BRS does not speak for me

jofra · Post by **jofra** » Wed 13 Mar 2019 10:56 pm

A matter of semantics?
A person who lives full-time in the TRNC would surely be normally and colloquially described as residing in or being a resident - but if they have NOT formally notified the authorities (i.e. "applied for residency (status)") - they will not be "registered" as residing in or being residents in the TRNC...
It's not what you say, It's not what you mean; it's how you say it - and that's why lawyers exist (and make so much money!).

PoshinDevon · Post by **PoshinDevon** » Thu 14 Mar 2019 12:57 am

mrsgee wrote:I think people on here who are making comments about the BRS are maybe no longer qualified to do so. People who have not been members for many years... past experience cannot be relied on. If you do not know the up to date position of the BRS you should not have an opinion. The BRS has had many changes over the past couple of years , new committee members, new focus, and what they are trying to achieve is clarification, what is wrong with that? As far as I can see there is no mention in the article about residency for over 60’s, but registration.... having read recently about concerns in the south that they really have no accuracy around the population, maybe it is the same thing. Maybe it is just that there needs to be some kind of understanding as to how many people actually reside here. I really think this is a non issue at the moment. And don’t blame the BRS for trying to get clarification and/or a legal agreement over a gentlemen’s agreement.

I would agree with some of your comments around clarity, registration etc especially concerning those over the age of 60. It would definitely clear up lots of often asked questions.

However people will have an opinion on the BRS based partly on historical happenings, talking to ex and current members and also via the BRS website. As I have said in earlier posts I am not entirely clear on why I should join the BRS. Who exactly are they representing....British ex pats only? There are many other ex pat nationalities living in North Cyprus, perphaps they should all come under one collective organisation and be represented? If it’s just for the discounts, social functions then that won’t be enough for many.

At the moment I am just not clear on what the BRS mission statement is because after all whatever new laws, rules etc that the TRNC authorities bring in affects all ex pats not just the British. If the BRS website is there to offer advice and guidance then it should be openly available to all.....so again not sure what the members only area is all about.

However I think I did read that BRS membership was at a record level so they have obviously got something right....just wish I knew what it was.

Deniz1 · Post by **Deniz1** » Thu 14 Mar 2019 5:45 am

Ok so the BRS act for British people but the same would apply to an non cypriot living here it seems they just need to know how many. Its ten or eleven years since the last census

tomsteel · Post by **tomsteel** » Thu 14 Mar 2019 6:20 am

Pedantic maybe. However, expats who have registered with the TRNC Immigration and paid for their annual/biannual visa have the word 'visitor', not any type of 'resident' (temporary or permanent) annotated on their stamp. Ergo we are not residents in the eyes of the authorities here.

Registration is a separate issue. Who has to register? Tourists here for a short period, people passing through to the RoC, homeowners/renters staying over 90 days or for lesser periods before leaving for a day and then returning, patients visiting from other countries for operations etc? The authorities should be able to check on numbers within the TRNC via the 'ins and out' immigration checks at entry/departure points. Students, academic staff, medical/dental hospital staff and Turkish diplomatic/military personnel are, presumably, registered via their own systems.

Deniz1 · Post by **Deniz1** » Thu 14 Mar 2019 7:29 am

Not so Hector

Deniz1 · Post by **Deniz1** » Thu 14 Mar 2019 7:31 am

The BRS card has saved me a lot of money since I joined.

PoshinDevon · Post by **PoshinDevon** » Thu 14 Mar 2019 8:20 am

I am in no way knocking the BRS and it is good that they seek clarity on the residency question. I don’t agree that nothing should have been said re residency/registration. It’s an important topic and shouldn’t just be left. Appreciate the gentleman’s agreement about over 60s not having to obtain a temporary residency stamp and that there has not been any real problems. I for one would like to see more clarity and cannot get to excitable about the recent press reports.

As for there offering, we have often thought about joining but see no reason to. A lot of information accessible via the BRS website can also be found on different forums or by searching the Internet. Of course it’s good to have it all in one place but the information is out there......much of it is already on this forum. Often if you ask a question on this forum helpful members will reply.

