Vice President
meets with Australian Parliamentary Secretary to the
Minister for Natural resources, Water & Energy and
Minister for Trade
As part of his visit to Australia, Vice President Dr
Mohamed Waheed has today met with Australian
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Natural
resources, Water & Energy and Minister for Trade, Mr
Michael Choi. During the meeting, Dr Waheed briefed Mr
Choi in the issues of concern such as the environmental
problems faced by the Maldives and the government’s
efforts to overcome those problems. Mr Choi ommended
Maldives attempt to become carbon neutrality by 2020 and
said that there were many renewable energy companies in
Australia that could provide strong sustainable
solutions to the Maldivian economy. During his visit to
Australia, Dr Waheed also gave an interview to Ethical
Investor Magazine today.
Vice President speaks at the Australian National
Carbon Conference
Vice President Dr Mohamed Waheed has today delivered a
keynote address at the Australian National Carbon
Conference which is being held on the 27th and 28th of
August in Brisbane, Queensland. In his address, Dr
Waheed said that the government believed that a
responsible leadership required “that we leave to our
children a legacy that is better than the one we
inherited”. He also said that we must do everything
possible to stop global warming not because it is good
for the economy or politics, but because it is the right
thing.
A small government will benefit the poor – President
Nasheed
In his radio address of this week, President Nasheed has
said if the government can set aside about Rf 2 billion
from the Rf 5 billion wage bill, that will help to
significantly improve the quality of life for the poor.
16th SAARC summit to be held in Bhutan
The 16th South Asian Association for Regional
Cooperation (SAARC) Summit is scheduled to be held in
the Bhutanese capital Thimphu on April 28-29, 2010, a
Nepali local media reported on Saturday. According to
eKantipur.com, the Maldives, which was supposed to hold
the Summit in 2009, expressed inability to organize the
event because of poor economic condition. All the eight
member states -- Nepal, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka,
Bangladesh, the Maldives, Afghanistan and Bhutan -- have
confirmed their participation at the Summit. According
to the Kathmandu-based SAARC secretariat, a meeting of
SAARC development fund is underway in Colombo, Sri
Lanka. Bhutan is hosting the summit for the first time
since the regional body was established in 1985. "It
will greatly enhance Bhutan's international image as a
sovereign, independent and responsible country,"
Bhutanese Prime Minister Lyonchhoen Jigmi Y Thinley said
recently.
28 August 2009~
Friday
Two Guantanamo
detainees sent to Portugal
The Department of Justice today announced that two
Syrian nationals have been transferred from the
detention facility at Guantanamo Bay to the control of
the government of Portugal. As directed by the
President's Jan. 22, 2009 Executive Order, the
interagency Guantanamo Review Task Force conducted a
comprehensive review of these cases. As a result of that
review, the detainees were approved for transfer from
Guantanamo Bay. On Aug. 6, 2009, in accordance with
Congressionally-mandated reporting requirements, the
Administration informed Congress of its intent to
transfer these two detainees.
Maldives tsunami survivors move back to “beloved
island”
In the Maldives, the British Red Cross has completed
construction of 250 new homes, allowing survivors from
Vilufushi island, which was completely destroyed by the
Boxing Day tsunami, to finally return home. This marks
the end of the organization's four-year tsunami recovery
programme, which has helped thousands of survivors in
Indonesia, Sri Lanka and the Maldives get back on their
feet with new homes and livelihoods. The population of
Vilufushi, around 1,900 people, has been living on
Buruni, a nearby island, since the tsunami on 26
December 2004. Following the completion of a land
reclamation process, the British Red Cross began a
construction programme on Vilufushi. This involved
building houses, a secondary school and a power supply
and sanitation system.
Reef Check: Saving Paradise
Gregor Hodgson, founder of the international nonprofit
organization Reef Check, is helping to kick off the
ultimate beach internship, a 10-day program designed in
response to the staggering human effect on the world's
reef structures. Fifteen percent of coral reef
structures have been lost and more than 30% of coral
reefs are threatened by human activity, according to
Reef Check.
Together with Malibu Rum, Reef Check hopes to bring
attention to the world’s coral reefs through the
program, in which environmentalists and activists will
assess some of the most famous reefs in the world.
They'll then spread that knowledge through social
networking and blogging, encouraging ecological
preservation through social media.
The government is committed to
strengthen the national economic fundamentals, increase
productivity and address the bottlenecks to economic
activity, says President Nasheed
President Mohamed Nasheed has reiterated the
government’s commitment to strengthen the national
economic fundamentals, increase productivity and address
the bottlenecks to economic activities. He made this
statement in his address on the economic and fiscal
policy of the government during a meeting with the
Maldivian business community. The meeting was held this
evening at Muleeaagé.
Tianjin to Sign Tourism Agreements
with Nepal and Maldives.
To enhance friendly exchanges between Tianjin and Nepal
and the Maldives, Tianjin tourism authorities will sign
a series of tourism cooperation agreements with the
tourism departments of Nepal and Maldives.
Under the agreements, the parties will further cooperate
in tourism promotion and support each other's tourism
marketing campaigns. They are also expecting direct
flights from Tianjin to the two countries.
In addition, Tianjin will help the Maldives launch
short-term training courses for Chinese tour guides and
Chinese chefs.
Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort
Opens 40 Island Cottages
The Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa has opened
40 Island Cottages.
“We believe the new category will provide our guests
more options and of course a very warm and welcoming
atmosphere,” said Brian Segrave, General Manager of
Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa. “At Sheraton
Maldives, our guests will find a truly home away from
home accommodation whilst they are enjoying their once
in a life time experience in the Maldives.”
