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COFFEESHOP: RETURN OF THE TROIKA’S DELIGHTFUL DELIA PAGE 17 INSIDE Cyprus Waging war on ‘safe’ electronic cigarettes 4

World Kenyatta wins Kenyan presidential election 9

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Sport Everton shell shocked after Wigan blitz back

State’s hands tied over SGOs Election pledges they will be safe are being put to test by the troika

By Elias Hazou

W

ITH THE troika at the gates, election campaign declarations are taking a back seat to the exigencies of salvaging the economy. Pledges that the so-called ‘profitable’ semi-governmental organisations (SGOs) would be left untouched are now being put to the test.

Lines drawn in the sand before the elections are now being swept away by the tide of bailout talks. Publicly at least, the goalposts on what constitute acceptable terms of a bailout seem to be shifting by the day, by the hour. Mere talk of a haircut on deposits which the government has rejected - means that priorities must be re-jigged.

On February 14, three days before the first round of the presidential elections, candidate Nicos Anastasiades met with the bosses of the Cyprus Telecommunications Authority (CyTA). “We are steadfastly opposed to privatisations,” he told them.

“We shall fight, making use of new reports concerning the recapitalisation needs of the banks, to avoid what is being threatened and what has been agreed,” Anastasiades had said, alluding to a clause in the memorandum of understanding (MoU) struck between the previous administration and the troika.

And in an interview with the Financial Times conducted on the day of the runoff vote, Anastasiades signalled he

was not prepared to accede to some of the demands made by international lenders, particularly sweeping privatisations, which some in Brussels believe can raise as much as €2 billion and thus reduce the bailout figure.

“We’d like to discuss whether we can postpone [privatisation] for perhaps three years, depending on the pace of recovery and progress with other reforms,” Anastasiades told the FT. “There are several possible scenarios . . . but we have to preserve social cohesion and peaceful labour relations.”

That was before. On February 27 finance minister Michalis Sarris appeared not to rule out privatisations, even displaying a certain bias on the subject. He told reporters that consumers pay high prices and demand good services for public utilities, adding: “Who owns [the SGOs] is less important, and I think what is needed is to improve pricing and the quality of services offered.”

He did hasten to add, however, that the possibility of privatisations is linked to whether the national debt is sustainable.

Communist AKEL immediately pounced, prodding the new government to clarify its position vis-a-vis the SGOs. Anastasiades was apparently forced to repeat his pre-election pledge; he assured staff at SGOs that their jobs were secure and their rights protected whatever happened.

TURN TO PAGE 3

Tibetan mastiff puppies for sale at a mastiff show in Baoding, China yesterday. Fetching up to $750,000, mastiffs have become a prized status-symbol among China’s wealthy.

Owners say the mastiffs, descendants of dogs used for hunting by nomadic tribes in central Asia and Tibet, are fiercely loyal and protective. Breeders still travel to the Himalayan plateau to collect young puppies (AFP)

Britons back Falkland Islands action says poll MOST British adults believe its government should be ready to consider military action in the face of an invasion threat to the Falkland Islands, according to a study.

Ahead of a referendum today and tomorrow asking islanders if they want the area to remain a British overseas territory, an opinion poll found that 77 per cent of UK voters believe the future of the Falklands should be decided by those who live there.

More than half questioned for the ComRes poll for ITV News disagreed with suggestions that it was not Britain’s job to defend the islands.

The research also found six in 10 adults believed the UK should keep all options - including the possibility of military action - open when deciding how to respond to a threat of invasion while just 16 per cent disagreed and 24 per cent did not know.

Argentina’s President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner has ramped up the rhetoric over the sovereignty of the islands, which her nation calls Las Malvinas, in recent months.

Authorities in Port Stanley hope the upcoming vote will send a clear message to Argentina that residents wish to remain British.

2 March 10, 2013 • SUNDAY MAIL

Home Capital of culture committee in place

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TODAY: A mixture of sunshine, cloud and rain. Temperatures will reach 19C inland and along the coast and 11C over higher ground.

OUTLOOK: Remaining unsettled into midweek

YESTERDAY

Nicosia Larnaca Limassol Paphos Paralimni Prodromos

By Bejay Browne

Limassol

max/min temp 20 - 7 20 - 10 20 - 8 20 - 8 19 - 13 12 - 3

Humidity 28% 48% 44% 60% 44% 69%

A COMMITTEE responsible for overseeing the operation of the entire project of ‘Pafos European capital of culture 2017’ is now in place.

Headed up by former health minister Christos Patsalides, the nine member committee will be formally announced by the mayor of Paphos Savvas Vergas on Monday.

The committee will be responsible for and accountable for the entire cultural celebration.

Patsalides was appointed on Wednesday after a unanimous proposal by the Paphos municipal council.

“I am enthusiastic about this role which will involve a lot of work,” Patsalides told the Cyprus Mail. “This opportunity is not only of a great benefit to Pafians and Cypriots in general. We are presenting a small European city and the infrastructure which will be put in place, such as a new theatre, will remain as a heritage for all of the citizens of Paphos.”

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The committee chairman said members will be responsible for organising and developing these projects, and will also deal with all of the formalities and procedures.

The former minister admitted that the economic crisis may restrict the size and cost of some celebrations, adding that a more measured and sensible approach is needed.

“This is not going to be an easy job and it carries heavy responsibilities, especially as we have a financial crisis.

This is not an easy period to have access to a budget,” he said.

The chairman of the newly formed committee stressed the importance of all of the residents becoming involved with the project.

“We have so many English speaking residents in the district of Paphos as well as others and its important that they are involved with Pafos 2017. We are a multi-cultural capital and this project should be a joy and vision for all of the citizens,” he said.

He added that further information about the committee’s plans and budget would be available in a couple of weeks’ time.

Gas deposits need to be found before they are marketable

New minister says drilling a priority Strategy needed to manage sector’s future EXPLORATORY drilling in Block 12 is a priority, Commerce and Industry Minister Giorgos Lakkotrypis said yesterday.

Responding to questions about the Troika’s refusal to include Cyprus’ potential income from its hydrocarbons, Lakkotrypis said that is the reason Noble Energy must proceed rapidly to explore Block 12.

“As soon as it is confirmed and certified that there are deposits of gas they can be declared as marketable and will have a certain value,” he said.

“Noble’s contract is until October and we will meet them next week to see what their plans are exactly and how to move forward,” he added.

Lakkotrypis said the ministry’s priority remains the creation of a proper administrative structure to deal with matters of natural gas.

The minister said an administrative

structure needs to be put in place to create a strategy that everyone can agree with for years to come.

“We are pressed for time but we are determined to put everything in order as we are dealing with our future for the next few years,” he said. “We cannot depend on one or two people and an organisation but the correct administrative structure,” he added.

Referring to the structure as an ‘ecosystem’, Lakkotrypis explained that it will be based on the Norwegian model which is not an organisation or a service but is made up of various factors. “It consists of a fund, other infrastructures, pipeline regulators and specifics for the terminal,” he said.

On Tuesday the minister will meet the House Commerce Committee to begin mapping out a strategy.

Waste management is needed to improve our quality of life: minister WASTE management is perhaps the most important aspect for the protection of water, soil, air, flora, fauna, the ecosystem of the island and on improving our quality of life, Agriculture and Environment Minister Nicos Kouyialis said yesterday.

Speaking at an event held by the Cyprus Scouts and Green Dot Cyprus, Kouyialis said the protection of the environment is the main aim of the ministry as it is respon-

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sible for implementing much of the environmental legislation.

“With Cyprus joining the EU many action-plans by the public have been put in place to help protect the environment relating to waste management,” he said.

“The plans which have been put in place have made producers of products like batteries, electrical and electronic waste, tyres and packaging more responsible for the management of their waste,” he added.

The minister said that the result of these actions brings us closer to achieving the recycling targets set by EU directives and provides more awareness on the subject to-

wards the public.

“The public’s involvement in recycling and environmental awareness is an essential part of reaching environmental goals set out by EU directives,” he added.

Yeroskipou Municipality announced yesterday it will be taking part in a new programme which will collect recyclable goods from doorto-door. Mayor Michalis Pavlides said there will no longer be recycling drop-off points in the municipality, with the public benefitting from doorto-door collections.

Pavlides said hotels will have recyclable goods collected twice a week while residential areas will have them collected once a week.

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3 SUNDAY MAIL • March 10, 2013

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Hands tied over the SGOs Pre-election promises on semi-government organisations may prove worthless continued from page one No doubt there was a disconnect between the president and his economy czar.

A case of doublespeak, or were Anastasiades and Sarris doing the good cop/bad cop routine?

Article 3.7 of the MoU states: “If necessary to restore debt sustainability, the Cyprus authorities will consider a privatisation programme for state-owned and semi-public companies.”

That’s been the Anastasiades government’s throwback position whenever it’s called out on the SGOs: our hands are tied because the previous guys in charge already agreed to it.

It’s probably a little more complex than that; a more accurate description would be that the realities of talking shop with international lenders are starting to sink in.

Caught between a rock and a hard place, Anastasiades may well be forced to agree to privatisations.

But besides the president eating humble pie, some commentators are suggesting that the fate of the SGOs will prove the first stress test for the DISY-DIKO alliance.

The pre-election pact forged between the two parties stated: “Semi-governmental organisations that are nationally and socially beneficial must not be privatised, but rather be supported, rehabilitated and rendered more competitive.

“Where state involvement relates to areas of a purely entrepreneurial nature, the prospect of a shares issue, a strategic partner or denationalisation would be examined.”

How would DIKO, a traditional stalwart of SGOs, react should Anastasiades go back on his word?

Would it strain the partnership?

That’s unlikely, thinks political analyst Christoforos Christoforou. For one thing, he says, the framework agreement between the two parties is so loosely worded that it’s subject to many different interpretations.

“Call it constructive ambiguity,” he jokes.

Moreover, the analyst doesn’t put much stock in pre-election rhetoric.

The new government has very little wiggle room as it tussles with the troika. What with talk of a haircut on deposits and demands on Cyprus to raise its corporate tax rate - threatening both the financial sector and the country’s standing as an investment centre - the government has bigger fish to fry than worry about the blowback from denationalising state-owned enterprises.

That said, Christoforou advises that the government should still put up a fight for the SGOs, if only as a bargaining chip.

“They could insist on the state re-

Signs of a disconnect between President Anastasiades and Finance Minister Michalis Sarris over privatisations of the SGOs taining a majority stake, that is, a partial privatisation,” he says.

Stavros Tombazos, assistant professor of political science with the University of Cyprus, likewise thinks it unlikely that privatisations would seriously damage the DISY-DIKO alliance.

He can see DIKO being convinced that privatisations are a necessity, under the circumstances.

“Pre-election promises have little weight because the situation right now is very difficult. We’re in the midst of the deepest economic crisis, one might even call it an existential crisis. Tough decisions are needed,” said Tombazos.

But Tombazos is not at all sold on the partial privatisation scheme, which the government appears to be inclined to.

“Even if you did find foreign investors, why on earth would they throw money at Cypriot SGOs without being assured of a controlling interest?” he asks.

“Or, if they did agree to buying shares, they’d pay less. Since as minority stakeholders they won’t be able to call the shots and to restructure the SGOs to cut costs and boost profits, they’ll be making less money on the dollar. So the lesser the incentive, the lower their offer.

“On the other hand, by selling 100 per cent of the SGOs, you’d be raising more than double the cash you’d get for selling just 50 per cent,” he argues.

Tombazos is also critical of the government’s staunch opposition to raising corporate tax.

“If you don’t do that, then where is the state going to get extra revenues to pay back the troika loan?

You guessed it, it’s going to have to cut salaries and raise fresh taxes.”

But economic analyst Dr Stelios Platis is wary of selling off state assets to make a quick buck in order to help pay off the debt.

“Under these conditions we’d be talking about a fire sale, so would the cash be enough to make the debt sustainable? Probably not,” he told the Sunday Mail.

Platis warns also that by denationalising SGOs - particularly the electricity utility - state monopolies could be replaced by private ones, meaning a raw deal for end-consumers.

“Experience shows that Cyprus lacks the safeguards against the private sector abusing its power.

Competition laws may be in place, but implementation is weak.”

Though Platis advocates the modernisation and restructuring of SGOs - in part to rid them of heavy political influence - he would not have them dismantled overnight because of bailout pressures.

And from an economic point of view, he does not believe that partial privatisation would improve the sustainability of the national debt.

“Current annual dividends to the state from SGOs are greater than the savings you’d generate by bor-

EAC workers: any private investor would want to cut staff rowing at a 2.5 per cent interest rate for a reduced debt [bailout] amount,” he says.

Still, if push comes to shove, and bank deposits or corporate tax are on the line, Platis would “rather privatise SGOs than sacrifice Cyprus and everything we have worked for over the past decades.”

He acknowledges that the present government is in a tight spot, but says there’s still some room for manoeuvre.

“It’s not black and white. Perhaps the government could retain a majority share in SGOs, but hand over effective control and management to a strategic investor. The devil is in the details.”

Government spokesman Christos Stylianides understandably chose

his words carefully when asked for the administration’s position.

“If Cyprus’ debt is deemed unsustainable, then yes we are open to discussing privatisations, and then the question becomes the degree and manner of privatisations,” he told the Sunday Mail.

“But we’re trying to make sure it doesn’t come to that.”

The heads of SGOs CyTA, the Electric Authority, the Port Authority and the Cyprus Tourism Organisation handed in their financial records to Finance Minister Michalis Sarris yesterday. A team from the ministry will go through the books to determine their current and potential values as talks with Troika continued.

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4 March 10, 2013 • SUNDAY MAIL

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Waging war on ‘safe’ cigarettes

How a typical electronic cigarette works

Police seek to expand smoking ban to electronic cigarettes

By Peter Stevenson

A

S REGULAR visitors to pubs and clubs know only too well, implementing the ban on real cigarettes has been patchy at best, yet - much to the chagrin of the makers of electronic cigarettes - the police and health officials are seeking to expand that ban to include electronic smoking cessation aids.

Of all EU countries, only Belgium, Malta and Slovakia have so far extended their smoking ban to include electronic cigarettes in enclosed public places, bars, restaurants and the workplace, even though they contain no tobacco.

Police chief Michalis Papageorgiou said Cyprus needs to join these countries and adopt strict regulations on the use of electronic cigarettes in public spaces irrespective of future EU directives on the issue.

“Regardless of whether the European Union will issue a legally binding directive regarding electronic cigarettes, we will act to best serve the people of Cyprus,” he said.

“And we believe that banning the use of electronic cigarettes from public places will benefit the public.”

Draft legislation banning electronic cigarette use in public places was proposed in January but has yet to be sent to parliament for approval.

An electronic cigarette produces water vapour instead of smoke.

It contains nicotine but is free of tar, tobacco and carbon monoxide Acting director of the health services, Christos Christou said this week his department will consult importers and producers of electronic cigarettes during the process of putting the law together.

With no legislation yet passed, electronic cigarettes can be bought in kiosks, pharmacies and supermarkets and smoked anywhere.

“We will follow EU proposals until a regulatory body is put in place,” Christou said.

HEALTH HAZARD The ministry is still awaiting results of an investigative committee to see exactly how harmful electronic cigarettes might be, but it has decided to take the advice of the World Health Organisation in considering electronic cigarettes as a health hazard.

According to the European Commission’s proposal for a revised Tobacco Product Directive, electronic cigarettes would fall under

the legal framework for medicinal products if they contain levels of nicotine above certain thresholds. The nicotine threshold would be identified by considering the nicotine content of nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) that have already received a marketing authorisation by member states.

Manufacturers have ensured some electronic cigarettes are easily distinguished from normal ones in various ways. Some have tips that glow green when they are inhaled; others are small metal cylinders that look nothing like cigarettes.

Most, however, are made to look as close to the real thing as possible, and, according to Christou, that is another reason why the ban should be extended.

“Many electronic cigarettes look just like tobacco cigarettes and they emit smoke(sic), so you can imagine the confusion and difficulty some restaurant and café owners would have upholding the law,” he said.

This opinion is shared by

pharmacies currently selling various electronic cigarettes, it is down to the consumer to make an educated decision on which product to purchase. This is why E-Lites are currently only available from pharmacies.

“We began selling E-Lites at kiosks and pharmacies but didn’t make many sales at kiosks where they would sell cheaper Chinese products,” Everett revealed. “We then decided to only sell them at pharmacies as they are generally more trusted by the public.”

He said that while many electronic cigarettes currently on the market are not regulated, this was not strictly true of his product.

“Our products are not regulated as medicinal products but that is not to say that they are not regulated at all. We are in fact regulated under many statutes of UK law and all our products are independently tested in UK laboratories.

E-Lites were in fact the first Company to obtain ECITA’s (Electronic Cigarette Industry Trade Association) Industry Standard of Excellence, a mark which surpasses the requirements of UK statute,” he added.

Nobacco is another company which sells electronic cigarettes in Cyprus.

COOKING BAN

Police say the difficulty in distinguishing between real and electronic cigarettes is one reason for extending the ban the police chief who also believes that clamping down on electronic cigarette use in public areas will aid in upholding the current tobacco cigarette ban.

“It’s just not practical to expect a bar owner to go round his establishment taking a close look at whether someone is smoking a real cigarette or not,” Papageorgiou said.

Electronic cigarettes claim to aid people who want to quit smoking, much like NRTs but Christou said none of the electronic cigarette companies have received authorisation from pharmaceutical services.

“If they are to be approved and put on the market as a pharmaceutical product then the whole procedure would change,” Christou said. “Our goal is to protect public health, we are not interested in taxation or pharmaceutical and tobacco companies’ agendas.”

Another issue is that while tobacco cigarettes should only be sold to adults, anyone can go into a kiosk and buy an electronic cigarette.

Normal tobacco cigarettes contain more than 4,000 chemicals and 60 known carcinogens.

According to informa-

tion given to the Sunday Mail by E-lites, a British manufacturer of electronic cigarettes, research carried out by Boston and Alberta universities have found that electronic cigarettes are at least 99 per cent safer than normal tobacco cigarettes.

“Electronic cigarettes are free of tar, tobacco, carbon monoxide and many other carcinogens and hidden chemicals, and therefore allow smokers to satisfy their nicotine cravings, in a familiar hand-to-mouth format, without damaging their health,” co-founder and director of E-Lites, Adrian Everett told the Sunday Mail.

SAFETY RECORD “The safety record of electronic cigarettes is highly impressive with millions of products being sold globally, yet no record of any harm being caused by their use.

The same cannot in fact be said for medically licensed NRT products,” he added.

According to E-Lites the success rate of electronic cigarettes is much higher than NRT products which have a 98 per cent fail rate after 12 months.

With many kiosks and

“Electronic cigarettes emit steam when someone smokes one,” a Nobacco sales representative said. “If they were to ban electronic cigarettes from enclosed spaces then they would have to ban people from cooking indoors because that emits steam too.”

The health services, however, refute claims that the steam emitted from the electronic cigarettes is harmless.

“The steam created by the devices is caused by combustion, by using the nicotine cartridges so any steam that is emitted will contain harmful odours,” Christou insisted.

The response to a possible ban on electronic cigarettes from bar and café owners has been mixed.

“I have already lost business because of the smoking ban as unlike others I don’t let people smoke inside,” said owner of Nicosia’s Brickyard Bar & Grill, Stavros Prokommenos. “I don’t think I would enforce an electronic cigarette ban indoors because the smoke that comes out isn’t harmful.”

Owner of El Classico Café in Engomi, Stavros Andreou stated that he would uphold the law if it was put in place although his café was made with smokers in mind.

“I have a total of 240 seats at my café with 180 outside so making people sit outside if they want to smoke electronic cigarettes shouldn’t affect my business at all,” he said.

5 SUNDAY MAIL • March 10, 2013

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Troika talks continue at the Central Bank Party leaders given briefing on the latest developments TROIKA officials continued their talks at the Central Bank yesterday before they departed from Cyprus.

Political party leaders were due to be given an update on the progress of negotiations last night during a meeting at the Presidential Palace with President Nicos Anastasiades.

A statement released yesterday said the meeting would be on matters of the economy.

Earlier the president met the Finance Minister, the

Central Bank Governor and the head of the National Council on Economic Policy at the palace.

Anastasiades was due to meet Central Bank Governor Panicos Demetriades and his deputy Spyros Stavrinakis, Finance Minister Michalis Sarris and the team of technocrats who are negotiating with the Troika. Head of the National Economic Policy Council Christoforos Pissarides was also due to be present.

Anastasiades spoke with

German Chancellor Angela Merkel yesterday and will this afternoon depart for Athens for talks with the Greek Prime Minister, President and political parties.

According to Government spokesman Christos Stylianides the conversation with Merkel was of a very positive and constructive tone and centred on Cyprus’ negotiations with the Troika and attempts at reaching a bailout agreement as soon as possible.

Speaking after a meet-

ing at the Finance Ministry yestreday, head of the Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) Alekos Orountiotis revealed that talks were ongoing with the ministry as part of a bailout deal regarding the creation of casino resorts in order to boost tourism.

“When we talk about casinos, we are talking about high quality resorts that can attract tourism, not just people getting together to play cards or other games,” he said.

‘The road is not scattered with rose petals’ Speaking at a memorial service in Limassol for former President Spyros Kyprianou, Anastasiades said yesterday his government will exhaust all possible resources to raise this country back to where it belongs.

Anastasiades said the current government will work with the same vigour and determination as the late president did during his term.

He added that we all must contribute during this difficult period to ensure economic stability and restore growth.

“We need to correct the wrongs and clean-up state finances without harming the vulnerable groups of society

and without putting more pressure on our economy,” he said.

He reminded that Cyprus has gone through tougher times in its history and it did not only make it through these times but thrived. “The road is not strewn with rose petals and we face challenges ahead but we will work hard with the same vigour and determination with which Spyros Kyprianou and all of Cypriot-Hellenism worked and toiled during the years following the 1974 Turkish invasion,” he said.

He added that Cyprus must follow the road mapped out by Kyprianou towards freedom, hope and faith, in its

abilities and towards a fair struggle.

“During this new era that has dawned upon us we must come together to achieve the broadest possible consensus, the widest possible cooperation and understanding between the people, institutions and between political forces,” Anastasiades said.

“We will do everything possible to emerge from the crisis as soon as possible,” he said, adding that “the only way we will be able strengthen our negotiating position on the Cyprus problem is on the basis of a comprehensive and assertive strategy, to help us claim what we deserve.”

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6 March 10, 2013 • SUNDAY MAIL

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Price tag on the oldest, most interesting trees can top 11,000 euros

Ancient olives, the latest trendy trees

By Poly Pantelides OUTLIVING generations of people by growing to an almost mythical age, old olive trees have now become a must-have, architectural statement for those able to afford a price tag that can top 11,000 euros.

At least 200 years old, two stately olive trees now stand at the entrance of Jean Nou-

vel Tower 25, a high profile building on Nicosia’s Stasinou Avenue named after the award-winning French architect.

Even more impressive is the monumental, gnarled ancient olive tree that was transplanted on the roundabout just outside the presidential palace nearly two years ago.

Nice Day Developers deliberately chose olive trees for

the Jean Nouvel project as part of their vision to help make what will be the tallest building in Nicosia a true landmark when it is finished this year.

“Olive trees have something of the sacred. They have gravitas,” the repre-

sentative of Nice Day said.

No one seems to be sure how long olive trees live for. Some are thought to be thousands of years old.

“There is a lot of discussion on this. There are trees that are meant to be 2,500 years old. On average, I would say they live for 500 years,” said the owner of Paphos-based New Roots Nursery, Stavros Saltos. “In Cyprus there are trees that are over 600 years old and some are rumoured to be over 1,000 years old.”

But a living monument of history has a price. Even now with the crisis that has caused prices and sales drop, a fairly young olive tree aged around 20 years fetches anything between €180 and €250, said Saltos who grows and sells the younger olive trees. Those trees are about 25cm in diameter and their trunk is between four and six metres tall. By the time they reach 200 years, now wide enough to need three people to encircle them, the trees may go for €2,500.

Tassos Paplonapas, sales manager at Magistrato Gardens just outside Limassol, said a mature tree can cost between €2,000 and €4,000 though older trees nearing 500 or looking unusual in some way (e.g. boasting extra folds and hollow trunks) can cost up to €11,500.

Magistrato is the largest garden centre and nursery in the eastern Mediterranean with millions of plants of all kinds and some 1,000 older olive trees. The nursery has between 80 and 100 olive trees more than 200 years old. They buy trees from across the island (“if the tree is worth it”) from people who want to clear their land for farming or building purposes.

“Our client can be anyone from a homeowner who wants to decorate his garden to big businesses or developers who want to decorate their site,” Paplonapas said.

“A market has been created (for olive trees) by architects and designers,” said gardener and landscaper Alexander McCowan, adding that over the last

The monumental olive tree on the roundabout by the presidential palace (above). One of two old olive trees at the entrance of the Jean Nouvel Tower 25 in Nicosia (right) (Christos Theodorides)

two decades, people started seeing the value of selling the trees to garden centres or interested parties instead of cutting them down to make room for building developments.

One of McCowan’s Nicosia clients even paid to get a potted ancient olive tree lifted by crane onto his 8th floor penthouse balcony.

But olive trees have also gone missing, uprooted to sell on to developers and garden centres. In 2009, environmentalists, Green party members and angry residents of Axylou village in Paphos demonstrated when 30 ancient olive trees, some dating back half a millennium, were uprooted.

Failing to uproot and transplant the trees properly could damage even the hardy olive tree, McCowan said.

“You have to do it properly… if you do not it will take a long time for the tree to recover,” he said.

An area that’s double the circumference of the trunk needs to be prepared, watered extensively, drained well, and then fed with nutrients. Potted trees need

to get their roots carefully teased so they will be encouraged to grow downwards. The tree needs to be perfectly upright and, if young, needs to be supported so the wind doesn’t move it, McCowan said.

But even then the tree “will bear its revenge by not producing fruit for several years,” McCowan said though he added that mature olive trees will continue bearing fruit.

The Olive Oil museum close to the village of Anogyra between Paphos and Limassol is dedicated to oil extraction methods used over times and refers to the symbolism of the olive tree over time.

In Greek and Roman times it was the tree of peace. The Old Testament refers to the olive tree of hope.

Perhaps, part of the olive tree’s enduring allure is that as most creatures of mythology, it seems to exist beyond time.

“How long do they live for?

That’s an interesting question. They’re almost immortal, they will go on for hundreds of years, provided you don’t pour concrete over them,” McCowan said.

7 SUNDAY MAIL • March 10, 2013

Home

Promoting Cyprus film online Website offers film-makers a chance to distribute their documentaries abroad

By Peter Stevenson CYPRIOT filmmakers finally have an online platform to distribute their documentaries and short films to an international audience through the website Psefionline, a project set-up by Tetraktys Films.

“This is a valuable private enterprise to promote Cyprus Cinema during the troika Stone Age,” a statement from Tetraktys Films said.

The service is a result of many years of experience of producer and director Stavros Papageorgiou, through his participation in educational film production workshops at international film festivals.

Through these experiences, Papageorgiou has established that the promotion and distribution of Cypriot films in the international market, especially documentaries, is a definite possibility.

This market includes foreign TV channels but mainly universities, colleges, museums, libraries and other cultural institutions, where the need for audiovisual programmes in DVD format, mainly documentaries, are used for educational purposes.

Tetraktys Films decided to create an online service for the distribution of films.

“Being a small company, we do not have the financial power to invest as much as we would like in the industry,” the statement said. “We are battling everyday in different ways and we are sure in the end we will succeed.”

At the end of 2012, after technical support from Petros Mavrou at AVANTLESS Ltd in

Paphos and financial aid from the ministry of commerce, the company announced the operation of the site at the MEDIMED Film Festival in Spain and the IDFA festival in Amsterdam.

“Many directors showed an interest in cooperating with us,” the statement said.

The hard work is beginning to pay off as the company is due to sign its first deals with two foreign directors, one from Spain and the other from the Czech Republic.

The website also serves as funding centre for Cypriot productions.

A special fund has been set up through which members of the Psefionline service, who provide their films for distribution, can receive funding to help develop future projects. Around ten per cent of the profit made by the service will be returned to Cyp-

Stavros Papageorgiou, the developer of the website (left), at work riot filmmakers so they can then produce a quality audiovisual piece of work for the international market through the website.

“It is important that directors and producers understand the multiple advantages that can be obtained by collectively supporting this effort,” Papageorgiou said.

“Cypriot film-makers will receive income for their work, and can therefore pay off the investment they had made in producing, possibly even making a profit.”

Papageorgiou explained that films sold in the non-theatrical market, which includes academic institutions, will be priced at be-

tween €150 and €200 per DVD. From the sale of each DVD, the filmmaker will receive 50 per cent of the gross amount and Psefionline the remaining amount to cover its operating costs and to strengthen the grant fund.

“It is worth mentioning that foreign distribution companies charge filmmakers around 60 per cent to distribute their films,” he said.

Contact Stavros Papageorgiou on 99 694407 or visit the website www.psefionline. com

8 March 10, 2013 • SUNDAY MAIL

World

Egypt backs death sentences Anger over fate of 21 football fans

By Yousri Mohamed and Marwa Awad EGYPTIAN protesters tried to disrupt shipping on the Suez Canal, an artery for global trade, after a court confirmed death sentences for 21 football fans from the canal city of Port Said yesterday.

However, canal authorities said shipping passing along the canal had been unaffected by the protests in the city, sited at the waterway’s northern end, state news agency MENA reported.

In Cairo, fans of a rival football team set fire to a police social club and the nearby offices of the Egyptian Football Federation, sending smoke rising over the capital. They were enraged by the same court clearing 28 other defendants of blame over the riot, in which more than 70 people were killed.

The stadium deaths took place last year at the end of a match between Cairo’s AlAhly team and Port Said’s Al-Masry. Spectators were crushed when panicked

Al-Ahly fans, also known as ‘Ultras’, shout slogans in front of the Al-Ahly club after hearing the final verdict crowds tried to escape from the stadium after a pitch invasion by supporters of AlMasry. Others fell or were thrown from terraces.

Unrest has plagued Port Said since the death sentences were first handed down to the Al-Masry supporters in January, with

locals who want the fans spared fighting pitched battles with police. At least eight people have been killed this week, including three policemen.

The Cairo court also jailed two senior police officers for 15 years yesterday for their handling of the riot.

Witnesses said youths in Port Said untied moored speedboats used to supply shipping on the waterway, hoping the boats would drift into the path of passing vessels. About 2,000 people also blocked car ferries from crossing the canal.

Military police recovered

five speedboats and brought them back to shore, but two were still drifting, one witness said. The army has been in charge of security in central Port Said after police were pulled out on Friday to ease tensions.

The canal is a major employer in the city and, until now, protesters had declared it off-limits for the demonstrations apart from on one occasion when red balloons marked ‘SOS’ were floated into the waterway.

Some fans of the Cairo side, angry about the acquittals, torched the buildings in the capital on the banks of the Nile. However, others were happy with the confirmation of the death sentences.

“This is a just verdict and has calmed us all down. Our martyrs have been vindicated,” Said Sayyid, 21, told Reuters.

The riot case has highlighted deteriorating law and order since the 2011 revolution as public anger explodes over Islamist President Mohamed Mursi’s failure to reform a police force hated for its brutality under deposed leader Hosni Mubarak.

Judge Sobhy Abdel Maguid, listing the names of the 21 fans, said the Cairo court had confirmed “the death penalty by hanging”.

He also sentenced five more people to life imprisonment while others out of a total of 73 defendants received shorter terms.

Suicide bomber kills nine Afghans

By Mirwais Harooni A SUICIDE bomber blew himself up at a Defence Ministry gate in Kabul yesterday killing nine civilians during a visit to Afghanistan by US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, underlining the insurgent threat as NATO troops prepare to leave.

Hagel was nowhere near the explosion, said a spokesman for Afghanistan’s NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). A US defence official said Hagel was in a safe location at an ISAF facility.

An Afghan Defence Ministry official said at least nine people, all civilians, were killed.

Fourteen people were wounded in the attack, carried out by an insurgent on a bicycle.

The Afghan Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack and said the ministry was the target.

They said in a statement the attack “is a kind of message” for Hagel.

The blast underscored the security challenges facing Afghanistan as US-led NATO forces prepare to leave the country by the end of 2014.

9 SUNDAY MAIL • March 10, 2013

World

Radical cleric Abu Qatada arrested for breaching bail terms

By Estelle Shirbon

Uhuru Kenyatta, indicted for crimes against humanity, was declared the winner with a tiny majority, as his supporters took to the streets to celebrate (right)

Kenyatta wins Kenyan presidential election Rival Odinga will not concede, says his advisor

By Richard Lough and Duncan Miriri UHURU Kenyatta, indicted for crimes against humanity, was declared winner of Kenya’s presidential election yesterday with a tiny margin, just enough to avoid a run-off after a race that has divided the nation along tribal lines.

Kenyatta, the son of Kenya’s founding president, faces trial after the disputed 2007 presidential vote that unleashed a wave of tribal blood-letting.

With the 51-year-old in the top job, Kenya will become the second African country after Sudan to have a sitting president indicted by the International Criminal Court.

The United States and other Western powers, big donors to the east African

nation, said before the vote that a Kenyatta win would complicate diplomatic ties with a nation viewed as a vital ally in the regional battle against militant Islam.

After saying Kenyatta secured 50.07 per cent of the votes, just achieving the more than 50 per cent needed to avoid a second round, the chairman of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, Issack Hassan, announced: “I therefore declare Uhuru Kenyatta the duly elected president of the Republic of Kenya,” he said. Shortly afterwards he handed a certificate of the results to Kenyatta, who had arrived after the declartion. Kenyatta thanked him.

Many in the election centre cheered, although celebrations started in the early hours of Saturday after provisional results

showed Kenyatta’s victory.

Supporters thronged the streets of Nairobi and his tribal strongholds, lighting fluorescent flares and waving tree branches and chanting “Uhuru, Uhuru”.

The mood was tense but calm in the heartlands of Kenyatta’s rival, Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who also lost in the disputed 2007 vote and trailed this time with 43.3 per cent.

“No Raila, no peace,” Odinga supporters chanted as security forces stood by in Kisumu, a city where violence flared in 2007.

Speaking before the formal declaration, a close adviser to Odinga said his candidate would challenge the result if Kenyatta was declared winner.

“He is not conceding the election,” Salim Lone told Reuters, speaking on behalf of Odinga. “If Uhuru

N. Korean threats ‘unacceptable’

By Michael Shields NORTH Korea’s third nuclear test and threats of military action are “completely unacceptable”, UN SecretaryGeneral Ban Ki-moon said in remarks published yesterday, urging Pyongyang to feed its people and seek peace with South Korea.

North Korea threatened the United States on Thursday with a pre-emptive nuclear strike and has scrapped the armistice with Washington that ended hostilities in the 1950-53 Korean War. That followed its third nuclear test on February 12, in defiance of UN resolutions, drawing further UN Security Council sanctions against the reclusive East Asian state.

Asked by Austria’s Profil magazine about North Korea’s nuclear test, military exercises and threats, Ban, a former South Korean foreign minister, said: “I find this

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is concerned completely unacceptable and it is also a challenge for the international community.”

He said in an interview with Profil that he had urged the North Korean leadership to focus on the welfare of its own people in the face of serious economic problems.

“There is a serious humani-

tarian crisis in North Korea.

Many people suffer from malnutrition,” he said, calling for dialogue and peaceful exchanges with South Korea.

“South Korea has just elected a new president. That would be good timing for the leadership of the two parties to the conflict to discuss seriously how to encourage national reconciliation and to reduce tensions on the Korean peninsula, also in view of a possible reunification of the country.”

North Korea formally rejected a UN Security Council resolution yesterday demanding an end to its nuclear arms programme and China called for calm, saying sanctions were not the “fundamental” way to resolve tensions.

Pyongyang said it would pursue its goal of becoming a full-fledged nuclear weapons state, despite the sanctions which were unanimously imposed on Friday by the Security Council.

Kenyatta is announced president-elect then he will move to the courts immediately.”

Odinga’s camp had said during tallying that the ballot count was deeply flawed and had called for it to be halted. But they promised to pursue any disputes in the courts not the streets.

The election commission, plagued by technical problems that slowed the count, took five days to announce the result.

International observers broadly said the vote and count had been transparent so far and the electoral commission, which replaced an old, discredited body, promised a credible vote.

Kenyatta, the deputy prime minister, achieved the 50 per cent mark by a tiny margin of about 8,400 votes out of the more than 12.3 million that were cast.

RADICAL Muslim cleric Abu Qatada has been arrested in London for breaching his bail terms, days before the British government begins an appeal against a court decision blocking his deportation to Jordan.

Accused by the British authorities of posing a security risk and being a spiritual inspiration for one of the 9/11 hijackers, Qatada is wanted in his native Jordan to face terrorism charges.

Successive British governments have tried for years to get rid of the cleric, who has been in and out of jail since first being arrested in 2001 and is on bail under tight restrictions including a 16-hour curfew.

In the latest of a series of legal blocks to his deportation, the Special Immigration Appeals Commission ruled in his favour in November last year. Qatada says a trial in Jordan might be skewed by evidence obtained using torture.

