On the momentous occasion of the nation’s 46th Independence Day, President Mohamed Nasheed has offered a second chance to nearly 400 youths undergoing criminal prosecution. President Nasheed made this statement, while addressing the nation at the function held this morning at Dharubaaruge, to confer the National Exemplary Service Medals and National Service Medals.
Speaking in this regard, the President noted that the imprisonment of a large number of the nation’s youths is a major obstacle to the country’s development and independence. The President also stated that he was vigilant for all opportunities that may involve the youths of the nation as creative and constructive citizens and would continue forging worthwhile changes and taking necessary steps as appropriate to given circumstances. The President also stressed that these 400 youths have all been given a second chance after careful examination of their criminal records, and under a specific criteria which prioritized those with dangerously critical diseases and those with potential to serve the society in some way, either after achieving higher education or going for further training.
President Nasheed also mentioned that a rehabilitation programme will be established for these young offenders with the aim of training them suitably, provide employment opportunities, disciplining them to bear the responsibilities of daily life, and reintegrating them back into their families and the society as responsible and valuable citizens. President Nasheed also added that these youths will be presented with offers to engage in various government projects for fixed pay, and that any form of re-offense within a period of 3 years will be met with severe measures including immediate re-imprisonment and narrowed chances of liberation and receiving moderated punishment.
Speaking at the function, the President also stated that true power lies in serving the people and granting them lives of fortune and satisfaction and that he would not step back an inch in ensuring the demonstration of the above. The President also said that true independence is reflected by self-sufficiency, personal wealth and satisfaction, and every citizen must possess qualities of being an able individual with both skillfulness and creativity.
In his speech, the President also noted that in this globalised world, our national identity is being carved more effectively than our capacity as an individual nation could have ever afforded. On this note, the President also highlighted that the honour and trust being bestowed upon us by major international organisations, especially the United Nations, are a clear indication of how significant our nation has grown to become in matters of global concern.