President: There are reasons for fewer jobs in outer lying islands, govt. solving the issues

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih states there are certain reasons for fewer employment opportunities in outer lying islands, and that the government is working on resolving the issues.

He made the remark during the function held at the Maldives Centre for Social Education (MCSE) on Sunday evening to mark National Youth Day.

Speaking at the event, President Solih said the reasons for fewer employment opportunities in islands include lack of development and lack of essential services.

“There isn’t a transport system for easy travel to outer lying islands. Jobs come from trade and industry. This makes three essential services absolutely necessary; clean water and sanitation system, a reliable transport system, and thirdly, a telecommunication system. In the modern age – this means internet service,” he said.

President Solih said the government has worked to increase employment opportunities in outer lying islands – including the mega project to establish water and sanitation systems in all inhabited islands. He said the Raajje Transport Link (RTL) ferry and bus services will also create hundreds of employment opportunities.

President Solih said the number of youths serving the nation, especially in key areas, is increasing.

He said the purpose of celebrating National Youth Day is to involve the youth in the development of the nation.

“If we want to develop the nation, we must first develop ourselves. It cannot be accomplished by the clothes we wear or lifestyle. It must be done by developing our bodies with the intellect gifted by Almighty Allah. This is why we need educated and healthy youth. Education is what develops our minds,” he said.

Speaking further, President Solih said the government’s efforts to substance abuse, gang violence and crimes among young people is yielding positive outcomes.

He spoke about the strategic inter-agency collaborations led by the government to combat the issues.