About Larnaca

The Larnaca area is set to be a leader in Cypriot and regional education

2012-02-27T10:10:00.000+02:00

With the news that the first British University to open its doors n Cyprus will be located in the nearby village of Pyla and the fact that About Larnaca has now learned that UCL (University College of London) will base itself in Larnaca also it clearly demonstrates a greater theme that Larnaca is fast becoming the leader in education both in Cyprus and regionally.

Construction has already started on the campus of the University of Central Lancashire Cyprus, (UCLan Cyprus) and it will open its doors on the 2nd of October 2012. The investment is significant too amounting to 53 million euro. For more information click this link UCLan Cyprus

In the case of UCL it is an even greater educational catch for Larnaca. UCL is a modern, outward-looking institution, and one of the world’s leading multidisciplinary universities. As such it is among the world's top universities, as reflected in performance in a range of rankings and tables. Moreover, no less than 21 Nobel prizewinners originated from the UCL community.

Mindful of the fact that the American Academy of Larnaca is the best performing school in Cyprus with 18 of its last year students announced as being in the worlds best for GSCE results. More than one student even achieved a 100% score.

There are many other reputable colleges in Larnaca too such as PA College, Alexander College, Intercollege, Larnaca City College and the list goes on.

To conclude, Larnaca is fast becoming one of the best places in the world to educate a child right the way to University, which is quite something considering the small population base.

The famous Zenobia shipwreck of Larnaca is now off limits

2012-02-26T16:15:00.001+02:00

The famous Zenobia shipwreck situated just off the coast of Larnaca is now subject to a ban on diving in port waters following a highly controversial decision made by the Cyprus Port Authorities (CPA).

The Zenobia is featured in the top 10 wreck dives of the world due to its short distance from the shore, its incredible marine life, and its considerably accessible depth for recreational diving. It is a nestled at a depth of 42 meters on the seabed with the top part at 15 meters. This making Zenobia realistically accessible to novice Divers and at the same time a challenge for advanced divers. The vessel is a 12,000 tonne, 178-meter long ferry, which sadly sank in 1980. 1,000 lorries, industrial machinery and other cargo went down with the ship at the time.

Many Dive schools in the Larnaca area successfully operate as a direct result of the Zenobia and clearly they will now be paralyzed, which will impact on jobs and livelihoods.

It is understood that this shock decision made by the CPA was a result of legal reasons due to the case of Catherine Vicar, a 33 year old who was found unconscious in the engine room of the Zenobia shipwreck back in October 2010. It transpires that the family are considering legal action.

It seems that the Cyprus Tourism Organization (CTO) and the Municipality of Larnaca were not consulted until after the event and it appears they are unhappy with the decision, which has been described as extremely arbitrary.

This news will come as a severe blow to Tourism in Larnaca and to demonstrate the point sea sports generate around €150 million in tourist revenue each year, hence this move could also turn out to be costly for the local Tourism economy in Larnaca.

It appears that licences are required to Dive, however it is not clear at this juncture how to obtain one. No proper notice and consideration to the Diving community of Larnaca was given either.

Apparently, to make the decision effective, the CPA evoked legislation dating right back to 1973. This states that anyone diving or swimming anywhere that falls within its jurisdiction (3 nautical miles) requires a licence. This promotes the question; Do swimmers bathing along the beaches need a licence too? This makes the basis of the ruling somewhat unenforceable, unless bathing becomes illegal!

Online Diving communities, forums and chat sites are awash with comments about this news. Does this spell the end of Larnaca as a Diving Hotspot?

Petition to: End Unfair Electricity Authority of Cyprus Effective Monopoly

2012-02-26T00:59:00.002+02:00

Residents across the Republic of Cyprus are becoming increasingly frustrated, angry and vocal about the Electricity prices this winter and the position from a Government and Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) is becoming untenable.

Our recent About Larnaca article "Electricity in Cyprus is the most expensive in the EU" outlined many of the issues. However, much of the public anger is drawn towards that fact that the EAC operate with an effective Monopoly in Cyprus and seem to act like a law unto themselves.

As such many residents are seeking to take action. One means of doing this is to generate names on a petition, One such petition is called "End Unfair Electricity Authority of Cyprus Effective Monopoly"

The premise is as follows...

