Cyprus awarded Renewable Energy Trophy

The award recognises the impetus Cyprus has managed to create & maintain in its bid to implement EU guidelines for the use of renewable energy sources. Whilst Cyprus had a target of reaching 6% usage of RES in daily energy use, it has already attained a usage of 9% RES when generating electricity, via harnessing the abundant solar power available here.

Tall Ships 2006 unite more Greek & Turkish Cypriot teens

The Stavros S Niarchos sailing ship again provided a unique setting for Greek & Turkish Cypriot teenagers to learn to work & live together during its recent voyage from Gibraltar to Minorca. The 6 Greek Cypriots & 5 Tukish Cypriots were joined by 27 other European teenagers as they participated in the running of the ship & learned about each others cultures & beliefs.

Loss of Athalassa Lake

The popular picnic area at Athalassa has finally lost it's lake due to the increased risk of disease to local wild-life caused by previous droughts & the build up of toxins in the lake bed.  During past years the lake has shrunk during drought periods but now the Ministry has had to take action to prevent further risk as the toxins build to a higher level. The lake is being drained & the lake bed will be ploughed over to break up the toxins.  Local wild-life groups have expressed concern but as there is not enough water available to re-fill the lake this was the only course of action deemed feasible.  It is hoped that the migratory & local wild-life previously using the lake will find sanctuary in the nearby Ayios Georgios lake instead.

Cyprus continues to provide support for Lebanese refugees

Cyprus continues to offer temporary refuge & a stopover point for people fleeing the Israeli bombardment of Lebanon. It is likely that Cyprus, because of its position, would also be expected to offer logistic and strategic in-put for any European peace-keeping force which may be mobilised to try to broker & maintain a cease-fire.

Cypriot Business Man honoured with French Legion D’Honneur

The highest honour France can bestow was presented to Cypriot Nicos Shacolas recently, at a ceremony held in the grounds of the French Embassy in Nicosia.The Cypriot entrepreneur furst began working with French Companies when he was a small businessman in West Africa, having left Cyprus in 1974 after the coup.  He now heads a company with 3000 employees & is the Chairman of Hermes Airports Ltd, the French / Cypriot group which has just commenced the work on Larnaca & Paphos airports.

New Air Traffic Control Building to go ahead in Kokkinotrimithia Industrial area.

The new building will be put up by Panayides Constructing & should be ready by January 2008 so that the equipment can be installed for the new Air Traffic Control Centre to be operating by April 2007.  The building is being funded by the European Investment Bank because it will play an important role in the safety of Mediterranean air traffic under the Single European Sky initiative.

IKOS hedge fund managers move to Cyprus

Ikos, a hedge fund management company started in 1992 by Elena Ambrosiadou has moved their Head Office to Cyprus in order to further grow their assets & be closer to middle eastern investors.  Her Head Office will now be based in Limassol. Prior to the move, Ambrosiadou  was said to be the highest paid woman in the UK, having started her company with an initial investment of $100,000 of her own money & then managing that fund so well that it increased by 50% within 2 years.  Her husband, Martin Coward, is a partner in the business which was originally based on a computer model designed by Ambrosiadou. Coward now develops new computer models which enable them to further analyse price behaviour to ensure that their funds maintain & exceed the growth levels they have achieved so far ( a total return of 144.4% realising an annual return of 10.2%). 

Baghdatis wows Wimbledon

Cypriot tennis ace Marcos Baghdatis won the hearts of Wimbledon crowds during his ascent on the championship.  In only his second outing at Wimbledon, he made it to the semi-finals beating several strong players along the way and all the while increasing his world ranking.  In only his 21st year Baghdatis  looks set to become a force to be reckoned with now that he appears to have overcome the demons he was initially beset with after his excellent run at the Australian open. Dream Lives wishes him all the best for a long and successful career, for us he will fill the gap left by Agassi as he retires at the end of this season.  Baghdatis displays the same charm and style as Agassi and is a player of the same calibre and mould that made Agassi so well loved and respected by both fans and fellow players.

Cybarco open Show-house at Amathusia Heights

International builders Cybarco have opened the first show-case home at their much awaited Amathusia development in the exclusive East coast area of Limassol.  The development makes the most of the sea views and brings a rich and varied style of architecture to the various stages of the project.  The project is a complex that will create a gated community of apartments,   town houses and villas all set within a community area that will include, communal greens, swimming pools, leisure facilities and a children’s play area. Cybarco aims for the project to appeal to both locals and foreign investors who may want retirement or holiday homes.

