Minister Thoriq assures he's capable of managing both ministries' mandates

Environment Minister Ibrahim Thoriq today assured that he will be able to handle the mandates of both the environment ministry and the tourism ministry, after the two offices got merged late last week following former Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal's dismissal.

Speaking to Mihaaru in his first interview after assuming his new role, Thoriq said the mandate will be implemented by experienced people in the field and that there is no doubt that the task would be successful with their help.

He said the environmental work under the Ministry of Tourism used to be carried out according to specific regulations and that he would restructure the policies of the ministry once he is more familiar with the existing structure.

"I have been in charge of the tourism ministry for about 48 hours. We are now identifying and studying the changes that need to be made. I believe this is possible," he said.

Minister Thoriq said while tourists come to Maldives to see the beauty of the country, the environment plays a crucial role in that. This would allow the mandates of both ministries to be fulfilled together, he said.

“It will be easier for us to do what resorts do for sustainability,” Thoriq said.