FOUR SEASONS RESORT LANDAA GIRAAVARU
VOTED ‘BEST IN THE MALDIVES’
- and best in the world for family-friendliness!

Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru was rated the best resort in the Maldives and ranked sixth in the world in the recent Condé Nast Traveller (UK) Readers Travel Awards 2010. Held at the Royal Institute of Great Britain, the awards recognise the ‘world’s best’ in a variety of categories and are regarded as one of the most prestigious accolades in the travel industry. Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru received 94.27 points out of 100, making it the top rated resort in the Maldives, second best in the Middle East, Africa & the Indian Ocean Islands category and sixth in the world. In addition, it beat off all other competition to be voted number one in the world for family friendliness. Commenting on the awards, General Manager and Regional Vice President Armando Kraenzlin said: “This is great recognition of the dedication and commitment of every single member of our team. They have done the Maldives proud.” Of the 393 employees at Landaa Giraavaru, 41 joined through the Four Seasons Resorts Maldives Apprenticeship Programme, a vocational training scheme for young Maldivians and the first TVET-certified hospitality programme in the country.

MALDIVES PRESIDENT INAUGURATES FOUR SEASONS
PIONEERING MARINE DISCOVERY CENTRE

Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru was honoured to welcome the President of the Maldives, Mohamed Nasheed, on October 9, 2010 to inaugurate the Resort's pioneering Marine Discovery Centre (MDC). The MDC showcases the Resort’s different environmental projects including coral reef propagation, manta ray conservation and fish culture, and is run in partnership with Maldivian environmental consultancy, Seamarc Pvt Ltd.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Edmond Haxhinasto received the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Maldives, Mr. Ahmed Shaheed
During the meeting the two interlocutors expressed their willingness to deepen political cooperation at the bilateral level as well as in the framework of international organizations in all areas of mutual interest. Regarding bilateral cooperation, the two Ministers emphasized the need for the materialization of relations through the signing of framework agreements in areas of economy, consular, education and human resources.

U.K. paper picks Tokyo as favorite overseas city
Readers of British newspaper The Guardian have selected Tokyo as their favorite overseas city for 2010, picking the metropolis as a top destination for the first time, the Japan National Tourism Organization said Tuesday. Japan also placed second only to the Maldives, a Pacific island nation often described as the Garden of Eden, in the favorite long-haul country category of the annual Guardian Travel Awards. Tokyo last year did not rate a mention in the first category, while Japan ranked fifth in the latter. "Japan has been referred to more frequently in The Guardian and travel magazines in the past year," a JNTO official said, speculating that the exposure probably raised public awareness of Japan and Tokyo. The organization quoted a Guardian travel guide editor as saying Japan's appeal lies in the coexistence of innovation and cultural history. The newspaper created the ranking of popular destinations based on the degree of satisfaction among its readers who actually visited them.
By country, 97.5 percent of readers who visited Japan said they were satisfied, only slightly smaller than the Maldives' 97.8 percent. Tokyo earned 97.4 percent followed by Berlin's 96.9 percent and Sydney's 95.4 percent.

Fortifying police-people bond
In the next two days, Kochi will witness exponents of community policing from countries such as the US, UK, Australia, the Netherlands, Nigeria, South Africa, Maldives and Afghanistan putting their heads together to evolve new modalities in community policing. They want to tackle the changing nature of crime, mainly terrorism, drug and human trafficking. While countries like Nigeria, Afghanistan and Maldives are in the nascent stage of experimenting with the community policing initiative for better intelligence gathering and coordination, countries like the US, UK and Australia have made bigger strides in implementing various community policing methodologies for better interface between the people and the police.

Plague came from China: scientists
The first outbreak of plague occurred in China more than 2,600 years ago before reaching Europe via Central Asia's "Silk Road" trade route, according to a study of the disease's DNA signature. The findings flesh out long-held suspicions about the Chinese origins of the plague, which killed an estimated third of Europe's population in the Middle Ages. An international team of scientists sequenced 17 strains of Y. pestis, building a genetic "family tree" of pathogens that mutated from a common ancestor. "The results indicate that plague appeared in China more than 2,600 years ago," France's Museum of Natural History, which took part in the research, said.

Real impact of tourism on global warming exposed: the biggest threat the industry faces

“Carbon Management in Tourism” is to be published in early December.
In this latest book, Professor Stefan Gossling of Sweden’s Lund University spotlights a number of critical issues and dangerous misconceptions, he claims that:
• The 17.6bn international and domestic tourist arrivals forecast by 2020 will pose a real danger to global warming
• That tourism would proportionally be responsible for at least 13,200 deaths, seriously affect the livelihoods of 14.3 million people, and produce economic losses of US$5.5 billion as a result of its emissions. Annually.
• That there is little evidence of strategic planning by the global tourism industry to deal with climate change
• That it is possible for tourism businesses to reduce emissions considerably, by as much as 10-20 per cent, mostly with low-cost measures with short payback times.
• That the amount of climate change potential has been understated and that we are in much more danger than we think
Says Professor Gossling: “Climate change is one of the single most important global environmental issues facing the world today and is emerging as a major topic in tourism studies.”

                 2 November 2010 | Tuesday                 

President Congratulates Brazil’s President-Elect
President Mohamed Nasheed has sent a message of congratulations to President-Elect of Brazil, Dilma Rousseff on her victory in Brazil’s presidential election. The President’s message reads as follows:
Quote:
I would like to extend my warm congratulations and well wishes on your historic victory in the presidential elections of Brazil. I am hopeful that under your leadership the people of Brazil will see greater development and further consolidation of democracy in Brazil. I look forward to working with you in further strengthening the friendly relations between the Maldives and Brazil, especially on issues like climate change. All the best wishes for your good health and for continued progress and prosperity of the people of Brazil.

Vice President Attends CHSE Prize Day 2010
Vice President Dr Mohamed Waheed attended the prize giving ceremony of Centre for Higher Secondary Education, which was held Monday evening at Dharubaaruge. Addressing the students, Vice President urged them to base their decisions on their education and to think wisely. He said they should be able to create new paths for the future. “Your future is in your hands,” he added. Continuing his speech, Dr Waheed noted that CHSE has made remarkable progress over the years and that many of its alumni now hold high offices. Dr Waheed also congratulated all the prize winners at last evening’s function. Out of the 826 CHSE students who sat for the Advanced Level Exam, 76 percent of students are eligible to enter universities, while 49 per cent students got C and above passes in all subjects they sat for. Four students got the first place in the national top ten rankings, while one student got full marks in accounting. The best-all-round student was Mohamed Hassaan Ahmed. Prizes for those students were presented by Vice President Dr Mohamed Waheed. Madam Ilham Hussain and Education Minster Dr Musthafa Luthfee also presented prizes to students.

Future Oil Price Spikes Could Derail Maldives Development
Spikes in the price of oil pose a greater short-term risk to the Maldives than climate change. This was the consensus among a group of energy experts, who gathered earlier this month at Soneva Fushi resort in Baa Atoll for a symposium on sustainable tourism. "The future price of oil is likely to rise as the world economy moves out of recession and emerging markets such as China, India, Brazil and Indonesia take off," warned energy expert Mike Mason of the UK. "There is a close link between global economic growth and the price of oil... we are likely to see price spikes similar to those of two years ago," Mason added.

Coco Palm Bodu Hithi to host the filming of Miss France 2011
Coco Palm Resorts is delighted to announce its official partnership with Miss France 2011. Coco Palm Bodu Hithi will be the exclusive host for the filming of the pageant from 11th to 18th November 2010. The 33 contestants representing the various regions and territories of France will be taking part in various activities including water sports, traditional Maldivian cooking, exploring the natural beauty of Maldives and will also film a music video.