The government has decided to reopen the Nasandura
Palace Hotel, which was closed early 2008 by the ex
government, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.. Announcing the
decision, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dr.
Ahmed Ali Sawad said that decision to reopen the Hotel
and its Trends Garden Restaurant is taken because of the
delay in the opening of Hotel to be constructed in Male
by Shangri-La Hotel Chain. He also said another major
reason is that the closure of the Hotel had reduced the
revenue earned by the government.
Maldives and Seychelles romantic choices for newlyweds
The Maldives and Seychelles have been highlighted as
popular destinations for newly married couples to take
their honeymoon. Francesca Moore, a spokeswoman for
hitched.co.uk, noted that the Mediterranean is popular
due to its beautiful beaches and favourable weather. She
said: "For a romantic honeymoon the Maldives and the
Seychelles are still popular choices." The travel expert
also offered an advisory to those looking for a
honeymoon deal, regarding booking travel insurance prior
to departure.
Bali bombsite faces storm over nightclub bid
DENPASAR – Kadek Wiranatha – the Balinese restaurant and
nightclub owner - has denied reports that he wants to
build an entertainment complex on the site of the 2002
Bali bombings that claimed 202 lives, including 88
Australians.
From his new home in New Zealand, Malé-born Grant (name
substituted) and his boyfriend recently formed the
Maldives’ first gay rights lobby and support group.
“We decided to found Rainbow Maldives as an online
community that would support queer Maldivians and their
allies, and help foster a sense of community, while
maintaining enough anonymity to protect those who fear
persecution or prosecution,” Grant said.
“Our group seeks to build and consolidate the Maldivian
LGBTQ community, and increase queer visibility and
awareness, with the eventual aim of making the Maldives
a safer, more accepting place. The only platforms
previously available online were focused solely on
hooking up, so we’d like to move beyond that into
slightly more productive areas.”
For Grant, the online option was a second choice to a
visible presence
No agreement signed during Antony’s visit to Maldives.
The Defence Minister A.K. Antony’s visit to the Maldives
last week seems to have stirred politics in the placid
waters around Male, following media reports of an
impending defence pact between the two countries to set
up a chain of radars across some atolls in the island
nation.
Though there has been no official confirmation here
about the decision, Defence Ministry spokesman Sitanshu
Kar on Tuesday said no agreement was signed during Mr.
Antony’s August 20-22 visit.
Video allegedly shows 'executions' in Sri Lanka: report
LONDON — The Sri Lankan High Commission denied its army
was involved in atrocities against the ethnic Tamil
minority after British television aired video Tuesday
allegedly showing a soldier executing two men.
Channel 4 News showed disturbing footage of a man
dressed in army uniform shooting a naked, bound and
blindfolded man in the back of the head, while the
bodies of several other men were seen nearby in a muddy
field.
Another man was also shot in the same way towards the
end of the video.
In its report, Channel 4 stressed it could not verify
the authenticity of the video which it received from a
group called Journalists for Democracy in Sri Lanka..
Swine flu poll reveals diverging attitudes
Brits are more determined than their European neighbours
not to let swine flu ruin their holiday plans, according
to a new survey.
Internet media company, Travelzoo, conducted a poll last
week of 10,582 travellers in 24 regions across the UK,
Germany, France and Spain.
The survey results reveal vastly diverging attitudes
towards swine flu.
It found just 7% of Brits said they would change their
travel plans because of it, compared to 21% of
Spaniards, 15% of Germans and 14% of French.
In the UK, those living in the North West are least
concerned about the impact on their travel plans (5%),
while residents of Northern Ireland are the most
concerned (12.5%).
In London and the South East, 8% say they will change
their travel plans because of swine flu.
Respondents in sunnier regions such as the Canaries,
South of Spain and the Balearics are most likely to
change their travel plans because of swine flu - 28%,
24% and 19% respectively.
"A number of surveys have revealed that Britons will not
give up their holiday or travel plans, despite the risk
of swine flu, but this is the first to show just how
important that aspect of our life is, compared to other
Europeans,” said Stephen Dunk, Travelzoo UK spokesman.
“The survey results correlate strongly with data we have
about demand for travel deals abroad." .
24 August 2009~ Monday
Elite
Resorts of Asia Pacific is Proud to Announce their
Partnership with Angsana Velavaru, Maldives
To celebrate their new
partnership with Elite Resorts of Asia Pacific, Angsana
Velavaru is offering inspirational Villa rates from
USD750 + pn for their unique InOcean villas inclusive of
breakfast for 2.
Singapore (PRWEB)
August 25, 2009 -- An unspoilt island in the South
Nilandhe Atoll,
Angsana Velavaru brings new
meaning to carefree abandon in paradise.
August 24, 2009: India will
assist the Maldive Islands in building a maritime
surveillance system, which will be linked with the
Indian one. India will also give the Maldives two
helicopters for their coast guard. All this is to help
both countries better control their coastal waters.
India has been a staunch
supporter of the Maldive government since it became
independent (from Britain) in 1965. Basically, the
Indians send in paratroops and ships if anyone tries to
overthrow the elected government (which has happened a
few times.) This recent generosity is part of an effort
to keep Pakistan or China from displacing India as the
major foreign ally of the Maldives.
Maldives - Australia to increase scholarships to the
Maldives
The Australian
Parliamentary Secretary for International Development,
Mr Bob McMullan has said Australia will increase the
number of scholarships to the Maldives. He made the
statement during his meeting with Vice President Dr
Waheed. The meeting was held today at the Parliament
House of Australia.
Mr McMullan added that Australia would consider
increasing bilateral assistance to the Maldives.
He also assured that Australia would assist the Maldives
in its efforts to alleviate the economic difficulties.
