Message from the children of Vilifushi

(unofficial translation)

One of the islands most devastated by the 26th December 2004 tsunami was the island of Vilufushi. In this respect, we the children of Vilufushi, were especially subjected to distress and suffering as the community as a whole and the country was visited with pain, destruction and loss of life. We shall never forget the anguish and fright we felt that day. We shall remember the struggle of our parents to keep us alive and safe. We recollect that each and every one of them treasured our lives over their lives and worldly assets. They were ready to sacrifice their existence to ensure a safe future for us. Our beloved President We remember that you took time and effort to visit us, on our island and witnessed for your self the destruction visited upon us. You spoke kindly and with compassion to our parents and made them feel safe and secure. You gave them hope and energy. You spoke of your intention to re-build the island and the community and the lost livelihoods. You committed your self, God willing, to build us a better and brighter future. Our tears and desolation were bandaged over because of the kindness of your words and the commitment of your voice. Your kind and gentle hands embraced our ruined lives and assured us of the future. You invited us to stop crying and to start hoping. Our parents told us of your promises, your loving words, the strength of your resolve and of the future to come. We, have not, for a single day, forgotten those images and sounds. The promise of the future. Therefore, how happy and joyful we are today, to witness for ourselves, dreams turning into reality. Beloved President, you have fulfilled your promise. You have fulfilled the commitment you gave to us, through our parents. Therefore, who will be more happy or joyful then us today? With the continued blessing of almighty Allah, a fully rebuilt Vilufushi will not be a distant dream. The dream will be a reality in the near future. We look forward to that day, when we shall, again, spent time in our new homes with our parents and family. Truly home again. Therefore, we again, thank you, our beloved President, for having visited us again. As a gesture of your commitment and affection for the island of Vilufushi. For this and for many more, we thank you, our beloved President, in the name of our parents and of the children of Vilufushi. Vilufushi, belongs to us. The children of today; the citizens and parents of tomorrow. In turn tomorrow, Vilufushi will belong to the children of the future. Offspring of gentle, caring and loving parents of Vilufushi. Our hopes and dreams for the future will become reality on this piece of land; the island of Vilufushi. Therefore we ask our parents and others responsible, to treasure this piece of land so that it is available, safe and secure, for the generations of tomorrow. Our beloved President. We respect and love you dearly for the strength of your commitment to rebuild this island and to secure our future and our rights. Report: Velidhoo Community