Qasim: There’s not a Laari to pay to the government

Leader of the Jumhooree Party and the Chairman of Villa Group, Qasim Ibrahim has said that there won’t be even a single Laari (local coin denomination) that needs to be paid to the government.

Qasim made the remark at a time where the accounts of Villa Shipping and Trading have been frozen saying that the rent and fines for Thaa atoll Elaa, an island given to Villa to develop a resort.

Speaking at a Jumhooree Party event at Maafannu Kunooz last night, Qasim Ibrahim said that with the accounts of Vila Shipping frozen, all of the company's works have come to a halt.

“Can’t bring goods out of customs. Nothing can be done at Immigration.” Qasim said.

Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) froze the accounts of Villa Shipping two days ago and ordered the company to pay USD 18 million in fines and rent for the island of Elaa.

Qasim said that it is a sadness that came to him and describes it as an injustice to him.

“On the other hand while (they say) I have to pay millions of dollar, legally there’s not even a single Laari I have to pay to the government.” Qasim Ibrahim said.

Villa has also appealed the High Court ruling in the Elaa case at the Supreme Court. Qasim said last night that he hopes for justice and for the time being there is no option but patience.

Aside from the heads of the Jumhooree Party, some members of the MDP leadership and Parliamentary Group were in attendance at the event last night along with some who are loyal to the former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.