Central Area Commander of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Colonel Ibrahim Hilmy has stated personal responsibility is vital for community building. He made the remarks while inaugurating the Hafthaa Res programme in Fonadhoo, Laamu Atoll.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Colonel Hilmy said building a peaceful community is both the responsibility of the individual and institutions. The colonel said misinformed individuals and their actions, such as the Sultan Park bombing, continue to threaten peace by not only harming the victims but also endangering the community. He said there will always be some who attempt to take away the peace and trust in communities and that institutions and individuals need to work to maintain peace.
Also at the ceremony, Sub-Inspector of Police Ibrahim Hussain said there has been a significant increase in reports of theft in Laamu Atoll in the past three years. He said Maldives Police Service (MPS) has been working to decrease crime in the atoll and that around 900 cases have been reported each year in the past three years. He said theft is the highest reported crime, and that police stations are working with the local councils to decrease the rate of crime.
Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Community Empowerment is holding the Hafthaa Res programme in Fonadhoo with participation from 11 islands in Laamu Atoll. The purpose of the programme is to provide information to the public on the individual's role in community building. Information on the government's decentralisation policy and changes brought to local administration will also be provided to participants in the programme. The programme also includes information sessions on preventing the spread of extremist ideology in the community and on increasing participation in community building.