MODICA – Modica and Frigintini would not be the same as they are today without the annexation of the rural hamlet from Noto in the 1950s amidst arrests, sacrifices, obstructionism and hopes: events that followed one another at a frenetic pace between 1946 and 1952, with all that came with it resulted in terms of economic and social development in the hamlet of Frigintini up to the present day. This was reiterated by professor Francesco Rando, son of trade unionist Giovanni Rando, whose role in the annexation of Frigintini from Noto to Modica was fundamental. The documents and all the material found in the archives of the Sicilian Region and the Municipality of Modica have been collected, selected and included in a volume that celebrates the 70th anniversary of the annexation and published in recent days and distributed in school, municipal and private libraries , also available in newsstands and bookshops for the benefit of future generations so that the history of the rural hamlet becomes everyone’s heritage and is passed down from generation to generation, as has happened so far.
“My father was jailed for 40 days for his audacity to promote the annexation of Frigintini to Modica – reiterated Professor Rando – and at the end of his imprisonment the public prosecutor, son of the then mayor of Noto, called for the sentence a further 4 and a half years. Luckily my father was later acquitted due to insufficient evidence. They attacked him because he was wrongly considered the most vulnerable compared to the Modican ruling class in favor of the annexation of Frigintini to Modica”.
The first attempt, which later failed, to annex Frigintini to Modica dates back to 1907. Frigintini, Barco, San Giacomo and Montesano were inhabited 95% by Modicans, 5% by Ragusans, while no one from Neti lived there. After the successful and longed-for annexation, a large sum corresponding to the current 80 million euros was allocated for the construction of schools and the current square dedicated to the Modican philosopher Ottaviano. “For those who undertake beautiful things – concluded Rando with a hint of emotion – it is beautiful to suffer, whatever one does”.
The presentation of the book was held in the packed auditorium of the “Carlo Amore” comprehensive institute in Frigintini. A precious work, born from the passion and economic commitment of Salvatore Cannata, Giorgio Giurdanella, Giuseppe Macauda, Carmelo Modica, Francesco and Salvatore Rando, who was able to enhance the historical and cultural heritage of Frigintini, placing emphasis on the fundamental role carried out by Giovanni Rando in the conquest of autonomy. Doing the honors were the head teacher Giulia D’Urso and Doctor Giorgio Giudanella, as part of the work coordinated by Professor Giuseppe Macauda, interspersed with musical performances by the excellent students of the institute.