“The UK Border Agency arrested a 52-year-old man from north London for alleged breaches of his bail conditions imposed by the Special Immigration Appeals Commission,” a spokesman for the Home Office said

The cleric was once described by a Spanish judge as ‘Osama bin Laden’s right-hand man in Europe’

CHEMISTS NICOSIA SUNDAY 10/03/2013 G. Ktena, 14 Spyrou Kyprianou Ave. Tel: 22760951, 22492381 (H) Y. Toumba, 86C Athalassa & Dorion Ave, Strovolos. Tel: 22313677, 22499681 (H) Ch. Nicolaou, 145 Kyrenia Ave, Anglanja. Tel: 22335477, 22450313 (H) E. Korfiati, 31 Kantaras, Tel: 22324205, 22354014 E. Kontopoullou, 36, Grigorni Afxentiou, Tel: 22770150, 97627448 LIMASSOL N. Kriticos 107 Pan. Evaggelistrias K. Polemithia Tel: 25397704, 25386455 (H) O. Drousiotis, Glastonos 131B Tel. 25379777, 25581928 L. Constantinou, 23 Georgiou Neofytou, Tel: 25585859, 99895992 LARNACA A. Demetriou, 44 Arch. Makariou Str., Tel: 24822422, 24812188 Z. Perikleous, 24 Gr. Digheni Ave., Tel: 24624374, 24645918 PAPHOS G. Demetriou, 30 Kinira St. Tel: 26942131, 26951370 (H) PARALIMNI R. Kefala, 111 1st April St. Tel: 23730116, 23821516 (H)

yesterday In line with the usual practice of the British authorities, the spokesman declined to confirm the man was Abu Qatada, but did not deny media reports identifying the cleric.

The spokesman said the arrest took place on Friday and that the breach of bail terms would be considered at the earliest opportunity.

Qatada’s successful appeal in November was a setback for Home Secretary Theresa May, who has denounced the repeated legal obstacles to his deportation.

The government’s appeal against the decision is scheduled to be heard in the Court of Appeal tomorrow. It was not clear whether there was any connection between Qatada’s arrest and the looming appeal.

The Sun newspaper, which first reported news of Qatada’s arrest, said counter-terrorism police had searched his north London home for 12 hours on Thursday.

The cleric, a Jordanian of Palestinian origin, was once described by a Spanish judge as ‘Osama bin Laden’s righthand man in Europe’.

Britain says videos of his sermons influenced Mohammed Atta, ringleader of the September 11 attacks on New York and Washington in 2001.

NICOSIA MONDAY 11/03/2013 I. Kitiris, 63 Metochiou St. Tel: 22774950, 22774368 (H) N. Nouris, 33 A. B D. Akritas Ave. Tel: 22751801, 22374323 (H) M. Charalambous, 48A Armenia Ave, Acropolis. Tel: 22426655, 22492968 (H) A. Christodoulou, 73C Stadiou St, Strovolos. Tel: 22590396, 22512252 Ch. Kari, 50 Andrea Avraamide, Tel: 22771999, 22351072 LIMASSOL A. Stylianou, Mesa Geitonias. Tel: 25358477, 25390877 (H) A. Votsis 19 Dodekanisou Tel: 25341123, 25365316 (H) Chr. Metaxa 5 Christaki Kranou Germasoyia Tel: 25314848, 25322840 (H) LARNACA Despo Theodosis, Lordou Vyronos & Gladstonos 1, Tel. 24622522, 24720083 L. Lambrou, 32, Rafael Santi, Tel: 24662044, 24342157 (H) PAPHOS S. Yianniou, 3 Neapolis St. Tel: 26937857, 26220858 (H) PARALIMNI S. Stylianou, 7A Sotiras Street, Sotira. Tel: 23812040, 70000440 (H)

DOCTORS ON DUTY NICOSIA Pathologist: Doros Polidorou, Tel: 99727817 Ophthalmologist: Antonis Glikeriou, Tel: 70000171 Urologist: Achilleas Corellis, Tel: 70007773, 99562642 Gynaecologist: Marios Eleftheriou, Tel: 22469000, 99433384 Paediatric Surgeon: Giorgos Demetriades, Tel: 22442327, 99425445 LIMASSOL Pathologist: Victor Hadjirousos, Tel.: 25346551,99630288, 25729498 Surgeon: Economou Andreas, Tel.: 25357607 Neuro-Surgeon: Christos Kyriakides, Tel.: 99696706 Paediatric: Toula Siamishi-Andreou, Tel.: 25339997, 99434985, 25332280 Paediatric Surgeon: Georgios Hadjiconstantas, Tel.: 25730055, 25723914 Doctor: Michalakis Charalambous, Tel.: 99616436

I SUNDAY MAIL • March 10, 2013

special report

PrivateEducation A look at some of what is available in Cyprus from kindergarten to university

More than just exam results If an education is worth paying for, if must also include a broad and challenging curriculum that stretches beyond the examination syllabus says Tracy Philips AST week, a French study published in the British Journal of Educational Psychology showed that both boys and girls perform better when they are told that tests are part of their final assessment, but do not put them in direct competition with their classmates. Basically boys like competitive assessments and girls don’t.

So girls underperform in competitive assessments

L

but boys tend to underperform if assessments don’t count at all. So telling them that the tests count, but as a way of helping them to learn rather than a way of ranking them against each other works for everyone. Why is this important? Because mixed education is the norm in Cyprus and when parents are looking at schools, they might want to know how the children are taught, how often they are tested and why.

Some parents might view endless testing and class rankings as all part of a good education, but that is not necessarily the case.

I am not a big fan of endless testing in school, or singlesex schools for that matter.

Having attended one myself, I tend to steer clear of them, which is not difficult here. I have only ever taught in mixed schools and made sure my children all attended mixed schools both here

and in the UK. But one of the difficulties of teaching boys and girls together is that boys and girls do tend to have very different learning styles. This is of course outweighed by the many advantages of a mixed education. Where else in life is anyone ever in a single-sex environment, apart from possibly the army? But it is an issue that has caused numerous problems in the whole UK examination sys-

tem. Modular exams were introduced to suit different learning styles, essentially that of girls (and broaden the curriculum, with sadly the opposite effect), but boys tend to do better with terminal examinations.

Now there has been a total overhaul of the exam system and there is a move back towards terminal examinations in A Levels and GCSEs. With less exam pressure

over a two-year course like A Levels (the IB always had terminal examinations), there is more time to actually educate children rather than focusing on preparing them for examinations all the way through. Continuous examinations and testing are actually counter-productive and antieducational. And educating children is what schools are

TURN TO PAGE II

X March 10, 2013 • SUNDAY MAIL

PrivateEducation

Get all the benefits of private school while staying overnight New facility for boarders was purpose built in 2011 close to the school UPILS attending PASCAL English School Lefkosia boarding school as of September 2013, will have exactly the same options as all other PASCAL English School Lefkosia pupils, only they will be staying in the modern state of the art facilities.

P

The study programme One of the main competitive characteristics of the school is its six-year secondary education programme. Upon their graduation pupils are awarded the Apolytirion, which is a secondary school leaving qualification recognised as a university entry qualification in the UK and worldwide. In addition to their Apolytirion, PASCAL English School pupils have an option of obtaining other secondary school leaving qualifications awarded by other bodies such as IGCSE and GCE A levels (awarded by Cambridge International Examinations or Edexcel) or The Diploma of the International Baccalaureate (awarded by the International Baccalaureate).

In Years 1-3 the school offers a high standard of broad education and sets the foundations for more specialised learning in Years 4-6. The subjects taught are: English, Greek as a foreign language, French, Mathematics, History, Science (Physics, Chemistry and Biology), Geography, Art, Music, Physical Education and Information Technology. All subjects are taught in English from Year 1, apart from Greek as a foreign language which is taught in Greek.

Pupils who are Greek language native speakers follow Greek as a first language programme and once a week they have Religious Knowledge in Greek.

In Years 4-6 the school offers a complete programme of studies which consists of four core subjects (English, Greek as a foreign language, Computing and Physical Education) and three to six additional optional subjects (various

Boarding pupils have inpatient and outpatient medical coverage in addition to the 24-hour stand by GP subjects from the arts, social sciences and natural sciences), leading towards the Apolytirion. Pupils may sit for the IGCSE exams, AS and A level exams in Years 4, 5 and 6 respectively. In Year 5 pupils may join the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in which case, in addition to their Apolytirion after six years they may exit with The Diploma of the International Baccalaureate.

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) The IBDP is a unique pre-university two-year course which equips pupils with the skills and attitudes necessary for success

in higher education and employment. Holders of The Diploma of the International Baccalaureate have access to the world’s leading universities (Oxford, Harvard and the Sorbonne were among the first universities to recognise the IBDP in the early 60s). The course may be taken by pupils who either need it for entry to universities of their choice or who are simply attracted by its challenges and have the motivation to meet its high demands.

The Diploma of the International Baccalaureate is awarded to pupils who successfully complete all the requirements of the course. The awarding body is the International Baccalaureate. To qualify for the

Diploma pupils must follow a total of six subjects over a period of two years in Years 5 and 6. Subjects are offered at two different levels, higher level (HL) and standard level (SL) and pupils must complete three subjects at higher and three at standard level. Furthermore, pupils must complete a mini scale research paper, Extended Essay, of around 4,000 words on a topic of their choice; they also must complete a course in critical thinking, Theory of Knowledge and write a 1,200-1,600 word essay on a given topic. Over a period of two years pupils need to complete a programme of Creativity, Action and services whereby pupils contribute to their wider community.

Admissions policy Overseas pupils are admitted all year round based on their latest progress report and/or skype interview. Pupils may be given a diagnostic test in English or Mathematics in order to ensure their proper placement and to gauge the level and amount of additional support they may require. Pupils coming to Year 1 from Cyprus private and state schools are required to take an entrance examination in Mathematics and in Greek if that is their first language or in English if they are native English speakers. Pupils whose first language is other than English or Greek take a diagnostic English test on the day of the entrance examinations.

Accommodation Boarding school pupils stay in the accommodation facility which was purpose built in 2011 and is located relatively close to the school.

Rooms are fully equipped with the necessary furniture. The boarding facilities contain everything pupils may need, such as gym and swimming pool. The accommodation is pleasant, modern and comfortable.

Boarding life The school has a psychologist who is available for counselling.

Should the need arise, pupils may seek out counselling help by themselves or may be referred by the school. Boarding pupils have inpatient and outpatient medical coverage in addition to the 24-hour stand by GP. During weekends and school holidays, pupils may choose

to sign up for activities, visits or excursions organised and supervised by the school.

Teachers always stay and supervise the pupils in the boarding facility. This teacher supervision includes home study and ensures that homework is done. Additionally, pupils in Years 1, 2, and 3 may follow the All Day School programme should a need for more substantial help be identified in specific subjects.

Pastoral care The school’s pastoral care system is efficient as it reaches out to every single pupil in school. A central principle underlying the pastoral system is that young people are most likely to be successful academically if they feel secure in their school environment. To this end, the school places great emphasis on the importance of effective induction and ongoing guidance for each pupil. Through the systematic in-depth approach to pastoral care the school believes that pupils are educated to become knowledgeable and balanced young people, aware of the world around them. The aim is to send into the world young adults who have self-discipline, who are prepared to work hard and are equipped to fulfil their own potential. Pupils are taught to be compassionate and well-mannered, to respect other people as individuals, to appreciate the richness of a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural global community, to take pride in their appearance, to express themselves clearly and to be principled critical thinkers.

University applications/careers counselling The school runs an ongoing higher education counselling service regarding further studies, university applications as well as career choices. More specifically, the school organises relevant presentations, holds interviews with pupils/parents/guardians regarding optional subjects and advises pupils on external qualifications (LNAT, BMAT, UKCAT). The school handles the university applications and organises career/ university visits. A work experience programme which supports the pupil’s portfolio is supervised by the school.

10 March 10,, 2013 20 013 3 • SU S SUNDAY UN ND DAY MAIL

World in pictures

A Bihari Hindu priest smeared with coloured powder looks on after the completion of a ritual at the Sangam, the confluence of the rivers Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati during the Maha Kumbh festival (AFP) Delegates from an ethnic minority arrive on Tiananmen Square prior to the opening session of the National People’s Congress at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing and the tranfser of government (AFP)

A woman wearing high heels sits on a park bench and enjoys the sunny spring day in Mainz, western Germany (AFP)

An Indian female labourer

(AFP)

A man checks what will be the first ETCS (European Train Control System) line in Profondeville, Wallonia. The modernisation of the line will enable the system to automatically stop a train that neglects a red light or exceeds the maximum speed limit (AFP)

Chilean riot policemen protect themselves with shields during clashes with students demanding the government improve the public education system (AFP)

The child of an Indian female labourer sits on the ground at a brick factory in Allahabad (AFP)

A poster of late Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is covered in messages by people who queued outside the Military Academy chapel to pay last respects to the leader

A model presents a creation by Jean-Charles De Castelbajac during the Fall/Winter 2013-2014 ready-to-wear collection in Paris (AFP)

XI SUNDAY MAIL • March 10, 2013

PrivateEducation

Terra Santa now partner with Uni of Cyprus SIGNIFICANT changes are taking place at Terra Santa College, the oldest educational establishment in Cyprus. As of the coming academic year 2013-2014, the school will be an official partner to the University of Cyprus, becoming in effect the centre for model teaching and striving for educational excellence, using programmes specially designed by the university. The teachers of the school will be trained by the university while all programmes will be regularly reviewed, improved and corrected where it is deemed necessary. The process will be ongoing and will widen every year to cover the whole school. For the coming year the programme will apply for the first class of the Gymnasium.

In the meantime, the school is now assuming a new character, with a major face lift taking place, as construction works for the renovation of the building continue. Last year, the classes for the Gymnasium and the Lyceum were delivered with fully equipped physics, chemistry, biology and computer labs, all sporting modern facilities, with central heating and air conditioning.

School history The school was established in 1646 in old Nicosia by a group of monks of the Order of Saint Francis of Assisi (Franciscan Fathers). They

called it Terra Santa School (School of the Holy Land) and it first functioned as a primary school. In 1955 the school moved to its new location in central Nicosia, in the heart of the Acropolis area.

The school now comprises of a kindergarten (3 to 6 years old), primary school (6 to 12 years old), gymnasium (12 to 15 years old) and lyceum (15 to 18 years old).

The pupils study in a truly multi-ethnic and multi-cultural environment. Pupils from all communities and religious groups of Cyprus blend harmoniously together, creating a haven of peaceful coexistence, all striving to achieve academic excellence and to promote the motto of the founders of the school: Virtue, Diligence and Creativity. The School Leaving Certificate is recognised by the government of Cyprus as equal to government schools’ Leaving Certificate. It is also recognised as an extra GCE by universities of the UK. Individual attention Is the essence of the thinking of the founders of the school, which today forms the milestone of its thoughts.

The school strives to give children the kind of individual attention which is not available in public schools or other big private schools. Individual attention is the critical component in its educational philosophy, a philosophy squarely rooted in classical

The cooperation agreement between the University of Cyprus and Terra Santa College was signed on January 28 by the Dean of the University Dr Costas Christophides and the Head of the Custody of the Holy Land-Jerusalem Rev. Padre fra Pierbattista Pizzaballa ofm Graeco-Roman educational tenets.

Terra Santa College believes in small classes to create conditions that encourage learning and form the ideal environment for individual attention. In the Lyceum, classes have on average 15 students. It’s much easier to find out how a child learns and what makes him tick academically and in every other way when you can get to know him. Another advantage is that small classes permit more academic ground to be covered. The child is exposed to more information and learns more because he receives more individual attention.

The curriculum Has been developed to provide pupils with the necessary qualifications to continue with higher studies at universities in Cyprus and abroad (mainly Greece, the UK and Italy). Italian is rigorously taught as well as English, in all classes, and pupils gain good communicative and writing skills of the language as well as the external qualifications that are needed to see them secure places at Italian and British universities. After the Gymnasium, pupils can choose to move on to the English Section, which leads to external examinations (Edexcel) or stay in the Greek Section, which leads

Entrance examinations will be held on Monday April 8 at 15:30. Application forms and past papers can be obtained from the secretary at: 12 Lycourgos Street, Acropolis, Nicosia between 07:30 and 14:30, daily. Registration for all classes for school year 2013-2014 is also possible, provided there are vacancies. terrasantacollege@cytanet.com.cy, For further details visit web site: http://www.terrasantacollegecyprus.org to the Pancyprian examinations.

Why choose Terra Santa?

1. The school thrives on its tradition and history of excellence.

2. It offers a safe and ideal learning environment. The pupils are closely monitored so that any problems that may arise are tackled immediately.

3. The academic profile of each and every pupil is closely scrutinised so that corrections are made where needed.

4. As a non-profit making establishment, the school asks for very low fees compared to other private establishments.

These fees are furthermore generously subsidised by the government for members of the minority religious groups of Cyprus. This is because the school is considered to be a community school.

5. The school provides all requirements for its pupils for further study either in Cyprus or abroad.

6. The school has great, new facilities for all sorts of activities, including sporting ones.

11 SUNDAY MAIL • March 10, 2013

World

US doctor’s ‘gutsy’ move led to baby’s cure from HIV Still unclear how child’s recovery will affect future treatment in new borns

By Emily Le Coz and Julie Steenhuysen

T

HE DOCTOR who cured an HIV infected baby for the first time is happier talking to children than to adults and is finding all the attention since the news came out a little overwhelming.

Dr Hannah Gay and colleagues Dr Katherine Luzuriaga of the University of Massachusetts and Dr Deborah Persaud of Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore reported on the child’s case at a medical meeting in Atlanta on Sunday.

“The breakthrough has been exciting and I’m very hopeful that that’s going to lead to future research that will give us some answers,” said Gay, a Mississippi pediatrician and soft-spoken mother of four adult children.

But the attention is difficult for a woman “much more comfortable talking to children than adults”, said her husband, Paul Gay. “She didn’t anticipate this kind of explosion of attention.”

Dr Gay, a 59-year-old native of Jackson, Mississippi, likes to spend time designing needle points, singing in her church choir and reading theology or medical

literature when she’s not working 12-hour days treating patients, in a state with the nation’s highest poverty rate.

“She is the most unlikely person in the world to be getting this kind of international attention, really,” said Jay Richardson, her former pastor at the Highland Colony Baptist Church. “You don’t ever hear her talking about herself or trying to promote herself in any way. She’s a quiet, humble person.

Extremely intelligent. Very committed to her faith. Very involved in her church. Very committed to teaching children the bible.”

Except for six years working in Ethiopia as a missionary, Dr Gay has spent the bulk of her academic and professional career at the University of Mississippi, where she received her undergraduate and medical degrees and met her husband of 37 years. She has worked the better part of her career at the university’s medical centre serving the state’s youngest victims of HIV. During that time, Dr Gay has published several articles about ways to keep mothers from passing HIV infection to their babies and participated in the federally sponsored Pediatric AIDS Clinical Trials Group, which studied the use of the aggressive treatment

A treatment centre in Ethiopia for mothers and babies with HIV

of children who are at high risk of infection.

Her daughter Ruth Gay Thomas says as an AIDS specialist her mother has had to fight the battles of her patients, overcoming access to healthcare and the stigma that comes along with being infected with HIV in the United States.

“She practises compassion and huge, unimaginable amounts of patience with her patients and their families,” Thomas said. “She really has to embody a whole lot more than just the smart doctor that knows the right medications to give.”

To treat her own rheumatoid arthritis, Dr Gay takes medicine that affects her immune system.

“She has that in common with her patients, but it’s been a problem because with her compromised immune system, she can’t have as much of a hands-on touching of her patients that was always so satisfying for her,” her husband said.

When a rural hospital in Mississippi delivered a premature baby girl in July 2010 from a mother who had just tested positive for HIV during labour, it was only natural that they would turn to Dr Gay. The child’s mother had not received any prenatal care, nor had she received any treatment for her

As an AIDS specialist Dr Hannah Gay has had to fight the battles of her patients, overcoming access to healthcare in Mississippi HIV infection, putting the baby at high risk of becoming infected.

Dr Gay chose to start the baby on the full treatment regimen of three potent drugs when she was just 30 hours old, even before the child’s infection was confirmed.

It was a bold move. Most babies exposed to HIV in the womb or during labour would have been given a six-week course of one or two drugs intended to reduce the risk of acquiring infection until tests could confirm she was infected.

“The doctor made a judgement call that the risks for this baby were so high that they were going to assume the baby was infected,” said Dr Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, a part of the National Institutes of Health or NIH. Some critics have questioned Dr Gay’s decision, which may have exposed the child to the risk of toxic medications without confirmation of her infection.

“This was a gutsy call that turned out to be correct,” said Fauci, adding that if it had turned out that the baby was not infected, they could have withdrawn the drugs.

“They made the right guess.”

Dr Gay continued to treat the child until January 2012, when she was 18 months old and her mother stopped bringing the child in for appointments. Gay’s team tracked her down in the fall of 2012, but the mother had not given her child any HIV medication since January.

Before restarting treatment, Gay did several tests, fully expecting that the virus had come roaring back. But none of the tests detected the virus. That’s when she brought in colleagues Luzuriaga of the University of Massachusetts and Persaud of Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, who did a series of ultrasensitive tests.

They were only able to find trace amounts of genetic material from the virus, but nothing capable of rekindling the infection.

The child, now 30 months old, remains off medication and contin-

‘I hope it will point us in the right direction to come up with a cure we can consistently apply to other babies worldwide ues to fare well. “We can’t find any virus to treat at this point,” Dr Gay said.

She said it is not clear what the child’s story will mean in the wider scheme of HIV research, but she hopes it may lead to a cure for other babies infected at birth.

“I guess the message that I want to get across to the public very strongly is, we don’t know yet if we can create the same outcome in other babies.” she said. “It’s far too early to draw too many conclusions. There’s not a cure in sight this week.”

Dr Gay said she is glad that this is happening in Mississippi and hopes it boosts the state’s reputation.

“But it’s a whole lot bigger than this one child, the University Medical Centre or the state,” she said. “It may take a long time, but I hope it will point us in the right direction to come up with a cure we can consistently apply to other babies worldwide.”

Colleagues at the medical centre are planning a celebration for Dr Gay to “let her know how proud we are,” said Amy Smith, a nurse practitioner who works with the doctor. “She’s the type that wouldn’t want a big fuss made about her, but we’re going to do it anyway.”

XII March 10, 2013 • SUNDAY MAIL

PrivateEducation

Love of learning nurtured in welcoming environment Small class sizes follow English national curriculum from 2 to 18

ILVERLINE Private School offers quality education for children from two years to 18 years. Set in its own spacious grounds in leafy open countryside just minutes from the bustling Limassol city centre, this purpose built school offers a rich and unique learning environment for all students from kindergarten to A-level.

The English national curriculum is taught in small class sizes, where the excellent teaching standards and state of the art facilities come into their own. Silverline is privileged to offer students modern, purpose built facilities including a dance studio, ICT suite and all-weather multi-sports pitch.

The learning environment is enriched by the latest technology, enhancing learning possibilities and providing a portal to the world beyond classroom walls. All the learning spaces within the school, including kindergarten, are enabled through wireless connectivity and resourced with interactive

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whiteboards. An extensive extracurricular programme of afterschool clubs and activities are offered, where individual talent can shine through in sports, music, art, crafts, drama and sciences.

But this uniquely resourceful school offers much more than exceptional facilities and a beautiful and privileged location to its students. At Silverline, the ethos of the school permeates every level of academic tuition and its associated activities. Every student is valued; the excellent teacher/ student ratio means individual contributions are respected, encouraging a sense of security, belonging and a healthy belief in the student’s own self worth. Highly qualified, professional and enthusiastic teaching staff are committed to ensuring your child’s development and love for learning is nurtured in a welcoming, secure and educationally thriving environment.

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play is encouraged and facilitated through creativity and recreational activities, through to Primary and Secondary school, where the rich, balanced curriculum challenges stimulate students, the emphasis is on producing young people who are responsible, compassionate, confident and eager to learn. At Silverline students are encouraged to be creative and flexible thinkers, as well as academically high achievers. Learn-

At Silverline students are encouraged to be creative and flexible thinkers, as well as academically high achievers ing should be enjoyable. Understanding essential life skills such as using initiative, working in collaboration, being part of a team, are also important lessons.

Silverline embraces the unique partnership established between staff, students and parents. This dynamic relationship is an integral element of the school’s success.

A school can only thrive when children, parents and staff work together as a powerful, cohesive team, where communication and support are actively encouraged and respected. Silverline does both; a family school where students enjoy being part of a growing family.

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“I have watched the growth of Silverline School from its inception to the present day and have been impressed by the commitment of the school management team to the professional development of their staff. The teachers not only have the highest expectations of their pupils but they also genuinely care for them. I have seen teaching of the highest calibre in this school and teachers who are committed to providing the best possible learning experience for the children in their charge and enabling each individual to achieve their maximum potential,” says Dr Hazel Agnew, PGCE Course Director, Buckingham University.

12 March 10, 2013 • SUNDAY MAIL

Opinion Refreshing to see a president meeting problems head on MONDAY’S Eurogroup meeting might not have produced all the desired results but it had one positive outcome - it set an end of the month deadline for the signing of the memorandum of understanding. Our EU partners stopped talking vaguely about the signing of an agreement at some point this year and set a time-frame, indicating that they all wanted to see the matter closed as soon as possible.

A couple of days later the troika team arrived in Cyprus to resume talks for finalising the agreement.

As was expected, the team did not receive a very warm welcome, with most of the media on Thursday – the day the troika was due to meet President Anastasiades - running reports about ‘strong pressure’ being applied on the government, ‘Negotiations at breaking point’ and ‘Battles on all fronts’.

The familiar confrontational terms were back in the news, presenting the bailout negotiations as a showdown between the gov-

ernment defending the national interests and the troika intent on imposing unfair measures. While this was inevitable, the truth is that reactions to the arrival of the troika and the negotiations with the government have been muted compared to the hostility sparked by last year’s visits.

Now there is no election to look forward to and the bulk of the austerity measures, which unions and political parties were opposing last year, have already been implemented. This week’s discussions have focused on finding ways to make the public debt sustainable – not an easy task as it is further complicated by disagreements over the capital needs of the banks – with the troika raising the issue of corporate tax and the taxation of financial transactions as a way of increasing state revenue.

The only issue on which there might be some reaction would be the privatisation of semi-governmental organisations, which the government, despite President Anastasiades’ electoral promises,

SundayMail is set to accept having decided, quite rightly, this was not an issue worth fighting over. Unions and AKEL will undoubtedly make a fuss about it but are unlikely to win much public support as few people buy the tale that CyTA and the EAC are national assets that should not be sold off. And when it comes to the crunch, only a complete fool would argue that keeping CyTA in state hands is more important than saving the economy.

We should also give credit to the new government for keeping things calm and civilised. We no longer have a demagogue president who stirs public opposition to the neo-liberal troika through his spokesmen and party associates or condones union protests.

On the contrary, Anastasiades has been putting all his effort in finding solutions for the many

problems the country faces rather than engaging in rabble-rousing and political spinning.

He recognised that the talk of a deposits haircut was causing big harm to the beleaguered banking sector and although the finance minister failed to persuade the Eurogroup to rule it out last Monday, Anastasiades managed to establish during last week’s talks that the European Commission was opposed to it and made this information public to restore some calm and stability. The president will be in Athens tomorrow for a meeting with PM Antonis Samaras to discuss the possibility of the Cypriots banks’ operations in Greece being taken over by local banks and thus reducing the Cyprus re-capitalisation needs.

Not all initiatives would be successful but it is reassuring to see the president exploring ways of reducing the bailout amount and making the public debt sustainable. It is also reassuring that with the exception of the deposits haircut the government has

avoided the mindless practice of setting red lines. It could discuss a small increase in the corporate tax, according to reports, if this would help achieve a deal and leave other incentives for attracting foreign businesses untouched.

This flexibility and pro-activeness were not evident in the past, the previous government adopting a fatalistic approach and having no plan other than manipulating public opinion. At least Anastasiades is not shirking his responsibilities, taking every problem head-on and looking for a solution. He might not achieve everything he sets out to do and he might be forced to accept some new, unpopular measures but at least now we have a government prepared to take tough decisions.

People recognise this, which may explain why there has been no hostile reaction to the troika. But we should not forget that the odds are stacked against Cyprus and no matter how hard the government tries the agreement will be painful for us.

Letters to the Editor Famagusta could be a chance for new revenue

New transparency push could be trouble for AG

IN Cyprus, unlike England, France and Germany, we have no large manufacturing industry. But we do have a tourist industry and are fortunate that we could, with a little more thought, sustain this industry 12 months of the year.

The once-vibrant town of Famagusta has lain abandoned for 39 years. Perhaps now is the time to hold talks with all parties concerned, with a view to restoring it to its former status by making it the Las Vegas of Europe.

This would of course involve discussion with the north, but this might benefit the Nicosia government by showing the world we have moved on from the last century.

Although some government money would have to be found for the endeavour, most of it would come from interested parties outside Cyprus, creating much-needed jobs for the construction industry. Once complete, it would continue to create jobs in the tourist industry, generating very needful revenue for the island.

There would be no requirement to change the current gambling laws, as the town itself would be the only location where gambling could lawfully take place and a levy could be put onto the casinos to assist in enforcing the law throughout the island.

Doubtless, much more research is required, so I simply submit this letter in a bid to direct any interested parties toward something more than a quick short-term fix.

HERMES Solomon’s recent article “A Bitterly Sad Affair” is most erudite in its criticism of the current Attorney General’s imperious, capricious style and his partisan decisions and edicts.

The article cites penetrating examples. Others include the direct conflict of interest arising from his close association with the Bar Association and his leading participation in the Disciplinary Board of Advocates, as cited in my letter in the Sunday Mail of December 2012. Regrettably, a long list of other examples is also possible.

Cyprus government officials, lawyers and others frequently assert that the judiciary follows English law and precedent.

Under the present AG’s regime, however, I would argue that a perverse parody of English law has been acted out to the grave detriment of justice in many cases. Cyprus has the sovereign right not to follow English

Thomas Sweeney, Paphos

law, but please don’t cherry pick or pretend that it is being followed in both letter and spirit.

The new President has publicly demanded honesty, integrity and transparency from all ministers and officials and I suspect that this new mantra of good governance will also be expected to be followed throughout public and private organisations and society generally.

Mr Polys Polyviou, in his official report on the Mari disaster, was particularly scathing about what might be dubbed a ‘corrupted spirit’, top down, from ministers through the civil and public services and across society.

However, after a recent symposium in Nicosia on man-made disasters, at which I gave the keynote paper, it would appear that, so far, very few, if any, of the Polyviou Report’s recommendations have been implemented.

Moreover, as Hermes Solomon’s ar-

ticle noted, a whole new complex of gas and LNG operations is also under way, close to the Vassilikos site at Mari.

Transparency of safety assurance is required, especially where domino effects are foreseeable.

If, as has been mooted, Mr Polyviou becomes the new Attorney General, we are likely to see a wind of change and, for example, an Independent Commission Against Corruption being established, as he had recommended in the Mari report.

With the new government’s transparency and integrity requirements being imposed, it is therefore perhaps just as well that the present AG will soon retire. It seems unlikely that, when he leaves office, he will be able to attain his publicly stated wish for his reputation to be intact.

Dr Alan Waring, Larnaca

Does Church really want to perpetuate suffering?

I FIND the views against homosexuality expressed this week by the Holy Synod utterly repugnant.

My second son (of three) is gay and lives with his partner in Southwark, London.

Homosexuality is a social and physiological condition

that life deals you. It is born in you, in the genes, and to fight it can cause such distress as to lead, in the worst cases, to suicide. Does this leading Church in our Christian heritage really want to align itself with such a tragic outcome?

A slavish adherence to the

Scriptures is likely to distort the values that we need to establish now for the 21st century. They are for the guidance of wise men and the observance of fools. This is based on my considerable experiences in life, including RMA Sandhurst, 30 years commissioned

service in the British Army and 15 years as a civilian in the Balkans, Afghanistan and Israel/ Gaza on peacekeeping, or related, duties.

John Merritt, Chaplain’s Warden of the Anglican Church in Paphos

Bank woes a sign of official apathy I HONESTLY wonder whether the ‘authorities’ really care.

During the last week, my brother, who is an expatriate from the United Kingdom, and a Cyprus resident for many years, attempted (as he does every month), to draw funds from his local ATM, using his UK bank card, into which his monthly pension is paid.

He tried at his local co-op bank, and received the following message: “due to a technical error this transaction could not be completed”. So he tried a Laiki Bank ATM, and again was confronted with the same message. Thereafter he also tried the Bank of Cyprus, again no success - and the same message. Finally, he went to the Hellenic Bank.

Success, no problem.

The question arises, have the Cyprus banks run out of funds or, has the reciprocal arrangement with the UK banks been suspended?

And, what does the tourist do? Bring over a bag full of money?

Paul Law, Bremen, Germany

Damages owed add insult to injury Praises for Larnaca Hospital FOUR years ago our holiday hire car was written off by a driver coming the wrong way down a one-way street in Polis - the driver was employed and insured in the RoC. I had two fractured ribs and my wife and I needed hospital treatment for bruises, cuts and abrasions. Needless to say, this destroyed our holiday and I am still suffering the effects.

I was appalled to hear that, following a court judgement in our favour last year, the

RoC could not afford to pay us damages as they were ‘very hard up’.

I would be interested to hear the views of the readers of the Cyprus Mail about this situation and suspect that if this becomes the norm, then the Cyprus tourism industry will see a rapid decline in visitors.

Needless to say that, after 25 years as visitors, we will not be returning to Cyprus.

Michael & Rosemary Leedham, UK

I AM writing to commend the staff of Larnaca Hospital for the excellent service that was given to my wife for her major operation.

The doctors and nurses were very helpful and quick to respond to her needs and make her feel comfortable. The ward was two-bedded with ensuite bathroom, just like being at home.

If we had paid the enormously high prices to go private, the service could not have been better. Thank you.

P. Smith, Kiti, Larnaca

Want to send a letter?

You can send letters to the Cyprus Mail by email, fax or post. Letters should include a full postal address (an email address is not sufficient), a daytime telephone number and a reference to the relevant article. A name and address may be withheld from publication if circumstances warrant. Letters may be edited for length and clarity. Correspondence will be published at the discretion of the editor. Management is under no obligation to inform readers if, when or where their letters will appear.

XIII SUNDAY MAIL • March 10, 2013

PrivateEducation

Quality education for students from 2yrs – 18yrs Words and pictures offer but a small insight into life at Silverline Private School.

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4A Griva Digeni | Trachoni | 4651 | Limassol | Cyprus T. (+357) 25 716 361 | E. admin@silverlineschool.com | www.silverlineschool.com

13 SUNDAY MAIL • March 10, 2013

Opinion Existential risks receive disproportionately little serious attention

The greatest risks of all Comment Martin Rees

T

HOSE OF us who are fortunate enough to live in the developed world fret about myriad minor - or sometimes improbable - hazards: carcinogens in food, air crashes, and so forth. But we are less secure than we think. We are in denial about scenarios that could cause such devastation that even one occurrence would be too many.

Much has been written about possible ecological shocks triggered by the impact of a growing human population’s demands on the biosphere, and about the social and political tensions stemming from resource scarcity or climate change. Even more worrying are the downside risks of powerful new cyber, bio, and nanotechnologies. A few individuals, via error or terror, could ignite a societal breakdown so quickly that government responses would be overwhelmed.

The “Anthropocene” era, in which the main global threats come from humans rather than from nature, became especially risky with the mass deployment of thermonuclear weapons. Throughout the Cold War, false alarms and miscalculation by both superpowers were a constant occurrence, with several posing a serious risk of triggering nuclear Armageddon.

Those who anxiously lived through the Cuban missile crisis would have been gripped by panic had they realised just how close the world came to catastrophe. Only later did we learn that President John F Kennedy at one stage assessed the odds of nuclear war as “somewhere between one in three and even.” And only when he was long retired did Kennedy’s defence secretary, Robert McNamara, state frankly that “[w]e came within a hairbreadth of nuclear war without realising it. It’s no credit to us that we escaped - Khrushchev and Kennedy were lucky as well as wise.”

It is now conventional wisdom that nuclear deterrence worked; and, in a sense, it did.

But that does not mean that it was a wise policy. If you play Russian roulette with one or two bullets in the barrel, you are more likely to survive than not, but the stakes would need to be astonishingly high - or the value you place on your life inordinately low - for this to seem a wise gamble.

But we were dragooned into just such a gamble throughout the Cold War. It would be interesting to know what level of risk other leaders thought they were exposing us to, and what odds most citizens would have accepted, had they been asked to give their informed consent.

Nikita Khrushchev and Fidel Castro at the height of the Cuban Missile Crisis

‘Human-induced threats

are different. They are new, so we have had limited exposure to them and cannot be so sanguine that we would survive for long’

For my part, I would not have chosen to accept a one in three - or even a one in six chance of a disaster that would have killed hundreds of millions and shattered our cities, even if the alternative were a Soviet invasion of Western Europe. And, of course, the devastating consequences of thermonuclear war would have spread far beyond the countries that faced a direct threat.

Fortunately, the threat of global annihilation involving tens of thousands of H-bombs is in abeyance, though there is now more reason to worry that smaller nuclear arsenals might be used in a regional context, or by terrorists. But when we recall the geopolitical convulsions of the last century - two world wars, the rise and fall of the Soviet Union, and so forth - we cannot rule out a global realignment that leads to a future standoff between new superpowers. A new generation could face its own version of the Cuban missile crisis, one that might be handled with less skill or less luck than the original was.

Nuclear weapons are the darkest side of twentieth-century science. But there

are novel concerns stemming from the impact of fast-developing twenty-firstcentury technologies. Our interconnected world depends on elaborate networks: power grids, air traffic control, international finance, just-in-time delivery, and so forth. Unless these networks are highly resilient, their manifest benefits could be outweighed by catastrophic (albeit rare) breakdowns.

