if you had just 5 minutes with the government what would you say

ilovecyprus


Joined: 08/05/2007
Posts: 2880

Message Posted:
15/11/2009 12:53

There is one amongst us who is likley to get an audience with some high ranking government officials in the TRNC. This person would like to make some recommendations to the government about how to make the TRNC a great place to live in. A place that is healthy and prosperous.



If you had just 5 minutes with TRNC officials, and they were open to listening to what you say, what advice would you give them.



Lets keep this thread positive, maintaining a 'can do' and 'positive' frame of mind



Moderators would you be so kind to remove any threads which might be negative, posts like:



"there is no point, they wont listen to us" or "they are all on the make they wont change" or "there is nothing we can do because of the embargoes" etc

ilovecyprus


Joined: 08/05/2007
Posts: 2880

Message Posted:
15/11/2009 12:54

My recommendation to the TRNC is for them to appoint mentors. Bosnia has a mentor (from Slovakia) who has many years experience in nation building. This person has been given higher powers than the TRNC would probably accept, however, they could employ someone to be a public mentor. This person should have extensive knowledge in nation building. This person could come from any country,



The TRNC can utilise the ex pat community to do some mentoring, perhaps a half day here and there. Within the ex pat community there will be people who have run successful businesses and people who have successfully run government departments etc

Navek



Joined: 01/06/2008
Posts: 2656

Message Posted:
15/11/2009 13:17

Ask the Health Minister to look at this....

http://thebirdflupandemic.com/

Only 1 death in TRNC,

so far!!!!

Navek

Bradus


Joined: 25/02/2007
Posts: 2641

Message Posted:
15/11/2009 16:19

I would want more frequent meetings with ministry officials. A working partnership where the goal of both parties would be to problem solve, find solutions that make purchasing easier and safer, encourage tourism and create investment and a healthy economy. Maybe set future targets?



Both sides would need to compromise but I feel what is needed is an understanding of each others experiences, ideals and how to work in partnership to make the TRNC a better place to live for all.



To some extent I think Marian from the HBPG has started this process but in a limited way as only purchasing/home problems are discussed. Certainly I would ask for regular dialogue with officials. If this was happening perhaps people would not have to use the forums to seek advice and solutions from other members and there would be a more constructive forum in which to discuss such matters in.

the butler


Joined: 22/06/2007
Posts: 1958

Message Posted:
15/11/2009 17:13

I think I would like to talk to ministers about the environment and all the illegal dumping that goes on. I would like someone who has worked in this kind of job to be attached to a ministers office where they can guide them as to how this problem could be overcome. A programme in schools could be carried out as well educating the young on the health hazards and dangers of dumping litter. There needs to be some recycling bins set up in every village for ex pats and locals alike to take their bottles and cans, paper etc.





The butlers wife

Chegwin


Joined: 24/03/2009
Posts: 775

Message Posted:
15/11/2009 17:37

Keep it on for a while mods please.



I would ask them if I could do Guy Fawlks impressions.

After all, he was the only person that went into any parliamentary building with the right intentions……….

And he "could do, can do" just didnt quite make it.



Chegs

waddo


Joined: 29/11/2008
Posts: 1966

Message Posted:
15/11/2009 17:59

I would say thank you for letting me live in your country as a guest. As part of the thanks for allowing this I would promise not to try to interfere with how you wish to run your country and to abide by your rules and laws as they apply to me.

I would offer assistance in any area they deemed appropriate, that my and my fellow non-Cypriot colleagues had experience in, should they require it.

In closing I would ask that they do not use the United Kingdom as an example of how to run a country and offer them praise for the progress they have made in such a short time, against all the barriers that have been raised against them from every country in the world apart from Turkey.

catalkoykid


Joined: 15/02/2009
Posts: 1190

Message Posted:
15/11/2009 18:08

hear hear waddo

deecyprus4


Joined: 27/07/2008
Posts: 3452

Message Posted:
15/11/2009 18:14

I would simply ask for a referendum on annexing the TRNC and if there was enough support to implement it immediately.

Oleander


Joined: 03/05/2009
Posts: 302

Message Posted:
15/11/2009 18:24

I would ask them to pay some serious attention to the awful problem of the litter and rubbish that scars the landscape in the TRNC. Perhaps get some of the military they have there set to clearing it up.

Brinsley


Joined: 04/04/2009
Posts: 6858

Message Posted:
15/11/2009 18:24

I'd only 30 seconds with them, time enough to load, aim and fire my B................!



Richard

ilovecyprus


Joined: 08/05/2007
Posts: 2880

Message Posted:
15/11/2009 18:34

Thanks to all those who have contributed so far. Some great ideas.

Please keep them coming. The person presenting them will be very tactful, hopefully as diplomatic as waddo

nilmoney


Joined: 29/12/2008
Posts: 122

Message Posted:
15/11/2009 20:22

What changes would you implement to restore faith in the construction industry............

Reg55



Joined: 07/07/2008
Posts: 110

Message Posted:
15/11/2009 21:34

Whilst we are guests, many ex-pats who have been here a few years would like to feel more accepted as part of the community and that official government policy supported this good intent. Additionally, many ex-pats who could make valuable contributions to TRNC society, and in particular its need to modernise and improve, feel disinclined so to do because there appears to be no recognition that this would be valued - as demonstrated by the lack of any stated desire to take advantage of this good will and capability, or any government sponsored mechanisms that would facilitate it.



In one specific area above all others, ex-pats are better qualified than anyone else, to advise the Government, both on the extent and nature of the problem(s) and also on the solutions. This, notwithstanding, the key issues that provide the most obvious barriers to making improvements, namely resources and politics. Ex-pats know better than anyone, exactly what it is that visitors from their home countries

Reg55



Joined: 07/07/2008
Posts: 110

Message Posted:
15/11/2009 21:37

Ex-pats know better than anyone, exactly what it is that visitors from their home countries find unattractive about this country. If tourism is going to be the most important source of income for the future economy of the TRNC, then there is no better source of information, expertise and help in planning and moving the country in directions that will support the required improvements, than the ex-pat community.

