Maldives pres vows nation will not be left "hopeless"

President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom declared that he does not want to give false hopes to the citizens and he would not remain calm after disheartening the public.

He made the remark while speaking at the official ceremony of National Fishermen’s Day held in Gaafu Alif atoll Gemanafushi island.

While stressing the advancements the government has brought to the fisheries sector, the president described himself as someone who sees dreams and works to make it a reality.

Stating that statistics prove the developments made to the sector, President Yameen added that it is disappointing that the opposition, who criticizes the government over not achieving its pledges, does not talk about the advancements brought to the fisheries sector.

Furthermore President Yameen noted that the peak in oil prices is a major challenge faced by the fisheries sector. Stating that government has no choice but to purchase oil at high costs, he nonetheless assured that the state tries to sell oil at lower prices for fishermen compared to other sectors.

“Till date MIFCO (Maldives Industrial Fisheries Industry) handles all these tasks, and they have put a lot of effort in it."

Addressing the fisheries sector as the oldest industry of the Maldives, the president said MIFCO has been working to solve the issue of deficiency of resources.

He added that with the help of the Saudi Fund for Development, four canneries will be developed next year along with more ice plants.

“As MIFCO is the main hub of fishermen, we have also established a marina in MIFCO,” added President Yameen.

“If these services are beneficial for Maldivians and people of Gemanafushi, there need to be more space for the related projects to be completed at high speeds.”

Nevertheless, he highlighted the challenges faced due to the bad impression of the Maldives overseas caused by the opposition. One example he shared was the retribution faced by being labeled as a country that will remain as a Muslim country.

During the ceremony, recognition awards and trophies were given to several authorities and citizens who helped for the betterment of the sector.