It is a touching thank you that Stefano Castellino, mayor of Palma di Montechiaro, addressed in a post on Facebook today to all those who (and there were many, despite the pouring rain) gathered around him yesterday to show their closeness and solidarity for the serious intimidation suffered.
Here is the full text of Castellino’s post.
“I address all of you with a heart full of gratitude and proud to belong to a community as supportive and courageous as ours.
A week ago, a vile and ignoble act was perpetrated against me, my family, my friends, my collaborators, my Administration, my City, but you, with your indomitable support, have transformed that terrible act in new strength. Receiving your messages of solidarity was a tangible confirmation that I have never been alone. Thank you so much for making me feel safe, for showing me that the unity and determination of our city overcomes any threat.
Today, April 24, 2024, we have demonstrated to the whole of Sicily that Palma di Montechiaro is no longer the fertile ground for violence and lawlessness. The demonstration against all forms of violence that we organized this morning was an emotional and significant moment. It was a cry for freedom, a categorical rejection of the darkness of obscurantism.
I want to thank every single person who took part in this historic day: from the Council (VS Antonella Lo Vasco, Massimo Amato, Miriam Barba, Rosario Provenzani, Daniele Cacciatore) to the President of the City Council Domenico Scicolone, from the City Councilors to my precious collaborators , all municipal employees from the Civil Protection led by the Arch. Lillo Inguanta to the Municipal Police, without exception, the Board of Directors of Palma Ambiente (Pres. Mario Stagno, VP Sharon Amato, Dario Burgio) and all the employees of the company,
the employees of the Licata DS5 Socio-Health District, from students and teachers to schools of all levels, to social cooperatives, in particular San Marco and Sole, to volunteers and associations, activities, entrepreneurs and all the people of Palma di Montechiaro , who with his courage wrote a new page in history.
Special thanks also go to my fellow Mayors of the Province of Agrigento for their support, their closeness, their affection and their esteem in this crucial moment: colleagues who, like myself, have at times been the subject of ignoble acts.
The Mayors are the bulwark of Democracy and Legality, in the trenches in defense of the Republic.
I cannot forget to express my gratitude to the local Church, the clergy and the Archpriest Don Antonio Cipolla for their human and spiritual solidarity.
How can we fail to remember and thank Dr. Lombardo for her moving and very important words and to all the State Police for their concrete closeness.
Thanks to Captain Petrocchi, Commander Scibetta and the Carabinieri for always being present.
Thanks to all the police forces who work tirelessly for our safety and who have never left me alone, I am certain that whoever committed this ignoble act will be identified.
Finally, heartfelt thanks go to HE the Prefect Filippo Romano, to the Police Commissioner Tommaso Palumbo, to the Provincial Commander of the Carabinieri Nicola De Tullio, to the Provincial Commander of the Guardia di Finanza Edoardo Moro, and to all the other authorities who have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to ensure our well-being.
Today, together, we demonstrated that courage and determination are stronger than fear. That the light of justice and solidarity can dispel even the thickest darkness.
Many thanks to all”.