MUSIN M


Joined: 26/06/2008
Posts: 1352

Message Posted:
15/11/2009 21:39

hi mark

i,m not sure if the question is just for brits or can a t/c answer ,anyhow as i,m both here,s

my sixpence worth.



dear mr talat could you please ,please mirror the gc propaganda machine ,so we can start

to move forward.



thank you



musin



long live the kktc

newlad



Joined: 02/03/2008
Posts: 7819

Message Posted:
15/11/2009 21:56

http://www.google.co.uk/url?q= http://www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3D5FJ1lZMK5pU&ei=JFwAS6LeIduOjAevtfGbCw&sa=X&oi=nshc&resnum=1&ct=result&cd=1&ved=0CAwQzgQoAA&usg=AFQjCNHEiGR4ZQo9qADJW6yT14orpZW_MQ



Sorry Mark couldnt resist,

Paul.

waddo


Joined: 29/11/2008
Posts: 1966

Message Posted:
15/11/2009 22:29

People,

Regardless of your responses and not taking account of your current permanent location or if you flit between countries to gain the maximum benefit to yourselves, I find some answers to be very pompous and full of self gratification. If you have left your previous country completely and have severed all ties with it to come and live here then you made your choice based on what you found here to be more acceptable than that which you left. If you are no longer satisfied with where you are then leave and find a place that meets your every desire. That is not being nasty to any of you it is simply a statement. If you were unhappy before you came because you could not change where you were, why come here to try to impose yourselves on the TRNC and bring about changes that you want? This country belongs to the Cypriots, they should be left to run it in the way in which they want to - as non-Cypriots we should not instigate change for what only we see as better!

winslow


Joined: 09/04/2009
Posts: 332

Message Posted:
15/11/2009 22:37

MSG Waddo

İ have to enter this tread İ fully agree with your approach do you have any specific policy ideas that you feel you could share wıth us......

girne 29


Joined: 06/12/2007
Posts: 1488

Message Posted:
15/11/2009 22:45

ilovecyprus.

Waddo says , we should be thankful to be a guest here and not interfere,and tell the Govt what a fine job they are doing.Giving advice to a Minister might convey the impression that improvements should be made in certain areas That in itself could be taken to be interference and would contradict the good job message.It would be better if only TC's offered up advice and the rest 'go with the flow'. Dont think it matters much now anyway.

Reg55



Joined: 07/07/2008
Posts: 110

Message Posted:
15/11/2009 22:52

Waddo

I think you make many false assumptions. No one has made comment in conflict with your points. If you refer to the question being asked, people answered it honestly (apart from the jokers). Personally, I believe that the TRNC could benefit from help and expertsie and to choose to ignore that which would be readily available is, in my opinion, unwise and dare I say, small minded. If you feel all the knowledge and expertise is already at hand and being utilised, I think you are mistaken.

If I planned to stay here for the next 20 years, I also would hope and expect that at some point, sooner rather than later, I would feel that I belonged and not treated as a guest or temporary resident.

I know I could apply for citizenship, but at 55 years of age, I do not thing army service to be sensible or desirable.

Brinsley


Joined: 04/04/2009
Posts: 6858

Message Posted:
15/11/2009 22:57

Waddo



What a lot of twaddle you spout out at times. Many expatriates who have been here many a decade and integrated without recognition, have seen the TRNC deteriorate in social values and in integrity brought on by many factors but primarily TC's returning 'home' with the cultural values, expectations and behaviour patterns they came accustom too in places like the USA, UK, Oz, Germany etc. In addition, many an 'alien' would like to leave but with assets tied up in bricks and mortar find it impossible to do so. I trust you've heard of the current World wide recession!



Richard

nostradamus


Joined: 15/04/2008
Posts: 557

Message Posted:
15/11/2009 23:46

I agree with Brinsley entirely on this one. I have been here for many years and, as with all other ex-pats, am treated as a money machine with no real rights of any kind. There are all kinds of talents available within the 'foreign' contingent here which many would be pleased to utilise for the good of the country. No government, in my time here, has been remotely interested in tapping these assets. None of the administrations have been interested in any kind of planning for the future, only in short term-ism. There are many of us, me included, who would quite like to leave but cannot due to our inability to dispose of our main asset i.e. our property. So we stay, paying for 'visitors' residency year after year and pumping money into an economy run by people who appear to care nothing for our contribution. I do not expect this country to be like the UK. It would just be nice if the TRNC were run like any kind of country instead of a parish council.

winslow


Joined: 09/04/2009
Posts: 332

Message Posted:
16/11/2009 10:09

MSG butler

There does seem to be a problem with litter and dumping. Who do you see as the cause of this? İs it local residential or commercial litter and dumping or externally derived? İs this not the responsibility of the local authority? are they aware....have you complained? if so what was the response? Do you think an effective solution should be fining people or commerce if they are caught?

When you talk about schools in my daughters school they do environmental studies every Monday, Tuesdays and Fridays. They are taught a wide variety of issues from the ozone layer to recycling. Enviromental issues are also discussed in geography it is becoming a hot topic in schools. But İ do agree with you more needs to be done on these issues the foot should definately not be taken of the accelerater.....as we have a beautiful İsland and it should stay that way... for the enjoyment and benefit of all who live here.

girne 29


Joined: 06/12/2007
Posts: 1488

Message Posted:
16/11/2009 13:15

Brinsley ,Nostradamus.



Agree with what you say.If however its a choice of sucking up and telling officials how good everything is or keeping quiet,then keeping quiet is the best option.If the TC's think the system is fine then we should maybe accept the fait accompli while still offering up observations on this site,for external potential purchasers to make up their own minds.

That way we get to say our bit and at the same time are not offending TC's and their system.



Waddo,

For all UK's social faults, you think the method of Government, civil service and legal system,especially civil, are superior in NC,!!!

Also , if you chose someday to live in UK, will you also offer up the same message as in message 7,to my fellow citizens and Govt officials. In PC UK I could never tell you, as an immigrant to follow that route,but maybe it wouldnt be such a bad idea.

ilovecyprus


Joined: 08/05/2007
Posts: 2880

Message Posted:
16/11/2009 13:44

Come on people.......what suggestions do you have........keep them positive but it doesn't matter how 'off the wall they are'.



Lets not criticise the merit of peoples ideas as it will stop people from posting......lets just focus on ideas and to build on what people have said. If we dont understand someones suggestion, then lets aks them to explain it in a little more detail...



I know must people want the TRNC to be successful and I know most people here are extremely creative....get those creative juices flowing now

girne 29


Joined: 06/12/2007
Posts: 1488

Message Posted:
16/11/2009 16:00

ilovecyprus

Totally agree.We all have a vested interest in seeing the TRNC being successful,if even just from a investment point of view.

The trouble is ,I can think of nothing that the officials do not know already.

So maybe I would ask ,why the refusal to take action. I would also mention that satisfying the needs of tourists and property purchasers should become more of a priority, as relying forever on handouts from Turkey is dangerous.

I would suggest that the Govt rather than using Waddos problem solving answer of "if you dont like it leave " should really say"if you dont like something ,tell us why and we will take on board your complaint.Hopefully between us we can improve things for the benifit of all."

One happy customer with word of mouth ,can bring a hundred future customers,and like wise the opposite applies.

waddo


Joined: 29/11/2008
Posts: 1966

Message Posted:
16/11/2009 16:55

Girne29, Where to start? Msg 26 - I think the UK's system has been degraded over the years by the UK Governments wish to please everyone outside of the UK at the total expense of UK citizens and that is disastrous to all who live and work within the UK. Prior to joining the UK the system worked for the people (mainly) now it seems there is a huge book of EU rules that are brought into power every day to satisfy the EU. It became too much for me to bear and so I left! I supported the UK all of my life but there comes a point where you must stop throwing good money after bad, my choice and I have to live by it.

