Businessman and long-time supporter of Kalymnos, John Halikos, has announced his decision to leave the island, citing deep personal hurt and disappointment following a recent incident that he says profoundly affected his dignity.
In a letter addressed to his compatriots and shared with local media, Mr Halikos said the decision to depart from Kalymnos – which he frequently refers to as “my island” – was one of the most difficult he has made, after decades of involvement, contribution and support to the local community.
Widely regarded as a benefactor of the island, Mr Halikos has played a significant role over many years in supporting major infrastructure projects, social initiatives and charitable causes, contributing to daily life and community wellbeing in Kalymnos and neighbouring Pserimos. Despite this, he said recent developments left him feeling “bitterness, distress and, above all, an insult to my dignity.”
Mr Halikos said the incident, which he described as minor in nature, resulted in the immediate initiation of criminal proceedings against him – an experience that he said deeply affected him on a human level.
“I am not hurt by the application of the law,” he wrote. “I believe the law must apply equally to everyone. What hurt me was the absence of understanding, moderation and respect for a person who, for decades, stood consistently and selflessly beside this place.”
In his letter, Mr Halikos also expressed disappointment at the conduct of certain political factions, accusing some local leaders of politicising the matter during a Municipal Council meeting and choosing not to attend – actions he said discredited both the event and his personal standing.
At the same time, he expressed gratitude to those who offered him moral support, including local officials, institutional representatives and ordinary citizens who reached out to him privately.
“I felt deep satisfaction from the sincere and beautiful words I heard from many of my compatriots,” he wrote.
Reflecting on his long-standing involvement on the island, Mr Halikos said his support was never motivated by obligation, recognition or titles, noting that he has never sought to be described as a “benefactor.”
“Everything I have offered has come from emotion, love and respect for the place and my people,” he wrote.
He also revealed that over the years his business activities – which he described as having a strong social dimension, aimed at local development and employment – had repeatedly been the subject of complaints and, at one point, false accusations to financial crime authorities. He said those claims were ultimately dismissed, with all his activities found to be legal.
At the age of 65, he said, being summoned to police and facing criminal proceedings was a deeply distressing experience that ultimately led him to his decision.
“With a heavy heart, but with a clear conscience, I make the decision to leave my homeland today,” he wrote.
While acknowledging that his departure – and the possible closure of his businesses – could have economic and social consequences for Kalymnos and the families he employs, Mr Halikos said he remains committed to doing everything possible to avoid that outcome.
He concluded by expressing hope that time would ease the emotional burden he now carries, and that he may one day return to Kalymnos to continue offering and contributing to the island and its people.
