Islands in Raa atoll will soon be allocated for resort development: President

President Dr. Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik has said that the government will soon decide on islands in Raa atoll that will be developed for tourist resorts.

Speaking to the people of Raa Rasgetheemu yesterday, President Waheed noted that Raa atoll has an exceptionally attractive island formation and that it is wrong for a small group of parties to still hold on to the most beautiful islands in the atoll. He said that some changes will be seen in this regard and thus, the most beautiful islands will be opened for resort development, the president pledged.

He noted that a large portion of the youth population works in the tourist industry, and noted that the taxes collected from the tourism industry are assigned for a number of government sectors, and said that a large portion of the funds gained by the government are spent towards granting different provisions for the people.

President noted that a group of people from within the country have recently called for the boycott of Maldives tourism. Condemning these actions, he said that it would tarnish the good name of the Maldivian people and result in the decrease of tourist arrivals in the Maldives.

Continuing on this note, the president said that the petition calling for the boycott of Maldives tourism that has been circulating worldwide holds false allegations of human rights abuse and the neglect of on part of the state to the children of the country. He called on the people to be mindful of such false information, saying that the boycott of Maldives tourism would adversely affect its people. He said that the government is working to counter causes and its affects of this petition.

Highlighting the work carried out by the government towards this end, President Waheed said that Maldives is currently participating in a number of tourism fairs across the globe to promote the beauty of the country and better inform the world about the peace and stability that the country currently enjoys. He said that he hopes for the number of tourist arrivals to increase year.

Concluding his speech, the president stressed on the bonds of unity that must be fostered within the community. He called upon the parents to teach their children to value cohesiveness and unity, and to see that their children grow up to be friendly and peaceful people who have a special place in their hearts for their families. Unity and stability is vital for a healthy family, the president said, and bid the people to focus on the ways to resolve matters while dealing with conflicts that occur within families.