He further said that the Australian government would
support the Maldives in seeking the IMF assistance
Maldives resort invites you to ‘catch it and cook it’
24 August 2009
For those seeking an authentic holiday experience rather
than just sun, sand and sea, Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort
(olhuveli.com) in the Maldives will not disappoint as
they have launched the Catch It And Cook It programme.
Unique to Olhuveli, guests will be invited to spend the
afternoon on a boat fishing with a local fisherman/chef
and, whilst on board, learn how to scale, gut and cut
the fish that they’ve caught.
NEW
DELHI - India will help the Republic of Maldives build a
maritime surveillance system, among other
defense-cooperative measures agreed to during the Aug.
20-22 visit of India Defence Minister A.K. Antony to the
Indian Ocean island nation.
The
system's radars will be linked to the Indian Navy and
Coastal Guard headquarters, a senior Indian Navy
official said.
Relations between India and
Maldives has been further improved as a result of the
present democratic government and that India will always
maintain close ties with Maldives, Indian Defense
Minister Mr. AK Anthony has said
MANILA, Philippines—Who
would have thought Filipino hands helped rebuild
Vilufushi Island in the Maldives that was devastated by
a deadly tsunami the day after Christmas in 2004
India is to provide a
helicopter and a 25 bed military hospital to Maldives
National Defense Force (MNDF), according to a joint
statement issued by MNDF and Indian High Commission in
Maldives.
IMF
Announces Staff-Level Agreement with Maldives on
Stand-By Arrangement
Press
Release No. 09/287
August 20, 2009
An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission headed by
Mr. Jeremy Carter of Asia and Pacific Department issued
the following statement today in Male:
“An IMF staff mission has reached mission-level
agreement with the Maldivian authorities on an economic
program that could be supported by Fund resources of SDR
41 million (about US$60 million) under a requested
30-month Stand-By Arrangement.
International Community to rescue Maldives economy
International Community has reached a consensus on
rescuing Maldives economy from the deep hole it has
fallen in to, foreign ministry Dr. Ahmed Shaheed has
said.
In an interview given to Miadhu Daily, foreign minister
Dr. Shaheed said in his visits to various countries,
after the assumption of power by a democratically
elected government following years of autocratic rule,
the messages given by these countries were that unless
the government plan and focus economic development in a
sustainable manner it would be difficult to assist
Maldives to improve and strengthen its economy, and that
in order to regain the confidence and support of the
international community , Maldives need to have the
backing and approval of the International Monetary
Fund(IMF). The minister also said the messages conveyed
confidence that Maldives would get thee required support
and backing from IMF as the fiscal policies of MDP led
coalition government reflects the thinking and policies
of IMF.
A
much smaller government will be adequate for efficient
administration, says the President
The
President has said a workforce of 18,000 people, who are
hard working, well-paid, well-qualified, and motivated,
will be adequate for the efficient administration of the
government.
Aug 21, 2009 (LBO) - The Indian Ocean tourist paradise
of Maldives will stop printing money to finance its
budget deficit and cut state sector wages to stabilize
its economy, International Monetary Fund has said.
The IMF said it reached a staff level deal for 60
million US dollars (41 million special drawing rights)
under a 30-month bailout.
In this week’s radio address, the
President will detail on the government’s decision to
reduce the number of government employees
In
this week’s radio address, President Mohamed Nasheed
will detail on the government’s decision to reduce the
number of government employees.
The President’s radio address, during Ramadan, will be
broadcast on the Voice of Maldives at 10.15. However, if
Friday does not fall to be the first of Ramadan, the
President’s 11th radio address will be broadcast on the
Voice of Maldives, tomorrow, at 7.15am.
Budget cut to keep Maldives away from UN climate
talks
19 Aug 2009 12:44:59 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Maryam Omidi
MALE, Aug 19 (Reuters) - The
Maldives on Wednesday said a budget crisis will keep its
president from attending landmark U.N. climate talks,
the results of which could have a huge effect on the
future of the low-lying archipelago.
Famed mostly for its high-end
luxury resorts and white-sand atolls, the Maldives has
also made a name for itself as an advocate for
mitigating climate change -- because rising sea levels
are forecast to submerge most of its islands by 2100.
NEW DELHI: As part of the overall
strategy to prevent China from further spreading its
influence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), defence
minister
A K Antony will be leaving for Male on Thursday to
bolster defence cooperation with Maldives.
Under the new plan, India will help Maldives set up a
network of ground radars in all its 26 atolls and link
them with the Indian military surveillance systems.
Moreover, amid fears in Male that one of its island
resorts could be taken over by terrorists, India will
also provide Maldives with a couple of helicopters, as
also help patrol its territorial waters with both
warships and reconnaissance aircraft.
ISLAMABAD,
Aug 20 (APP): Pakistan and Maldives Thursday
agreed to set up ‘Friendship caucus’ comprising
members of Parliament of both the countries to
build cooperation in foreign and internal
affairs, economy and industry, science and
technology, socio‑cultural and security related
issues.
This was stated in a
meeting between Minister for Parliamentary
Affairs, Dr.Babar Awan and Ambassador of
Maldives Dr Aishath Shehnaz Adam who called on
him here at his office.
Federal minister apprised
the ambassador of new investment initiatives for
the investors in Pakistan as law and order
situation had improved significantly an in‑depth
understanding and objective analyses of regional
and global issues.
The Maldives attaches great
importance to the protection of the environment. From
climate change, to sustainable development, to natural
disasters such as the 2004 tsunami, environmental
factors have a significant impact on the fortunes of
rich and poor countries alike.
