A week before vote, some reforms still unclear

A week before vote, some reforms still unclear

The fact described in the text is that the interior minister is expected to issue decrees mandating that the final say on permits will rest with the technocrats in the district-level organizations, not the elected officials.

‘No reason for workers to fear for jobs’

‘No reason for workers to fear for jobs’

Workers hired by Kition Ocean Holdings do not need to be concerned about the future of their employment as the government is committed to keeping the project going. The government terminated its agreement with Kition Ocean Holdings due to their failure to pay the financial guarantee. The port authority has the capability to take on the project. Workers who were fired by Kition Ocean Holdings will transition their employment to the Larnaca and Famagusta District Development Agency.

Ombudswoman, ’s investigation on Bangladeshi man’s death ‘on hold’

Ombudswoman, ’s investigation on Bangladeshi man’s death ‘on hold’

Anisur Rahman, a 24-year-old Bangladeshi national, died on April 10 after jumping off a fifth-floor balcony during a police raid on the Limassol apartment he was living in with 10 other individuals. The ombudswoman’s independent investigation into his death has been put on hold as the police file was denied to her and is being investigated by an independent authority following a complaint by Kisa NGO. The other individuals found living in Cyprus illegally are detained for possible witness testimony. The landlord of the apartment where Rahman lived has not been found at fault and other tenants continue to live there. Rahman’s death sparked protests in Limassol and Nicosia against racism faced by third-country nationals in Cyprus.

Clinics , ‘may suspend operations’ due to nurse shortage

Clinics , ‘may suspend operations’ due to nurse shortage

Cyprus is facing a nursing shortage of between 450 and 500 nurses, which is impacting the operations of clinics and hospitals. The shortage is expected to increase as nurses retire. To address this issue, the employers’ and industrialists’ federation (Oev) is suggesting hiring nurses from third countries and utilizing third country nationals who study nursing in Cyprus. Private hospitals are already struggling to find staff to hire, and there are concerns about lowering the number of hours required to train nurses in Cyprus, which could impact patient safety.

Panikkos Vakkou appointed CySEC vice chairman

Panikkos Vakkou appointed CySEC vice chairman

Panikkos Vakkou has been appointed as vice chairman of the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) by the Cabinet. Neophytos Lambertides has also been appointed as a member of the commission.

Over 3,000 patients in Cyprus with multiple sclerosis, number growing

Over 3,000 patients in Cyprus with multiple sclerosis, number growing

The number of persons diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in Cyprus is on the rise, with 3,052 registered patients according to figures from the national health system Gesy. Associations are calling for a national strategy to provide quality services to patients and better training of healthcare providers.

5 years on, 60% visit GHS specialists

5 years on, 60% visit GHS specialists

– The General Health System (GHS) in Cyprus was established five years ago.
– The GHS remains financially viable for the next seven years, with reserves of €590 million.
– The GHS has increased confidence among the public, with 60% of beneficiaries visiting a specialist in the past year.
– The GHS has improved access to health services and quality of life for citizens.
– Plans are underway to reduce waiting times at specialist physicians and publish a strategic plan for 2024-2026.
– The GHS has added four hospitals, two A&E departments, day care centers, at-home palliative care, and additional healthcare professionals and therapies.
– The GHS has imposed fines, carried out investigations, and suspended contracts to ensure oversight and quality of services provided.

Ethereum ETF approval good for Bitcoin, Michael Saylor; Is Rebel Satoshi Arcade the next big thing?

Ethereum ETF approval good for Bitcoin, Michael Saylor; Is Rebel Satoshi Arcade the next big thing?

The US SEC approved spot Ethereum ETFs on May 23rd, which is seen as a positive development for the crypto community. Michael Saylor believes that this approval could be particularly bullish for Bitcoin in terms of mainstream adoption. Rebel Satoshi Arcade, a new GameFi memecoin, is predicted to have a 65x jump after its market debut.

Israel aims to boost Red Sea oil deliveries despite environmental risks

Israel aims to boost Red Sea oil deliveries despite environmental risks

Israel plans to allow more oil tankers to dock at a Red Sea port in Eilat despite environmental risks. The government wants to revoke restrictions on the amount of oil that can be unloaded at a jetty in the city, which sits near a coral reef. The curbs imposed in 2021 were eased temporarily during the Gaza war. EAPC, the state-owned company operating the pipeline, wants to receive more oil, but environmental regulators and Eilat’s mayor oppose the plan. Israel is pushing to ensure energy security amid conflicts with various groups. Netanyahu’s office recommended easing restrictions to include fuel for trade and domestic use. The environment ministry expressed concerns about the risks of more oil deliveries and cited past mishaps. EAPC welcomed the government’s U-turn, emphasizing the strategic importance of the Eilat facility for energy delivery. Israel imports most of its oil through seaborne trade, and the Emirati oil deal could be worth about million a year for EAPC. The Energy Ministry emphasized the need to handle oil deliveries properly to sustain the terminal economically.

Our View: Scooter ban: Elitism or safety concerns?

Our View: Scooter ban: Elitism or safety concerns?

A 13-year-old boy was seriously injured in Limassol in an accident involving a scooter, prompting a deputy to suggest banning scooters if safety measures are not enforced.