The Citadelle, Sunday, October 19, 2008
CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY
I learned very early in life that freedom, free-speech and respect for human dignity could be scoffed at shamelessly.
Having lived under the iron rule of a merciless dictatorship, I understand the courage-the temerity, even-that journalists must posses to work in regions of the world that are rife with misery, conflict and horror.
Many have paid with their lives.
Freedom must always, constantly, be reconquered.
For the journalists we are honouring today, the French language provides victory and freedom.
It is a language that allows them to express ideas, and themselves, in places where propaganda and censorship overshadow the truth, places where people too often try to silence them.
Everything about the way they work compels our admiration.
The means at their disposal-meagre compared to what we have here and in other Francophonie countries.
The vigilance and daring they need to overcome fear, to bear witness, to denounce unacceptable situations out loud, with their faces uncovered.
The fervour with which they inform us about, and report and uncover events, using language that is precise, yet full of imagery, language that reaches and touches the population.
The conviction they have that their efforts will raise consciousnesses and transform society.
To you, who play a significant role in our duty to remember, our need to understand, our fight against indifference, against ignorance and the feeling of powerlessness, we say: "Please continue!"
Continue to shed light on this world and offer a glimmer of hope to your fellow citizens, who crave truth and freedom.
Continue to give them a voice and break down our solitudes.
And may you find in La Francophonie an expression of solidarity that knows no bounds.
Congratulations and best wishes.
