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symbolism of the timing chosen for these
awards – the first days of October – linking in
this way this awarding of exceptional Cypriots
to the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus.
The first award ceremony was in November
2010, on the occasion of the fifty years since
the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus.
During that first ceremony, a donation by
the Nemitsas Foundation to the Republic of
Cyprus was announced.
Allow me to pay tribute to the work of the
Nemitsas Foundation, and to the generosity
of Takis and Louki Nemitsa, who donated
the Foundation, with all its movable and
immovable property to the Republic of Cyprus.
I must also refer to the fact that the Governing
Council of the Nemitsas Foundation, as well
as the Academic Council, the Secretary and
the Coordinator of the Foundation, whose
contribution is certainly invaluable, operate
selflessly, on an unpaid basis.
Today’s honouring of a distinguished artist,
who has truly excelled, constitutes yet another
opportunity to bring to the forefront our
ability as a country to have a creative path to
the future.
I believe that the recent economic crisis,
which has had a serious impact on Cypriot
citizens, has taught us a lot. One of the lessons
we must all draw from the crisis is that we
must be decisive. Delaying necessary action
–due to fear perhaps- of political cost can be
very detrimental to the country. Economic
developments are rapid, particularly when
credibility and trust are eroded, and recession
can follow in a speedy, spiral manner.
The second lesson we can draw is that
promoting structural reforms delivers, even
in the short term. In Cyprus, it was the loss
of confidence that led to the whirlwind of
events. To regain the credibility and trust,
effective action and real reform is required.
Commitment and decisiveness are vital.
It is universally accepted that the full benefits
of the structural reforms are obtained in the
long term, and in the case of Cyprus, even
a long time after the government’s term.
Nonetheless, structural reforms are of utmost
importance also in the short term, because they
act as a catalyst for regaining the country’s
lost credibility and trust.
We have every reason to be hopeful and
optimistic about the future. I will not elaborate
further on the economic and social measures
taken by the government, and the major
reforms that are underway.
I would, however, like to underline that a
source of optimism is that we are in the midst
of a crucial and difficult - but at the same time
hopeful - negotiating process for a solution to
the Cyprus problem. If we succeed in reaching
a comprehensive settlement, firmly anchored
on European values and principles, I have no
doubt that our future will be most promising,
and that Cyprus and its people will prosper in
a secure, modern European country in which
we will honour distinguished Cypriots in all
fields.
And it is in this effort that we, the politicians,
should emulate these gifted artists such as
Christodoulos Panayiotou, to transform our
vision into a creation that will bring about
admiration and praise by all those who will be
fortunate to experience it.
Dear Christodoulos, we thank you for the
honour and pride that you offer us through
your art and distinctions.
At the same time, I wish to thank the Takis
and Louki Nemitsas Foundation for its
contribution to our country.