The discounts are of course nice to have however whenever we have researched costs and decided to make a large purchase we have nearly always been offered a discount, often without the need to even ask. As for the functions they are just not for us. Good luck to the BRS and whilst some may feel the need to join, we would be more likely to join the Foreign Residents Association if only to mix with other foreign nationals who like to enjoy all North Cyprus has to offer.

sophie · Post by **sophie** » Thu 14 Mar 2019 9:20 am

Seriously thinking of joining TFRA for what might appear to be a frivolous reason. Even after all these years I just can't get my head, heart or tongue around the Turkish language (my fault no one else) BUT when I speak to German members of TFRA my school girl German starts to slowly come back and there's a satisfaction in at least being able to speak another language, although not good enough yet to have a proper conversation. I've signed up with Babbel so now there should be an improvement. Our new neighbours are from the Ukraine but we've NO chance there, trying to pronounce it is just impossible for us as would be learning Chinese.

tomsteel · Post by **tomsteel** » Thu 14 Mar 2019 3:21 pm

Whilst neither approving or knocking the BRS has anybody approached this 'organisation' for a comment/view on its endeavour to get the TRNC authorities to formalise their approach to expats of whatever nationality? I totally understand the view of some who state, 'the BRS does not represent me'. However, for many of the more vulnerable amongst us here, the BRNC may, just, offer a lifeline for support/advice. Just a thought!

mrsgee · Post by **mrsgee** » Thu 14 Mar 2019 5:11 pm

Tomsteel, yep, people are very quick with criticisms about something they don't really know much about. It costs 40 tl a year to be a member, the reason there is a member's section, in my opinion is clear, if you are not willing to pay 40 tl, for reliable help and information, why should non members be able to access that particular part, but, a lot of good information is available even if you are not a member. As I said in another thread, a few months ago, there was a talk organised with well known lawyer firm. It lasted over two hours and the information that was given about the laws around wills, probate, etc, was incredible, and quite an eye opener in many ways. Any questions were allowed, and indeed many were answered in depth. The responses are available under the members area, which I think is absolutely right. Trust me, the BRS is not all about discounts and dances..... but, if people don't want to actually join then that is their prerogative, however, people who do not know should not criticize. They hold regular 'surgeries' in various places so maybe some folk, instead of criticizing, should go along and have a chat, and then decide whether to spend 40 TL.

torontomapleleaf · Post by **torontomapleleaf** » Thu 14 Mar 2019 7:01 pm

I find it amusing that the TRNC government "need to know how many foreigners are here in order to plan for the future"
I've suffered through four census's in my time here and to my knowledge the results have never been posted for reasons unknown, but easily surmised..

Chriswright03 · Post by **Chriswright03** » Thu 14 Mar 2019 7:16 pm

Tomsteel yes I have actually spoken to a volunteer from the BRS. She has in turn spoken to a Committee member who simply stated that they were doing nothing other than trying to clarify the situation in respect of the over 60's. It would appear it is a case of dammed if you do and dammed if you don't.

I have no issues with what has been said in respect of the clarification. Whilst I accept the OP's point of view some of us would like to know where we stand rather than just rely on a'Gentleman's agreement' and for that I believe the BRS are doing what many of their members would want. If that does not suit non members I don't think that means they should be castigated for trying to sort out this issue.

Whether members on here think it is a good idea to be a member or not is entirely up to them but I think it is a little unfair to criticise when you are not a member and do not know what is actually being done by the BRS. Each to their own I guess but as someone else has mentioned already the membership has increased this year so they must be doing something right,

I believe both the BRS and this forum are valuable resources for anyone who is looking for information about the TRNC and living here. I know for a fact that the BRS do seek legal advice before stating something as fact whereas on here it is often opinion and not always reliable. I think it is nice to have the option of both.

Ragged Robin · Post by **Ragged Robin** » Thu 14 Mar 2019 8:50 pm

The point is that the BRS have, or seek to , influence the TRNC Government on matters that affect the lives of British expatriates living in the TRNC. When it started there was a small population of Brits from similar backgrounds and living here for similar reasons and their interests in the large coincided.

