Two sessions of the Cabinet to be held
every Tuesday
The President has decided that
meetings of the Cabinet will be held over two sessions every Tuesday. Following
the decision, the Cabinet held its first two-session meeting today.
It was decided that the morning session of each week’s meeting will be reserved
for discussions about the matters that require inter-ministerial cooperation,
while papers and issues proposed for the approval and consultation of the
Cabinet will be scheduled for the afternoon session.
As per the new decision, during the morning session of today’s Cabinet meeting,
members discussed the main projects being undertaken by the Ministry of Tourism,
Arts and Culture, the Ministry of Defence and National Security, the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Finance and Treasury.
During the afternoon session of today’s meeting, members discussed the proposal
made by GMR Group of India to develop an international airport in Hanimaadhoo of
Haa Dhaal atoll. In depth discussions were held on the details of the Memorandum
of Agreement that is to be signed between the government and GMR Group.
Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding with GMR Group on 5 November
2009.
The Cabinet also deliberated on the issue of developing 6000 tourist beds in the
region for passengers to make the airport viable, and the mechanism to cross
subsidize the airport developer.
Matter of liquidating Airport Investment Maldives Limited (AIM Limited) was also
discussed in today’s meeting. The Cabinet, in its meeting held last week,
decided to cancel projects given to the company to develop five domestic
airports.
After discussions on the issue of airport development, the Cabinet decided to
lease Maamutaa, Lhossaa and Keredhdhoo of Gaaf Alif Atoll, Havoddaa of Gaaf
Dhaal Atoll and Ismehela Hera of Seenu Atoll for resort development to finance
the development of five domestic airports.
At today’s meeting, the Cabinet also decided to lease five islands that were
previously rented out, at the current market value. These five islands will be
leased in accordance with the administrative framework on land which allows
leasing islands and sand banks near resorts at prevailing market rate to
maximise their benefit for the country.