Ilyas Labeeb, the presidential candidate of The Democrats, has pledged to provide financial assistance to those who wish to cook and sell fish.
At a campaign event in Dhuvaafaru, Raa Atoll, Ilyas spoke about the opportunities The Democrats would provide to fish sellers in the atolls during his administration. He said that he would solve the biggest challenges faced by fish sellers by providing money and resources. He also expressed his willingness to construct a building in Dhuvaafaru for fish sellers and facilitate packaging to sell fish products to shops, resorts, and other islands. He also highlighted the importance of allowing the youth to join the fishing industry.
Additionally, Ilyas pledged to set the minimum price of fish to USD1.6 and said that his administration would recognise the income of fishermen and self-employed individuals as their official income. He also vowed to provide financial assistance to anyone establishing a local tourism business in the atolls. He added that he will reduce the price of tickets for travel from Male' to the atolls.