He said that tourists visiting local guesthouses, however, would be exempt from the tax, in order to protect and encourage small businesses. “What is sad is that the opposition continues to constantly, without any information on the subject, point their finger and shine negative light on everything we do. The truth is that a responsible opposition is one that joins in at moments when the country receives progress or peace – unless it’s something that isn’t right. There is criticism, but being the opposition doesn’t mean constantly trying to create turbulence,” he said. Minister Adeeb, speaking at the press conference held at President’s Office that the government would start taking Green Tax from November of next year. He said that Green Tax would be used to finance a nationwide waste disposal system, noting the seriousness of the issue of waste management faced by the country. He said that it would be discussed at length with the local tourism industry before Green Tax is implemented. Government estimates income from Green Tax to increase to MVR 1.3 billion in 2016, and increase further to MVR 1.4 billion in 2017. Maldivian Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed said that economic reforms being brought about by the current government would result in a magnitude of change never before seen, to Maldivian tourism industry, stressing that doorways would be opened especially for the development of small and medium enterprises. “They are revolutionary changes, I say this especially as someone who has worked for a long time in the tourism industry,” he said.