Frank and Joan's news for 31 January 2009 in Northern Cyprus

Frank and Joan's Adventures in Northern Cyprus

Our adventures in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus continue....

The last day of the first month of January 2009 and the big news is that Gary Robb and his mother have both been extradited back to UK. Gary faces serious drug charges, dating back to 1997, when he came over here first and his mother faces charges of intending to pervert the course of justice.

It is believed that the pair were awoken very early on Wednesday morning and escorted back to Stansted, where they were arrested on arrival. It is alleged that he was trying to sneak 200,000 Euros off the island and that he was caught with illegal drugs and explosives.

The big quest

ion now of course is, what is going to happen to Amaranta Valley and other properties that he was developing. Maybe now that he has been sent back the government will step in to sort out the problem. It is to be hoped so, as many people have lost their life savings because of this man.

Already the aftermath begins. Mr Gurcafer, the head of the Construction Contractors Union is saying that he knows which government minister accepted bribes to help Gary Robb and how much. Could be fun times ahead, especially with an immanent election. Ministers are frantically trying to distance themselves from the whole affair.

The two presidents met for the first time last Wednesday to discuss the land and property issue. This has got to be the most difficult issue and I guess that they will have to bend lots to accommodate each others desires, always remembering that there are land owners on both sides of the island and both have claims.

There is hope for us yet. January rainfall is up 50% on last year, but is it going to be enough. I think we need lots more to replenish as it is also reported that 2007 and 2008 had the least rain for the last 99 years.