Guest Houses from Vaavu Atoll has begun a protest on the sea calling on the government to handover Hulhidhoo island to the residents of the Atoll as per the pledge made during the last presidential election.
Around 50 people particpated in the protest using 10 vessels which surronded the island of Hulhidhoo.
Protesters used several banners and posters to convey their message and called on the government not to sell the whole atoll off.
Speaking to 'The Press' about the protest, President of Vaavu Atoll Council Shujau Ali said that contractor assigned to develop Hulhidhoo has failed to finish the project as per the contract and that the contractor has subsequently failed the agreement.
He further said that the Atoll council has raised these issues and has asked the government to handover the island to the residents of Vaavu Atoll.
But Shujaau said that the government had failed to heed these concerns and the government top officials have now given the island up.
He added that today's demonstration was held to convey their displeasure at the turn of events.
Shujaau said that owners of guesthouses in Vaavu Atoll had recently met in Keyodhoo island and have shared their concerns about the situation. He said that they had agreed to work together to resolve the issue in the best way they can.
He added that this work was related to the future of the whole Atoll.
The Agriculture Ministry had leased the island of Hulhidhoo for agricultural purposes but the council had complained that the island was not being used in the intended purpose and that the island was being damaged.
