Oloi Mazi (All together) Press Release in English - Press Release in English

Press release of the faction “All Together - Kythira - Antikythera” in English and in Greek. The whole programme.

Kythira, Thursday 7 September 2023

press release

All Together (Oloi Mazi)

Dear friends, who even though you were not born in our islands, you love Kythira and Antikythira as much as we do (and perhaps more ...)

As you probably know, the Municipal and regional elections in Greece are held on the 8^th and 15th of October 2023.

These elections are important, and we believe of high interest for you. Why? Its simple. Because you want to have the adequate water supply of high quality and proper waste management services. Because you want our islands to be clean and to keep developing in a sustainable way with high respect for the natural, social, and cultural environment. In few words, you want Kythira and Antikythira to become an ideal place to live and prosper.

May of you already have voting rights for the local (Municipal and Regional) elections. We cordially invite you to vote and to support our part for the Municipal election “All Together’ (Oloi Mazi) with Zacarias Souris as the candidate for the Mayor role.

We would invite you to spend a bit of your time and go through our manifesto and programme, our proposals, and commitments. We are sure you will discover many of the matters that really concern you and impact your life.

We are available always to discuss your own ideas and proposals, including objections and alternative views.

Please visit our web site where you can find our complete programme in English as well as you can post your thoughts on the address: https://oloi-mazi.gr

All Together (ALL TOGETHER)

Manifesto framework for the Municipality elections (Dimotikes ekloges) - October 2023

Who we are.

We are active citizens aiming at the radical and measurable transformation of living standards and quality of life for the residents Kythira and Antikythira.

We are conscious citizens who are fully aware that nothing will change if we don't first change ourselves.

We are a diverse group of people united by the love and pure care for our islands. Our common belief is that our islands not only have to, but also can change their destiny and get a new life.

We direct our invitation to everyone to share our thoughts. To exchange ideas. To join forces to instigate positive radical change for our islands. Through honest dialogue and maximum possible participation. We are seeking a synthesis of ideas as a result of honest and open dialogue. We are aiming at common understanding and collaboration with everyone who genuinely cares about Kythira and Antikythira.

Our vision

Our vision is to make Kythira and Antikythira an exemplary case for sustainable development and prosperity. A place which will attract people to live and prosper, enjoying all the goods and services available in the modern world. A place combining exceptional natural environment with culture, tradition, and sustainable economic development throughout the year. A place which will successfully deal with the tragic impacts of climate change we are already facing. And which will eventually set the foundations for the reversal of local population decline.

To materialize our vision, we are proposing 3+1 strategic pillars for action, to be discussed among our fellow Kytherians and Antikytherians. Both before but also after the elections. With the purpose of forming and activating a plan for the long-term sustainable development of our islands.

We welcome all creative comments and builds (provided their feasibility), including ideas that are opposed to ours. We believe that we can collectively progress only through the reconciliation of diverse views.  

Strategic pillars for the development of Kythira and Antikythira

1. Sustainable - productive development

Our islands productive activities are continuously dwindling. With few exceptions, we have reached a point of importing almost everything, including e.g., agricultural products which in the past were traditionally a strength of the local economy. There is no future for our islands unless this trend is reversed, and the productive part of our economy is drastically strengthened. This will in turn create permanent and well-paid job positions and eventually lead to an increase of our productive population.

Many are questioning whether this is the Municipal Council’ (Dimotiko Symvoulio) and the Mayor's job. Our answer is that every modern Municipal council and Mayor should undertake actions and initiatives for everything and anything pertinent to the wellbeing of citizens. Even more so in this case, as there are already existing legally established potential support organizational structures which the current Administration has ignored.