"This is a petition to protest the unfair and high prices charged by the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC), which are imposed unilaterally on customers who have no other viable and reasonably priced electricity providers to choose from. Sign this petition if you want to end bills that are higher than your rent and keep getting higher even though there is an economic crisis in our country.

End this effective monopoly by exercising your democratic rights to protest against unfair treatment and anti-competitive practices that are against EU law."

At the time of writing there are 2364 names and 97 comments.

To add your name, simple click the link below

End Unfair Electricity Authority of Cyprus Effective Monopoly

Green Day Celebrations

2012-02-23T13:46:00.002+02:00

Green Monday Picnic Voroklini

Invitation

Voroklini Community Council is pleased to invite you to our traditional Green Monday Picnic Morning on 27th February 2012.
Free traditional sesame roll & Wine
DJ Music

Location

At Prophet Elias Chapel, Voroklini Hill Top Picnic Area

Time

8am on wards

Bring your picnics with plenty of seafood and vegetables and join the party with your colorful kites.

2012-02-23T11:08:00.002+02:00

The Cypriot man entered the at Larnaca’s Lysi village yesterday at 8:15am and after threatening employees with a knife saying: ‘Robbery’.

He went behind a counter and took all the money from one of the tills, which amounted to €10,000 and an unknown amount of foreign currency.

There were a number of customers in the bank at the time,

The robber was described as thin, roughly 40 years of age, between 1.7m and 1.8m in height, wearing jeans and a sweatshirt with the hood over his head, Larnaca police spokesman Christos Andreou said.

The bank had closed circuit TV, which the police will examine, Andreou said adding that they were patrolling the area and would also approach “various individuals who have previously engaged the police on similar cases,” Andreou said.

Source: cyprus-mail.com

Банк в Ларнаке ограблен на 10 000 евро

2012-02-23T11:00:00.001+02:00

Кооперативный банк деревни Лыси в Ларнаке вчера был ограблен .

Грабитель мужского пола в спортивном костюме с закрывающим лицо капюшоне вошел в Кооперативный банк в 8:15 утра и, угражая сотрудникам ножом, сказал: "Ограбление".

Он зашел за прилавок и взял все деньги из одной кассы. Сумма составила € 10,000 и неизвестное количество иностранной валюты.

В то же время в банке присутствовало несколько клиентов.

Представитель полиции в Ларнаке Христос Андреу сказал что внешность грабителя была описана последующе: худой человек, около 40 лет, окола 1,7 - 1,8 метров высоты, в джинсах и толстовке с капюшоном на голове.

Андреу добавил что полиция патрулирует район, проверит банковскую видео систему, а также будет расследовать "различных людей, которыми полиция занимались ранее в связи с подобными случаими".

Источник: cyprus-mail.com

The new Finikoudes

2012-02-21T09:52:00.000+02:00

An agreement was signed between the Municipality of Larnaca and the company Lefkaritis & Hassapis Developers Kimonas Ltd, which gives "green light" to project Kimonas.

This project envisages the creation of a mixed development zone, which will radically change the face of the embankment Finikoudes. It will take the territory of Hobos Café and will affect the building of the municipal council on the Zenonos Kiteos street.

The cost of work is budgeted for 100 million euros and the project involves the construction of the hotel with 120 rooms, a banquet hall, spa and fitness center, swimming pool on the roof, and a residential building of 50 apartments overlooking the sea. The ground floor will accomodate 34 stores. Parking is planned for 450 cars.

Measures against unemployment

2012-02-21T09:21:00.004+02:00

Department of Workforce Development (HRDA) proposed an action plan with a budget of 19.77 million euros in order to reduce the negative impact of the crisis on employment.

Presenting their projects before the parliamentary Finance Committee on the 13th of February, the head of HRDA Giorgos Oksinos said that in 2009 the Department has been able to prevent the growth of the number of unemployed by implementing a similar plan. He also added that the situation on the labor market will only get worse because of the events in Greece.

Among the issues on the Cyprus labor market Oksinos identified the rapid growth of unemployment, increased number of those who are not employed for more than six months, and complained about the dominance of traditional foreign workers taking jobs away from Cypriots.