Intercollege Research & Development Centre for Sport & Tourism Study presented

The study found that Sports Tourism would be an excellent way to end the problem of seasonal down swings in the tourism business for Cyprus.  It states that an improved partnership between the public and private sectors, and an organised approach to improving cooperation between the various National Sport Federations, would help to facilitate Cyprus participation in this growing sector.  Many of the respondents to the study outlined benefits that have already been achieved by the CTOs current attempts to make inroads into this sector and all respondents were able to cite advantages to further enhancing the use of Cyprus as a training centre for foreign teams.

15 year old Cypriot wins prize at the 3^rd Annual International Youth Film Festival

Peter Ellinas of Limassol showed himself to be a talent to watch when he was awarded first prize in his age category for Best Film and then went on to further honours with a Special Jury Prize for Outstanding Film for his movie titled A Vicious Cycle.  The ceremony took place in Austria with 15 year old Peter attending to receive his awards.

Cyprus promoted as a tour destination in Ukraine.

The CTO is reportedly making stronger links with the Ukraine in an effort to further expand tourism.  The two countries are said to be concentrating in particular on Religious Tourism & Pilgrimage Tourism which apparently appeals keenly to Ukrainians, whilst Cyprus has many religious artifacts and beautiful churches, & monasteries to support the promotion of such a feature.  

New EU web-site promotes job mobility within the region

A new EU web-site was recently launched providing information about jobs throughout Europe.  It was launched as part of the European Year of Workers Mobility after studies found that 59% of people moving within the European region found employment, only 35% of those who remained in their home state found work.  The new web-site will advertise around 1m vacancies in 28 countries throughout Europe and will also offer a network of 700 advisors who will be able to provide assistance to mobile workers within the EU. 

CTO proposal for a Cyprus Theme Park under study

A recent CTO study proposed that a theme park should be created within the Limassol - Nicosia - Larnaca triangle with six specific regions being particularly studied for their suitability.  The theme park must be able to provide easy access, good complimentary services and parking space.  The theme park is proposed to be based on Cyprus marine culture, Aphrodite & Adonis, Wine and Viticulture, Copper, salt lakes and of course Atlantis.  The areas being considered under this study are: West of Larnaca Salt Lake, West of Vorklini Salt Lake, West of Ayia Thekla, Ayios Theodoros in Maroni, Alaminos & Kalavassos areas.

Vatican supports the reunification of Cyprus

Demetris Christofias was recently up-beat following his visit to Italy and meeting with the Pope.  He reportedly believes that Cyprus should take advantage of the Vaticans positive leaning towards an active EU involvement in settling the Cyprus problem, as the Vatican has such an important role in international relations. 

Cyprus Competition Authority approved Leventis take over of Lanitis Coca Cola bottling company

Leventis owners of Coca Cola Hellenic Bottling Company were successful in their bid to attain 83.4% of the shares in Lanitis Brothers Public Ltd which previously held the domestic rights for bottling Coca Cola in Cyprus. The deal was reportedly worth 75m euros.

Voluntary Dual Currency Pricing encouraged as Cyprus continues its move to join the Eurozone.

Businesses are now being encouraged to list their prices in both pounds and euros as Cyprus makes ready to adopt the euro in January 2008. Despite the fact that opinion polls are showing that many Cypriots are cool to the idea, fearing that shop-keepers will use the change as a way of increasing prices by rounding them up, Cyprus still intends to proceed with the January 2008 entry date if possible.  One of the Government parties is advocating further caution, however, with AKEL asking authorities to push back the date in order to provide more time for the dual pricing policy to take effect and heighten awareness amongst the general population.

Cyprus focus for Austrian international business seminar

Cyprus was recently presented as a centre for international business and Commerce aat a seminar in Austria which was jointly organised by the Cyprus Commerce, Industry & Tourism Ministry, the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce & Industry and its Austrian counterpart.  Attendance at the well received seminar was higher than ever at any similar previous event, raising hopes that Cyprus will attract ever more new business in the near future.

Limassol Old Port area to get a facelift.

The enchanting, yet slightly ramshackle old port area of Limassol is closer than ever to rejuvenation, although locals and the Ports Authority are not yet totally in agreement as to how the changes should be effected. Plans were recently presented showing how the Ports Authority would like the area to look, including new, modern buildings which might hang out over the sea to maximise sea views. There is also an idea to create a fishing harbour in that area although nothing is yet finalised - so watch this space for more news at a later date.