Should I ever return to the UK it would be under protest but at that point, as a UK citizen, I would have a voice and would feel obliged to comment and vote with it - the same is not true of me here within the TRNC, I am like most a "Temporary Resident" until such time as I can become a citizen - at which point I would be obligated to assist in any way possible. Cont...

waddo


Joined: 29/11/2008
Posts: 1966

Message Posted:
16/11/2009 17:01

Girne29, my comment of "if you don't like it then leave" is simple - I like it so I will stay, in honesty I have no real choice as I have no assets to sell either here or in any other country. I have made my bed and will lie upon it even if the springs start to poke through. However, there are lots of temporary residents who have assets here and in other country's who can make the choice to leave but won't because of their own reasons. It is those reasons that need to be looked at more closely if people are unhappy here - there is always a choice to make, hard through it may be!

I still stick to my first comments and as a mere "Visitor" I do not feel that I should impose myself upon the running of another country. Nothing in this world will convince me that the TRNC Government works in total isolation and knows nothing of the ways of modern government and how a country should be run - so why should I try to tell them what they already know?

girne 29


Joined: 06/12/2007
Posts: 1488

Message Posted:
16/11/2009 19:52

Waddo



OK if you were meaning yourself in the "you should leave", Maybe you should have said I and not you.

If I have a problem with not getting deeds or lawyer mishandling my affairs or lose a large amount of money then me and many like me, do not like to be told by others ,if I dont like that situation that I should simply leave.If that were the case then their isnt a country in the world one could stay in..I would rather complain and hope the Govt takes heed. Say a crime wave?Could we complain that nothing was being done.? Or sell up and leave.



The legal/property system is not fit for purpose, I would tell the official that. You would come after me ,tell him that everything is fine, that people like me should leave, and that its an honour to stay here. End result, he gets the answer from you that suits and nothing changes.



I worked in service industry and would get sacked if I asked someone complaining if he was citizen and if not, told him to leave or keep quiet.

girne 29


Joined: 06/12/2007
Posts: 1488

Message Posted:
16/11/2009 20:19

Sorry Waddo,forgot to say.All seems irrelevant anyway,as just heard that no agreement was reached to curb CO2,emissions at the climate treaty talks.China and USA holding things up.

Looks like still being on course for irreversable climate change by 2040 by that time the soil will be so hot it will start to release carbon dioxide instead of absorbing it.So even if not a single machine ,fire, or car ran on earth the Carbon dioxide levels will still increase.If something doesnt happen soon, forget about living in Cyprus or any Medi island.

waddo


Joined: 29/11/2008
Posts: 1966

Message Posted:
16/11/2009 22:33

Girne29, See your point on the "You should leave" ! Must remember that what goes through the mind and comes out on the page means the same to the writer but not the reader - now I understand, yes I mean "I" should leave, sorry for that.

My point is that the property system is fit for purpose for myself, not for everybody I admit. The legal system is the same as anywhere else, it is a sham and provides income for lots of people who should be in chains at the bottom of the ocean, the same all over the world. I have had no dealings with the legal system yet!!!! That joy still to come I guess.

I think that until a settlement is reached OR the TRNC goes it alone OR the TRNC sides with Turkey that it will make no difference at all what we do - when either happens it will all change again.



I still retain a total distrust of the smiling backstabbers that are called politicians!

Grinderman


Joined: 11/08/2009
Posts: 33

Message Posted:
17/11/2009 08:37

1. Overhaul the land registry. The present system (if it really deserves such a description) is utterly hopeless.



2. Examine, and do something about, the overmanning and overtime in the civil service. If necessary do something drastic (ie sack the lot and start over).



3. Announce the failure of talks with the Cyprus Republic due to their intransigence. Launch a serious PR campaign directed at other nations pointing out the justice of the TRNC position with the ultimate objective of achieving international recognition of the TRNC as an independent republic.



4. Direct all government departments (esp police and immigration/customs) to treat tourists as welcome visitors. The police in particular are out of control.... some friends of mine visiting last summer had a break-in, and when they reported it to the police they were arrested!!!



5. Direct all civil servants to hold as their primary function the improvement of the economy and the development of tourism.



That's a

ilovecyprus


Joined: 08/05/2007
Posts: 2880

Message Posted:
17/11/2009 10:50

msge 34



thanks grinderman



keep the posts coming

CapeWines


Joined: 11/08/2009
Posts: 14

Message Posted:
17/11/2009 12:01

I'd like to see a few more things that work properly. Like an internet connection that doesn't drop out every few minutes. TV signals that don't disappear just as the programs get interesting. A reliable electricity supply would be nice. Roads should be wide enough you can overtake slow lorries and JCBs. And let's see Proper MOTs to get the old crap off the road. And let's see the pot-holes getting filled in properly.



All the above would take cash and good enough management to see that the money spent was not wasted. But the money is there. As Grinderman pointed out above there is a ridiculous amount of waste going on with over-manning and un-neccessary overtime rife in the civil service. Cut that out and everything improves. In truth, we all know that the government knows this already. It just has to grow the balls to do what needs to be done.



Separate the government from the self-interest of its employees and their unions and we would be in business.

the butler


Joined: 22/06/2007
Posts: 1958

Message Posted:
17/11/2009 12:12

Hi winslow,



A lot of the litter that is dumped is builders rubble and once it is dumped the locals then seem to think it is ok to add to this. I live on a complex on the coast road below Esentepe and the devoloper has just built a further 21 apartments to add to the main site. The main site has been finished four years and residents have spent a lot of their own money planting up and making the gardens and surrounding areas a joy to look out on to. Behind these new apartments the builders have just dumped all their rubbish in the ravine, the kitchen fitters have dumped all the polystyrene and plastic wrapping from the kitchen appliances. We have asked the developer to have it removed, we have asked the local belediyia if they can move it. We have told the belediyia who the developer is and when it was dumped. We thought the council could put pressure on the company to get it moved but nobody in the TRNC seems to want to take action against a fellow Cypriot. cont.

the butler


Joined: 22/06/2007
Posts: 1958

Message Posted:
17/11/2009 12:19

There should be fines for builders dumping all this rubbish and spoiling the beautiful countryside. I know it is their country but they need educating before it just becomes one big cess pit. We have to remember that the building boom only started 6 years ago and before this there would have not been as much rubble to dispose of. I think if there was somewhere the builders could to take it, that was easily accessible and not to far away, then they might be more inclined to take it there. This in turn could then be used for infil when road making etc.





The butlers wife

TRNCVaughan


Joined: 27/04/2008
Posts: 4578

Message Posted:
17/11/2009 12:27

Make life easier for all concerned by streamlining some of the beaurocracy out of the system. I know this beaurocracy gives thousands of civil servants something to do, and thats another matter that needs to be addressed. No forced redundancies, just natural wastage and a freeze on recruitment. Money spent on civil service salaries and pensions could be better spent on schools and hospitals.

daisy dukes


Joined: 06/09/2008
Posts: 3815

Message Posted:
17/11/2009 12:31

put big speed bumps all along the main road...especially from Lapta to Karsiyaka!



