Strengthening of the primary sector of paramount importance, President says

The strengthening of the primary sector is of paramount importance, not only because we owe it to our rural world and countryside, but also in order to address the consequences of climate change, President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides said on Saturday, noting that the issue of the Common Agricultural Policy and the funds to be allocated by the EU will be among the top priorities of the forthcoming Cyprus Presidency of the EU.

Speaking on Saturday evening at the 9th Rural Culture Festival of the Cyprus Agricultural Payments Organization in the fire-stricken community of Lofou, President Christodoulides, said that so far the government has provided around 80 million euros for the properties destroyed in the July 23rd fire, assuring that ‘the State is here and will respond.’

‘The strength, resilience, and determination of the residents of the community are a tangible and exemplary demonstration that in the countryside one encounters the dynamism that characterizes the Cypriot farmer and rural woman, who fight to keep our land alive,’ he added.

He also pointed out that the practical and substantial support of the agricultural community is not a matter of choice or political priority, but ‘a minimum obligation of the state, which must ensure a secure future without dependencies on external factors.’

‘We see what is happening with the war in Ukraine and the dependencies it creates. We see what is happening internationally with the issue of protectionism and the taxes that some governments choose to adopt, resulting in some countries becoming dependent on or deprived of basic products because they failed to give the necessary importance to the primary sector,’ the President said.

At the same time, he noted that it is regrettable that the primary sector currently represents only 1.7% of the country’s GDP, whereas it once had a double-digit percentage. He stressed that ‘strengthening the primary sector is of primary importance, not only because we owe it to our farmers and countryside, but also to tackle the consequences of climate change.’

Limassol hosts “Maritime Cyprus” conference, President to meet participating officials

Limassol is hosting, from October 6 to 8, the International Conference ‘Maritime Cyprus 2025’, which has been established since 1989 and is organized every two years in the country.

As announced, the conference will be attended by prominent figures of the global shipping industry, including the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), European officials, Presidents of shipping organizations, shipowners, senior executives of shipping companies, and other representatives of the international maritime community.

On Sunday afternoon, the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, will hold a series of meetings with officials attending the conference.

Specifically, he will successively receive, at the Presidential Palace, Royal Caribbean officials Shon Tracy, Christos Karavos, and Gregory Purdy, the CEO of the Caravel Group, Dr. Harry Banga, the Greek Minister of Maritime Affairs and Island Policy, Vassilis Kikilias, the EU Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, and the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Arsenio Dominguez.

Furthermore, on Sunday evening, the President of the Republic will deliver an address at the official dinner of the Cyprus Union of Shipowners, held within the framework of the conference, in the gardens of the Presidential Palace. Meanwhile, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Annita Demetriou, will attend a reception organized in connection with the conference in Limassol.

The conference is organized by the Deputy Ministry of Shipping, in cooperation with the Cyprus Union of Shipowners and the Cyprus Shipping Chamber, and has evolved into one of the leading maritime events worldwide, consistently attracting key figures and organizations from the international shipping sector.

As announced, the ‘Maritime Cyprus 2025’ conference, under the central theme ‘Unlocking the Future. of Shipping,’ will focus on critical issues concerning the ever-changing maritime industry, the formulation and compliance with new international regulations, sustainability and environmental challenges, digital transformation, seafarer-related matters, and financing in the global shipping market.

Cyprus Department of Meteorology – Forecast for the Sea Area of Cyprus (B)

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 1200 05/10/2025 UNTIL 1200 06/10/2025

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1016hPa (hectopascal)

Weak low pressure is affecting the area. The weather will be mainly fine with locally increased low cloud coverage at times.

Visibility: Good

Sea surface temperature: 26°C

Warnings: NIL

Shireen vessel departs from Kato Paphos harbour, second flotilla vessel still in Ayia Napa

?he Shireen boat that was part of the Gaza Sumud Flotilla, departed from the Kato Paphos harbour at around 9:30 local time on Sunday morning, according to a Paphos Ports Authority official. Another vessel that was part of the flotilla remains docked at the Ayia Napa marina due to engine problems.

The delay in the departure of Shireen, which participated in the international flotilla bound for Gaza, was due to changing crew.

According to the Paphos Ports Authority official, some repairs were made to the boat by an engineer who was on board the vessel, while some crew members had expressed the desire to leave Cyprus by air, thus a crew change was necessary.

The vessel, after being supplied with fuel and water, set sail at 9:30 on Sunday morning from the Kato Paphos harbour, for Italy.

In the meantime, another flotilla vessel, the Summertime Jong, has been docked at the Ayia Napa marina since Friday afternoon, as it has engine problems.