Renewable energy subsidies available in Cyprus thanks to EU.

Cyprus is ideally placed to benefit from the renewable energies drive by the EU which aims to ensure that at least 12% of its total energy sources are obtained from renewable sources by the year 2010.  Subsidies available include high percentage savings on installation and even good rates of pay for buying back each unused kWh for the Grid.

  

Epiphany Celebrations

Huge Epiphany Celebrations took place all over the island on 6^th January, even Nicosia participated with a ceremonial baptising of the holy cross at Eleftheria Sqaure. Kykko Bishop Nikiforos presided and made use of a portable church font to bless the cross before sprinkling the holy water onto the watching crowd.  White doves were released as is traditional in the Epiphany celebrations to represent the appearance of the Holy Ghost at Jesus Baptism.  In most of the coastal towns of Cyprus, Epiphany is celebrated by throwing a wooden cross into the sea to be retrieved by the bravest and hardiest of swimmers.  

 
Long Distance Call

Nicosian Musicians from both sides of the divide will join together in a show of unity.  They have picked 24^th October, United Nations day, to stage a rooftop concert spanning the Greek and Turkish parts of Nicosia.  Four hundred Musicians from each side will play excerpts from traditional Cypriot melodies to show similarities in taste and development of music within the Cypriot community, whether Greek or Turkish Cypriot based.  The Long Distance call will be played by Musicians on the rooftops of Nicosia, some of whom will be only 100 metres away from each other although if they wished to telephone each other it would be done via long distance call.

RadioMarathon takes place this year on 24^th and 25^th October.

Donations are encouraged, however small, in order to provide support and relief to various Cypriot Children via the Charities which provide for their needs.

Cypriot Marios Kombou wins coveted best Elvis Impersonator Title

London born Marios who is the only Elvis impersonator to be endorsed by a member of the Presley family, finally won the coveted title last August (he has several times achieved runner up level).  This is the most prestigious impersonator title in the World and is a reflection of the rave reviews that Marios received for his stage role as Vince Everrett in Jailhouse Rock, the role which Elvis made his own in the film version.

Mikis Theodorakis famous Greek composer of Zorba the Greek turns 80.

Mikis recently received special awards from the Cypriot Government presented by President Tassos Papadopoulos upon the occasion of celebrating his 80^th birthday.  He was presented with the Great Cross of Makarios III  in a special ceremony at Government House.

 Greek President visits Cyprus

Greek President Carolos Papoulias recently spent four days in Cyprus as the guest of the Government.  He addressed the House of Representatives and visited many strategic places as part of his busy schedule during this official visit.  President Papodopoulos presented him with the Grand Cross of the Order of Archbishop Makarios III, Cyprus highest decoration during his visit to the island.

The new UN Special Representative to Cyprus Michael Moller visits

The new Chief of Mission, or Special Representative for Cyprus, made a flying one day visit to the island recently to meet staff prior to his post commencing on November 30^th when the current Chief of Mission completes his assignment.  Moller is a Dane who currently works in the office of the Secretary General as a Director for Political, Peacekeeping and Humanitarian Affairs.  In his sharp business suit and shades, he could easily pass as everybody’s stereotypical idea of an FBI agent or compatriot of Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones in Men in Black – we wish the natty dresser luck with his latest assignment.

Glafcos Clerides reportedly in good health following recent treatment.

The Former president who is 85, recently underwent surgery to unblock a coronary artery at the Nicosia General Hospital and then moved to the Evangelistria Private Clinic to convalesce. 

Cyprus Based Psychic Detective offers to help Croydon Police.

Robert Cracknell, the 70 year old psychic who lives in Limassol recently came out of retirement to help Croydon police find the killer of a woman who was stabbed to death after being sexually assaulted near her home.  Cracknell first came to public attention when he provided accurate information about the Yorkshire Ripper in the 1970s and has since helped in many cases of kidnapping and murders.

London Based Cypriots in the top five successful business men in Britain.

Andreas Panayiotou and Stelios Hadji Ioannou are officially named as two of the top five Young Businessmen in Britain.  Between them the two have a wealth exceeding a billion pounds.  Panayiotou comes in at number three on the list and Hadji-Ioannou comes in at a very respectable number 5.

