Before I start and to avoid being misunderstood, I would like to denote that I am not operating on behalf of any political party or organisation. All the notes below are triggerered by the reaction of any person who lives in a rural area and has been forgotten from the goverment, as well as any person who would wish the best for this island, following the development rates of our time and preserving the islands' rare beauty. Personally, I had experienced only two winters in Megisti (hopefully more in the future) but mainly because of the lack of facilities I was not able to spend more winters (there was no high school at the time). Of course, this is another story...

Kastellorizo is a special island, different than the other ones. Its geographical position extends a lot more the greek borders, but this also means isolation from the rest of Greece. Isolation will always exist no matter what. Now, the degree of isolation depends exclusively on the interest shown by the political leaders of Greece. What disturbed me was the way politicians "remember" our island before the elections, and the way they tend to forget it after they are finished! Maybe one day those politicians will feel regret (I am refering only to those who still have conscience) as the island will be gradually deserted and its traditions will vanish for ever. Basically, it is easy to understand that this is the least that can happen.

They (the politicians) say that they want decentralisation, but at the same time they condemn the people of Megisti to a dangerous life without the basic needs. It is unthinkable to consider that any doctor, teacher, public servant etc is being paid under the same criteria with someone who is doing the same job e.g. in Athens. The reasons are too many to list. We will finally have to wish that the young Kastellorizians will finish a university degree and will also decide to stay permantly in our beautiful island. This is not impossible, but at this moment it is something which does not reflect our reality.

I wish that the future will be bright for Megisti and all the Kastellorizians, especially those who insist to stay in the deserted from the government island, keeping its original traditions.

Kindest Regards,

 

Pantazis C. Houlis (email: pantazis@megisti.net)