Department budget for 2012 amounts to 41.7 million euros, which is 8.1% less than a year ago. Among other things, it is proposed to spend this budget on organizing business training and re-qualification courses for unemployed and inactive women. In addition, is planned to allocate 5.7 million euros to stimulate the employment of 670 people with higher education.Under this scheme, each company who employed of such people will receive a monthly compensation of up to 1,600 euros for the entire period of the program.

According to European Commission this scheme been called an example of the best possible practices. And particularly pleases to note that 90% of participants continued to work after scheme completion.

Source: vestnikkipra.com

From Home town, to Clone town and eventually Ghost town

2012-02-20T22:40:00.001+02:00

In the past few years several large villages and towns have been in a negative transition from...

Home Town (where all products and services are locally focused) to Clone Town (where the So Easy's, Bakery's, Betting Shops, COOP's and Chains dominate making every village and town seem the same) to Ghost Town (whereby all local shops are closing and for sale / rent signs are the trend due to the Credit crunch and age of austerity).

All the successful shops are moving to the Shopping Malls and the old downtown areas are becoming rather depressing, With VAT rates rising, the outlook for Shops is looking bleak at best,

To counter this trend Employer organisations recently called for an extension to shop working hours. This call includes Wednesday afternoons and Sunday. The aim is to boost employment prospects and growth during these difficult times.

As expected the proposal is staunchly opposed by the shopkeepers union. They contest that in practice it would only benefit major retailers and would cause the beginning of the end for small and medium businesses.

In contrast the Employer organizations and the like suggest the measure could be implemented on a 2 years trial basis. They believe it would speedily boost the retail trade sector and the market overall. Moreover, the measure would be likely to contribute to the generation of new jobs and support realistic growth at a challenging economic time.

By extending the shop working hours in Cyprus to 7 days a week would the Employers organization claims immediately increase jobs, as it will create new shifts patterns.

In balance it is true that the shopping times of Cyprus are most inconvenient for the average worker and visitor, as it seems that shops only seem to open when people are at work or asleep Saturday morning. However, any the small and medium businesses need a break at the same time.

Удаление Конкордии

2012-02-20T09:20:00.000+02:00

Costa Crociere работала непосредственно после аварии Конкордии чтобы обеспечить наименьшее воздействие на окружающую среду и для защиты предпринимательской деятельности и туризма острова Giglio.

С самого начала меры составленные компанией были доведены и утверждены компетентными итальянскими властями в духе полного транспарентного и общего сотрудничества.

После привлечения Smit Salvage BV, ведущих международных спасательных экспертов которые готовы к удалению топлива содержащегося в танках Конкордии как только будет представлен плана для удаления других материалов и потенциальных загрязнителей и позволят погодные условия, Costa Crociere также работает с максимальной скоростью и обязательством по плану удалуния самого корабля, полностью осознавая, что это является одним из приоритетов по защите окружающей среды и туризма островеа Giglio.

Компания создала технический комитет с участием представителей Costa Crociere, Carnival Corporation & PLC, Fincantieri, Рина и отраслевых экспертов, в том числе ученых, которые будут работать по наилучшему составлению плана совместно с компетентными органами.

Как и предполагалось в письме направленном в Конкордию чрезвычайным комиссаром Франко Габриэлли, Costa Cruises призвал 10 компаний со всего мира к торгам по представлению плана работы на удаление корпуса Конкордии .

Приглашение было отправлено ведущим мировых оператором у которых есть возможности чтобы выполнить работу в кратчайшие сроки, обеспечивая при этом максимальную безопасность и наименьшее возможное воздействие на окружающую среду: Smit Salvage BV, 2) Svitzer Salvage BV, 3) Mammoet Salvage BV, 4) Titan Salvage, 5) Resolve Marine Group Inc., 6) T&T Marine Salvage Inc., 7) Donjon Marine Inc., 8) Tito Neri S.r.l., 9) Fukada Salvage & Marine Works Co. Ltd., 10) The Nippon Salvage Co Ltd. Планы должны быть представлены Costa Crociere в начале марта 2012 года для совместной оценки с Научным комитетом гражданской защиты, в целях выбора наилучшего оператора до конца марта 2012 года.

Этот график представляет собой наилучший возможный результат в ситуации такого рода, хотя не исключено, что учитывая сложность операции будут задержки.