The basic sub-pillars of the sustainable productive development are:

• Support for the primary sector (agriculture) of our economy with the establishment, staffing and activation of an “Office for Agricultural Development” acting as a strategic support for the production process as well as the marketing and commercial activities of local farmers. Our immediate target is to staff the office with a veterinarian and an agronomist, a decades long request by our farmers. The contribution of these scientists will aid towards production improvement and attraction of new / young people to invest in our agricultural sector.
• Development of a support framework for the standardization of local agricultural practices and commercialization - all the way to (select) end consumers worldwide - to drastically increase domestic added value. In parallel, development and support of new activity areas e.g., sustainable/organic agricultural practices, herbs production and standardization, medicinal plants, systematic organic production of famous local products e.g., Mitata peaches etc.
• Development of a unified umbrella brand covering the entire local produce (food and local artifacts) and development of production, processing, standardization, and marketing framework. This can take the form of partnership between Collectives, Individuals, and companies as well as the local council and strategic partners with experienced in these activities. An example of this is the Chios paradigm with Masticha shops. Within this framework, every producer - adhering to the agreed standards - will be able to promote their production either through the partnership company or the collectives.
• Rapid implementation of critical infrastructure projects related to the Agri sector. Immediate implementation of the Communal Slaughterhouse which will give rise to development opportunities for animal production and related business (dairy etc.)
• Integrated “Energy Transition” plan with actions for supporting local citizens and businesses through controlled local energy production (via the activation and further expansion of the Energy Community). We will ensure that the Green Energy to be produced in Kythira, will stem from the Kytherians and local organizations, with respect for the environment, local traditions, and natural beauty of our land, as opposed to funds and large energy companies which tend to destroy the local environment and undermine communities, for the sake of profit.
• Finally, creation and activation of a strategic plan for sustainable and high added value touristic development which will be based on and enhance the experience of, not only the islands’ natural beauty, but also our cultural heritage. There are examples in action (Kythira Trails, bike rides, excursions, air club activities, religion-related tourism, gastronomical activities etc.).) but they need the decisive support of the Municipality to truly blossom. Currently, the Touristic Committee of the Municipality, is in fact inactive and decorative. However, it can and will play a critical role through radical transformation and upgrading, which we are committed to instigate. And we plan to charge the task of the Touristic development on one of the Vice-Mayors with specific targets and commitments.

Highlighting some of the (Sustainable) Tourist action plan activities

• Expansion of the touristic period attracting groups of National and other teams for their preparation/training exploiting the mild weather, appropriate layout of the land and hosting infrastructures
• Support for alternative tourism, which is key strategic thrust for its development, including Kythira trail routes, gorges, sea routes, traditional villages, ancient villages, the island habitat, and fishing activities.
• Medical, and religious tourism activities with interconnecting actions to the local attractions and cultural heritage.
• Support for the gastronomical activities in conjunction with agrotourism and emphasis on the local produce
• Development and activation of a strategic Touristic development plan as the basis for the next 5 years aiming and strengthening Kythira and Antikythira as a tourist destination.

2. Strategic plan for our islands’ infrastructure

Both the productive development as well as the daily life in our islands demand the establishment and proper operation of critical infrastructures. The needs and possibilities of these are continuously evolving following the technological progress and capabilities. It is vital that the Municipal council continually tracks and strives to implement the best solutions for these infrastructures, including ensuring funds for financing their implementation and operation. But the most vital part is that the Municipality develops and follows a long-term plan for infrastructure development based on the real needs of the islands and its citizens and not on sometimes dubious choices proposed by others through questionable “secret” procedures.

Our basic Infrastructure directions are:

• Long term road and related activities plan so that we cover the development needs of the islands (and not any other foreign needs). Transformation of the Sustainable Urban mobility Plan (SBAK) and step by step redevelopment of all our villages
• Active participation of the Municipality in the Local Plan (Local Urban Planning) so that conditions for sustainable development are established, including the necessary land uses for the current the future needs of the islands.
• Integrated water management plan including the underground aquifer, the watering network, and the recycling of water via the waste effluents treatment plants (for use in agricultural activities). Perhaps most importantly undertake actions to enhance the underground aquifer for better water containment and collection with actions like replanting and mini water dams.
• Enhancement of the electricity and telecommunications infrastructure by putting pressure on relevant central authorities and companies so that Kythira becomes and even more attractive destination for new type visitors (remote workers). And in additions the digital capabilities of the local companies are enhanced while new type of highly qualified workers are attracted
• Finally, enhancement of the strategic infrastructures of the airport (with its expansion / upgrading), the Ports and the Marinas so that both safety and reliability are strengthened but also new business activities are created (tourist boats servicing, boats supply, air tourism)

3. Improvement of the living and working conditions with people at the center

Economic development and infrastructures mean very little unless they ensure the drastic improvement of the residents’ (and visitors’) lives. We firmly believe the general economic development will help in this but, in any case, dedicated Municipality effort is vital for the development (in consultation with all Kytherians) and implementation of the necessary interventions.