President of Maldives Reacts to Scandal, Katy Perry Gets Rash
By now, you've seen the already-infamous video of a foreign couple being mocked by the staff of the Vilu Reef Beach and Spa Resort in the Maldives during a ceremony to renew their wedding vows. The couple believed they were being blessed in the Dhivehi language, but instead the staff was hurling nasty insults their way in between snickers. It's pretty vile stuff, and last weekend the president of the country - which relies heavily on tourism - intervened.

                 31 October 2010 | Sunday                 

President Nasheed Asks Media to Respect Privacy of 'Fake Wedding Vows' Couple
President Mohamed Nasheed has appealed to the media to respect the privacy and anonymity of the couple who were mocked and insulted during a renewal of vows ceremony in the Maldives. The couple asked President Nasheed, during a telephone call on Saturday afternoon, to make the intervention on their behalf. The couple told the President that their images have been published in the media without their consent, which is causing them considerable distress and embarrassment. President Nasheed calls on the media not to reproduce photographs or video footage of the couple

President Nasheed Personally Apologises to 'Fake Wedding Vows' Couple

President Mohamed Nasheed has personally apologised to the couple who were mocked and insulted during a renewal of vows ceremony at Vilu Reef resort. In a telephone call on Saturday afternoon from the President's official residence, Muleeaage, President Nasheed told the couple that "the entire country is deeply saddened and sorry for what has happened." President Nasheed explained to the couple - who have requested anonymity - that the Maldives Police Service have arrested two members of the resort's staff who conducted the renewal of vows ceremony. The two men are being held in police custody under a judicial warrant. The President said he will "personally oversee an overhaul to the way wedding vows ceremonies are conducted in the Maldives." "The government will announce strict new regulations within the week covering all resorts and hotels in the country," the President added. President Nasheed invited the couple back to the Maldives at their convenience as his personal guests. The couple thanked President Nasheed for taking the time to personally intervene in this matter. The President ended the telephone conversation by ensuring the couple that his office will keep them updated on the ongoing investigation into this matter.

Maldives Government Apologises to Wedding Vows Couple
The Maldivian government has apologised to a couple who were verbally abused by resort staff during a renewal of vows ceremony at Vilu Reef resort in the Maldives. Ambassador Ms. Iruthisham Adam, from the Maldives embassy in Geneva, personally telephoned the couple, who have asked to remain anonymous, Friday afternoon to offer the government´s "profound and heartfelt apologies." "I informed the couple that the entire country is deeply shocked and saddened by what has happened. The Maldives is renowned for its warm hospitality and this incident has brought great shame upon our tourism industry and our country," Ambassador Adam stated. Ambassador Adam noted that the resort´s management have also extended their deep apologies to the couple and offered them compensation.Ambassador Adam informed the couple that two members of the resort´s staff have been arrested by Maldives police, who are investigating the incident under a judicial warrant. She noted that President Nasheed has ordered strict new guidelines to be introduced, which will regulate renewal of vows ceremonies in every hotel and resort in the country. Ambassador Adam explained to the couple that government officials will sit around a table with Maldivian tourism industry representatives on Saturday morning, to ensure that such incidents do not happen again. A video of the renewal of vows ceremony was posted on YouTube earlier this week and has caused a media storm within the Maldives and abroad. In a national radio address on Friday morning, President Nasheed expressed his "disgust" at the incident and described the behaviour of the resort staff involved as “absolutely disgraceful”.

Vice President highlights the need for food security for the Maldives
In his speech at the official ceremony to mark this yearś Farmers´ Day, Vice President Dr Mohamed Waheed has said it was not safe for the Maldives to entirely depend on world food market. Noting that the Maldives depended entirely on food imports, he said we were extremely vulnerable to instabilities in the world food market and food prices could become too expensive for Maldivians. Therefore, he underscored the importance of prioritizing growing crops that were most suitable for the Maldives to increase our food security and reduce the quantity of imported food items. Speaking at the ceremony held at Addu Atoll School in Hulhumeedhoo of Addu Atoll last evening, the Vice President also spoke on the importance changing Maldivians´ food habits to ensure they get all vital nutrients. He pointed out growing more fruits and vegetables and making them more affordable, and increasing public awareness as important factors to ensure our diet included all food items that provide necessary nutrients. During his visit to Hulhumeedhoo yesterday to officiate the Farmers´ Day events, the Vice President inaugurated an exhibition that showcased new farming methods and technologies. The Vice President visited Hulhumeedhoo yesterday afternoon. He has returned to Male´ this morning.

MAHB signs joint deal on Maldives airport
Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) yesterday signed a joint-venture agreement with GMR Infrastructure Ltd and GMR Male International Airport Ltd (GMIAL) for the rehabilitation, expansion, modernisation, operation and maintenance of Male International Airport, Maldives. MAHB told Bursa Malaysia yesterday that it was based on a build-operate-transfer model.

Maui ranks high in hotel stays, prices
A survey of world island tourist destinations puts Hawaii, and particularly Maui, at or near the top in hotel occupancy, prices and revenue per available room. The study, released today by Hospitality Advisors, found the Maldives are easily the most expensive of the top island destinations, but through the first nine months of this year, Oahu had the highest occupancy, 78.3 percent. Maui, which was included in Hawaii but also reported separately, was fourth in average daily rate, despite considerable discounting over the past year and a half. The average Maui room was priced at $225 a night, down 6.3 percent from a year before. That sandwiched Maui between the Bahamas ($273) and Aruba ($204).

Maldives hotel apologises over marriage blessing abuse
The golden sands and turquoise seas of the Maldives are a favourite location for couples looking to affirm their love in a location more exotic than the local register office. But an important lesson can be gleaned from one unfortunate pair who renewed their vows on a Maldivian beach: make sure you know exactly what you're saying "I do" to. The Maldivian foreign minister issued a grovelling public apology today to a Swiss couple who thought they were being blessed at an idyllic beach ceremony but were in fact being referred to as "swine" and "infidels" in the local tongue.

Berlusconi at centre of new sex scandal
Italy's papers lead with the latest sex scandal surrounding Silvio Berlusconi, summed up by the expression "bunga bunga"... we look at what the expression means and where it came from! Also, the Maldives has been forced to apologise to a Swiss couple at centre of a YouTube video that has gone viral. While renewing their wedding vows in the local langauge, the couple were insulted by the man performing the ceremony.

Tourist couple abused during Maldives wedding
The Maldives will introduce strict guidelines on conducting wedding ceremonies for tourists after a foreign couple was mocked and abused by staff members at a local resort, the president's office said Friday. The couple thought they were taking part in a marriage renewal ceremony conducted in the local Dhivehi language. But the officiant used the occasion to insult them and call them names. The Maldives -- an archipelago of almost 1,200 coral islands south-southeast of India -- is a secular nation of 370,000 Muslims. But it is a favorite of well-heeled Westerners lured by its white sandy beaches.

Maldives apologises to couple over 'hate' wedding ceremony
The Maldivian government has apologised to a European couple abused as "swine" and "infidels" during what was supposed to be a romantic renewal of wedding vows in the Indian Ocean archipelago. Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed "personally apologised" to the couple in a telephone conversation on Saturday afternoon, his office said in a statement.
"President Nasheed explained to the couple -- who have requested anonymity -- that the Maldives Police Service have arrested two members of the resort's staff who conducted the renewal of vows ceremony.