Источник: cruisebusiness.com и www.offradarcruisenews.com

Примечание от О Ларнаке

Costa Конкордия посещала Кипр часто в 2010 году и принесла много пассажиров к нашим берегам. Наши искренние соболезнования семьям и близким пассажиров и членов экипажа погибших в этом трагическом инциденте.

Кипр самый дорогой по електроенергии

2012-02-20T08:42:00.001+02:00

Это не сюрприз для жителей Кипра, что на прошлой неделе остров был утвержден одним из самых дорогих по ценам электроэнергии из всей территории Европейского Союза.

Евростат подтвердилб что в 2011 году потребителям на Кипре были представлены средние цены на электроэнергию 0,1731 евро за киловатт-час, что оказывается самой высокой в Европейском Союзе. Кроме того, эти статистические данные были рассчитаны до замечательного 6,96% сбора, который был добавлен к законопроектам, чтобы компенсировать воздействие взрыва Мари в июле 2011 года, с результатом 13 смертей и полностью уничтожил центральную станцию острова, тем самым вынуждая использовать старые, менее экологически чистые и эффективные генераторы.

Чтобы добавить масла в огонь, эта зима была холоднее и влажнее, чем обычно, заставляя резидентов Кипра использовать свое электрическое отопление больше, чем обычно. Многие семьи вернулись жить в одном отапливаемом помещении, а другим даже жестоко отрезали счетчик за неуплату счетов.

С технической точки зренияб повышение цен происходит главным образом в последующем результате ...
Различные сборы для поддержки покрытия расходов на более низкие ставки для бедных домохозяйств.

Суровые штрафы европейского Союза по выбросам CO2 и эксплуатационные расходы после взрыва Мари. Кажется невероятным, что жители Кипра наказаны за что-то, над чем они не имеют никакого контроля и это вызыввает большие страдания обычных граждан.
В целом ситуация с электричеством становится несостоятельной и гражданам Кипра нужно настаивать на отмене астрономически высоких цен в непростое время жесткой экономии.

Removal of the Costa Concordia

2012-02-19T23:50:00.000+02:00

Costa Crociere has worked from the hours immediately after the Costa Concordia accident to ensure the least possible environmental impact and to safeguard the island of Giglio’s business activities and tourism. Right from the outset, the measures drawn up by the Company have constantly been shared with and approved by the competent Italian authorities, in a spirit of full, transparent and total cooperation.

After engaging leading international salvage experts Smit Salvage BV to remove the fuel contained in the Costa Concordia’s tanks, and presenting a plan to remove other materials and potential pollutants, which is ready to get under way as soon as weather conditions permit, Costa Cruises is also working with the utmost commitment and speed on the plan to remove the ship itself, fully aware that this is a priority to protect the environment on Giglio and the island’s tourism.

The Company has set up a technical committee, with representatives from Costa Cruises, Carnival Corporation & plc, Fincantieri, Rina and sector experts, including academics, who will work fo the best possible drawing up of the plan, on a joint basis with the competent authorities.

As anticipated in a letter sent to Costa Concordia Emergency Commissioner Franco Gabrielli, Costa Cruises has called for tenders 10 companies throughout the world to present a working plan to enterely remove the hull of the Costa Concordia.

The invitation has been sent to the world’s leading operators, who have the capabilities to perform the work in the shortest time possible, while ensuring maximum safety and the least possible environmental impact: 1) Smit Salvage BV, 2) Svitzer Salvage BV, 3) Mammoet Salvage BV, 4) Titan Salvage, 5) Resolve Marine Group Inc., 6) T&T Marine Salvage Inc., 7) Donjon Marine Inc., 8) Tito Neri S.r.l., 9) Fukada Salvage & Marine Works Co. Ltd., 10) The Nippon Salvage Co Ltd.

The plans must be presented to Costa Cruises by the beginning of March 2012, for joint assessment with the Civil Protection Scientific Committee, in order to allow the best one to be selected by the end of March 2012.

This timeline represents the best possible outcome in a situation of this kind, although it cannot be excluded that there will be delays given the complexity of the operation.

Source: cruisebusiness.com and www.offradarcruisenews.com

Footnote from About Larnaca
The Costa Concordia visited Cyprus frequently in 2010 and brought many passengers to our shores. Our our sincere condolences go to the families and friends of the passengers and crew members who lost their lives in this tragic incident.

