Minister of Defence Mariya Ahmed Didi has affirmed the vision of the administration is to provide easy and efficient services to the citizens without any discrimination. She made the remarks addressing the ceremony held to officially open the Uligamu Customs Office, Haa Alifu Atoll.
Speaking after inaugurating the office, the defence minister said the Maldives Customs Service reducing the fees taken from yachts harbouring in Uligamu has seen an increase in the vessels harbouring at the island. She said it has brought several benefits to islands in the region.
Noting President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih prioritises the harbour expansion project in Uligamu, the minister said the government aims to professionally provide easy, efficient and reliable services to residents without any discrimination. She also acknowledged the hard work of customs officers in curbing the import of drugs to the Maldives.
Speaking in the ceremony, Commissioner General of Customs Abdulla Shareef said the new office established in Uligamu will mainly focus on providing services to yachts harbouring at the island. He added the office also focuses on providing bonded warehouse services to the resorts in the region. He also added the office will further assist in developing the yacht marina on the island.
The ceremony was attended by Defence Minister Mariya, Commissioner General Shareef, Chief of Defence Force Major General Abdulla Shamaal, Parliamentarian Ahmed Saleem along with council members, customs officers and defence personnel from the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).