Pafos Live 13 February 2024
I have touched many times in the past and recently, the odious phenomenon of vandalism, which kills our city and unfortunately every day we see it growing dangerously. These unacceptable phenomena have no place in our Pafos. They are a Disgrace. These reprehensible, shameless acts must mobilize all of us against wickedness. Enough is enough! Damage, destruction of public and private property amounts to clear vandalism and is a criminal offence. This should be understood by all citizens, so that we can all become aware of this. Any vandalistic behaviour should be immediately reported either to the Municipality or to the Police and the necessary measures should be taken.
Unfortunately, where we expect to enjoy the works being carried out, we find ourselves in the unfortunate position of these being desecrated and damaged by a small minority of people who not only do not respect our city, but also themselves. Respect for public property implies respect for ourselves. To all of us taxpayers who daily have to pay to correct and tolerate the uncivilized behaviour of all these brainless vandals. Vandalism has spread sharply to private property and the phenomenon now seems to be rampant. Lately, they have been completely emboldened, since even our sacred monuments have not escaped their fury.
Pafos does not need smudged walls, abusive slogans, symbols and vulgar phrases or, worse, it does not need phenomena of destruction of statues, monuments, buildings of historical importance, nor disrespect for the environment, felling of trees, etc. Pafos needs respect, education and culture. She needs a youth with a strong opinion and love for her city.
The Municipality of Pafos should reflect intensely on this unacceptable phenomenon and immediately propose solutions towards its effective prevention and disappearance. The granting of special permits for graffiti in specific areas is a step in the right direction and should be strengthened. Policing and prevention against vandalism should also be strengthened. In addition, we could install security systems in specific areas. Also, a special finish could be applied to the finish of paint or other elements that prevents vandalism and allows easy cleaning. A more important role should be played by education in this direction and the cultivation of a proper culture of respect for public and private property and certainly love for our city.
Above all, let the various "organized" people prove to us that they really love sports, culture and above all our Pafos. Let them start with us a campaign to clean up and restore all areas vandalized by their members. Let them start by cleaning up the mess they have caused themselves. Let them embark on a campaign to inform their members and eradicate this foolish practice of meaningless labels and absurd slogans.
We are all incompatible with the old and the status quo. Especially us younger ones. But we respect those around us and first and foremost our city. 'Free speech' guys, it's not about smudging your city to make any statement. Free speech is to save yourself and save those around you from the false world of "supposedly" and drugs. You want to make a statement: Do it by ACT against drugs, against speed, against racism and xenophobia. Make it an EXPERIENCE against poverty and oppression, against violence and lies, against all injustice. We don't want you either on the sidelines or in the dark. We want you to be a PROTAGONIST. So don't be part of the disaster. Fight with us!
ALL of us want a BETTER PAPHOS. With continuous growth. With PROGRESS.
We want a strong PAFOS, Next to every citizen. A PAPHOS STRONG next to you.
Next to each one separately.
We fight HONESTLY, CLEANLY AND RESPONSIBLY.
FIGHT WITH US!
By WILL. With VISION. With STUBBORNNESS.
With LOVE and HUMANITY!
Philippos Th. Philippou
Civil Engineer
Member of the Municipal Council of KS EDEK in Pafos Municipality
