President Ravalomanana demands actions, rather than words

As founder of the Tiko agribusiness enterprise, and current head of state, President Ravalomanana was naturally present at the inauguration ceremony of the Magro (Malagasy Grossiste, i.e. Wholesaler) Department Store in Antsirabe, the second city of the island, 106 miles south of the capital city. Undoubtedly, for this occasion, he was the ideal candidate to evoke what the Malagasy people, as well as Madagascar?s financial partners expect from the decision makers, and the politicians: actions, rather than words. De facto, the Tiko agribusiness enterprise is set up as an example. Establishing the new Magro Department Store, the fifth of its kind for the entire national territory, required some FMG7 billion. This means that, within the current framework, the Tiko enterprise enjoys a strong tail wind. In any event, it is an example of tireless, and relentless efforts. Let us mull over that for a while…

If the preachers who attended the ceremony, during a prayer session, made the role of faith, and actions, or faith coupled with actions, the focal point of their sermons, it is simply because these are concepts which are near and dear to the head of state. Moreover, the timing could not have been better. A mere 250 miles away, in the city of Fianarantsoa, KMMR party members, former presidential allies, once again, turned up the heat during what they characterized as a “National Policy Public Awareness” campaign. President Ravalomanana, however, respecting everyone?s right to criticize, was content to merely suggest that the critics need to come up with tangible, actionable solutions for developing the country. In other words, “Put your money where your mouth is.”…

Behind the president?s words are the aspiration of a man, and that of an entire nation for political, and social stability, following a year long crisis. Especially, as he would point out, given that the Great Island?s financial partners, who are still shouldering 85% of the burden required to keep the country going, also wish to see such stability. And, as if to show that it is time to act for the development of the nation, President Ravalomanana participated in a Poverty Reduction Strategic Plan workshop on April 15, 2003, in the city of Antsirabe where various socio-economic players needed to be mobilized to achieve progress.