The basic direction on which we plan to deploy the Municipal Council actions are:

• Decisive support of the cultural and athletic activities of the Kythira Municipality, including that activation of the Cultural Organization which in the last few years is inactive.
• Support for the local / village activities in cultural and athletic initiatives with rapid implementation of the relevant infrastructures (Potamos football field, Friligkianika field, Viaradica field, Potamos Theatre etc.). And in parallel development of new, highly necessary facilities (e.g., Multi use Cultural Centre with multiple capabilities like Cinema, Exhibition, music hall etc.)
• Exploitation of empty Communal (Municipal, EEPKA (Kythira and Antikythira property Committee), Trifylleion foundation etc.) buildings for hosting local activities of cultural and athletic nature, and in addition potentially new “Small enterprises” e.g., “Digital Nomads”. Examples are the old Agia Pelagia School, Communal shop in Potamos, Communal House in Tsikalaria, Old Hospital building etc.).
• Interventions for the support of the primary health services and the full staffing of the Kythira Hospital
  • Incentives for doctors / health workers to relocate to Kythira. For example, development of housing support e.g., refurbishing the communal Tsikalaria house and other available housing buildings.
  • Pressure on the Ministry of Health to fill all the established positions in the Hospital.
  • Establishment of hemodialysis infrastructure (machinery and relevant staff) which will both help regular visitors and attract new ones (health tourism).
  • In addition, creation of Blood Bank which will enhance the services / operations performed in the Hospital.

• Enhance of the Frist aid station in Karvounada and creation of a new one in Avlemonas for the summer period
• Creating an Ambulance station in Chora for the immediate response to cases in the South part of Kythira
• Study the feasibility for the “Home Care” / “Personal Assistant” service in Kythira.

Within the above framework we are exploring the option of establishing a “Quality of Life Committee” or any other flexible set up which will contribute to the Municipality related actions

+1 New Ethos for the Kythira - Antikythira Municipality

The strategic pillars outlined above are not an easy task. And of course, it is not a matter of the single 4/5 years term of the Municipal Council, although we plan to put the “train on the rails” from our first term. However, we firmly believe that what will really make a difference, both in the development as well as the implementation of our activities is a totally different approach by our “All Together” (Oloi Mazi) team in the Municipality administration. An approach which places the resident at the center and ensure accountability and transparency. And, perhaps most importantly, encourages and motivates for the active participation of the residents in the Kythira - Antikythira matters.

The democratization of the Municipal Council and Mayor mode of operation is central to our commitment. Contrary to the current authoritarian style administration which is based on the principle “I have the majority and I decide”, and which led to the lack of any real dialogue and democratic consensus, our approach aims at:

• Maximum possible consensus and alignment on common goals through democratic procedures everywhere (Kythira-Antikythira Municipality council, Village Councils). Procedures of real open dialogue and alignment with the village communities
• Opening all activities of the Municipal Council and EEPKA to the citizens so that everyone knows everything about decisions, actions, and commitments, including investments and usage of infrastructures via at least annual public consultation (and course correction)
• Finally, permanent, and continuous presence of our elected councils (Municipal and village) members in the daily life in our islands so that they can get live feedback in their decision making.

The basic thoughts above are our firm commitments as far as the strategic directions are concerned. They form the basis on which the Municipal action plan will be developed.

