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Gili Lankanfushi GM resigns amid eco crime allegations

03 February 2021, MVT 08:49
David Stepetic, the former General Manager of Gili Lankanfushi Maldives resort in Kaafu Atoll. PHOTO: GILI LANKANFUSHI / MIHAARU
03 February 2021, MVT 08:49

Luxury resort Gili Lankanfushi's former General Manager (GM) David Stepetic has stepped down from his position at the property, which is located in Kaafu Atoll.

Over recent weeks, the US national has become the subject of serious eco crime allegations raised by locals from the resort’s closest neighbouring island Himmafushi, with which it shares a lagoon.

The resort said, speaking to The Edition, that the resignation was formalised shortly after their GM "stood down" from his duties, a decision which (per their announcement) was made in connection with an ongoing investigation launched by the police.

Authorities have further revealed that Stepetic’s passport is being withheld until a resolution is reached on the matter, which concerns the illegal dredging of a sandbank in Kaafu Atoll.

On January 23, 40 residents from Himmafushi, allegedly accompanied by local police, intercepted and shut down a group from Gili Lankanfushi Resort.

Witnesses on site reported seeing the resort’s staff digging a trench on a nearby sandbank, in an attempt to erode the landmass.

According to one Himmafushi guesthouse owner, Mohamed Imthiyaz, efforts to destroy the sandbank was driven by Stepetic, possibly fuelled by the knowledge that locals are known to frequent the little beach, which lies in view of certain resort villas, for their own picnics.

Maldives' environment watchdog and police authorities are probing into an issue of environmental degradation and possible cultural intolerance, involving a foreign-operated resort and a local island community. PHOTO: GOOGLE EARTH

A video depicting the altercation was circulated across numerous social media platforms hours after the event, inciting anger from the public at the presumed destruction of the country’s natural environment as well as the suggested intolerance towards local customs.

Stepetic is also seen in the video partaking in the sandbank trip.

Nevertheless, when asked by the videographer to explain the group’s activities, he is not shown, nor can he be heard, issuing an answer.

Gili Lankanfushi, built as a ‘Robinson-Crusoe’ inspired concept, prides itself on an “eco-friendly” philosophy, interwoven throughout the brand from architecture to excursions.

Additionally, akin to numerous other Maldives’ resorts, the property describes itself (on the official website) as offering “a moment of absolute privacy”.

Gili Lankanfushi is operated by the Singapore-based HPL Hotels & Resorts.

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