Improvements to the coastal path in Limassol are a government priority, but no one from the interior ministry attended a discussion on the matter. The path has been damaged by adverse weather, with serious damages recorded in several spots. The estimated cost of repairs is €300,000, and complaints from tourists are continuous.
British actor Hugh Grant settled a lawsuit against the publisher of The Sun over claims of phone tapping and burglary. Grant, known for films like “Love Actually” and “Notting Hill,” has been a vocal advocate for press reform. The settlement raises questions about the publisher’s long-held position of denying wrongdoing. Grant did not want to settle but feared the high legal costs if he lost at trial. The settlement may prevent a trial over unlawful information-gathering, but Prince Harry’s lawsuit against the publisher continues.
Cyprus participated in an international police operation that led to the arrest of nine people involved in the Juicyfields Ponzi scheme. The scheme attempted to gather investments through social networks for growing medical cannabis.
Construction of the €1.2 bln Larnaca port and marina project is back on track after the operator and the Cyprus government reached a compromise agreement over a financial deadlock. The company agreed to provide a letter of guarantee of €4.2 mln instead of the €10 mln required by the state. Once the guarantee is submitted, construction work is expected to resume in June. Failure to provide the guarantee could result in Kition having to pay damages to the state.
President Nikos Christodoulides will chair a meeting with stakeholders to push ahead with the stalled €1.2 billion Larnaca port and marina project. The bone of contention is the renewal of a €10 million guarantee by Kition, with the company stating they have no intention to renew it without amending the concession agreement. Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades has called on Kition to renew the guarantee, warning of potential damages to the state if not done. An ad hoc committee has been set up to help break the deadlock, while the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce president criticized the company for not being clear about their intentions. Another issue is the preservation of the historical pier in Larnaca, which is part of the town’s heritage and is being restored as part of the wider development plan for the port and marina.
Fact: Disy leader Annita Demetriou emphasized the importance of unity within the party and stated that Disy is focused on setting out political positions and policy interventions.
Two key U.S. lawmakers reached a deal on draft bipartisan data privacy legislation that would restrict the data collected by technology companies and give Americans control over their personal information. The legislation would also allow individuals to prevent the selling of their personal data and compel its deletion. The bill would give the Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general authority to oversee consumer privacy issues and establish enforcement mechanisms. The legislation does not ban targeted advertising but gives consumers the ability to opt out of it. The bill also includes provisions for fines for privacy violations and annual reviews of algorithms to ensure they do not harm individuals.
Fact: The Paphos primary school, Koupateio school, was vandalized by unknown perpetrators who threw stones, broke classroom windows, and defaced school property.
Police are investigating €700 in damages at the Polemidia school art class.
Fact: A total of 105,401 packages, concerning 149 different pharmaceuticals, were spoiled during the hailstorm at the pharmaceutical services warehouse in Cyprus.