Maldives'
foreign policy will not change as a result of authorizing freeholds, Yameen tells
the unconvinced and allays fears of "running out of land for future
generations". The Attorney General Mohamed Anil promises that the government
will conduct background checks on investors and review "if proposed projects
may affect geopolitics".
Reassuring
words these should be, by all means. But have no takers at home and outside
too. Because, "It is elementary, my dear
Watson".
Maldives
government has already armed itself with powers to allow Special Economic
Zones. The investors and developers are
offered major tax breaks and exemption from regulatory provisions in financial,
environmental and labor laws in SEZs.
Given the near absence of checks and balances and a regulatory regime,
the SEZs have the inherent potential to pave the way for money laundering and
other criminal enterprises.
The
new land for investment plan will only further such enterprises with no direct
benefit to the people. It will only undermine the sovereignty of the island
nation, which has become a jihadi paradise in recent years.
(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
1
1