Moreover, a contagion of social and economic breakdown would spread worldwide via computer networks and “digital wildfire” literally at the speed of light. Concern about cyber-attacks, by criminals or hostile countries, is rising sharply.

Likewise, while it is hard to make a clandestine H-bomb, millions will one day have the capability and resources to misuse biotechnology, just as they can misuse cybertechnology today. The physicist Freeman Dyson foresees a time when children will be able to design and create new organisms just as routinely as his generation played with chemistry sets. Were this to happen, our ecology (and even our species) surely would not survive unscathed. And, as for cybertechnology, should we worry about another science fiction scenario - that a network of computers could develop a mind of its own and threaten us all?

Some would dismiss such concerns as a jeremiad; after all, human societies have survived for millennia, despite storms, earthquakes and pestilence. But these human-induced threats are different. They are new, so we have had limited exposure to them and cannot be so sanguine that, if disaster struck, we would survive for long or that governments could cope. It follows that we have no grounds for confidence that we could survive the worst that even more powerful future technologies could inflict on us.

In a media landscape saturated with sensational science stories, end-times Hollywood productions, and Mayan warnings of apocalypse, it may be hard to persuade the public that potential catastrophes could arise as unexpectedly as the 2008 financial crisis did - and with a far greater impact.

Existential risks receive disproportionately little serious attention. Some suggested scenarios can be dismissed, but we should surely try to assess which ones cannot - and study how to mitigate them.

Martin Rees, a member of the United Kingdom’s House of Lords and Astronomer Royal, is a co-founder of Cambridge University’s Centre for the Study of Existential Risks and was Master of Trinity College, Cambridge © Project Syndicate/Institute for Human Sciences, 2013

SGOs are nothing more than devouring minotaurs Comment Loucas Charalambous SEMI-GOVERNMENTAL organisations (SGOs) are not ‘national wealth’, as it is claimed by the leadership of AKEL, the unions and the other political demagogues who are seething with rage because the troika is determined to see through their privatisation.

They are our national minotaurs, feeding on the blood of the non-privileged citizens. The much-touted ‘profitability’ of three of these is a myth. The profits shown by the Electricity Authority (EAC) for instance, are the result of the ripping off of consumers which is essential for maintaining an incredibly costly organisation. This is why we pay

the highest electricity rates in Europe.

The demagogues are shouting that the sale of SGOs would not substantially help the reductions of the public debt. But the benefit to the state from selling these organisations would not be just the sales revenue - that is the least of it. Their privatisation is a national imperative that is in the interest of the taxpayer and should have been undertaken many years ago, regardless of the economic crisis and without the troika asking for it.

The big benefit would be relieving citizens of the unbearable cost of maintaining them. The SGOs have evolved into all-devouring fiefdoms, which are kept in one way or another by the taxpayer. I have calculated that just for the princely, free pensions

and provocative bonuses each household in this country annually contributes a monthly salary. Outrageous as it seems, this is the reality.

According to the CyBC’s annual report, in 2010 the corporation employed 186 full-time workers and 296 contractual workers. At a time when private television/radio stations operate with a staff of a few score, the state corporation employs 455 people, while the wages and benefits of the 186 full-timers are close to those enjoyed by ministers.

It has annual revenue of €5 million and expenses of €50 million. In other words, the state pays €45 million every year for the upkeep of this costly fiefdom. The amount is about five per cent of the annual budget deficit.

Meanwhile, citizens contribute about €50 million a year, through their bills, to the pension funds of the princes’ of CyTA and EAC, who do not contribute anything towards their pensions. A big freeloaders’ party has been taking place at the SGOs for decades, with taxpayers’ money and the approval of our political demagogues.

It is this provocative plundering that President Anastasiades was effectively supporting last week when he assured the princes of the SGOs that their salaries would not be touched nor would their “terms of employment” - in other words their non-contributory pensions and outrageous privileges that the auditor-general disapprovingly mentions in her annual reports.

President Anastasiades must

realise that he cannot compete with Andros Kyprianou in demagoguery. He cannot declare that he will put the house of state in order and yet at the same time back what is most rotten in this state, in order to satisfy union bosses who have been shouting that privatisations would be a ‘a national crime’ because they want to keep the plundering going.

The real national crime would be the survival of the semigovernmental fiefdoms at the expense of society. And as Anastasiades refuses to save us from them, hopefully the troika will. The troika would be committing a huge mistake if it gave even one euro to this state without first freeing the state of the semi-governmental minotaurs.

XIV March 10, 2013 • SUNDAY MAIL

PrivateEducation

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The college offers a selection of creative and academic courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate level and short courses are offered for individuals who want to improve or learn a new skill and start a new career. Undergraduate honours degree courses require three years to complete and are available in Graphic Design, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture, Pho-

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€3417

14 March 10, 2013 • SUNDAY MAIL

Opinion Rocky road to Europe: a failure to keep up with its reform agenda is the most damaging of all for Turkey’s long-term prospects of a catch-up with Europe Comment Hugh Pope

seaports to Cypriot traffic that is directly or indirectly blocking half of its EU negotiating chapters. And Turkey’s substitution of homegrown ‘Ankara criteria’ for the Copenhagen ones has proved mostly rhetorical.

Turkey’s leaders need to take another look at how much they need an EU process with real benchmarks. The Economic Intelligence Unit’s Democracy Index 2011 placed Turkey 88th as a “hybrid regime,” a category below “flawed democracy”, the same place it was in 2007. In 2011, Turkey came only 92nd in the UN’s Human Development Index, a rank unchanged since 2006. Recognition of intellectual achievements is meagre, perhaps not surprising given that children still only spend an average of six and a half years in school..

The legal system is crying out for change.

Outdated terrorism legislation meant that one third of all the world’s terrorism arrests made between 2001 and 2011 were in Turkey, including several thousand non-violent Kurdish activists placed in preventive detention.

Turkey’s judiciary ranks at best 35th (for absence of corruption), and at worst 76th (for protecting fundamental rights), according to the World Justice Project’s 2012 Rule of Law Index. The Council of Europe reported in 2009 that Turkey’s prison population has doubled since 2006, with more than half being remand prisoners, resulting in jails that are overcrowded, tense, unhygienic and lacking out-of-cell activities.

Even economically, in 2013 Bloomberg only ranked Turkey as the seventh most attractive emerging market. Turkey’s vibrant commercial hub, Istanbul, took a laggard’s 74th place in the Economist Intelligence Unit’s 2012 ranking of global cities’ competitiveness.

Far from rivalling the EU, average per capita income in Turkey is still half the EU average.

Turkey’s much-vaunted goal to become the world’s tenth-largest economy by 2023 looks ambitious, given that Turkey’s 18th place in World Bank rankings in 2011 is not far from its 21st in 2003 and 22nd in 1993.

Many of the old gecekondu, shanty neighbourhoods that used to encrust the hills along the Ankara airport highway, have been bulldozed

T

HE TRANSLUCENT white marble stairs and cream gilt and stucco ceilings of the ceremonial hall of Ankara’s new presidential palace rarely echo to spontaneous applause, but the words “Turkey will always be part of my heart” did the trick. The declaration came from a source to which the Turkish audience is no longer accustomed: a speech by a pro-Turkish European politician.

They were the words of Dutch Senator René van der Linden’s gracious acceptance of Turkey’s highest honour, the Order of the Republic Medal. It was just one green shoot in a tentative new springtime in relations between Turkey and the European Union. France is allowing EU documents to refer once again to an eventual EU “accession” for Turkey, and will allow one of five chapters it has blocked in the EU-Turkey negotiation process to open, the first in two and a half years. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan invited EU ambassadors to dinner and persuaded them that he really does take the relationship seriously, while playing down a recent comment that he thought the Russia- and China-led Shanghai Cooperation Organisation is a “better, much stronger” club.

Overall, the mood in Ankara with regards to the EU is sombre. There is a deep frustration with EU member states, especially with France and Germany, which prefer taking small, tentative steps, rather than opening up the negotiations process. Turkish diplomats feel that Paris and Berlin are making a historic mistake by not treating Ankara as a strategic partner in a turbulent neighbourhood, and instead letting a xenophobic and conservative domestic audience dominate the discourse on Turkey’s eventual EU membership.

REFORM PROCESS STALLED

SHOCK OVER CYPRUS Almost a decade after the Republic of Cyprus joined the European club, there is still amazed incomprehension at EU member states’ willingness to sacrifice greater cooperation with Turkey in solidarity with the Republic of Cyprus, even though Turkish Cypriots accepted the EU-backed UN plan to reunite the island in 2004, while Greek Cypriots rejected it.

Turkey is also frustrated that Europe does not give it greater credit for its remarkable economic progress. A quadrupling of national income and exports over the past decade has filled Turkey’s cities with well-finished apartment blocks, glittering shopping malls and fancy restaurants, with new cars thickly parked outside. Once-runaway inflation has been brought under control. Last year, credit rating agency Fitch gave Turkish Treasury issues investment-grade status, and this year Turkish banks will issue the first Eurobonds in lira. In terms of foreign direct investment, Turkey attracted just USD 10 billion in the two decades to 2006, but has taken in USD 100 billion in the six years since then.

Prime Minister Erdogan and his ruling party insist that this success is due to the stability ushered in by their effective,

Turkey’s tentative EU springtime strong government. Underlining the point, pro-gov pro-government media outlets portray Europe as a weak, divided continent wobbling v on the verge of bankruptcy. Turkish leaders tha Europe needs Turkey’s 75 million say that m people more than Turkey needs Europe so often that many Turks now actually believe it. ho much has Turkey really changed, But how and is it really on course to achieve its ambib tion of becoming one of the world’s ten largecon est economies?

Certainly, the old gecekondu, n shanty neighbourhoods that used to encrust the hills along the Ankara airport highway, be bulldozed and concreted over with have been wi soon be a gleaming new city. But for what will othe half of the journey, the new granthe other pas deur pasted onto buildings along the highway litera is literally skin-deep, a Potemkin illusion of bric facades designed to please the eyes red brick foreig dignitaries and investors speeding of foreign tow into town.

Indeed it is easy to forget that the great Turkish boom was from an artificially low an depended significantly on a Eurobase and pean underpinning. Three quarters of for-

eign investment still comes from EU member states, with which Turkey still does half of its trade. Turkey’s opportunities in the Middle East have crashed after the past two years of violence in the region. Beyond its borders with Iran, Iraq and Syria, the situation now offers more risk than opportunity.

Most damaging of all for Turkey’s long-term prospects of a solo catch-up with Europe, however, is a failure to keep up its reform agenda. Ankara’s first wave of laws created with EU membership in mind did just enough between 1999 and 2004 to “sufficiently” meet the EU’s Copenhagen criteria for democratic politics and market economics. But the second wave never materialised, leaving the country’s judicial, education and taxation system caught in the old mire of inefficient top-down bureaucracy.

Blame for the stalled reforms can be shared between European Turkoskeptic politicians, Euroskeptic Turkish leaders, and quarrels over Cyprus. But above all it is a Turkish political decision not to ratify the EU customs union with Cyprus and open its airports and

In a number of indexes, the stalling of Turkey’s EU reform process visibly coincides with a downward trend. Turkey is already responsible for the greatest number of judgements of the European Court of Human Rights; Russia now exceeds it in number of pending cases, but new cases referred from Turkey have doubled since 2008. Turkey was placed 154th in the 2013 Reporters Without Borders World Press Freedom Index, compared to around 100th in the mid-2000s. The World Economic Forum’s 2012 Global Gender Gap Report ranks Turkey as the 124th-best country for discrimination against women, down from 105th in 2006.

Mingling with guests at a reception for the Dutch senator at the presidential palace, Turkey’s EU negotiator, Egemen Bagış, said it was too early to announce a high summer for Turkey in Europe. “France gave us just one chapter to negotiate! That will hardly make my year,” he said. Indeed, European diplomats already privately wonder if Turkey still “sufficiently” meets those Copenhagen criteria for political and economic freedoms.

If Prime Minister Erdogan rams through constitutional changes for a presidential system with no checks and balances so that he can win absolute power in a 2014 election, Turkey may slip down that ladder, too.

Turkey’s road to European inclusion and parity remains a long one. It will take some real outreach from Europe, too, to persuade Turks that they are not forced to find their way alone. Arriving late from work for dinner, a diplomat from Turkey’s foreign ministry - a principal bastion of pro-European sentiment in Ankara - said it was not uncommon these days for officials to work through the night juggling the many crises that surround the country. She felt that a little new hope from the Europeans is better than nothing, but that they are still keeping Turkey at arm’s length.

“We have a saying for this,” she said. “They made me lose my donkey, and now all they’re doing is helping me find it again.”

Hugh Pope is the Turkey/Cyprus Project Director for International Crisis Group, and the author of Turkey Unveiled: a History of Modern Turkey, Sons of the Conquerors: the Rise of the Turkic World, and Dining with alQaeda: Three Decades Exploring the Many Worlds of the Middle East

XV SUNDAY MAIL • March SU a c 10, 0, 2013 0 3

PrivateEducation

Leading the way in education for 25 years THE International School of Paphos (ISOP) has fulfilled 25 years of outstanding service and is celebrating this achievement throughout the current academic year. Since 1987 the school has provided high-quality education with individual attention and care for each of its students. By following a broad academic curriculum and innovative, flexible forms of learning, ISOP promotes the acquisition of thinking skills, thus laying the foundation for its students to become critical, independent thinkers.

Aims The school’s main aim is to provide students with the opportunity and means to make optimum use of their personal strengths, enabling them to develop into socially responsible citizens who will embrace lifelong learning. It provides a stable and positive environment for teaching and learning - one that recognises the value of diversity and cooperation. Another goal is to consistently maintain the high expectations of ISOP’s students and

to support the objectives they set for themselves. Valuable partners in and contributors to this effort are not only the students and staff, but also their families and other members of the community.

the requirements of the Cyprus Ministry of Education and Culture and those of its multicultural student body.

Through IGCSE examinations, AS and A-Levels and its recognised school leaving certificate (Aploytirion), which is awarded to graduates of ISOP, students are afforded the skills and quali-

year for students who come in from abroad or from other private schools. Students transferring from public schools in Cyprus are evaluated on specific dates in spring.

Innovative and child-centred evaluation The collection, evaluation

Successes All these factors have contributed to 25 years in which the school has acted as a pioneer in many areas that determine the quality of educational services. Continuous emphasis on professional training and development for its teaching staff forms part of the school’s success.

As a result of its high teaching standards, pupils of ISOP frequently win awards from international examination boards and go on to study at renowned universities across Europe and elsewhere.

Departments The International School of Paphos caters for children at Kindergarten, Primary and Secondary Levels. The school curriculum, though modeled on the British National Curriculum, is enhanced to meet

fications they need for their future academic and professional careers. The school also offers afternoon lessons at its Private Institute.

How to gain entry Entrance exams for ISOP are held throughout the

and sharing of relevant information relating to student performance is one ingredient of success in education. In the field of assessment and targeted teaching, ISOP was the first school in Cyprus to introduce IGCSEs across the curriculum,

in 1995. More recently, the school implemented the innovative method of continuous assessment known as APP – Assessing Pupils’ Progress. With APP, student evaluation constitutes an ongoing process of monitoring and feedback in the form of individual targets set for each pupil. These targets relate to a student’s performance and skills but also to their social development and behaviour.

State-of-the-art learning environment In building its modern facilities, ISOP has ensured that each student has the necessary breathing space to feel comfortable, both within the classroom and outside, and to perform well in a friendly environment.

The school boasts a luxurious, self-enclosed Kindergarten complex, well-lit and spacious classrooms, Science and ICT laboratories, a spacious art facility with an internal gallery, a fully equipped Music Room,

a Media Room for multimedia presentations and video/TV screening, library, bookshop, cafeteria, covered and open play spaces for each school section, elevators and ramps connecting all levels for wheelchair access, central heating, airconditioning and interactive whiteboards.

Outstanding sports facilities ISOP features an enclosed sports centre, built to modern standards and seating more than 400 spectators, with facilities for tennis, basketball, volleyball and handball as well as an indoor swimming-pool. The school’s outdoor sports facilities include an Astroturf football pitch, a running track, basketball and volleyball courts and facilities for athletics.

Location ISOP’s premises are found only five minutes away from the centre of Paphos, south of Mesa Chorio and next to Anavargos village.

100 Aristotelous Savva Street, Anavargos, Paphos, Tel: 26 821700, Fax: 26 942541, info@isop-ed.org, www.paphosinternationalschool.com

@ , ( 9 :

ENTRANCE EXAMS for YEAR 7 SECONDARY SCHOOL 2013/2014

Friday 19th Αpril, 3.00 p.m. & Saturday 20th April, 9.30 a.m.

For entry forms, samples of examination papers or any other information, please contact the Admissions Office by 17th April from 7.30 a.m.—3.30 p.m.

SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED TO TOP STUDENTS

@,(9:

Leading the way in education for 25 years 100 Aristotelous Savva Avenue, Anavargos, P.O.Box 62018, 8060 Paphos E-Mail: info@isop-ed.org Web Page: www.paphosinternationalschool.com Tel: 26 821700 Fax: 26 942541 REGISTERED WITH THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION & CULTURE

15 SUNDAY MAIL • March 10, 2013

Opinion

Neither a borrower nor a lender be

uotes of the week

Comment Hermes Solomon

T

HE BANK of Ireland reported a 1.8 billion euro loss for 2012 as it saw little respite in the pace in which it had to write off bad loans.

The bank now pays 2.25 per cent interest on pensioner savings accounts and 1.85 per cent for all others. Conversely, the Cyprus Popular Bank is now touting 5.15 per cent interest on six month deposits in an effort to slow down outflow of funds.

Small savers beware! All of our banks will, very soon and without doubt or warning, drastically drop the rates of interest paid to depositors.

Our government has already increased ‘Defence Tax’ on interest earned from 10 to 15 per cent, certainly rising to at least 20 per cent when the troika memorandum is finally agreed between President Nicos and Herr Wolfgang Schäuble, better known to his friends as Wulfie! And once the troika get their teeth into our banks, like they did into Irish banks in November, 2010, they will never let go!

Ten per cent tax on four per cent interest is exactly the same as twenty per cent tax on two per cent. Small savers will run wild wondering where else to place their savings. But don’t worry. I have all the answers…I think?

Three years ago I was bamboozled by a Bank of Cyprus whizz-kid to purchase the bank’s shares as soon as the price fell below two euros. I ignored the advice. The share price now wobbles around 20 cents and falling.

The Cyprus Stock Exchange’s daily dealings vary between 200,000 euros on a low day’s trading to 600,000 euros on a high; these disparities are indicative of short term, fast buck merchant investors, hardly signifying confidence in our economy or public limited companies.

The 2008 worldwide stock market crash led many to place large amounts on ‘secure’ bank deposits at comparatively high rates of interest. By dividing, let’s say, half a million euros equally between five banks (each separate deposit covered by the 100,000 euro Depositor Protection Scheme) depositors slept peacefully.

But when inflation remains above 3.5 per cent (in real terms it’s much higher) and interest paid on term deposits falls to two per cent taxed at 20 per cent, depositors will be losing money.

Low or almost negative interest rates have become a worldwide phenomenon and it is now too late to move money offshore, where rates have suddenly collapsed, three per cent on sums in excess of 50,000 euros being the best of all on offer and touted by the Bank of Baroda.

Where is Baroda?

Permanent debt has become the way of the world. Our treasury can’t even afford to pay the interest on its present loans never mind return of capital.

The inhuman face of capitalism, which surfaced in 2008 due to the sub-prime mortgage fiasco, has bankrupted financially overstretched EU member states.

Rarely will sub-prime bankrupted householders find their feet, or bankrupt EU member states exit debt. They are forever gripped in the jaws of an evil monetary system which alone enriches the already stinking rich - nicht war, Wulfie?

The Bank of England recently introduced a scheme whereby they supply funds (QE) to British banks at ridicu-

“Some people dread old age, but I am having a ball. I can get away with anything. At worst I will be labelled eccentric or senile.”

Veteran actress Sheila Hancock, 80

“Women remain fetishised for the things that don’t last - smooth skin, firm shape - while men are fetishised for the things that do - wealth, status, know-how.”

Actress Juliet Stevenson

“Why does Nick Clegg need 15 special advisers when I managed with two when I was Deputy Prime Minister? Even Jesus Christ capped it at 12.”

Labour peer Lord Prescott (below)

“I came out of the womb looking for the camera angle.”

Liza Minnelli, daughter of Judy Garland, has been a public figure for most of her life

Popular Bank is now touting 5.15 per cent interest on six month deposits

The relatively high interest rates paid by local banks cannot last.

Depositors must make other plans lously low rates of interest; these banks then lend to small businesses at rates much lower than those on offer at merchant and offshore banks, the Bank of England intending to eliminate exploitative usury during these prolonged ‘hard times’.

Last week I received a letter from the Clydesdale Bank Guernsey informing me that my term deposit had been forcibly terminated well ahead of its maturity date due to the bank’s inability to compete with onshore bank interest rates.

“Neither a borrower nor a lender be; for loan oft loses both itself and friend, and borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry. This above all: to thine own self be true, And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man.”

BLUE CHIP SHARES Polonius, described as a windbag by some and a rambler of wisdom by others, gave the above advice to his son Laertes before being inadvertently stabbed to death by Hamlet.

The only way for savers to avoid being ‘stabbed to death’ by our banks and inland revenue is to invest in stock market blue chip shares paying above average dividends; I mean five or more per cent annually. It requires work, some research and the opening of a dealing account with a firm of online stockbrokers; let’s say an hour a week of your time to beat the banks! Dividends are taxed at 10 per cent only, not 20!

World stock markets indices have returned to their pre-crash levels and are expected to continue climbing slowly as gold hangs rigged around $1600

an ounce with crude at just over two thirds the price it was five years ago.

Of course, there will always be ups and downs in market indices, but dividend pay-outs tend to remain constant and now easily beat bank deposit interest rates.

By recommending small savers move into high dividend yield blue chip shares, I am not seeking to cause a run on our banks (most Russian and ‘rich bitch’ Cypriot dirty money has already flown to other EU equally illicit and much larger laundries). I am merely suggesting savers look beyond Cyprus in an effort to improve returns on savings!

In a world bent on globalisation motivated by usury, the small saver/investor is obliged to keep up with the ‘maddening crowd’! Cyprus has lost her ‘financial feet’, and it will take her many years to grow them back.

President Nicos and Minister of Finance, Michael Sarris know full well that ‘Big Brother’ (the troika) will be watching us from here on in, and down, as the number of non-performing loans increase and become bad.

All political parties profess that they will never accept a ‘haircut’ and will fight tooth and nail to avoid privatisation of SGOs. They are, as usual, knowingly feeding us selected bad news ahead of its arrival. The banks and SGOs are only the tip of our economic iceberg, the remaining eight ninths of which is kept hidden beneath the water in readiness to be fed to us fragmentarily over the coming two years.

Cyprus, like Ireland, is sinking! We, unlike Ireland, are making a lot more fuss about it, and in the process, will sink deeper!

“I started to realise that being impolite saves an awful lot of time and costs you nothing.”

Jeremy Clarkson “I find that, funnily enough, walking is a terribly important thing for me, rather like some people need a cigarette. I need a walk. I tell you what it does. It’s riveting. In going for a walk I find it stimulates the thinking and the reflecting.”

The Prince of Wales “I do like a proper builder’s cup of tea, a strong, straightforward brew that keeps working men going.

I can’t bear it when Americans try to fob me off with Lipton’s.”

Hollywood star Rachel Weisz (below)

“Lawyers no longer see themselves as servants of justice. In some respects he appears to be speaking as a trade unionist for a special interest group.”

Criminologist Dr David Green, of the Civitas think-tank criticises Lord Neuberger, president of the UK’s Supreme Court, who said that legal aid cuts could bring lawlessness

People say that the class system doesn’t exist. It actually does, I think, quite secretively, but I think it still does. That is what I really don’t like.”

Actress Dame Helen Mirren (above) “Thank you, I will take that for my d....”

The Duchess of Cambridge accepting a Teddy Bear from a well-wisher may have inadvertently revealed the sex of her forthcoming baby “For a woman, making peace with your body is a work in progress. For me healing meant understanding that ‘good enough’ is good. You don’t have to be perfect.”

Jane Fonda, who has given up her quest for a perfect figure

XVI March arch 10, 2013 • SUNDAY MA MAIL

PrivateEducation

Wisdom above all THE American Academy Schools of Limassol and Paphos offer a well balanced education based on a modified English National Curriculum, which is appropriate, relevant and responsive to students’ needs. The schools are dedicated to encouraging the full development of students’ potential by providing quality education in a caring environment from kindergarten to university entrance.

International, non-discriminatory, co-educational and accessible to students of all abilities in nature, the American Academy Schools of Limassol and Paphos are licensed and registered by the Ministry of Education under the Private Schools Law of the Republic of Cyprus. The schools’ cosmopolitan character is evident as 43 different nationalities drawn from all over the globe make up its over 700 strong student body.

The Schools’ Director George Bargilis, underlines this philosophy by stating that “we recognise the central importance of each individual and his or her relationship with others and are committed to promoting in-

ternational understanding and responsible citizenship in a multicultural context”.

‘Wisdom above all’ is the school motto and the curriculum is based on a set of clear aims that reflects this statement. All instruction

The schools’ cosmopolitan character is evident as 43 different nationalities drawn from all over the globe make up its over 700 strong student body and assessment is conducted in English by qualified and experienced teachers trained mainly in the UK and USA. Being a certified examination centre for EDEXCEL, AQA and City

& Guilds, the school offers its students the ability to gain a variety of qualifications such as IGCSEs, GCE A and AS levels, English Language Proficiency Certificates, Apolytirion (recognised by the Ministry of Education) and a selection of University Foundation courses in conjunction with Greenwich University.

According to Andreas Efstathiou, Executive Principal for Secondary Education for both Limassol and Paphos schools, “It is essential that we strive to provide a sup-

portive environment which recognises each individual’s talents, encourages students’ aspirations and creates opportunities for them to acquire the knowledge, skills and qualifications and to develop the personal qualities needed for life and work”.

However, Efstathiou is a firm believer that good schools are separated from mediocre ones by providing a well-rounded education.

Emphasis is given to ‘educate’ students rather than just ‘teach’ them through

the extensive extracurricular programme available at the school such as a variety of academic and recreational clubs, the Duke of Edinburgh Award, Comenius Projects and national competitions. Students are also encouraged to reach out to the wider community through charity work, the Special Olympics and blood donations.

When asked what makes Efstathiou proud of the American Academy, he made a point of expressing his great satisfaction in the

camaraderie and the strong student-teacher bond that has developed there. “This camaraderie emanates from every corner, corridor and classroom of the school. Indeed, it is this camaraderie that makes us what we are today: a caring, successful, lively, energetic and forward-thinking educational institution, constantly striving to provide a suitable environment where young talent is nurtured, cultural diversity is appreciated and everyone is encouraged to be the best they can be”.

16 March 10, 2013 • SUNDAY MAIL

News Review EU committed THE EUROGROUP on Monday pledged to agree a bailout for Cyprus by the end of March, following agreement on an “independent evaluation” of the island’s anti money-laundering framework.

However, the details of how the rescue will be financed and whether a haircut on bank deposits will be imposed had yet to be sorted out.

Speaking after the meeting of eurozone finance ministers in Brussels, Eurogroup chairman Jeroen Dijsselbloem told a news conference that EU ministers were ready to help Cyprus overhaul its economy, and especially its oversized banking sector.

Removing one of the stumbling blocks for an agreement, Dijsselbloem said that the new Cypriot authorities had agreed to an independent review of how Cypriot banks are implementing anti money-laundering laws.

CY losses NATIONAL carrier Cyprus Airways (CY) more than doubled its losses last year to €55.8 million, hit by falling passenger figures and freight earnings, the company said on Monday.

The airline, which is majority owned by the Cypriot state, posted a 17.6 per cent drop in total revenue to €175.5 million.

Children at a school in Nicosia take part in traditional games on Thursday, a day that saw carnival and lent traditions kick off across the island (Christos Theodorides)

Bailout talks go back and forth Its net loss in 2011 was €23.9 million.

Army blamed FORMER President Demetris Christofias had argued in favour of seizing Iranian munitions in January 2009, but subsequent responsibility for safe storage of the cargo lay with military authorities, former foreign minister Marcos Kyprianou said on Monday.

In Larnaca court, Kyprianou denied any culpability over the July 11, 2011 blast at Mari that left 13 people dead.

Port fraud AN ONGOING probe into suspected massive fraud at the port of Limassol could soon yield arrest warrants, police said on Monday.

Launched three weeks ago, the criminal investigation relates to suspected over-invoicing for equipment purchased by the Limassol Licensed Porters Association (LLPA), as well as to totally bogus invoices.

The total over-invoicing amount could run in the millions.

A World War II veteran and pensioner handed his €500 monthly pension over to Omonia Football Club to help his beloved team collect €5 million

Objectives met

CB under fire

THE government said on Tuesday its objectives were achieved regarding the bailout, after EU finance ministers agreed to bail out Cyprus while a controversial money laundering audit will be carried out with the participation of a European committee and the Central Bank of Cyprus.

Cyprus managed to convince its partners for a money laundering audit to be carried out jointly by a private firm and the Council of Europe experts MONEYVAL, under the supervision of the Central Bank.

FINANCE Minister Michalis Sarris on Wednesday implicitly rejected a suggestion by the Central Bank chief that a levy be imposed on earnings from bank deposits, saying such a move might hurt confidence in the banking system.

Central Bank Governor Panicos Demetriades had said in an interview with the Wall Street Journal published on Tuesday that Cyprus could install a special levy on capital gains from bank deposits to finance the restructuring of its banking sector.

Vulture boost

CY probe

TWELVE scientists met in Limassol this week as part of ongoing efforts to protect Griffon vultures on the island.

The conference was organised by BirdLife Cyprus as part of an ongoing project to increase the population of Griffon vultures on the island.

The scientists compared best practices on how to monitor and keep a record of numbers of Griffon Vultures.

They also helped form a plan and protocol for their protection.

EUROPEAN Union competition regulators are investigating whether €104 million in state aid granted to national carrier Cyprus Airways (CY) complies with EU state aid rules.

The European Commission said it had opened an in-depth investigation into a number of public support measures in favour of Cyprus Airways.

The European Commission said it doubted that the airline’s capital increase, with a €31.3 million contribution from the Cypriot state, was conducted on market terms.

QUOTES OF THE WEEK “With the new government now in place in Cyprus, the Eurogroup is confident that a swift conclusion of the negotiations towards a Memorandum of Understanding can be reached” Statement by the eurozone’s finance ministers “I could never imagine that the chief of the National Guard as well as its leadership would issue orders for stacking the containers in a way that contravenes international regulations” Former Foreign Minister Marcos Kyprianou “A haircut would impact their economies as well, but it wouldn’t devastate them. Rather, it would give them a bad case of the flu. But for Cyprus, it would be pneumonia” Theodore Panayotou, director of the Cyprus International Institute of Management

“I have cried many times since Omonia was founded. My beloved d players, play football, and you will receive e your money” Anonymous Omonia fan who ho has handed over his monthly €500 pension to the debt-ridden club “I personally believe elieve that most of them em (troika officials) know that such a move, even dis-cussing a haircut, ut, which has not taken aken place anywhere e else, poses great dangers” ngers” Finance Minister ster Michalis Sarris s (right)

Generous fan “Our new co conquerors in Bruspowerful nations led sels are the p Germany now, and it so

by German sad to see our island fall victim to these nations victi that are taking advantha tage of our current tag economic problems” e Poet Leonidas P Malenis M “The Church advises those who have an addiction to h homosexuality to fight hom against their urges” again Paphos Bishop Paph “We have taken more time to agree on a memorandum than any mem other c country in Europe. A small country like Cyprus c cannot be so complicated to need so much time” Nobel p prize winner Christoforos Pissarides Christo

A WORLD War II veteran and pensioner handed his €500 monthly pension over to Omonia Football Club on Wednesday, in a bid to help his beloved team collect €5 million in order to meet UEFA Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations.

Omonia president, Stelios Mylonas, confirmed rumours that the club, which is a total of €17 million in debt, needs to collect €5 million by March 31 or risk sanctions from UEFA for not meeting the FFP regulations over clubs getting into excessive debt.

Downer back UN SPECIAL Adviser Alexander Downer was in Cyprus on Wednesday to prepare the ground ahead of next week’s meetings with the two leaders, where he hopes to clear a path towards the restart of peace talks following last month’s presidential election.

The Australian made a one-day

stopover in Cyprus to chat with the UN Good Offices staff about the scheduled meetings for which he will return to the island.

Aid and peace A LEADER of Germany’s opposition Greens party says Europe should make the Cyprus bailout conditional on reviving talks about reunification.

“In the debate about financial help for Cyprus the question of reunification of the island does not figure, regrettably,” Greens joint chairperson Cem Oezdemir, who is of Turkish origin, said on Thursday.

It appeared to be the first attempt by a European politician to link a bailout to the Cyprus problem.

ECHR redress A BRITISH FAMILY are heading to the European Court of Human Rights after the Cyprus justice system dismissed inquest findings that a Paralimni doctor failed to diagnose their daughter’s ectopic pregnancy – which caused her death.

An inquest last year referred the case to the attorney general to pursue a criminal investigation after it was established that gross negligence on the part of the doctor and procedures at the clinic contributed to the death of 21-year-old Kalisha Gordon in 2008.

After the attorney general decided there was ‘insufficient evidence’ for further action, lawyers for the family have now received instructions to proceed to file a case on their behalf at the ECHR.

Hezbollah trial A HEZBOLLAH member appeared in a Limassol court on Thursday for the last time before it rules on whether he plotted to attack Israeli interests for the Iran-backed Lebanese group.

Hossam Taleb Yaccoub was arrested at Limassol port last year two weeks before a suicide bomber killed five Israeli tourists in Bulgaria in July, an attack Sofia blamed on Hezbollah, a charge the group denied.

If the court finds the Lebanese-Swedish man Yaccoub guilty when it delivers a verdict on March 21, it will strengthen calls for the European Union to follow the US lead and declare Hezbollah a terrorist organisation.

XVII SUNDAY MAIL • March 10, 2013

PrivateEducation

Where schooling does not interrupt education THE Lighthouse, a progressive primary school in Limassol, invites children to a learning experience that is holistic, child-centred and experientially based. The school’s journey began with a vision shared by a group of like-minded professionals from varied backgrounds.

They had in common the conviction that an educational context needed to be created that took into account the whole child and appreciated that learning needs playfulness, challenge and choice. Out of this vision emerged the mission to put theory into practice and has created a learning community that places the child, instead of the teacher, at its centre.

What is child-centred education?

The Lighthouse School’s curriculum is founded on children’s natural curiosity, a fragile curiosity that is easily crushed by a system that tells you what to, when to and how to do things.

Why is it that one of the first words in young children’s vocabulary is ‘Why?’ and that this word suddenly disappears from their repertoire a few years later? Writer Mark Twain addressed this in the late 1800s when he said: “I have never let schooling interfere with my education”. The Lighthouse School’s response to this question has been to redefine schooling within a new educational paradigm, cultivating a fertile valley where the search for understanding is revived and answers are co-constructed among

the children. The school ensures that each child has a personalised learning plan that motivates, challenges, engages and inspires. In this way, the curriculum is adapted to the child’s interests, affinities and needs.

Children are encouraged to participate in the compilation of their individual learning plan, by being helped to set their own targets for their learning, to assess their own progress and to share their ideas on what they would like their next project to be. Children thus take ownership of their learning and learn to become enthusiastic reflective learners, driven by their own curiosity and confidence to find out about the world around them.

Project-based learning The Lighthouse School also aims to make schooling relevant to the real world beyond its walls and repairs the logic of dividing the world up into very separate subjects like History, Geography, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. At The Lighthouse School, Numeracy and Literacy skills are taught using the guidelines of the British National Curriculum but other subjects are taught through projects that transcend individual subjects. A project on weather, for example, explores weather across the globe (geography), involves measuring rainfall, wind speed, and plotting monthly graphs of cloudless days (maths), requires science to look at how vegetation adapts to rain and

d affiniinterests and oject beties. Each project ds-on excomes a hands-on ere every perience where ne in his child can shine d become own way and absorbed in finding finding the multitude off pathways e answers to that elucidate riguing questheir own intriguing tions.

drought, and involves art when exploring Rousseau’s beautiful rainforest themes and exhibiting their own theme-based art based on his style. Throughout the whole experience the children themselves are very much engaged in developing the project so that it nurtures their uniquely creative and diverse abilities while encouraging them to

be strategic, critical thinkers and independent problem-solvers.

“The most effective kind of education is that a child should play among lovely things” (Plato 300 BC).

These words are at the centre of project-based learning as the teacher’s role is to bring to the classroom ‘lovely things with which to play’, guided by the children’s

motional Social and emotional development “Children have more dels than need of models of critics” (Joubert, e Light1800) and The ool is house School o movcommitted to m the ing away from d and critical reward punishment culs so ture that has iled. long prevailed. e, the In its place, school seeks to nural and ture the social emotional wellbeing that fosters personal development.

Teachers model - in real life situations - how to resolve conflicts nonviolently, how to use language that communicates feelings and clearly defines needs. Social and emotional intelligence is the foundation of all human relationships - whether these are within the family, at school, at work or among friends. In this way children come to know themselves first so that they can then understand others, developing both intrapersonal and interpersonal skills that are crucial in making teamwork a satisfactory experience.

A creative, child-centred learning community The Lighthouse School’s cozy learning community is truly a place where everyone is always learning to learn.