DD

girne 29


Joined: 06/12/2007
Posts: 1488

Message Posted:
17/11/2009 13:49

Ask Turkey to supply independant professionals to be in charge of Tourism,Civil Service recruitment,and to overhaul the legal system.

Give all involved at present ,5 years to work alongside the Turks and if still unable to operate in a "best practise" way, to forfeit their positions and have these postions advertised in TRNC and Turkey.

Aussie


Joined: 17/06/2007
Posts: 657

Message Posted:
17/11/2009 14:49

In short



1) reduce size and pay of public service and also computerise and make it more efficient



2) Reform property and title system and also rental laws to encourage investment and sales



3) grant automatic temporary residence to all property owners and a clear streamlined system for all others



4) encourage traditional Cypriot crafts and foods etc to encourage more niche and ecotourism



5) encourage better use of traditional Cyprus products such as carob, citrus etc eg could value added quality products such as carob liquors lemonchello etc. from these (like they do in Malta and Italy) and better wines, local beer (perhaps a micro bewery) etc



6) Improve an implement quality standards in Cyprus schools and Universities so that it could become a genuine option for those seeking a quality education in English rather than issuing worthless degrees , PHD's etc .

Aussie


Joined: 17/06/2007
Posts: 657

Message Posted:
17/11/2009 14:59

7) encourage cypriots to aspire and work in private sustainable industries such as tourism etc rather than thinking this is beneath them because they hold a largely worthless degree etc (also relates to pint 6 and 1)



8) implement tough water saving standards such a mandatory high efficiency dual flush toilets durable valves etc to prevent water wastage and loss and also implement more water recycling programmes as money permits possibly with EU help.



9) Deal with the rubbish dumping and waste problem and put a recycling programme in place.



10) Put in place comprehensive planning rules that prevent over development and further environmental degradation etc. and make for sensible growth and a logical balance and appropriate mix of shops industrial and residential



Much of the above would help in generating more revenue from both tourism and permanent expats whose spending represents a substantial amount of the local economy, jobs etc.





Aussie

winslow


Joined: 09/04/2009
Posts: 332

Message Posted:
17/11/2009 15:11

MSG 5 37 Butler and others.



İts a great shame this illegal dumping. You must all be livid at your complex after having spent time and money planting and making the gardens and surrounding areas a joy to look at. And now if İ am correct there are new apartments being constructed and the builders have just dumped more rubbish. You have spoken to the developer and local belediyia but nobody seems to want to take action. İ agree there should be fines for builders dumping all this rubbish and spoiling the beautiful countryside. İ love my İsland and and believe me. İ and many others are appalled at the lack of regard by so many regarding the consequences of their actions regarding dumping. İ myself am infuriated at times when İ see building materials delivered onto public pavements making us have to walk around onto the road running the risk of being run over and my children have to walk these pavements aswell.

winslow


Joined: 09/04/2009
Posts: 332

Message Posted:
17/11/2009 15:12

con..

İ live in Lefkosa and the local Belidiya provide a fair service where we can complain. However at times when nothing has been done İhave taken the law into our own hands and picked up all the rubbish and dumped it straight back on the offending persons land. They soon get the message what can they do? İ tell them.. ‘now you call the authorities or belidiya if you don’t like it’ they don’t bother. They cannot say it is not their rubbish.



İt seems your belidya need a wake up call. My advice firsly take pictures and log them by time and date preferable as they are dumping. Take this to the local authorities one more time if no action is taken then in desperate times desperate measures. Then gather all the residents together and in the eveningcollect all the rubbish and dump it straight back on their land. And if they do it again do the same thing you cannot sit back.

con..

winslow


Joined: 09/04/2009
Posts: 332

Message Posted:
17/11/2009 15:14

con..

You have to take the LAW into your own hands and if the police are called it will be logged and the simple question will be asked who does it belong to.

Deal with it remove it. İf you stick together they will have no choice but to remove it. All you are doing is what you are legally entitled to do. Which is to keep your land and surrounding land clean You have a right to live in a clean save environment which should be provided by the belidya. And the last thing they need is their appartments looking like they are in the middle of a rubbish tip. İt it is in their interest as they will soon be selling. Let me know how you get on İ asure you one way or another you will win right is on your side.

İ will also post in coming days on my views on what should be told to government...

winslow

Reg55



Joined: 07/07/2008
Posts: 110

Message Posted:
17/11/2009 15:40

I totally agree with all comments about rubbish & dumping. The 20 to 30 mile stretch each side of Kyrenia could be and should be one of the most spectacular bits of coastline in the Med. It was the mountain backdrop that impressed me most and was a key reason I came to live here. However, instead of seeing gradual improvements, the whole area has turned into one massive building site and rubbish dump.



Whilst there are many other issues to be tackled, this one is probably the simplest and cheapest (relatively) to sort out. All that is required is determination translated into planning, legislation and control. Everyone knows about the army of under-utilised Government employees, so why not utilise them in establishing a major task force to sort this problem out.

Reg55



Joined: 07/07/2008
Posts: 110

Message Posted:
17/11/2009 15:41

Whatever the future politically, this problem will not go away without some organisation and effort, so why not get started NOW?



The South is certainly not a shining example and if there was ever a way to impress visitors who cross the border, or otherwise visit the North, this is it. The North could easily outshine the South and I am absolutely certain that whatever the cost, this would be repaid many times over in increased tourism etc.

Hector


Joined: 26/08/2008
Posts: 2352

Message Posted:
17/11/2009 15:44

Have politicians do their job (for which they are paid handsomely for) and be seen to tackle these issues. They must interact with all sections of the community whether TC, Turk or Expat. What they are doing & stand for must be reported in the newspapers. Give anyone who has a residency permit the vote, in fact allow them to stand for political office.

If the laws are advertised as being in line with UK laws then have them all updated to current UK laws. At least we (& hopefully the advocates) would know where we stand.

ilovecyprus


Joined: 08/05/2007
Posts: 2880

Message Posted:
17/11/2009 16:00

Great, the posts are flowing now. Keep them coming.



Great to see you posting again aussie

breezyboy


Joined: 14/05/2007
Posts: 1179

Message Posted:
17/11/2009 16:57

Daisy

I take it you either dont drive or you own a tyre and suspension fitting bay.

If you want to slow down the boy racers then put some more cameras up.

But please dont penalise those who are not at fault.