Electricity in Cyprus is the most expensive in the EU

2012-02-19T22:26:00.000+02:00

It will come as no major surprise to the residents of Cyprus that last week the Island Republic was confirmed as the most expensive for electricity consumption in the entire European Union.

It was in fact Eurostat that revealed in 2011 consumers across Cyprus were charged with an mean electricity price of 0.1731 euros per kilowatt-hour, which transpires to be the highest in the European Union. What is even worse, is that these statistics were calculated prior to the remarkable 6.96% levy which was added to bills to compensate for the impact of the Mari explosion in July 2011 that caused 13 deaths and completely destroyed the island’s central power station, thereby forcing the EAC to use older, less environmentally friendly or efficient generators.

To add fuel to the fire, this winter has been colder and wetter than usual forcing Cypriot residents to use their electric heating more than usual. Many families have reverted to living in one heated room and others were even cruelly cut off for not paying their bills - a distasteful act indeed.

Technically speaking the high prices are principally a result of the following...

Various levies to support the EAC in covering the costs of lower rates for vulnerable households.
Harsh European Union penalties on CO2 emissions and operational costs after the Mari explosion. It seems incredible that the EU would choose to penalize the residents of Cyprus for something they have no control over. Surely they must understand that the penalties will cause great suffering to the average person on the street.

In summary the situation concerning electricity is becoming untenable and the citizens of Cyprus need to see some leadership from their Government to reverse astronomically high prices at a sensitive time of austerity.

What is the 2012 phenomenon all about?

2012-02-18T23:33:00.001+02:00

Many people associate the 2012 subject with the somewhat dark theory that the Mayan long calendar marks the end of the world by December 21, 2012 through a doomsday or apocalypse circumstance. To survive the coming changes that 2012 will bring about, this kind of doom and gloom belief is precisely the kind of thinking you need to avoid at all costs.

Other people philosophize that 2012 may well bring the 'end of days' however in synergy, as a race we will witness the beginning of what is termed the 'Golden Age' and an astronomical terms the Age of Aquarius.

Moreover, by 2012, many theorize that we may well experience a return of PlanetX otherwise known as 'Nibiru' and as such they are seeking to a subsequent means to survive 2012. Additionally, there are those who believe absolutely nothing will occur by December 21, 2012. Who is right?

First and foremost anyone who claims to know exactly what will happen is certainly the last person one should believe. That said, the most likely and believable 2012 predictions actually originate from the below vastly differentancient civilizations, through the fundamental means of calendars:

Mayan
Aztec
Hopi
Hindu
Egyptian

What is most fascinating with respect to all of the above unconnected ancientcivilizations is that they all unanimously agree on the Maya December 21, 2012 end date, hence this is far too much of a universally staggering coincidence to ignore. Any rational man can conclude that someone exceptional is linked to this date in time.

More specifically, it is on the 21st of December 2012 at precisely 11:11 am, theearth will be in the exact alignment with the sun and the center of the our galaxy known as the 'Milky Way'. This is a extremely rare astrological event that occurs only once every 26,000 years. Yet, as spectacular as is it, this is only part of the equation, as the earth will also experience what is known as the "Precession of the Equinoxes" by the same date. This is another event that occurs only once every 26,000 years.

The question that arises; is this a one in a billion coincidence or planned synchronicity?

For more information go to: www.hypoglobal.com

The Business outlook in Cyprus becoming concerning

2012-02-12T22:58:00.001+02:00

With the news that VAT will rise by 2% from 15% to 17% as from the 1st of March 2012, the business international community in Cyprus is starting to get concerned. Possibly the worst way to stimulate our much needy economy is to raise the VAT threshold percentage. What often happens in such cases is that the consumer simply spends less to compensate, which results in the Government receiving the same of less VAT income, even though the rate is higher. Worse still more Companies are forced into bankruptcy meantime, due to the depleted consumer confidence. This in turn further negatively impacts on the potential Government income.

Company registrations in Cyprus are already slowing, which was demonstrated by the very slight increase of just 26 with 1,425 applications in January 2012 compared to 1,399 applications in 2011 during the same period. This is at a time when Cyprus with its original Tax base would have been highly attractive for Companies wishing to relocate or start up. Malta is picking up the slack in Europe and a number of non EU countries are also benefiting.