Navy eyes Maldives
- Counter to China’s ‘string of pearls’ plan
SUJAN DUTTA
New Delhi, Aug. 19: A tiny pearl
of an island with a former World War II airbase in the
Maldives is now the Indian Navy’s strategic object of
desire.
Defence minister A.K. Antony’s visit to the Maldives
with a high-level team for three days starting tomorrow
will not name Gan, or Addu Atoll, where the coral island
is located, just south of the equator.
But the navy wants a permanent presence in Gan for its
surveillance aircraft, along with a presence of its
ships and other aircraft in both Male, the capital of
the Maldives, and Hanimadhoo, in the Haa Dhalu Atoll in
the island country’s north, which is barely 20 nautical
miles (37km) south of the Indian islands of Minicoy.
EC
to take action against parties not submitting audit
report
Elections Commission (EC) has revealed that it will take
action against political parties that have not submitted
the annual audit report as called for in Article 29 of
Political Party Regulations 2005.
Govt. to give Rf.150, 000 for every staff laid off
No. of Civil Servants needs to be reduced to 18,000 –
President
The 32,000 civil servants
need to be reduced to 18,000 as a means of minimizing
government expenditure and to redirect and reshape the
government’s fiscal policy, President Mohamed Nasheed
has said. The President made that statement while
speaking on the government’s fiscal policy at a rally
organized by Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) held at
Kalaafaanu School on Tuesday night.
IFC
to Help Modernize Maldives Airport to Sustain
Tourism-based Economy
IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, will work with
the government of Maldives to modernize the Malé airport
to improve efficiencies, provide better services to
passengers, and help sustain the country’s tourism-based
economy amid the global slowdown. IFC’s advice has been
sought to help Maldives Airport Company Limited attract
private investors, structure the privatized entity, and
develop a tariff framework and an appropriate investment
plan. An open, transparent and competitive process will
help investors bring international managerial
capabilities and best practices and help the airport
operate at full potential, and safeguard the interests
of shareholders, customers, and employees.
India to seal defence pact with Maldives
Amid fears by Maldives that one of its island resorts
could be taken over by terrorists in the absence of
military assets, India will sign a defence pact with
that country during Defence Minister A K Antony's
three-day visit there.
The agreement envisages Indian help to Maldives in
setting up a network of ground radars in all its atolls
and linking them with the Indian Coastal Command.
Indian Navy and Coast Guard warships would patrol
Maldives' pirate-infested waters and secure it from
terror threats under the agreement which comes after
Male conveyed its fear to New Delhi.
Sino-Maldives relations
Maldivesis called "Liushan Guo" or "Liuyang Guo" in
Chinese history. In Yongle 10th year (1412) and Xuande
5th year (1430) of the Ming Dynasty, leading a fleet of
merchant ships, Zheng He reached Maldives twice. Since
Yongle 14th year, King of Maldives Yusof sent his envoys
three times to China. In Foreign Splendors written by
Zheng He and his entourage Ma Huan and Maritime Marvels
by Fei Xin were true and detailed records of Maldives'
geographical position, climate, products and customs. In
Male Museum are China's porcelain and coins unearthed
there on display, a witness to China's friendly contacts
and trade relations with Maldives in history. Due to the
imperialist invasion afterward, Sino-Maldives relations
were suspended for several centuries
Antony’s three-day visit to Maldives begins tomorrow
The Defence Minister Shri AK Antony embarks on a three
day official visit to Maldives beginning tomorrow. He
will be leading a high level delegation comprising the
Defence Secretary Shri Pradeep Kumar, DG Armed Forces
Medical Services Lt Gen NK Parmar, DG Coast Guard Vice
Admiral Anil Chopra and Deputy Chief of Navy Staff Vice
Admiral DK Joshi. Shortly after his arrival at the
Maldivian capital, Male’, Shri Antony will call on
President Mohammed Nasheed. He will hold talks with the
top leadership of the government and the Maldives
National Defence Force. Shri Antony will also have
bilateral discussions with his counterpart Mr Ameen
Faisal on ways of expanding defence cooperation between
the two countries. Shri Antony will also attend the
closing session of the India- Maldives Friendship
function besides paying a visit to the Indira Gandhi
Memorial Hospital, the most visible symbol of
Indo-Maldives cooperation and friendship. The 200-bed
general and speciality hospital has over the years
provided Maldives greater self-reliance in the field of
medical care.
The
Maldives, formerly known as the Maldive Islands, is a
country with a group of Atolls in the Indian Ocean. Its
capital is Male. There are altogether 1,192 islands that
stretch for about 820 km from North to South, and 130 km
at the widest point. No island exceeds a length of 7.2
km or an altitude of 3 meters above sea-level. 194
islands are inhabited; the rest includes the 87 tourist
resorts and uninhabited islands, some of which are used
mostly for agricultural activities. The capital Male has
a population of over 75,000, is the seat of government
and the centre of trade, commerce, business and
education. Malé is located in the middle of the atoll
chain. The population of Maldives based on the 2005
Census is 298,968 (151,459 male and 147,509 female). The
religion in the Maldives is Islam (Sunni). Dhivehi is
the official language, although English is widely
spoken, and is used as a medium of education for
secondary schools.
Budget constraints force President to cancel overseas
visits
President Mohamed Nasheed has decided to call off all
overseas visits planned for 2009. The decision was made
as a measure to reduce costs on account of the country’s
serious budgetary constraints. The cancelled visits
include: the 64th Session of the UN General Assembly in
New York in September; the Commonwealth Heads of
Government Meeting in Port of Spain in November; and the
COP 15 UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen in
December.
