President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has made several pledges for youth development and empowerment if he gets re-elected to a second term in office. The president noted no other political leaders have plans or give importance to create opportunities and empower the Maldivian youth.
During a gathering held by Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) at Vilimale’, President Abdulla Yameen began his speech by congratulating the Maldives national football team for winning SAFF Suzuki Cup 2018, after beating the most successful team in the tournament, India. President Yameen highlighted the commitment of Maldivian athletes to compete in the biggest stage with countries with more facilities and resources. The president also highlighted the efforts exerted by the government to enhance sports personnel of Maldives.
Furthermore, in his speech, President Yameen made several pledges for youth in Maldives. In this regard, the president noted it has been more than a year, surfers in the greater Male’ region are provided with the opportunity, including free ferry services, to surf in Thanburudhoo in Kaafu Atoll, an international well-known surfing reserve. The president highlighted there have been numerous investors who are interested in developing the island as a high class resort. However, the president said his aim is to develop Thanburudhoo as a surfing island for Maldivian surfers. In this regard, he revealed plans to develop all necessary facilities for surfers in the island, including accommodation.
Noting the interest Maldivian youth have for speed racing, President Yameen pledged to establish an international standard racing track, as part of the Villimale'-2 development project. Further speaking about the Villimale'-2 development project, the president highlighted housing would be provided for all Maldivians who are above 18 years of age, including Maldivians who would turn 18 years of age by 2013. In this regard, the president revealed housing would be provided for a population of 350,000 Maldivians from Villimale'-2 development project.
Revealing the areas of Male' Vilimale’, Thilafushi and Gulhifalhu will be connected via a bridge, President Yameen pledged to further develop the area as part of the Villimale'-2 development project. The president noted the Villimale'-2 project will bring hope to all Maldivians and it denotes the economic viability required of the country. He said his mega project for the next five years would be the transformation of the Vilimale’ region and revealed plans to establish an international transshipment port in Thilafushi.
Furthermore, the president said it is his dream to make the Maldives the most honourable, economically self-sufficient, the most outstanding nation in the entire South Asian region. The president noted other foreign countries or parties will not prioritise the development of Maldives but are interested in influencing the internal political situation of Maldives. The president said the current leadership will maintain the independence and sovereignty of the country.
On conclusion, President Yameen urged to re-elect him to a second term in office to continue the development efforts in Maldives.