We stay here: «The mass reaction of the Kytherian people is a golden legacy»

With a press release the municipal faction «We live here» takes a stand on the issue of the lease of Chytra after the announcement issued by the Municipality on Friday, February 19. The faction is harshly critical of the mayor, the EEPKA and the President of the Tourism Committee and asks for immediate initiatives to be taken in the City Council.

PRESS RELEASE

“CYPHER ANTI-CYPHER WE STAY HERE“   

 Kythera  21/02/2021

The effective withdrawal, albeit belatedly, or even without an “apology”, of the attempt to tax our right to visit a public space is positive.

It is due to the massive and strong reaction of almost all the inhabitants and friends of the island. This reaction is a “golden legacy” for the need for effective citizen intervention in the issues that concern them. It shows the opposition of the inhabitants to “let's decide and order” policies.

The fact that the withdrawal is made through a joint statement with the Mayor raises questions about who is the initiator and driver of this decision. Trying to downplay the intention to tender the Chitra to “intention to set certain conditions” simply underestimates our intelligence.

The same press release sent after the meeting of the Mayor, Mr.Efstratios Harhalakis, with the Chairman of the Property Committee of Kythera and Antikythera, Evangelos Venardos and the Chairman of the Tourism Committee - Municipal Councillor of the majority, Mr.Evangelos Lourantos, raises new questions:

-If the Commission “does not act on behalf of the Municipality, nor does it take orders from it, but operates fully independently and autonomously”, why did it not issue an autonomous communication?;

-refers disparagingly to “people who not only ignore the basic parameters of the Institution's operation, but have never asked to be informed about it or, even worse, adopt views and perceptions that deliberately attempt to undermine the authority and work of the Commission”. This is an arrogant perception. All those who have reacted are collectively accused of being ignorant of the workings of the Committee on Domestic Property or even of participating in an attempt to discredit the Commission. The fact that we are opposing authoritarian decisions that simply restrict our rights does not occur to them

-We agree that “the common areas, the islets, the beaches and the shores belong to the Kythiraikos People” and we declare that this is exactly what we will defend together with all citizens.

-We also agree that “the Commission is legally obliged to collect revenue in order to be able to operate and carry out projects”. There just needs to be moderation in revenue collection, strategic planning and matching with projects. We expect these to be brought to our attention so that we can contribute positively to the implementation of goals that help the island's development.

-The attempt to link the taxation of Chytra with “national issues and with issues of International Law and Law of the Sea”, we think that it will be commented on in the pages of this website...

Finally, we note our full support for the institution of the Domestic Property Committee. An institution that must function, however, by creating new wealth without taking it away from the inhabitants, without hindering the attraction of nature admirers, hikers, tourists, everyone. An operation that defends free access for all to what nature has bequeathed us. An operation that will contribute to development by protecting nature.

For us, real support for the institution means :

α. Formulation of a strategic framework for productive development for Kythera and Antikythera, using the resources available to the EEPKA. We believe that the EEPKA has enormous potential to contribute to the development of Kythera and Antikythera.

β. Establishing a stable framework of communication with professionals and businesses of our islands as well as with the wider public for their contribution to the formulation of this plan.

c. Seeking funding both for the formulation of the strategic plan and for individual productive, cultural and social interventions for the benefit of our islands, using the common property as a multiplier for relevant investments (e.g. European programmes, the Region, and even cooperation with private individuals, provided that the interests and control by the EEPKA are ensured).

δ. Indicatively, we mention only the possibility of using common land for the production of medicinal plants, bioculture, small-scale manufacturing activities, etc. Much more will emerge from the strategic study

In conclusion, we ask for the introduction of the issue of the proper management of Enchoriu to the City Council where we will come back with detailed proposals.

The councillors

Dimitris Kontoleon

George Didymiotis

Manos Trifyllis