Talk about a hypocritical incident which highlights the stark contrast in ways of combating the country’s economic plight. Hydra made international news this month when a taverna owner got into a rhubarb with the local law for not supposedly producing some receipts for tax purposes.
Her son was hauled in her place down to the constabulary which rallied the islanders into supporting her and laying “siege” to the police station, cutting power and water.
Who in turn summoned reinforcements, and the cavalry in full Kevlar and riot gear arrived from Athens on a naval ship.
Hydriotes allegedly stormed the ferry which was to escort the ‘criminal’ off island in retaliation, and some scuffling may have occurred. (The exact sequence of events is not relevant, as of course there are variations’ depending who is narrating their side of the saga).
The media constructed its usual storm in a teacup out of the event, but there is a deep underlying reason matters went so far.
It was pointed out that this was a matter about some supposed minor tax evasion, but how much in tax payer money was sent to bring in the navy and troops?
There are those too who point out that this is why the whole skirmish took place. That in fact the long arm of the law should not have been hounding small dining establishments but investigating the likes of huge suspicious mansions being constructed on the island with doubtful licenses and dubious legality, or indeed the row of luxury yachts bobbing behind the line of white helmets.
What with heat wave, droughts, economic turmoil, a selection of riots and super mid summer boiled brain syndrome aspects in effect…. “Every Silver Lining has a Dark Cloud”. Jennifer Kelland-Fagan at lunch in 43c with ice that turned to water before a single glass of Small porridge was finished.. We have photos to prove this theory but also enough on our plate to know that opening cans of roasted worms is a recipe for further disaster.!!
Kalo Meltemi (really hot wind) and heat wave y’all… apo mazi mas.
Dear KC – As an annual Irish visitor to Hydra I went to swim off the rocks near Kamini this morning 14.7.12. I was horrified to see that the immediate off-shore waters were polluted by a fetid mix of plastic objects inc bags and bottles as well as other unidentifiable substances. There was also a lot of foamy scum which suggested a dumped chemical substance. This filthy pollution stretched from Kamini to Spilia. Upon enquiry, I discovered that residents at Kamini believe the culprits to have neen the occupants of a large grey coloured yacht that was anchored off Kamini harbour on the evening of 13.7.12. Unfortunately no-one I spoke to had photographed the vessel or noted any ID. I then reported the matter to Pan the Hydra harbour master and he confirmed that the yacht in question had not registered with him. I will leave the matter with the Kamini Comet in the hope that the culprits can be identified and reported to the relevant authorities.
—Sam Gibson
It was brought to our attention that apparently Bond, James Bond, is the new owner of the castle being constructed on our hill, and the cause of much noise.
As proven by this anonymously sent photo showing the ‘Adia” (official registration number for building permit) posted on site. As the secret service does not divulge details, the authenticity of this legal code number remains in doubt.