Cabinet decides to expand the National Fund for Higher
Education and Training
The cabinet has today
decided to expand the National Fund for Higher Education
and Training. They took the decision after discussing a
paper presented by the Ministry of Human Resources,
Youth and Sports on the issue.
Centara to open in Maldives with resort at South Ari
Atoll
November this year will see a touch of gentle Thai
hospitality in the Maldives with the opening of the
first overseas property of Thailand’s Centara Hotels &
Resorts, an island property at the South Ari Atoll.
Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives is surrounded
by white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters and is
designed in a colonial style, with a central lighthouse
and meandering boardwalks that lead to the guest
accommodation, restaurants and other facilities.
President Mohamed Nasheed has today met with Mr Kieren
Fitzpatrick, Director of Asia Pacific Forum of National
Human Rights Institutions (APF). Discussions were
focused on the Maldives becoming a full member of the
International Coordinating Committee of National
Institutions for the Promotion and Protection of Human
Rights (ICC). Maldives was granted Observer Status at
the ICC in 2008. At the meeting, discussions were also
focused on further consolidating human rights in the
Maldives and complying with internationally acceptable
human rights norms. The President of the Maldivian Human
Rights Commission, Mr Ahmed Saleem, participated in the
meeting.
Egyptian Ambassador to the Maldives pays a farewell call
on the President
Egyptian Ambassador to the Maldives Ms Gehan Amin has
paid a farewell call on President Mohamed Nasheed.
Speaking at the meeting held at the President’s Office
this morning, President Nasheed thanked Ms Amin for her
efforts to further strengthen the relations that exist
between the Maldives and Egypt. At the meeting, Ms Amin
noted the close friendly relations existing between the
two countries and said that it was a great pleasure to
the serve the Maldives as her country’s Ambassador.
People’s Majlis on Monday rejected an urgent motion
submitted by Kuludhufushi South member Kutti Mohamed
Nasheed aimed at highlighting the concern’s of the
public over articles published in two Indian newspapers
about Maldives being brought within the Indian security
grid. When the chair called for votes, whether to debate
the motion on the floor or throw out the motion, some 46
members voted against debating the motion and six
members voted in favor of debating the motion while one
member abstained.
Maldives incapable of solving global environmental
crisis – President.
Maldives alone is not capable of solving the global
environmental challenges but it is incumbent on Maldives
to work hard to find a solution, President Mohamed
Nasheed has said. The President made the statement
speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the Maldives Red
Crescent (MRC) held on Sunday morning at Dharubaruge. He
said bringing the global environmental challenges to the
attention of the world leaders, due to efforts of
Maldives, is one of the huge successes Maldives has
achieved
Welcome to Hangzhou, ‘the most beautiful and elegant
city in the world’-Italian explorer Marco Polo.
Hangzhou is the capital city of Zhejiang Province and is
‘the paradise city’ of China (PRC), praised for its
myriad of canals, lush rolling hills, fragrant fields of
tea, spectacular temples and pavilions and of course the
classical beauty of the famous West Lake which covers an
area of six square kilometres and features some of
Hangzhou's most famous historic and scenic places. The
renowned ‘Impression of Westlake’ by acclaimed director
Mr. Zhang Yimo and music by Kitaro is something not to
be missed.
QHotels, AA Hotel Group of the Year, is celebrating
after all its 21 properties in the UK were awarded at
least bronze accreditation within the Green Tourism
Business Scheme (GTBS).
Gothenburg Symposium Targets Greening Global Tourism.
The Meeting convened as part of Davos Process in run up
to Copenhagen Climate Change Summit. The Gothenburg
Symposium, to take place on September 14-15th in
Gothenburg Sweden, has been convened as part of the UN’s
Davos process to address how the development of
sustainable consumption and production relates to the
tourism sector in the run-up to the Copenhagen
Agreement.
India is planning a
radical overhaul of its environmental regulation to
improve long neglected standards of compliance as it
scrambles to protect fast-degrading natural resources,
writes James Lamon in FT.com
According
to Jairam Ramesh, environment minister, the Congress
party-led government plans to set up an Environmental
Protection Agency, modelled on that of the US, which
would ensure that standards were implemented and
monitored.
Tata Group would
participate in the Maldives development: Ratan Tata.
Tata Group would participate in the development projects
in the Maldives if they are deemed as productive, Ratan
Tata, Chairman of the Tata Group of Companies have said
speaking in the opening ceremony of the Vivanta by Taj
Resort, held yesterday..
President Mohamed Nasheed has opened Vivanta Coral
Reef Maldives by Taj, today. This is the first
international hotel to carry Taj’s Vivanta brand.
Speaking at a ceremony held at the Vivanta Coral Reef
Maldives by Taj this afternoon, President Nasheed said
he rejoices the fact that one of the best and the most
able investment groups and business entrepreneurships of
India and the world had been introduced to the Maldives
with the opening of the resort. The President said the
government would welcome Indian and other international
business enterprises who wish to invest in the Maldives.
SBI will always assist in Maldives development: CEO
State Bank of India will assist the Maldives in its
current fiscal troubles as well as in its developments
just like it had in the past, CEO Vijay Jasuja has said
speaking in a ceremony held within the India-Maldives
friendship week to mark the anniversary of the Indian
independence.
“Greater Chance for Democracy today than ever Before
“,
Says Foreign Minister Dr.Ahmed Shaheed
The chances that democracy-building and political
modernization will succeed in the Maldives today are
greater than ever before, says the Maldives Foreign
Minister, Ahmed Shaheed. He said so while speaking at
the Indian Council on World Affairs last week,during his
official visit to New Delhi.