Since 2004 many more Brits from different backgrounds with different interests and priorities have come to liv ehere, or bought holiday homes ,and their interests may well conflict. It would be difficult, if not impossible, for one organisation to represent all of them. It appears to me , as a long standing, older permanent resident that the BRS may well be acting against my interests without making it clear to the Government that they now represent the interest of only some (possibly a minority ) and I cant even find out what they are putting forward.

I resigned from membership some years ago because they promulgated a Policy which I disagreed with and were spending funds on it to which I had contributed by way of subscription.,

I think under the current circumstances the BRS should change its name so that it is clear that it does not represent the views or interests of all British Residents , or indeed, only residents.

I would be very interested to see a breakdown of the Society as a whole and its Committee in particular by full term residents, holiday homers (swallows), age (under and over 60) and property owners/renters.

It is not fair to say that one should not expect to know what the BRS are doing - if it were just a social club and/or Charity that would be fair enough - one would have a free choice - but so long as they purport to represent me I have the right to know what action they are taking that affects my lifestyle and finances and in such a manner that I am told how to counteract their representation if I see fit (eg details of how to contact the Government Dept of whatever with whom they are negotiating)

Chriswright03 · Post by **Chriswright03** » Fri 15 Mar 2019 7:19 am

According to their website the BRS have in the region of 2100 members that is clearly visible to anyone who looks. Do you know how many British Ex pats are here? I would imagine as the Government doesn't the answer is likely to be no. I would imagine though that the number is significantly more than 2100.

Do you know what the BRS say in any meetings? Do they say they represent their members or do they imply that they represent the British Community as a whole? I suspect that the answer is in the former as it would be obvious to any Government official how many members they have and that number is only a small part of the community as a whole.

In fact I would suspect that whatever the BRS say will have little effect just the same as discussions with the Government in the UK. Politicians tend to do what they want not what the public want. There is a very good example of that in the UK at the moment but I don't have any intention of going down that rabbit hole!

You are making an assumption that the BRS purport to represent you but as you, or I for that matter are not present at these meetings you cannot state that as fact even though you just have. It is a member's society as you are well aware and as such some details should rightly be only for paying members and not for the general community. If you wanted to make your views known to the Government on any subject I am sure you would be able to do so by the usual methods of communication. Good luck with that as we all know it is the loudest squeaking hinge that gets oiled first.

In truth this is all still politics which we all know are a subject that causes nearly as many arguments as religion. So I think that is me for this thread for now. We can never all agree about everything, that is nature but those of us who choose to be represented by any body are entitled to and those that choose not to are entitled to mae their own representation.

Ragged Robin · Post by **Ragged Robin** » Fri 15 Mar 2019 9:28 am

Chris Wright : No I do not know what the BRS say to the Government in their meetings - that is the whole point!!!!! The impression one gains from their attitude and the Press is that they imply to the Government that they represent the whole community , If my impression is wrong they should have openly stated so and told us what credentials they represent to the Government in discussions on legislation etc.

Tom Steel: Yes when the issue of resident permits was first raised I wrote the BRS asking what representations they had made to the Govenment in respect of certain members of the British Community. Their response was, to put it mildly, evasive. It has been the same when I contacted them on two separate issues.

Chriswright03 · Post by **Chriswright03** » Fri 15 Mar 2019 9:43 am

No Ragged Robin that is not the whole point. You are not a member and if the BRS are discussing their members then it has nothing to do with you. They have no need to state to you or anyone else not a member what their discussions are about. If you are relying on an impression gained from what you read in the press then I suggest you have far more faith in the press than me.

You were a member and for your own reasons decided you no longer wished to be. That is entirely your choice but don't expect them now to be obligated to you in any form let alone notify you of their negotiations or aims. It is evident that you hold them in little regard and I am sure you have your reasons but that is historical. As someone else has already pointed out there have been numerous changes to the Committee over the years and what you may have experienced in the past may well be the same or may well be different. Thing is by leaving you lost any opportunity of changing anything within the society.

terry2366 · Post by **terry2366** » Fri 15 Mar 2019 10:40 am

The started under the title BRS does nor speak for me. I would think as they have 2100 member many of them swallows it's only a small part of the British community however when they speak to the government what they say affects all expats from every country. Maybe the problem lies in the name when I came here 12 years ago I assumed wrongly they represented all Brits here and we had to join. I still think it gives the impression they represent all Brits.. Maybe a name change to focus on what they really are a social club.