Children and adults alike discover the joy of self-directed exploration, unlimited possibilities and the awesome, inherent in project-based learning where hearts, minds and hands work together to build those life skills that will accompany this generation of youngsters into the unchartered waters of a brave new world with challenges and wonders that none of us can fully appreciate.

17 SUNDAY MAIL • March 10, 2013

Coffeeshop

Troika shenanigans and the return of the delightful Delia A FEW months ago, the Jagger/Richards songwriting team of Kyproulla – Leonidas Malenis and Stavros Hadjisavvas – wrote an appalling song to celebrate Cyprus’ EU presidency, titled Welcome Friends to Cyprus. It was so bad it should have attained cult status with club DJs playing it and making it a club classic. This never happened.

On Thursday Malenis and Hadjisavvas appeared on the Lazarus patriotic radio show to present their latest composition, a dirge entitled Colony of Europe, protesting against the arrogance being shown by Europeans towards our suffering island, which they were treating as a colony. Six months ago their song was welcoming the colonists to Cyprus.

The song featured a tinny, synthesised sample from Ode to Joy but the lyrics, written by poet-laureate of schlock Malenis, stood out more than the tune. “Europe, Europe, say if I am allowed to cry,” the singer asks. There is also a note of defiance. “Don’t ask me to call you mother, no, no; another foreign mother I cannot put up with, no, no.” The lyricist’s harshest words are reserved for poor old Kyproulla.

“They rape my mind when they tell me, one day you will stop being as they say a maid with good references, and perhaps again you will become the centre of the universe, even if some have called you the whore of the Mediterranean.”

I hope it is not too late to make Colony of Europe our entry to the Eurovision song contest because, as our politicians often say, it would send important messages in many directions.

APPROPRIATELY, the song was released in the week that the top troika officials, including the IMF’s delectable Delia Velculescu, returned to the island of martyrdom to impose their harsh colonial terms on us.

Reports from the presidential palace are that the terrible troikans have been really turning the screws, demanding increases in corporate tax and the introduction of a financial transactions tax while insisting that our debt was unsustainable and we would have to privatise the workers’ co-operatives masquerading as semi-governmental organisations.

The delightful Delia has been the most trenchant troikan as she represents the ultra neo-liberal IMF and has no interest in European solidarity. At Thursday’s meeting with fuhrer Nice Nik at the prasidentenpalast she was the only troikan who refused to rule out the haircut of bank deposits. The European Commission was totally opposed to a haircut, according to its troika representative.

Talks continued yesterday and it is anyone’s guess what would eventually be agreed, even though the workers’ co-operatives are certain to be sold off. At least one good thing would come out of the bailout.

AT THE START of the week the troika had meetings with the bosses of the SGOs who handed over details of their assets, liabilities, operating costs and turnover. The finance ministry had asked for this info more than a month ago in order to hand it over to the troika but the Tof government ordered the SGOs not to provide it.

It was amazing that the CyBC general manager was invited to a meeting. Obviously the troikans did not realise that the corporation’s sale value is negative, as it costs the taxpayer some €25 million a year to sustain.

Trenchant troikan: the delightful Delia Velculescu

The land on which itt is built is worth a bit and there hich is the equipment which n or might fetch a million two if sold. ourNow if its overpaid joursentnalists and TV presenters were included among porathe assets, the corporaould tion’s sale value would ly. increase substantially. n As things are even AKEL would agree to its privatisation because it is not profit-making like CyTA. OMONIA, AKEL’ss football club, appears to have been ssly as the managed as recklessly competent economy by the incompetent ow on the commies and is now y. The club, verge of bankruptcy. as not paid which reportedly has nce Septemwages to players since ber, has to find €5 million to setbts by the end tle its immediate debts ce UEFA sancof this month or face tions.

Another €3m has to be raised by nced a big fundJune. It has announced raising drive in the hope its supporters’ contributions would help save the club especially now that the poor old Bank of Cyprus is in no position ts of AKEL-conto write off the debts trolled companies. The commies do ption of blaming not even have the option cy on the banks’ Omonia’s bankruptcy reek government over-exposure to Greek debt. courage fans to Meanwhile, to encourage put their hands in their pockets the ng stories about club has been leaking old age pensioners donating their enve Omonia. What tire pensions to save sort of commies are these, encouragld people to doing impoverished old nthly pension in nate their €500 monthly 20,000 per month order to pay the €20,000 ers? One million salaries of footballers? monia’s pleb fans euro raised from Omonia’s ying off a single will go towards paying ourt case against player, who won a court the club.

Is taking from the poor to pay the unism? rich the new communism? aster as a GoverHE MIGHT be a disaster ank but Professor nor of the Central Bank ons with the mePanicos’ good relations dia ensure he rarely gets a negative press.

These good relations are maintained by regular leaks to the press, the most notorious one being last July’s leak to Phil which reliably reported that the capital needs of the banks were in the region of €10 billion; this was before Pimco had even been invited to carry out the due diligence of the banks.

On Friday, the Cyprus News Agency, quoting unnamed sources, reported that during the Governor’s meeting with the troika there was disagree-

ment over the amount of financial assistance for the banks.

The deleterious Delia had reportedly argued that Pimco’s adverse scenario that put the banks’ capital needs in the region of €9 billion was over-optimistic; she insisted it should be €10bn.

However, the Governor was in total disagreement and used arguments to support the base scenario (capital needs of €6bn). The brave Panicos did not rule out the possibility of contacting the head of the IMF Christine Lagarde. Why he would contact Lagarde reports did not say but he must have felt it would be good for his public image to show that he was putting up a fight.

The source of the report about Panicos’ courageous resistance to the troika could only have been Panicos because the detached Delia and her troika colleagues are too professional to leak stories about a private meeting to the press.

THE BRAVE Panicos, according to press reports, had been doing his best to avoid seeing the troika, turning down two requests for a meeting.

And to make sure he would get out of meeting the troikans the fearless

Go Governor decided to fly to Frankfurt to attend a routine meeting of the EC ECB. W When president Nik heard this he wa livid. He called the professor’s was sid sidekick Spyros Stavrinakis and instr structed him to tell Panicos to return to Cyprus immediately. He was back on Thursday afternoon and dutifully me the troika on Friday, showing the met dea deadly Delia what a hard man he really is.

W just hope for Delia’s sake that We the Professor does not carry out his thr threat to call Lagarde.

TH THIS WAS not the first time the Go Governor had infuriated Nik. When the two met on Monday, Nik had ask asked Panicos to put off giving Pim Pimco’s completed report with the rec recapitalisation figure to the banks bec because this would make the figure official; Nik was hoping it could be bro brought down.

T The Professor completely ignored Nik Nik’s request and on Tuesday mornin ing called the banks to inform them th the Pimco report would be givthat en to them in the afternoon. When N was informed by one of the Nik b banks he picked up the phone and a asked Panicos to put off the handi over of the report to the banks ing i indefi nitely and he obeyed.

But Panicos got his own back by le leaking to Phil the 11-page confid dential document about the poor st state of the banking sector he had h handed to the president at Mond day’s meeting. It painted a bleak p picture of the sector’s prospects, n noting that non-performing loans we growing geometrically and that were dep deposits were being withdrawn from the banks. Was releasing this informa mation the Governor’s idea of boosting confidence in the banks?

D it occur to him that the reaDid son Delia insisted that the banks wo would need €10bn was because she ma have read a translation of the may do doomsday scenario for the banks he lea leaked to Phil?

WE WELCOME back Ethnarch Junior.

On Friday Junior re-appeared in pu public holding a news conference to announce he would be challenging Marios Garoyian for the DIKO lea leadership in party elections schedule for some time in the next three uled mo months.

A After resigning from the deputy lea leadership because he objected to the party’s decision to back Nice Nik in the presidential elections he took s a short sabbatical during which he hel helped the election campaign of the Pa Papadop family’s protégé Yiorkos Lil Lillikas by canvassing DIKO suppo porters.

H Having established that more than 50 per cent of the party voters did not vote for the party-supported can candidate Nik in either round Junior felt that he would have a good cha chance of winning the leadership con contest against Garoyian, who has alw always been viewed as caretaker leader for the main shareholders of DIKO - the Papadop and Kyprianou families.

The male heirs of the two families were bound to claim the DIKO throne at some point, hoping that the caretaker would voluntarily abdicate when the time came. With Spy’s heir Marcos facing charges in the Mari court case and unable to claim his throne Nicholas seized the opportunity.

However, the caretaker leader has grown quite fond of the DIKO crown

and has no intention of surrendering it to the heir to the throne without a fight. We can all look forward to a low-down, nasty and vicious struggle with blows below the belt, backstabbing and, hopefully, plenty of mud-slinging.

DIKO’s finest have great expertise in waging unyielding struggles for vindication after decades of practice on the Cyprob.

PRIDE and the ‘proud people of DIKO’ were repeatedly brought up

by Junior during his news conference. He was “claiming the inalienable right of every member to be proud of his party,” he said. Failure to hold leadership elections within three months would be “an attempt to silence the proud people of DIKO.” “DIKO needs a new leader,” he said objectively, and added: “The proud people of DIKO must elect him,” implicitly ruling out the possibility that a proud woman of DIKO could be leader. “We are proud of the successful administration by the founder of the party Spyros Kyprianou,” he announced before saying “We are proud of the successful administration of Tassos Papadopoulos….”

At last the time had come for change, Junior said before stating his election promise: “At last the time has come to make the people of DIKO [you guessed it] proud again.”

The proud talk did not finish on Friday. Yesterday, speaking on a morning radio show, he mentioned the ‘proud people of DIKO’ six times in five minutes.

His mother must be so proud of her boy’s determination to fight for his hereditary right to the DIKO throne.

IN our issue of January 13, 2013, we published that Mr Panicos Papanicolaou had made representations or used his influence on the Government for the removal of our Ambassador in the USA because he had prevented his construction company from landing a contract to fix the Cyprus Ambassador’s residence in Washington.

From a subsequent investigation carried out in the meantime we realised that our said allegations were based on erroneous information and were totally unfounded. We therefore withdraw them and apologise to Mr Papanicolaou for any inconvenience we may have caused hum.

EVEN in the most depressing times we can count on our priests to provide us with some amusement.

Speaking after a Holy Synod meeting that decided to oppose the government’s plan to legally recognise civil partnerships, including those between homosexuals, the dour Bishop of Paphos Georgios said the following: “The Church advises those who have an addiction to homosexuality to fight against their urges as they would fight against any other passions.” How does someone develop the addiction to homosexuality? For instance, to become physically addicted to heroin you have to take the drug every day for four or five weeks.

How often do you have to have gay sex in a week before you become addicted to it? And does the Church approve of homosexual acts if these are infrequent and therefore do not qualify as addiction? For instance, someone who smokes one cigarette a week could not be said to have a nicotine addiction.

XVIII March 10, 2013 • SUNDAY MAIL

PrivateEducation

A gateway to learning WITH an excellent reputation, following the English National curriculum, in its peaceful corner of suburbia Highgate thrives. In this green, quiet area of Nicosia, children’s affinity with nature and their desire to detail their vibrant surroundings is literally a breath of fresh air. Most children are mystified by and eager to experience and explore nature and the outdoors.

Innovation is Education.

The school prides itself on the quality of learning and nurturing pastoral care for all its families. It provides a wide range of extra-curricular activities, languages, projects that involve local and European schools and universities, applying at all times a positive teaching and learning process, in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Schools like Highgate have the future in mind and a clear vision.

The choice of methodology is based on enhancing openness of expression considering the age of different age groups. It is the school’s aim that every child is encouraged to explore their potential and talents, to shape attitudes and values, from multiple perspectives and ultimately, engage in critical inquiry.

Highgate believes that education not only reflects society but also influences

its development. As such, schools have a role to play in the development of an intercultural society. While education cannot bear the sole responsibility for challenging inequality, racism, or any form of disrespect, the school aims to promote intercultural competence, something that has an important contribution to make in facilitating the development

of the child’s intercultural skills, attitudes, values and knowledge. An intercultural education is valuable to all children in equipping them to participate in an increasingly diverse society.

As a school community, Highgate provides many experiences for all age groups to ensure the success of confidence and self-esteem.

For example its Emotional Health policy and curriculum, Financial Literacy,

Environmental and Sports Leadership topics, the Solar tree project, all support the philosophy and aspirations of the school.

The Solar tree project, for example, is in close collaboration with the Solar Tree Foundation (USA).

The school is dedicated to

programmes that introduce communities and individuals to solar energy through solar art works projects. The Solar Tree Project involves the Environment, Art, Education, Students, Parents, Science, Nature and Technology. The Project offers students an opportunity to participate in and experience the creative process, while learning to

research and communicate.

The Solar Tree Project will plant the seeds for a creative future, while promoting the use of clean sources of energy. The Project will work to develop a channel for future generations to find solutions to the pollution of our planet thereby helping

to reduce the “Greenhouse Effect”, mercury contamination, acid rain, deforestation, and a variety of nuclear energy hazards.

Sports Leaders UK is, in collaboration with Highgate School, able to provide an excellent stepping stone into employment, further education or training. The skills gained lead groups such as

youth and children, to develop their organisation, motivation and communication skills, focusing on safe practice and positive role models, while gaining qualifications that teach leadership skills through the medium of sport. Dance Leadership is also offered.

The Learning Support Unit aims to provide a nurturing environment for children with special educational needs who are in the process of integrating into the main part of the school. A safe space is provided for special education sessions to support the additional educational needs of some students from the mainstream classrooms of the school and offer information, advice and assistance to teachers, dealing with issues related to learning challenges. The school supports parents, while aiming to raise awareness throughout the school and the wider community on issues surrounding special education/learning/diagnosis/support. The Learning Support Unit equally provides advice, diagnosis and individualised programmes for very able and talented children.

The school’s motto, ‘Gateway to Learning’ is about nurturing children to become good people through an education which is inspirational in nature, holis-

Highgate Private School – Gateway to Learning An Open Day to meet Secondary department staff will be held on March 23 at 11am. The Day will begin with a presentation for all prospective parents (11:15am).

An Open Day/Fun Activities will be held on April 7 at 11am for prospective parents for both Nursery and Primary Departments. tic in perspective, global in context and responsible in practice. This is achieved by providing a world-class education through a challenging, well balanced international curriculum in a dynamic environment.

The ultimate goal is to inspire and motivate students to want to learn for themselves, so they leave with a solid education that opens doors for them which enable them to succeed in their chosen career, with interests that develop into lifelong passions, lifelong friends and fond memories.

Highgate students have confidently gone onto the world of university education here in Cyprus, as well as in France, the UK and the US. The school sees itself as a place where students are well prepared for adult life following in the well-established Highgate tradition of tolerance and compassion, and students as people who are responsible, willing and able to contribute to society in a meaningful way.

18

SUNDAY MAIL

Reportage

From Hollywood to flying ng unde Up close and personal: drones have been used to film top sporting events to give unusual shots (below) and also to make stomach churning videos around tourist sites (left). Right: A Draganflyer X6, six-rotor remote controlled helicopter which can fly up to 20mph and travel up to a quarter mile away and 400 feet high at the Grand Valley Model Airfield in Mesa County, Colorado

HEY hover over Hollywood film sets and professional sports events. They track wildfires in Colorado, survey Kansas farm crops and vineyards in California. They inspect miles of industrial pipeline and monitor wildlife, river temperatures and volcanic activity.

They also locate marijuana fields, reconstruct crime scenes and spot illegal immigrants breaching US borders.

Tens of thousands of domestic drones are zipping through US skies, often flouting tight federal restrictions on drone use that require even the police and the military to get special permits.

Armed with streaming video, swivel cameras and infrared sensors, a new breed of high-tech domestic drones is beginning to change the way Americans see the world and each other.

Powered by the latest microtechnology and driven by billions in defence industry and

T

commercial research dollars, domestic drones are poised for widespread expansion into US airspace once regulation catches up with reality.

That is scheduled to begin in late 2015, when the US government starts issuing commercial drone permits.

Veteran aerial photographer Mark Bateson, a consultant to the film and television industry and some police departments, said one reality show producer asked him last year whether his custommade drone could hover over a desert and use its thermal imaging sensors to spot ghosts for a ghost-hunter reality series.

Bateson rejected that request. “But I heard they eventually found someone to do it,” he said.

“Commercially, the culture already exists,” said Ben Miller, a Mesa County, Colorado, sheriff’s deputy who has been flying drones with special authorisation from the Federal Aviation Administration

since 2009.

“Turn on your TV and pay close attention to major sports events. You’ll see that in many cases they are getting aerial shots using a UAS (unmanned aerial system). I would venture to say that if you’ve seen an action movie in the last five years, chances are that a UAS was used.”

Federal legislation enacted last year requires the FAA to prepare a plan to open US skies in 2015 to widespread use of unmanned aircraft by public agencies and private industry.

Potential markets include agriculture, shipping, oil exploration, commercial fishing, major league sports, film and television production, environmental monitoring, meteorological studies, law enforcement and the news media.

The aviation and aerospace industry research firm Teal Group estimated last year that global spending on unmanned aircraft will double

over the next 10 years, to nearly $90 billion, with the US accounting for 62 per cent of research and development spending and 55 per cent of procurement spending.

For decades, model airplane hobbyists have been allowed to fly small, remote-controlled aircraft up to 400 feet and at least a quarter mile from any airport. While public agencies can get permission to use unarmed drones, all commercial use remains banned.

“As a hobbyist - I can do whatever I want right now, within remote-control guidelines,” said Bateson, the aerial photographer. “But as soon as you turn it into a business... the FAA says you are violating the national airspace.”

Bateson said that whether his drone shoots video for fun or for profit, “there is no greater danger to the national airspace.”

Last year the National Football League petitioned the FAA to speed the licensing of commercial drones, join-

A new breed of high drones is beginning Americans see the w other reports Chris F

ing Hollywood’s Motion Picture Association of America, which has been lobbying the agency for several years, an MPAA spokesman told the drone news website UAS Vision.

The FAA has issued 1,428 drone permits to universities, law enforcement and other public agencies since 2007, when the agency formally banned commercial drone use. Of those, 327 permits remain active, said FAA spokesman Les Dorr.

Bateson flies a customised 48-inch-wide Styrofoam fixedwing remote-controlled aircraft that cost about $20,000 - compared with up to $1 million for a helicopter. He said his aircraft has logged 1,800 miles and has recorded 60 hours of high-resolution vid-

While public ag permission to use u commercial use eo. He said he has never run into trouble with the FAA. Patrick Egan, an unmanned aircraft consultant to the US military and editor of sUAS News, a drone news website, said the FAA’s commercial ban on drones is unenforceable.

“How do you possibly enforce these regulations?” he said.

Earlier this year, Connecticut marketing firm ImageMark Strategy and Design

XIX SUNDAY MAIL • March 10, 2013

PrivateEducation

Inspiring young people to think and care THE core purpose of The Senior School is to provide excellent, innovative and creative education that enables all students to realise their full potential and to enjoy a fulfilled life as confident, compassionate and healthy members of the global community, continuing to learn and contributing to a better world for all.

Over the last nine years, The Senior School has established itself as a high quality secondary school in the heart of Nicosia. Founded in 2003 as a natural extension to The Junior School, The Senior School relocated to its current premises in Strovolos in September 2007 with over 300 students now on roll. Uniquely on the island, The Junior and Senior School is a not for profit organisation.

The school provided a world-class student-centred educational programme based on the English National Curriculum for stu-

dents aged 11 to 19 years; that is to ‘A’ Level and university entrance. There is a highly professional and intense focus on teaching and learning and each student’s progress is carefully monitored to ensure that every child is working to his or her potential.

This leads to the excellent examination results achieved by the school year after year.

In 2012 Senior School students gained the highest marks in Cyprus, Europe and internationally for Maths, Biology, Physics, ICT and Art & Design. In addition, 84 per cent of all students gained an A/A* for Maths IGCSE and 100 per cent of students achieved A/A* in English Literature IGCSE. These are some of the best academic results on the island. Students go on to study at a range of prestigious universities mostly in the UK, but also in other parts of Europe and in the United States.

Academic rigour is under-

pinned by an excellent pastoral system. Every child is an individual and is carefully nurtured and supported. The Senior School is a friendly, community school, with very strong links between staff and parents. Additionally, it has an active Student Council and Parent Teacher Association.

Teachers are well qualified, dedicated and committed to guiding all students to achieve academic and personal success.

All lessons are taught in English except for the Greek programme, which is run in line with Ministry of Education requirements.

This is taught at three levels: for foreign learners, for students with a basic knowledge of the language, and for first language speakers.

A number of candidates are accepted annually from Greek Dimotiko following entrance exams. Language support is provided for children speaking English as an additional language. Applications are also accepted for entry into other years if places are available.

Students follow a broad and balanced curriculum.

The school offers over 20 different subjects at both I/GCSE (Years 10 and 11), and ‘A’ Level (Years 12 & 13). Mathematics and the Sciences are very popular and successful and almost all students opt for ‘A’ Level Maths in the Sixth Form.

The Senior School is one of the few schools to have a strong Performing Arts Department (Drama, Music and Art). Languages are also a strong feature of the School; English, Spanish, Italian, French and Greek are language options currently available. For those who prefer more vocational subjects Accounting, Business Studies, Economics and Travel & Tourism as well as PE are offered. The Senior School is an accredited examination centre for CIE, EDEXCEL and AQA examination boards.

The school believes that a true education is about more than exams, however, and provides plenty of opportunities for learning beyond the classroom. Its students engage in a range of field trips to support their learning and to go on trips far and wide around the world. Last year students went skiing in Switzerland

Senior School Entrance Exams will be held on Wednesday April 10, 2013.

Deadline for applications is Monday April 8.

Contact the school on 22 660156 or contact theseniorschool.com. Or visit www.theseniorschool. com and complete an online application and visited London, Krakow, Barcelona and Thessaloniki among other places.

A wide range of after school clubs are available including Duke of Edinburgh, Model UN, orchestra, drama, choir and sports events including matches with other schools.

Talent shows, concerts and whole school performances are highly professional and successful. The school takes pride in promoting a caring ethos and encourages students to be active citizens by engaging in fund raising and other volunteering activities. It is also a designated Eco School.

The Senior School provides a challenging, yet supportive programme allowing all students to reach their full potential so each young person can face the challenges of a constantly changing modern world, optimistic of success.

“the informed choice for secondary education”

The Senior School Entrance Exam is being held on Wednesday 10th April at 1.30pm

“Senior School Sports’ Day”

We are now accepting applications to Year 7 for academic year 2013-14, as well as for older year groups where there are places still available. Please feel free to call 2266 0156 or apply online at www.theseniorschool.com

Closing date for applications Monday 8th April 2013 Students wishing to study AS/A2 levels in our 6th Form are invited to join our vibrant student body in September We offer: > A wide range of AS/A2 level subjects: Maths, Literature, The Arts, The Sciences, Accounting, Business, Economics, Travel & Tourism, The Humanities, Greek, French, Spanish, PE, Computing and more. > A positive learning environment with well qualified and experienced teachers > Personalised and individualised student support > Computerised & supervised 6th Form Private Study Suite > Careers and UCAS entry advice > The first School in Cyprus with a flourishing “Faculty of Arts” covering Drama, Music and Art at AS & A2 Levels

19

L • March 10, 2013

Kansas, drones are er the radar r r An onboard camera of a Draganflyer X6

h-tech domestic to change the way world - and each Francescani

Drones were used to track wildfires in Colorado

Big Ben and the London Eye as seen from a drone camera on internet sensation Team Blacksheep

gencies can get unarmed drones, all remains banned launched a drone-powered aerial photo and video service to offer to its existing clients, which include universities, golf resorts and real estate firms.

Partner Scott Benton said his company invested about $20,000 in remote-controlled multi-rotor copters equipped to carry camcorders or SLR digital cameras with swivel tilts. Benton said he wasn’t even aware of FAA restrictions on commercial drone

use until after he purchased all the equipment.

He said his company plans to charge clients for editing and post-production work, not the drone flights.

Many commercial drone operators offer similar arguments. Some say they operate only on private land. Others say they are selling data, not drone flight time.

Still others say they will simply take their chances.

“Honestly?” said one commercial operator, who requested anonymity to protect his business. “My hope is that I’m far afield enough and small enough potatoes to the FAA that I can fly under the radar on this one.”

In 2011, News Corp’s tablet news site, the Daily, sent a Microdrone MD4-1000 into

the skies over Alabama, Missouri and North Dakota to capture dramatic aerial footage of flood damage. A subsequent FAA investigation resulted in a warning, an FAA spokesman said. A News Corp spokesman declined to comment.

Last autumn, a collective shudder rose up from Hollywood when false reports surfaced that the aggressive tabloid news website TMZ was seeking permission to fly its own drone.

The report was false, but it raised concerns.

“I’m less worried about the police getting a fleet of drones than I am about the news media,” said Egan.

“Imagine what it will be like when the paparazzi can send a fleet of drones into the Hollywood hills.”

The boom in drone use, both private and public, is also raising privacy concerns.

Civil liberties groups are urging federal and state legislators to place immediate

restrictions on drone use by US law enforcement agencies, which have historically been quick to capitalise on emerging technology like cell phone tracking.

At least 15 states have drafted legislation that would restrict drone use. In Seattle last month, a public outcry prompted the mayor to order the police chief to return the department’s two new drones to their manufacturer.

An even bigger concern for many is security. The activities of some drone operators are fuelling fears about the potential for terrorism or that drones could interfere with manned air traffic and cause an accident.

A group of skilled drone operators using “first person view,” or FPV, technology has sent Ritewing Zephyr drones that capture high-quality video of visual thrill rides around some of the world’s most famous landmarks.

The group, known as Team

Blacksheep, has made a series of videos using drones circling the torch on New York City’s Statue of Liberty and London’s Big Ben clock tower. Team Blacksheep’s FPV drones have darted through the arches of the Golden Gate Bridge and buzzed the peak of the Matterhorn.

The videos, captured at dizzying angles, are wildly popular online, but hobbyists and other drone enthusiasts worry that such videos give the industry a bad name.

“Those are the people the FAA should be going after,” Bateson said.

A Team Blacksheep founder did not respond to requests for comment on security concerns.

Would-be attackers have already tried to exploit drones.

Last autumn, a Massachusetts man was sentenced to 17 years in prison for plotting to attack Washington, DC, with three remote-controlled airplanes carrying C-4 explosives.

Drones may also be vulnerable to hacking.

Last summer, Department of Homeland Security officials challenged Texas aerospace engineering professor Todd Humphreys and his class to try to “spoof” a DHS drone’s GPS system.

GPS “spoofing” is a technique by which a vehicle’s GPS receiver can be tricked and taken over by a slightly more powerful signal that mimics the attributes of the original signal - essentially an airborne hack.

Humphreys and his students succeeded in hacking the drone and took control of its flight path.

If a college class “can spoof the GPS, what can other nation states or terrorist groups do?” Representative Paul Broun (R-Ga.) asked at a recent congressional hearing on domestic drones.

Some US drone designers worry about the consequences of what they see as a slow US response to a rapidly evolving technology.

“The Chinese are going to kill us,” said Texas pilot Gene Robinson, who spent $20,000 designing an innovative fixed-wing drone for search-and-rescue missions.

“They have copied every single design, including mine, that they can get their hands on.”

Robinson said he installed web-tracking software on his drone design web page and then watched last spring as a Chinese design company “spent a month on my web page ... reverse-engineered my design” and began selling mass-produced copies in December - for $169.

Side-by-side pictures of Robinson’s model and the Chinese model that he showed a reporter look virtually identical.

Robinson went online and ordered one of Chinese models - to see if he could attach his equipment to the cheaper version.

“It was a dog, a pig,” he said.

“It didn’t fly worth a damn.”

II March 10, 2013 • SUNDAY MAIL

PrivateEducation

Ensuring all students excel in their own way at Falcon AT THE Falcon School quality in education is valued, not only providing support for each student so that they can achieve their full potential, but also ensuring that each individual has sufficient personal challenge and can aim to excel in their own way.

The school is enormously proud of its students. They value academic and personal achievement, celebrating the successes of their peers in a climate where it is admirable to take matters seriously. Exam results at IGCSE and A level are consistently excellent with grades A* to B the rule rather than the exception. The majority of students go on to Higher Education in the UK or the USA, and take up places at the highest ranking institutions: Russell Group Universities in the UK, and the Ivy League in the US. Personal development outside the classroom is equally important, whether as a competitor on the sports field or as a participant in discussion and debate. Students have plentiful opportunities to fi nd and develop their personal strengths.

Considerable emphasis is placed on personal responsibility, encouraging students to care deeply for things that matter: the environment, other living beings, ideas and beliefs.

The School’s facilities sup-

port students in their development. The Infant Playground with its jungle gym is where the youngest take their fi rst independent steps away from their parents; the 5 metre diving board over the swimming pool is where graduating 7th formers take their celebratory leap into the future on the last day of their school careers. Between these two landmarks, the school caters for sports,

art, pottery, drama, music - all in well-appointed specialist areas.

Small class sizes mean that students learn in a highly supportive setting. Option groups at IGCSE and A level often have as few as 10 students allowing teachers to know strengths and weaknesses intimately. The academic staff are well-qualified professionals and, most importantly, are enthusias-

The Falcon School Entrance Examinations will take place on Tuesday April 2 at 2pm.

Visit www.falconschool. ac.cy for further details tic about their subjects and the practice of teaching.

The Falcon School is not a very large school. The students number about 420, and this is one of its great strengths. It is small enough to consider itself a family, in the sense that everyone

knows each other, cares for each other, and shares many of the same values.

For many alumni who go back to visit on a regular basis the school feels like their “second home”.

If you are looking for an environment where students are encouraged to become life-long learners and reach their maximum potential in all areas, the Falcon school is the place for you.

provide any significant gain in the long term. Nor do all those endless tests along the way. It is the quality of the challenges and experiences that count. How much sport is on offer? How seriously do schools take subjects like art and design, drama and music? What opportunities are there to travel abroad?

And how many modern languages will your child be able to learn? Learning in English is a definite advantage if students here want to study in the UK or the

US, but the opportunity to learn many other modern languages (not just European ones), is a definite asset in any education. It broadens the mind and opens up other opportunities as well.

Many schools abroad now offer the option of children learning Mandarin, Japanese or Arabic at an early age, which may give them a totally different perspective on life and definitely provide a competitive advantage in the workplace. It is not all just about exams!

More than just exam results Continued from page I supposed to be in the business of. This is why parents are prepared to hand over a lot of money to private schools, on the assumption that they do it better and offer more of it.

had been extremely well taught but the other one he described as, “a much more interesting and lively candidate, much more thoughtful”. Professor Grayling is Head of the New College of the Humanities, a private university in London that

The best schools are prepared to take students with a range of abilities However, when choosing a private school, it is sometimes easy to lose sight of the education when focussing purely on examinations and results. While examination results are very important, they are not the whole story. According to the philosopher, AC Grayling, those with the top grades are not necessarily the brightest. He described interviewing two students, one with all A* and A grades at A Level and one with two As and a B. The one with the higher grades

opened in September and is competing for students with Oxford and Cambridge.

So if we can conclude that the brightest children are not always the ones with the best results, then at the same time, the best schools are not always the ones with what appear to be the best results. Results matter because they help students get into the best universities and the best jobs, but results alone are not enough.

If an education is worth paying for, if must also include

a broad and challenging curriculum beyond the examination syllabus, plenty of extra curricular enrichment activities as well as good teaching. And schools that offer this are not always the ones that select students through an entrance exam.

The best schools are prepared to take students with a range of abilities. They are confident that their teaching and curriculum can support all their students, even students with some special educational needs. The best

schools really do help children to succeed in examinations but also to become those lively, interesting and thoughtful adults that universities and employers look for, and that are generally successful in life.

I heard a story the other day about parents who changed their child’s school when he stopped being ranked first in the year group. This is kind of missing the point of education. It is simply about making the parents feel better, but does not necessarily

XX March 10, 2013 • SUNDAY MAIL

PrivateEducation

A partnership between St George’s, University of London and the University of Nicosia

The first Medical School in Cyprus THE St George’s University of London Medical School and the University of Nicosia have joined forces and have established the first medical school in Cyprus. It currently offers a four-year graduateentry degree in medicine under the quality assurance of St George’s and the UK General Medical Council (GMC). In the future, the medical school will also offer five and six-year medical degree programmes for high school leavers.

Graduates of the Medical School receive a British medical degree from St George’s that is recognised as a primary medical qualification by the UK GMC – the first step toward obtaining a medical license anywhere in the EU or worldwide.

Students benefit from an innovative curriculum and state-of-the-art learning facilities and resources. The curriculum allows for the early development of clinical skills and behaviours, and promotes collaborative learning, critical thinking and reflection. The clinical training of students takes place in leading hospitals in Israel, Cyprus and the United States. The Medical School has a special partnership with Sheba Medical Centre in Tel Hashomer, Israel. The school attracts

talented students from North America, Europe, the Middle East and Australasia, among others.

As part of its mission to enhance healthcare in Cyprus and the region, the Medical School is actively developing programmes and partnerships for post-graduate training, continuing medical

education and research.

Admission requirements a. Bachelor’s degree with at least a 2nd class honours or equivalent or a higher degree (e.g., MSc, MPhil or PhD) in any discipline b. A satisfactory score in the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) or the

Graduate Australian Medical School Admission Test (GAMSAT) c. Work or voluntary experience in a medical or healthrelated field with the ability to demonstrate a broad awareness of the scope of medicine d. Successful admissions interview e. If English was not the primary language of above degree(s), candidates must also take the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or equivalent (e.g., TOEFL)

20 March 10, 2013 • SUNDAY MAIL

Lifestyle

Moshi Monsters creator says you don’t have to be a techie echie tto o be an in internet nternet star

Mixing work with fun for a monster result

By Lucy Tobin

H

E’S had a bright red slide and a treehouse built into his new office, and the closest he gets to a corporate uniform is sporting snakeskin boots. So it’s surprising to learn that London’s non-official ambassador for tech success, Michael Acton Smith, was once a City wage slave.

The mogul of Moshi, creator of £200 million business Mind Candy and its Moshi Monsters, ran Goldman Sachs’ company car scheme as his first job out of university.

“I had watched Wall Street one too many times,” Acton Smith laughs. “I’d decided I wanted to be an investment banker. It seemed incredibly exciting and glamorous.”

But Acton Smith wasn’t cut out for Goldman Sachs.

“I spent most of my time doodling at my desk.” After a few months of suit-life, he and an old pal from his university chess club, Tom Boardman, decided instead to set up a business. The duo borrowed £1,000 startup cash from Acton Smith’s mum, and moved into Boardman’s mum’s Cardiff attic, and started the gadget website now known as Firebox.

“It was right at the start of the internet, in 1998, and we didn’t really know what we were doing but it felt like the right place to be,” Acton Smith says. No one would argue with that now, and the entrepreneur reckons it’s time for more to do the same.

“There’s never been a better time to strike out alone as an entrepreneur,” he says. “The internet connects us globally, and there’s likely to be an audience for whatever you’re offering within the two billion online users.”

When Acton Smith started Firebox, he had little tech knowledge, his background having been to study geography at Birmingham University “because someone told me it didn’t involve much work and the prettiest girls did geography”. But he says a lack of tech knowledge didn’t - and doesn’t - matter.

“People think they need everything planned out to start up a company, with all the skills in place and plans mapped out for years ahead but that’s not true. As long as you choose an area you’re passionate about which has opportunities, you can dive in and splash around and

Toying with a great idea: Acton Smith could sell up but instead has resolved this year to crack America and the Far East. Above: Moshi Monsters work out what’s right and wrong en route.”

Firebox enjoyed a big hit with a chess set made of shot glasses, and despite a wobbly time in the dotcom crash, still thrives today. But Acton Smith moved on, approaching Tom Teichman, whom he’d met at a network-

ing do and who had backed Firebox, to raise £500,000 venture capital for his next idea – Perplex City, a massive treasure hunt with a £100,000 prize buried somewhere in the world. He later secured more backing, around £6 million from venture capitalists Accel and Index. But

the idea didn’t work. “It had massive press interest, won loads of awards but was commercially a real disaster,” he admits. “Not enough people got involved.”

Acton Smith had only £600,000 of his initial investment left. “Things don’t always go the way you ex-

pect, you get things wrong a lot more than you get things right,” he says. “But it’s not necessarily a bad thing - in America people are much better at wearing screwups as scar tissue.” Instead of giving up “and getting a sensible job, I wrote down all the lessons I’d learnt, and applied them to a new business idea I’d had for a kids website,” he says.

That idea was Moshi Monsters, an online pet site, where children adopt monsters - Furi, Poppet, Luvli, Katsuma, Diavlo, and Zommer - and look after them, either for nothing or for £5 a month with extra features such as puzzles and the ability to go shopping. At first, the site faltered.

“On the verge of bankruptcy,” Acton Smith cheerfully admits. But then he added a networking side, letting children befriend each other, and it took off. Today one child signs up to Moshi Monsters almost every second, in 150 countries worldwide. Acton Smith doesn’t have his own children but seems to know what they want: his animated monsters are now the UK’s bestselling toy brand - two years after being launched. Parent company Mind Candy’s revenues hit £30 million in 2011 - the latest-available accounts - making a profit of £10 million. A stockmarket listing is thought to be on the horizon. Good news for patient investors, Accel, Index and Spark Ventures.

When Spark sold half its stake in 2011 for $4.9 million (£3.2 million), its seven year investment had grown 15 times.

Acton Smith reckons he looks at making money with a fresh perspective. “People take business very, very seriously. It is important and it can be serious, but it should also be fun. You don’t have to be a bastard to be successful in business. I’m not a pushover. But working is

something we spend a lot of our life doing, and it should be colourful and creative.”

