Fisheries Minister stymied in Kolamaafushi

Opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) supporters have stymied the Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shafeeu in Gaafu Alif Kolamaafushi today as he arrived on an unofficial trip to the island. Deputy Minister Ali Solih said that a group of about 10 people had obstructed the Minister as he arrived in Kolamaafushi but the dispute had been solved through dialogue and that the minister had met with the island council members and the residents of Kolamaafushi.

Minister Shafeeu is said to be accompanying Cabinet Secretary of the President’s office, Dr. Abdulla Nazeer, to his island of origin.

“Many had gathered to welcome the minister. Few among the people had stymied him. The issue was resolved through dialogue and the minister is now in the island,” Solih said.

Deputy President of the island council, Abdulla Atheef said that around 100 people gathered at the jetty to oppose the minister. He said that the minister was only able to make his way in to the mainland after Nazeer had negotiated with the gathered people.

“Nazeer requested the opportunity for the minister to come along with him. It was agreed and only the two were allowed to the island. Fuad Gasim (State Fisheries Minister) and Ali Solih from the team were not allowed in to Kolamaafushi,” he said.

A person who spoke to Haveeru from the island said that the team had their welcome drinks inside the speed boat itself. He said that the minister was allowed in to the island upon Nazeer’s request, even as the crowd had opposed the people who had changed the government through a ‘coup’ to set foot on the island.

Ali Solih said that the minister would be visiting many islands in Gaafu Alif and Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll during his official trip and that he would be joining in the Kooddoo annual meeting tonight.
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