tomsteel · Post by **tomsteel** » Fri 15 Mar 2019 12:05 pm

terry2366 wrote:The started under the title BRS does nor speak for me. I would think as they have 2100 member many of them swallows it's only a small part of the British community however when they speak to the government what they say affects all expats from every country. Maybe the problem lies in the name when I came here 12 years ago I assumed wrongly they represented all Brits here and we had to join. I still think it gives the impression they represent all Brits.. Maybe a name change to focus on what they really are a social club.

I have no axe to grind on this topic and I am a member of the BRS. However, given that very few British expats living here are in fact 'residents' of any category according to the TRNC Immigration Department's decision to grant us 'visitor' status on our passport visa stamps, perhaps the title should be reviewed and amended to accurately reflect who we are here (I offer no suggestion) and I do not know how many, officially, TRNC approved British expat residents are members of the BRS. As to the BRS initiative to engage with the TRNC Government on issues affecting British expats living here, be they full time, holiday home visitors, rental occupiers, tourists, whatever. Can the BRS detractors offer a viable alternative organisation/route for queries affecting British expats to be raised to the various TRNC Departments, please?

PoshinDevon · Post by **PoshinDevon** » Fri 15 Mar 2019 3:00 pm

I would have thought that any decisions by the TRNC government affects all ex pats, not just the British. Do British ex pats have some sort of special status?

Therefore surely it would be more sensible to have one organisation/voice representing all ex pats on the island no matter which country they may be from?

mrsgee · Post by **mrsgee** » Fri 15 Mar 2019 4:10 pm

PoshinDevon, I have long thought that this would be the best route, an organisation that covers all 'ex pats',maybe though it is too difficult, or not feasible. Whichever, I am sure it would be a mammoth task as it would have to cover so many different nationalities. We have many Russians here for example, but I am not aware that they have their own group..... at the end of the day, ok it is British Residents' Society, at least it is something rather than nothing, and I, for one, do see and understand the benefits of being a member. They are doing a significant amount of work on health care, support for people who need it, that unless you are a member you will not be aware of. I think maybe it would be a good idea to publicise things more, but give them a chance, as I said before there have been a lot of changes, for the better, over the past couple of years, so maybe just worth spending 40 lira and finding out.

tutor4u · Post by **tutor4u** » Fri 15 Mar 2019 4:36 pm

We have lived here for 12 years, we own a property, never been a member of British Rail Services and never wanted to join their "Club".

Moral is we are guest's on this island, and therefore pay a fee every two years for that privallage. Time for a beer and a chill pill.

PoshinDevon · Post by **PoshinDevon** » Fri 15 Mar 2019 9:57 pm

As I understand it the BRS membership is healthy.

If they made people more aware of the work they are doing it would help to increase the membership even more. If they are doing work on health care then publicise it....what is the work they are doing? Is it just discounts at various hospitals or is it something more? If it’s offering support to those that need it, again publicise it, make people aware. Of course 40TL is a very small amount to join, but like any organisation people will want to know why they should join before signing up.

This forum is probably a good place for the BRS to post in order to publicise themselves. It could easily be made into a read only topic with details of the mission statement, aims and reasons why people should consider joining. Include contact information for those who wish to take it further.

Deniz1 · Post by **Deniz1** » Sat 16 Mar 2019 5:58 am

Just drop the B from their title. Membership may rise then.

cranfield · Post by **cranfield** » Sat 16 Mar 2019 6:35 am

Deniz1 wrote:Just drop the B from their title. Membership may rise then.

I've not seen any comments from the management of the BRS posting here....any reason for that ??

tomsteel · Post by **tomsteel** » Sat 16 Mar 2019 6:52 am

Deniz1 wrote:Just drop the B from their title. Membership may rise then.

Doing so would still not reflect an accurate expats' status as we are not 'residents'. Maybe the title could be "Expat Visitor Society (EVS)".

tomsteel · Post by **tomsteel** » Sat 16 Mar 2019 6:56 am

I've not seen any comments from the management of the BRS posting here....any reason for that ??[/quote]

A question best put to the BRS Management! It has to decide if a response is necessary, desirable or even within its charter to do so. Why don't you contact BRS Management and seek an answer?

