The Pancyprian Association of Gym Owners (PASIGY) welcomes the findings of the recent report of the Audit Office, which confirms in the most official way the long-standing positions and concerns of our industry.
The finding that several private gymnastics schools continue to operate without a license, even after court decisions and the imposition of fines, as well as the reference to serious gaps in the monitoring and enforcement of legislation, prove that the current system is unable to effectively deal with illegality.
The report clearly shows that the problem is not the number of controls but the effectiveness of the existing framework. When, despite hundreds of inspections, illegal premises continue to operate, it becomes obvious that an immediate change in the licensing and control regime is required.
PASIGY reiterates its position that prevention is the only essential solution. As is the case in dozens of other professional sectors, the operation of a private gymnastics school must require prior licensing and not attempt to deal with illegality after the fact.
The findings of the Audit Office further strengthen the need for the immediate promotion of the new regulations and the creation of a modern and effective operating framework for the sector, which will ensure legality, the quality of the services provided, healthy competition and above all the safety of citizens.
As PASIGY we have submitted specific suggestions and practical solutions to all competent authorities and we are ready to contribute constructively to the formation of a new framework that will protect both the public and legal businesses in the sector. The time for findings has now passed. What is needed today is political will and immediate action.
