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Faadhippolhu, 2nd January (olhuala.com) - President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom visited Faadhippolhu (Lhaviyani atoll) Naifaru and Hinnavaru today. It is believed that Gayoom will visit all the inhabited islands of Faadhippolhu atoll on this trip.

Hinnavaru and Naifaru embraced Gayoom as a returning hero. Seven years have passed since Gayoom visited these islands.

Hundreds of enthusiastic locals and several young children who were seeing the president for the first time gathered to meet Gayoom at the “faalan” (jetty). They were met with Gayoom’s usual charm. The patient, Gayoom took the time to meet and shake everyone present by the hand.

“This is a great day for myself and our island” said Hassan Yoosuf from Hinnavaru. “Maumoon [Gayoom is affectionately known by his first name among his people] has always taken the time to visit all the islands. He listens to the common man in person. It shows how much he cares about his people” commented Naifaru Ahammadhu a prominent businessman from Naifaru.

Some ten ‘Parteys’ (local slang for junkies) allegedly backed by the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) who were attempting to deface several walls with obscenities were stopped by the property owners and other local residents prior to Gayoom’s arrival.

Gayoom met the island communities and gave them a message of hope. The entire nation is still in shock, after the devastating tsunami of the 26th of December 2004. He also congratulated the islanders on their hard work. Gayoom also called on the islanders to be “extra vigilant during these troubled times” and called on the islanders to be mindful of false accusations and lies propagated by various people.

It was surprising to see hard-line MDP supporters of both islands applauding the president at the end of the meetings held on the islands. The most vociferous MDP hardliners, who spoke to the President had huge smiles on their faces, and hence were mocked by the crowd, in a light-hearted fashion. “This shows that only Maumoon can unite the island communities” added Naifaru Ahammadhu.

Analysts believe that the MDP has a big fight on their hands now. The MDP has had a free hand at brainwashing the island communities for over a year. Gayoom’s visit and his words of wisdom and encouragement have turned the tables. The MDP has met their match, and much much more. It is a huge victory for Gayoom and the Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP).

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This entry was posted on Monday, January 02, 2006 at 10:19 PM.