No government has provided services to Ari Atoll, the extent to which Jumhooree Party leader Qasim Ibrahim has, says former Chairperson of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), Ali Waheed.

He said this in tweet on Friday, in response to economic minister Mohamed Saeed’s speech about Ari Atoll’s development at a Progressive Party of Maldives rally in AA. Mathiveri on Thursday night.

Indirectly criticising Qasim, who is also the MP for Maamigili and Chairman of Villa Group, Saeed said that Ari Atoll has not been developed due to the obstructions from opposition parties. He also said that the atoll’s development was being blocked due to the thirst for power and own business.

“The constitution does not say that anyone should have an island or atoll for their own business and private use,” Saeed said, indirectly referring to Qasim.

In response to these statements, Waheed, who is from the atoll and has previously served as Thoddu MP, said Qasim is a citizen born in Ari Atoll and has provided invaluable services to the entire country. He also said that Qasim is the father of a well-educated generation in the country.

“No government has provided service to Ari Atoll to the extent that Qasim Ibrahim has,” he said.

While Saeed has been occasionally criticizing the JP leader, Qasim provided Saeed with the opportunity and funding for his education. Saeed was also the longest serving General Manager of Villa Group’s Sun Island Resort located in Ari Atoll.

Moreover, Saeed attained his current cabinet post through Qasim.

Meanwhile, it should be noted that Qasim’s Villa Group built the country’s best domestic airport and habour in Ari Atoll.