PoshinDevon · Post by **PoshinDevon** » Sat 16 Mar 2019 9:47 am

Agree fully with post 76.

There has to be collective agreement from those running the BRS as to whether they should post information or not. This of course could take time as likely a meeting/formal vote would be needed.

My suggestion was that the BRS could perphaps submit a notice briefly outlining the aims of the organisation, give a few examples of its work and provide a link to the website/contact details for those who wish to seek further information. The post could be locked to prevent comment as it would be for information only.

Given the membership of this forum I would have thought the BRS might want to use it to promote themselves and grow there membership even more.

Keithcaley · Post by **Keithcaley** » Sat 16 Mar 2019 10:40 am

The aims of the BRS:

http://www.brstrnc.com

waddo · Post by **waddo** » Sat 16 Mar 2019 3:13 pm

Just wondering! Why do people want an organisation - of any type - in the first place. Not having been to the UK for the past 12 years and having no intentions of ever going there again, I wonder if there are such organisations in the UK already established to help, let us say , Poles, Iranians, Romanians, etc, etc? Or do they just get on with life?

It seems to me that people come here to live because they want to! Given that as a first principle, then those people must - or at the very least should - have already done their homework about what they were getting into! OK, people also come here to have extended holidays - swallows - but they don't "Live" here really, they just take the best they can, then go home again - this is not a criticism in anyway shape or form!

Everyone who stays here in excess of 90 days invests in this country, truly invests, not just as holiday makers but as people you could class as "Residents" (shame on the government for not classing them as such)! I give you an instance: I have lived here since 2007, never set foot off the Island in all those years, yet because I never bought a property in excess of 125000 Euros - but instead leased a plot of Turkish Title land - even though I had my own property built upon land that I leased here - I can never gain Permanent Residency status let alone citizenship of this country. Yet every year myself and my wife have collectively pumped in excess of £30,000.00 into the economy because we LIVE here!

We have both been members of the BRS for the last few years and let me stress the fact that we have only done this for the chance of a better discount on medical services than that which we ourselves may be able to gain. For no other reason than that! We came with eyes open and with a plan to live here till we cease to live further - so far it is working - we have far more "Local" friends than "Expat" friends, we have learnt about the laws of the land ourselves, we have made mistakes, but nobody is perfect. We have no need of any organisation interfering with our lives whilst giving the impression that they are doing this for everyone!

So why do people actually join an organisation? Is it because they need help? Help abounds to all who ask! Sometimes it may not be what people wish to hear but help is always at hand. So why?

One question I would love to ask of the organisation in question is simple: How many of the organisation that are "looking after everyone" actually have never bothered with "Residency" at all, nor Turkish driving licenses or any of the other requirements of law, but instead choose the 90 day and run away system? It is a question that will remain forever unanswered I feel!

Dalartokat · Post by **Dalartokat** » Sat 16 Mar 2019 3:48 pm

waddo wrote:Just wondering! Why do people want an organisation - of any type - in the first place. Not having been to the UK for the past 12 years and having no intentions of ever going there again, I wonder if there are such organisations in the UK already established to help, let us say , Poles, Iranians, Romanians, etc, etc? Or do they just get on with life?

It seems to me that people come here to live because they want to! Given that as a first principle, then those people must - or at the very least should - have already done their homework about what they were getting into! OK, people also come here to have extended holidays - swallows - but they don't "Live" here really, they just take the best they can, then go home again - this is not a criticism in anyway shape or form!

Everyone who stays here in excess of 90 days invests in this country, truly invests, not just as holiday makers but as people you could class as "Residents" (shame on the government for not classing them as such)! I give you an instance: I have lived here since 2007, never set foot off the Island in all those years, yet because I never bought a property in excess of 125000 Euros - but instead leased a plot of Turkish Title land - even though I had my own property built upon land that I leased here - I can never gain Permanent Residency status let alone citizenship of this country. Yet every year myself and my wife have collectively pumped in excess of £30,000.00 into the economy because we LIVE here!

