Disagreements on island development will have negative effects on the people: Vice President

Vice President Mohamed Waheed Deen has said that although difference of opinions amongst councilors may be acceptable, disputes regarding the development of the islands should not exist and that such disagreements would have its negative effects on the people.

Speaking at a ceremony held in Trader’s Hotel today to launch a new initiative to develop eco-tourism and the conservation of wetlands in Addu City and Fuvahmulah, Vice President said that difference of opinions can be an “enrichment”, although disagreements regarding the development of the islands can be damaging to the people.

“Regardless of the extent of difference in opinions, such differences regarding the development of the islands and the development of the atolls would not damage President Waheed, or President Nasheed, or President Maumoon. Just the humble citizens. Remember this carefully. Disagreements should exist. Disagreements are an enrichment. But do not disagree when it comes to development of the islands. Do not disagree when it comes to the development of the atolls,” said Vice President Deen.

One of the key figures who lobbied for decentralized governance in the Maldives, Vice President Deen said that the island councils were established to facilitate discussions and dialogue in the development of the islands and that nothing will be achieved in without proper discussion. He said that the purpose of decentralization is slowly being realized and that the different initiative by the local council are proof this achievement.

Vice President Deen said that the responsibility to guide the councils falls upon the government Ministries and the Local Government Authority (national institution mandated to monitor the work and activities of the councils) and that they should facilitate the initiative taken up by the councils.

The Vice President also said that political ideology should be strong within the councils and that the only way for them stop begging would be stand up on their feet and that this would require them work for the betterment of their economies.

Speaking at today’s ceremony Vice President Mohamed Waheed Deen also said that the government has been ensured cooperation from the councils in Addu City and Fuvahmulah to carry out the new eco-tourism development and wetlands conservation project.