That philosophy is reflected by his surroundings. “From my early days at Goldman, and while temping at uni, I realised every company I went to was the same. Blue carpet, strip lighting, boring beech furniture. How can that make people jump out of bed and be excited about what they’re working on, whether it’s insurance or entertainment?”

In Mind Candy’s headquarters there’s a treehouse which welcomes children for user research, and a bar area for parties, table tennis, and Astroturf flooring “cos it’s more fun to walk on than carpet”. “I’m not doing it to be crazy and zany and ‘new media’-ish,” Acton Smith says. “I honestly think it’s good for business.”

It seems to be doing the trick. Mind Candy hired more than 100 people last year, taking the mostly young staff to 180; Acton Smith expects to hire another 100 this year. But he’s not stopping. “Yeah, I could sell Moshi for hundreds of millions of pounds and retire and sail off into the sunset on a yacht. But I love it,” he says.

“Top of my to-do list for this year is to crack America, the Far East and take Moshi global, and to replicate the success of Moshi Monsters with new brands. I’ve still got notebooks stuffed with ideas and new projects to launch.”

Others need to do the same, he believes. “We have to be careful in Europe that we don’t have the mindset that we sell our companies as soon as big US companies come knocking. Entrepreneurs of Britain need to roll their sleeves up, take on more risk and try build something larger. Why shouldn’t we be the ones buying US firms and trying to build multi-billion pound businesses?”

British grandmother of five on army tour in Afghanistan

By Lesley-Anne McKeown SHE may be a semi-retired grandmother-of-five soon eligible to draw a state pension but Marie Semple shows no sign of slowing down.

The 55-year-old Army reservist, dubbed ‘Combat Granny’, from Co Antrim, has spent weeks caring for wounded soldiers, Afghan civilians

and even insurgents at the field hospital in Camp Bastion - one of the busiest trauma units in the world.

“I didn’t think twice about coming out,” she said. “I joined the TA late in life for the challenge and for the possibility of deploying somewhere.

“I felt I needed to do another tour of Afghanistan as an ending to my challenge of joining the Territorial

Army. The whole idea of joining was to deploy but, I have certainly got my money’s worth out of it.”

Major Semple who serves with 204 Field Hospital signed up with the TA aged 43 and in 12 years has completed an operational tour of duty in Iraq in 2003 and was in Afghanistan during 2008.

Major Semple, who works as an agency nurse in the community

and at Antrim Area Hospital is one of two grandmothers working the wards at Camp Bastion.

She said her grandchildren - four girls and one boy - are too young to fully understand exactly what her duty entails.

“I don’t think they know the context of war as such,” she said.

“I told them I was going to Afghanistan; got them a map and

explained what I was doing. I sent a picture home and my grandson said ‘Oh granny is shooting bad people’. They don’t understand that I am a nurse - I am not out there on the ground.”

Having trained at the Royal Victoria Hospital during the height of the Troubles in 1975 Major Semple is well used to dealing with conflict related trauma.

21 SUNDAY MAIL • March 10, 2013

Business & Jobs

It’s not a good time to save in the UK After years of low interest rates, are negative rates next?

Investment Bill Blevins Bill Blevins is managing director of Blevins Franks International. Tel: 26-912315 WE HAVE just passed the four year anniversary of the 0.5 per cent UK interest rate. Back on March 4, 2009, few people predicted that the Bank of England would leave its base rate unchanged for four years.

Not only has that happened, but many market commentators predict there will be no increase either this year or next year.

The Bank of England has now also mooted the idea of negative interest rates.

Deputy governor for financial stability, Paul Tucker, raised the possibility in front of the Treasury Select Committee at the end of February. Persistently sluggish growth is forcing the monetary policy committee to consider more radical measures to boost the economy.

Negative interest rates would be charged on banks which deposit funds with the central bank, rather than on retail clients. However, savers could still see their interest rates reduced even further.

High street lenders keep funds on deposit with the Bank of England. If negative interest rates went ahead, they would have to pay the bank for holding their money instead of earning interest. This is described as a ‘tax’ on banks.

The base rate will remain 0.5 per cent and a new de-

The new Bank of England governor, Mark Carney, is expected to shake up policy when he starts in July posit rate will be created which will be below zero.

The aim is to encourage banks to lend more to businesses and households, rather than pay to keep it on hold. Banks are still stockpiling cash reserves following the 2008-09 banking crisis. The Bank of England and Financial Services Authority believe they are being too cautious, and this is one reason why the UK economy is struggling to return to growth.

Paying to deposit money would reduce profitability for high street banks, so they will look to make up the costs elsewhere. It is highly likely that they would reduce interest rate

on savings accounts, and impose other bank charges.

Like any tax on banks, it is the consumer who ends up paying.

Savers have suffered enough after four years of low rates, and have also been impacted by stimulus measures like quantitative easing and the funding for lending scheme.

The new Bank of England governor, Mark Carney who replaces Sir Mervyn King in July, is expected to shake up policy. A range of ideas are reportedly already being considered.

Tucker’s comments to MPs were the strongest indication yet that negative

Ambasciata d’Italia Nicosia

A V V I S O D I A S S U N Z I O N E D I U N I M PI E G A T O A C O N T R A T T O Si informa che l’Ambasciata d’Italia in Nicosia ha indetto una procedura di selezione per l’assunzione di un impiegato a contratto da adibire ai servizi di a s s i s t e n t e a m m i n i s t r a t i v o n e l s e t t o r e s e gr e t e r i a - a r c h i v i o - c o n t a b i l e .

La scadenza per presentare la domanda è lunedì 8 aprile 2013.

Per maggiori informazioni e per scaricare il modulo di domanda consultare il sito w w w . a m b n i c o s i a . e s t e r i . i t oppure contattare il seguente numero di telefono: +35722357617.

ΕΙΔΟΠΟΙΗΣΗ ΓΙΑ ΠΡΟΣΛΗΨΗ ΠΡΟΣΩΠΙΚΟΥ ΜΕ ΣΥΜΒΟΛΑΙΟ

Πληροφορείται ότι η Ιταλική Πρεσβεία στη Λευκωσία έχει προκηρύξει διαγωνισμό για πρόσληψη προσωπικού με συμβόλαιο για θέση διοικητικού βοηθού με καθήκοντα γραμματέως-αρχείουλογιστικά. Η τελευταία μέρα για αιτήσεις είναι η Δευτέρα 8 Απριλίου 2013. Γιά περαιτέω πληροφορίες για τη αίτητη να αποταθείτε στην ιστοσελίδα www.ambnicosia.esteri.it η τηλεφωνήστε το αριθμό +35722357617.

interest rates could be under serious consideration.

“I hope that we will think about the constraints of setting negative interest rates,” he said. “This would be an extraordinary thing to do and it needs to be thought through carefully.”

Deputy Governor Charlie Bean was quick to dampen speculation, describing the idea as “blue sky thinking” and just one idea out of many that policymakers have considered and rejected when reviewing more radical options.

He said there is no immediate plan to introduce negative interest rates, but did admit that there was nothing to stop it in principle.

Negative interest rates are not just a theoretical concept. Sweden, Switzerland and Japan have used them in the past, and Denmark introduced a deposit rate of -0.2 per cent last year.

Although savers will not actually be charged negative rates, when inflation is factored in most are already earning negative real rates of return. Very few accounts in the UK are paying a rate of interest which beats inflation.

This is an issue for all retirees, wherever you live.

Inflation reduces the spending power of your cash savings steadily year after year, more so when interest rates are low and/or you withdraw the interest. Over your retirement years inflation can have a significant impact on your spending power and financial security.

Do not bank on interest rates improving in the near future. Speak to a professional wealth manager like Blevins Franks to discuss tax efficient alternatives for your savings which can generate income and be designed to keep pace with inflation.

To keep in touch with the latest developments in the offshore world, check out the latest news on our website www.blevinsfranks. com

Hugo Chavez alienated foreign investors

Chavez’s economic programme did everything but work

By Martin Hutchinson VENEZUELAN President Hugo Chavez’s economic programme did everything, except work. The strongman, who died on Tuesday, won elections regularly - most recently in October last year - and his economic policies played well at home. His rule coincided with a giant surge in oil prices, helping avoid bankruptcy for his country.

Yet Chavez’s stewardship alienated foreign investors as well as governments, and kept Venezuelans poor.

It’s true that Chavez inherited a dire economic position when he took office in February 1999. Venezuelan living standards had declined by around 16 per cent over the previous quarter-century.

And oil prices, the main determinant of the nation’s economic fate, bottomed at under $10 per barrel in December 1998, the month he was elected. Because free-market policies, tried intermittently in the previous decade, were perceived to have failed to reverse Venezuela’s decline, many voters supported Chavez’s populist approach.

His first four years were difficult. Oil prices remained low and the state monopoly Petroleos de Venezuela, known

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Notification is hereby given that by virtue of a special resolution of the sole shareholder of Callpoint Limited taken at an Extraordinary General Meeting on 4 March 2013, it was resolved to file with the Registrar of Companies of Cyprus an application for the re-domiciliation of the Company from the Republic of Cyprus to Luxembourg with registered office address at 7, place du Theatre, L-2613 Luxembourg.

as PDVSA, was controlled by his opponents. A 2002 coup attempt came close to success. Chavez took control of PDVSA in early 2003, firing 19,000 employees and replacing management. The enterprise thereafter acted as an arm of his government, contributing $61.4 billion to social funds between 2004 and 2010.

This, together with sharply rising oil prices from 2004, removed most financing and economic policy constraints.

Chavez proclaimed an ideology of “Socialism of the 21st Century” in January 2005, which set itself apart from Marxism-Leninism by including more democratic participation and less authoritarian government.

After 2006, Chavez reduced foreign participation in the Venezuelan economy, expropriating overseas holdings with inadequate compensation. He also extended Venezuela’s influence abroad with cheap oil exports and assertive diplomacy, resulting in friendly governments in Bolivia, Ecuador and Nicaragua. A recovery in oil prices, after a dip in 2008 and 2009, enabled Chavez to fund further extensive social programmes before the 2012 election.

Yet even with all the benefits of rising oil prices, the average Venezuelan’s standard of living increased by only 9 per cent over the first 13 years of Chavez’s tenure. Furthermore, the economy became more dependent on oil, which accounted for 96 per cent of exports in 2012 compared with 76 per cent in 1999.

Chavez’s aggressive economic populism seemed new, but at heart it was little more than a Bolivarian twist on the 1940s policies of Argentina’s President Juan Peron.

Thanks to the world’s continuing thirst for oil Chavez’s irresponsible economic policies may, like Peron’s, retain popular appeal long after his death.

The author is a Reuters Breakingviews columnist.

The opinions expressed are his own

22 March 10, 2013 • SUNDAY MAIL

Business & Jobs

The richly deserved There’s growing resentment over the super rich the president of France was powerless - the more so since the French constitutional court had recently ruled that his proposed 75 per cent supertax was unconstitutional. The irony is that in less than a century, Russia has gone from being a haven for communists to being one for the rich.

Yet people who live on low, even middling incomes and who may be or are threatened by being unemployed are becoming more and more angry at the sight of vast wealth, and are ceasing to believe that nothing can be done.

The Swiss are not known for their love of irony, but they do love referenda. They had 12 last year, on employment leave, second houses, building society savings, a fixed book price agreement, gambling revenues, healthcare, foreign policy, home buying, a smoking ban, secure housing in old age, music lessons at school and an Animal Diseases Act. Earlier this month, 68 per cent of citizens who took part voted for a series of curbs on executive pay, including a ban on golden handshakes and parachutes and bonuses for organising a takeover or a partial company sell-off.

This in the world’s banking capital; moreover, it’s in the state that has struggled to preserve the secrecy of the often-dubious fortunes lodged in its banks.

Comment John Lloyd HE tale of two worlds - the fabulously rich and the increasingly poor - is a defining narrative of contemporary life, and it continues to throw up vivid reminders, at once doleful and grimly hilarious.

One of the latest examples was told by the writer and provocateur Matt Taibbi, famed for having described Goldman Sachs as “a great vampire squid wrapped around the face of humanity, relentlessly jamming its blood funnel into anything that smells like money.”

In a recent Rolling Stone blog post, Taibbi related a confrontation between Jamie Dimon, chief executive of JPMorgan Chase, and the analyst Mike Mayo of Credit Agricole Securities during an investor conference call earlier this year. These calls are where analysts get to question the masters of the financial universe about their actions. Mayo asked Dimon if investors would not prefer a bank - he offered UBS as an example - that had a higher capital-to-debt ratio. The exchange then went: Dimon: So you would go to UBS and not JPMorgan Chase?

Mayo: I didn’t say that … that’s their [UBS’] argument…

Dimon: That’s why I’m richer than you [raucous laughter].

Taibbi used the anecdote to show, as he said, “how these guys think”. To push that thought a little further: It’s how people, who live highly stressed lives with much depending on their judgements, think of themselves: that they are worth it. The conventional view is that every company of size and reputation needs several of these people so it may survive. In effect, large wealth has now been given a rational, maybe even a moral, underpinning.

T

EXOTIC CREATURES At around the same time, a number of other matters came to light. Forbes Magazine published its billionaires’ list, which revealed that there are 1,426 of these exotic creatures, with 210 in the superleague for the first time. A little over a third of them are in the United States; 23 are under 40; 386 are in the Asia-Pacific zone, 366 in Europe, 129 in the Americas and 103 in the Middle East and Africa. United, the billionaires of the world command $5.4 trillion, up from $4.6 trillion last year, and now worth one-third of annual US output. The Mexican Carlos Slim, with $73 billion, remains on top, and Bill Gates, with $67 billion, re-

Currencies USD GBP CHF JPY AUD CAD SEK

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Jamie Dimon, Chairman and CEO of JP Morgan Chase & Co

BONUS VOTE mains at No 2. But there’s a newcomer at No 3, rudely elbowing aside the sage of Omaha, Warren Buffett - the Spanish entrepreneur Amancio Ortega, who owns a majority stake in Zara, the world’s biggest clothing company.

He added nearly $20 billion to his fortune in a year, which came out at $57 billion.

Most of these people are not shy, and many probably believe they deserve their billions; besides, many, like Bill Gates, give slabs of it to good causes.

Most don’t boast of their worthiness, although the Australian mining magnate Gina Rinehart, who is probably the world’s richest woman, recently used a column to address her fellow Australians: If you’re jealous of those with more money, don’t just sit there and complain. Do something to make more money yourself - spend less time drinking or smoking and socialising, and more time working.

Her rival for the title of richest woman is the French Liliane Bettencourt, whose family owns 30 per cent of L’Oréal. She hasn’t said, at least not in public, that she deserves the money from the company created by her father, but its slogan is, irresistibly: “Because you deserve it!”

Ortega’s good (say, huge) fortune was made public at the same time as his country’s Department of Labour revealed that the five million Spanish

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jobless had increased by 1.2 per cent, or just over 59,000 people, to bring the rate to 26.2 per cent.

This ironic vein could continue for much longer because it has seemed that there’s not much to be done about it, and, when hopeless, irony is a better resort than the guillotine. Unlike the aristos who perished during the French, Russian and other revolutions, the rich now work hard. They create companies that create jobs, and political leaders vie to get them to move to their countries: The British Prime Minister David Cameron said he would roll out the red carpet for French business people fleeing high taxation.

There is a global market in entrepreneurs and superstars of all kinds, which Gerard Depardieu, the French superstar, dramatised when he bought a house across the French border in Belgium to escape a swinging wealth tax - besting Francois Hollande, the French president (who must occasionally long for the guillotine).

On a recent trip to Russia, Hollande was careful to note Depardieu’s status. “If he decided to leave the country, if he loves Russia and Russia so loves Gerard Depardieu, then it is understandable. But still Depardieu loves France, which recognises him as a great actor.”

The irony in the first part of his answer was an implicit recognition that

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USD 0,17 0,20 0,24 0,28 0,45 0,74

The European finance ministers this week debated a vote in the European parliament last week that would limit banker bonuses to a 1:1 ratio with salaries. The British, home to the biggest financial services industry in Europe, are worried that the high-rolling bankers in the City of London will seek new homes: several have said so.

One banker told the FT: “This is big stuff. This wrecks the model of keeping salaries low.” (Salaries were kept low, but augmented with bonuses.) But a vote in the European Parliament is likely to be decisive: Something along these lines is now likely.

Dickens’ Tale of Two Cities begins “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” In today’s tale of two worlds, it is a time when nothing can be done, it is a time when something must be done. Popular anger and will is beginning to demand that the resignation to vast inequality ends, and something less gross takes its place.

This will run on - and on.

John Lloyd co-founded the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism at the University of Oxford, where he is Director of Journalism. Lloyd has written several books, including What the Media Are Doing to Our Politics (2004). He is also a contributing editor at FT

EUR 0,03 0,06 0,09 0,12 0,22 0,43

GBP 0,49 0,49 0,50 0,51 0,61 0,92

CHF 0,00 0,00 0,01 0,02 0,09 0,27

Greek Coke bottler gets UK approval for voluntary share swap plan A VOLUNTARY share exchange offer that will allow Greek Coke bottler Coca-Cola Hellenic (CCH) to move from Greece to Switzerland and list on the London Stock Exchange has been approved by the British authorities.

CCH said last year it would move its base from cash-strapped Greece to tax-free Switzerland and switch its premier listing from Athens to London.

A voluntary share swap offer by Swiss holding company Coca-Cola HBC AG. would facilitate the procedure.

“This is a significant milestone in the process to enable the company to list on the London Stock Exchange,” a CCH official who declined to be named said on Friday.

APPROVAL For the offer to begin, CCH still needs the approval of Greece’s Capital Market Commision and the U.S. Security and Exchange Commission.

The official said the process was at an advanced stage.

In the prospectus for its listing on the London Stock Exchange published late on Thursday, CCH said the offer was expected to start later this month and end in April.

“The commencement of the acceptance period is expected on or around 19 March 2013 and is expected to expire on or around 19 April 2013,” CCH said.

The firm, in which The Coca-Cola Co of the United States has a 23-per cent stake, bottles Coke and other produce in 28 countries from Russia to Nigeria. About 95 per cent of its shareholders and business activity are outside Greece.

The majority of CCH shareholders, including Coca-Cola Co. and KarTess Holding, have committed to offering their shares.

Once the offer is completed, trading on the London Stock Exchange would likely start towards the end of April, CCH said.

JPY 0,10 0,13 0,14 0,16 0,26 0,45

LIBOR RATES (London Interbank Borrowing Rates) AS AT 11/03/2013

CAD 1,01 1,05 1,13 1,19 1,40 1,81

AUD 3,00 3,12 3,15 3,17 3,26 3,56

23 March 10, 2013 • SUNDAY MAIL

Property LEGAL ISSUES WITH GEORGE COUCOUNIS

Disposal of movable or immovable property by a will New president Nicos Anastasiades (centre)

A new government, a new set of priorities?

Problems in property sector that regime would do well to look at

By Antonis Loizou FRICS WE have high hopes for the new government, largely because there cannot be a worse government in the past 50 years of this democracy than the one we have just said goodbye to. Surely anything else will be better, but we do not expect the new government can do miracles. So what has it inherited?

An unpredicted financial burden and an EU “dislike” (be it unjustified) that it will be difficult to shake off.

The rush the previous government went into, to appoint its “own” people to key posts and who will remain for sometime, means that the new governmental policy cannot be implemented to a satisfactory extent.

The civil service “curse” will stay with us and we cannot ascertain how its attitude to the public can change over a short period of time.

We are among those who welcome the troika’s measures, not because it places people out of work etc, but because it has shocked us and woken us up from our own sleepy and permissive attitude on everything.

Breaking up the government into smaller sections with the creation of undersecretaries is a good move. At least people will have a direct access to politicians and get things done at a faster rate.

Our particular interest, which is real estate, will submit to the new

president subjects to be addressed which cannot wait any longer: i Get the title deed issue solved.

Many parameters involved but there are ways around them. ii Bypass the red tape in terms of securing building and planning permits, as well as certificate of approval. iii Sort out the common expenses law which is a law in name only. iv Make mandatory the deposit of a sale contract and mandatory due diligence by lawyers/sales people etc regarding mortgages etc in a sale, so that prospective buyers are informed. v Existing building amnesty both in time and in a wider parameter to be extended by least another five years.

Half the compensation required to be set which is now based on the past 2008 values (the top). vi Sort out the property tax nonsense. Make individual tax per unit and do not block a whole project because one single owner does not pay. vii Set time limits on court case decisions. Say two years from pleadings. viii Use extensively privatisation of services such as the issue of building permits, titles, saving thus the Government expenses and staff and at the same time make liable individuals who get the job for such work. ix Make excess interest rate charges on loans “illegal”, by introducing a law on “reasonable charges”. As the system (European) is at present the unfortunate are penalised in order to

WHAT YOU GET FOR

make them go under one day earlier. x Make mayors, local councilors etc to be personally liable for wrong actions/inactions. xi Introduce professional responsibilities on lawyers and others involved in a sale/real estate transaction if unprofessional. Check/set legal fees/charges based on sale/time spent. Shocking as the system is at present. xii Abolish the new regulations regarding development of single house within agricultural areas if the buy was done prior to the new regulations, so that buyers are not left in the cold. xiii Abolish the minimum size of residential units which increases the house cost by around 30 per cent. xiv Introduce a penalty system that the local authorities can impose on nuisance creators, illegal extension which affects others etc. No legal proceedings which take years but in a summary form.

So do we think that there is a chance of change? If the new government makes a list of its priorities which is published on the subject and starts implementation in stages, at least there will be hope – something which we urgently need now.

Antonis Loizou & Associates Ltd – Real Estate Valuers & Estate Agents, www.aloizou.com.cy, ala-HQ@ aloizou.com.cy

THE disposal of a property through a will is similar to a disposal of a property by way of a gift during one’s lifetime.

The difference between the two disposals is the fact that in the first instance, the testator through a will cannot dispose the whole of his property to whom he wishes in excess of the disposable portion defined by the law. On the other hand, a person can dispose the whole of his property by way of a gift to anyone he wishes to without any restrictions.

More and more people prefer to dispose of their property through a will, feeling that by doing so they are fulfilling their human duty towards their loved ones.

A reasonable question is whether a person can dispose by will of the whole of his property or that right is restricted by law to the disposable portion of his estate.

The answer differs depending on the citizenship of the testator, whether he is a Cypriot or not. The law applicable for Cypriots states the “disposable portion” is that part of the movable and immovable property of a person which he can dispose of by will. “Will” means the legal declaration in writing of the intentions of a testator with respect to the disposal of his movable or immovable property after his death, and includes codicil.

“Codicil” means an instrument in writing made in relation to a will, explaining, adding to, altering or revoking in whole or in part, its disposition, and it shall be considered as forming an amending or additional part of the will. According to the aforesaid law, a person may dispose by a will: (a) 1/4 of the net value of his estate in the case the testator leaves a spouse and a child, or a spouse and a descendant of a child, or no spouse but a child or a descendant of a child, (b) ½ of the net value of his estate in the case the testator leaves a spouse or a father or a mother, but no

child nor descendant thereof, (c) the whole of his estate in the case the testator leaves no spouse, nor child nor descendant of a child, nor a father, nor a mother.

Where a person has purported to dispose by will of a part of his estate in excess of the disposable portion, such disposition shall be reduced and abated proportionally so as to be limited to the disposable portion. Therefore, the will is valid but it is limited accordingly.

Moreover, citizens of the United Kingdom and of other Commonwealth countries can dispose by will the whole of their property, movable or immovable, without the aforesaid restrictions. In the case of citizens of other countries, they can dispose only their immovable property according to the law of Cyprus and as regards their movable property the relevant law of their country is applicable.

Any person over the age of 18 of sound mind can dispose of his property by a will. For a will to be valid, the following requisites must be met (a) it shall be signed at the foot or end thereof by the testator, or by some other person on his behalf, in his presence and by his direction; and (b) such signature shall be made or acknowledged by the testator in the presence of two or more witnesses present at the same time; and (c) such witnesses shall attest and shall subscribe the will in the presence of the testator and in the presence of each other, but no form of attestation shall be necessary; and (d) if the will consists of more than one sheet of paper, each sheet shall be signed or initialled by or on behalf of the testator and the witnesses.

George Coucounis is a lawyer specialising in the Immovable Property Law, based in Larnaca, Tel: 24 818288, coucounis.law@cytanet.com. cy, www.coucounislaw.com

€110,000 compiled by Peter Stevenson

How much: €110,000 What you get: This two-bedroom apartment has a large balcony, with its own parking place and store room. It is a few minutes drive from Larnaca town centre.

From: www.chris-michael.com.cy Tel: 25 313135

How much: €110,000 What you get: This two-bedroom apartment located in the Ayios Dometios area of Nicosia, comes with a fireplace and is within walking distance from all amenities.

From: www.propertyincyprus.com Tel: 70003211

How much: €110,000 What you get: This two-bedroom penthouse in Paphos is close to amenities and has a communal pool.

From: www.buysellcyprus.com Tel: 80000222

24 SUNDAY MAIL • March 10, 2013

Property 41 per cent of UK homes sold for loss says study

By Vicky Shaw FOUR in 10 homes have been sold for a loss in England and Wales since 2007, while more than half made a profit, new research shows.

Almost three-quarters (71 per cent) of houses sold in London during this period made a profit despite the tough economy, compared with less than half in Yorkshire and the Humber, the North and the East Midlands, shared equity firm Castle Trust found.

Of the 41 per cent of homes sold for a loss across the country, the average shortfall was £24,430, according to the firm’s analysis of Land Registry figures.

Over the same period, 56 per cent of homes were sold for an increase on the original amount the seller paid, making an average sum of £45,199.

London house prices have tended to buck the national trend by recording relatively strong increases, much of which has been put down to wealthy overseas buyers who see

the English capital as a safe haven amid the troubles of the eurozone.

Lenders are expecting housing market activity to pick up this year amid government efforts to improve mortgage availability and give people a helping hand on to the property ladder.

However, while activity is thought likely to increase, predictions for house prices this year have been more mixed, with some reports forecasting increases, some decreases and others saying prices will remain broadly flat across the country.

Property search website Zoopla recently reported evidence that sellers are becoming more confident in taking a firmer approach to their pricing this year.

Last month, Zoopla said 31 per cent of homes on the market have had the asking price cut - the lowest proportion in two and a half years and a sharp drop from 37 per cent a year ago.

A separate survey by Castle Trust among more than 2,000 people found that the most common reason people had for selling their

home at a loss was that they wanted to trade up while house prices were still relatively flat.

Other popular reasons for selling at a loss included divorce, the house being too cramped, the need to relocate for work or no longer being able to afford the mortgage.

Although most homes have been sold for a profit since 2007, researchers said the probability of making a loss has increased significantly compared with long-term averages, with 92 per cent of homes being sold for a profit since 1995.

Fresh perspex-tive The future of ho homeware is bright - an and see-through, say says Katie Law

T

HIS spring we can expect to see an explosion of colourful perspex coming into our homes, as interior designers latch onto its versatile qualities for furniture and lighting, combining brilliant new shades of neontastic with a touch of Sixties nostalgia glam.

Alexandra von Fürstenberg, former daughter-in-law and ex-creative director of DVF, has brought out her own collection of fluoro gems, which she suggests can be used to serve food and cocktails just as easily as for storing pens and pencils. Her original idea was to design a few pieces for her own home but we’re delighted she has chosen to share.

The designers at the forwardthinking, no middle-man company made.com recently launched its Jelly chair in brilliant baby pink with a choice of other colours available.

“Being transparent means they can work across many styles,” says co-founder Chloe Macintosh.

And over at Habitat, the original swinging Sixties store making its comeback under new creative director Polly Dickens, the new Palaset acrylic home office storage in vibrant jewel red is bang on trend.

Given its translucent qualities, perspex also lends itself to lighting. Kartell’s FL/Y pendant, designed by Ferruccio Laviani in 2002, became an instant hit but is currently enjoying a renaissance in popularity. According to John Lewis’ design manager Theo Williams: “Acrylic furniture and accessories give your interior an injection of colour without creating a barrier. Its transparent nature lends itself to smaller rooms and pieces often have a modernist feel reminiscent of the groundbreaking design of the 1960s.”

Let there be light (clockwise from main picture): Pink Jelly chair (made. com), AVF Chiclet (conranshop. co.uk), AVF cocktail and soirée trays (conranshop.co.uk), Kartell FL/Y pendant lights(johnlewis. com), AVF On the Rocks side table in yellow (conranshop. co.uk) and Romeo green pendant light (selfridges.com)

25 SUNDAY MAIL • March 10, 2013

ADVERTISER helps you find what you’re looking for

Advertiser Only

€14 (plus VAT)

a week for classifieds (up to 40 words)

Send your classified by fax or email and pay by credit card, cheque or cash. It couldn’t be simpler!

Nicosia - email: classified@cyprus-mail.com Limassol - email: limassol@cyprus-mail.com Paphos - email: paphos@cyprus-mail.com Seasons Hotel, Amathus Ave, Limassol on Sunday 10th March f1rom 10.30 am onwards. Raising funds for the home as it has to be re-housed or all 170 dogs will be destroyed. Raffle and prizes,Karaoke,Bingo,Live Elvis show,Auction,Bake sale,D.J. Music and more,Souvla dish for 4 euro,Games for children,Be there or be square!

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES WANTED: Experienced Dog Groomer - Full/Part time hours For well-established business in Limassol. For more info please contact: 96578094 *****************************

JOB WANTED COUPLE FROM SRI LANKA are looking for a job living in or out.

Any job,specially Nicosia area.

Call 99953012 or 99485358 ***************************** BOY from Bangladesh looking for job. Any job, has visa. Call 96482658

****************************

LESSONS **************************** PRIVATE TUITION experienced, UK-qualified teacher offers fulltime or part-time private home tuition in Maths, English, the Sciences, I.C.T., Geography, History, Business Studies and Economics, from KS3 to iGCSE, AS and A2 levels. 9 years experience in Cyprus; references available. Telephone 99318796 – Paphos

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY!! - invest in an existing farming enterprise for a minimum investment of €30 000. We guarantee a return of 6-8% p.a contact: Charlie 99644021 email: parrotcafe@gmail.com *****************************

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS - CYPRUS Is drink costing you more than just money? AA could be the answer.

Meeting at the following locations/days. Call to speak to an AA member.

Ayia Napa Monday 97798043 Larnaca Tuesday (Polish spk) 96616589 Thursday 24645523 / 99259264 Limassol Tuesday / Wednesday / Friday / Saturday 25368265 / 99559322 Nicosia Wednesday/Sunday 99013596 Paphos Tuesday / Thursday / Saturday 99916331 / 99399240 Details of meetings are available on www.aa-europe. net ***************************

*************************** ART AFTERNOONS Drawing Thursdays Painting Fridays Sketching Saturdays 14.30 – 17.30 IDC at Art Studio 55, Heroes Square, Limassol. Tel 99 409 829 info@idclimassol.org ART ARCHITECTURE DESIGN CONSTRUCTION

PERSONAL

FOR SALE MISCELLANEOUS HIS & HERS 6 speed bikes for sale Rarely used Almost new and in excellent condition Bargain at €300 Tel: 99129750 ***************************** FOR SALE – PAPHOS CATERING EQUIPMENT 1. Industrial freezer – CORECO Height 200cm, width 68cm, depth 58cm

GERMAN MAN, 50 years, searching a nice women.

Mobil:00491736590562 *****************************

MISCELLANEOUS MURDER MYSTERY NIGHT at Alfie T’s, 29 Tomb of the Kings Road, Paphos 7pm, 23rd March €25 per person includes 3 course meal telephone 99099254.

2.

Electrolux Freezer, model EUC3109X, width-595mm, height-1800mm, depth- 623mm, freezing capacity-24kg/24hours, energy class A

3. CONVOTHERM OVEN modelOBG 6.10Combi Oven-Steamer with Gas Steam Generator Extra: Stand with stainless steel shelving, extractor fan, water supply system and gas installation connections, PLUS CHAFING TRAYS & THERMO BOXES, ALL IN EXCELLENT CONDITION AT REDUCED PRICES. PLEASE CALL : 99622678

MR NICOS ZIVANAS from Nicosia and MRS ANA-IONELA NEGRUTIU from Romania are pleased to announce their engagement.

SERVICES

CHARITY AVENT at Lucky Island Bar, Zaphos Court opposite Four

***************************** PROFESSIONAL UPHOL-

Nicosia - tel: 22 818583 fax: 22 676385 STERY CLEANING, also carpets, rugs and mattresses.

Special offers now available.

FREE STAIN GUARD FOR LIMITED TIME For a quote call Rickys Cleaning Services on 99131044 (all areas) info@rcscyprus.net / www.rcs-cyprus. net

************************** PROFESSIONAL ENGLISH PAINTER AND DECORATOR City and Guilds Advanced 46 years experience of interior and external finishes. Quality work, reliable, estimates and advice freely given. Tala based Phone Terry 96407703 K.D.FLYSCREENS LTD. We manufacture top quality sliding screens, opening doors and roller systems.

We also do repairs. For a FREE QUOTE please contact Phone: 99119582 Website: www.kdfl yscreens.com ***************************** SWIFT SERVICE AND REPAIRS air-cons, commercial and domestic fridges and freezers, ice machines, cool rooms, supply and fi t air-cons VRV S. Call Nik on 99579602 Limassol

************************** DO YOU WANT A SHINY LOOKING FLOOR? Full repair & restoration of chipped, scratched, dull and stained, Marble, Terrazzo, Stone & Ceramic tiled fl oors and surfaces.

Professional cleaning, repair & sealing of internal/external ceramic tiles & grout lines. For a free professional consultation & demonstration contact Mark at Premier on 70006766 All areas *****************************

FOR SALE BUSINESS/ PROPERTY/LAND ***************************** LIMASSOL 1) GREAT INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY PLOT OF LAND FOR SALE 1,789 sq.m, IN THE AREA OF AGIA ZONI BUILDING FACTOR 140% WITH TITLE DEED. The land is located at a central point in the city, very close to various amenities and has excellent accessibility. Tel: 96885030 owner 2) RESIDENTIAL LAND FOR SALE GREAT INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY The plot of land is located in the area of Foinikaria Total area 5,686 with a 20% Building Factor Tel: 96885030 owner ***************************** PAFOS 1) PLOTS OF LAND FOR SALE ANAVARGOS AREA GREAT INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY The plots can be sold as a single unit or individually. From 626 sq.m up to 776 sq.m with building factor 60% and title deeds.

Mountain and sea view with nice villas developing around the area. Tel: 96885030 owner

Limassol - tel: 25 761117 fax: 25 761141

2) COMMERCIAL PROPERTY FOR SALE IN KATO PAFOS 96sq.m The shop is within the ‘’Limnaria Complex’’ and faces the main road Melina Mercouri Avenue It’s in good condition with suspended ceiling, recessed lighting, VRV AC, fitted carpet, motorised shutters, CCTV and more. Tel: 96885030 owner ***************************** LAND FOR SALE MITSERO. 7 skalas. 10% build. South facing, unobstructed views. Access road, water, electricity. Fenced compound with 48sq.meter timber framed 2 bedroom unit, septic tank, grey water system, storage, workshop. €135,000 mobile 99594205 pumpitch@ hotmail.com PLOT FOR SALE IN KATO PLATRES in a pine tree area. It comes with title deeds, 1095 square feet. Tel. 99881051.

DOG GROOMING BUSINESS FOR SALE Do you like animals?

If you do you would love doing this. Well established client base for 7 years. Willing to train if needs require. Open to offers for a quick sale this includes training, equipment and transport.

For more information please call: 96301768

**************************** FOR SALE LAND in Anthoupoli (half plot) 288 sq.metres. for information 99621554.

****************************

PETS **************************** HONEY is a 3 month old pincher/ terrier mix. She is very small sized and very sweet and playful. Honey is looking for a loving family to be hers forever! She will remain small sized so she is ideal for a family with an apartment! For adoptions call 99 520 511 Monday-Friday between hours 10-2 or email ndsadoptions@gmail.com

*****************************

Paphos - tel: 26 911383 fax: 26221049

call 99 520 511 Monday-Friday between hours 10-2 or email ndsadoptions@gmail.com. Visit by appointments only ***************************** AGAPI is now in a foster home!

She is very sweet and playful!

Agapi is looking for a permanent home! For adoptions call 99 520 511 Monday-Friday or email ndsadoptions@gmail.com ***************************** VICO KENNEL: Dog Training Centre and Boarding Kennel.

Facebook VICO KENNEL. Tel. 97774377, Larnaca.

***************************

FOR SALE MOTOR VEHICLES FOR SALE: MERCEDES E 200 KOPRESOR, fully automatic 17.9hp, Cyprus imported 2004.

In an excellent condition. One driver only. Parking sensors (front-behind).

Information 99423663 FORD TRANSIT van very good condition (2005) many extras.

Also high reach window cleaning poles (no Ladders Needed!) with 2 water trollies fitted with pumps. Ideal for cleaning high advertising signs.

Both for €7,750.00 please call 99214848.

TOYOTA IQ 2009. Automatic 1ltre. White pearl, 33.000km.

Medium tinted windows, Zenon lights. Perfect condition only €8500.00. Call 99511737 ***************************** FOR SALE TOYOTA LAND CRUISER/PRADO white 1998, exceptional condition inside and out. Many extras. Any inspection welcome. €7950 ono.

Tel: 99680747 ***************************** BLACK HONDA CBR1100XX SUPERBLACKBIRD registered new in June 2011 as new condition with 12000 km. Any inspection welcome. €6950.

