The Metropolitan Deputy Mayor, Carmelo Versacetook part in the ceremony conferring honorary citizenship of the City of Gioia Tauro to the Financial Police and naming a municipal street after the Fiamme Gialle.
«It is an honor – said Versace – to be able to attend such an important and significant event which is part of the 250th anniversary of the foundation of the Guardia di Finanza, a fundamental body for the security and democratic stability of the country, to which all the our gratitude as institutions and citizens.” The deputy mayor reserved applause for the mayor of Gioia Tauro, Aldo Alessio, for “the commendable event organised” and special thanks were addressed to the interregional Commander of South-Western Italy of the Guardia di Finanza, General of the Army Corps Rosario Lorussoto the Regional Commander Calabria, General of division Gianluigi D'Alfonsoto the Provincial Commander of Reggio Calabria, Brigadier General Maurizio Cintura and to the Commander of the Gioia Tauro Group, Lieutenant Colonel Danilo Persano. «Thanks to their commitment and that of the men and women of the yellow flames – continued Versace – very great results have been achieved in the fight against tax evasion, illegality, tax fraud and drug trafficking».
Then, in greeting the Prefect of Reggio Calabria, Clara Vaccaro, the metropolitan deputy mayor underlined “the importance of institutional synergy to make our territory safer and protected from the pervasiveness of organized crime”.
On the sidelines of the celebrations, Carmelo Versace also focused on the social and civil commitment of the financiers: «The gift that the Calabria Regional Commander, Gianluigi D'Alfonso, made to the municipal library of Gioia Tauro is truly significant. The copy of the book “The girl who dreamed of defeating the mafia”, an admirable work by judge Annamaria Frustaci, is a powerful message especially for the young generations who grow up in a particularly complex area like ours. Sowing culture, forming civil conscience, fighting indifference, making known the brutality of the 'Ndrangheta is the best method to direct young people towards the healthy part of our society, the one and only place in which to be.”
«Now – concluded Carmelo Versace – there will also be a street that celebrates and remembers the dedication and sacrifice of many financiers. This is also a way to remember and walk towards a better future. I take this opportunity, on this important anniversary, to remember those who have fallen in the exercise of their duty. I renew the closeness and gratitude of the Metropolitan City of Reggio Calabria to them and their families.”