My family come from Cyprus. Both my father and my grandfather worked on the British bases there, and as the British government granted independence to Cyprus, they granted British passports to those who worked with them.

In this quote, Theo Paphitis reflects on his family’s connection to Cyprus and its historical relationship with Britain. He explains that both his father and grandfather worked on the British bases in Cyprus, which was a British colony at the time. When the British government granted independence to Cyprus, they also extended British passports to individuals who had worked with the British, which included Paphitis' family members. This connection to both Cyprus and Britain shaped his family’s identity and history.

The origin of this statement lies in Paphitis’ personal family background and the historical context of Cyprus during the mid-20th century. Cyprus gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1960, but during the period of British colonial rule, many Cypriots worked for the British government, particularly in the military bases on the island. As part of the independence agreement, the British granted British passports to certain groups of Cypriots who had served in this capacity.

Paphitis’ mention of his family’s work on the British bases highlights the complex relationship between colonial powers and the people they governed. The granting of British passports to those who had worked with the British signifies the way colonial subjects could sometimes receive privileges tied to their service. This historical detail also reflects the broader themes of colonial legacy and the ties between Britain and former colonies after independence was achieved.

The quote provides insight into Paphitis’ personal connection to both British and Cypriot identities, illustrating how these historical dynamics shaped his family’s experience. His statement also subtly alludes to the broader implications of national identity and citizenship, especially in post-colonial contexts where the legacies of colonial rule continue to influence the lives of individuals and families.