Call Philip 99680747 *****************************

PROPERTY TO LET NICOSIA LOST HUSKY – PAPHOS Answers to the name of Chico went missing on Monday the 4th of February around the International School area chipped Paphiakos Animal Welfare have advised that many large dogs have been taken from the Mesogi/Anarvagos/Ttremithousa areas. Please call 99622678 if you have seen him

***************************** DILAN is a male dog approximately 2 years old. He is nice with kids and people. He is looking for a forever home. For adoptions

***************************** LUXURY FULLY - FURNISHED apartment for rent - Esperides Nicosia, 2-bedroom, all-appliances, airconditioned, parking. €850pcm. Contact 22-316275 or 99436275. ***************************** HOUSES/FLATS Mak/ssa lux., pool, 4 bedr., attic, offi ce, maid’s room, modern style, c/h a/c €2000 Engomi 4 bedr., house ff €1200 without €1000 Acropolis 4 bedr.,house, c/h a/c only €850

Larnaca - tel: 24 652243 fax: 24 659982

classified contents Employment Opportunities pg 45 Employment Miscellaneous 45 Pets 45 Lessons 45 Health & Fitness 45 Personal 45 Services 45 For Sale Miscellaneous 45 For Sale Land/ Property Business 45 For Sale Motor vehicles 45 Properties Wanted -To Let Nicosia 45 To Let Limassol 48 To Let Larnaca 45 To Let Paphos 49 To Let Protaras, Ayia Napa, Paralimni -For Sale Nicosia 50 For Sale Limassol 50 For Sale Larnaca -For Sale Paphos 30 For Sale Ayia Napa -For Sale Famagusta Protaras 50 For Sale Athens -Property& Home Services display ads --

abbreviations bdrm c/h a/c s/pool f/f apt pm pw sw nw st rd p/s c/l swb r/cass e/w

bedroom central heating air conditioning swimming pool fully furnished apartment per month per week south west north west street road power steering central locking short wheel base radio cassette electric windows

Please note tel nos. that begin with: 22 = Nicosia 23 = Paralimni/Protaras 24 = Larnaca 25 = Limassol 26 = Paphos

26 March 10, 2013 • SUNDAY MAIL

Advertiser TO LET NICOSIA

TO LET NICOSIA

Whole floor apart., Agios Andreas, Acropolis, Engomi from €1000

dreas g/f €900, Ag. Omologites colonial traditional house pool €2,500. 21 property Finder Ltd. 99474839, 99646822, A.M.627 A.A.108/E ***************************** LUXURY HOUSES:

Photos www.markidesestates. com Markides 22- 378898 / 99464764 Reg.No. 487 E 16 ***************************** LUXURIOUS APARTMENT FOR RENT - A luxurious one floor apartment situated in central Nicosia in an area of exceptional Beauty at 3 Museum Street, is available to let. It has been recently renovated and consists of four bedrooms, two bathrooms, big dining and sitting rooms, kitchen and a huge veranda.

Approximate covered area 250 sqm. Tel: 99622370.

TO LET 1 bedroom upper floor house, large veranda near restaurant Periyiali in Acropolis 5 Aeantos Street €370 call 99680208 NEW LUXURIOUS spacious (130m²), 2 bedrs flat, 2 balconies, 2 WC, indep. CH, solar system, A/C, granite floors, shutters, Italian kitchen and appliances, storeroom, covered parking in small quiet building (4 flats) in Ay. Dhometios 1.5km form AlfaMega Engomi. €590 p.m. Same building very large ONE bedr flat (75m²) with similar amenities €480 p.m. TEL:99 544141 FLATS/HOUSES FOR RENT Ag. Andreas studio €290, Kennedy €300, 1bdrm Str/los €400, Makarios av. €500, 2 bdrm European University furnished top floor €600 Ag. Dometios ground floor + garden €450, Lycavitos furnished €530, Ag. Paylos rear house newly built €450, 3bdrm M/ssa ground floor €700, Archangelos detached with pool €1,200, 4bdrm Kosta Theodorou new house €1,100, Ag. An-

1. 4 bedr luxury detached house built in 3/4 of a plot, office space, central heating, full a/c, big sitting and dining area, separate big kitchen with family room and all the electrical appliances, blinds and curtains on all windows, aluminium shutters, big garden with grass, 3 wc, covered parking, in a quiet area – Strovolos €1000 (H4ST10051-R), (photos in the website) 2. 3 bedr luxury terraced house, 210sq.m,central heating, full a/c, marble floor in the sitting areas and solid parquet floor on stairs and bedrooms,4 wc,3 bathrooms, 2 en suite, big verandas, electrical appliances in the kitchen, 3 covered parking spaces, roof garden access, in a quiet neighbourhood on Mon Parnas hill – Engomi €800 (photos in the website).

3. 3 bedr detached house with extra room for office, 250sq.m, central heating independent, 4 a/c, big renovated kitchen with cooker and oven, big sitting and dining room with parquet floor and fireplace, 1 bathroom, 2 shower, 3 wc, 2 covered parking, double glazed windows and shutters in bedrooms, big verandas surrounded by trees and bushes off 28th October street IN the central part of Makedonitissa – €1100 (H3MAK0004-R) (photos on the website) 4. 3 bedr luxury semi-detached

TO LET NICOSIA house with character, 200sq.m, central heating, full ac, sitting and dining room with fireplace, big kitchen with cooker and oven, dishwasher and refrigerator, nice mature garden with flowers, trees and small garden with grass, covered parking, 3wc, 2 bathrooms in a quiet neighbourhood. Available middle of January. Agios Andreas €1200 - H3AAD0001-R (photos on website).

5. 3 bedr luxury detached house, 200sq.m, central heating, full a/c, 3wc, blinds and curtains, open plan kitchen with cooker, oven and dishwasher, veranda with bbq, good size garden, covered parking, storage room, alarm system, in a quiet area – Archangellos €1100 (photos in the website).

6. 3 bedr + attic room with shower and wc luxury detached house with central heating, a/c, fireplace, modern kitchen open plan with expensive electrical appliances, blinds, garden with grass, over flow swimming pool, covered parking in a quiet area. Available end of February – Makedonitissa €1600 (H4MAK0023-R), (photos on the website).

7. 3 bedr detached ground floor house with separate maid’s room, with very big garden with grass (200sq.m) and covered patio with bbq and bar, central heating, full a/c, 180sq.m, FULLY FURNISHED or NOT, 2 covered parking, storage room, in a very quiet neighbourhood opposite Acropolis park - Acropolis - €1500 - H3ACS0004-R (photos on website).

8. 4 bedr very big luxury semi detached house 350sq.m, with big separate basement 80sq.m

TO LET NICOSIA with 2 rooms, sitting room, kitchen and bathroom. Consists of big sitting and dining areas upstairs, big kitchen with big family room and breakfast area, big bedrooms, 3 showers, 1 bathroom, central heating, full a/c, black out blinds on all windows, cooker and oven in the kitchen, covered parking and patio with bbq in a very quiet neighbourhood close to Makarios football stadium. Available END of February - Makedonitissa €1500.

9. New modern luxury very good quality finished semi detached house built in 3 levels. Upstairs 1st level 3 bedrs all en suite+ laundry room, 2nd level big attic room which can be used for office space or bedroom. Ground floor with 2 sitting areas ,dining area and breakfast area, kitchen with all the electrical appliances, central heating, full a/c units.

Basement with kitchen with cooker and oven, dishwasher, microwave and 2 refrigerators, sitting room with fireplace, and 2 bedrooms with one bathroom. Outside private fenced garden with artificial grass, bbq area and covered veranda. The house has blinds and shutters on all windows, false ceiling with spot lights throughout house, pressure system, covered parking, satellite dish, central music and network system, storage room, very good double glazed windows. Behind General flooring in the centre of Makedonitissa - €2000 (H4MAK0001-R), (photos on the website).

10. 4 bedr semi detached house with central heating, 4 a/c, 3 wc, 2 bathrooms, 180sq.m, electrical appliances, small yard, bbq area, off Kostantinoupoleos street near French ambassador

TO LET NICOSIA residence.- STROVOLOS €700 (H4ST10043-R), (photos in the website).

11. 4 bedr new luxury finished detached house with central heating independent, full a/c, 3wc, 2 bathrooms, big kitchen with cooker oven, dishwasher and big family room, aluminium shutters in all the house, separate big sitting and dining room with parquet floor, 2 covered parking, alarm system, big covered patio, SWIMMING POOL, in a newly built area near Falcon school – Strovolos €2000 (photos in the website).

12. 4 bedrs new luxury detached house, 450sq.m, central heating, full a/c, office space, separate maid’s room, big kitchen with sitting room and fireplace and all the electrical appliances, all the sitting areas viewing the garden with grass, blinds on all windows downstairs, very big bedrooms with parquet floor, main bedroom with jacuzzi, 2 covered parking spaces near Alpha Mega supermarket and English School. AVAILABLE END OF JUNE 2013 – Strovolos €2700 (H4ST1003-R), (photos on the website).

13. 3 bedr upstairs and 2 separate bedrooms in the basement luxury detached house (all the bedrooms with en suite bathrooms/shower), also separate kitchen and sitting room in the basement which also has separate entrance from the house, central heating, full a/c, solid parquet floor throughout house, big sitting and dining room with fireplace, big fully equipped kitchen with breakfast area and family room, big over flow, swimming pool with covered patio area with fully equipped

TO LET NICOSIA bar (bbq, fridge, freezer, cooker), mature garden around the house,2 parking places, alarm system near the Cyprus Conference Centre – Platy Aglantzias €3500 (H5PAG0002-R).

14. 3 bedr +office space +attic room +separate big maid’s/ playroom in the basement semi detached house, recently renovated with big sitting and dining areas with marble floor, big kitchen with cooker and oven and family room, central heating, 3 bathrooms, 4 wc, 6 a/c units, covered parking, behind Hilton Park near the park – Engomi €1700 (H4ENG0003-R), (photos in the website) 15. 4 bedrs new luxury detached house, all the bedrooms very big and all with big bathroom/ shower, sitting room upstairs, attic room with shower and wc, office space/maid’s room with shower and wc, central heating, full AC,450sq.m, big sitting and dining areas, big kitchen with sitting area and fitted cooker and oven, 6wc, 2 covered parking, yard with tiles and SWIMMING POOL, bbq area in a very quiet neighbourhood near CYBC ( RIK) station and near a neighbourhood park – Platy Aglantzias €2500 (H4AGZ0005-R), (photos in the website) For many more properties with photos visit our website at www.landtouristestates.com which is updated daily. LANDTOURIST ESTATES LTD 22422225/96-422225/96422226, www.landtouristestates.com

***************************** LUXURY FLATS: 1. 3 bedr luxury finished spacious floor apartment with very big sitting and dining areas with

27 SUNDAY MAIL • March 10, 2013

TO LET NICOSIA family room with fire place, solid parquet floor all through, central heating independent, full a/c, all the bedrooms with en suite shower/bathroom, 4wc, big kitchen with all the electrical appliances, blinds on all windows, big covered veranda, covered parking, big storage room, on a small 3 storey building in a quiet neighbourhood – Agios Andreas- €1300 – A3AAD0005-R (photos on website).

2. 1 bedr spacious fully luxury renovated apartment,60sq.m, big sitting and dining room, big bedroom, fully newly modern furnished with LCD TV 32’, covered veranda, covered parking, storage heaters, full a/c, near Cyta, Laiki and Hellenic Bank headquarters – Dasoupolis €550 (photos in the website).

Advertiser

microwave, washing machine and refrigerator in the kitchen, covered parking, near Metro supermarket – Aglantzia €600 (photos in the website).

4. 2 bedr luxury ground floor apartment with central heatingindependent, full a/c, structure cabling internet and satellite network, FULLY MODERN EXPENSIVE FURNISHED, with 46”LCD TV, covered parking, double glazed windows, aluminium shutters, on Pericleous street near Klimataria traffic lights – Strovolos €650 (A2ST10054-R) (photos in the website)

3. 2 bedr penthouse apartment, 100sq.m + 80sq.m veranda with flowers and bbq, big sitting and dining room with big 60” TV, storage heaters, full a/v, 2 wc, en suite bathroom/jacuzzi, roman blinds, cooker, oven,

5. 4 bedr new spacious luxury finished floor apartment with floor heating independent, full a/c, 3wc, electrical appliances in the kitchen, blinds on all windows, very big 50sq.m covered veranda, fireplace, covered parking and big over floor heated covered swimming pool on the ground floor, on a small 3 storey building in a quiet neighbourhood near a playground and near Ippokra-

FOR RENT

English-Painter & Decorator

2 bedroom, 2 bath apartment in Larnaca near new hospital. €400 per month including service charge and refuse collection Call 99358916

TO LET NICOSIA

TO LET NICOSIA

Fully Qualified 30 years’ Experience SUMMER OFFER 30% OFF ALL AREAS • External & Internal painting • Damp Damage Repairs • Spritez Repairs • Free Estimates + very clean work • All areas. All types of woodwork stained and preserved • All work guaranteed

Tel. Tony on 99176557

tion private hospital – Engomi €1500 (A4ENG0003-R) (photos in the website) 6. 2 bedr new luxury apartment, modern nicely furnished, storage heaters, 2 a/c, 100sq.m, big covered verandah with nice view, covered parking off Digenis Akritas street near Debenhams shop, walking distance to the centre.

PRICE INCLUDES COMMON EXPENSES. – Lykavitos €450 (A1LYK0020-R) (photos in the website) 7.

1 bedr cozy luxury a p a r t m e n t ,6 0 s q.m,p a r q u e t floor, nicely furnished ,all fitted electrical appliances (cooker, oven, microwave, washing machine, dishwasher, fridge), roman blinds, provisions for home cinema, big covered verandah, storage heaters, 2 a/c ,covered parking in Dasoupolis near Alpha Mega supermarket and Areteion hospital. – Dasoupoli €500 (A1DAS0009-R) (photos in the website)

8. 2 bedr spacious renovated apartment 100sq.m with separate big kitchen, air condition

TO LET NICOSIA for hot and cold in all the rooms, covered veranda, nicely newly fully furnished , off Kyriakou Matsi street very close to the centre on foot– Agioi Omologites €550 (A2AOM0003-R) (photos in the website) 9. New top quality 2 bedr apartment, 93sq.m+20sq.m veranda, on a small modern building with 6 flats only. Central heating independent, full a/c, 2 bathrooms, 2wc, fully fitted kitchen with all the electrical appliances, water pressure system roller blinds and shutters on windows, big sitting and dining room, big bedrooms, covered parking and storage room, in a quiet neighbourhood near Akropolis park. AVAILABLE middle of February – Acropolis €800 A2ACS0002-R (photos in the website) .

10. 2 bedr luxury spacious apartment, 85sq.m, big sitting room, big fully equipped kitchen, nicely modern furnished, storage heaters, full a/c, big bedrooms, covered veranda with nice view, covered parking, off

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TO LET NICOSIA Prodromou street. – Engomi €600 (A2ENG0017-R)(photos in the website) 11. 2 bedr luxury spacious apartment on a small modern building with central heating independent (with petrol), full a/c, solid parquet floor, big bedrooms, big sitting room with open plan kitchen, big covered veranda, FULLY MODERN FURNISHED, covered parking off Makarios Avenue in a quiet area near the centre - Nicosia €800 (A2NIC0030-R) (photos in the website) 12. 2 bedr new modern luxury finished apartment with parquet floor, central heating independent, 2 a/c, modern kitchen with all fitted expensive electrical appliances, blinds on the windows, big covered

TO LET NICOSIA veranda, FULLY NICELY FURNISHED, covered parking in a quiet neighbourhood off Kallipoleos Street - Lykavitos €650 (A2LYK0024-R) (photos on the website) 13. 3 bedr luxury penthouse apartment with central heating independent, full a/c, 2wc, big sitting and dining room with fireplace, separate kitchen, NICELY MODERN FURNISHED, big covered and uncovered veranda, covered parking, in Strovolos near the Municipal building - €650 (A4ENG0003-R) (photos on the website) 14. 3 bedr spacious luxury finished apartment 150sq.m+30sq.m covered veranda, central heating independent with petrol, full wall a/c units, solid parquet floor, expensive electrical ap-

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28 March 10, 2013 • SUNDAY MAIL

Advertiser TO LET NICOSIA pliances in the kitchen, 3wc, curtains and blinds on windows, 3 COVERED PARKING, storage room, near Pizza Hut in Strovolos â‚Ź1100 (photos in the website).

15.

3 bedrs luxury penthouse,165sq.m+80sq.m verandah with bbq, central heating ind, full AC, 3 wc, 2 bathrooms, solid parquet oor all the at, big kitchen with dining area, fully MODERN FURNISHED, covered parking off Athalassa Avenue near Stephanis Electrinics and English school – Strovolos â‚Ź800 (A3ST10013-R) (photos in the website) 16. New luxury ďŹ nished 4 bed PENTHOUSE apartment in a small modern building, 186sq. m+90sq.m big veranda with nice view, separate oor heating, fully air conditioned, 4wc, 2 en suite bedrooms with shower,1 bathroom, solid parquet oor all through, big sitting and dining areas with electric modern shutters opening to the veranda, fully equipped kitchen with expensive electrical appliances, 2 parking places (1 covered), in a very quiet neighbourhood ,near the Russian Embassy. AVAILABLE END OF MARCH –Engomi â‚Ź1900 (A4ENG0005-R) (photos in the website)

TO LET NICOSIA

TO LET LIMASSOL

For many more properties with photos visit our website at www.landtouristestates.com which is updated daily. LANDTOURIST ESTATES LTD 22422225 / 96-422225 / 96422226 www.landtouristestates.com

STUDIOS FOR RENT - Fully furnished renovated studios for rent at Dassoudi beach Limassol. They have air-condition, balcony and private parking area. Tel: 25-324800 ( ofďŹ ce hours )

***************************** 2 BDRM at in the centre of Nicosia. Rent ₏450. For information call 99453663, 99663927. *****************************

FOR RENT 1,2,3,4,5 bedroom houses, ats and villas furnished or unfurnished and in some cases with swimming pool in all areas of Limassol town, Erimi, Episkopi, Kolossi, Ypsonas, Souni, Kivides, Agios Tihonas, Pyrkos, Pareklisia, Trahoni, Zakaki and Yermasoyia Tel: 99675752

LIMASSOL ***************************** NEW BIG FURNISHED STUDIO, in Katraki building, 100 metres from the sea and Debenhams Olympia, in Neapoli area. Tel: â‚Ź350,00 (including common expenses), Tel: 99406415 Andreas.

TO LET Large 4 bedroom unfurnished house in the village of Asomatos nr Akrotiri Limassol.

Fully A/C & Heating (storage heaters). 5 wc’s, large kitchen/ diner, lounge and sitting room.

Large loft with own shower/wc (suitable for ofďŹ ce/playroom/ gym). Carport - prominent position in cul-de-sac - lots of parking. â‚Ź850 pcm (negotiable).

Available from April 2013. Tel. 99831431

POLICE DIVISION HQ

HOSPITALS ........ 1400

Nicosia ........................22 802 020 Limassol ......................25 805 050 Larnaca .......................24 804 040 Paphos ........................26 806 060 Famagusta ..................23 803 030

Nicosia General .............22-801400 Nicosia Makarios ...........22-405000 Limassol Old ................25-305333 Limassol New ................25-801100 Larnaca Old...................24-630312 Larnaca New .................24-630300 Paphos ..........................26-821800 Famagusta ....................23-821211

Rescue Co-ordination Centre ............................. 1441 (Immediate Response Service for Aeronautical or Maritime Accident & Incidents) Game Fund Service: (Wildlife and hunting) Central offices (Nicosia): 22867786, 22-867897 Nicosia: 22-664606, 99-445697 Limassol: 25-343800, 99-445728, Larnaca/Famagusta: 24-805128, 99-634325 Paphos: 26-306211, 99-445679

FOR RENT 4 bedroom detached house situated in a quiet area of Erimi, with spacious, living area, kitchen, guest WC downstairs, and four bedrooms upstairs with en-suite master bedroom, and bathroom. It has central heating, and air-condition. beautiful garden and parking. â‚Ź800. 99675752 FOR RENT 4 bedroom detached house in Episkopi, on top of a hill with panoramic views of Curium Beach and garden all around (very private). It has a spacious living area, separate kitchen, utility room, guest WC downstairs and four bedrooms with bathroom upstairs. Central heating, air-conditioning, parking. â‚Ź750. (negotiable) Tel: 99 675752 FOR RENT ďŹ ve bedroom villa for rent in Agios Sylas (7 minutes from town of Limassol) detached with beautiful panoramic mountain and sea views. It has large sitting dining area, sepa-

U SEFUL PHONE NUMBERS

Drug Law Enforcement Unit ......................................... 1498 (Confidential Information)

TO LET LIMASSOL rate kitchen, utility room, ofďŹ ce, laundry shoot, four w/c, en-suite master bedroom with walk-inwardrobe. Small kitchen area upstairs between bedrooms, large bedroom balconies. Central heating, air-conditioning, barbaque area. Also has a separate apartment below the house with small kitchen and shower with WC. A nice large gargen and covered parking. â‚Ź1300. 99675752 TRADITIONAL VILLAGE STONE HOUSE IN APESHIA. Very quiet village, 20mins from Limassol. Road to heritage school/Troodos. 2 bedrooms, ofďŹ ce available top oor with veranda great view of mountains. Small courtyard with trees. Electric solar water. A/Ctoilet in main bedroom. Semi/ full furnished. Fitted kitchen with electrical appliances, ďŹ replace. Toilet/shower. â‚Ź550pm negotiable. Tel 96891800.

GROUND FLOOR HOUSE, furnished renovated this year.

Laminated parke oor, and big wardrobes in the 3 bedrooms.

Rent â‚Ź590.00 Tel 99497576 99886775

LARNACA FOR RENT fully furnished 1 bedroom at near Larco hotel Larnaca. Price ₏370. Tel 99202543 1 BEDROOM at in Ermou Square area Larnaca - 2 bedroom at in Phaneromenis area Larnaca. Call 96693375

7JTJUJOH "UIFOT

Narcotics Helpline ......... 1410 (Outside hours.............. 22304160) AIDS Advisory Bureau ................................ 22-302826 Domestic Violence Centre .......................................... 1440 (Emergency Centre for Victims) Drug Info & Poison Control ............... 1401 Cyprus Samaritans ... 77777267 Police Duty Officer ......... 1499 (Confidential Information)

Forest Fires ..................... 1407 Airports Larnaca ..........................77778833 Paphos ...........................77778833

Family, friends? Why stay in a hotel? A new, comfortable, modern and fully-furnished apartment, giving you greater leisure and at a lower price, sounds much better. And with the added bonus of being located in one of the most vibrant areas in Athens.

t (B[J "SFB OFYU UP UIF .FUSP 4UBUJPO XJUI GSFF 8J 'J t 'SPN FVSPT QFS QFSTPO Tel 22819742 - www.menogazi.com

Krakow, Poland 4 nights including return flights, private transfers, 3* hotel B&B and FREE day excursion to Auschwitz

Departure dates 13 May - ¤399 per person 27 May - ¤369 per person 10 June - ¤439 per person

www.centurycyprus.com

info@centurycyprus.com

70 000 970

TO LET LARNACA ***************************** 1. Superior Real Estate Larnaca. 3 bedroom detached unfurnished property set on a fantastic development in the village of Tersefanou. Available for immediate occupation. Ref. TLL973. Tel 24815926 2. Superior Real Estate Larnaca. 2 bedroom fully furnished apartment, nr the Metro/ American Academy Larnaca.

Ref. TLL1654 Please call to arrange a viewing Tel. 24815926 3. www.superiorrealestatelarnaca.com – LARGE RANGE OF RENTAL PROPERTIES. From studio apartments to 5 bedroom villa’s for rent, all properties have detailed descriptions, professional photographs. Interactive Virtual/ Video Tours. Please visit our website. www.superiorrealestatelarnaca.com 4. www.superiorrealestatelarnaca.com - License No. 419.

LANDLORDS AVERTISE YOUR PROPERTY WITH US FOR FREE. Tel. 24815926 Email. info@superiorrealestatelarnaca.com *****************************

PAPHOS ***************************** Tomb of the Kings – 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, Immaculate, very high spec top oor apartment, Luxury furnished with Flatscreen TV’s in living room and bedrooms, lift, pool, beautiful development, fantastic location â‚Ź425 pm Potima Bay – 4 bedroom, 4 bathroom Absolutely Stunning modern Villa with ďŹ replace, utility room, salt water overow pool, large undercover storage area, Outstanding sea and mountain views, large private low maintenance plot â‚Ź1600 pm Lower Peyia – Good size detached 3 bedroom Villa in lovely residential no through road, separate kitchen, well maintained,

TO LET PAPHOS large balcony, private pool and garden with sea views ₏750 pm Universal - 2 bedroom fully furnished ground oor apartment, a/c, large bedrooms, communal pool, o/s parking ₏370 ono.

Please contact us whatever your rental requirements as we have many other properties available.

LANDLORDS/OWNERS – We always require more properties to list for waiting clients.Please call NOW: 96241965 ***************************** UNIVERSAL – very nice f/f 1 bed apt + ofďŹ ce - large private roof garden with pergola, full air con, communal pool, close to shops and all amenities, situated on small complex in quiet location – â‚Ź300. For more information call - 9977 4314 TALA: 3 bedroom villa, swimming pool, unfurnished, white goods a/c. Please call. Asking price â‚Ź550 per month. Call 99 400697. ***************************** KISSONERGA, 3 bedroom villa, unfurnished, 2 bedroom upstairs one with en-suite+ extra w/c, 1 bedroom downstairs with en-suite, airconditoned throughout, garage for 2 cars, storage room, swimming pool, with established garden, quiet area, beautiful mountain and sea views, â‚Ź600 p/m – o.n.o call : 99553741 LUXURY TWO STOREY VILLA IN PEYIA 4 Bedrooms,3 Bathrooms, Large living/ Dinning area, Kitchen, Large Verandas.

Central Heating & A/C, Large beautiful Garden, Panoramic Sea & Mountain views. Suitable for Retired People, Long Lease, Unfurnished, Tel. 99490953, 26815534 PEYIA, luxury villa, 3 double bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, fully or part furnished, private pool, quiet location, paved garden area, sea and mountain views.

Sky satellite, euro 650 ono, please call: 99771532 – no agents KILI – PAPHOS, 3 bedroom villa,

29 SUNDAY MAIL • March 10, 2013

Advertiser

TO LET PAPHOS

TO LET PAPHOS

with swimming pool and garden, unfurnished, gas central heating, large verandas, lovely mountain views, very quiet and tranquil area, €475 per month o.n.o. Call : 99479006 ***************************** LOW COST, long term 3 bedroom bungalow, Polis area, Gialia village, on 3 acres of property, large variety of fruit trees, extremely private with panoramic mountain and sea views, unfurnished, swimming pool, a/c and fireplace, fence around the property €550 per month ono – available from 1st of April For more info call: 99 442485 ***************************** KISSONERGA - Beautiful Detached U/F 3 Bedroomed Villa, Large Pool, 2 Bedrooms Upstairs Master En-suite, Family Bathroom, modern Fitted Kitchen, Downstairs Bedroom with En-suite Shower room, Low maintenance Garden, Large Terraces and Separate Storage Room €600.

MORE PROPERTIES AVAILABLE FOR INFORMATION PLEASE CALL 99862922 ***************************** MR RENT PAPHOS, THE LEADING PROPERTY RENTAL AGENCY IN PAPHOS OFFICE: 26271858 (00357) IF YOU HAVE A PROPERTY TO RENT WE ARE THE RENTAL AGENCY TO CONTACT OFFERING FULL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT & RENT COLLECTION SERVICE

TALA - Modern 2 and 3 bedroom apartments U/F, P/F and F/F, some with communal pool, A/C, Separate Storage and own Parking €325.

TREMITHOUSA - Traditional Spacious 3 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom, and Large Mature enclosed Garden, Open Fireplace, Beautiful Fitted Kitchen, A/C, Wonderful Family Home €400.

EMBA - Spacious 2 Bedroom Corner house ,U/F, Separate Downstairs Cloakroom, Balcony, no garden €300.

EMBA

URGENTLY WANTED – 2/3 Bedroom F/F Properties

1. UNIVERSAL AREA €450 spacious 2 bedroom townhouse situated in a great central location, not on a complex, with enclosed garden offering jacuzzi hot tub.

Fully furnished with good furniture. Private drive for off street parking. website reference number: rtl_664. Also available 1, 2 & 3 bedroom modern apartments, please see our website for further information.

2. PEYIA €550 modern detached 2 bedroom villa, situated on private road. Available unfurnished though includes central heating throughout, pressurised water & security alarm system. Modern fitted kitchen & bathrooms. Roof

TO LET PAPHOS terrace with sea views & private pool. website reference number: rtl_447. Also available modern detached 3 bedroom villa on this private road. Website reference number: rtl_572 3. CORAL BAY €595 detached modern 3 bedroom villa, situated close to the restaurants & beach of Coral Bay. Entry to villa on top floor offering two double bedrooms & bathroom, leading down to an open plan living area & one further bedroom & family bathroom. Enclosed mature garden with private pool. Available furnished with good furniture. Website reference number: rtl_544 4. KISSONERGA €650 stunning detached 3 bedroom villa situated in quiet residential area with sea & rural views. Private drive with car port. Enclosed low maintenance garden with sea water private pool. Modern villa, master with ensuite plus downstairs guest wc. Beautifully furnished with good quality furnishing & fittings, including blackout blinds, nilesat satelitte & pressurised water system. Pets allowed at owners discretion. Website ref-

Cello & piano duet wide repertoire available for bars, cafes, hotels, receptions etc.

99947442 or 99418282

INDOOR MARKET & CAR BOOT SALE FRIDAY – SATURDAY – SUNDAY 8:00AM – 2:00PM ALL YEAR ROUND VISIT US NOW FOR:

ba m ch Le ur Ch

FRESH VILLAGE FRUIT AND VEGETABLES WATCH REPAIRS & JEWELLERY POTTED FLOWERS NEW & USED HANDBAGS & CLOTHES SECOND HAND BOOKS COMPUTERS & TELEPHONE ACCESSORIES SECOND HAND FURNITURE & ANTIQUES INDIAN TAKE AWAY HOME MADE FRESH CAKES & PIES FROZEN FISH CHILDREN’S TOY’S AND MUCH MORE ….

GREAT PRICES FOR ALL !!!

STALLHOLDERS & CAR-BOOTERS WELCOME COFFEE SHOP ALL ENQUIRIES CALL: 96533839/99771532

TO LET PAPHOS erence number: rtl_497 5. LOWER CHLORAKA €750 spacious detached 3 bedroom villa offering stunning views of the sea. Situated in a quiet residential street opposite orange groves. Gated entrance, enclosed good sized low maintenance mature garden with fruit trees & private pool. Spacious living area with real fireplace. downstairs guest wc. Master bedroom with ensuite. Available fully furnished. website reference number: rtl_550 6. KATO PAPHOS €800 large 4 bedroom detached villa situated in the sought-after residential area of Limnaria. Walking distance to the beach and the many amenities of Kato Paphos.

Spacious living accommodation offering an enclosed garden with c/pool. Fully furnished with modern furniture & solar panels. Website reference number: rtl_442 7. KAMARES TALA €850 a stunning detached villa offering 4 bedrooms plus office in a quiet & private residential area with large parking bay for numerous cars and covered off street

TO LET PAPHOS parking. Offering spacious living accomodation and breathtaking views of the sea. This property includes a lift to all 4 floors.

Lovely garden with spacious veranda & private pool. Available unfurnished. Photos on our website soon. Viewings highly recommended.

8. CHLORAKA €2,200 substantial luxury 4 bedroom villa, spacious (350 sq meters), beautifully designed with unique detail.

Conservatory with views of landscaped gardens. Large modern fitted kitchen, living room with working fireplace. Circular dining room with vaulted dome ceiling. Stunning private pool area.

Available unfurnished. Website reference numer: rtl_579 Tel: 97790883 Tel: 99133422 of-

TO LET PAPHOS fice: 26271858 visit our website for many more properties www.mrrent-paphos.net email: info@mrrent-paphos.net ***************************** FOR RENT A SELECTION of 1 to 5 bedroom houses & apartments F/F & U/F Universal, Peyia, Tomb of the Kings, Tsada, Timi, Chlorakas & Kato Paphos Landlord & Owners please call 99329357 Or please view at are website www. cyprussands.com Fully Registered Company in Cyprus

***************************** FLOWRON PROPERTY RENTALS: Offering a full range of property services, the company you can TRUST. ARMOU 2 bed Townhouse on a small complex of Townhouses in a lovely quiet and peaceful

III SUNDAY MAIL • March 10, 2013

PrivateEducation

Success, purpose and a real sense of family Quality Education in a Caring Environment A 7.30am bell disturbs the buzz of anticipation and opens the routine of another day. Primary School pupils assemble in playground lines where they greet their teachers with news and questions about their day ahead. Senior students and their teachers move into the school auditorium to gather for their assembly and already the Pre-School children are beginning to play and learn together. The American Academy Nicosia starts a new day. Success, purpose and a real sense of family care are immediately obvious to those who visit.

This is the framework that both students and teachers appreciate as the key to their fondness of the school and the opportunities for growth and success that it gives to them.

It is clear that the American Academy Nicosia continues to be a well-respected private school whose long

all following the British National Curriculum, blended carefully with lessons in Greek and Cypriot history and geography.

Sixth form students enjoying a break between lessons in their homely common room are very clear about what continues to make this a special place to study.

Anthoulla, the Head Girl, who is intending to go on to study art at university in the United States next year

history of welcoming Cypriot and international students provides confidence that its students will flourish as they learn and grow. Ideally situated on the banks of the Pedieos River just beyond Old City Walls, the Academy lives up to its aim to provide a quality education in a caring environment. Children in Pre-School, Primary and Secondary Departments are

comments, “Learning is so interesting, working with teachers who take time to talk and explain means that I always see where I need to go next.” “Everyone becomes a friend, no matter their age or background,” adds Athos.

The whole group seem confident about their learning and have clear ideas about their university education ahead.

Many continue to consider

UK universities as their next logical step but US, various European nations and those here on the island are all being explored in this changing world of higher education.

In a comfortable library, the Librarian is watching over a break time where some students are using the bank of computers. Others sit at desks or on sofas with novels or text books. Stephanos says, “The teachers here really care about me and my progress. I am in a class that is small enough for each teacher to know how to help me understand what I need to learn.” Cesim added “there is no need for me to have private lessons to boost my learning”.

Throughout its 91-year history the American Academy Nicosia has continued to develop the whole person, so that their intellectual, physical, social, emotional, moral and spiritual characteristics grow together as they learn and mature. Young people are helped to grow in their respect for the diversity of other cultures, religions and individual needs as they interact with classmates from across the island and a large number of other nations. It aims to offer education of the highest standard by challenging students to strive for excellence in academic performance and personal maturity. “We are serious about our commitment to maintain a broad, balanced

THE AMERICAN ACADEMY NICOSIA

3A Michael Parides Street Ayios Andreas 1095 Nicosia Tel 00357 22664266 Fax 00357 22669290

ENTRANCE EXAMINATIONS for the school year 2013 - 14 will take place on

FRIDAY 12th April 2013 at 3.00pm Registration for new students has begun and will continue up until

Thursday 11th April 2013 For further information regarding material to be examined, sample papers and application forms, please contact the school at 22664266 • IGCSE, ALEVEL & APOLYTIRION COURSES

• SUPPORT IN GREEK, ENGLISH & TURKISH

• EXCELLENT TRACK RECORD IN UNIVERSITY ENTRY

• INDIVIDUAL LEARNING SUPPORT & PASTORAL CARE

• EXCITING RANGE OF CLUBS & ACTIVITIES

• COMPETITIVE SCHOOL FEES

EMAIL: info@aacademynicosia.ac.cy

WEBSITE: www.aacademynicosia.ac.cy

and relevant curriculum that is carefully tailored to meet the individual needs of our students. We are promoting high quality teaching and learning where all students are challenged to achieve their full potential,” comments the Director of Studies at the school.

The Head of the Primary Department remarks, “the staff of the Primary Department are competent educators who work together as a supportive team to create an environment in which our pupils are happy and confident.

This is an ideal combination to set the scene for successful learning to take place.”

“It is a joy for our team to watch the pupils coming into school full of enthusiasm and a desire to learn,” observes the Head of the Pre-School Department.

The newly appointed Principal, Richard Wildsmith, joined the school as Vice Principal in April last year.

He joins a roll of past Principals who have committed themselves to developing the Academy into a world class school that remains proud of its history and committed to its distinctive Cypriot identity. He brings his experience of teaching young people and managing learning and educational administration both in the UK and in Kenya.

“I am excited at the potential for learning here,” he said. “Serving families in the education of their children is an important responsibility.

Teaching and learning is key and this means maintaining a commitment in which young people know they are cared for and appreciated, one in which the progress of each and every student is important to their teacher and is supported continuously.”

Students from the Academy continue to graduate with IGCSE and A Level qualifications that earn them excellent marks on the Cypriot Apolytirion Certificate and open doors into university education across the world. The Academy encourages almost all students in exam classes to sit the final examination in order to gain as much as possible from their years of study. Students making successful transition from IGCSE examinations to A Level courses and from A Level to university courses is testament to their growing success. In the past few years students from the Academy have begun to feature among those scoring highest international marks with the examination boards.

An active Alumni Association provides an online network and social events that keep graduates in touch

THE AMERICAN ACADEMY NICOSIA

with one another and with their school, even though, for some it is now over 50 years since they last sat in class.

The Parent Teachers Association plays an integral part in the development of a school that is aware of changing family circumstances as children grow and its committee works hard to find opportunities for fund raising to enhance the learning experience at the Academy.

