Ilyas Labeeb, the presidential candidate of The Democrats, has pledged to allocating 50% of the Green Tax revenue collected from resorts to atoll councils.
At a campaign event in Velidhoo, Noonu Atoll, Labeeb highlighted that Noonu Atoll is home to some of the world's most luxurious resorts. He emphasised that the growth and development of the islands within the atoll hinge on the increase of the income received by the residents. As such, he pledged that his administration would ensure that 50% of the Green Tax contributed by resorts within each atoll would be directed to their respective atoll councils. He said that the strategic move is designed to bolster the revenue of these councils and support their financial progress.
Additionally, Labeeb pledged to eliminating taxes on small businesses and offering financial support to young entrepreneurs interested in ventures like dive centres and guest houses to boost local tourism. He also vowed a reduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) from 8% to 6%.