Maldives police to probe foul-mouthed wedding ceremony
Police in the Maldives are to launch an investigation after a foreign couple who thought they were renewing marriage vows were in fact being subjected to a torrent of abuse. A video has emerged of the unidentified Western couple taking part in the ceremony at the Vilu Reef resort. Instead of words of blessing, the celebrant calls the couple "swine" and "infidels" in the local language.The hotel has apologised for the "unforgivable conduct" of its staff. "The management of the resort is deeply saddened by this humiliating event," the hotel said in a statement.

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Swimming With the Fishes
Some of my favorite vacations have been in tropical locations where I can relax on the beach but also enjoy adventures in the water. For my money, the best aquatic activity of all is snorkeling, which combines a front-seat view of wildlife with swimming. It’s perfect for people like me, who aren’t PADI certified for scuba and who prefer the liberation of swimming near the surface to the claustrophobia of the depths. There’s no better way to explore coral reefs and commune with a variety of fish and other wildlife.

                 28 October 2010 | Thursday                 

The President’s Office hands over historic manuscripts to the Department of Heritage

The President’s Office has officially handed over historic manuscripts in the President’s Office to Department of Heritage today. Speaking at a special function held at the National Museum this morning, President Mohamed Nasheed said the manuscripts have added to our treasure of the historical documents and information. The manuscripts handed over to the Heritage Department today were discovered in the President’s Office in late 2008. Elaborating on preservation work carried out by the President’s Office, the President thanked Ms Aminath Shareef, Senior Project Director of the President’s Office, for her dedication and successfully completing the work. Ms Shareef led the work of preserving and cataloguing all the manuscripts and documents that were handed over to the Department of Heritage today. The President said the manuscripts and documents were an important source of historic information, and spoke, in detail, on some of the manuscripts. Ms Shareef, signed the official document of handing over the manuscripts and presented the catalogue of all manuscripts to the Department of Heritage, on behalf of the President’s Office. Director of the National Museum Mr Ali Waheed signed the document and accepted the catalogue on behalf of the Department.

US Ambassador Pays Courtesy Call on the President

United States Ambassador to the Maldives, Patricia Butenis, paid a courtesy call on the President on Thursday. Discussions at the meeting were mainly on the political and economic progress in the Maldives. At the meeting, the President gave an overview of the economic situation. The US Ambassador inquired about recent protests organised by the opposition DRP, and praised government’s response following complaints of police mishandling of journalists who covered the protests. Special Envoy Ibrahim Hussain Zaki met with representatives of media following Monday’s protests. The President assured the US Ambassador that government would always uphold press freedom, even during difficult times.

Newlyweds Katy Perry and Russell Brand Honeymoon in Maldives
Maldives is a perfect getaway place, much more if it’s for a romantic honeymoon. Yes, that’s definitely where Russell Brand is taking the new Mrs. Brand, Katy Perry, for their honeymoon. The couple flew to Maldives on Monday after their wedding in Aman-I-Khas resort in India last Saturday. Jaipur airport director R.K. Singh said that the couple took a chartered flight to the Maldives where lots of luxurious and top of the line resorts can be found on its small coral-strewn islands. Only a few details of the heavily guarded ceremony were retrieved since the exclusive footage was allegedly sold to a british paper. However, UsMagazine said that Katy wore an Elie Saab haute couture wedding dress. A source described the dress as dove gray in color with lavish lace sleeves. In short, it was fabulous!

                 27 October 2010 | Wednesday                 

Cabinet Discusses Budget 2011

At a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, the Cabinet discussed government budget for the year 2011. The Cabinet, in particular, discussed the importance of balancing the budget, and taking government revenue into consideration when ministries propose projects in their budgets

Teleradiology Solutions inks pact with Maldives’ Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital
Teleradiology Solutions, a provider of speciality services to hospitals, has entered into an agreement with Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) in Maldives. to provide timely and quality reporting of patient CT scans and other diagnostic tests to the patients on the island. With 275 beds, IGMH was set up in 1995 as an acute tertiary care public referral hospital in the Maldives. This association will enable the hospital to improve service delivery and quality of care with the aim to provide pleasant experience to any one seeking services at IGMH.

Maldives manta rays threatened by tourism
A tourist boom in the Indian Ocean's Maldives islands could threaten the giant manta rays that gather to feed there, a marine biologist warns. Despite Hanifaru Bay in the Baa Atoll recently being declared a Marine Protected Area, it faces a massive decline in wildlife and the tourism is generates unless proper management is put in place, Guy Stevens, director of the Maldives Manta Ray Project, says. Although the main region of the protected area is only the size of a football field, Hanifaru is a world-famous feeding site for up to 250 manta rays, which have an average wingspan of 10 feet, The Guardian reports.

First Islamic bank in the Maldives
The Islamic Banking and Finance Institute Malaysia (IBFIM) has joined forces with Maldives Islamic Bank to set up the first Islamic bank in Maldives, which aims to be operational next January. Both parties signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) yesterday at the Global Islamic Finance Forum. The MoA will bind both parties to co-develop Islamic finance in the Maldives through an extensive study of Maldives’ legal and banking framework to create a harmonised environment for the growth of Islamic finance.

                 26 October 2010 | Tuesday                 

Court Anticipates Hameed to be Tried Under Arrest

Criminal Court has said that it has cancelled a hearing on former Minister of Atolls Administration Abdulla Hameed, the brother of former President Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom, due to his absence to the court. The court said that the continuing trial on Hameed can be continued under arrest and has asked authorities to hold his passport. The trial against Hameed was abuse of power during his office in the former government. The trial was cancelled five times and court said that the cancellation came as Hameed was absent in Male’. Authorities say the appeal to hold Hameed’s was made when Hameed left to abroad. Maldives Police responsible to protect law and order said that they failed to arrest Hameed because he has not returned to the country after he left. Hameed denies any allegations and has sent a statement that he had not been involved in any corruption nor any wrong doing during his service. Mr. Hameed yunger brother of Former President Dictator Gayoom, is very famous in the country for Cheating Public Money, and homo sex.

President Returns to Male’
President Mohamed Nasheed has returned to Malé after concluding his visit to Singapore. During the visit, the President held discussions with Singaporean authorities on Maldivian businesses operating in Singapore

A Malaysian Islamic finance industry body and the Maldives Islamic Bank signed a deal on Tuesday to set up Maldives' first sharia lender.
Maldives Islamic Bank hoped to set up the bank within six months, its managing director Harith Harun said in a statement. A subsidiary of the Islamic Development Bank holds a 70 percent state in the Maldives bank while the government of Maldives owns the rest. The deal with the Islamic Banking and Finance Institute Malaysia, which is owned by the Malaysian central bank and several sharia banks, would enable a study of Maldives' regulatory framework to create an environment that would foster the industry's growth, the statement said.

The Buzz | Destination: Honeymoon
Comedian Russell Brand and pop singer Katy Perry flew to the Maldives on Monday after their wedding Saturday at a tiger reserve in India, while authorities investigated whether the wedding party broke noise laws. The Maldives, a nation of tiny coral islands in the Indian Ocean, is renowned for its high-end resorts. Indian officials Monday ordered an investigation into public complaints about party noise that lasted into the early hours Sunday. Local laws bar noise beyond 10 p.m. that would disturb local communities or wildlife. Honors to Shriver, Jones California first lady Maria Shriver and musician and philanthropistQuincy Jones were honored for their humanitarian efforts at a star-studded event Saturday in Los Angeles. Rod Stewart, Halle Berry, Jane Fonda, Tom Hanks and Raquel Welch were among the stars on hand when the two were recognized at the annual Carousel of Hope ball, which raises money to treat pediatric diabetes. Philanthropist Barbara Davis hosted the event at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, where Jay Leno served as master of ceremonies and Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony and Gladys Knight performed.