At the end of 2011 the Government innovated a completely new tax just to have a Company of around 350 euro per year. Moreover the tax on the dividends of shareholders resident in Cyprus was raised from 15% to 17% and soon it will be 20%. This tax further penalises overseas investors that reside, spend and distribute wealth in Cyprus, as opposed to non residents who spend little on the Island and pay no tax on dividends.

Now the international Business community fears that the Government may start to play with the Corporate Tax, which will make Cyprus even more uncompetitive.

The international Business community is holding out for a glimmer of good news arising from the 2013 elections, hoping that a more Business orientated administration gets into power. However, the damage may have already be done by this time, as one thing all Business investors need to see is fiscal stability, hence the recent changes send all the wrong messages.

MRSA fears caused by overdoses of antibiotics

2012-02-12T22:01:00.001+02:00

The Health Minister Stavros Malas recently stated that Cyprus suffers from one of the highest rates of multiple drug resistant infections, which appears to be a direct result of a high use of antibiotics on the Island. It transpires that after only Greece, Cypriot Doctors and health professionals distribute antibiotics liberally and as such much more so than any other country in Europe.

This reality generates fears about the dreaded MRSA, which is an international challenge, however In Cyprus, as the Island nation is the second worst offending country within the EU concerning the use of antibiotics, regardless of what additional actions are taken, MRSA will still pose significant problems.

Prevention is better than cure, hence the use of antibiotics must be minimised. In the past antibiotics were prescribed for all manner of things including a common cold or flu. Antibiotics should only be used where an infection is involved that the body’s own immune system cannot deal with.

Although Hospitals do feature air-filter systems and the Government is trying to improve the way patients are moved around hospitals, the situation is still alarming regarding MRSA. In particular, crammed public hospital conditions (over capacity) are making things worse..”

A number of patients have contracted MRSA in the past few years, however the real numbers are somewhat unknown, as the Health Ministry does not actually presently collate statistics concerning MRSA-related deaths, as the EU does not currently request this information.

If MRSA is detected early it can be treated with alternative antibiotics, which are likely to work. This however comes as no comfort to the general public or the families of past victims that contracted MRSA from a Hospital in Cyprus. There are even a number of cases whereby people caught something worse than what they went into Hospital with in the first place. This makes some people skeptical to visit Hospital when taken ill, which generates its own set of concerns.

In a world of every man for himself, it seems the best advice is to go private and avoid the use of antibiotics wherever possible.

Аэрофлот инвестирует в Cyprus Airways?

2012-02-10T09:31:00.000+02:00

После сообщения СМИ о возможной продаже и общей финансовой ситуации торговые акции национального перевозчика острова Cyprus Airways (Цайпрус Аирвэйс) были отстранены от торгов на 9 февраля. По данным биржи предложение приостановить торги возникло из Комиссии по ценным бумагам.

Это кабинет Кипра уполномочен министром финансов вести переговоры о продаже доли контролируемой государством авиакомпании. Поговаривают, что истецом является Аэрофлот, росийский национальный авиаперевозчик.

Нынешняя ситуация в Cyprus Airways заключена в том, что 69 процентов авиакомпании контролируется государством. Целью правительства является, вероятно, поднятие капитала авиакомпании, а затем переговоры о продаже пакета акции для частного партнера, скорее всего, Аэрофлоту.

Cyprus Airways зафиксировал убыток в 29 миллионов евро в первой половине 2011 года (как показано последним финансовым результатом), следовательно, новый частный инвестор будет более чем желатен. Кроме того, правительство будет только радо уменьшению финансового риска для убыточного перевозчика.

Be careful what you say about the President

2012-02-10T00:31:00.002+02:00

Following the news of a man that is facing charges of being a ‘public nuisance’ after calling the President of the Cyprus Republic Demetris Christofias an ‘idiot’, makes one wonder what happened to ‘freedom of speech’?

The 35 year old man attended a hearing at the Nicosia District Court on the 1st of February to face the charges. It transpires from the Police that the man in question was driving his car on the 3rd of August 2011 when he saw the presidential limousine in the Lycavitos area at which time he stuck his head out of a car window and allegedly uttered these words: “Idiot President, quit”. This emotional outcry apparently promoted a quick response from 2 presidential guards.

