shared multiple emotional videos on social media about the incident.

According to the videos, a number of olive trees were stolen, with the thieves going as far as stealing the niche dedicated to Our Lady that the family put up in the grove. CCTV cameras were also damaged.

“Unfortunately since Aħrax has been under new management we have encountered some issues. We have had some run-ins and I have been accused of putting up 'illegal structures' or uprooting trees and using my children as an excuse,” he told Times of Malta in a statement.

“It is unacceptable, especially when I am careful to have all my affairs in order. I am just a farmer trying to pass on this tradition and love for the environment to my children.” 

Thanks to an intervention by Mellieha local councillor Gabriel Micallef, Ghaqda Sigar Maltin will be helping out.  “Following today's coward and mindless vandalism on the tree project set up by two committed Mellieha youth - Jayden & Jake Scicluna, I spoke to Ghaqda Sigar Maltin and they will be gladly supporting this cause by donating more trees to support their cause,” Micallef said on social media. “Vandalism has no place in our community in any form. Do not let this dishearten you - keep it up!”

The brothers’ tree planting began during the pandemic which began as an attempt to rejuvenate a burnt public field. Neighbours and friends later rallied behind them, donating €500 to keep supporting their cause that took a lot of time, effort and work. Here’s hoping that the area will be planted once again soon.