Parliament reconvene but Suspends Again for another Week

The parliament again lost its session procedures today after members ever ready to heat the floor with point of order. The scheduled agenda had been canceled and members of the opposition Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party stating that to respect the Supreme Court Order the session cannot be continued because the agenda included the court order related issues. The Maldivian Democratic Party, seeking a collective vote for President Mohamed Nasheed’s re-appointed cabinet, two days after their resignation en masse contravene the DRP claim, saying the parliament must continue its sessions. The chair unable to tame the floor ended the session as the difference widened making it impossible to find a common ground. The parliament had been suspended for the past two weeks and added another one week after today’s brawl between the self claimed ruling party and the opposition. The Supreme Court, after the cabinet approval issue submitted to decide on whether the parliament regulation article 71 clause (H) contradicts legislation on approving cabinet, made the ruling on parliament to halt any deliberation on cabinet or that hurt any court ruling until it decides on the case submitted by the Attorney General.

                 25 October 2010 | Monday                 

MESSAGE OF THE UN RESIDENT COORDINATOR, MR. ANDREW COX, ON THE OCCASION OF THE 65TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE UNITED NATIONS, 24 OCTOBER 2010, 3:00 P.M. AT THE UN BUILDING
H.E. V.P. Dr. Waheed, Excellencies, Honourable Ministers, Colleagues in the UN system, Partners and Friends, Ladies and Gentlemen On behalf of the UN system in the Maldives, I would like to welcome you to the UN premises and thank you for joining this afternoon’s commemoration of the founding of the United Nations.

Quote from former UNSG Kofi Annan
The Executive and the Parliament have faced off on avoidable issues; political parties have opposed each other and blocked key legislation as a matter of principle, even if there is no substantive disagreement. The judiciary, already in desperate need of strengthening, has faltered, and been disrupted by political pressure (including the recent demonstrations), inflicting lasting damage on its independence and reputation. Equally, the constitution and separation of powers have come under tremendous strain.

None of the Maldives’ achievements would have been possible without UN Support, says the Vice President

Speaking at a function organised by United Nations offices in the Maldives today to mark this year’s UN Day, Vice President Dr Mohamed Waheed paid tribute to UN for its support for the development of the Maldives. The Vice President said, since the Maldives joined UN 45 years ago on 21 September 2010, the Maldives has achieved many developmental milestones. “Our achievements in reaching the MDGs has placed us on the road to become a Middle Income Country starting next year”, he said. He also noted the democratic transition in the Maldives that began “with the adoption of the new constitution, the establishement of new democratic institutions and the holding of free and fair elections”.

Protecting and promoting the rights of the people, a key purpose of any government – Vice President

In his inaugural address of the training programme for the ministerial human rights focal points on mainstreaming human rights, Vice President Dr Mohamed Waheed spoke on the importance of the role of the government in promoting and protecting the rights of the people. Speaking at Dharubaaruge this morning to inaugurate training programme organised by the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM), the Vice President said protecting and ensuring the rights of the people should be the key priority of any government. Furthermore, the Vice President said ensuring the rights of the people prescribed in the Constitution was a responsible of the government. He said protecting the human rights of each and every individual was the main objective of all the policies of the current government.

Kingfisher Calender to be shot in Mauritius
After turning up the heat in the Maldives last year, the ultra chic Kingfisher calendar will now be shot in Mauritius. This will be the second time Mauritius gets re-associated with Kingfisher calendar after a gap of eight years. The introductory edition was shot there.Ace photographer Atul Kasbekar will lead the shoot in the east coast of Mauritius. 'For the connoisseurs of photography and style, the Kingfisher Calendar showcases some of the best visual talent in India,' Vijay Mallya, chairman of United Breweries, said in a statement.

Entire Maldives cabinet may get axed, warns Parliamentarian

The entire Maldives’ cabinet will be thrown out if a collective vote is taken for endorsing them, opposition Parliamentarian Ali Waheed warned. The country now awaits the Supreme Court ruling on whether the cabinet should be endorsed collectively or individually in Parliament, after the government and the opposition clashed over the matter. Waheed told a main opposition Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party rally that there are some ministers they support and want to endorse in Parliament, urging the need for individual voting, Miadhu reported. However, if a block vote is taken for endorsement, the opposition will throw out the entire cabinet, he said. Waheed’s comment comes midst a deepening rift between the government and the opposition. The opposition-dominant Parliament support individual endorsement and has vowed not to approve three cabinet ministers of the 13 members. The three ministers likely to come under hammer in the event of individual voting are Education Minister Dr. Musthafa Luthfee, Defence Minister Ameen Faisal and Foreign Minister Dr. Ahmed Shaheed. He alleged them of wreaking havoc in the country’s economic, education and development sectors. Earlier, Dr. Shaheed narrowly survived a motion of no confidence by just one vote, and the entire cabinet resigned on 29 June, a day ahead of the no confidence motion against Education Minister Luthfee.

Royal Jet partners with Luxury Hotels by Dnata and Luxury Air Travel by Dnata
Royal Jet - the Abu Dhabi-based international luxury flight services company chaired by His Excellency Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan - has partnered with Luxury Air Travel by Dnata and Luxury Hotels by Dnata to offer some of the most exquisite getaway packages to Egypt, the Maldives, Florence and Mauritius.

First-ever Women’s SAFF Cup in December
There is some very good news for women’s football in South Asia. The first-ever South Asian Football Federation organised SAFF Women’s Championships will be held from December 3 to 10, 2010 in the Bangladeshi city of Cox’s Bazar. But the number of participating countries is unclear at the moment. In the 11th South Asian Games held earlier this year in Dhaka only five of the eight SAFF member countries send their women’s football teams to participate. The women’s football competition in the SA Games was held for the first time and expectedly India won the gold medal; but the Maldives, Bhutan and Afghanistan did not send their teams. If they will do so for the SAFF Women’s Championships will have to be seen and accordingly the schedule of the tournament will be put together, be it as a round robin tournament or a league format.

Splendidasia Maldives at WTM 2010
Splendidasia Maldives will be taking part at WTM 2010 with Maldives Tourism Promotion Board at AS340, where we will;
• Update you with the latest Maldives destination information
• Discuss our new and existing products, offers and
• Select possible Maldives FAM trip participants for 2011.

Clergy urge Lankan president to release Fonseka
A group of religious leaders Sunday called on Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa to release the imprisoned former Army Commander and Democratic National Alliance (DNA) Leader Sarath Fonseka from prison. Addressing a press conference the religious leaders of various faiths said there is a miscarriage of justice with regard to Fonseka’s case and urged the President to correct it by releasing the military leader turned politician, reported ColomboPage. Ven Kolamunne Sumanawansa Thero, Rev Patrick Fernando, Moulavi Al Haj Hassan Cassim and Hindu priest Vigneswar Sharma addressed the media briefing. The clergy have gathered under a banner claiming “Release General Fonseka immediately.”

THE SHAMING OF AMERICA.
As usual, the Arabs knew. They knew all about the mass torture, the promiscuous shooting of civilians, the outrageous use of air power against family homes, the vicious American and British mercenaries, the cemeteries of the innocent dead. All of Iraq knew. Because they were the victims.