Most of the social
problems that we face today stem from drugs, says
President Nasheed
President Mohamed Nasheed has said that most of the
socials problems that we face today stemmed from the
issue of drugs. He made this statement while speaking at
the opening ceremony of the conference on “Maldives:
Towards a Future without Drugs”. He also said that if we
do not address drug related issues now, it would be
difficult to solve other economic and social problems
that we have.
The Maldives has many lessons to learn from Indian
democracy – says the Vice President
Vice President Dr Mohamed Waheed has said India, being
the largest democracy in the world, had many lessons to
follow for the new democracy of the Maldives.
President Nasheed calls on members of the People’s
Majlis to set aside their political differences while
debating the Decentralisation Bill. It is crucial to
reduce the salaries and allowances of members of the
People’s Majlis and other institutions in the same
proportion as that of the political appointees, says
President Nasheed
President Mohamed Nasheed has called on members of the
People’s Majlis to set aside their political differences
while debating the Decentralisation Bill.
Music in the islands at the Doe Bay Fest
There is scant advertising. There are only about 500
tickets available and most are already sold. For being
so far off the radar and so far from Seattle, the Doe
Bay Fest (DBF) has an inordinate amount of buzz.
For good reason: Intimate in scope, gorgeous in setting
and discerning in lineup, DBF, now in its second year,
is the Northwest's most alluring new festival. Thanks to
its prime location on Orcas Island with a view of
Rosario Strait, it requires more effort to attend, which
makes attendance that much more rewarding. There are
more trees than Honey Buckets (this is a good thing),
more deer than event security.
Hayes & Jarvis Offering Exclusive Savings With New BA
Packages
London (PRWEB) August 15, 2009 -- Following the
announcement from British Airways earlier this summer
that it is to start a thrice-weekly direct service from
London Gatwick to the Maldives from 25th October,
worldwide specialist Hayes & Jarvis has announced a
range of exclusive deals using the new BA flights.
Available for a limited period only - book between
14th-24th August and take advantage of a selection of
half price holidays to the Maldives, starting from just
£599 per person.
President Nasheed to open Viventa By Taj Coral Reef
tomorrow.
Viventa by Taj – Coral Reef Resort, owned and managed by
India’s Taj group at Hembadhoo Island, Kaafu Atoll would
be opened by President HE. Mohamed Nasheed tomorrow.
Sri
Lanka, Maldives trade shifting to services: envoy
Aug 13, 2009 (LBO) - The
Maldives is introducing laws to attract foreign
investors such as those from Sri Lanka with whom the
archipelago's trade is growing and shifting towards
services, the Maldivian envoy to Colombo said. High
commissioner Ali Hassen Didi said the two countries have
had close trade links for decades and shared
entrepreneurship, with Sri Lankan professionals and
businessmen making a key contribution to the Maldivian
economy.
Black Friday heralded irreversible change, says
president
12 August 2009
The protests that rocked Male’ on 12 and 13 August five
years ago put in motion a chain of events that was to
change the course of Maldivian history, said President
Mohamed Nasheed today.
Speaking at a seminar on socio-political transformation
and the future of culture in changing societies, the
president reflected on the Black Friday protests as a
pivotal turning point in the history of the Maldives.
When
Defence Minister A K Antony visits Maldives later this
month, he will start the process to bring the island
country into India’s security grid. The move comes after
the moderate Islamic nation approached New Delhi earlier
this year over fears that one of its island resorts
could be taken over by terrorists given its lack of
military assets and surveillance capabilities.
Antony,
who is expected to visit Maldives on August 22, will be
accompanied by senior Navy officers who will share
India’s experience of handling security in the Andaman
Nicobar islands chain.
– an annual field trip aimed at educating and creating
environmental awareness amongst local Maldivian school
children - was recently held for the eleventh time as
part of an ongoing collaboration between Soneva Fushi by
Six Senses and Eco Care Maldives, a non-governmental
non-profit organisation created to care for the local
Maldivian environment..
Maldives launches Youth TV Channel 13 August 2009.
Maldives
has launched a Youth TV Channel,YTV, last night totally
dedicated to the youth of the country. The Channel was
inaugurated by Youth Minister Hassan Latheef at a
ceremony held at Dhivehi Raajjeyge Adu. Opening a
dedicated Youth TV Channel in Maldives where the new
Constitution has empowered the country's youth above
the age of 18 the right of voting, was seen as a major
boost to the development and participation of the youth
in the life of the nation. Speaking at the ceremony,
Minister Latheef who is one of the youngest ministers
in President Nasheed's new Cabinet, said the Government
is committed to empowering the youth fully in the
affairs of the nation and Youth TV will play a major
role in enhancing the role of youth. The Government has
also pledged it will do everything possible for the
development and empowerment of the youth even in this
very difficult times of the economy
How we deliver the pledges is as
important as the struggle for the freedoms that we have
today, says President Nasheed
President Mohamed Nasheed has said that how we deliver the
pledges was as important as the struggle for the freedoms
that we have today. He made this statement in his keynote
address at the seminar on “Socio-political Transformation –
Future of Culture in Changing Societies”.
Seven
deaths in 24 hours take swine flu toll to 18
NEW DELHI: With seven deaths by late Wednesday evening — the highest
number for a single day till now — India’s swine flu toll
rose to 18 on Wednesday.
It’s like being gifted a designer bag by someone
you hardly know, you don’t quite know if it’s the genuine
article. I still don’t know if I actually had swine flu,
though my doctor insists I did. How does he know? They
didn’t test me; he was diagnosing and refusing to give me
medicines on the phone.
Vice President
inaugurates the work of establishing sewerage system and
harbour development project in Funadhoo.
