I am writing this letter to express my sadness and disappointment with the Byron Shire Echo editor who wrote ‘Byron wakes up to NYE aftermath’ article in last week’s edition.
Firstly, how someone can write such a disrespectful article that goes to the front page of a local newspaper? What is the information given based on? Have you thought about the moral damage that is involved?
I personally respect all different opinions or thoughts that anyone can have about anything although It is quite important to be based on facts and real information when writing for a newspaper as there is always an impact behind it.
This article is based on someone’s personal and uncertain opinion and it is not fair that it goes to a newspaper.
If the writer of the article or the local environmental activist Dailan Pugh would have done a bit of research they would have been very surprised when finding out who is actually organising most of these events/parties.
I am Spanish and I have lived in Byron bay for the last three years. I consider myself part of this ‘Spanish community’ mentioned in the article as I know most of the Spanish living in the area and I don’t know or have heard of anyone organising a beach party for NYE, why do we have to be included in this article then?
Moreover I would like to mention our respect and love for this beautiful piece of land and the gratefulness of having the opportunity to be part of it.
The Spanish community deserves a public apology from the Echo team.
Javier Mayrata
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
