Transforming Trapani: A Journey from Complicity to Integrity

 The image of a province that was once seen as an accomplice to the mafia, with a corrupt business system and a conniving society, has become unacceptable to the entrepreneurs of Trapani, especially after the capture of Matteo Messina Denaro.

"We no longer have excuses. We want to fight the mafia with intelligence and legal work," said Vito Pellegrino, President of Sicindustria Trapani, as he unveiled a project aimed at reclaiming the territory's tarnished reputation caused by the presence of Messina Denaro and the mafia phenomenon. "And we want to do it by involving the youth and showcasing that Trapani's businesses are built on hard work, sacrifice, and a commitment to legality."

This initiative by Sicindustria aims to modify the narrative step by step, transforming Trapani from a place associated with Matteo Messina Denaro's birth and, in some way, his hiding place, into a liberated city ready to shine the spotlight on its thriving and dynamic enterprises, leading on international markets. These companies have successfully established themselves in various sectors, from agri-food and wine to fishing, marble, construction, and services.

"We have too often been passive witnesses to the negative reputation of our province. Now, enough is enough. We want to turn the page and free Trapani from this burden by working on its reputation, a strategic asset for economic growth, social well-being, and tourism. We'll do this with a comprehensive project open to the participation of mayors, entrepreneurs, parliamentarians, citizens, and stakeholders. We will involve schools, universities, and politicians so that everyone can paddle in the same direction, each contributing according to their capabilities, with the ultimate goal of creating conditions that allow our young people to choose whether to stay or return," added Vito Pellegrino.

The initiative will unfold in four phases. The first involves a competition to name the project, with the winner receiving a monetary prize. The second phase will focus on storytelling, with the creation of a video that highlights the many successful business realities and their strong connection to development and legality. The third phase includes discussions on economic topics and social issues, as well as school tours, where students will interact with entrepreneurs and law enforcement representatives to discuss legality not as an abstract concept but as something that must accompany their daily actions. This phase also aims to transform the province of Trapani from the fifth Italian province in terms of income support recipients to the first for new business ideas and startups. The final phase will involve visits to Trapani businesses to showcase their dynamics, experiences, and courage within the productive reality.

"At the end of all stages, we will organize a grand event involving and reaching the maximum number of citizens to widely disseminate our actions and messages. Trapani must reveal its true self to the world, a splendid territory rich with opportunities," concluded Pellegrino.

In the past, Sicindustria Trapani, including the late Gregory Bongiorno, embarked on a path of legality, signing protocols with institutions and committing to a fundamental characteristic of every entrepreneur: having social responsibility in the territory. Today, they wish to resume this journey, not just as a redemption after Messina Denaro but also by striving to combat all forms of illegality linked to the business world, such as undeclared labor, tax evasion, and fraud on European funds. "We are determined, but we won't shoulder blame that isn't ours. Like most citizens, we are victims. Now, we want to rise again."