Yesterday, late in the day we got a call from Peace Corps saying that we should expect to stay at Consolidation Points until the weekend. If demonstrations remain peaceful (as they have the last few days) we will go back to site, but remain on ‘high alert.’ (this means that once at site we would need to stay in daily contact with Peace Corps). The President (the elected one) made a visit to the Ft. Dauphin airport yesterday and gave a speech, which was an opportunity to demonstrate that he is still in ‘control.’
I wrote this early yesterday, but didn’t get to post it…
1/3/09
Yes, It’s Groundhog Day….and….Yes, It’s a ‘Coup.’
So…the ‘self-proclaimed’ leader of Madagascar (ie the Mayor of Tana) is beginning to pick his team for the creation of the ‘transitional’ government he is planning to institute. He will begin a regional tour of Madagascar to energize and stimulate support. The ‘President’ (ie the elected one) is in Africa at a meeting with the African Union—the Union has his support and full backing. Schools are open today, and people are for the most part back at work. Prices are starting to increase, especially oil—cooking and automotive. We seem to be at a standstill, playing the ‘wait and see’ game. Peace Corps has told us to plan on staying at CP (Consolation points) a few more days, until they gain a little more clarity on the situation and what will happen.
I’ve been telling friends about how I use to think those ‘luxury prisons’ they send white collar criminals to were just on big joke….this situation has forced me to reexamine that opinion. This whole experience has been stressful, frustrating, and a bit torturous. The only information we get are cryptic test messages once a day telling us about how the situation is ‘calm but tense’….’remains fluid’….and we are told…’keep a low profile’….’standby’…..’Stay alert.’
NEW RULE among PCVs in Ft. Dauphin: Don’t talk about it. We have no control over our eventual outcome. Let’s enjoy the Beach!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
.JPG)
3 comments:
Hang in there Bren,
It's true that you have no control over the outcome .....and enjoying the beach sounds like a good plan. We are all thinking about you and happy to hear you are safe. I hope you get back to your site soon!
Love ya, mom
Glad that you are doing well. Stay safe!!
Joanie, Mike, Keira, Khloe, Kujo and Isabelle
I'm making that a rule for us here in Fianar too. Glad to hear things are good down there and safe. Enjoy the 'vacation'! We're grilling out today!
Post a Comment