Will develop Shangri-La and Herathere in 6 months: Qasim

Jumhooree Party (JP) presidential candidate Qasim Ibrahim has made a pledge to develop the Shangri-La and Herathere resorts during the first six months of his presidency if elected, which had previously been halted for various reasons.

During a campaign rally held in Hithadhoo, Addu City, as part of his presidential election campaign tour, Qasim said that the Herathere resort was originally constructed and opened during the administration of former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, during which Qasim served as the finance minister.

Qasim said that over the past 15 years, Herathere has fallen into disrepair, and Shangri-La Resort had been closed down and non-functional due to alleged corruption and negligence by various governments.

"In the first six months of our government, God willing, we will see the development of Shangri-La and Herathere. In five years, our goal is to have three or four international flights landing daily without any disruptions," Qasim said.

Qasim expressed his commitment to "revitalise and prosper" Addu if given the opportunity by the people in this election.

He also alleged that Indian soldiers are stationed in different parts of the country, and if the people vote unfavorably in this election, it could jeopardize the country's independence and sovereignty.

Criticizing previous governments, Qasim asked how much had gone towards the people when the state debt has skyrocketed to unsustainable levels.

Qasim said that this was the reason why he decided to contest this election. He added that JP had been involved in every government established in the Maldives since 2008, and he entered the elections believing it was his responsibility to rectify the mistakes made by these governments and work for the benefit of the people.

He said that the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) had ruled twice, and the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) had also been in power once, yet no significant projects or job opportunities had been created for the benefit of the people of Addu City.

Qasim said that both MDP and PPM had "failed," and he believed that the candidates from these parties did not have the caliber to compete against him.

Qasim has repeatedly said that only a government led by JP can benefit the people and the country if the people give him that opportunity.