The Wasted 30 Years

It is with great disappointment I must say that the 30 years during Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom's presidency went to waste. Nothing fruitful was done for the nation as such, during the past 30 years. I'm not saying that "nothing" was done, but not much was done that would have made a good impact on the livelihoods of the Maldivian people.

When comparing former President Maumoon Abdul Qayyoom's 30 years of presidency ( 11 November 1978 – 11 November 2008) to former President (Late) Ibrahim Nasir's 10 years of presidency ( 11 November 1968 – 11 November 1978) , it's evident that it was during former President (Late) Ibrahim Nasir's 10 years of presidency that almost all the major foundations were laid for the nation's development. So much was done in this 10 year period which made it possible for the transformation of this small isolated nation to a world famous tourist destination. He introduced an english based modern curriculumn to government schools, brought the small country's name to the list of the United Nations member countries, introduced Telecommunication, brought TV & Radio, abolished many taxes on various imports to the country, built the first international airport in the Maldives, brought about the independence of Maldives from being a protectorate of the British, introduced the modern engine dhoanies and many other important things for the nation's development. Maldives even boasted about it's shipping line then!

On the other hand, during Maumoon Abdul Qayyoom's 30 years of presidency, nothing new was done nor nothing fruitful for the people based for a longer term. Only "important" thing that was done was to make sure that the people were left in the dark as ignorants. Maumoon Abdul Qayyoom took full credit for what former President (Late) Ibrahim Nasir did for the nation and coninued the predecessor's legacy in his own name. Drugs, crime & corruption increased at an alarming rate. The rich got richer and the poor got only poorer. Formed a cult after abolishing "beyfulhism" and it seems like that this cult thing won't die for some more years to come. His family members & relatives were given senior posts in the cabinet and promotions were given to the most corrupt people and made them as his close people.

Anyway, let's be thankful to God that the nightmare is finally over!! I hope that this new government under the leadership of HEP Mohamed Nasheed would be able to atleast change the course of this country in the right direction and do some good for the people in this 5 year period.

We do not want to waste any more years. Again.