The steps we will follow are:

• Holistic review of the undertaken activities by the previous administration. Whatever good exists we will preserve. If necessary, we will apply improvements within the framework of our broader strategy. Our Unmovable objective is to Build, not to destroy whatever good has been done.
• Formation of a Long-Term Strategic Development Plan for Kythira / Antikythira (based on the EU template / paradigm). This plan, through open consultation will form the basis for the long-term development and implementation of the Kythira / Antikythira Administration. Critical objective of the plan is the attraction of new / young people from Greece and abroad (e.g., Australia) to relocate to Kythira.
• Open consultations within all local / village communities to present, listen and integrate new ideas in our plans.
• Approval of the new plan by the Kythira / Antikythira Municipal Council in open discussion with the participation of the local (village) councils and our citizens. This will form the basis for our term programmes (e.g., Technical Programme)

We invite you to contribute with your participation in a final development plan which will truly change our islands, putting aside today's arrogant behaviors as well as actions that marginalize any major developmental initiative.

ALL TOGETHER

Kythira - Antikythera

Programming framework for the Municipal Elections

Who We Are

We are active citizens, seeking the substantial and measurable improvement of the standard of living and quality of life of the citizens of KYTHERS and ANTI-KYTHERS.

We are conscious citizens who know full well that nothing will change unless we change first.

We are a diverse group of people united by our love and pure interest in our islands. Our common «belief» is that our islands not only have to, but also have the potential to change course and acquire a new face.

We invite everyone and everyone individually to share our thoughts. To exchange ideas. To join forces to finally see our islands radically change. With honest dialogue and with the greatest possible participation. We seek the synthesis that arises from positions and oppositions. We seek co-conception and co-option with anyone and everyone who truly cares about our islands.

Our Vision

Our vision is to make Kythera and Antikythera a benchmark for sustainable development and prosperity. A place that will attract people to live and prosper while enjoying all the goods and services available in the modern world. A place that combines an outstanding natural environment with culture, tradition and sustainable year-round economic development. A place that will address in a timely manner the tragic effects of the climate crisis we are already experiencing. And that will ultimately form the basis for halting population decline and create the prospects for a gradual increase in their permanent population.

To achieve this vision, we propose 3+1 strategic axes of action, which we intend to discuss with all our compatriots both before and after the elections in order to form the long-term development plan for our islands. We welcome all comments and creative - as long as they are feasible - suggestions (even contrary) to our ideas. We believe that only through a synthesis of views can we move forward strongly.

Strategic axes for the development of Kythera and Antikythera

1. Sustainable productive reconstruction of Kythera and Antikythera:

The productive activity on our islands is constantly declining. With few exceptions, we have reached the point of importing everything, even products that traditionally constituted a strong point of the Kythera economy. There is no future for our islands unless this is reversed and the productive sector of our economy is drastically strengthened. This will then create permanent and well-paid jobs on our islands and lead to an increase in the productive population.

Many people ask the question whether this is the job of the municipality. Our answer is that any modern municipal authority takes initiatives and acts on anything that can improve the lives of local residents. All the more so when, as in this particular matter, there are institutionalised conditions and rules from the State, which the current Municipal Authority has defiantly ignored.

The main sub-axes of productive reconstruction are:

• Support and development of the primary sector of the economy through the establishment and staffing of the «Rural Development Office» of the Municipality, a strategic advisor for producers in the production process and the distribution / marketing of products. Immediate pursuit of staffing the office with an agronomist and veterinarian, a constant request of our farmers and ranchers for decades. The contribution of these scientists will help improve production and attract new people to invest in the agricultural sector.
• Formulation of a framework for the development of processing/standardisation of primary production and distribution to selected final consumers internationally, in order to increase the domestic value added enjoyed by producers. At the same time, development and support of new activities, e.g. cultivation with sustainable farming techniques without chemicals, standardisation of herbs and medicinal plants, systematic organic cultivation of local fruits, such as Mitaton peaches, etc.
• Design of a single brand - umbrella that will cover a number of product codes (food and handicrafts) and development of production, processing, processing, standardization and marketing on the basis of a partnership in which cooperatives, individuals, our Municipality and even a strategic investor with experience in the food market, retail and merchandising will participate. (With this project, each producer, respecting the conditions, will be able to promote his products, either directly to the brand operator or by selling through the cooperatives.
• Implementation of critical production-related infrastructure. In particular, the immediate implementation of the Municipal Slaughterhouse, which will enable the development of livestock farming and related production (cheese making, local yoghurt production, etc.)
• An integrated ‘‘green transition’’ plan with actions for energy support for businesses and households and controlled energy production (with immediate implementation of the Kythera Energy Community) and its expansion to include businesses and individuals. Ensuring that green energy will be produced on Tsirigotiki land, by Tsirigotes and local institutions that respect the environment and the cultural heritage of the island, and not by funds that flatten the land for short-term speculation at the expense of the local environment and society.
• Formulation and implementation of a strategic plan for sustainable and high value-added tourism development that will highlight (beyond the natural beauties) the historical, cultural and natural uniqueness of our islands. There are examples (trails, cycling tours, excursions, air tourism, religious and gastronomic tourism, etc.), but they need decisive support to gain a perspective. The Municipal Tourism Committee - currently essentially weakened and decorative - can and should play a crucial role, but it needs to be redesigned and upgraded, for which