Serkan


Joined: 12/05/2009
Posts: 75

Message Posted:
17/11/2009 17:05

privatisation.

winslow


Joined: 09/04/2009
Posts: 332

Message Posted:
17/11/2009 22:06

MSG Aussie and others Aussie that is an excellent post

1. Yes nice idea but İ am afraid easier said than done. İ totally agree that government should upgrade and computerise. This will reduce beauracratic labour intensive working practices increase economic efficiencey and reduce labour costs and create inter governmental cohesion so long as there is no protectıonist bearucratic departmental rivalery. The government are aware of their budget deficit and are implementing tax reductions and pay freezes for civil servants. İt is also sometimes forgoton that the average per capıta GDP per T/C is approx 5000 to 6000 GBP. İ know it does not look like it but İ even wonder at times how this can be. And how do many people get buy. İt is because of the old labour laws and the double pension system. There are gentle reforms taking place. To radical to fast will create discontent as many rely on the system as it is to survive.

con.t

winslow


Joined: 09/04/2009
Posts: 332

Message Posted:
17/11/2009 22:07

con.t

There is a gradual liberalistion of empolyment and labour legislation.

2. There are many problems in the industy from obtaining PtP, title deeds, morgaging, planning and qualıty of build. There needs to be a licencing of developers and more resilient laws from local government and judicary and implementation. İt difinately needs to be looked at. The industry boomed 2003 onwards effective legislation was never in place to coup and the affects of that are now being felt now.



3. Explain this what are your ideas?



4. Yes totally agree crafts and ecoturism as opposed to traditional package hoilday model. Target the more environmentally health concise of now and the future the new breed. As fairly undeveloped implement legislation and tax incentives to encourage investment in this sector of the industry. And tighten legislation of exsisting industry still encouraging growth.

winslow


Joined: 09/04/2009
Posts: 332

Message Posted:
17/11/2009 22:09

con.t

5. The problem here is who is your target market internal to a degree is met. We are now back to the argument of economic isolation large mutli nationals will not purchase agriculture or anything else for that matter from the north it is our biggest nemasis which hampers us extremly. Sometimes İ wonder do people really understand the significance of economic isolation. İf exported through third parties to circumvent embargoes it just raises costs and the product or produce becomes uncompetative.

6. Which universities and schools do you refer to we are very proud of the quality of our education system. My daughters are taken to school by school bus İ am in regular contact with their teachers they have end of term exams and year exams. İf they fail they have to stay in the same year there records are kept if they do not complete the full terms and pass exams they cannot attend.

con..

winslow


Joined: 09/04/2009
Posts: 332

Message Posted:
17/11/2009 22:11

con.

university. My children are in private education but the state schools in many respect strive hard to do their best with the resources they have education is a taboo here you are expected to do well. Mnay people travel from all over the region to study at 6 unversities here it is a growth industy 60,000 students per year the diplomas again are not recognised again because of the political situation but the level of education is equal to many unversities. The the cost is reasonable.

7. Well here İ have to say every one is an individual many are proud of their achivements and who do you think is largely empolyed on the İsland if not the community state benefit is so minimal you cannot survive if you have a family. This is a rather brash statement those degrees are an achivement 5 years many have worked hard to attain. Many students are from poor backgrounds. There families have made many sacrafices to send there children to university.

winslow


Joined: 09/04/2009
Posts: 332

Message Posted:
17/11/2009 22:13

con..8. As you say if money permits but İ entirally agree with you water policy should be looked it is an important resourse that must preserved used and distributed wisley. Hopefully the new pipeline 2012 will help and bring this whole issue to the fore.

9. Absolutely total lack in certain councils needs stronger legislation and implementation of legislation. More public awareness of this issue and the damage to the enviroment and the public health risks.

10. İ agree again mostly a mix of answer 2 4 9. Comprehensive legislation active effective control and policing.



QUESTİONS

3. Explain this what are your ideas?

4. Also rental laws to encourage investment and sales?.“Under the Rent Acts tenants benefit from significant rights and protection’.

You can also elaborate on any of your other excellent points.

Winslow

MUSIN M


Joined: 26/06/2008
Posts: 1352

Message Posted:
17/11/2009 22:16

how about we first get recognized ,scrap all embargos and then we can ask these questions and

maybe even address them.

oh sorry we can,t i forgot ,theres a small problem ...........the gc,s





musin



long live the kktc

winslow


Joined: 09/04/2009
Posts: 332

Message Posted:
17/11/2009 23:17

MSG Musin

İrespective of recognition or not. We still have to better our society for the well being of our people, economy and environment for now and for our children and future generations.



Uzun yasasin vatandaslarimiz ve ulkemiz.

MUSIN M


Joined: 26/06/2008
Posts: 1352

Message Posted:
17/11/2009 23:38

winslow



of course i agree with you ,nevertheless it,s not just about recognition is it .







evet uzun yasasin vatandaslarimiz ve ulkemiz.





musin

winslow


Joined: 09/04/2009
Posts: 332

Message Posted:
18/11/2009 00:27

MSG Musin



Evet uzun yasasin vatandaslarimiz ve ulkemiz.



Bunun icinder guglu saglik ve refah icinde olsun.

winslow


Joined: 09/04/2009
Posts: 332

Message Posted:
18/11/2009 07:37

To all

Sorry about the last to Turkish posting just went on a Turkish one...



Translation is .....Long live the TRNC people strenght, health and prosperity.

Tenakoutou



Joined: 27/07/2009
Posts: 4110

Message Posted:
18/11/2009 09:57

I think Hector/Msg 48 and Aussie, between them have 'put the ring round it' - it's long past time the politicians put side their selfish self interest and became more selfless - only if this happens can TRNC progress from its current Third World status and reputation.

winslow


Joined: 09/04/2009
Posts: 332

Message Posted:
18/11/2009 10:43

MSG Tenakoutou

İ agree they have made many excellent points have you any personal ideas yourself that they have not touched upon and how you would implement those changes. İt seems every body has good ideas but the majority are not showing methods to implement.



MSG Aussie

QUESTİONS

3. Explain this what are your ideas?

4. Also rental laws to encourage investment and sales?.“Under the Rent Acts tenants benefit from significant rights and protection’.

7. Many are proud of their achivements and it is largely the local community empolyed on the İsland. This is a rather brash statement those degrees are an achivement. Most degrees are 5 years taken in English many have strived to attain degrees and learn English at the same time. They are examined in English their second language. Many students are from poor backgrounds. Their families have made sacrafices to send their children to uni. English is your first language it is easy for you it is harder for them.

Aussie


Joined: 17/06/2007
Posts: 657

Message Posted:
18/11/2009 11:28

Winslow



Hi



3) For temporary residency I would suggest once you have a contact and a completed property (hopefully with PTP if this is reformed and provided on a timely basis) you should just have to provide your details copy of contact or Kochan, passport etc and you would already have provided a police check as part of your PTP application. They should then issues a small residency booklet for say 5 or 10 years which if necessary you could get an annual stamp at the police station confirming you are still at the same address (using the current Mukhtars letter system). If you do anything wrong they can always rescind it and deport you.