The prosecution was reported to say that he was charged with being a public nuisance “by committing an act not authorised by law - which as a consequence disturbed the practice of the public’s rights”.

The man facing the charges pleaded not guilty and will appear in Court on the 5th of June 2012. It should be considered also that the incident occurred in the wake of the 11th of July blast in Moni last year, which tragically killed 13 people and brought the island’s main power station to its knees.

What is more interesting, is that at the time, literally thousands of people were demonstrating in their masses around the presidential Palace, many of which were publicly chanting for President Christofias to resign. No doubt the language was more savoury on occasions, hence if the man is found guilty is may have ramifications beyond this incident alone. About Larnaca also received information that between the months of July and September 2011 no less than 3 other people were charged with being a public nuisance under somewhat similar circumstances.

The Maximum penalty for this charge is a year of imprisonment. More specifically, the actual law clearly states the following:

“anyone doing acts not authorised by law or failing to do their duty necessary by law and consequently cause damage, endanger, disturb, obstruct or disturb the public during the exercise of the public’s rights, commits a misdemeanour, called public nuisance”.

No doubt that the European Courts will be interested in the case and the moral of this story is that one must be careful what one says to the President of Cyprus whatever the situation.

Aeroflot may invest in Cyprus Airways

2012-02-09T21:41:00.002+02:00

Trading shares of Cyprus Airways the Islands national carrier were suspended from trading on the 9th of February following media reports about a possible sale and the general financial situation. According to the stock exchange the suggestion to suspend trading originated from the Securities Commission.

It was the Cabinet of Cyprus that authorised the finance minister to negotiate the sale of a stake in the state-controlled airline. The word on the street is that the suitor is Aeroflot, the Russian national flag carrier.

The present situation at Cyprus Airways is that 69 per cent of the airline is controlled by the state. The goal of the government is likely to be for the airline to raise its capital and then negotiate the sale of a share package to a private partner, most likely Aeroflot.

Cyprus airways recorded a loss of over 29 million euros in the first half of 2011 (most recent financial results) hence a new private investor will be more than welcome. Moreover, the government will only be too pleased to reduce their financial exposure to the loss making carrier.

Malev goes bust, badly affecting the passenger numbers in Larnaca

2012-02-05T23:23:00.001+02:00

Hungarian airline Malev went bust last week, which will no doubt negatively affect the passenger numbers to Larnaca and cause financial losses for the Larnaca airport operators Hermes.

The 66 year old Hungarian national flag carrier was actually forced to stop flying, following the fact that the Hungarian government were prevented by the EU in financing the struggling airline. This will result is a significant number of job losses in Hungry and beyond and serves as a chilling reminder of the EU’s strict financial policy.

Malev carried in the region of 78,000 passengers from Budapest to Larnaca in 2011. More specifically, the airline operated 3 weekly flights from Hungry over the winter and up to 8 flights a week during the summer months.

One passenger even turned up at the airport last Friday blissfully unaware of the news that Malev had gone Belly Up.

Here below is a copy of the English text featured on the Malev website:

IMPORTANT PASSENGER NOTICE

Dear Passengers

Concerning your travel, we suggest that you ask other airlines about their offers or, if possible, you choose an alternative method of transport.

As a consequence of the closure of scheduled Malév flights, you should proceed as follows in order to assert rights set down in Government Decree 5/2012. (I.31) (download available in edition 11 of Magyar Közlöny – 31 January 2012, available at http://www.magyarkozlony.hu/):

- If you fall under the provisions of Paragraph 2 (1) of Government Decree 5/2012. (I.31)

- that is, you purchased a ticket prior to closure of operations; and

- your ticket is for a flight between 3-6 February 2012, or you travelled out on the day of closure or prior to this, and you hold a valid ticket for a Malév scheduled flight operating with a Malév flight number, with the return date until 29 February 2012;

Please send your claim for refund of costs to malev@malev.com or to the following address: 1476 Budapest, Postafiók 79. Please attach to the claim copies of all documents relevant to the travel since we are only able to assess the claim when in possession of these documents. You should ensure that all original documents are kept safe.