                 24 October 2010 | Sunday                 

Protecting and promoting the rights of the people, a key purpose of any government – Vice President

In his inaugural address of the training programme for the ministerial human rights focal points on mainstreaming human rights, Vice President Dr Mohamed Waheed spoke on the importance of the role of the government in promoting and protecting the rights of the people. Speaking at Dharubaaruge this morning to inaugurate training programme organised by the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM), the Vice President said protecting and ensuring the rights of the people should be the key priority of any government. Furthermore, the Vice President said ensuring the rights of the people prescribed in the Constitution was a responsible of the government. He said protecting the human rights of each and every individual was the main objective of all the policies of the current government. Speaking in this regard, Vice President Dr Waheed underscored ensuring people’s rights involved incorporating and mainstreaming human rights thinking in all levels of the government in policy making and implementation, and state institutions. He added that the government and other institutions should also ensure equitable distribution of benefits their programmes and plans among all citizens. In his address, the Vice President identified accepting the principles of human rights as a vital step to mainstream human rights in all areas of the society. The objective of two-day training programme organised by HRCM is to provide necessary training for human rights focal points at all ministries to incorporate principles of human rights in both policy making and implementation.

President departs for Singapore
President Mohamed Nasheed has this evening begun a visit to Singapore. During the visit, the President will hold discussions with Singaporean authorities on Maldivian businesses operating in Singapore.

President sends condolences following the passing of the Prime Minister of Barbados
President Mohamed Nasheed has sent condolences Governor-General of Barbados Sir Clifford Husbands following the passing away of Prime Minister of Barbados David Thompson. The President message of condolence to Governor-General Sir Clifford Husbands reads as follows:
Quote:
I was deeply grieved to learn of the passing away of Prime Minister David Thompson. His distinguished services to the nation will no doubt be remembered. On this sad occasion of national grief, the Government and the people of the Maldives join me in extending our profound sympathy to you, the Government and the people of Barbados. Please also convey our heartfelt condolences to Prime Minister David Thompson’s family.
Unquote.
Prime Minister David Thompson passed away Saturday of pancreatic cancer at the age of 48. David Thompson was elected as the Prime Minister of Barbados 2008.

MTCC Assumes Hulhule and Hulhumale Bus Service Operation.
Hulhule and Hulhumale Bus Services operated by MACL will be handed to Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) from 22nd October 2010 under an agreement signed among MACL, MTCC and Housing Development Corporation. Season tickets procured for Hulhule and Hulhumale bus service from MACL on or before 19th October will be valid until its expiry. Procurement of daily tickets and season tickets from 22nd October will be available from MTCC. Bus Stops assigned for bus services in Hulhule and Hulhumale are the same as before which are the bus stand right in front of domestic terminal, bus stand at western side of International Departure Terminal and bus stop NI:02 in Hulhumale.

SAFF all set to hold Women Football event in December
South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) is all set to organise Women´s Football among its member nations from December 3 to 13, 2010 when Bangladeshi Town Cox's Bazar will host inaugural SAFF women championship, said Syed Khadim Ali Shah, Senior Vice President (SVP) of SAFF. Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Nepal, Bhutan and Afghanistan to take part "In a country whose population is predominantly Muslim and there is some resistance towards women's football. The women's game has struggled to gain a foothold in Bangladesh in the past and many tournaments dedicated to women have failed. Women's football finally saw light in Bangladesh when the first ever women's football tournament was staged under in November 2007. Eight teams especially from different districts all over the country took part in the tournament and made it a success amidst security threats. In October 2008, First Women's School Football tournament was held under the Vision Bangladesh programme with BFF hopeful of continuing and developing the women's game in the country. Women's football was included in the South Asian Games 2010 hosted in Dhaka, while the first Women's SAFF Championship is to be held in December in the country," said Khadim. The SAFF Women Championship will be comprised of India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan and Afghanistan. "The number of teams to participate in the SAFF has not been finalised yet. At least five teams of the 11th SAG will participate, or there may be more than those five. Maldives, Bhutan and Afghanistan did not participate in the SAG football," said Khadim Shah, who is also Pakistan Football Federation (PFF)'s Vice President. It may be noted that Women Football was included in the 11th South Asian Games for the first time last year to promote the development of football in South Asia. India had won gold medal in the competition that also included Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bangladesh. The SAFF Championship for Men is held biannually, which was launched at Lahore's Railway Stadium in 1993, as SAARC Gold Cup; since 1997 onwards it is known as the SAFF Championship. Khadim further said that Bangladesh Football Federation President Kazi Mohammed Salahuddin, after being elected SAFF President on 3rd October 2009 had announced that five tournaments would be organised each year giving more emphasis on women and youth teams. He took over from All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) President Ganesh Thapa who was the SAFF President for eight years before Salahuddin.

                 23 October 2010 | Saturday                 

President hopeful political parties will strengthen internal democracy
In his weekly radio address, President Mohamed Nasheed has said he is hopeful political parties in the country will be able to consolidate internal democracy. Speaking on the importance of internal party elections, the President noted election methods in all political parties need not be similar. “[Election] procedures may differ from one party to another. It is a decision up to party members,” the President said. “However, I hope through political parties we will be able to identify qualified people who have pubic support to run for future political positions,” he added. The President explained that one of the main aims of party system was to identify qualified people for public offices and build future leaders, adding that “such candidates must have a consistent political philosophy, purpose and perspective”. President Nasheed congratulated MDP leadership for their recent party elections as the party prepares for annual congress later this month. In his radio address, the President also spoke on Thimarafushi airport project, introduction of speed boat ferry between Male and Hulhule, and the completion of causeway between Hulhule and Hulhumale. On Thursday, Special Envoy Ibrahim Hussain Zaki launched a land reclamation project for the airport in Thimarafushi. A total of 41 hectares of land will be added to the island, of which 31 hectares will be allocated for the development of the airport. The project is contracted to Hansang of South Korea. The President began his address by highlighting this year’s final school exams. He shared his experience as a parent of two school-aged children and emphasised parental responsibility as students prepare for their exams. He reminded students that key to success in anything lied in steadfastness and perseverance.

ARC Launches a Child Abuse Prevention Campaign

President Mohamed Nasheed and First Lady Laila Ali last evening attended the launch of the child abuse prevention campaign organized by ARC – Advocating the Rights of Children. At the function held at the Artificial Beach area, First Lady Laila Ali launched the awareness video clips on child abuse prevention. Three video clips are a part of the ARC campaign aimed at raising public awareness about different forms of child abuse, through media. ARC – Advocating the Rights of Children is a Maldivian non-government organization working to protect and promote the rights of children and to raise public awareness on children’s rights.

President Ratifies Judicature Bill and Copyrights Bill
President Mohamed Nasheed has today ratified the Judicature bill and the Copyrights bill. Following ratification, the two bills have now been published in the Government Gazette. The Judicature Act, passed by the People’s Majlis on 13 October, specifies the division of Courts, hierarchy of Courts and the jurisdiction of the Courts as well as matters concerning the administration of the Courts. The Copyrights Act applies to all the products originate from the Maldives, and products that are owned by parties specified in the international conventions the Maldives is party to. The Copyrights Bill was passed by the People’s Majlis on 6 October 2010.

The Hay Festival: The literary institution to save the planet
"The Hay Festival’s visit to the Maldives was exotic, inspiring and surprising, says Gaby Wood"  As I stepped on to the private speedboat that picked me up from the airport last week, I remembered what a friend had said when I told him I was coming to the Hay Festival in the Maldives: “Being a books editor wasn’t like that in Cyril Connolly’s day.” That’s certainly true, though I’m sure the spirit of Cyril would be rather partial to coconut cocktails. It might also be stirred by the power of a literary event to effect global change – in the case of the inaugural Hay Festival Maldives, by highlighting the challenges facing the archipelago, which is threatened by rising sea levels caused by climate change.