4) Rental laws based on the informed comments of Ismet and other past posters appear to be extremely biased in favour of the tenants making renting a risky proposition. If rents aren't paid or damage occurs you should be able to evict a tenant on a short period of notice say 7-14 days if they don't pay up with an application to a rental tribuna

Aussie


Joined: 17/06/2007
Posts: 657

Message Posted:
18/11/2009 11:40

7) My university quality comments may be a bit harsh and broad brushed however I have encountered a number of students and staff from different universities that back this up. I have met English teachers that have barely the most basic knowledge of English and Cypriot/ English students who have said that they can barely understand their lecturers English. To learn complex courses in a foreign language is extremely difficult and I believe can only be done properly where the lecturers are either native English speakers (which is rare ) or have genuine native speaker competency. I don't believe this is the case for the majority of University staff. It would be better to learn a complex course like Engineering, business or medicine properly in Turkish rather than badly in English. It would also appear there is a lack of Industry experience in most lecturers as well.



I don't want to name particular universities but understand this a widespread problem here.



Aussie

Aussie


Joined: 17/06/2007
Posts: 657

Message Posted:
18/11/2009 11:49

Students deserve higher standards of teaching and courses that don't simply pass almost everyone regardless of the quality of their work just for turning up. To become a genuine education centre in the long run you need to lift standards and be prepared to accept a significant number of student won't pass.



The sheer number of Masters and PHD's degrees in the TRNC raises severe question about their quality and there is little evidence of the managerial and business ability etc in business and the government you would expect from such qualifications.



Aussie

Hector


Joined: 26/08/2008
Posts: 2352

Message Posted:
18/11/2009 17:07

Scrap the absurd & abhorrent sytem of permission to purchase. It is direct racial discrimination, based on protectionism and has no place in the modern world including the TRNC. The idea that you can't purchase a property near an army base is laughable and undefendable. So you can live & rent nearby but not buy? The PTP nonsense just cripples the economy & construction industry.

the butler


Joined: 22/06/2007
Posts: 1958

Message Posted:
18/11/2009 18:31

I can't understand why when you buy property on a complex it can't be parcellised before you buy it. We have owned our property for 3 1/2 years but it still hasn't been parcellised and doesn't look like it will be any time soon. So I agree with Hector that the buying process needs a good shake up.







The butler

Tenakoutou



Joined: 27/07/2009
Posts: 4110

Message Posted:
18/11/2009 19:43

Winslow/Msg 63:



There is already enough 'foreign expertise' available and, in fact, already proffered 'on a plate' to successive governments to simply implement by way of legislation; HBPG being a prime example.



Again, Hector has highlighted the obstacle(s) - i.e., 'protectionism'. TRNC's 'provider', Turkey, continues to see fit to allow all these TRNC legalised anomalies of what any civilised European considers 'fair and equitable law' to continue.



Five minutes, or five hours, spent with 'the powers that be' would make not the slightest difference to the 'status quo', because neither the government, or the judiciary, seem capable of realising that their current policies are nothing but detrimental to the encouragement of foreign investment and overall economic recuperation for their country.

winslow


Joined: 09/04/2009
Posts: 332

Message Posted:
18/11/2009 21:26

MSG Aussie

3. Good İdea their are problems with PTP and residency İ will elaborate on a different post my ideas but what you have outlined is an an excellent suggestion.



4. Under the Rent Acts tenants benefit from significant rights and protection. The reason is there is no social housing so courts are reluctant to evict families. They would be on the streets this cannot be. Landlords affectivley take the place of the state and provide housing that the state does not. İ will also add that many could not afford to purchase so it is either rent or buy so most rent. Now depending how you view this from a bussines prospective landlords have a monopoly. İt is not as risky as it seems. İf you are reasonabaly priced, keep your property in good repair, offer yearly contracts are attentive, outsoure services and have the correct temprament it provides regular revenue(fixed income). There is an acceptance to pay as it is the norm you have to gain the respect of your

winslow


Joined: 09/04/2009
Posts: 332

Message Posted:
18/11/2009 21:27

Con

tennats. İn the current climate the certainty of fixed income is a good source of regular revenue for any mixed portfolio.



The horror stories you hear are many landlords offer no contracts to perhaps save rental tax of 10%. So tennats take advantage as eviction becomes difficult good landlords have contracts in place. Courts take time hoping that they will come to some sort of arrangement or the tennat will move on naturally. Eviction is seen as a last resort especially when children are involved. As long as you have good contractual terms the advantage is always with the landlord. When proceeding are implemented the court has nothing to base a finding on if contracts are not in place. Contracts are not legal but are helpful to solve diputes and speeds up the process. When rent is not being paid and eviction is difficult you have to move to more unconventional means to remove them.

Winslow.



İ will address your theory on education in another post.

Tenakoutou



Joined: 27/07/2009
Posts: 4110

Message Posted:
18/11/2009 23:27

Winslow:



As a Turkish Cypriot, presumably returned, and with the moralastic conviction you express, do you know other like-minded TC's who would be prepared to form an action group/'think tank' capable of petitioning the 'powers that be' to change their attitude toward this shoddy and totally inadequate governance that, if not addressed very soon, will lead to the downfall of TRNC as it currently exists?

winslow


Joined: 09/04/2009
Posts: 332

Message Posted:
19/11/2009 00:18

MSG Tenakoutou

Yes...

littlejohn


Joined: 09/03/2009
Posts: 316

Message Posted:
19/11/2009 01:51

The brit expats, most of whom complain about the effects of immigration in UK and use it as an excuse for just about anything, and who have already spoilt south Cyprus are doing exactly the same to the north.

What was once a pleasant change from home is now gradually becoming a "Benidorm" with the endless half empty building complexes and the growth of "english" pubs and the continual griping about just about everything that is Cypriot.

Why don't you all just bugger off back to your own miserable country - which is still the best in the world - probably because all you whingers are abroad trying to create "little england" !!!

During my last visit I went to a restaurant in Ozenkoy and might as well been to a gathering of the bnp.

After 40 years of regular trips to that lovely island I am now thinking twice about going again.

Thank you ex pats - I hope you will stay as miserable as when you left Gods country!!!

When in Rome ????

winslow


Joined: 09/04/2009
Posts: 332

Message Posted:
19/11/2009 09:41

Butler MSG 68

You may know about this İ am not sure if this may have caused the delay or if it extends to parcelisation. İf not the reason have you made enqiures at Land Registry or Local Authority? may be they can shed some light.

Previously, taxes were paid on the ‘Land Registry’ valuation of the property which tended to be lower than the sale price. Now taxes are payable on the sale price of the Contract. Vendors argue that this was not procedure when past Contracts were signed otherwise they would have raised their sale price reflecting this. Therefore the current system does not allow Land Registry to transfer Title or may be parcelise until all the taxes (by vendor and purchaser) are paid. The Government has been asked to change the system even when purchasers have paid their tax. The system has been applied retrospectively all taxes must be paid prior to transfer of title or perhaps parcellisation.

con...

winslow


Joined: 09/04/2009
Posts: 332

Message Posted:
19/11/2009 09:44

con...

