Rule of law and security. It is under these themes that Andry Rajoelina, President of the Republic, started his trip to Sainte Marie during the weekend. Barely arrived on site, Saturday morning, the Head of State started his roadshow with the inauguration of the new police station on the island and continued with that of the courthouse housing the Court of First Instance (TPI).
“These buildings reinforce the efforts we have made over the past three years. They consist in affirming the presence of the State with infrastructures which meet the needs of the population and which offer local public services according to Velirano number 3”, declares the tenant of Iavoloha. With regard to the TPI of Sainte Marie, this is the first time that the island has appeared on the map of districts with a court. Before, it was under the jurisdiction of the TPI of Toamasina, and since 2019, of that of Fenoarivo Atsinanana.
As some residents testify, the new TPI will have to lighten several administrative procedures. “Before, we had to go to the court in Toamasina or Fenoarivo Atsinanana to get a criminal record sheet, or to have copies of birth certificates certified by a court,” says Rando, a driver from Tuc Tuc. A costly and restrictive situation when the procedures require the physical presence of the recipient.
In addition to those who can afford a plane ticket, you have to take a boat to make the trip. Again, the price of the ticket is not given. You have to pay 60,000 ariary one way. To hear Johnny Patrick Rasolofomanana, prefect of police of Sainte-Marie, the establishment of the TPI solves a complicated legal and security situation. “Before, in the absence of a court, it was the prefecture which ensured the mission of officer of the public prosecutor’s office”, explains the representative of the State.
Renewal
Bringing a defendant to justice, in Toamasina or Fenoarivo Atsinanana, was a different story. Boat transfer costs are the responsibility of the complainant. When the latter does not have the means, it is up to the prefect of police to requisition a boat. “Vessel owners are, however, reluctant to embark defendants, fearing for the safety of the trip,” he says.
“It is the duty of the State to ensure that everyone can enjoy their right to inquire at Justice and bring a case to court,” argues Andry Rajoelina. François Rakotozafy, Minister of Justice, adds that the court and the prison form a whole in terms of judicial governance. Also, a new prison will be built shortly in Sainte-Marie.
Regarding the new police station, it replaces a previous building which dates from 1976. To hear the speeches on Saturday, the infrastructure also marks a renewal in security governance in Sainte Marie. As the president recalls, an incendiary episode marked the relationship between the police and the inhabitants of the island. In November 2019, the latter claimed “the head” of an alleged assassin whom they thought had been arrested by the police and kept in custody at the police station.
This claim resulted in the burning of the old police station. “We built this new police station to break with this painful past. It is the translation of the first Velirano which is sustainable security and law enforcement close to the population.
