Former President Abdulla Yameen said last night that the government should introduce special measures for GDh. Thinadhoo in recognition of the harm inflicted on its residents.

While speaking as an honored guest at a ceremony marking the 60th anniversary of Thinadhoo's repopulation, Yameen said the nation had witnessed the struggle of Thinadhoo's residents after they were forcibly removed from the island and the harm inflicted on them.

Highlighting that some people retreat in the face of deeply distressing circumstances while others persevere and work hard despite them, Yameen said Thinadhoo had provided a powerful example of the latter.

Yameen stated that Thinadhoo rebuilding itself by starting urban development projects is work that deserves praise and gratitude.

The former President said the government should introduce special measures for Thinadhoo in recognition of the residents' resilience in rebuilding the island after the harm they suffered and the transformation they brought about.

“This is the kind of change we need to see. My advice to the nation’s leaders, former presidents and everyone who hopes for the best for our country is to ensure that special assistance is provided to Thinadhoo because of the suffering its people endured,” Yameen said.

He went on to say that, while he believes the people of Thinadhoo suffered greatly, he also believes the government at the time did the best it could under the circumstances.

Former President Yameen said that when he visited the park built in Thinadhoo by the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) government, he had expected to see children laughing and enjoying themselves, but instead found the park in a weathered state. He said the park should be properly maintained and repaired even after successive governments carry out restoration work, as it is a facility that belongs to the people of Thinadhoo.

And so, he said that Thinadhoo is a place that should not be neglected by the current government and that more should be done.

Additionally, he expressed concern over the amendment to the Decentralization Act.

As per Yameen, one of the prized resources of islands is its land and the government should never take it. He called on councils to not support the amendment that has been submitted to the Parliament.

Criticizing the current government's economic policies, Yameen said it had failed to put the economy back on track in nearly three years in office and that no reasonable person would expect the economy to recover within the remaining two years of the government's term.

He also stated that the cost of living does not match the income of the people and that the country is in a very difficult and perilous state.