Nicosian Cardiologist wins Armenian Seat in Cyprus Parliament

Vahakn Atamyan recently won the by-election and solemnly pledged to act as the representative of the 3,000 strong Armenian Community.  He has said that he will hope to be re-elected in May at the formal elections so that he will be able to complete a full five year term and really achieve the work that he set out in his recent campaign.

Cyprus Hotel Association launches new Magazine

“Xenodoxos” (Hotelier) is the name of the new magazine of the Cyprus Hotel Association which launched recently in order to increase and improve communication between members and the rest of the tourism sector.  The magazine will address tourism related topics which affect the entire industry whilst having a major role in keeping Hoteliers up to date with the latest developments and issues in Cyprus tourism.

Cyprus Airways training British Pilots

Cyprus Airways has been recognised to host the only training centre in the Eastern Mediterranean and was chosen because Cyprus Airways is one of the earliest companies to use Airbus A320s and A319s in its fleet.  This gives Cyprus Airways the most experience of managing these aircraft and Cypriot trainers also hold British Civil Aviation qualifications.  Cyprus Airways are also seen to have a high standard of safety and services which helped to win them the contract to train the British Pilots.

Cyprus becomes member of the European University Institute

The Institute was originally established in Florence in 1976 aiming to contribute to higher education and research throughout Europe.  Post grad programmes in Economics, History, Law, plus Political and Social Science are available and Cypriots will be able to apply for places on these programmes for the academic year 2006-7.

Cyprus Association of Directors establishes Web-site

CyAD was established recently to boost communication between members and promote the views of Directors to both Government, Parliament and Supervisory Authorities.  The web-site will provide information about the groups aims and objectives which include developing and establishing business conduct guidelines for its members.  It will also promote the rights, duties and obligations of director.  CyAD will develop the continued training of directors on Corporate Legislation, Stock Exchange Legislation and the implementation of the Code for Corporate Governance.

Cyprus is the 9^th Largest Shipping Registry in the World.

The International Association of Maritime Economists Conference in Limassol recently saw Cyprus recognised as the 9^th Largest Shipping Registry and also one of the largest third party ship management centres in the world.  Factors aided by its strategic position and expected to be strengthened by the expectation that Turkey will soon sign the up-coming EU Customs protocol, which will lift the embargo on Cypriot flagged ships being allowed to dock at Turkish ports.

Cyprus welcomes New Greek Ambassador.

Dimitris Rallis has recently taken up his post as Greek Ambassador to Cyprus and is apparently looking forward to further cementing the relationship between Greek Cypriots and Greece.  He already has many friends and contacts in Cyprus and is looking forward to a growing network during his stay here. 

Real Estate Prices should stay stable.

President of the Cyprus Land and Building Developers Association, Lakis Tofarides has suggested that it is imperative to keep real estate prices form growing too quickly in the Republic.  He maintains that the two main supporting factors for such a move,  in his view, are to ensure that local people are able to afford to build or buy their homes and to ensure that Cyprus remains a destination of choice for foreigners who want holiday, investment or retirement properties.  It is estimated that with the islands’ recent EU accession, the way was paved for a possible 90,000 Northern Europeans to decide to buy property here providing that prices remain lower than neighbouring EU destinations and the standard of living remains stable.

Tourism receives a boost from the inclusion of Chinese markets.

An estimated 30,000 Chinese tourists are to visit Cyprus this year following the contracts agreed last November between Cypriot Tour Operators, Chinese agents and Tourism Organisations.  The Tourist Board and Tourism Minister Yiorgos Lillikas are concerned that until recently up to 60% of tourists in Cyprus have been arriving from the UK and the majority of other tourists have come from other parts of Europe, leaving them open to huge gaps in income if the economies of any of these countries are adversely affected.  The contracts with the Chinese are the beginning of a plan to attract Asian tourists from both China and other Asian countries in order to create a more balanced tourism environment in Cyprus.

Cyprus becomes sought after Wedding Destination

Cyprus has become the second most popular choice for Britons marrying abroad.  Only Barbados attracts more of them!  Wedding packages are becoming increasingly sophisticated whether you choose a 5 star Hotel package or a completely individual theme.  There are several wedding planning companies on the island now offering tailor made packages to meet any Brides needs and to help ensure that the day goes as perfectly as possible.  With the costs involved being so much more reasonable than in the UK for a dream venue, it appears to appeal to many couples to have your guests to share more than just your wedding reception with you.