Pontian man sets sights on career in police force
APPOLLONAS Nefindidis has dreamt of being a policeman since he was a child. It seems his dreams may become a reality, if the Cyprus government allows Pontians to enter the police force.
Nefindidis is 24 and moved with his family from Georgia to Cyprus eight years ago.
He finished his schooling at the First Lyceum of Paphos and holds Greek nationality. He also speaks fluent Greek and his family have made Cyprus their home.
“I am just waiting now to hear what I have to do to become a policeman. Whether I have to take exams or whatever, I am ready to do it. I know I would be a good policeman,” Nefindidis said.
In February this year, Ombudswoman Eliana Nicolaou suggested minorities be included as part of the police force.
The move was aimed at overcoming a prevailing air of suspicion and lack of trust which mars the relationship between minorities and the police.
“This will be to the benefit of the police as well, since it will enable them to become more effective in their tasks,” Nicolaou added.
Pontian Greeks are Greek-speaking Russians from the Black Sea. It is estimated that there around 40,000 Pontians in Cyprus, most living in Paphos and Limassol.
Although he always wanted to be a policeman, Nefindidis knew this was impossible in Cyprus. Instead, he developed the artistic side of his character and became a photographer and cameraman.
“I was a cameraman for CyBC, the national broadcaster for four years, and now I am a professional photographer,” he says.
“I enjoy my job and like taking photos. But what I have always wanted to do, is to be a policeman,” he smiled.
“This is not a job to take lightly,” he emphasised. “It is very important. It’s essential that Pontians are allowed into the force, as we alone understand the psychology of our people,” he said.
“If a Greek Cypriot policeman and a Pontian policeman asked a Pontian car to pull over, it would be a very different thing.’
“Some Pontians are suspicious of the police and some don’t show any respect. If Pontians were in the police, it would make things a lot easier. They would know the officer and feel they could trust him.”
One of the problems blighting Paphos and other towns in Cyprus is the groups of men gathering together, excessive drinking and violence between families.
“This is a problem,” said Nefindidis, “[Pontians] have this mentality because they bring it with them from Georgia and other countries, where this is usual. But we have to get drinking off the streets,” he said. “I really want to change this.”
“People have the wrong idea about us,” he continued, “and it is up to people like me who have grown up here to change their perspective.”
A drug squad officer in Paphos confirmed that many drug arrests are of Pontians.
“This is a huge problem within this sector of the community,” he said. “Most of the drug abuse in Paphos is committed by Pontians. We have to try and educate them to think differently and stop using drugs,” he said.
“I think Pontians would listen to another Pontian,” said Nefindidis. “I would like to see Pontians as a valued part of the community; responsible for themselves and acting in the correct manner,” he said.
“I want to set a good example for the next generation and show them a better way to live their life,” he said. “Drugs are no good and kids should be made to understand that.”
“If Pontians were given a chance to hold responsible jobs and had the same opportunities as Cypriots, I am sure the next generation would feel more valuable,” he said.
“If the kids have something to strive for, it would be like a safety net to catch them. It is all too easy today to fall into the trap of hanging around and drinking and taking drugs. They have to see there is another way,” he said. “A better life with more opportunities. After all, that’s why so many Pontians came to Cyprus.”
Asked if he thought he was strong enough to stand up to Pontian criminal gangs, he replied;
“In this community in Paphos, there are only five or six people who are dangerous, and I know who they are. The rest are good. I wouldn’t be scared of them.”
Ayios Tryfonas the Pontian society in Paphos has a spokesman, Raoul Tsachides, who has been pushing for more rights for his community.
Tsachides commented that if the police had Pontian officers, the needs and problems of their community would be better served.