It is for Maldives to resolve political crisis: Commonwealth
It is of course, for Maldives to resolve their constitutional and political challenges whilst the Commonwealth remains a “trusted partner,” Secretary General Kamalesh Sharma said midst signs of a deepening political crisis in the country. “Friends like the Commonwealth, in consultation with other international partners preferred by Maldives, including the UN and the EU, are there to help with the collaboration that may be desired,” Sharma said on Sunday during an official visit to the Maldives. And just two days after Sharma’s call to resolve issues internally, its political crisis deepened with Parliament deadlocked.

Treasure trove
Male is a densely concreted warren where the all the world's problems - political, social, religious and environmental - are played out in microcosm, but beyond it lie 200 inhabited islands, where people have been scratching a living in much the same way for thousands of years. If Male's maze of alleys and careening mopeds seems insular and impenetrable - you're unlikely to run into the burgeoning death metal scene, for instance - the inhabited islands are just the opposite. Islanders are famous for their hospitality and friendliness, and the novelty of foreign visitors ensures a warm welcome. Small guest houses are springing up all over the country, and a room and local fare can usually be arranged — simply ask at the island office. But don't expect to sunbathe without sparking a scandal that will be talked about for years to come. Getting around on a budget in a country designed for yacht charter remains a challenge. The timetable for the government's new ferry service remains arcane, while private inter-atoll ferries are mostly unscheduled, unregulated and rely on you asking the captain where he feels like going that particular day.

From Mumbai to Cape Town by boat
The extremes of Mumbai, the possibility of pirates near Somalia, threatened islands in the Indian Ocean and safaris in Africa. As several friends said when we returned to Canada, "That was a serious cruise!" Like many Canadians, we enjoy cruising but are always on the lookout for something different. We found it on the Indian Ocean with Regent Seven Seas Cruises, known for its luxury ships and exotic itineraries. When we discovered a two-week cruise from the Indian metropolis of Mumbai to Cape Town in South Africa, we took a deep breath and jumped.

School of Applied Studies to close down
The School of Applied Studies (SAS), a private education institution, has decided to cease operations, citing financial difficulties as the reason. It has sought help from the Council for Private Education (CPE), a statutory board that regulates the private education sector. The CPE said to date, 195 Private Education Institutions (PEI) have been granted registration under the Enhanced Registration Framework for the private education sector. It said another 115 PEIs were currently undergoing evaluation. The CPE estimates that about another 150 PEIs will be coming forth to seek registration before the transition period ends in June next year.

Missing boat found in Maldives
The Sri Lankan multi-day fishing boat Dinusha-2 with five fishermen on board reported missing was found by the Maldivian Coast Guard yesterday. Four fishermen had died while one was in a critical condition, Fisheries and Aquatic Ministry sources said. The boat had been found floating following a technical error. The five fishermen had been traveling in the boat without food for several days. The Maldivian Embassy informed the Sri Lankan authorities about the incident. The only survivor K D Mahesh Kumara had said the other four fishermen had died to not having food and water. Arrangements are underway to bring the fishermen and the four bodies to Sri Lanka.

                 21 October 2010 | Thursday                 

President Requests Government Offices to Comply With Anti-Corruption Commission
In a directive published in the Government Gazette, President Mohamed Nasheed has requested all government offices to fully comply with instructions from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). The directive also stated that the government wanted to extend full cooperation to all cases investigated by ACC. It requested compliance of all the government authorities with the Commission’s instruction to suspend or discontinue any of the government projects. At the Cabinet meeting held on Tuesday, the President called on all ministers to fully comply with ACC.

14 November Declared a Public Holiday and 27 November a Working Day
Sunday, 14 November, has been declared a public holiday, and Saturday, 27 November a working day instead. In a directive issued by the President’s Office today, it was announced that 14 October is declared a public holiday to extend the weekend to link-up with the Eid holidays.

Maldives Elected Vice-Chair of UN Torture Prevention Forum
The Maldives was today elected Vice-Chair and representative of the Asia Region at an international meeting of countries committed to the prevention of torture around the world. The Meeting of States Parties to the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention against Torture (OPCAT) will take place at the United Nations in Geneva on 28 October 2010 and will elect 15 new members to the UN Subcommittee on the Prevention of Torture (SPT), the UN system's primary torture prevention mechanism.

Sicagen India To Acquire Singapore-Based Wilson Cables
Sicagen India Ltd is set to acquire Singapore-based Wilson Cables Pvt Ltd. The acquisition will help Sicagen to enter into the Singapore market. Wilson Cables is manufactures cables under the brand name "WILSON CABLES" and exports to countries like China, Hong Kong, Brunei, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Mynamar, Vietnam, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Maldives, Mauritius and many of the Middle East Countries.

IBFIM IN PACT TO SET UP FIRST ISLAMIC BANK IN MALDIVES
The Islamic Banking and Finance Institute Malaysia (IBFIM) and the Maldives Islamic Bank will sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to set up the first Islamic bank in Maldives and to develop Maldives Islamic Bank Shariah-compliant banking products. The MoA, among others, will bind both parties to co-develop Islamic finance in Maldives through extensive study of Maldives’ legal and banking framework to create a harmonise environment for the growth of Islamic finance. The MoA will be sign by Maldives Islamic Bank’s Chairman, Mr. Khalid Khaled Al-Aboodi and IBFIM’s Chief Executive Officer, YBhg. Dato’ Dr. Adnan Alias and witnessed by YBhg. Dato’ Mohd Razif Abd Kadir, Deputy Governor of Bank Negara Malaysia and YBhg. Dato’ Sri Zukri Samat, Chairman of IBFIM during the Global Islamic Finance Forum (GIFF) in Kuala Lumpur.

The Radar: Maldives Rays at Risk, Japanese Ski Slopes
An influx of tourists to the Maldives is putting their manta ray population at risk. Despite its designation as a Marine Protected Area, there has been a decline in the number of rays in Hanifaru Bay, which experts say results from the number of tourists having tripled in the last few years. There are about 250 rays in the world-famous bay, but as many as 13 boats will often enter the area, inhibiting their ability to feed.

American Indian Farmers Are Offered $680 Million
The Obama administration agreed Tuesday to pay up to $680 million to American Indian farmers to settle an 11-year-old class-action lawsuit alleging discrimination by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, who took office promising to address longstanding complaints by minority farmers against the department, said eligible farmers and ranchers can receive up to $250,000 each for showing that USDA discrimination caused them economic losses. However, most farmers will probably opt for a uniform $50,000 payment, which involves less red tape.

                 20 October 2010 | Wednesday                 

Government Welcomes “Solid Gains” in Press Freedom
The government has welcomed Reporters Without Borders’ (RWB) 2010 report on global press freedom, which has praised the Maldives for making “solid gains” in consolidating media freedoms. “Some developing countries have managed to make solid gains, particularly Mongolia and the Maldives,” the report states. “As a rule, the authorities have been respectful of press freedoms, exemplified by their decriminalization of press offenses in the Maldives.” Last year, the government decriminalized defamation, to ensure journalists cannot be sent to jail for anything they write. The Maldives was ranked in 52nd place in RWB’s 2010 league table, just three places behind Italy. This represents a modest statistical change in last year’s league table, when the Maldives was ranked 51st. In 2007, the Maldives was ranked 129th place in the league table. Other international organizations have also praised recent improvements in Maldivian democracy and freedoms. Last year, American NGO Freedom House promoted the Maldives from a “not free” to a “partially free” country, in its report on global civil liberties. RWB said that Scandinavian countries had the most press freedom in 2010. Finland, Norway and Sweden were all awarded joint first place in the 2010 league table. Iran (placed 175th), North Korea (177th) and Eritrea (178) were among the worst countries for media freedom.

