An amendment to the Tourism Act has been proposed that would give the President the power to designate uninhabited islands and lagoons within the jurisdiction of inhabited island councils for tourism purposes. The amendment to the bill was submitted to the People’s Majlis on behalf of the government by Ahmed Riyaz, PNC member for Thimarafushi constituency. Currently, the power to develop tourism plans for lands within the jurisdiction of inhabited islands and cities and to lease them for tourism purposes lies with the councils.
According to the amendment to the bill, the President will designate uninhabited islands and lagoons within the jurisdiction of island or city councils of inhabited islands or cities as areas to be developed for tourism purposes. While the first reading of the bill was given today, members supporting the government have noted that having this amendment in the bill is a good thing. They have also noted that even with this, it will not narrow the powers of the councils and that designating in this manner will benefit everyone.
President Dr. Muizzu has decided to give the uninhabited islands within the jurisdiction of each island to empower the councils. Under the policy announced by President Muizzu, it has also been decided to hand over uninhabited islands to councils that have applied for them. President Dr. Muizzu announced last March that arrangements would be made to easily obtain permits for business activities carried out by councils to generate income for the islands. The President said that making every island and its inhabitants self-reliant and prosperous is one of the government’s biggest goals.
The President said that it has now been decided to extend the lease period of uninhabited islands to councils from 10 years to 25 years. The President has also said that there will be an opportunity to obtain an uninhabited island from islands within the jurisdiction or even for islands without nearby uninhabited islands.”