we are bound. And we intend to assign specific goals and commitments to the duties of a Deputy Mayor.

Basic proposals for the different development of (Experiential) Tourism:

• Extending the tourist season with gentle development, attracting ethnic groups for preparation, taking advantage of the climate, the morphology of the island, the infrastructure.
• Alternative tourism is the strategic pillar of tourism development, trails, gorges, sea paths, old settlements, ancient settlements, flora of the island, fishing tourism.
• Medical, ecclesiastical tourism interventions that emphasize the local element of a settlement (colors, signs...), redesign of municipal lighting
• Strengthening the dissemination of our place as a gastronomic tourist destination in combination with agrotourism with emphasis on local products
• Design, study and implementation of a business plan for the next five years as a tourist destination.

2. Formulation and implementation of a strategic plan for the infrastructure of our islands:

Both productive reconstruction and daily life on our islands require the existence and proper functioning of a series of infrastructures. The needs and possibilities are constantly evolving with the progress of technology. It requires the Municipal Authority to keep a constant watch on what is possible, but also to seek to secure appropriate funding for their implementation. Most importantly, the City must have a comprehensive and long-term plan for infrastructure development (and not leave which options to controversial and potentially misunderstood «in the dark» processes)

Our key infrastructure priorities are :

• A long-term plan for roads and the necessary projects so that its actions meet development needs (and not other, external needs). Overhaul of the SWAK (Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan) and gradual redevelopment of all our settlements.
• Active contribution of the Municipality in the formulation of the Local Urban Plan in order to develop sustainable development conditions for the necessary uses in the present and future.
• Integrated water management, both groundwater and recycling with the integrated design of sewerage networks, biological treatment and targeted uses e.g. irrigation. And perhaps most importantly in the long term, formulation of an action plan for aquifer recharge with better rainfall retention (e.g. extensive reforestation/ tree planting) and utilisation of increased water harvesting e.g. through micro-dams
• Expansion and strengthening of the electricity and telecommunications networks - by putting constant pressure on the competent authorities, so that Kythera becomes even more.
• an attractive destination for new types of activities, strengthen the digital infrastructure of local businesses and attract new highly skilled residents, e.g. digital nomads.
• Strengthening the strategic infrastructure of the Airport, Ports and Marinas in order to enhance the safety and reliability of transport and to attract new activities (e.g. handling of tourist boats, refuelling, air tourism, etc.).

3. Creation and immediate implementation of interventions for the improvement of living and working conditions in Kythera and Antikythera with a focus on people:

Economic development and infrastructure offer nothing if they do not ensure their «exploitation» to drastically improve the lives of residents (and visitors). We firmly believe that the general improvement in economic activity will help, but in any case it will take a struggle on the part of the Municipal Authority to formulate, together with the residents, and implement the necessary interventions in a reasonable period of time.

