Νο Filter
The personal column of the editor of Kalymnos Times
21 September
By Eleftheria Tiliakou
As the sun prepares to stand momentarily above the equator —on the autumnal equinox on September 22nd— and we prepare to step fully from summer into autumn, this new column makes its debut: Νο Filter.
Because that’s how I believe truths should be written: clearly, directly, without embellishment or smoothing of the edges. Just like the season ahead — honest, modest, and precise.
This past week in Kalymnos was rich in meaningful developments.
We saw the first meeting between the Provincial Medical Association of Kalymnos and the new director of our hospital, Pantelis Kongas, addressing the urgent issue of unfilled medical positions — starting with the hiring of local doctors.
The recycling of abandoned vehicles on our island has finally begun, thanks to the intervention of the Municipal Authority. A working meeting was held regarding the restoration of our Metropolis, under the auspices of the Kalymnos Regional Unit.
Meanwhile, the Digital Cultural Heritage Project of our island was presented at the Cultural Centre, offering a fresh look at Kalymnos’ identity.
The Deputy Regional Governor of Health, Nikolaos Tsoukalas, announced the renewal of the Social Grocery program via prepaid cards during his visit to Kalymnos — a positive development for many families.
And finally, the Climbing Festival has officially been scheduled for October 16–19, 2025. After a long pause due to the pandemic, this much-awaited institution is returning.
We also lived through some uncertainty regarding the island’s ferry connection with Mastichari on 21 September, due to an announced port closure by the citizens’ group Mastichari Drasis, in protest over the neglect of their village and especially the port.
Eventually, their president, Nektaria Skaleri, reassured us that the port would remain open; however, a strong protest would still take place. She even invited all Kalymnians to join them — since, as she rightly noted, many of the issues are shared.
However, one issue that remains unresolved is the maintenance of the island’s climbing routes. It is unacceptable that, despite promises of maintenance work after Easter, no action has been taken. Why this delay?
Climbers are doing their best to maintain the routes themselves, but there are simply so many now. We love to call Kalymnos “the Mecca of Climbing,” but we must also strive to deserve that title.
If the Municipal Authority is unable to take responsibility, then perhaps local professionals, associations, political groups, or public bodies can step in with sponsorships — for example, by supporting the organization Rebolt Kalymnos via https://reboltkalymnos.org/.
That is, if they care about extending the tourist season into autumn. Kalymnos Times certainly does.
And somewhere in between church blessings, Facebook posts, and coffee shop conversations, many questions remain unanswered — questions that deserve space, a voice, and responses.
This column does aim to preach. But it will not be obsequious either. It will observe. It will comment. And above all, it will care.
Because when you love your island, you don’t remain silent.
When you live on an island that takes your breath away with its beauty and intensity, you don’t remain indifferent. And when you write, there is “No filter”.
Wishing you a good autumn. We still have many climbers and other visitors to welcome. After all, September still holds a touch of summer — and a trace of truth.