Families whose children attend the American Academy Nicosia continue to benefit from its non-profit making status. All the fees paid are used directly to support teaching, learning and a rich educational experience for its students. “These are not easy times for parents to ensure that their children grow and learn effectively,” says the school Administration Manager. “We are working hard to ensure that parents have the opportunity to talk through how our flexible terms of payment may assist them.”

With the breadth of choice and opportunity linked with effective care and excellent examination results it is clear that the American Academy Nicosia offers effective partnership and a sound educational investment. www.aacademynicosia.ac.cy

3A Michael Parides Street Ayios Andreas 1095 Nicosia Tel 00357 22664266 Fax 00357 22669290

INTERNATIONAL DAY SATURDAY 20th

April 2013 at 5.00pm

Join the students and staff, graduates, parents and friends of the American Academy Nicosia to celebrate the diversity of our community. This year we present songs, dance and drama in a spectacular evening show of well loved music together with our ever popular food, games and entertainment.

EMAIL: info@aacademynicosia.ac.cy

WEBSITE: www.aacademynicosia.ac.cy

30 March 10, 2013 • SUNDAY MAIL

Advertiser TO LET PAPHOS location, with small back garden, great views, communal pool, 2 bedrooms with en suites + guest WC. Pets welcome.

Offered unfurnished Ref: 1204 €370 AYIA MARINOUDA a 3 bedroom villa with an additional loft room conversion with en suite. Property has a downstairs bedroom, sitting/dining area, separate utility area with granite work tops, 2 bedrooms on the top level master en suite. Central heating, AC, fly screens, private pool, enclosed and fenced garden. Ref: 1199 €900 MESOGI 4 bedroom villa with private pool, nice quality fixtures, granite work tops, separate utility room, downstairs bedroom with en suite, fireplace, ac, 3 upstairs bedroom master en suite, separate bath, nice views, pets welcome, offered unfurnished Ref 783 €700 CHLORAKA 4 bedroom large villa with quality fittings , furnished to a very high standard, downstairs bedroom, 3 upstairs, en suites, bathroom, private pool, decking, fantastic sea views, near Tombs of the Kings Ref: 806 €850 SECRET VALLEY 2 bed villas furnished or unfurnished with private pool, downstairs bedroom, kitchen , sitting/dining area, guest wc, upstairs large master bedroom with en suite bath, large veranda. Nice location with sea views and off street parking: Ref: 1198 €450 PEGEIA 4 bed villa unfurnished, 2 downstairs bedrooms, large sitting/dining area, Italian kitchen with white goods, 2 bedrooms upstairs with outside large veranda. Property is of a high

TO LET PAPHOS standard with central heating, full AC, off street parking, private pool, stunning views, quiet location. Ref: 765 €900 MESOGI Large 3 bedroom apartment with full AC, bathroom, kitchen, separate utility room, clean and tidy building with without communal area, walking distance to all local amenities. Offered unfurnished Ref: 818 €400 SEA CAVES 2 bedroom town house, furnished with central heating, fire place, nice sea views, walking distance to Paphos the sea Ref 819 €300 Please call for a free viewing on Office 26600450 Mobile: 97614070 many more properties on our website at www. flowron.com - Your Vision is our Mission LANDLORDS IF YOU HAVE A PROPERTY FOR RENT, PLEASE CALL US!!!!!! ****************************** PEYIA – 3 bedroom villa with modern quality furniture and finishes. Central heating, sky, alarm, infinity pool and stunnning sea and mountain views €700 per month, call: 99389426 ***************************** BRAND NEW APT, opposite Poseidonio Gym, near Carrefour, F/F, a/c, great quality, 1 bdrm, from €340p.m.Tel 99403261

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TO LET PAPHOS IF YOU HAVE A PROPERTY FOR RENT.!!!

1. MESA CHORIO– 2 bed 2 bath fully furnished ground floor apartment set on an elevated position on this prestigious development. Open plan living area. Good sized kitchen.

2 double , bedrooms, master with en-suite shower room.

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Comm swimming pool. Euros 400.00 per month 2 FYTI 3 bed, 3 bath furnished villa in a very quiet location.

The property offers stylish accommodation and has many luxury features. Open plan living area with feature fireplace.

Dining area. Large fully fitted L shaped kitchen with appliances and breakfast bar Doors out to rear garden and pool. Guest WC. Stairs up to 3 very spacious bedrooms. Master with ensuite. Family bathroom and storage cupboard. Stairs up to roof garden with panoramic views. Outside there is a feature pergola, swimming pool and landscaped gardens. Euros 700.00 a month.

3. OLYMPUS ESTATE, NR TSADA – 3 bed, 2.5 bath furnished bungalow set on this prestigious estate. The house has central heating, A/C, fireplace, shutters & flyscreens. Spacious open plan living area with dining space. Large “L” shaped kitchen. 3 double bedrooms all leading to pool and gardens.

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Breakfast area to the side of the

TO LET PAPHOS property. Easy care gardens.

Pool with Roman steps. Parking for 3 cars. Bargain price!!! Euros 800.00 per month furnished, unfurnished by arrangement at lower cost.

4. TALA - 3 bed 3 bath quality furnished villa. Set in enclosed gardens the villa consists of open plan living area with dining space. Fully fitted kitchen with all appliances, door to rear garden. Storage room. Ground floor bedroom with adjacent shower. Stairs to two double bedrooms both en-suite, one with Jacuzzi tub. Small seating area with adjacent balcony.

Pool and off street parking.

Landscaped gardens Euros 650.00 per month 5. AYIOS DEMITRIANOS (POLEMI) – 3 bed, 2 bath furnished villa (bungalow style) set in a private and quiet location.

Open plan living area with fireplace. Fully fitted kitchen with quality appliances. Utility room and storage. Master bedroom with adjacent shower. Two more double bedrooms with family bathroom with Jacuzzi bath.

Garden areas, large terraces with outstanding views. Private pool 10x5, Covered parking.

Euros 700.00 per month furnished, 650 unfurnished.

6. UNIVERSAL AREA. 2 bed, 2 bath fully furnished penthouse apartment. Living area with dining space. Doors out to massive balcony area overlooking the pool and gardens. Fitted kitchen. 2 double bedrooms, master bedroom has ensuite shower.

Family bathroom. A/C, Comm pool and parking. Euros 450.00 a month or offers.

7. LOWER PEYIA - 3 bed, 2.5 bath

unfurnished villa situated in quiet cul du sac. Open plan living and dining area with doors out the to pool and garden. Very large breakfast fitted kitchen.

Doors out to garden and pool.

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8. CHLORAKAS – 2 bed 1 bath large furnished apartment in quiet area. Spacious open plan living area with doors out to balcony. Good sized modern fitted kitchen and breakfast area.

Small balcony off the kitchen.

Two double bedrooms. Family bathroom. Off-street parking, comm pool. Euros 380.00 per month.

FOR FULL LISTINGS OF APARTMENTS/TOWNHOUSES AND VILLAS, PLEASE SEE www.rentalpointpaphos.com ALL TYPES OF PROPERTY URGENTLY REQUIRED FOR LONG TERM RENTAL LANDLORDS/OWNERS PLEASE CALL WITH DETAILS PLEASE CALL 97648440 or email:- inforentals@aol.com

******************************

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ARIS EMPIRE BINGO Address: Paphos street 207, next to Carrefour Kato Polemidia, Limassol Email: arisempire@yahoo.com

Tel: 99753334

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TO LET PAPHOS

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LIMASSOL 3 BEDROOM APARTMENT for sale with lounge/diner, separate large kitchen, bathroom plus en suite shower in well maintained small block with sea views from all rooms. Two balconies overlooking the lovely gardens, swimming pools and tennis court of the twin towers on the beach road just 80 mtrs from the beach. Title deeds and many extras €240.000-neg phone Christos 25378504 or Mobile 99686661 ***************************** SMART EASILY MAINTAINED BUNGALOW. Pano Kivides.

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PROTARAS ***************************** FOR SALE special offer, €79, 000 first floor apartment in Protaras, fully furnished with 2 bedrooms and a swimming pool. Walking distance to the beach of Ayia Triada and all amenities. Tel: 97 608941. *****************************

A new and very different place has opened its doors today to the bingo world, inviting people to come and try their luck. Aris Empire Bingo is impressively and luxuriously decorated and can host up to 1000 people providing all the comforts for a night of fun or relaxation.

Visitors can have fun, playing bingo, trying to win one of the big money prizes that are handed out each time. People can also choose from the large choice of food on the menu, which is reasonably priced. The meticulous work done by the owner is apparent at every corner, even in the kitchen which is HACCP certified, with everything designed by the CTO. Bingo has now taken-on a different character of being more enjoyable and of more quality for all those who love the game but have kept their distance as they could not find a place that expressed them. The spacious hall has good ventilation and Aris Empire Bingo has a large parking, making it easier for any visitors.

Opening hours is from 8pm till 2am Restaurant hours from 8pm Bingo starts at 9pm

31 March 10, 2013 • SUNDAY MAIL

Compiled by Rosie Ogden

Motoring

And the COTY goes to… the VW Golf VOLKSWAGEN celebrated as the 83rd Geneva Motor Show got under way earlier this week: the Golf VII was voted as ‘Car of the Year 2013’ – and by a sizeable margin over the other contenders: Volvo’s V40, Ford’s B-Max, Mercedes-Benz’s A-class, Renault’s Clio, Peugeot’s 208 and Hyundai’s i30.

It garnered more than twice as many points as the second-placed car, the Toyota GT86/Subaru BRZ. For only the second time, the ceremony for the oldest and most prestigious award in the automotive world took place at the opening event for the Geneva Show. The Golf hasn’t won since the third-generation model picked up the prestigious title

back in 1992 and it’s now, along with the Renault Clio, the only car to have won the award more than once.

Following a series of test drives by the jury, Hakan Matson, president of the panel of international automobile experts, handed over the prestigious award to the Volkswagen AG Head of Development Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg and the Head of Design, Walter de Silva.

Matson said “The Volkswagen Golf VII received amazing results in our intensive test drives. It is a modern car with a high level of quality and safety, a wide range of drive trains as well as an outstanding driving performance. The Car of the Year winner

has to show excellence in a number of categories – with special attention to the needs of consumers. All the members of our jury are experts and put the finalists through a series of exhaustive tests to provide substantial purchasing criteria for consumers.”

The eight finalists for the ‘Car of the Year 2013’ were selected from the 32 most significant new models launched this year by a jury of 58 automobile journalists from 22 European countries. The key criteria for Car of the Year comprise innovation, value for money, safety, quality and design as well as environmental aspects.

The Golf hasn’t won since the third-generation model picked up the prestigious title back in 1992

Radical provo concept is unveiled at Geneva Kia’s new concept resembles street legal racer LOOKING every inch a road-legal racer, Kia’s new provo concept, unveiled at the 83rd Salon International De l’Auto in Geneva, mixes ultra-modern technology with a self-confident and agile look.

The sleek, coupe-style hatchback mixes a petrolfuelled turbo-charged engine with clever regenerative-electric motors to bring a smart-hybrid solution to what the makers describe as a ‘fun-focused’ concept that points to Kia Motors’ future B-segment expansion plans.

Created to deliver a new interpretation of the DNA from sporting coupes of the past with all the advantages of up-to-the-minute technology and materials, provo blends a clean yet muscular exterior while the interior mixes high-tech and luxury materials.

Its steep leading edge features an aero-style splitter, carbon-fibre panels and tiny LED cluster front lights, and there’s a visor-look windscreen and sharply cut-off rear.

Described by Gregory Guillaume, Chief Designer at Kia’s European styling base in Frankfurt, as “an emotional and muscular car aimed at delivering pure fun and performance for today’s citybased enthusiast driver who longs for the curves of the open road,” the Kia provo isn’t just a styling exercise.

It combines a 1.6-litre Turbo GDi engine producing 204 ps with smart-4WD-hybrid technology from an electric motor delivering an additional power surge to the rear wheels when required and also allowing low-speed electric-only driving. A sev-

The sleek, coupe-style hatchback mixes a petrol-fuelled turbo-charged engine with clever regenerative-electric motors to bring a smart-hybrid solution to what the makers describe as a ‘fun-focused’ concept en-speed DCT transmission – Kia’s first – completes the technical package.

A wrap-around front screen hides the A-pillars and frameless doors, giving a visor-style appearance to the cabin glass with the roof floating above. This is divided at the rear by different colour sections rising up from the C-pillars in an almost roll-over bar appearance.

The car uses a Smart 4WD Hybrid power train: the four cylinder turbocharged 1.6litre GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) engine is tuned to deliver is 204 ps “rapidly and progressively allowing provo to deliver an injection of speed and performance often absent from the more functional B-segment mainstream” says Kia. A regenerative-powered

electric motor drives the rear wheels either automatically when required during cornering and in strong acceleration – giving a power boost of as much as 45 ps. The regenerative system captures its power during braking.

DASHBOARD The dashboard is made from a single expanse of carbon fibre, but does not extend down to the floor so as to keep the footwells clear and uncluttered except for polished aluminium footrests and pedals. It has a functional main binnacle containing large analogue dials on a digital display and a smaller central display of other minor gauges, but because the display is digital it can be programmed to offer a selection of functions.

Set on the centre tunnel are two control hubs – the engine stop-start button and drive selector for the seven-speed DCT transmission and a Multi-Media Interface control.

This latter allows the driver to select a variety of screen displays – as well as controlling infotainment functions.

In ‘normal’ mode the driver sees a speedometer, rev counter and sat-nav route instructions. In ‘cruise’ the display is centred on a large scale map, route instructions and a speedometer, while in ‘track’ mode the display features just a large rev counter, a track-map and a lap-timer.

There is also a full ‘entertainment’ mode allowing visuals of music, radio and other information.

The seat backrests are

mounted on a rotating aluminium track so that instead of folding forward, they spin into the centre of the vehicle allowing easy access to the “admittedly occasional-use” rear seats.

Guillaume explains that “by using a DCT gearbox we were able to get rid of the floor-mounted gear-shift and use paddles behind the steering wheel, allowing us to use the floor space for other controls resulting in a much tidier environment.

And because the seats are fixed we have full electric adjustment for the pedal box and steering column – further simplifying the interior and giving a perfect-fit for any driver.”

As yet, there is no production schedule for the provo but if it is well received in Geneva, who knows?

Spyker unveils new B6 Venator concept SPYKER says 2013 marks its global resurgence as ‘a creator of meticulously built automobiles whose beauty is equalled by their unrivalled craftsmanship’.

The brand’s revival is heralded by the introduction of the Spyker B6 Venator Concept (below) at the Geneva Motor Show.

The compact, 2-door midengine sports car was designed by Victor R. Muller, Chief Executive Officer of Spyker N.V., and according to its creators “makes a defiantly contemporary statement whilst paying homage to its past”.

The car features a highly detailed design, bespoke materials and aviation-inspired elements (the name ‘Venator’ is Latin meaning ‘Hunter’ – a nod back to Spyker’s ‘Hunter’ fighter aircraft of the early 20th century).

Still with aviation in mind, the red cover on the ignition switch aims to evoke “the spirit of starting an aeroplane”, as does the dashboard, which lights up as part of the ‘pre-flight check.’

The dashboard is shown with a turned aluminium fascia, similar to those seen on Spykers of the 1920s.

The powerful rear-mid transverse mounted V6 engine delivers over 375 bhp. The carbon fibre body sits on an all aluminium platform. Drive is to the rear wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Production will begin in early 2014 for Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific and India, followed by the US in autumn 2014.

Spyker says the introduction of the Venator marks the beginning of a new era - one that will include a significant increase in production.

32 March 10, 2013 • SUNDAY MAIL

Sport Games legacy blueprint crucial to convincing the IOC, says Coe

Djokovic feels close to stunning 2011 form

Race to host 2020 Olympics heating up

By Mark Lamport-Stokes

By Iain Rogers

IN BRIEF

THE ability of Tokyo, Istanbul and Madrid to provide a convincing reason why they want to stage the Olympic Games and not just prove that they can will be the key to winning the right to host the 2020 edition, Sebastian Coe said this week.

Mapping out an attractive ‘Games legacy’ would be crucial to gaining the backing of International Olympic Committee (IOC) members at a vote in Buenos Aires in September, the former athlete and London 2012 organising committee chairman told a Europa Press forum in Madrid.

“People get focused on the how but being able to explain to people why you are doing this is really important,” Coe said.

“Why does a city really want to deliver a Games and what do they want to do with it?

“That’s what I think IOC members want s to hear, it goes d way beyond g simply being able to deliver. e “The real issue nfor any organtising commite tee is to figure e out what the exit strategy is and that’s a 10-year programme.” e Coe, a vice he Inpresident of the sociaternational Associas Fedtion of Athletics

London 2012 chief Sebastian Coe (below, holding the Olympic torch) was instrumental in the British capital staging a spectacular Games which were hailed around the world erations (IAAF) and widely seen as a future Olympic movement heavyweight, was careful to avoid making any comparison b between the three bids.

Each city delivered their candidature files to the IOC in January and on-site iinspections by an evaluation commission began in Tokyo this week week.

Madrid is next, from March 18 18-21, followed by Ista Istanbul from March 2 24-27 before the com commission publishes a technical assessmen sessment at the be-

ginning of July.

“The most critical stakeholder that any city has to deal with is of course the people that live in that city,” Coe said.

“The fundamental question is why? How are you going to use the Games for the future? You have to be clear what those legacy targets are.”

The London Olympics were seen as a resounding success despite some prophecies of disaster after the city won the right to host them in 2005.

With the economy struggling and unemployment at record levels, many Spaniards are worried about the cost of hosting an Olympics but Coe sought to reassure them, saying prior knowl-

edge of the financial crisis would not have changed his mind about wanting the Games for London.

“Would we have bid for the Games with hindsight? My honest answer is that not only would we have bid but had we known where the economy was going we would have redoubled our efforts,” he said.

He pointed to “almost seven billion pounds of construction work”, most of which he said had gone to British businesses and had helped to safeguard jobs.

“In legacy we have targeted 13 billion pounds of business, 11 billion in straight business transactions and two billion in tourism,” he added.

“The economic impact of a Games, particularly in a do-

mestic and global economy that is struggling, is actually one that is very crucial.”

With the economy struggling, Spaniards are worried about the cost of hosting an Olympics

OOZING confidence after making a sizzling 13-0 start to the year, Novak Djokovic looks every inch the same player who reigned supreme in the men’s game during his astonishingly successful 2011 season.

Though the Serbian world number one was reluctant to make any predictions about how his 2013 campaign may pan out, he sounded an ominous warning to his rivals while talking about his sensational early form.

“It feels the same (as it did in 2011) ... the way I started the year,” Djokovic told reporters at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, where he will play his opening match of the BNP Paribas Open in the second round today.

“I have great memories from 2011. That was by far my most successful year in the career. But it’s very early still to say what’s going to happen, so I don’t want to predict anything.

“My mindset will stay the same, and that is to enjoy the moment, to be in the moment, to try to do my best in the present, take it step by step and then see how far I can go.”

In 2011, Djokovic won a career-best 10 ATP titles, including three grand slam crowns, after reaching 11 finals en route to a stunning 70-6 match record.

He won his first seven tournaments of the season while compiling a 41-match winning streak, the best run to start a year since John McEnroe’s 42 in 1984.

Fast forward two years and the dominant Djokovic has triumphed in his first two events, winning the Australian Open in January and the Dubai Championships last week, while extended his winning streak to 18 matches since October.

“So far so good,” the 25year-old Serb said of his unbeaten run since Andy Murray defeated him in last year’s US Open final.

Sizzling Heat first team to book NBA playoffs spot

Wrestling to hold congress in battle to stay in Olympics

Woods in charge at Doral after classy round of 65

THE Miami Heat extended their winning streak to 17 games with a 102-93 victory over Philadelphia to become the first team to book a spot in the playoffs.

The victory tied the Los Angeles Clippers’ 17-game win streak from November 28-December 30, 2012 as the longest winning streak in the NBA this season.

Down by one point early in the fourth quarter, the Heat scored 10 straight points to take control.

LeBron James led all scorers with 25 points for the Heat, who are 46-14 overall.

Elsewhere, Damian Lillard had 35 points to help the Portland Trail Blazers upset the San Antonio Spurs 136-106.

THE world wrestling federation (FILA) will hold an extraordinary congress in May to elect a new president as the ancient sport battles to maintain its place on the Olympic programme.

Last month, the executive board of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), made a surprise recommendation to drop wrestling from the Olympic programme in 2020.

The sport, which featured in the first modern Olympics in 1896 and every Games since apart from 1900, has joined seven other candidates battling for one spot in a revamped programme.

LOOKING fully in charge of his game, Tiger Woods fired an outstanding seven-under-par 65 to open up a twoshot lead over Graeme McDowell after the second round of the WGC-Cadillac Championship.

Woods has 17 birdies from his opening 36 holes for the first time in a PGA Tour event, helped by some oustanding work on the greens on the Blue Monster course at Doral.

“It felt like I finally got into a feeling where I needed to have it,” said the world number two of his round.

Woods stands at 13-under for the tournament with Northern Ireland’s McDowell two strokes back.

33 SUNDAY MAIL • March 10, 2013

Sport

Wales keep hopes alive with victory over Scotland

Vunipola starts for confident England against Italy

Six Nations champions win penalty-fest

A year ago England’s fans were delighted to scrape a 19-15 away victory over Italy in Stuart Lancaster’s second game in charge but such has been the progress under his tutelage that they will expect a demolition job against them today (5pm).

England have crushed the Azzurri every time they have faced them at Twickenham and have an average winning margin of almost 35 points from their six previous Six Nations meetings there. Another victory on today will leave them one win - away to Wales next Saturday - away from their first grand slam since 2003.

It is a very different scenario from 12 months ago when Lancaster had just begun his rebuilding job and such is his confidence in the squad he has assembled that on Friday he felt able to make four tactical changes, plus one injury-enforced, from the team who beat France two weeks ago.

Mako Vunipola, the giant 22year-old New Zealand-born prop, whose father Fe’ao captained Tonga and played against England in the 1999 World Cup, will make his first start as a reward for some dynamic displays off the bench having won all his previous seven caps as a replacement.

There is a new halfback combination as Toby Flood starts at flyhalf in place of the injured Owen Farrell and Danny Care regains the scrumhalf jersey from Ben Youngs.

James Haskell returns to blindside flanker in place of Courtney Lawes and Tom Youngs comes back in at hooker forDylan Hartley, reversing the switch made for the France game.

There is also a recall to the bench for flanker Tom Croft, who has made a remarkable recovery after almost being paralysed after breaking his neck 11 months ago.

“We were very happy with the way we finished the France game. The impact the replacements made shows that we have competition for places across the board and we have had to make some tight calls,” Lancaster said in a statement.

“I am sure those starting will seize their chance and the bench will also have a significant part to play as the game goes on.”

Vunipola, who comes in for Joe Marler, weighs in at 20 stone (127kg) and will hope to stabilise the England scrum, which has been arguably the weakest aspect of their campaign to date.

Italy lead the way with a 91 per cent success rate in the tournament, while England are joint-last with Scotland on 74 per cent.

Scotland 18 Wales 28

By Andrew Baldock WALES kept alive their hopes of retaining the RBS 6 Nations title by winning a frustrating penalty-fest at cold and windy Murrayfield.

A sixth successive victory in the fixture saw Wales move level on points at the table’s summit with unbeaten, Grand Slam-chasing England, who host struggling Italy today.

But Wales could not make any significant dent in England’s sizeable points difference advantage, scoring a try by hooker Richard Hibbard, while full-back Leigh Halfpenny booted the conversion and seven penalties for a 23-point haul.

Scrum-half Greig Laidlaw replied with six penalties from eight attempts for Scotland, but it was another try-less experience from the home side’s perspective after Laidlaw’s boot saw them home against Ireland two weeks ago.

The title remains England’s to lose. They have a nine points better difference than Wales, with Italy to

come, although next Saturday’s Millennium Stadium showdown will provide a fitting, nerve-tingling tournament finale.

Wales have now won five successive championship away games - a record for them - and Scotland went the same way as France and Italy against them in recent weeks by failing to score a try.

The visitors even kept Scotland out after prop Paul James was sin-binned two minutes from time, and they richly deserved their victory.

There were two worrying signs for British and Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland, though, as Scotland lock Richie Gray and Wales captain Ryan Jones both went off with what appeared to be tournamentending hamstring and wrist injuries, respectively.

Wales made an immediate statement of intent, twice gaining scrum free-kicks before South African referee Craig Joubert awarded them a penalty when Scotland infringed again and Halfpenny booted Wales 3-0 ahead after four minutes.

But the lead lasted just two minutes as Laidlaw found his range with a 40metre penalty, and then a long-range touchfinder by

centre Matt Scott pinned Wales inside their own 22 for the first time.

Wales then scored the game’s opening try after 23 minutes when Hibbard crossed wide out following forward pressure close to Scotland’s line.

Halfpenny, who had uncharacteristically missed three successive penalty attempts, slotted the wideangled conversion, but Scotland replied when Laidlaw completed his penalty hat-trick.

Laidlaw’s fifth successful penalty again narrowed the deficit to a point, and with Jones off, Wales needed to regroup in what was a nipand-tuck encounter.

Halfpenny and Laidlaw continued their shoot-out, each landing further three pointers as Wales led 22-18 entering the final quarter.

Another Halfpenny penalty took Wales seven points clear - he recovered brilliantly from his early misses - before his seventh successful strike put daylight between the teams.

Scotland rallied to stage a strong finish, but Wales kept them out despite losing James to the sin-bin, and hopes of achieving Six Nations silverware for a second straight season cannot be discounted.

By Mitch Phillips

Wales have now won five successive championship away games - a record for them - as Scotland failed to score a try

Compton century cools pressure

By Greg Stutchbury

England’s Nick Compton scored his maiden Test century

NICK Compton produced an almighty bellow of exultation and massive leap into the year as he trotted through for the single that brought up his maiden Test century on the fourth day of the first Test against New Zealand yesterday.

The 29-year-old, playing his fifth Test, had reportedly been under immense pressure for his place in the side with British media reporting that the promising Joe Root was to join captain Alastair Cook at the top of the order.

Compton only made his Test debut on England’s tour of India late last year and had made promising starts in five of his eight innings but failed to convert any into big scores.

His highest score was 57 in the third Test in Kolkata and when he made a four-ball duck in the first innings at University Oval, those rumblings for Root were increasing.

“I was well aware of that,” Compton, the grandson of

England great Denis Compton, told reporters after he finished the day 102 not out with his side 234 for one and just 59 runs behind New Zealand’s first innings lead.

“Joe Root is a fantastic talent; he has played brilliantly over the last year,” Compton added of the 22year-old Yorkshireman who also made his debut against India last year, scoring 73 in the fourth Test.

“You just know instinctively, you don’t need to read the press, what you need to do and I felt like this innings was very important and needed to pull something out.

“It was great that I could.”

Despite his patient and concentrated approach, Compton almost did not make the milestone, attempting a quick single on 94 and having to dive head long into the crease, though if Bruce Martin had produced a direct hit he would have been well short.

“I’m going to cut myself some slack, there were a few nerves there, I thought I handled them pretty well,” he added with a smile. “I was

holding it back quite a lot most of the time.

“I was pretty happy with the way I went about it. Obviously the important thing is to still be there tomorrow.”

Compton’s innings and 231run partnership with captain Alastair Cook (116) dragged England back into the match after they had a 293-run first innings deficit just 45 minutes into the fourth day when Brendon McCullum declared at 460 for nine.

The benign University Oval pitch, however, is not expected to give the England batsmen too many troubles on the final day today, though New Zealand bowler Trent Boult said his side felt they could still win the match.

“We know we’re in a pretty good position, well, we were this morning. It’s frustrating to be where we are at the moment,” Boult said.

“We knew they were going to turn it around and come out fighting.

“But we’re in a great position to win this game and obviously that would be pretty special.”

34 March 10, 2013 • SUNDAY MAIL

Sport

Suarez: Liverpool have chance of making Champions League

Pulis urges critics to direct ire at him

Red-hot striker targets win over Spurs

By Eleanor Crooks

By Tom Pilcher LIVERPOOL’S pursuit of a top-four Premier League finish this season can really take off with a win against third-placed Tottenham Hotspur today (6pm), according to red-hot striker Luis Suarez.

Liverpool, in seventh, are ten points behind fourthplaced Chelsea and 12 in arrears of Spurs with ten games to go in another mediocre season where Suarez’s goalscoring has been the highlight.

The Uruguayan scored a hat-trick in his last outing against Wigan Athletic despite carrying an injury that manager Brendan Rodgers said would have forced “nine out of ten” players out of the game.

“We’ve been in good form recently and it’s a good opportunity to reduce the gap between ourselves and Spurs,” said Suarez, who with 21 goals leads the Premier League scoring charts by two from Manchester United’s Robin van Persie.

“There is a slight chance we can make Champions League football - and if we want to do that, this is the sort of game we need to win,” added Suarez on the club’s website (www.liverpoolfc.com) ahead of the clash at Anfield.

Luis Suarez with 21 goals leads the Premier League scoring charts by two from Manchester United’s Robin van Persie Liverpool last played in the Champions League in the 2009/10 season after memorably winning the trophy in 2005 and then making the 2007 final.

Suarez said Liverpool’s performances have improved after bolstering the squad in January with attacking options in Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho.

Liverpool have scored nine goals without conceding in drubbing Swansea and Wigan in their last two

league games.

“Things have been going really well with Daniel, but not only him - there’s also Philippe. They have both brought something and maybe given us an extra cutting edge.

“The lads who were here before their arrival were doing a fantastic job, but now we have more options as a team.”

Rodgers paid tribute to Suarez for keeping the team in the hunt for European places while stating

that Liverpool’s form is up there with the best in the league.

“He’s a remarkable man.

I’ve been asked before about the player of the year award - if we’re talking about football, this is a guy that has consistently done it this season,” said the manager.

“What I’ve also admired from close hand is that this is a guy who is also trying to change. He’s trying to turn around his life and adapt to the culture, and you can

clearly see that. He’s incredible to work with.”

Rodgers said based on Liverpool’s last 14 games their points haul would put them third in the league compared to their first 14 fixtures, when they were languishing in 12th.

“The tipping point now is that it’s going more for us than against us. We’ve played a lot of really good games this season and maybe weren’t as cohesively good then as we are now.”

Blackburn players need to ‘keep cool’ at hostile Millwall

By Dominic Farrell

Blackburn celebrate after sealing a famous 1-0 giantkilling triumph at Arsenal in the previous round

MICHAEL Appleton has encouraged his Blackburn squad to keep their cool amid a hostile atmosphere at Millwall this afternoon (4pm) - something he once failed to do as a player.

Rovers take on their npower Championship counterparts at The Den in an FA Cup quarter-final clash having prospered on the road during this season’s competition.

Derby were dispatched 3-0 in round four - Appleton’s first victory after being installed as Henning Berg’s successor at Ewood Park in January - before Colin Kazim-Richards’ second-half strike sealed a 1-0 giantkilling triumph at Arsenal and landed a comparatively simpler capital assignment in the last eight.

But the 37-year-old former

Portsmouth and Blackpool boss knows first-hand how easy it can be to lose your temper at The Den. “I hope the players make sure they stay a little bit more professional than I did in my first appearance at The Den because that was the first place I got sent off as a player for Preston North End,” he explained.

“Someone made a really bad challenge on me before I reacted. I was a young player at the time and it was an intimating atmosphere.

“It’s one of them where, as a player, you’ve got to control your emotions with regards to what’s going on around you.”

Preston held out for the final half-hour in Appleton’s absence to secure a 1-0 victory on that occasion in March 1998 and if Blackburn are to enjoy similar success - ideally with a full compliment of players - their man-

ager insists they must look to silence the locals from the outset.

“I think it is still an intimidating place to go,” he said.

“If you speak to players, managers and coaches up and down the country they will say the support is very, very good. They get behind their team and they’re very vocal.

“We just have to make sure that we try and keep them as quiet as we possibly can.

“In doing that, obviously we’re aware that we’ve got to start the game really well.

We have to go and play in their half and make sure we’re on the front foot right from the start.”

Displays of such intent have been lacking from Rovers in recent weeks, and a run of one point from five league games suggests a sizeable hangover on the back of their Emirates exploits.

THICK-SKINNED Tony Pulis will continue to take supporters’ criticism on the chin as long as they direct it at him and not his players.

Stoke were booed off the pitch after last weekend’s 1-0 defeat by West Ham at the Britannia Stadium, extending their bad run to only one win from the last nine Barclays Premier League games, ahead of their clash away to Newcastle this afternoon (5pm).

Pulis said: “If they’re going to criticise, I’d rather they criticised me. I’m on the bench, you can’t affect the game that much, and you need the players to be playing with confidence and freedom.

“Those players don’t deserve criticism. They’ve been absolutely fantastic for this football club. If there’s a gripe, have it with the manager - leave the players alone.

“If they go out there feeling the supporters are behind them, it’s a lot easier than thinking the supporters are just waiting for a moment to criticise. We need to instill that little bit of strength and steel into the players without a question of a doubt.

“When you go on a run of games when you’re not winning, you always get a dip in confidence but you have to accept that. You have good times and you have bad times.

“Football is a reflection of life and it ebbs and flows.

You have periods where you think you can rule the world and the next day it feels like everything’s on top of you.”

Stoke’s chances of achieving their first top-ten finish in the Premier League in their fifth season have been hurt by their current run, although they remain 11th and behind Fulham only on goal difference.

Pulis has a great relationship with Stoke chairman Peter Coates, whose family own the club, and his position is not under threat, but he is feeling the heat from a section of fans who are unhappy with the style of play.

Pulis said: “If I was a younger manager and I’d spent the first six or seven years at this football club and with what we’ve achieved, maybe I’d be looking over my shoulder and thinking, ‘What’s going on?’

“But I’ve been managing for a long time now and I know things change very quickly. The supporters of this football club will be supporters all their lives and you have to accept criticism.

“If they pay their money, you have to accept they have the right to say what they think, whether you think it’s right or wrong.

35 SUNDAY MAIL • March 10, 2013

Sport BACK-TO-BACK VICTORIES FOR THE FIRST TIME

Villa get crucial victory over relegation rivals Reading 1 Aston Villa 2

By Matt Somerford

Joy! Andros Townsend struck an exquisite half-volley as QPR’s survival hopes received a massive boost against fellow strugglers Sunderland

Win gives QPR hope QPR 3 Sunderland 1

By Simon Peach JANUARY acquisitions Andros Townsend and Jermaine Jenas both struck exquisite half-volleys as QPR’s survival hopes received a boost against Sunderland.

The pair may not have got much of a look in under Harry Redknapp when the Rs boss was at Tottenham, but they more than proved their worth yesterday as Rangers earned another invaluable three points.

While QPR remain bottom of the Barclays Premier League and four points adrift of safety, back-to-back victories for the first time since their top-flight return could prove a major catalyst in their

survival quest.

There had been fears last weekend’s 2-1 win at Southampton could prove to be a flash in the pan, especially when Steven Fletcher put Sunderland ahead after 20 minutes.

However, the hosts rallied and levelled the score on the half-hour mark as a deflected long-range Townsend effort fell kindly for Loic Remy to slot home.

It had looked like the spoils would be shared as both sides struggled in the second half, only for Townsend’s moment of magic to change the game.

Substitute Jenas rubbed salt into the wound with an equally-impressive strike late on as Rangers earned a fourth league win of the campaign.

It was the visitors that broke the deadlock when Adam Johnson picked up a Stephane Sessegnon cross at the back post. The former Manchester City winger sent

in a fierce cross-shot, which Fletcher turned home with ease from close range.

Townsend’s long-range strike then fortuitously deflected off John O’Shea into the path of Remy, who swept home with ease from close range to the delighted the home support.

Winger Townsend fired QPR ahead in stunning fashion. Sunderland cleared a Jose Bosingwa cross out of the box, only for Townsend to control the ball on his chest before firing home a superb 25-yard half volley as Loftus Road erupted.

Bosingwa curled a free-kick wide of the near post as the hosts edged a tense final 15 minutes, which came to life once again when Jenas, only on 10 minutes earlier, struck home in style.

Fellow replacement Jamie Mackie saw a late shot saved

by Simon Mignolet as the Rs ended on top.

Iconic Maracana ‘ready next month’

By Pedro Fonseca LOCAL officials believe Rio de Janeiro’s iconic Maracana stadium, considered by FIFA to be the biggest headache in the run-up to the Confederations Cup in June, will be ready to stage a test event next month.

The rebuilding of the famous arena, which was built for the 1950 World Cup, has been plagued by delays and the completion date has twice been put back.

“We know we do not have an easy schedule but the Maracana will be ready to stage test events as of April 27,” said Regis Fichtner, chief of staff of the Rio state government which owns the huge arena.

“In total we will organise two closed and one major public test events ahead of the Confederations Cup to make sure

The stadium in Rio de Janeiro is being rebuilt all operational aspects at the renovated stadium will have undergone detailed testing,” he added in a statement published by football’s ruling body FIFA. Fichtner, speaking after a meeting between FIFA, the local organising committee, the Brazilian federal governmentand local authorities, said the events would include

the friendly between Brazil and England on June 2.

The Confederations Cup, to be held in the second half of June, is considered a dress rehearsal for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

The Maracana will host seven matches at the World Cup including the final.

“We will continue working very hard together to achieve our clear and common joint goal: to deliver a perfect FIFA Confederations Cup,” said Ricardo Trade, chief executive of the local organising committee.

Brasilia, Belo Horizonte, Fortaleza, Recife and Salvador will also stage matches at the June tournament.