Do you know if your developer has paid all his taxes? Maybe this is why they will not parcellise İ am not sure...



Butler did you take my advice on the rubbish issue ‘aim it straight back over f*****rs wall’ if you get nowhere....

winslow


Joined: 09/04/2009
Posts: 332

Message Posted:
19/11/2009 10:20

Aussie MSG 64



İ am not an expert on this matter but it is a thought. A lot of ex-pats have had problems with their "permission to purchase" and residency. The Common cosensus is bureaucracy in the TRNC holds things up but not always. Police checks through Interpol and other authorities is a main cause of delay. A possible solution İ am not sure if acceptable or not to speed things up ex-pats should apply for a believe it used to be a "Subject Access" form from local police in the UK from the Data Protection Officer. There is a fee it can take 21 to 40 days but is a record from UK police authorities at Scotland Yard. Aimed with this and all the other neccessary documents being arranged by the applicant as is now perhaps an interview confirming authenticity stamped by the TRNC police authorities. After all information being correct PTP issued within a reasonable time by a dedicated official. This should also help with residency.



İ will post on education latter

ilovecyprus


Joined: 08/05/2007
Posts: 2880

Message Posted:
19/11/2009 13:02

bumping it up



I am sure you have had time to reflect and that you have some more ideas or want to add to the existing posts

daisy dukes


Joined: 06/09/2008
Posts: 3815

Message Posted:
19/11/2009 13:39

msg 50....I am certainly not just referring to 'boy racers'....I am referring to all the maniac drivers that use the roads, bus drivers, drunk people and for all who drive dangerously!! There seems to be way more dangerous drivers here than safe ones!! And i'm quite sure the safe drivers would happily see speed bumps being built!! accidents happen so often here, that it would almost be comedic, unless you've actually been in one, or know someone who has....and most people here do!



DD

muggins


Joined: 02/07/2009
Posts: 25

Message Posted:
19/11/2009 14:55

I would ask, how do they arrive at charging so much money to import your car. We have just been give a price of just under £8,000.00 for a car that they tell us is worth £2,900. We asked why it was so much and their answer was 'the engine size' which is 2.6. It has been OK to keep the care here for 14mths but the time is running out, so we have to either pay or ship car back to UK. This is just day light robbery as we don't even know where this money goes to. This has been the deciding factor for putting our house on the market and looking at other countries to live where we can speak up and be given proper answered instead of 'that is what happens over here'. We do not want to pour any more of our hard earned money into this country.

Tenakoutou



Joined: 27/07/2009
Posts: 4110

Message Posted:
19/11/2009 15:48

Muggins - you're lucky! My friends brought their (owned from new) 10 year old 2.9 litre Ford, worth about £2000 tops in UK - were told to pay £8.5k initially - went back and then were told £10.5k, unbelievable!



But even more so, they had their car towed away by Customs and were told it has been confiscated and will go to auction. In USA, wouldn't that be termed 'Grand Theft Auto'?



Was this car 'earmarked' for someone - surely not?



I'm waiting for the chorus: 'But this is TRNC!'

Tenakoutou



Joined: 27/07/2009
Posts: 4110

Message Posted:
19/11/2009 16:32

Con'td:



'they had their car towed away by Customs before 3 months from landing it and taking delivery'...

winslow


Joined: 09/04/2009
Posts: 332

Message Posted:
19/11/2009 17:17

MSG Tenakoutou 82

Then perhaps the question you asked me and İ answered ...yes to you should elaborate..what is your idea...



İ will ask about this car issue. İt was that if you move here as a permant resident you are intitled to one car just like your personal belongings brought from UK therefore your car is given a 50% tax reduction but you cannot sell it for five years. Age is important generally cars that are over 3 years old are not allowed and heavily taxed.

İf it is over 3 years old there are differing scales they do not go by your valuation they go by manufactures valuation which can be high. Other wise people would say its worth 1000pounds when its worth 10000 and circumvent the tax. İn saying this the tax laws are constantly changing ask the most recent publication. Four wheel, desiel, petrol and commercial vehicls are all scaled. You may be better off scraping and buying on the İsland.



Aussie İ will post on education İ ha

winslow


Joined: 09/04/2009
Posts: 332

Message Posted:
19/11/2009 20:19

MSG AussieNear East university is investing millions into a new medical hospital with an education and research department.

Curkouva one of the largest multi nationals in turkey is opening a new university and campus. There are two universitiy being built in Lefkosa. This industry is booming this is part of a vision to transform the İsland into a knowledged based economy in the long term it can be no other way with so many university. There will be nine hopefully by mid 2010. İ envisage that once the negoiations are concluded which ever way. That finally more will be opened perhaps campusus linked to world wide colleges and universities. There will always be certain universities that are better than others and you are right perhaps they should offer exams in both languages with the more competant taking the English version. You hear so many arguments about the amount of degrees that are awarded.

con.

winslow


Joined: 09/04/2009
Posts: 332

Message Posted:
19/11/2009 20:19

con.

one is that they don’t award enought for the purpose of making students do an extra year to earn more money. İ think you are looking at a few isolated cases and perhaps making it reflective of the whole industry you may be wrong. We could probably look at individual facalties see who runs them and find some that may need improvement nothing is perfect you can always improve educational preformance. İ am not sure if figures are published it would be interesting to see. But in the main the industry is thriving with all this investment. Hopefully this will transgress into our society and make it much more knowledge based by the one’s that stay and the İslands students that graduate via these universities and future universities. The infastructure of education is developing fast which can only be benefical in the long run for the İsland and its community

the butler


Joined: 22/06/2007
Posts: 1958

Message Posted:
19/11/2009 23:35

Hi winslow,



I don't think any taxes are involved to receive parcellisation. There will be to receive title deeds but I don't think this would happen immediately after parcellisation any way. Our developer has gone on record as saying that the government owe him more money than he owes in taxes, so that cannot be the reason. Our developer says it is the government who are to blame because they just don't have enough people to do this work but I suspect there is more to it than that. I have heard that there are private agencies that can do this work, if anyone has had any dealings with an agency and could give an idea of cost, I would be interested.



