Will increase expenses for promoting tourism across outlying atolls: Running mate Naseem
Several citizens of Mathiveri gain profit through guest house businesses
Opposition Vice Presidential candidate Faisal Naseem speaking to residents of Mathiveri island on Thursday night
A unity government led by the opposition coalition will increase the state’s expenses for promoting tourism in the Maldives, says Faisal Naseem, Vice Presidential candidate from the opposition coalition.
Speaking at the gathering held by the opposition coalition in Mathiveri island of Alif Alif atoll on Thursday night, running mate Naseem highlighted that the tourism industry brings the biggest profits to the country and its citizens, adding that this is clear just by observing how far Mathiveri island has progressed. Naseem stated that residents of the island gain immense profits just through guest house businesses.
Residents of Mathiveri island partake in opposition coalition's gathering
Stressing on the current administration’s mindless auction of the country’s reefs, Naseem, who had been serving in the tourism industry prior to his ingress into politics, asserted that not every reef needs to be reclaimed.
Naseem pointed out that some of the reefs are protected, and if it is maintained, it will bring progress to the tourism industry.
The opposition running mate further stressed that citizens are having to go down on their knees to simply get a medical treatment. Highlighting that the current administration does not treat persons with disabilities with sincerity, Naseem said that privileges granted to the elderly as well as persons with disabilities will be expanded in a unity government run by the opposition coalition.
Moreover, Naseem said that his tour across Alif Alif atoll has made it clear that residents of each and every island in the atoll are deprived of the basic rights guaranteed to them. Naseem added that a government ruled by the opposition coalition will prioritize the installment of a water plant and sewer system in each island.
Members of the opposition coalition at the gathering
Running mate Faisal Naseem departed on a two-day trip to eight islands of Alif Alif atoll, as part of the opposiiton’s campaign for the 2018 presidential elections on Thursday morning.
Naseem and campaign team's first stop was Himandhoo island which was followed by Maalhos, Feridhoo and Mathiveri islands and lastly, Mathiveri island.
Naseem is scheduled to travel to Bodu Folhudhoo island on Friday, followed by Ukulhas, Rasdhoo and Thoddoo islands. Naseem will inaugurate the opposition's campaign office in Thoddoo on Friday evening, with a gathering planned there for later in the night.
The opposition's running mate is accompanied by Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)'s chairperson Hassan Latheef and other senior officials, Thoddoo constituency MP Ibrahim Hassan, Ihavandhoo constituency MP Mohamed 'Muhamma' Abdulla, as well as council members of Jumhooree Party.