CNA was informed by the Ayia Napa Marina Management that 11 people were on board the vessel upon its arrival there, four of whom have already departed, while the rest remain on board.

On Monday, engineers will be called in for repairs.

Turkey must respect international law to take part in regional partnerships, President says

If Turkey wishes to participate in regional partnerships, it must respect international law and resolve the Cyprus issue, President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides said on Sunday.

The President was invited by the press, upon his arrival at the inauguration ceremony of a Health Center in Akaki village, in Nicosia district, to comment on statements by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan regarding alliances in the Eastern Mediterranean.

He said that the Republic of Cyprus and all countries in the region are working on the basis of a positive approach, without excluding anyone who respects international law. ‘Therefore, if Mr. Fidan wishes for his country to take part in these initiatives, all he has to do is to respect the international law and, within this framework, move forward with resolving the Cyprus issue,’ he noted, adding that ‘Turkey is excluding itself through its own daily behavior.’

Asked whether he would seek a meeting with the new Turkish Cypriot leader after the ‘elections’ in the Turkish occupied areas of the island, the President replied, ‘yes, I will request on the very same evening a meeting, with whoever is elected’.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.

Cyprus welcomes training vessel AIDA IV which arrived in Limassol

Cyprus welcomed on Saturday in Limassol the training vessel AIDA IV, with Shipping Deputy Minister, Marina Hadjimanolis, stressing that its arrival is a tangible reflection of the strength of the partnership and shared commitment to advancing maritime education and cooperation.

In her address at a joint event with the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport, onboard the training vessel AIDA IV, at Limassol Port, Hadjimanolis noted that the vessel, operated by the Academy stands as a proud symbol of maritime excellence, innovation, and cooperation across the region.

She welcomed the Minister of Transport of the Kingdom of Bahrain, noting that his presence underlines the importance of the strong and enduring ties between Cyprus and the Arab region. She also expressed her appreciation for Professor Dr. Ismail Abdel Ghaffar Ismail Farag, President of the Arab Academy, for his leadership and vision, as well as for bringing the AIDA IV to Cyprus.

“This joint event marks another important step in our collaboration with the Arab Academy, following the Memorandum of Understanding we signed last October in Alexandria during my official visit to Egypt. The arrival of AIDA IV here in Cyprus is a tangible reflection of the strength of our partnership and our shared commitment to advancing maritime education and cooperation”, she underlined.

The Deputy Minister added that “we are confident that this partnership will open the way to many more concrete initiatives in maritime education, training, and sustainability”.

Hadjimanolis also said that the reception is an opportunity to celebrate this partnership, but also to strengthen the ties between Cyprus, Egypt, and the wider Arab world. “The presence of so many distinguished leaders from the shipping community highlights the importance of working together to build a sustainable and innovative future for global shipping,” she concluded.

CRICKET-IND/WIS-Chase calls for improvement in infrastructure, playing conditions in the Caribbean

Financial struggles and inferior playing conditions in the Caribbean are contributing to the West Indies’ poor performances on the cricket pitch, says Test captain Roston Chase.

Chase made the comments following his side’s humiliating loss by an innings and 140 runs to India inside three days in the opening Test match on Saturday.

However, he maintained that he was not looking for an excuse for his side’s recent struggles after they slumped to their fifth Test defeat in six matches this year.

West Indies Test captain Roston Chase speaking at the post-match press conference following his side’s defeat to India in the opening Test.

It was also the fourth consecutive Test match that the West Indies had lost inside three days, dating back to the home series against Australia in July.

Speaking in a post-match press conference on Saturday, Chase said there was a need for improved infrastructure as well as better pitches and playing conditions.

‘.What I would say is that obviously there is a struggle in the Caribbean for finances, so whatever help we can get I hope that they do get it so that they can strengthen the infrastructure for the cricket.

‘I think the systems in the Caribbean are a bit poor in terms of training facilities and stuff, but I’m not using that as an excuse or something to hide behind for our poor performances that we’ve been putting out lately. I still think the onus is on the players to find some way to churn out runs and wickets,’ Chase said.

The skipper said playing conditions in the region made it difficult for them to be competitive on the international stage.

He said batters in particular found it challenging to score runs, as was evident in the series against Australia where not a single batsman scored a century.

‘.The pitches in the Caribbean are not really batsmen friendly, so guys don’t really bat for long periods and score those big scores.

‘And the outfields in the Caribbean are really slow so when you hit the ball in the gaps and you think you have four you probably end up with just two, so those are some of the problems that we’re faced with in the Caribbean, so that’s why you see guys averaging so low,’ Chase explained.

‘If you look at the past series that we had against Australia, I think that’s the first time I’ve ever played an international series and a batsman never scored a hundred in three matches.’

