Abdulla Shahid

"This is a crucial time for the U.N. (United Nations) and for the world. There is very little time to spare."

"The Maldives being a large ocean state, with our borders very porous, we need an effective surveillance and maritime operations, an effective coast guard. We do not have a proper hub to do the required maintenance of our boats. Every time, there needs to be maintenance or repair work, (the boat) has to be either taken to Sri Lanka or India."