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Capital of culture committee in place
A COMMITTEE responsible for overseeing the operation of the entire project of ‘Pafos European capital of culture 2017’ is now in place.
Headed up by former health minister Christos Patsalides, the nine member committee will be formally announced by the mayor of Paphos Savvas Vergas on Monday.
The committee will be responsible for and accountable for the entire cultural celebration.
Patsalides was appointed on Wednesday after a unanimous proposal by the Paphos municipal council.
“I am enthusiastic about this role which will involve a lot of work,” Patsalides told the Cyprus Mail. “This opportunity is not only of a great benefit to Pafians and Cypriots in general. We are presenting a small European city and the infrastructure which will be put in place, such as a new theatre, will remain as a heritage for all of the citizens of Paphos.”
The committee chairman noted that members will be responsible for organising and developing these projects, and will also deal with all of the formalities and procedures.
The former minister admitted that the economic crisis may restrict the size and cost of some celebrations, adding that a more measured and sensible approach is needed.
“This is not going to be an easy job and it carries heavy responsibilities, especially as we have a financial crisis. This is not an easy period to have access to a budget,” he said.
The chairman of the newly formed committee stressed the importance of all of the residents becoming involved with the project.
“We have so many English speaking residents in the district of Paphos as well as others and its important that they are involved with Pafos 2017. We are a multi-cultural capital and this project should be a joy and vision for all of the citizens,” he said.
He added that further information about the committee’s plans and budget would be available in a couple of weeks’ time.
In addition to being a former health minister, Patsalides also served as interior minister and is a law professor. He was born in Paphos in 1973.
