Tag: public service

  • Doros Ieropoulos, Esteemed Limassol Figure, Dies Aged 89

    Doros Ieropoulos, Esteemed Limassol Figure, Dies Aged 89

    Doros Ieropoulos, a prominent figure in Limassol, has passed away at the age of 89, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to cultural and social advancement in the city.

    • Doros Ieropoulos, a prominent figure in Limassol, has passed away at the age of 89, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to cultural and social advancement in the city.

    Doros ieropoulos: A Life of Service and Leadership

    The Municipality of Limassol expressed profound sadness following his death, noting that his contributions were pivotal to the city’s evolution. In an official statement, they remarked, “His loss leaves an irreplaceable void for Limassol, as his contribution to its cultural and social progress was decisive. We will always remember his role in developing the city’s cultural life, his passion, his dedication to public service, and the inspiration he provided through his actions and contributions.”

    Contributions to the Community

    Ieropoulos’s dedication to public service is evident through his extensive involvement in various organisations. He served as a member, vice-chairman, and later chairman of the Cyprus Ports Authority for eight years, and contributed over 25 years on the board of Cyprus Airways. His long-standing commitment also saw him acting as the Honorary Consul-General of Sri Lanka in Cyprus for 24 years.

    His contributions to Limassol were manifold, spanning social welfare, sports, and cultural initiatives. In 1986, he was elected to the first Limassol Municipal Council and took on the role of chairman of the Municipal Cultural Committee, where he played a crucial role in establishing three significant cultural institutions in the city: ETHAL, the Coordinating Council of Limassol Cultural Organisations, and the radio station KANALI 9,86. Each of these institutions has helped enrich Limassol’s cultural landscape.

    Champion of Youth and Philanthropy

    In addition to his cultural contributions, Ieropoulos was an influential figure in youth development through his work with the Cyprus Scout Corps, where he served as president for many years. His commitment to philanthropy extended to his active participation in the international organisation ROTARY, where he supported various charitable initiatives aimed at improving community welfare.

    Sports and Athletic Endeavours

    An athlete at heart, Ieropoulos excelled in multiple sports, particularly tennis, which he pursued after studying at the University of Beirut. He significantly promoted tennis in Limassol by founding the Sporting Club of Limassol. His passion for football was equally noteworthy; he played for Aris Limassol and represented the Cyprus Mixed Team. His leadership extended to sports administration as well, serving for several years as President of the Aris Limassol Sports, Music, and Cultural Association, where he was honoured with the title of honorary lifetime president.

    A Final Farewell

    As the community mourns the loss of this influential figure, Ieropoulos’s funeral is scheduled for next Thursday, September 25, 2025, at 1 p.m. at the Church of Agios Nikolaos in Limassol. In a heartfelt request, his family has asked that, instead of wreaths, donations be made to the Red Cross-Limassol Branch and the Amerikos Argyriou Centre for Preventive Paediatrics, reflecting Ieropoulos’s lifelong commitment to service and community welfare.

    Legacy of Inspiration

    Doros Ieropoulos’s legacy will undoubtedly endure in Limassol, where his numerous contributions have left a lasting impact on the community. His dedication to cultural, social, and athletic advancement has not only shaped the city but has also inspired generations to engage in public service and community-building efforts. As tributes continue to pour in, it is clear that his absence will be deeply felt across Limassol and beyond.

  • Sexual harassment — Education Ministry Official Seeks Early Retirement Amid Sexual Harassment Trial

    Sexual harassment — Education Ministry Official Seeks Early Retirement Amid Sexual Harassment Trial

    A senior Education Ministry official is facing serious allegations as he navigates a sexual harassment trial. Following the Attorney General’s decision to pursue criminal prosecution, the ministry has moved swiftly to place the official on administrative leave.

    Upon being informed by police about the prosecution, the Education Ministry’s director general promptly notified the Public Service Commission. In a letter, he outlined the recent developments and requested the commission consider the administrative leave for the official.

    In a twist, the official has also submitted a request for early retirement, just months shy of reaching the standard retirement age. This dual approach complicates matters, as the Public Service Commission must now evaluate both the early retirement request and the ministry’s intention to suspend the official.

    If the early retirement is granted, the pending administrative leave would become irrelevant. This scenario has precedence in similar cases involving public officials, where the acceptance of retirement requests supersedes the need for administrative suspension.

    However, the situation is more complex due to the nature of the charges against him. The official faces two counts: indecent assault against a minor and workplace sexual harassment. The first hearing is set for 30 October at Nicosia District Court.

    The allegations stem from two separate police investigations that ultimately converged into a single court case. Initially, a complaint was filed by a woman who alleged that the official assaulted her when she was a minor. A second complaint came to light in 2023 from another Education Ministry colleague.

    As the Public Service Commission deliberates, the ramifications of the official’s actions extend beyond his career, impacting the ministry and its reputation. The outcome of the court proceedings will likely influence public perception and policy on handling such serious allegations within government bodies.

  • Christodoulides pension: President Nikos Christodoulides Donates Pension to Charity

    Christodoulides pension: President Nikos Christodoulides Donates Pension to Charity

    christodoulides pension — christodoulides pension — President Nikos Christodoulides has taken a significant step by announcing that he will donate his state pension to charity. His decision comes amidst public scrutiny regarding state officials drawing pensions while serving in office.

    The presidency’s statement revealed that Christodoulides will contribute his monthly pension of €730 to charitable organisations dedicated to elderly care throughout his term. This pension stems from his 18 years of service in the public sector, particularly during his time at the foreign ministry.

    In selecting beneficiaries, the president contacted six organisations across various districts, including two facilities in Nicosia, and one each in Limassol, Larnaca, Famagusta, and Paphos. This initiative is made possible by a recent law that allows state officials to waive their pension while serving in their roles.

    “For every year, from September to September, and for as long as he holds the office of the president, President Christodoulides will provide various institutions with this monthly compensation,” the statement noted. The law, enacted in July, aims to clarify the process for officials who wish to forgo their pensions.

    Historically, state officials had the option to waive their pensions through a simple notification to the treasury, but recent debates have brought the issue to the forefront. Critics have expressed concern that Christodoulides had not previously waived his pension like other officials, prompting this change in approach.

    In addressing the controversy, the president stated that he prefers to keep charitable actions private, citing a personal conviction against publicising such efforts. However, he acknowledged the public discourse surrounding his pension and felt it necessary to inform citizens of his charitable contributions.

    Amidst this backdrop, the government faced criticism for its handling of the pension waiver procedure. In late July, reports indicated inconsistencies in statements regarding the existence of a waiver process, leading to further scrutiny of the administration’s transparency.

    Christodoulides, who is currently 51, receives a monthly net salary of €9,016. Upon reaching the age of 58, he will also be eligible for an additional €300 in pension benefits for his prior public service.