The Paradox of Golhaabo :: Maldives News :: Dhivehi Observer

Editorial

The Paradox of Golhaabo - the bastard has lost it completely

By A. S. I. Moosa (Sappe'), 04 October 2005

We all know how much Gayyoom aka Golhaabo begged at the recent UN Summit to differ our promotion from Least Developing County to Developing Country. Here is exactly what he said "At this critical time, a mere smooth transition period of graduation from LDC status will not be adequate. It is imperative that our country's graduation be deferred until we return to the pre-tsunami levels of development." Golhaabo - Speech at the 2005 World Summit - New York 16 September 2005

However, less than 2 weeks later, he is boasting about it at the recent World Islamic Economic Forum in Malaysia. He said " Today, the Maldives is on the verge of becoming the very first small developing country to be graduated from among the Least Developed Countries, an achievement that my people are proud of." Golhaabo - Speech at Inaugural World Islamic Economic Forum - Kuala Lumpur
1 October 2005 . He forgot to mention that he has been resisting this promotion from the last 5 years.

This completely contradicting statements are clear signs of Gayyoom's spin agenda backfiring at a rapid speed or perhaps the bastard is seriously stupid. At the UN he was begging the world to feel pity for us Maldivians but in Malaysia, he said "The country has gone from rags to riches in less than three decades, primarily by growth spearheaded by tourism." but the truth of the matter is that it is he who has gone from rags to riches in less than 3 decades not us Maldivians. His cronies included of course.

It is absolutely pathetic that Gayyoom boasted in the World Islamic Economic Forum about how he put the right policies and regulations in place to make the Maldives tourism industry a success. He said "Certain key policies are required to achieve this marriage [fostering economic and social development]. This is because unplanned and unregulated tourism could have significant negative impacts, such as high level of both import and export leakage, inflation, over dependence on tourism and erosion of local culture. But for the Maldives, the story is a happy one." Any one in their right mind would know that Gayyoom's policies achieved none of them. Let us just look at some facts. Golhaabo's policies of not developing local support industries such as agriculture and farming as well as manufacturing and lack of human resources - increasing foreign employment - has meant that out of every dollar that comes into Maldives more than 80 cents is gone abroad. Economically, we well over dependent on tourism and that is why we got hit so hard because of the Tsunami effect on that industry. As for our culture, do we have one? We have the culture of Kasauti Zindhageekee, the culture of copying their films and songs, the culture of bringing homosexual clerics from Egypt to recite Quran. I don't think Golhaabo is in his right senses if he thinks that the story is a happy one. The Maldives tourism industry is corrupt and Gayyoom's government is bankrupt but he still talks as if his "Haazaa Economy" as Zaeem said is producing miracles.

Golhaabo even announced to the forum that he is the longest serving leader in the region. He said "After assuming office in 1978, one of my first steps was to ensure that the development of tourism took place in a planned and sustainable manner."

Well done Golhaabo! You are a star!