The butlers wife

jock1



Joined: 06/01/2008
Posts: 3786

Message Posted:
20/11/2009 00:10

I would ask them to explain, the birds and the bee's........

winslow


Joined: 09/04/2009
Posts: 332

Message Posted:
20/11/2009 00:39

MSG Butler

İ thought you live in an apartment is it a house? İ understand that you first parcelise the land and on each parcelised land you have a limit you can build the (imar) granted by the local planning. Then you build it could 50% 60% 70% whatever. Then it is checked if the correct sq footage is used and completed to plan. The build is signed off the taxes are paid and title is handed over on completion. Do you have your deeds? surely deeds cannot be granted if the land has never been parcelised because in parcelisation the (imra) is granted. No parcelisation no (imar) how would the developer of known how much of the land he could buıld on if he did not know the (imar). And as for the government owes him more in taxes İ don't think so some how. This whole process of fees taxes starts from day one. This is all to strange to me or how could title be issued if there was no parcelisation donums are split and parcelised. Has he paid pacelisation and planing fee

the butler


Joined: 22/06/2007
Posts: 1958

Message Posted:
20/11/2009 00:49

Hi winslow,



I live on a complex of mixed properties, I actually own a detached bungalow but there are some detached villas and apartments on the site. We do not have title deeds, as we have not been parcellised. My lawyer has assured me that it is indeed possible for the government to owe developers more money than they owe in taxes as some devlopers were promised grants that never materialised. I sincerely hope that this is true because we paid our KDV before we received our keys May 2006 and as far as I know these have never been handed over to the tax office. Our developer is well known and has gone on this board stating that he has done nothing wrong, is not in finacial difficulties and blames the government for the delay in parcellisation.



The butlers wife

winslow


Joined: 09/04/2009
Posts: 332

Message Posted:
20/11/2009 09:18

MSG Butler

Hi Butler You do not have title deeds. Your lawyer has assured you that the government owe this developer more money than he owes in taxes as he was promised grants that never materialised since 2006. What grants? Find out. And İ don’t believe you can offset grants against tax these are to seperate departments. He would be flatly told pay your tax and take up your grant issues with what ever department has promised you grants or you will be charged interest on any outstanding tax if the tax office is aware. The tax office would never accept this argument or no one would pay tax. By law we pay our taxes the 15th of every month unless it falls on a sat or sun then it would be mon. İf we are late we are fined and charged interest. İf he is owed money why does he not begin legal proceeding? İf he has paid all his taxes and more completed the development within the guidlines of his planning permmission the interior minstry would grant him the title deeds.

co

winslow


Joined: 09/04/2009
Posts: 332

Message Posted:
20/11/2009 09:19

con.

He could could also sue for interest on all this socalled owed money. The interior ministry is located in Lefkosa by Ledra Palace my understandings is the commitee meet every Wednesday morning 3 times a month from 8.30 onwards and grant title deeds to whoever has completed development paid all fees and taxes including yours. You paid your tax in 2006 İ cannot believe the interior minstry would take so long if all the neccessry taxes are paid and the build work is signed off. İ would sadly have to say İ am very skeptical and you need to seek seperate legal advice if this lawyer was involved with the developer at the time of your purchase. You need to obtain all the written documentation regarding these grants, taxes and permmissions you should also check if there are outstanding moragages. One way or another either you or a lawyer must do this otherwise you will never resolve this issue.

con.

winslow


Joined: 09/04/2009
Posts: 332

Message Posted:
20/11/2009 09:20

con

Then if you really want to get things moving ask your new lawyer to write to the tax office explaining you have paid your tax to the developer name him and his lawyer and ask them to investigate.(İf he has paid your tax on your behalf). He cannot take your KDV this may force him to pay any outstanding tax obtain your deeds and settle this issue. You cannot sit back if you want to resolve this matter. This may be a long process but so is life you have to try. Sometimes to succeed you have to.. make one.. and be unforgiving with these people.

Winslow

the butler


Joined: 22/06/2007
Posts: 1958

Message Posted:
20/11/2009 12:21

Hi winslow,



Thanks for all this advice, my lawyer is independant of the devloper as we did not go with the lawyer recommended by them. I do respect your views and will try and do some of the things you suggest but it is difficult to get all of this information on your own. Also our developer does not own the land the properties are built on which complicates matters further. However we are confident that we can get the parcellisation done in the near future.



The butlers wife

winslow


Joined: 09/04/2009
Posts: 332

Message Posted:
20/11/2009 13:48

MSG Butler

İ have made some enquıres. The government is currently offering a 75% reduction to the Land Registry transfer fees payable by purchasers on transfer of title. The normal rate is 6%. Everyone has the option to the reduced rate down to 3%. There is a 75% discount being offered, bringing the actual rate down to 0.75% of the sale price. Reductions are also avalible on capital gains tax (stopaj) paid by the vendors which has been reduced from 6.25% of the sale price to 4% of the sale price. This is to try and get the market moving.Many cannot take advantage of this because they do not have ptp or 'final approval' of a property fully in accordance with architectural plans submitted and approved by the planning authorities under the terms of the building permit and may be other reasons.That's why some vendors have not transfered title. Taxes cannot to be paid

until ptp and all this is done then the vendor can transfer title.

con.

winslow


Joined: 09/04/2009
Posts: 332

Message Posted:
20/11/2009 13:50

con...

Transfer forms have to be completed and submitted to the Land Registry and checked

and then all the taxes are aparently paid. The deadline for completing the transfers

at the reduced rate is 31st December 2009."

This is why your lawyer may be holding your KDV nothing can be transfered if all this is not in place.

People can find out what the status of the final approval application is by

contacting there District Office if there are problems.

They will need to quote an information about a title deed number and the

building permit reference number. They will be able help whether an

application for approval was made by the builder and where in the system it

is if it has been granted or not.

İ hope this is a little bit of help to you and gives you a better insite.

winslow.

the butler


Joined: 22/06/2007
Posts: 1958

Message Posted:
20/11/2009 20:56

Hi winslow,



Thank you for your efforts but there is absolutely no way we will get our parcellisation done and deeds issued by the end of the year. In fact I don't think we will get them by the end of 2010. It isn't my lawyer who is holding the KDV as it was paid over to the developer in 2006. Just for your information, Medview our developer have not issued title deeds to any of their properties in the TRNC as far as I'm aware. This is why I am saying there needs to be a change in the law and developers should not be allowed to hold on to them for years.



The butlers wife

winslow


Joined: 09/04/2009
Posts: 332

Message Posted:
21/11/2009 11:23

MSG Butler

Butler that’s quiet alright glad to try and help İ sympathise with you. İ have posted before that İ and my family were caught up in the 2000 banking collapse and Know what it is like. We had to fight hard İt was a serious episode and there are still ramifications today and this was TC/ v TC. İ hope your optimisam is well placed only you know this matter better than any other İ sincerely hope you get a final resolve.

İ would just say that if the developer states that he is financially sound he should prove it and deal with the issues. He should not drag third parties into his squabbles with whoever. You are innocent parties and if all this was explained to you at the bigining would you of purchased? İ doubt it. Sometimes you got to play ..hardball.. and fight fire with fire..İ would fight for what’s mine and tolerate nothing less than them honouring their promises....conventially and unconventially...

Winslow

measey


Joined: 07/02/2009
Posts: 1037

Message Posted:
21/11/2009 12:04

I Second that Hear Hear Waddo.



Regards measey.

ilovecyprus


Joined: 08/05/2007
Posts: 2880

Message Posted:
21/11/2009 14:16

back to the top.....any more comments