It is with unspeakable sadness and deep emotion that we bid farewell to one of our own, Cosmas Tzortzopoulos. Kosmas was not only the Vice President of our Association and President of the Local Community of Karavas, but also a friend, a fellow student and a classmate. He was a 30-year-old man full of dreams and love for his place. His presence brightened our lives, his dedication was inspiring and his absence leaves an unfulfilled void in our hearts.
The tragic event of his loss is not just a personal loss. It is a powerful slap in the face to all of us, calling for deep reflection, self-criticism and responsibility. Psychological pressure and bullying, whether they come from words, actions or even silence, are wounds that our society must not tolerate but must condemn.
We demand that Mr.Vangelis Venardos, President of the Property Committee of Kythera-Antikythera, should think about the consequences of the events and resign, until there is a final judgement of Justice for the events that took place, as we do not believe that it will be pleasing for him to participate in the Public of the place, when the circumstances of the death of a young man are being investigated. We are not only asking for the resignation for reasons of propriety, but as a minimal sign of recognition of the trauma caused. At the same time, we call on all members of the Commission and each and every one of us individually to reflect on our own role and do the right thing.
The local community, the media and all those involved in the dissemination of news must stand in front of their own mirror. The responsibility lies with all of us. Exaggerated headlines, distortion of facts and insensitivity are destroying souls. At the same time, it is our duty to ensure correct information, because misinformation does not do any honour to the memory of the unfortunate Kosmas and only exacerbates the grief and anger of us all. If you have any questions, just ask us.
We call on all the clubs and associations of Kythera and not only, to join us in this difficult time. We need to show that as a society we can stand up again, even though our villages, Platia Ammos and Karavas, will be slow to recover.
Let us remember Cosmas as he really was: a bright smile, a source of strength and love.
Vindication is a one-way street. The struggle now begins.
With respect, The Board of Directors of the Cultural Association Portokalia Karavas Kythera