We have both been members of the BRS for the last few years and let me stress the fact that we have only done this for the chance of a better discount on medical services than that which we ourselves may be able to gain. For no other reason than that! We came with eyes open and with a plan to live here till we cease to live further - so far it is working - we have far more "Local" friends than "Expat" friends, we have learnt about the laws of the land ourselves, we have made mistakes, but nobody is perfect. We have no need of any organisation interfering with our lives whilst giving the impression that they are doing this for everyone!

So why do people actually join an organisation? Is it because they need help? Help abounds to all who ask! Sometimes it may not be what people wish to hear but help is always at hand. So why?

One question I would love to ask of the organisation in question is simple: How many of the organisation that are "looking after everyone" actually have never bothered with "Residency" at all, nor Turkish driving licenses or any of the other requirements of law, but instead choose the 90 day and run away system? It is a question that will remain forever unanswered I feel!

In answer to your first paragraph, yes there is. Many other nationalities also, including Turkish, have their own places, groups, coffee shops etc. to go to. It’s natural for people to want to seek out where their own are to get the information and confidence of where they live.

PoshinDevon · Post by **PoshinDevon** » Sat 16 Mar 2019 4:04 pm

Good post waddo.

Initially due to work etc we were only on island living in our little place for a max of 6 weeks throughout the year. As things changed we took the plunge and decided to spend more time in the TRNC. It worked out that for a few years we spent 9mths on island travelling home to the U.K. once or twice. We however felt it was right to obtain the extended visa/temp residency or whatever people want to call it. The main reason was because we were staying in excess of the 90days and were aware that some just “popped” over the border or to Turkey for a few hours or a day or so thus obtaining a further 90 days. We just did not want the hassle or worry of suddenly finding out that instead of 90 days you were given much less. Why have that worry? So for 4 years we paid the money and ensured we were lawful. The cost when weighed up was very reasonable. Plus we have TRNC driving licences and try to ensure we comply with all aspects of the law whilst we are living on island.

Five years on and circumstances have changed, plus I have moved across the over 60s line so we now don’t spend as long on island. Family, grandchildren etc is the pull dragging us back to the UK as many will appreciate. However I do agree fully that the information is out there for those who can be bothered to research it. Certainly if anyone is planning to live permanently in the TRNC should really ensure they understand fully all the pros and cons. Top of the considerations must be how your funds will last especially given the exchange rate fluctuations and of course healthcare. None of us really think we will get old and infirm but it creeps up. I feel sorry for those that may have sold up and made the TRNC their home, only to find that life isn’t easy due to fast depleting funds. It cannot be easy.

The BRS website states they provide help , advice primarily around buying, renting and property matters as well as offering some discounts at hospitals, bank services and shops. For 40tl it sounds a real bargain if this is what you want. I still think they need to do more to promote themselves. As for the British part, not sure it is relevant. All ex pats are affected by laws etc of the TRNC not just the British. All have to comply with the laws of the land.

Your last paragraph asks a good question.

Ragged Robin · Post by **Ragged Robin** » Sat 16 Mar 2019 10:03 pm

Well said Waddo.

With regard to the first para, if you read what Keith kindly posted you will see that the BRS started in 1975 - in fact it was a break off section from the BRS that covered the whole Island before partition and the date should explain why expatriates in the Island really needed an organisation to represent their interests.

However circumstances have changed considerably since then and as I keep repeating that the interests of the British Population are no longer the same. It really is time the BRS had a complete rethink and a change of objectives and name.

tomsteel · Post by **tomsteel** » Sun 17 Mar 2019 6:08 am

However circumstances have changed considerably since then and as I keep repeating that the interests of the British Population are no longer the same. It really is time the BRS had a complete rethink and a change of objectives and name.[/quote]

RR, if you had remained a member of the BRS, you could have raised your thoughts on a revised charter, objectives and name change at an AGM. As you are now not a member, BRS Management has no reason to listen to your opinion on what it does. However, you are, naturally, entitled to your opinion and to express it too.

tomsteel · Post by **tomsteel** » Sun 17 Mar 2019 6:09 am

Sorry 2nd copy of post removed.

