Patrick, the best cyberactivist specialized in everything from social to tourism to covering political events in Tamatave and the entire Malagasy blogosphere and more, took the initiative further by interviewing two REAL witnesses of Madagascar from Independance days until today. 50 years of touching testimonies where a generation proudly teaches a very much younger one values and virtues that they fought to preserve. Patrick truly understands Malagasy traditions in giving respect to elders before talking about himself by taking time from his busy schedule as a student to simply…listen to them. Thank you Patrick, Thank you for this lesson of generosity and unselfnessness.
If you feel inspired by the stories counted here and would like to share your parents or your own memories of 50 years of Independance in Madagascar, we will be patiently waiting for your contribution.
My name is Ranalina or you can simply call me Maman’i Claudette which is known by my neighborhoods. Sorry, I don’t remember how old was I when we celebrated our independence for the first time. The only one thing that I still remember is, I was learning to make a “sipasipa”. In term of the independence, the “Vahoaka” were very happy because we can finally get out from the yoke of the French. Imagine I’m from Vatomandry, we came here for the first time to escape the hard task that the “Vazaha” imposed to us. I couldn’t no more live with so why not looking for more comfortable place to get a better life.
When we got our freedom from French in 1960, we had our first republic which is headed by Tsiranana. But I think many of you are wondering to know why the Malagasy struck again in 1972? Just because we didn’t got what we were waiting for. We still depended too much to the colonizer. According to what I saw, we were feeling much comfortable in the second republic but there was too much corruption and that is the main reason why our country running nonstop into the hell of the poverty. I think, was when we started our strange politics. Then that always repeated every few years. I think our politicians are the main cause of our poverty. They play Madagascar and the poor citizens like me are the first victim of their act. They are always looking for the better place where they can get much more money for themselves but not for Madagascar. In my memory, in the first and the second republic, we still lived in normal life, like for example the peace was still ok and we still had the same right. I mean we are always in trouble in the third republic and that because of the us. To sum it up, the development in Madagascar is on the way back in 50 years of independence. Why Madagascar? We are told that this country is rich but why the people who live in are poor? That’s for sure because of us. In my opinion, the only one key to get this country in a good health is the education. That’s all. Because it seems that jangle life still exists in this country. Also we should forgive, respect and tolerate to one another for the best future of our beautiful country. I think when our country is going to practice a good way of education, I’m sure that it won’t be problem to get a better personal life or in other words to attempt or aim. Please forgive me if I’m wrong but that what I think of what happen in this country in 50 years of the independence.
thank you pat for bringing this amazing testimony from a generation that has seen the best and the worst of madagascar. i read this post so many times I think I know it by heart it is really the most truthful description of reality in our country. some things never changes : politics sense of greed, masses manipulation, etc. but also the srong faith in justice, in educating the younger generation in doing better and of course this spirit of freedom that make people claim their rights in the streets.
Ranalina made me fell in love me madagascar all over again
[...] une fois Madagascar…par Malalarapporté par Rondro Il était une fois Madagascar…par Ranalinarapporté par Patrick Il était une fois Madagascar…par Paulrapporté par Patrick Il était [...]