Karolina Pelendritou emerged victorious in the 50m freestyle event at the European Paraswimming European Open Championships in Madeira, claiming the European Champion title for the third time with an impressive time of 29.72 seconds. Her exceptional performance nearly matched her personal best and surpassed her Tokyo gold medal time, solidifying her status as a dominant force in the world of paraswimming.
Cyprus is reaching its limit with the Syrian refugee influx, now comprising seven percent of its population. Seeking EU approval to deport refugees to safe zones in Syria, the government has suspended asylum claims processing and is actively working to prevent new arrivals.
The Turkish Cypriot economy shows resilience with low unemployment at 5.1%, high GDP growth of 13.3%, increased per capita income to $14,648, a 27% boost in exports, and a 31.1% surge in tourism with 1.9 million visitors in 2023. Despite challenges like high inflation, the economy of Turkish Cyprus is on an upward trajectory with growth, export expansion, tourism surge, and measures to address the cost of living, showcasing a strong response to economic challenges.
Migrant workers in Cyprus play a vital role in the economy, filling essential jobs and contributing through rent, expenditures, and labor. Deportation threats loom over them, despite their significant contributions, sparking a debate on the need for amnesty to sustain a robust workforce and a prosperous society.
“Origins” at Minthis Resort is an art exhibition featuring three generations of artists, Stass Paraskos, Margaret Paraskos, and Emilio Koutsoftides, weaving together mythology, folklore, and modern politics to reflect the evolving Cypriot identity. The exhibit creates a visual tapestry of stories that transcend time, inviting viewers to explore the rich cultural heritage and contemporary expressions of Cyprus.
The Larnaca marina and port development project is set to kick off in June, promising to revamp the coastal town and boost tourism and economic growth. With a commitment from developer Kition Ocean Holdings, this transformative infrastructure initiative aims to redefine Larnaca’s maritime identity and create new job opportunities.
The Cyprus issue remains unresolved, with President Nikos Christodoulides criticized for slow progress. Akel proposes reigniting peace talks through the Guterres Framework to counter Ankara’s actions and address the humanitarian concern of missing persons.
In Morphou, a 25yearold woman and a 31yearold man were arrested for stealing money from a local store’s cash register. The police identified and intercepted their vehicle due to its description, leading to their capture. The suspects were also linked to another theft case involving construction machinery.
The rise of youth crime and xenophobia in Larnaca has sparked concern, leading authorities to consider educational programs and community outreach initiatives. A recent alarming incident involving a 16yearold threatening tourists with a knife and xenophobic remarks highlights the need for fostering understanding and inclusivity in the community.
The impending reforms in Cyprus swimming pool regulations will categorize pools into three types, tailoring requirements like inspections and lifeguard presence based on size and usage. This change aims to ease the burden on smaller pool owners, who have been struggling under impractical and burdensome laws affecting tourism and real estate sectors.