Chriswright03 · Post by **Chriswright03** » Mon 18 Mar 2019 8:14 am

I have it on very good authority that the BRS will be making a statement on both their own web site and in the Cyprus News about this to state what their intention is.

Ragged Robin · Post by **Ragged Robin** » Mon 18 Mar 2019 5:02 pm

tomsteel wrote:However circumstances have changed considerably since then and as I keep repeating that the interests of the British Population are no longer the same. It really is time the BRS had a complete rethink and a change of objectives and name.

RR, if you had remained a member of the BRS, you could have raised your thoughts on a revised charter, objectives and name change at an AGM. As you are now not a member, BRS Management has no reason to listen to your opinion on what it does. However, you are, naturally, entitled to your opinion and to express it too.[/quote]

But equally as I have indicated my disagreement with them by resigning they have no authority to speak on my behalf.

As for being a "guest" whilst I agree with we should respect the culture and traditions of the Turkish Cypriots, as a full time resident I subsidize the economy in various ways, taxes ,, shopping (I stay loyal and do not buy fromthe South unecessarily), utility payments etc. - not to mention Vets fees , If I am a guest, I am a paying one and entitled to the rights of a paying guest,, and and another party (ie the BRS) has no right to interfere with them

Chriswright03 · Post by **Chriswright03** » Mon 18 Mar 2019 8:43 pm

Ragged Robin as you have already admitted you do not know what the BRS are saying as you are not a member. So could you please explain just how it is they are interfering with your rights?

silverfir · Post by **silverfir** » Mon 18 Mar 2019 8:52 pm

RR, many moons ago you signed off in a huff from the forum, declaring you would never post on here again. Just saying.....

Mowgli597 · Post by **Mowgli597** » Tue 19 Mar 2019 9:12 am

Chriswright03 wrote:I have it on very good authority that the BRS will be making a statement on both their own web site and in the Cyprus News about this to state what their intention is.

REPORT ON THE BRS & THE TRNC DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION MEETING HELD AT THE TRNC INTERIOR MINISTRY ON TUESDAY 25TH FEBRUARY 2019

Mowgli597 · Post by **Mowgli597** » Tue 19 Mar 2019 9:15 am

silverfir wrote:RR, many moons ago you signed off in a huff from the forum, declaring you would never post on here again. Just saying.....

And what on earth does that have to do with the subject of this topic?

Once again we have an ad hominem comment rather than anything useful. Have you ever heard of the expression “play the game, not the man”?

Ragged Robin · Post by **Ragged Robin** » Tue 19 Mar 2019 2:25 pm

Thank you Mowglie

Silver Fir: I did not "sign off" , I stopped posting, and it was not "in a huff " but as a protest because I was sickened by so many nasty personal attacks like yours above. However this topic is one of vital importance to me , and I decided I should not be put off my right to express my own interests (and those of others in the same position) by bullies.

Ragged Robin · Post by **Ragged Robin** » Tue 19 Mar 2019 2:40 pm

Mowgli597 wrote:
Chriswright03 wrote:I have it on very good authority that the BRS will be making a statement on both their own web site and in the Cyprus News about this to state what their intention is.
REPORT ON THE BRS & THE TRNC DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION MEETING HELD AT THE TRNC INTERIOR MINISTRY ON TUESDAY 25TH FEBRUARY 2019

Thank you for posting that Mowgli . The most helpful and sensible post on this thread! I think the most important feature is the word "members" in the second para. I dont want to start, or enter into, a discussion on the accuracy of reporting in Newspapers here or elsewhere but in my opinion if the BRS were more open and acted less like a secret society this kind of unfortunate rumour would be less likely to circulated and cause distress.

mrsgee · Post by **mrsgee** » Tue 19 Mar 2019 4:22 pm

RR the BRS website is available to anyone who wishes to browse it. Members area is exactly as it should be, for members. You chose to no longer be a member some years ago, for whatever reason, and that is your prerogative, but do not then label it a secret society, it is not. The BRS are very open to all, moreso to members which is what you would expect. They do a lot of good work in liaising with the powers that be, and in seeking clarification, which given the number of times people come on this forum and ask about the over 60’s gentlemen’s agreement, it would seem to me, that clarification is needed. There is an AGM at the end of April so maybe you should make a point of joining before then, so you can have your say directly, and hear everything from the ‘horse’s mouth’.

