Cyprus—a sun-kissed paradise known for its azure waters, historic sites, and vibrant nightlife. Yet, beneath the glossy veneer of tourist brochures and idyllic beach scenes lies a darker, more insidious reality. On the night of July 30, 2024, my wife and I stumbled upon a deeply unsettling truth during what should have been a joyous post-wedding celebration at McKenzie Beach.
The evening began innocuously enough. Our party of nine, still basking in the afterglow of a beautiful wedding, decided to explore the nightlife. Our first stop was Ammos, a bar that buzzed with good vibes and the promise of a memorable night. But what unfolded later was anything but.
Two of our friends, including Wilson, a jovial and spirited man who could always be counted on for a laugh, returned to Ammos after a brief foray into other venues, visibly distraught. Wilson, usually the life of the party, looked crushed. His words hit like a sledgehammer: “Miguel, I am so annoyed, I strongly feel they were racist.”
Skeptical but concerned, I probed further. Wilson recounted his attempt to enter the Blue Martini Club, only to be denied by the bouncer who cited a lack of appropriate attire and not being on the guest list. The excuse seemed plausible—until Wilson mentioned seeing several white patrons, some in worse attire, being admitted without a second glance. Wilson himself was dressed smartly in a white shirt, trousers, and dress shoes.
Determined to uncover the truth, I conducted my own experiment. After a ten-minute wait, I approached the Blue Martini Club. Ahead of me were a group of white lads, their dirty trainers and disheveled appearance screaming “reject me.” Yet, they were welcomed in with open arms. Then came my turn. Dressed impeccably in a crisp white shirt, trousers, and smart shoes, I approached the bouncer. His response was swift and dismissive: “Sorry, guest list only.” No check of the list, no inquiry—just a flat denial.
Undeterred, I waited twenty minutes before sending in another group of our black friends. The result was depressingly predictable: denied entry without a second thought.
For our final test, a white friend of ours, dressed similarly to us, attempted entry after a 25-minute wait. As if following a script, he was waved through without a moment’s hesitation or any mention of a guest list. The pattern was unmistakable and appalling: blatant, unabashed racism.
The implications of this night were profoundly disturbing. In 2024, in a tourist hotspot no less, the shadow of racial discrimination looms large. The Blue Martini Club, with its veneer of exclusivity, harbors an ugly truth that stands in stark contrast to the welcoming image Cyprus projects to the world.
This is more than an anecdote of a spoiled night out. It’s a clarion call for change. Racism has no place in modern society, yet here it was, rearing its ugly head amidst the revelry of McKenzie Beach. The proprietors of Blue Martini Club and others like it must be held accountable. Tourists, locals, and governing bodies must stand together to eradicate this blight.
What makes this all the more poignant is the stark contrast to the hospitality found in Caribbean and black nations. These countries, known for their warmth and welcoming nature, open their arms to people of all creeds, colors, and statuses. Whether you’re a high-ranking official or a backpacker, you’re treated with dignity and respect. Yet, when we venture to predominantly white countries, we are often met with disdain and prejudice.
The hypocrisy is glaring. While black and Caribbean nations extend a hand of friendship and inclusivity, many white-dominated regions still cling to outdated, discriminatory practices. This incident at the Blue Martini Club is a microcosm of a larger, systemic issue that demands immediate attention.
As we left the scene of this disgraceful episode, the sting of injustice lingered, a bitter reminder that the fight against racism is far from over. Cyprus, with all its beauty, must confront this reality head-on if it ever hopes to be a true paradise for all.
Miguel Davis, reporting from the frontlines of a battle we should not still be fighting.
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