Copyright V.AngeloThe market place, even in the middle of the Sahel, in very harsh living conditions, is a crossroads of hope and freedom. It is wise not to expect much and keep the smile on.
domingo, 19 de outubro de 2008
Old woman at the market
Copyright V.AngeloThe market place, even in the middle of the Sahel, in very harsh living conditions, is a crossroads of hope and freedom. It is wise not to expect much and keep the smile on.
sábado, 11 de outubro de 2008
Maldives, vacations and elections
Thousands of holiday makers flock to a speck of islands in the Indian Ocean throughout the year to bask in its sunshine, to be caressed by its balmy breeze or to swim in its turquoise waters.
The Portuguese too have been lured by the fame and beauty of Maldives. It has not been just in recent years that the archipelago has attracted Portuguese tourists. The first batch of Portuguese travellers set foot on the islands, located close to the southern tip of India, arrived on the shores of Maldives in 1558. They stayed for 15 years before leaving after the islands were wrestled away from Portuguese control.
This week Maldives has attracted more than its usual planeload of well-heeled tourists. Election observers have also descended on the tropical islands for the presidential election slated for 8 October. A splendid place to be indeed - I would gladly trade places with anyone who would be willing to swap with me, if only for a couple of days.
A friend who is one of the election observers says in a matter-of-fact manner that he will be in Maldives strictly on business. The presidential election could herald in a new era of political pluralism and liberal democracy in this tiny island nation. The country's Head of State, President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, is the longest serving leader in Asia, having been at the helm for 30 years. This week's presidential election will be much watched by Maldives' neighbours and democracy advocates around the world on how much political space will exist under its azure skies.
The hordes of tourists on the resort islands in Maldives may be blissfully unaware of the political jostling taking place mainly in the capital, Malé, where the majority of the population, some 80 percent of them live, as the tourist resorts are located in outlying islands reachable only by boat. But this week, they may join the people of Maldives in waking up to a new dawn. Or maybe not. Like all incumbents - President Gayoom is contesting the election for a seventh term in office - it remains to be seen if his ruling party will play by the rules that he himself was party to in drawing up the new constitution and electoral laws that have facilitated a multi-party political system to develop in Maldives.
This week's presidential election will determine the future for the people of Maldives. Will the country move with the tide of democracy or against the tide? Does it matter to the tourists whichever way the tide flows? It does matter, and it should matter. Because their tourist dollars are propping up the Maldives' economy and entrenching the government in power.
A country that offers political space and freedom of expression is a place in which tensions are less likely to boil over into conflict that impact on stability and security - which threaten the physical safety of its citizens and of visitors, besides affecting the tranquility of the environment that is the attraction of Maldives.
It is hoped that no storm clouds will gather over Maldives as its people choose wise leadership that will pave the way for greater openness and freedom for the people of these beautiful islands that many like me only get to romanticise on, while they get to live our dreams of an island in the sun where there is a place for everyone.....
The Portuguese too have been lured by the fame and beauty of Maldives. It has not been just in recent years that the archipelago has attracted Portuguese tourists. The first batch of Portuguese travellers set foot on the islands, located close to the southern tip of India, arrived on the shores of Maldives in 1558. They stayed for 15 years before leaving after the islands were wrestled away from Portuguese control.
This week Maldives has attracted more than its usual planeload of well-heeled tourists. Election observers have also descended on the tropical islands for the presidential election slated for 8 October. A splendid place to be indeed - I would gladly trade places with anyone who would be willing to swap with me, if only for a couple of days.
A friend who is one of the election observers says in a matter-of-fact manner that he will be in Maldives strictly on business. The presidential election could herald in a new era of political pluralism and liberal democracy in this tiny island nation. The country's Head of State, President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, is the longest serving leader in Asia, having been at the helm for 30 years. This week's presidential election will be much watched by Maldives' neighbours and democracy advocates around the world on how much political space will exist under its azure skies.
The hordes of tourists on the resort islands in Maldives may be blissfully unaware of the political jostling taking place mainly in the capital, Malé, where the majority of the population, some 80 percent of them live, as the tourist resorts are located in outlying islands reachable only by boat. But this week, they may join the people of Maldives in waking up to a new dawn. Or maybe not. Like all incumbents - President Gayoom is contesting the election for a seventh term in office - it remains to be seen if his ruling party will play by the rules that he himself was party to in drawing up the new constitution and electoral laws that have facilitated a multi-party political system to develop in Maldives.
This week's presidential election will determine the future for the people of Maldives. Will the country move with the tide of democracy or against the tide? Does it matter to the tourists whichever way the tide flows? It does matter, and it should matter. Because their tourist dollars are propping up the Maldives' economy and entrenching the government in power.
A country that offers political space and freedom of expression is a place in which tensions are less likely to boil over into conflict that impact on stability and security - which threaten the physical safety of its citizens and of visitors, besides affecting the tranquility of the environment that is the attraction of Maldives.
It is hoped that no storm clouds will gather over Maldives as its people choose wise leadership that will pave the way for greater openness and freedom for the people of these beautiful islands that many like me only get to romanticise on, while they get to live our dreams of an island in the sun where there is a place for everyone.....
sábado, 4 de outubro de 2008
Today in school, leaders tomorrow
These Sierra Leonean schoolgirls live in a village that is two days away by road from Freetown. The area borders a remote corner of Guinea, and is known for the beauty of its mountains.
School attendance has increased dramatically as the country entered a period of peacebuilding, four years ago, and gradually reconstructed the social capital that had been devastated by the long years of brutality and civil war.
Sierra Leone is today a success story, including in terms of free elections. Now the nation needs to become more united and better prepared for the future.
These girls are part of tomorrow's Sierra Leone.
Photo copyright V. Angelo
quarta-feira, 1 de outubro de 2008
Meeting the village elders
copyright V.Angelo
The old men in Africa are a key source of authority and wisdom. The tradition requires they should be heard and respected. As we promote peace and development it is important to have the elders fully engaged. They are so keen to be of help.
The old men in Africa are a key source of authority and wisdom. The tradition requires they should be heard and respected. As we promote peace and development it is important to have the elders fully engaged. They are so keen to be of help.
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