Ragged Robin · Post by **Ragged Robin** » Tue 19 Mar 2019 7:59 pm

The British Residents Society is a non-profit organi]s.sation, run by volunteers, that provides information, support and advice for those owning or renting property in North Cypru[/i

Above extract from BRS Website. Not a mention of residence nor authority to negotiate with the Government on behalf of residents!

PS not my problem but as a matter of interest presumably "swallows" are included provided they rent or own a property even if they are not residents.

Chriswright03 · Post by **Chriswright03** » Tue 19 Mar 2019 8:23 pm

They do not need your authority to negotiate as they are not negotiating on your behalf as you are not a member. Why have you such a bee in your bonnet about them? They are not representing you, nor misrepresenting you and I really cannot understand why you are creating such a fuss. If you really want to concern yourself with what goes on in a members society then pay your money and join That way you will be entitled to a say. They are not a secret society and the mere fact that they do not seek your permission to carry on with negotiations on behalf of their membership does not make them so.

I think it is time to move on as this is getting repetitive in the extreme.

PoshinDevon · Post by **PoshinDevon** » Tue 19 Mar 2019 8:47 pm

Chriswright03 wrote:They do not need your authority to negotiate as they are not negotiating on your behalf as you are not a member. Why have you such a bee in your bonnet about them? They are not representing you, nor misrepresenting you and I really cannot understand why you are creating such a fuss. If you really want to concern yourself with what goes on in a members society then pay your money and join That way you will be entitled to a say. They are not a secret society and the mere fact that they do not seek your permission to carry on with negotiations on behalf of their membership does not make them so.

I think it is time to move on as this is getting repetitive in the extreme.

I have no inclination to join the BRS, but the charges for obtaining membership are very reasonable and as you have mentioned there is plenty of “non member” information available on there website. Full credit to the BRS seeking to obtain clarification re the temporary residency issue, especially as to how that effects those aged over 60. It may not be what some want to hear but clarification was needed.

Perphaps there opening statement about providing information and support regarding owning and renting a property in North Cyprus needs to be expanded to include all the other areas that they are able to help, offer advice and information.

Agree fully that if you want to influence the way the BRS is run, it’s mandate etc then the only way to do that is to join.

Unlike Brexit of course it will be much easier to leave should you decide it’s not for you!

Ragged Robin · Post by **Ragged Robin** » Tue 19 Mar 2019 9:48 pm

Mrs. Gee I sent you a pm.

For generial consumption the BRS has adversely affected my life three times. I cant put details here because I cant do it without risking identifying individuals,s which would not be in accordance with the rules of the forum.... However I do not WANT to rejoin and that if I do not they can again damage my life by misrepresenting me is no my idea of democracy/ I agree this thread is getting boring, repetitive and times consuming. If I were allowed the freedom to express my views without some needing to attack me, it would not happen.

alphamike · Post by **alphamike** » Tue 19 Mar 2019 11:00 pm

It seems like a simple request for clarification from the authorities for the over 60's has caused a hornets nest.

Perhaps it's just me, but I do not understand why there is such an outlash about the BRS requesting this clarification.

Just recently reached 60, and residing here full time for almost a decade. Personally, I want to know where I stand legally, not just a "yes you are 60, you are fine and don't need to go for residency" from anyone, whether they think they understand this to be true, or just because they were heard it somewhere. I want to know for sure what I have to do to be living here.

Going through all the hoops and changes is a total pain, in the way that you have to do residency at the moment. Going online and registering would be a great thing by my reckoning. At the moment, this is just a plan, and nothing has been set in law, so absolutely nothing to get in a twist about.

mrsgee · Post by **mrsgee** » Wed 20 Mar 2019 5:16 am

[quote="Ragged Robin"]Mrs. Gee I sent you a pm.

RR, I have not received anything.

frontalman · Post by **frontalman** » Wed 20 Mar 2019 11:04 am

There were two doors - one marked 'Heaven' and one marked 'Lecture on Heaven'.

All the BRS members were queuing up for the lecture.

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