FIFA had demanded that all six stadiums be ready by December but only Fortaleza and Belo Horizonte managed to meet that deadline.

ASTON Villa recovered from a calamitous Nathan Baker own goal to haul themselves out of the relegation places with victory at fellow strugglers Reading.

The Royals were gifted the lead on the half-hour when Baker made a complete hash of a routine clearance but on a day when neither defence was convincing it was not decisive.

Instead Villa were level two minutes later when Christian Benteke fired in before Gabby Agbonlahor grabbed the winner in first-half injury time.

Both goals appeared preventable, especially Agbonlahor’s strike, after a goalmouth melee that saw third-choice goalkeeper Stuart Taylor scoop the ball to the winger after Barry Bannan’s deft touch hit the post.

Victory was just Villa’s second in their past 12 league games and moved them three points clear of danger.

Reading’s defeat - their second in succession at home against a relegation rival after they lost 3-0 to Wigan a fortnight ago - left them above last-placed QPR on goals scored only.

Reading’s opener on 31 minutes will be consigned to the blooper reel as Baker was left red-faced by his bumbling generosity.

There appeared little danger, despite Hope Akpan helping Jobi McAnuff’s low cross on, but defending close to his line Baker horribly rushed his clearance.

It meant he completely missed the ball and watched on as it bounced off his standing leg and over the line.

Reading’s lead lasted barely two minutes though as they

Christian Benteke got Aston Villa back on level terms showed why they have conceded more goals than any other club in the Barclays Premier League this term.

The industrious Andreas Weimann was given acres of space down the right but instead of marking Benteke the home defenders rushed to the goal-line.

The Belgian astutely sat back for the pass and lashed in a shot that took a deflection off Stephen Kelly to ensure Taylor was beaten.

It got worse for the Royals, however, as they conceded in first-half injury time for the second successive game at home.

Again the goal looked preventable as first Kelly failed to properly clear following a patient build-up by Villa.

Matthew Lowton headed the ball across the six-yard box and while Bannan’s deft touch rebounded off the post Taylor could only help the loose ball to Agbonlahor to thump home.

Reading thought they were level 10 minutes after the restart only for a marginal offside call to go against them.

Noel Hunt poked home at close range but if he was not offside Adam Le Fondre, who

Premier League standings Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Manchester United Manchester City Chelsea Tottenham Hotspur Arsenal Chelsea Manchester City Arsenal Liverpool Everton Tottenham Hotspur West Brom Everton Liverpool Stoke City Swansea Bolton Wanderers Fulham West Brom Stoke FulhamCity West Ham Utd Newcastle United Norwich City Sunderland Sunderland Aston Villa Newcastle United Blackburn Rovers Southampton Wolves Aston Villa Birmingham Wigan Athletic Blackpool Reading Wigan Athletic QPR West Ham United

P

W

D

L

F

28 37 28 36 28 36 28 36 28 36 28 36 29 37 28 36 29 37 28 37 28 36 28 36 29 37 29 36 28 37 29 37 29 36 28 37 29 36 29 36

23 22 17 21 16 19 15 19 13 17 11 14 13 12 11 13 10 12 8 12 7 10 9 11 7 11 7 10 8 10 6 11 6 8 6 10 5 7 4 7

2 11 8 7 6 10 7 8 8 7 12 14 4 15 9 7 10 9 10 12 15 6 11 12 11 9 12 6 10 10 7 9 15 6 9 8 15 11 12

3 4 3 8 6 7 6 9 7 12 5 8 12 10 8 16 9 15 11 15 9 11 13 14 10 15 13 14 14 17 13 19 14 13 16 18 16 14 14 17

68 74 51 67 49 69 56 55 53 59 44 51 40 50 53 46 40 52 39 53 26 45 32 51 27 42 32 45 38 43 39 44 28 36 33 53 35 36 24 41

A Pts 31 35 24 30 33 39 30 33 32 41 35 45 38 45 34 44 36 54 44 68 33 41 41 52 45 56 41 58 49 57 51 63 54 55 74 56 59 45 64

71 77 59 70 54 67 52 65 47 58 45 56 43 51 42 46 40 46 33 46 33 45 33 44 33 44 30 42 30 40 28 40 27 39 24 39 23 36 23 33

was just in front of him, appeared to have just strayed.

Brian McDermott then made a double substitution, bringing on Garath McCleary and Nick Blackman for Hunt and Akpan.

Villa were now content to attack on the break and Agbonlahor fizzed a shot just wide while substitute Charles N’Zogbia lashed over when well placed.

Reading kept pushing, with six of their past seven league goals having come after the 84th minute, but there was no late rally on this occasion as Hal Robson-Kanu wasted the best of their late chances.

Results Premier League Norwich Southampton

0 0

QPR Sunderland

3 1

Reading Aston Villa

1 2

West Brom Swansea

2 1

Playing tomorrow Newcastle v Stoke, 5pm Liverpool v Tottenham, 6pm FA Cup Sixth Round Everton Wigan

0 3

Playing tomorrow Millwall v Blackburn, 4pm Man United v Chelsea 6.30pm Cyprus Championship AEP 1 Omonia 2 Alki Nea Salamina

1 0

Anorthosis AEK

1 1

APOEL AEL

2 0

Apollon Olympiakos

1 1

Doxa Ayia Napa

2 1

E.N Paralimni Ethnikos

1 1

36 March 10, 2013 • SUNDAY MAIL

Sport

Wales keep Six Nations hopes alive with victory over Scotland 33

Crucial win gives QPR hope 35

Everton shell shocked after Wigan blitz Latics reach Cup semi-finals for first time Everton 0 Wigan 3

By Carl Markham

Ceasefire: the pair regularly indulged in mind games before their clashes when Rafa Benitez was manager of United’s arch-rivals Liverpool

Fergie refuses to kick Benitez when he’s down

By Sonia Oxley MANCHESTER United host holders Chelsea in the FA Cup quarter-finals today (6.30pm) with Sir Alex Ferguson’s often fractious relationship with managerial counterpart Rafael Benitez poised for a ceasefire of sorts.

The pair regularly indulged in mind games before their north west derby clashes when Benitez was manager of United’s arch-rivals Liverpool and the digs have resumed since the Spaniard was appointed interim boss at Chelseain November.

Chelsea have won the FA Cup But with Benitez enduring four times in six seasons a torrid time and hugely unpopular among Chelsea fans, prompting him into for any sniping. an extraordinary tirade Any repetition from Beniagainst both them and the tez of his often aired view board last month, Ferguson that Ferguson puts undue has laid off the jibes before pressure on match officials the Old Trafford encounter. would seem inappropriate “I’m not going to kick to United fans after what anyone when they are lying they perceived as a harsh down, it’s not my style,” dismissal for an inadvertthe United manager told a ent high challenge. news conference.

Like Ferguson, Benitez was “My concern is as manmore interested in putting ager of Manchester United, behind him a difficult week whatever happens at Chelin Europe after his side lost sea doesn’t really affect 1-0 at Steaua Bucharest in me.” the first leg of their Europa With United still reeling League last 16 tie on Thursfrom Tuesday’s Champions day.

League exit at the hands of “It’s another competition Real Madrid and the conand a different atmosphere, troversial red card for Nani it will be totally different that completely changed and another challenge for the game, Ferguson may us,” he told reporters. not have been in the mood The subdued build-up to

the pick of the weekend’s FA Cup quarter-finals is in contrast to previous exchanges between Ferguson and Benitez.

In 2009 Benitez infamously produced a hand-written list to back up his view that Ferguson was never punished for verbally abusing match officials and he also once joked the Scot drew up the fixtures list himself as it always favoured United.

Ferguson, meanwhile, branded Benitez ‘lucky’ last year for walking into the Chelsea job, saying it would be the second time he had the chance to win a world club title without having to do anything and with a team put together by someone else.

Both sides will be seeking to end a bad week on a high and Ferguson reckons United are in an ideal position because of the 12-point lead they hold at the top of the Premier League.

“We’ve got a healthy lead in the league which is a great position to be in, we can enjoy the cup on Sunday, that’s the value of it, make it a really good day for ourselves,” he said.

He said it was a tough fixture because of Chelsea’s great record in the competition in recent years.

The Londoners have won it four times in the last six seasons, including in 2007 when they beat United in the final.

W

IGAN made history by reaching an FA Cup semi-final for the first time after three goals in a devastating four-minute spell saw them beat an abject Everton at Goodison Park yesterday.

Maynor Figueroa, Callum McManaman and Jordi Gomez scored within just 202 seconds of each other in the first half to demolish last year’s semi-finalists’ hope of a return to Wembley.

Strangely for Everton they failed to produce anything like the expected response and exited the Cup with a whimper - much to the disgust of an angry home crowd.

Somewhat oddly for this stage of competition the FA Cup is not something either manager had considered a priority.

Toffees boss David Moyes said he would rather secure Champions League football than a place in the final while Roberto Martinez insisted he would not allow the FA Cup to deflect attention from their fight for Premier League survival.

Now the Spaniard, who has fielded weakened teams in cup competitions throughout his reign at the DW Stadium, has to seriously consider the best way forward.

There are also plenty of questions for Moyes, who will mark his 11th anniversary at the club next week still not having won silverware.

With his contract up at the end of the season and a top-four finish by no means guaranteed the Scot has a significant personal decision to make.

Of more pressing concern, considering he values Champions League football so highly, is how Wigan who had beaten only two of their last ten top-flight opponents in the FA Cup since 1987 - and are battling

Triple whammy: Manuel Figueroa celebrates after Wigan scored three goals in a devastating four-minute spell relegation could score - and win - so easily.

After the match, McManaman described the win as “a dream come true” after scoring against his boyhood club.

McManaman, who came through Everton’s youth system, told ITV1: “I am just over the moon.

‘A DREAM’ “I can’t really remember my goal I am just made up it went in, it is unbelievable and it will be a dream to play at Wembley.”

Team-mate Gomez hopes the win can be a springboard to help Wigan finish the season by avoiding relegation.

He said: “It was brilliant, it was difficult coming to this stadium but we got a brilliant result and everyone is very happy and we can en-

joy this and go to Wembley.

“It will be a special occasion for the players and everyone working at the club.

“Hopefully we can enjoy it and play like we did today in the league and finish the season well.”

Manager Martinez added: “It is a proud moment, the performance was outstanding, from the keeper all the way through.

“It is incredible. To come here, score three goals and keep a clean sheet is excellent.

“We deserve some credit.

We stopped them being dangerous.”

IV March 10, 2013 • SUNDAY MAIL

PrivateEducation

Multicultural and multilingual school A MILESTONE in the co-operation between France and Cyprus, the French-Cypriot School gives students the choice between a French curriculum and a bilingual French-Greek curriculum, while reinforcing the teaching of English. Housed in the south of Nicosia, in the large, beautifully-renovated premises of the former Institute of Technology, the school welcomes students from kindergarten to the Baccalauréat or Apolytirion.

Schooling from the age of 2 The school believes learning starts from the youngest age. This is why the French-Cypriot school offers a high-quality programme for children from the age of two taught by qualified, multilingual teachers. The mastery of language, the introduction of foreign languages, the gradual discovery of writing, the discovery of science and mathematics, of learning about community life, arts and sports are all offered in accordance with the pace and personality of each child. There is still plenty of time for play too!

To help working parents, children are able to stay at school from 07:15 to 16:15.

A multilingual programme The foundation stone of the French-Cypriot school is the teaching of languages. The school welcomes children of all nationalities. The French stream affords your child an education which follows the French curriculum, widely recognised to be one of the most successful education systems in the world. However, the French-Greek bilingual stream was designed specifically for Cypriot students, although any student can choose this stream.

From the age of three, all children are taught in French, Greek and English. In the secondary school, they also learn Spanish or German.

Secondary-school diplomas recognised around the world, guaranteed access to the best universities Students prepare for the French Baccalauréat or the Cypriot Apolytirion. Each of these diplomas, combined with a multilingual education, opens the doors to the best universities. Many former students are now studying in France, Britain, Cyprus and Lebanon. Students can confidently apply to any European or American university.

Special assistance for non French-speaking children and their families

It is not necessary to speak French to join the school. Non French-speaking students are given extra tuition in French at no extra charge. Daily, free homework help is offered to non-francophone students. This support is offered during school time and is included in the tuition fees.

Children do not need extra/private lessons.

A quality learning environment The school belongs to the network of French schools overseas and operates under the French Ministry of National Education. It is also recognised by the Cypriot Ministry of Education. The content of the curriculum and teachers’ qualifications are regularly checked by both ministries.

Additionally, students take the same tests and the evaluations they would in any French school in France or abroad. Students also regularly enter national or international competitions, including writing competitions, where they often win prizes. The Baccalauréat success rate is very high (100% in 2012), and students mainly finishing with honours. In addition, students have access to the latest technologies, with up to date computer equipment and very efficient science labs.

Not just academic: learning about citizenship values and culture The French-Cypriot school does not only produce academically-proficient students. It aims to develop the qualities that will make students grow up to be responsible, confident adults; open-minded, critical thinkers, respectful and able to adapt to the modern world.

In addition to the core subjects such as languages, mathematics, science and history, the school gives importance to the arts, sports, civic instruction and an education in sustainable development.

Throughout the year many days are devoted to these topics: science days, music festivals, art shows. The school also organises regular outings for students: visits to museums, concerts, the theatre and exhibitions.

In school, teachers strive to teach students respect, civility and tolerance. Students learn that the quality of their behaviour is as important as their academic performance.

Many facilities for families The school fees are extremely reasonable for the quality education on offer. The school also offers a bus, cafeteria, extra-curricular activities, including a music school, and childcare facilities in order to best meet the specific needs of families.

Choosing a school for your child is a very important decision, a huge commitment. It is important to consider the educational programme but also the values you want to instill.

The French-Cypriot school invites prospective parents to visit and talk about their vision for their child’s future and children to meet the teachers.

Choosing a school should be a family project.

Success also requires trust and mutual respect between the student, their family and the school. The school believes it can offer that; in fact, it guarantees it.

V SUNDAY MAIL • March 10, 2013

PrivateEducation

English private school with real international outlook THE Heritage Private School and Institute is an impressive sight in the hills along the main Limassol to Troodos road. With 940 culturally diverse students aged two to 18 on roll, the school is truly international in its intake and philosophy. “We are proud to hold the prestigious British Council International School Award for outstanding development of the international dimension in the curriculum,” says Dr Kypros Kouris, Director and Secondary School Headteacher. Other recent awards include co-founder and co-director Zoe Kouris being named 2011 Cyprus Business Woman of the Year, and the School being selected as the only business from the education sector to represent Cyprus in the 2011 HSBC European Business Awards.

This academically selective school, approved by the Ministry of Education and Culture in Cyprus, aims to provide the same high quality of education as a well-respected UK private school, yet with very competitive fees.

All teaching is in English, and the School uses the UK National Curriculum and standard assessments, including Cambridge Checkpoints in

Year 9, ECDL qualifications, French DELF examinations, Greek competency examinations, GCSEs, IGCSEs, AS and A Levels. The Heritage is a Cambridge International Fellowship Centre, and a centre for Cambridge International Examinations and Edexcel International Examinations. Limited class sizes give a high level of attention and support for each student, and regular homework consolidates and enhances learning.

Friendly yet disciplined Zoe Kouris explains: “Our school is a caring community, aiming to develop the full potential of every individual.

Students are encouraged to develop personal values to guide them throughout life”.

Gary Butcher, Headteacher of the Kindergarten and Primary School, adds: “We help the children to accept responsibility for their learning from an early age, and to always be proud of their efforts and achievements”.

Bringing education to life The school’s well-qualified and experienced staff are kept up to date with UK educational developments and EU education standards, and visitors often comment on the high level of interac-

children and adults.

‘Singing in the Rain’ production tion between teachers and students. Many students achieve exceptional IGCSE and AS/A Level results, some receiving Cambridge or Edexcel High Achiever Awards. The school believes in educational continuity, so all are encouraged to stay on for Years 12-13, and relevant, quality work experience can be arranged. Students graduate with external examination certificates, and with a formal Leaving Certificate (Apolytirion). They are fully supported with higher education applications, and typically, all leavers progress to university.

Extracurricular and Institute “Every student can excel at something”, says Dr Kouris, “so we offer many academic, cultural, sporting and extracurricular activities to help everyone to increase self-esteem, maturity, and find their own niche.” In addition, the Summer School offers a valuable and rewarding experience during the vacation.

The Heritage Private Institute offers a range of subjects including English, Greek, French, Russian, Art and Photography, ICT, sports and dance, with a record of excellent results, and many other afternoon courses for

Facilities One of the bonuses of studying at the school is its stunning location with mountain and sea views, and its 1,500 seat outdoor amphitheatre, which hosts school and community dramatic and musical productions.

There is ample car parking for the school run, and the school also arranges a bus service from many locations around Limassol.

The innovatively-designed buildings, including the brand new Early Years area, contain well-lit classrooms with interactive whiteboards, heating and air conditioning, to provide learning in comfort all year round. Creative displays of work and art exhibitions always enhance the walls. Performing Arts are particularly strong at the school, using specialist drama studios and sound-insulated music rooms. Recent productions include Singin’ in the Rain and Fiddler on the Roof. Out of school hours,

PATH (Performing Arts at The Heritage) offers classes in Drama, Music and Dance.

There are well-equipped science and computer laboratories and a Learning Resource Centre with a well-stocked library, study desks and computers.

Sports and games form an exciting and essential element in the educational process. Competition is encouraged, but good sportsmanship and team spirit are of paramount importance.

The school has various teams which participate in inter-school tournaments.

The many sports facilities at the school’s on-site stadium include tennis courts, cricket practice lanes and a FIFA Star 1 full-size football pitch.

The School Cafeteria serves nourishing home-cooked food, and the diligent team of cleaning and maintenance staff ensure that the buildings and grounds provide a clean, safe and healthy environment in which to work, study and play.

VI March 10, 2013 • SUNDAY MAIL

PrivateEducation

Learning and growing in a Montessori environment TUCKED away in Engomi one can find Little Gems Montessori Nursery – the only nursery school in Cyprus accredited by the Montessori Evaluation and Accreditation Board (MEAB), UK. A genuine Montessori setting committed to deliver Montessori education through the recognition of meeting the standards and criteria of a Montessori accrediting body. Accreditation is an important aspect in educational establishments, and parents can therefore rest assured that their children are attending a genuine setting at Little Gems.

Little Gems seeks to provide a loving, caring and stimulating environment in which children may learn, grow and develop under the guidance of caring teachers, other parents and their peers, following the Montessori philosophy and method. An environment where children will flourish, build independence and grow in confidence in a family atmosphere.

The ethos of a Montessori school is that the education is pupil-led. Children learn and progress at their own pace, developing independence and an understanding of the world around them. At Little Gems Montessori Nursery children are offered these unique opportunities of self-development by virtue of specially trained staff as two areas of Montessori teachers’ expertise lie in being skilled and careful observers who notice readiness within the child and, creating a beautiful and carefully prepared environment.

The aims and objectives at Little Gems Montessori Nursery are: To promote the development of happy, confi-

dent and well-balanced children To provide for children aged 2-6 years old in Cyprus. As Cyprus is a multi-cultural society it will aim to meet the needs of children from diverse cultures and backgrounds To foster and promote emotional well-being, a positive self-image, self-confidence, self-esteem and a feeling of community To allow children to enjoy their childhood as the unique time it is, to play, to laugh, to relate and to unfold their potentialities To offer a holistic approach to the child’s development To lay solid foundations for future schooling where children are allowed to follow their own nature, supported by healthy boundaries The opening hours at Little Gems are 8am to 12.30pm. An early drop-off from 7.15 is offered to parents that may require this. The school also runs an extended day with exciting themes from 12.30 to 3pm. A five-week summer school is offered throughout the month of July.

Little Gems Montessori Nursery is currently accepting enrolments for next school year, 2013/14.

For further information call Carola on: 22 351319 or 99 950070, littlegemsmontessori@ gmail.com, www.littlegemsmontessori.com

ACCEPTING ENROLMENTS FOR 2013/14 A genuine Montessori nursery where children flourish, build independence and grow in confidence in a family atmosphere. www.littlegemsmontessori.com littlegemsmontessori@gmail.com 22 351 319 or 999 500 70 Accredited by Montessori Evaluation and Accreditation Board, UK Licensed by the Ministry of Education and Culture

A Russian – English private school in the heart of Limassol L.I.T.C is a Russian - English private, multicultural school providing elementary and comprehensive secondary education in Limassol, only a two-minute walk from the seaside and a five-minute walk from the town centre.

Founded in 1993, the school has traditionally welcomed migrant children from Eastern European countries, mainly from Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania etc. Approved by the Cyprus Ministry of Education and Culture, the school follows the curriculum of the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation, but with an emphasis on English language, since English is taught on a daily basis.

Teaching personnel are carefully selected to match the standards of the education the school aims to provide. At the school there are Russian and English native-speaking teachers, bilingual teachers as well as Greek and Spanish native speaking teachers to guarantee the best possible results in the field. Teaching staff are highly qualified and experienced.

The school’s policy in this respect has paid off since most of its graduates are now studying successfully in universities of Cyprus, Europe, Russia, Australia, Canada, the USA and others. The school’s students have also won awards for their success in local competitions in mathematics, chemistry, sports and others.

Having successfully passed their final examinations, school leavers from the 9th and 11th forms are awarded a Secondary School Leaving Certificate (Apolytirion) of the Republic of Cyprus and optionally, having taken exams at the Russian Embassy School, obtain the relevant Attestat from the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation.

L.I.T.C. has been awarded certificates of recognition by the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Cyprus for its contribution in the development and the strengthening of Russian-Cypriot friendship and for actively promoting the Russian language and culture on the island.

Moreover, the school is currently participating in two Comenius projects which form part of the Long Life Learning Programme of the European Commission. These activi-

ties have given teachers the opportunity to learn from others’ experiences and exchange opinions with European Partners. One of the programmes involves students who have travelled to Poland where they participated in the making of a film and other projects, thus enriching their learning process as well as their lives in general.

Within the framework of its cultural development programme, the school has established close working relationships with some public schools at which Russian is taught as a foreign language. Their visits have served the purpose of promoting both languages, strengthening the ties between the Russian and Greek speaking communities in Cyprus, and giving students the chance to practice their language skills.

The school’s well-equipped premises include spacious and well-lit classrooms, a rich library and DVD collection. The school often organises events in the form of colourful musical dance performances, the participation of students in major cultural and sports events, education and leisure excursions.

The school canteen serves hot meals (breakfast, lunch) and soft healthy drinks.

Transport is also provided on request.

The L.I.T.C. Private Institute offers a variety of courses for both students and adults in the afternoon as well as on Saturday mornings. Among these are Russian, English, Greek, Spanish, Italian, German and French.

The institute also provides ICT (GCSE & ECDL), and Art (for small children as well as GCEs for the older students), Chess and Sports, preparatory classes, extended day groups, extracurricular activities and external studies for pupils from English and Greek schools.

The school’s convenient location enables it to organise extracurricular summer activities for Summer School students. L.I.T.C. Summer English School, starting on June 10 2013, offers daily English and Russian lessons, IT and Mathematics courses.

L.I.T.C. Russian-English private School 340 Agiou Andreou Str., 3035 Limassol. admin@litcschool.com, www.litcschool.com

y Russian Language Crash Course Starting March 12th, 2013 Taught by experienced, qualified, Russian- native speaking teachers English Language Summer School y Starting June 10th , 2013 Professional Translation Services Russian – English – Greek – German – Italian y French – Spanish – Romanian and other 340-342, Agiou Andreou Str., 3035 Limassol Tel: 25343376, Fax: 25343398, paola@litcschool.com www.litcschool.com

VII SUNDAY MAIL • March 10, 2013

PrivateEducation

Childhood ADHD may lead to troubles later on in life NEARLY a third of people diagnosed as children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) still have the condition in adulthood, according to a US study of thousands.

The researchers, whose findings appeared in Pediatrics, also found that these people were more likely to develop other mental disorders, such as anxiety or depression, and commit suicide.

Led by William Barbaresi from Boston Children's Hospital, they found that about 29 per cent of participants in the study who were diagnosed with ADHD as children ended up carrying that diagnosis over into their late twenties.

"They still clearly had symptoms that continued to be consistent

with that diagnosis," said Barbaresi. "But that in itself has been an area of difficulty and controversy."

ADHD, the most common neurodevelopmental condition, affects between three and seven per cent of US school children, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

It's more common in boys than in girls.

The CDC says children with ADHD tend to have a hard time paying attention, to be forgetful, fidget and be easily distracted, to the point that it creates problems at school, home and with their friends.

For their study - which Barbaresi started while at the Mayo Clinic

in Rochester, Minnesota - the researchers followed 5,718 children who were born in that area between 1976 and 1982. Of those, 387 were diagnosed with ADHD as children and gave the researchers access to their medical records.

Barbaresi and his colleagues then invited the participants to be re-evaluated when they were 29. Overall, 232 of the childhood ADHD patients agreed to take part, and the researchers found that 68 still had the disorder around 29 per cent.

But even those whose ADHD diagnosis did not persist into adulthood were still more likely to suffer from at least one psychiatric condition other than ADHD, with at least 57 per cent suffering with

such things as alcohol or substance abuse, anxiety or depression.

That compared to 35 per cent of the people in a comparison group who did not have ADHD while growing up.

People diagnosed with ADHD were also more likely to commit suicide. Researchers found that three of the 387 participants with childhood ADHD had committed suicide, compared to just seven of the 4,946 non-ADHD participants.

"The finding about suicide is new," said Mary Solanto, director of the ADHD Center at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York. "It was suggested in another one of these... studies, but in this study the sample size was large enough for it to be

significant."

Solanto, who was not involved in the new research, said that many of the study's other findings had been seen previously, but that this study was larger and the subjects were drawn from the general population.

The study's authors warned that their findings may not apply to children across the United States because the study participants were from mostly white, middleclass families in one part of Minnesota.

"There are a lot of people who have had it (ADHD) that learned to cope and deal with it," Solanto said. "But in order for that to happen, it's important to diagnose and treat it as soon as possible."

Female graduates ‘still earn less’ FEMALE graduates are still likely to be earning thousands of pounds less than their male counterparts, a new report suggests.

It reveals that women in the UK are likely to be on lower salaries than men, even if they attended the same type of university and studied the same subject.

This is despite laws designed to ensure equal access to jobs and pay, according to the Higher Education Careers Services Unit (Hecsu).

In a new article, published in Graduate Market Trends, Hecsu examined the 2012 earnings of students who applied to higher education in 2006 using a study called Futuretrack.

The findings show that more women's earnings were at the lower end of the salary range, with many taking home pay of between £1517,999 and £21-23,999.

Men were more likely to earn salaries of £24,000 or more, the report said.

It suggests that average earnings of men were higher than women's across all degree subject areas, even if more women had taken those subjects than men.

The report adds men appear to have earned more than women who started university with the same number of Ucas points and attended the same type of institution.

"When graduate earnings are examined by subject it is clear that women earned less than men who studied the same subject," it said.

Article author Jane Artess, Hecsu director of research, said: "Equal opportunity to access jobs and pay has been enshrined in legislation for 40 years yet Futuretrack found that being female can make a difference to a graduate's earning power.

"Despite having the same Ucas entry tariff points, attending the same type of institution and studying the same subject, men are commanding higher salaries than women."

She said the gender distribution of graduate earnings was "strikingly uneven".

"This is true across all the broad subject areas, even where women's participation is greater than men's," she said.

Being streamed from a young age may impact educational attainment later on, the study said

Younger children often found in bottom groups Further evidence youngest children in class more likely to get low results

By Alison Kershaw SUMMER-born children are more likely to be put into bottom groups for lessons than their older classmates, research suggests.

A new study has found that youngsters who were born in September, at the start of the school year in the UK, were three times more likely to be in top ability streams than those with birthdays in August, at the end of the school year.

There are also differences when pupils are grouped by ability within their own class, or for certain subjects, it says.

The report warns that

grouping children in this way could be detrimental to younger children, who are already more likely to achieve lower results and be diagnosed with special educational needs.

The study, by the Institute of Education at the University of London, looked at information on the schooling of more than 5,000 children in England who are being followed as part of the Millennium cohort study.

It found that by the age of seven, just over 70 per cent of children born in September were in the top stream, compared with less than 30 per cent of those born in August.

About 30 per cent of Au-

gust-born children were in the bottom stream, compared with around 10 per cent of September-born youngsters.

The researchers define streaming as dividing all pupils in a year group into classes based on academic ability.

ABILITY The study found that 97 per cent of the children in the study were grouped by ability by the time they were seven - within their year, class, or both.

Around 30 per cent of the youngsters were grouped within their year for English, and 37 per cent were

grouped for maths. Nearly four-fifths were grouped within their class for all or most lessons.

The study reveals that when children are split in class, summer-born pupils are more likely to be put into a lower ability group.

It suggests that around 55 per cent of Septemberborn children who were grouped in class were put into a top ability set, compared with just over 20 per cent of those with August birthdays.

Less than 10 per cent of September pupils were in the lowest ability group, compared with around 30 per cent of August-born youngsters.

Study author Tammy Campbell said: "If teachers place younger pupils early in their school career - in lower ability groupings, and older pupils in higher groupings, this hasty (and potentially premature) sorting may have a significant impact on subsequent differences in educational attainment."

Previous research has shown that younger children tend to do less well academically than their older peers, and that summerborn youngsters are also likely to be less confident, more frequently diagnosed with special educational needs and more likely to be bullied, the report said.

VIII March 10, 2013 • SUNDAY MAIL

PrivateEducation

Open a new door for your child…

WHAT does it mean to send your child to an international school? The American International School in Cyprus is not only dedicated to inspiring students towards achieving academic excellence, but also teaches students the value of cultural diversity, perspective and voice, while preparing them to be socially responsible world citizens.

Approximately 50+ nationalities can be found within the walls of AISC. Forty per cent of students are local Cypriot families who desire an American and international educational leading to an American University Preparatory and/or International Baccalaureate Diploma. The school’s quality academic programmes are designed to teach students conceptual understandings, rich content and skills in a multi-national environment where each students’ strengths are nurtured and developed. The Diploma programmes prepare students for any post-secondary university of their choice. AISC was the first school in Cyprus to offer the IB Diploma.

By attending AISC, children get much more than just schooling – they are getting an education for life.

The American International School in Cyprus is committed to a number of internationally-minded governing statements and beliefs which shape its approaches, outlook, policies and day to day interactions.

It promotes a sense of indi-

viduality and a concept of teamwork while striving to ensure that everyone’s opinion is respected and heard.

As a member of the European Council of International Schools, accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, and authorised by the IB, AISC promotes and cultivates internationally-minded attitudes across the school community. These include an openness and willingness to learn about various perspectives and other cultures, while continuing to value and appreciate one’s own and the host country culture. An appreciation for and intent to teach and provide opportunities for multilingualism, diversity, cooperative learning, conflict mediation skills and cross cultural awareness are at the heart of AISC each and every day.

The AISC Human Rights Policy governs all interactions in the school includ-

ing staff and students and the way it approaches conflict and decisions around discipline. The policy was developed by parents, staff and students with particular attention given to everyone’s freedom from being set apart or mocked because of national origin and ac-

cent, race, gender, religion, culture, social class, intelligence, sexuality, physical strength, handicap, size, features, friendship groups and age. The Human Rights Policy aims to ensure that everyone at AISC has a right to safety and security and the school community val-

The American International School in Cyprus • Accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges & Schools, USA and the International Baccalaureate (IB) • University Acceptances Worldwide • Greek Language Program for Native and Foreign Speakers and 25 other Foreign Languages offered • ESL (English as a Second Language Program) • LSC (Learning Support Services) • Highly Qualified Teachers Tel: 22316345 – Fax: 22316549 Addr es s : 11 Kas s os Str eet, 1086 Nicos ia Webs ite: www.ais c.ac.cy

International Baccalaureate Tradition Since 1994 • IB classes for the last two years of High School • Highly trained and experienced IB teachers, and examiners.

• Students graduate with double diploma: American Diploma and IB Contact our IB Coordinator by phone or email kcoppes@aisc.ac.cy for more information, or visit our website www.aisc.ac.cy

Your International School in Nicosia There are still spaces available for students who meet our admission requirements.

Contact the Admissions Director Ms. Barakat at sbarakat@aisc.ac.cy for admissions packet or telephone the school.

ues the importance of not making any one sector of the school feel undervalued or underrepresented.

The school’s student council leadership programmes, clubs, athletic teams and community service activities strive to develop participatory and team building skills. Its Student Councils develop collaborative decision making skills and learn how to operate as an effective team. AISC supports many local and global programmes and charities and responds with empathy and action towards international events. Its students initiate, drives and organise charities, invite local disadvantaged youth to the school, or conduct action-service in the homes of local families.

Students in Middle and High School actively attend and support local and international tournaments. Teams participate in both competitive and friendly events and as a result students have opportunities to further refine their team-building and sportsmanship skills with other students from all over the world. When teams and clubs travel, students are regularly hosted by international families offering AISC students further exposure to different family traditions, ways of life, and cultures in settings unfamiliar to them.

The school’s curriculum covers world religions, using a comparative methodology so students understand and learn about different values, beliefs and viewpoints and are able to communicate perspectives confidently and sensitively. AISC does not teach a religion, rather it teaches about religions.

It starts comparative religion education as early as the elementary with our parent invitations to come into classrooms to share traditions and celebrations from all over the world, but more formally in Grade 6 in the World Cultural Humanities Programme. In grades 6-10 each year in social studies the birth of religions are discussed and critically compared including reasons why some religions became more prevalent than others. The school believes international students need to be knowledgeable about how others think, believe and operate in the world around them.

AISC connects concepts and skills to the international arena where they naturally fit. Each K-12 curricu-

To learn about the school’s academic programmes, IB Programme, student life and community, university placements/college and career information visit www.aisc.ac.cy, to talk with the Admissions Director contact Sandra Barakat sbarakat@aisc. ac.cy or at 22 316345

lum unit is designed to find a relationship to the larger global society and question how others from different cultures think. IB students in Grades 11 and 12 take a Theory of Knowledge Class which is an evaluation and critique of how we assimilate knowledge in our lives. Seniors conduct a 4,500 word original research study each year embedded with global connections.

Multilingualism is valued and viewed positively and this appreciation is formally expanded and expressed with the implementation of 25 foreign languages across the AISC school programme for all students. AISC knows that in order to be truly internationally-minded and to prepare students for the future, it must support multilingualism. As a result, the school is committed to an international language programme from the elementary level to Grade 12 where everyone has access to learning languages.

AISC is committed to developing School’s Parent and Student Network (PASNET) to help build a community spirit of cultural diversity under the umbrella of the School’s Mission Statement. As part of its Strategic Plan, PASNET has been actively involved in creating events which celebrate cultures and cultural differences to enhance students’ experiences at school. AISC students value their varied multi-national and multiethnic backgrounds and are proud to communicate about them.

IX SUNDAY MAIL • March 10, 2013

PrivateEducation

After 40 years, focus remains on future THIS year, Logos School proudly celebrates its 40th anniversary. As one of the oldest English schools in Limassol, it has a well-established reputation for solid academic and moral standards. Starting in 1973 with just 13 students, it now has 300, of over 30 different nationalities and still has contact with many of its former students. While important milestones and anniversaries cause the school to reflect on the past and enjoy the many happy memories, its focus is squarely on the future. Education, teaching practices and educational equipment are always changing and the school seeks to distinguish between passing fads and what advances are clearly for the children’s benefit. The Board of Governors is committed to building a new school with first class facilities that will further enhance the learning experience of students and staff.

With around 300 students from kindergarten through to A Level, Logos School could either be classified as a small school or a large family. Due to its size, the school is small enough to build strong, family-like relationships and large enough to offer a competitive edge.

A family atmosphere is certainly something that Logos School seeks to cul-

A family atmosphere is certainly something that Logos School seeks to cultivate tivate, recognising children will perform much better academically if they are in a happy, safe environment.

In an ideal learning environment, the children will respect the teaching staff, their peers and most impor-

tantly themselves. Logos has the luxury of small class sizes with plenty of individual attention. Primary classes do not exceed 24 (with no more than 20 students in the early years) and the higher level secondary courses of-

ten provide tutorial-style instruction for less than five students. Over the years, the intimate atmosphere has been a trademark of Logos School.

The tuition provided is in English, although Greek is offered throughout. A UKbased curriculum is used as students are prepared for IGCSEs, AS and A-levels.

The school is a centre for the University of Cambridge International Examinations Board and the Edexcel Examinations board. Qualifications in these examinations allow many of the students to study at universities in the UK. Students who complete grade 12 also receive their high school diploma (equivalent to the Apolytirion), the necessary qualification for entering higher education establishments in Cyprus, the USA and many other countries.

Logos School offers a comprehensive education. This means it believes all stu-

dents should be given a fair chance to fulfil their potential and lessons are differentiated to fit the needs of every child in the class. Its team of dedicated and caring staff believes in teaching the child, not just the subject, placing great importance on discipline, high moral standards and putting the needs of others above our own. It seeks to prepare students to have a positive impact on society, as well as for higher education and employment.

Many families choose to enroll their children at Logos School because of its strong reputation as a school that is devoted to the whole child.

It believes that its role in developing young people who are truly prepared to make a difference in their world means instilling discipline, respect and integrity. The school takes moral development seriously and refuses to compromise in the shifting sands of today’s values.

More than just a school, Logos is a community. Many parents through the years have commented on the unique atmosphere and unity between staff and students that prevails. This is something of which Logos is justifiably proud. Its desire is that each family is sure that this is exactly where their child belongs, a place where they will be happy and can learn in a safe environment.