As part of the President’s tour of some islands of Huvadhu Atoll, he has visited Fares-Maathodaa of South Huvadhu Atoll yesterday.

 
Meeting the people of Fares-Maathodaa, President Mohamed Nasheed underscored the importance of consolidating democracy and ingraining democratic values in the society through a strong legal framework for the development.
 
The President reiterated that decentralized administration of the atolls in the Maldives was a philosophy of ruling MDP. Decentralising the administration of atolls and dispersing the power consolidated in Malé was necessary for the development of the Maldives, the President said.
 
In addition, the President also spoke on the government’s policy to increase employment opportunities in the atolls. He said the government intended to provide incentives and financial benefits for small and medium enterprises and make reliable employers in the atolls.
 
Highlighting the extent to which the government had been able to achieve in delivering its pledges, especially its programme to provide social security, the President said 346 residents of the island were insured by Madhana health insurance programme and 97 residents continue to receive old age pension given to people above 65.