President Urges Government Offices to Comply With Anti-Corruption Commission

At today’s Cabinet Meeting, President Mohamed Nasheed urged all government offices to fully comply with instructions from the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC). The President said government wanted to extend full cooperation to all cases investigated by ACC. The Cabinet also discussed development of five domestic airports handed over to Airports Investment Maldives Pvt Ltd (AIM). The Cabinet decided to open five islands for resort development as a joint-venture to parties who can develop the airports. At today’s meeting, the Cabinet also decided to formulate policies on substituting islands and lagoons leased for tourism development and other industrial purposes. The Cabinet noted the importance of government assistance to develop resorts and hotels already leased by the government.

Commonwealth to open up Small State Office in Geneva

The Commonwealth will set up a Small State Office in Geneva early next year in which the Maldives too will become a tenant, Secretary General Kamalesh Sharma said. The new office will support small states in their diverse negotiating challenges, as it has already done in the UN in New York, Sharma told journalists in Male’ during his visit over the week-end. The Maldives has expressed interest in being a tenant, and the Secretary General said “we look forward to their participation.”

Maldives ‘tourism boom’ putting manta rays at risk
Giant manta rays could be driven away from world-famous feeding site in five years because of disruption from tourist industry, warns leading marine biologist. Despite its recent status as a Marine Protected Area (MPA), a popular tourist destination in the Maldives is facing a massive decline in wildlife and tourism unless proper management is put in place.

Tourism's negative impact
Rupert Ormond, chief scientist at SaveOurSeas Foundation, says the tourism generated by the animals is a double-edged sword. ‘It can provide economic justification for the protection of the species, but unless tourist numbers and behaviour are controlled, not only will it degrade visitor experience, but the feeding behaviour of the animals will be disrupted and they will move elsewhere, or even show an overall decline in population size.’

US oil spill hit a key tuna spawning site: agency
Numbers of juvenile Atlantic tuna at a major spawning site in the Gulf of Mexico probably fell by at least a fifth this year as a result of the BP oil spill, the European Space Agency (ESA) said Monday. The assessment comes from satellite images and data of the Gulf from April 20 to August 29, it said in a press release.

Fishing and the environment: why the two are inextricably linked
Anglers may set out to hunt fish - for fun or food - but they are also some of greatest protectors of aquatic environments, argues Robert MacDougall-Davis. It was American ecologist Aldo Leopold who said 'harmony with land is like harmony with a friend; you cannot cherish his right hand and chop off his left.' This sentiment rings true in angling. You cannot enjoy good fishing without taking great care of the environment in which you fish. Angling and the environment are inextricably linked and a flourishing aquatic and terrestrial ecosystem is synonymous with good fishing. The majority of anglers not only love and respect the environment in which they fish, but also go to great lengths to protect and conserve the health of the aquatic ecosystem as a whole.

Sharî'ah: Between Two Popes
While it started out as a minor footnote, opposition to sharî'ah has now morphed into the mantra by which many justify their opposition to the so-called "Ground Zero mosque." If we allow this mosque to go forth, so the logic goes, the next thing you know, all the bars in the country will be shut down (and those infidel lushes flogged!), all the women will be draped in sheets, and Muhammad will replace Jacob as the most popular name in America. Allahu akbar! While some of this hysteria is clearly being peddled by people who know better, most Americans are probably just engaged in a good-faith attempt to understand and respond to sharî'ah through the only prism they have: their own historical experience. I was recently reminded of this on a visit to Cairo, during which time two popes, one Catholic, the other Coptic, expressed almost mutually contradictory sentiments about sharî'ah. The chasm separating their perspectives related not to their different levels of knowledge about sharî'ah but almost entirely to their differences in historical experience.

                 19 October 2010 | Tuesday                 

Climate change is a fundamental threat to human health
Health experts from the 11 Member States of WHO’s South-East Asia Region came together in Dhaka today in advance of the 16th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP-16) to collectively voice their concern and to encourage parties to include health issues in any new agreement regarding climate change. COP-16 will be held in Cancun, Mexico, 29 November–10 December 2010. The experts meeting in Bangladesh urged that the serious health effects of climate change be weighed in decision-making, resource allocation and outreach activities, and supported mitigation policies that have protective benefits for human health.

President Forms Local Councils
President Mohamed Nasheed has today formed the local councils as stipulated in the Decentralisation Act (Act number 7/2010). Local councils formed by the President today include 19 atoll councils, 189 island councils and 2 city councils. The two city councils are Male’ City Council and Addu City Council.

China VP promoted as party pledges political reform
China's Communists promoted Vice President Xi Jinping to a key position seen as a vital step in his ascent to the top job and pledged to pursue political reform as they wrapped up an annual meeting Monday.

Xi Jinping, Chinese 'princeling' who is close to top job
Xi Jinping, the son of a communist revolutionary hero with a celebrity wife, looks set to become the next leader of rising superpower China after he was appointed to a key military commission. Xi, 57, was promoted on Monday to vice-chairman of China's Central Military Commission -- a position that confirms him as the clear front-runner to succeed current President Hu Jintao in 2013.

Norway minister denies exerting pressure in peace prize pick
Norway's foreign minister denied Monday reports he tried to pressure the Nobel Committee against awarding the peace prize to a Chinese dissident but acknowledged passing on Beijing's concerns to its head.

Conditions not met for climate deal in Cancun: Mexico
Mexican Foreign Minister Patricia Espinosa said Monday that "conditions have not been met" for a new climate deal on reducing greenhouse gas emissions at a worldwide summit in Cancun in December.

Climate talks must ensure carbon trading: WBank official
Major talks on global warming next month must provide reassurances for the future of the market in greenhouse-gas emissions beyond 2012, the World Bank's environment chief said Monday. "What they have to find out is how to ensure that carbon trading does not collapse," Inger Andersen, the Bank's vice-president for sustainable development, told AFP in an interview.

                 18 October 2010 | Monday                 

Commonwealth Secretary-General’s Spouse Calls on the First Lady

Commonwealth Secretary-General’s wife Madam Babli Sharma today paid a courtesy call on First Lady Laila Ali. At the meeting held at the Official Residence of the President, Mulee-aage, this afternoon, the First Lady and Madam Sharma discussed issues related to social development of the Maldives. They exchanged views on educating children with special needs in the Maldives, education and empowerment of women and girls.

President Meets with a CPA UK Branch Delegation

President Mohamed Nasheed today met with a delegation of Commonwealth Parliamentary Association’s UK Branch. The delegation was led by Labour MP Rt Hon. Paul Murphy. The delegation included MPs from the Conservative Party, Labour Party and the Liberal Democratic Party. The delegation inquired about the political reform process in the Maldives and on ways how the CPA could assist the Maldives in strengthening democracy. The President said he was hopeful that democracy would consolidate in the Maldives. He thanked the Commonwealth for its role in the political reform process, and added CPA could continue to impress upon all political stakeholders of the importance of sticking to the Commonwealth Latimar House Principles.

Government to Take Action Against Building Code Breach
Government is planning to produce a framework on proper action against construction industry breaching building code, the Minister of State for Housing Dr. Mohamed Shareef has said. He said the ministry is working on translating the international code as the ministry is finding difficulty to follow the proper procedures due to current building code in the country. It was not clear when the new building code will be established but the ministry says work speed is in progress for earliest possible compilation. According to the Ministry there had been incidents with huge loss to the adjoining building during the construction near sited that has buildings erected noting the collapse of a building in the most busy market area in Male’ that cost the building and the shop owner more than Mrf.2 Million.