Vice President Dr Mohamed Waheed has inaugurated the
work of establishing the sewerage system and harbour
development project of North Miladhunmadulu Funadhoo this
morning. These two projects are to be undertaken with loan
aid by the government of Japan.
Save More than 65 % at the Maldives Resorts.
Have you been drooling over Wanwisa's Dream Trip dispatches
from the Indian Ocean, wondering how on earth you can afford
a Maldives getaway? The solution might be Alila Villas
Hadahaa, a brand-new environmentally friendly resort there.
Lindsey Wallace, the Maldives expert on Wendy's list of top
travel specialists--as well as the genius who planned
Wanwisa's trip and whose Maldives recommendations we covered
in the "Islands on Sale" feature in our July issue--has
checked it out and says that it's one of his new favorites.
Q&A: 'We Do Not Want to See The Blame Game'
Prime Sarmiento interviews Mohamed Aslam, Maldives
Environment Minister.
MANILA, Aug 5 (IPS) - Developing economies are vulnerable to
climate change and need funds to implement much needed
adaptation and mitigation measures. This is one of the key
points that needs to be addressed during the next round of
U.N.-led negotiations on climate change in Copenhagen,
according to Mohamed Aslam, Maldives Minister of Housing,
Transport and Environment.
Welcome to the Hotel Energy Solutions Website, the
central portal for all information, tools and updates
relating to this EU co-funded initiative..
Hotel Energy Solutions is an initiative designed to increase
the competitiveness and sustainability of the accommodation
sector in the European Union. It will deliver training,
information and technical support to guide accommodation
businesses across the European Union on how they can easily
cut their operational costs by implementing energy
efficiency and renewable energy solutions..
President Nasheed hails the constitutional
transformations in the Maldives
President Mohamed Nasheed has
hailed the constitutional transformations in the Maldives.
He also said that the current Constitution has brought about
immense changes to our system of governance.
He made this statement in his radio address to the nation
which was broadcast on the Voice of Maldives at 7.15 this
morning.
Highlighting that today marked the first anniversary of the
ratification of the Constitution, the President said that
the government did not believe that governing the country in
accordance with the Constitution was a difficult task. He
also assured that the government would uphold the
Constitution.
The
government signs agreement with Maldives Dhoni Services, on
opening of transport network in South Central Province
The government has today
signed an agreement with Maldives Dhoni Services on opening
of transport network in South Central Province.
The agreement was signed on behalf of the government of
Maldives by Minister of Housing, Transport and Environment,
Mr Mohamed Aslam, while Ms Fathimath Aleesha Ali, Managing
Director of Dhoni Services signed the agreement on behalf of
the company.
The
Senate has confirmed President Obama's nomination of
Patricia A. Butenis
WASHINGTON, Aug. 7 -- The Senate has confirmed President
Obama's nomination of Patricia A. Butenis, of Virginia, to
be Ambassador to the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri
Lanka and to serve concurrently and without additional
compensation as Ambassador to the Republic of Maldives,
according to the Congressional Record.
Red
Cross Red Crescent complete 44,000 new homes for tsunami
survivors.
On December 26th, 2004 an earthquake off the coast of
Sumatra triggered a devastating tsunami which claimed the
lives of almost 230,000 people across five Indian Ocean
countries. Four and a half years on - the massive task of
reconstruction in affected countries is almost complete.
Thousands of kilometres of coastline in Indonesia, Sri
Lanka, Thailand, India and the Maldives were devastated, but
now, the barren ground where entire settlements were swept
away has been transformed. New communities have sprung up
and tsunami survivors have moved on with their lives..
The low-lying Maldives may be slowly drowning because of
global warming, but that hasn’t stopped Shangri-La Hotels
and Resorts from opening what it calls the “first
international luxury resort” on the southern part of the
Indian Ocean archipelago.
Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group - Concluding
Statement
The Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG), which
addresses serious or persistent violations of the
Commonwealth's fundamental political values met in London on
31 July 2009..
14 Years Old Girl Dead Due To Swine Flu, Family Sue
Hospital.
PUNE: The family of the 14-year-old girl who died of
swine flu on Monday due to “delayed treatment” has
threatened civil and criminal action against the private
hospital where she was admitted. Fourteen-year-old Rida
Shaikh died at the Jehangir Hospital in Pune. She was
suffering from the influenza A (H1N1) virus infection for a
fortnight. Her upset family on Tuesday said that they would
sue the hospital for negligence and give all the money to
charity.
Sri Lanka receives more assistance from Italian
government.
Aug 05, Colombo: The Italian government has decided to
allocate another contribution of Euros 300,000 to the UNHCR
for the benefit of the internally displaced persons (IDPs)
in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka Foreign Ministry announced that the Italian
contribution will fund UNHCR activities for the IDPs in the
humanitarian and legal assistance, education, and
sanitation.
RIYADH (AFP) - Saudi beauty queen Aya Ali al-Mulla
trounced 274 rivals to win a crown, jewellery, cash and a
trip to Malaysia, and all without showing her face, Saudi
media reported on Friday.
With her face and body completely covered by the black
head-to-toe abaya mandatory in the conservative Muslim
kingdom, 18-year-old Mullah was named "Queen of Beautiful
Morals" late on Thursday, newspapers said.
Cabinet discusses
government’s policy on land reclamation
At the cabinet meeting held today, the members discussed
government’s policy on land reclamation.
Members noted that reclamation of land had been widely
adopted in the Maldives over the years to create inhabited
islands, industrial islands as well as resort islands. The
cabinet, therefore, agreed that a sound policy on land
reclamation was necessary for the formulation of
developmental plans.
