Qasim: I

Leader of Jumhooree Party and the famous merchant, Qasim Ibrahim has said that there is no problem with renting islands to 99 years but he is against collecting the rent in one payment.

Speaking in the financial committee about the Government’s bill of amendment to the tourism law, Qasim said that rents on the islands rented for a long term are advisable to make it a sustainable payment.

“It’s important to do it in a “workable” way in way that many can take part in it. As it says now, completed islands are being given. New comers don’t get them. On the other side, through SEZ there is no tax or anything for 99 years. So a way to minimize these differences has to be figured out. And maintaining one standard would be good for everyone the way I see it.” Qasim said.

Qasim said that only a few people can pay the rent in one payment as the presented amendment says.

Qasim said that Maldives is dependent on it’s tourism and need to make a sustainable guidelines. And while the neighboring countries like Sri Lanka and India are developing their tourism industry, Maldives needs to be competitive with them.

He said that even though this generation sees the Maldivian tourism as it is, it was very weak in the past. And the beautiful resorts we see today are the hard work of a lot of people.

“But the truth is today, the Maldivian tourism is in a decline again. China market is also gone. Russian market is flopped as well. And a lot of European markets are on the decline. Today, the truth is that 40 percent in the island has no occupancy. That is the truth. We can’t deny that truth. Do a survey and see even now.” Qasim said.

The amendment to the tourism law presented by the MP for the Hoarafushi constituents, Mohamed Ismail representing the government says that the renting period would be extended to 50 years and if the renting party meets the conditions, the duration of the renting island or land can be extended for another 49 years.