Greek language version of this article was published Phileleftheros newspaper of Cyprus November 10, 2013.
"New Deal" in Cyprus
- By Ajay Goyal
"New Deal" of 1993 by President Franklin Roosevelt of United States changed the character of US economy and made it one world's most powerful economic engines. A speech by President Nicos Anastasiades about " new state for a new era " has the same ring as Roosevelt's New Deal of Relief, Recovery and Reform.
Cyprus needs dramatic ideas to not only recover and reform, but become a model of prosperity through innovation and entrepreneurship. One such innovation could be creation of a Youth Corps for Renewal of Villages. Due to aging population and migration, Cyprus villages are losing their vigour and energy. Many look deserted - with only visible youth being migrant domestic labour taking care of elderly. At the same time, more and more independent adventurous travelers are looking for cultural experiences in tourism. There is enormous appetite for tourism for sophisticated individuals who want to immerse in Cypriot culture, tradition and spiritual tradition. This experience is only possible in villages of Cyprus. The economic and social uplifting of villages through cultural tourism will have a dramatic positive effect on all of Cyprus. It will provide work to thousands of young people and create a new generation of entrepreneurs for 21st century eco-cultural-tourism economy.
The program I propose will be a state partnership with hospitality industry to train and place a Youth Corps in villages - to live, work and invigorate village life. Their presence in operating local inns, cafes, artist shops, ecotourism, bike and walking trails and connect with traditional hospitality of Cypriots will be a charm offensive of unmatched value. All infrastructure for making Cyprus a key destination for Hellenic cultural tourism already exists. All that is needed - is some youthful energy. Young people will bring their own ingenuity and innovation and as a corps dedicated to national resurrection - share and develop their ideas themselves.
Youth Brigades will be given 3 to 6 months to live and work in a village. Their time and compensation can come partly through time reserved for military service, part through education experience. They will be trained by private sector , and no doubt by the whole social fabric of Cyprus that always rises to the occasion. Cypriots will flock back to villages to connect with their children on every occasion. Each village will have young cultural warriors always ready and present to offer the best experience to visitors. Cypriot youth are already well educated. They will use social media and other tools to compete and market their villages. Each village will turn into a powerhouse of tourism and many of these young people will turn into entrepreneurs in this cultural and eco-tourism.
Harnessing the youth energy and addressing youth unemployment is a huge challenge for Cyprus. A Youth Corps for Villages can address the employment needs of the young and create a whole new sector within hospitality sector which is full of potential for rich dividends.
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