Zanzibar Minister of Tourism resigns

Zanzibar’s Minister of Tourism and Heritage, Simai Mohamed Said, has resigned from his position after a year and ten months since his appointment on March 8, 2022. Before this role, Said served as the Minister of Education.

In a statement released last night, Said explained that his decision stems from circumstances that have made it challenging for him to fulfill his responsibilities.

“The role of the President’s assistants, including the Ministers, is to assist in implementing the party’s manifesto. When faced with difficult circumstances, it is advisable to promptly seek solutions and, if necessary, step aside. I have decided to step aside,” said Said in his address.

While the specific issue prompting the Minister’s resignation is not yet known, two days ago, he convened an emergency meeting with restaurant and hotel stakeholders to discuss the shortage of liquor in the Isles.

Business owners complained that the shortage resulted from changes in procedures for liquor importation licenses introduced by the Zanzibar Liquor Board (ZLB). The Minister’s stance was that the issue needed swift resolution to prevent disruptions to the economy, heavily reliant on tourism.

Simai,  thanked President Mwinyi for trusting him with various ministerial positions in his government since he took over as President three years ago.

“I am grateful President DR. Hussein Mwinyi for trusting me enough to appoint me  Minister for Education, Minster of Vocational  Training and ultimately as Minister for Tourism  an Cultural Heritage. I will continue to be loyal to the government and to my party, the Revolutionary Party” he said.