State would do well to tackle its own racism first

Sir,

I read last week’s headlines about racism with interest, particularly the heavy protestations and condemnations by senior politicians against the phenomenon. They appeared to say that people should treat all others as equals as per the EU Treaty that this island has signed up to and agreed to abide by.

How can they have the nerve to suggest that the general population needs to change their attitude? The most blatant and aggressive racism in this country is operated by the government and its organisations. A small example, Larnaca Marina, owned and operated by CTO, charges Cypriots less than non-Cypriots for the mooring of their boats! They actually have two price lists and have been aware that this is illegal for four years and have done nothing. Complaints are constantly being made but are met either with indifference or threats to charge the daily rate which is even higher. Boats have left this country because of it.

So I suggest that before the establishment lectures the electorate it puts its own house in order, otherwise it can add hypocrisy to racism and lose even more credibility. Perhaps they should try a different approach, leading by example – obviously a new concept for them, but it would mean they would have to abide by the law as they expect others to do. Would they find this difficult I wonder?

Ian Barnett, Oroklini