The main axes on which we intend to develop the actions of the Municipality are:

• Decisive strengthening of the cultural and sports activities of the Municipality with a real operation of the Cultural Organization that in recent years has fallen into virtual inactivity.
• Supporting the actions of local initiatives in culture and sports and the rapid completion of the planned infrastructure (Potamos, Friligianikon, Viaradikona, Potamos theatre etc.) and the formation of new ones that are essential for the developed and demanding cultural profile of our society (Cultural Multipurpose Hall with a multi-purpose hall: exhibition space, music stage, theatre, cinema).
• Utilization of suitable vacant buildings of the Municipality, EEPKA, Trifilio etc. for the housing of cultural activities, collections, and possibly «small entrepreneurship e.g. digital nomads» (e.g. Old school of Agia Pelagia, former »Felia" shop in Potamos, library in Kontolianika, Old Hospital etc.)
• Institutional interventions to support primary health care and ensure full staffing of the General Hospital of Kythera. Indicatively
  • Incentives to doctors - nurses by providing accommodation by utilizing the properties of the Municipality - Enchorios. For example. Property Chikalaria (4 studios).
  • Pressure on the health ministry to fill doctor vacancies
  • Installation and operation of dialysis (artificial kidney) (for the convenience of residents and visitors)
  • Promotion of modern blood bank - hematology department necessary for the previous
  • Upgrading of the SAB of Chora and Karvounades (possible reopening of the SAB in Avlemonas during the tourist season)
  • An additional ambulance in Chora (a long-standing request for immediate response to emergencies)
  • Study of the feasibility of implementing the «Care at Home» / «Personal Assistant» action»

In the context of the above guidelines, our intention is to consider the creation of a Quality of Life Committee or another flexible scheme that will contribute to their implementation by supporting the Municipal Authority.

+1. Shaping a new ethos in the administration of the Municipality

The strategic axes outlined above will not be an easy task. And of course it will not be a four-year affair, although we aspire to get the train on the tracks in the first four years. But we believe that what will make the difference, both in the formulation and implementation of actions, is a completely different approach to the operation of the municipality. An approach that puts the citizen at the centre and ensures transparency and accountability. And perhaps most importantly the active participation of citizens in the affairs of our municipality

Democratising the functioning of the Municipality is our critical and central commitment. In contrast to the current authoritarian approach of «I am the majority» «I have the majority - I do what I want» that has led to a lack of any meaningful dialogue and democratic convergence, our approach is targeted:

• The pursuit of maximum consensus among the forces on our islands on common goals through democratic processes everywhere (Municipal Council, Local Councils, processes of truly open consultation in Local Communities).
• The formulation of a Long Term Strategic Plan for Kythera - Antikythera (as provided by the EU) which through open consultation will form the long term basis for the development of projects / administration of the Municipality.
• The opening of all the procedures of the Municipality and the Property Committee to the citizens, so that everyone knows everything about their decisions and actions, including investment decisions, utilization of space and infrastructure, through procedures of at least annual review and updating of their actions.
• And finally, the permanent daily presence of elected councillors in the life and activity of our islands, so as to incorporate the live information from the citizens in the decision-making and implementation processes of our Municipality.

The above key considerations are - as far as their strategic direction is concerned - our absolute commitment. They are the basis on which the specific programme of the Municipality will be developed with projects, actions, creation of structures, etc.

The steps that will follow if the Kythirians and Antikytherians trust us with the administration of the Municipality will be:

Α. Holistic review of the outstanding projects and actions of the Municipality so far. Everything good that has been done or started will be continued. If we need to make changes and improvements, within the context of the overall strategic plan we will do so. The unwavering aim is to build and not to tear down what is already right.

Β. Formulation of a long-term Strategic Development Plan within the framework defined by the EU (with a model of plans of other successful municipalities). In this Plan, the priority will be to halt population decline and attract our young people from Australia, other overseas countries and the Attica Basin.

Γ. Open consultations per local community to present the plans in detail and receive/incorporate new ideas and views

D. Approval of the new City program by the City Council with open participation of our citizens. This will form the basis of the four-year programs (e.g. the Technical Program, etc.).

We invite you to contribute with your participation to a final bold development programme that will truly change our islands by putting aside the current arrogant attitudes and actions that sideline any truly necessary development project.

All Together Kythira - Antikythera