- You should proceed as follows in order to obtain a refund of the cost of the airfare.

- if you paid by bank card or through PayPal (online, travel agency, Malév ticketing office), we suggest that you contact your bank to ask about the refund options;

- if you purchased your ticket in a travel agency for cash or by bank transfer, you should submit your refund claim to the travel agency by 2 March;

- if you purchased a package holiday including the air ticket in a travel agency, please speak to the travel agency about a refund;

- if you purchased your air ticket in a Malév office, for cash or by bank transfer, please submit your refund claim to malev@malev.com or to the following address:1476 Budapest, Postafiók 79. A decision on reimbursement of claims is expected to be handled within the impending bankruptcy procedure and in compliance with the provisions of effective laws;

- in the case of tickets issued for Malév flights by any other airline, please approach the airline that sold the ticket;

- If you paid for taxes and charges on a Malév frequent flyer ticket by bank card, we suggest that you contact your bank to ask about the refund options;

- if you paid for taxes and charges on a Malév frequent flyer ticket by bank transfer, please submit your refund claim to malev@malev.com or to the following address: 1476 Budapest, Postafiók 79. A decision on reimbursement of claims is expected to be handled within the impending bankruptcy procedure and in compliance with the provisions of effective laws;

- if you purchased a ticket for another airline using Malév frequent flyer points, please approach the airline in question;

- if you are travelling on a Malév air ticket issued for the flight of another airline, please submit your refund claim to malev@malev.com or to the following address: 1476 Budapest, Postafiók 79. A decision on reimbursement of claims is expected to be handled within the impending bankruptcy procedure and in compliance with the provisions of effective laws;

If you have any further questions, please call the Malév Contact Center.

- From Hungary: 06-40-21-21-21
- Abroad: +36-1-802-11-11

Bus driver strike causes mass commuter chaos

2012-02-03T03:29:00.000+02:00

An indefinite bus strike in all 5 districts of Cyprus inconvenienced literally thousands of local residents these past days. There seems to be no end in sight too, as the government and militant transport companies (who were not paid January's wages) continued to disagree over the interpretation of an agreement.

The ministry was locked in negotiations, however bus drivers in Larnaca led the way and agreed to suspend their actions. All remaining bus companies said they would answer the official side soon.

Camel Park

2012-01-26T16:31:00.000+02:00

Description

Games area
Swimming pool
Camel riding
Cafe/Bar Restaurant
and lots more

Contact Details
Telephone: 24991243 - 99416968
email: info@camel-park.com
www.camel-park.com

Barrel House

2012-01-26T16:22:00.002+02:00

Description
Barrel House will revive the true bar concept in an old mansion building located in the center of Larnaca.
Designed to satisfy, Barrel House, is the ideal place to chill, have a drink and taste quality food while listening to some of the best music in town. More over Barrel House will host a variety of special events and live music nights filled with passion and undiscovered talent!
Additionally here at Barrel House you can enjoy important and not so important football & basketball matches, including champions league, UEFA, etc with 6 screens and the capability to show up to 5 different matches at the same time from all divisions.

Contact Details
Address: 3, Ioanni Sikoutri-Larnaca
Telephone: 24622455 - 99331088

Astra Car Rental

2012-01-26T16:19:00.001+02:00

Description
Quality, reliability and excellent service is what makes Astra so unique. Now with your car rental you'll get to see why Astra guarantees, a service to remember always.

Contact Details
24HR call center: 77777800

Cyprus Post office getting modern approach

2012-01-26T16:13:00.001+02:00

The Cyprus Postal Service opened its first Internet portal www.cypruspost.gov.cy, where users will be able to rent PO boxes, buy stamps and pay the bills.
According to the Director of Andreas Gregoriou, the purpose of innovation - to improve the quality of public services.
As expected, the new system will reduce the number of man-hours spent on the organization of the postal service.Due to this mail will increase efficiency in other areas - for example, to reduce delays in the delivery of correspondence.
Now in Cyprus leased 27 147 subscriber mailboxes, and even 3892 free. Prior to launching the portal lease extension usually took about 15 minutes. Now it can be done in just 8 minutes.
Administration Department of the Postal Service hopes to turn his office into a modern and flexible organization that is independent economically and administratively.

Source: vestnikkipra.com