TRINIDAD-CRIME- Police officer charged in connection with drug evidence tampering

An officer of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) is expected to appear in court on Monday, charged with misbehaviour in public office related to tampering with drug evidence.

According to a statement from the TTPS on Saturday, the probe was initiated after a discrepancy was discovered in narcotics exhibits lodged at the Barataria Police Station, following a successful anti-narcotics operation conducted in the Macoya Industrial Area. The original seizure resulted in the arrest of three individuals and the recovery of 89 packets of suspected cannabis.

When inconsistencies were later discovered in the exhibit count, Commissioner of Police Allister Guevarro ordered a full investigation. The Professional Standards Bureau (PSB) launched a probe, which officials said revealed a deliberate attempt to tamper with evidence and led to the identification of the suspect officer.

Commissioner Guevarro said corruption would not be tolerated within the ranks of the service.

‘Corruption will find no shelter in this organisation,’ he declared. ‘I will continue to stand firmly behind the thousands of officers who serve with honour, but I will go all out to remove those who seek to stain our noble occupation. Integrity is not something that can be taken; it is something you choose to give away. And when you do, you also give up your place among us.’

He added that the police badge is not a shield for dishonour, but a symbol of trust that must be earned daily through integrity and service.

‘To those who believe they can exploit their position for personal gain, let this serve as notice that we are watching, we are acting, and we are not afraid to clean our own house,’ the top cop cautioned.

‘To those who believe they can exploit their position for personal gain, let this serve as notice that we are watching, we are acting, and we are not afraid to clean our own house.’

The Commissioner commended the officers who carried out the original seizure and the PSB investigators for their diligence, saying their actions uphold the reputation of honest officers throughout the TTPS.

GUYANA-CRIME- Teen charged with cybercrime and sexual offences

A 19-year-old labourer from ‘D’ Field, Sophia, has been charged with several cybercrime and sexual offences involving a minor, including child pornography.

Police said on Saturday that Jeremiah James was arrested on September 28 by ranks from the Turkeyen Police Station and later charged by the Cybercrime Unit with multiple offences under the Cybercrime Act and the Sexual Offences Act.

The charges include possession of child pornography in a computer system, procuring child pornography, using a computer system to commit child luring, and causing a child under 16 to watch a sexual act.

James appeared before Senior Magistrate Clive Nurse at the Sparendaam Magistrates’ Court on October 2. He pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography and causing a child to watch a sexual act, but not guilty to the charges of child luring and procuring child pornography.

He was remanded to prison, and the matter has been adjourned to October 16.

TRINIDAD-CRIME-Police foil drone-assisted plot to smuggle contraband into prison

A major intelligence-led operation involving several arms of national security disrupted an attempted drone-based contraband smuggling operation near the Arouca Maximum Security Prison between Friday evening and Saturday morning.

Some of the contraband intercepted in the operation.

Acting on credible intelligence, law enforcement officers conducted surveillance in the Forde Street Extension, Bon Air area, after receiving reports of individuals attempting to use a drone to smuggle contraband into the prison.

A search of a nearby bushy area resulted in the apprehension of two suspects-a 13-year-old boy from Oropune Gardens and a 26-year-old man from Tunapuna- who attempted to flee by running through dense vegetation and leaping from a 25-foot embankment.

They were held following a targeted search of a river in the area. Police said one of them sustained injuries during his escape attempt and was treated at a medical facility.

Several items were confiscated during the operation, including a drone and controller, 16 drone batteries, 15 Samsung cell phones, over a kilogramme of cannabis, 256 packs of cigarettes, 50 packs of rolling papers, 20 packs of hemp, 12 lighters, a digital scale, 15 cell phones, 12 charging blocks, a power bank, two LCD screens, 16 wired headsets, 15 USB cables, nail clippers, a nail file and a flick knife.

A simultaneous search inside the Maximum Security Prison turned up additional contraband.

A nearby premises was also searched under Section 12 of the Emergency Powers Regulations, 2025, but no illegal items were found.

Investigations are continuing under the supervision of Acting Corporal Hyde.

In a statement, the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) said investigations are continuing.

It said it remains committed, along with the Prison Service, to disrupting criminal networks and preventing illegal items from entering correctional facilities.

The exercise was coordinated by Commissioner of Police Allister Guevarro, Deputy Commissioner Suzette Martin, and Senior Superintendent of Prisons Lee Davis.

The joint operation involved personnel from the TTPS, the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force Specialist Units, the Port of Spain Task Force, the Multi Operational Police Section, the Crime Scene Unit, the Prison Service, and the Special Investigative Unit.