It was decided at the meeting, to form a cabinet
sub-committee to further discuss the matter and to put
forward suggestions. The members of the committee are
Minister of Housing, Transport and Environment, Mr Mohamed
Aslam; Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dr Ahmed Ali
Sawad; Minister of Finance and Treasury, Mr Ali Hashim;
Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture, Dr Ibrahim Didi; and,
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Ahmed Shaheed.
Vice President meets with the Chargé d’Affaires at the
US Embassy
Vice President Dr Mohamed Waheed has met with the Chargé
d’Affaires at the Embassy of the United States in Sri Lanka
and the Maldives, Mr James Moore.
At the meeting held at the President’s Office today,
Vice President Dr Waheed thanked Mr Moore for his efforts to
further strengthen the relations that existed between the
Maldives and the United States.
Speaking at the meeting, Mr Moore noted the strong
bilateral relations that existed between the Maldives and
the US. He said that it gave him great pleasure to serve the
Maldives, and thanked the government of the Maldives for its
support and co-operation.
Australia arrests 'terror' suspects,
Australian police have arrested four men in Melbourne
suspected of planning a "suicide terrorist attack", in one
of the biggest counter-terrorism operations in the country..
Iran 'questions' detained US hikers.
Iranian authorities have begun questioning three Americans
detained after allegedly illegally entering the country,
state television has reported.
The Vice President urges Scouts to
play a special role in addressing the drugs problem
Speaking at the inauguration function of the World
Organisation of the Scout Movement's Asia-Pacific
Regional Workshop on Public Relations and Marketing, Dr
Waheed said one of the biggest dangers the young people
of the Maldives faced was the scourge of drugs. He added
that he could not think of a better organisation than
the Scout Movement to help improve the situation.
Philippines - DFA to Assist Filipino Workers in Maldives
The
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has instructed the
Philippine Embassy in Dhaka to ascertain the condition
and extend assistance to Filipinos deployed in Maldives
who have allegedly complained of sub-standard working
conditions..
Is Jemaah Islamiyah
back?.
Two blasts shook Indonesia on July 17. The gruesome
attacks sent shockwaves across the world not only
because the victims hailed from various countries, but
it also hinted at the resurgence of Southeast Asian
militant group, the Jemaah Islamiyah (JI)..
At least 29 people have been killed and more than 130
others wounded in a series of bombings near Shia
mosques in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, police have
said..
GLOBAL FINANCIAL CRISIS - The worldwide economic crisis
could have a "disastrous" impact on health and school
projects in the developing world…
GLOBAL FINANCIAL CRISIS - The
worldwide economic crisis could have a "disastrous" impact
on health and school projects in the developing world unless
rich nations spend a tiny fraction of stimulus measures to
help the poor, a World Bank official has said. Marwan
Muasher, the World Bank's senior vice president for external
affairs, said that although there were some signs in global
markets the economic meltdown might be bottoming out poor
nations were now starting to feel the worst of the crisis.
Muasher said the crisis had pushed 90 million more people
into poverty worldwide, most of them in the developing
world, and that 30 million jobs had been lost..
“ We
(Qatar) will help Lanka with open arms’.
The visiting Bahrain Prime Minister,
Sheikh Khailifa Bin Selman Al Khalid, gave an assurance to
Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka that his country
would help Sri Lanka with open arms in its efforts to
rebuild and develop the economy in the aftermath of the
defeat of terrorism, and his country would also request its
friends in the Gulf region to help Sri Lanka similarly.
President Nasheed calls for greater cooperation the People’s
Majlis and the people in delivering the government’s
pledges.
President Mohamed Nasheed has called
for greater support of the People’s Majlis as well as of the
public in fulfilling the government’s pledges. He made this
statement in his radio address to the nation which was
broadcast on the Voice of Maldives at 7.15 this morning.
Dream Trip
2009 : Over Water Villas in the Maldives.
The winner of last year's Dream Trip
Contest just got back from her $25,000 adventure in the
destinations of her dreams--Hong Kong and the Maldives--and
is guest-blogging about it here. If you've read
Wendy's article in
Condé Nast Traveler's
August issue, you already know just how much time, effort,
and detail went into the planning of Wanwisa's journey. Now
you can find out how those plans unfolded. Maybe you'll even
enter our
2009 Dream Trip Contest. If you
win, you too will receive a custom-tailored $25K dream trip,
crafted by Wendy and the
experts she handpicks for the
task.
InterContinental Hotels Group is to open a new mid-market
hotel in Malé, the capital city of the Maldives. The
117-room Holiday Inn Malé will open on 1 September 2009..
Lets
Go Maldives Pvt. Ltd launches special summer offers to
Maldives.
Male’,
Maldives, July 2009 - Lets Go Maldives Pvt Ltd has
launched an unbelievable special rates promotional package
that offers travelers to visit and enjoy the world’s most
exotic, beautiful and unique travel – The Maldives at
amazingly low prices. This offer, according to them is
“something everyone can afford.
The
Maldives, formerly known as the Maldive Islands, is a
country with a group of Atolls in the Indian Ocean. Its
capital is Male. There are altogether 1,192 islands that
stretch for about 820 km from North to South, and 130 km
at the widest point. No island exceeds a length of 7.2
km or an altitude of 3 meters above sea-level. 194
islands are inhabited; the rest includes the 87 tourist
resorts and uninhabited islands, some of which are used
mostly for agricultural activities. The capital Male has
a population of over 75,000, is the seat of government
and the centre of trade, commerce, business and
education. Malé is located in the middle of the atoll
chain. The population of Maldives based on the 2005
Census is 298,968 (151,459 male and 147,509 female). The
religion in the Maldives is Islam (Sunni). Dhivehi is
the official language, although English is widely
spoken, and is used as a medium of education for
secondary schools.
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