Baby born from embryo frozen 19 years
A healthy baby born in Norfolk, Va., in May from an embryo cryopreserved for 19 years is raising questions about leftover life forms, bioethicists say. The embryo, donated by an anonymous patient at the Jones Institute for Reproductive Medicine after she gave birth to a son via in vitro fertilization, was implanted into a 42-year-old recipient 19 years later who gave birth to that May baby boy, The (Norfolk) Virginian-Pilot reported Sunday. Both boys, brothers born of two different families through IVF, decades apart may be the oldest case of this kind, the previous record being 13 years. But their births are raising questions among bioethicists concerning "leftover" life forms frozen in liquid nitrogen. The Virginian-Pilot reports bioethicist Arthur Caplan at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, who has written about IVF issues, wonders if embryos might be handed down generation to generation; if there could be accidental inbreeding among adopted-out embryos; what are the rights of the boys if they want to meet one day. And what about the moral, ethical, gut-wrenching questions of simply discarding unused embryos? the report says. One parent facing the issue is Joe Ruzzi, whose wife had four embryos frozen. "It's a difficult, difficult situation," said Ruzzi, who is 38. "We go over it and over it and over it. It's a big ordeal. We've talked about donating them, but that's difficult because they're genetically ours, and we wouldn't have a part in raising them if we did that."

Maldives opens to foreigners
Foreigners are being given the opportunity to buy property in the Maldives for the first time with the launch of the Soneva Gili Private Residences this month. Fourteen over-water houses are being offered for sale at the Six Senses resort on the privately-owned Lankanfushi Island, one of the smallest islands in the archipelago set in one of the largest lagoons. The company is well known for its barefoot luxury and eco-friendly approach so each of the four-bedroom houses will be built from renewable and natural materials and will include an over-water pool, sauna, gym and staff quarters for the butlers.

Nexbis signs Maldives contract
Mobile security solutions provider Nexbis (ASX:NBS) has signed its 20-year contract with the immigration department of the Maldives. The agreement, first announced (ASX:WSY) three weeks ago, will see Nexbis build and supply a border control system for the country. Commercial terms have not been disclosed for national security and confidentiality reasons.

                 17 October 2010 | Sunday                 

Commonwealth Secretary General Pays a Courtesy Call on the President

Commonwealth Secretary General Mr Kamalesh Sharma has paid a courtesy call on President Mohamed Nasheed. The meeting was held on Sunday at the President’s Office. Discussions at the meeting were held on a range of issues including the recent political developments in the country and the way forward in strengthening democracy in the Maldives. President Nasheed noted that the Commonwealth engaged with the Maldives during its democratic process and thanked the Commonwealth for all its assistance. He also spoke on the challenges that the Maldives faced in consolidating democracy and explored ways that the Commonwealth could further assist the Maldives, especially in building civil society sector and judiciary. Secretary General Sharma emphasised the need to put forward national interests ahead of political interests. He also congratulated the Maldives for winning a seat at the UN Human Rights Council and said the Maldives. Vice President Dr Mohamed Waheed, Special Envoy of the President Ibrahim Hussain Zaki, Advisor on Political Affairs Hussain Afeef, Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Ahmed Shaheed, High Commissioner for the United Kingdom Dr Farahanaz Faizal and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Haula Ahmed Did also attended the meeting. Mr Kamalesh Sharma arrived in the Maldives on 16 October. During his two-day visit, Mr Sharma will meet the Speaker of the People’s Majlis, Chief Justice, Foreign Minister, Chairperson of MDP and Leader of DRP.

Vice President Attends Prize Giving Ceremony of Ramadan Quran Competition
Vice President Dr Mohamed Waheed last evening attended the prize giving ceremony of Quran recitation competition jointly organised by Vinavi Quran Class, Asaas Quran Class and Iyaaru Quran Class on the occasion of Ramadan 1431. Speaking at the ceremony held at the Islamic Centre, the Vice President thanked and congratulated the organisers for holding a successful competition with great participation from schools and other Quran classes in Male’. He also noted that recitation and studying of Quran spiritually and mentally uplifting and spiritual and metal strength was important for youth to learn personal and social discipline. Therefore, he urged the parents to encourage children to study Quran. At the last evening’s function the Vice President gave away prizes to winners of the competition in different categories.

Mihin to fly directly to Jakarta, Dhaka and Maldives
Mihin Lanka, Sri Lanka’s national budget airline will commence directflights to Jakarta, Dhaka and Maldives from December 1. CEO of Mihin Lanka, Kapila Chandrasena said that they will lease a newaircraft for this operation. “The aircraft is due next month,” he said. The airline which currently flies to Kuwait, Dubai and Indiandestination will operate three flights a week for these three new destinations.

The Maldives beyond the white-sand resorts
A Maldives resident gives an insider's view of life in the Islamic republic voted top non-European country by Guardian readers. Most people, when they think of the Maldives, imagine the scenes that dominate the postcards and brochures: the sandy beaches of the bikini-clad: the liquor-swilling, pork-guzzling symbols of Western decadence that constitute the country's 90-odd resorts. Here, a largely UK and European-led market pay staggering sums to assorted hotel empires for the privilege of doing very little, other than waddle across the sand to the next buffet to eat organic salmon air freighted from Scotland. But there's another side to the Maldives, one of the world's newest democracies: a nation strongly protective of its Islamic heritage, grappling to understand the modern agenda of its young Wiltshire-educated president, and distrustful of change after 30 years of stable autocratic rule.

Islam And Democracy: Can A Country Fully Embrace Both?
Can a nation that considers itself 100 percent Muslim also be a democracy without risking its Islamic identity and ideals? That's what this tiny island nation off the southern coast of India is trying to do. Two years after the country embraced democracy, a literary festival imported from the West shows the promise -- and peril -- of that experiment. This weekend (Oct. 14-17), the Maldives will host the Hay Festival of Literature and Arts, originally a Welsh event that has branched out to other countries, including Lebanon, Kenya and now, the Maldives. President Mohamed Nasheed, a moderate Muslim who has won Western acclaim for his environmental activism, offered his retreat island, Aarah, as the Hay Festival venue; the festival plans to return in 2011 and 2012.

Sustainable Tourism Symposium in the Maldives
Last year, Mohamed Nasheed, President of the Maldives, was declared by Time Magazine to be a ‘Hero of the Environment’ – partly on account of his eloquent advocacy around climate change (he’s committed the Maldives to becoming carbon neutral by 2020), and partly because he has a certain style, humour and accessibility that are quite special. What he himself described as ‘a stunt’, in holding a Cabinet meeting under water with all his Ministers in scuba gear (to highlight the very present threat to the Maldives from rising sea levels), captured people’s imagination around the world.I had the privilege of meeting with him last week at a fascinating Symposium on Sustainable Tourism in the Maldives. His speech to the Symposium was hugely entertaining and challenging – and coming hot on the heels of having spent the last three weeks listening to or reading the speeches of UK politicians at their respective party conferences, the contrast couldn’t have been more compelling.

India's health cover for poor attracts world
India’s ambitious public health insurance scheme covering 19 million poor families is now going global, after the World Bank recommended it for the rest of the world. After the multilateral development institution flagged it as a “model of good design and implementation”, countries such as Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Nigeria and Ghana have evinced interest in learning from the experience.

International day for disaster reduction in the Maldives – building resilient communities
To promote resilient and sustainable urban communities, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and other UN agencies are marking the International Day for Disaster Reduction (IDDR) today. IDDR, celebrated annually, is an opportunity to focus attention on the work to make communities around the world safer from disasters. The 2010-2011 World Disaster Reduction Campaign, coordinated by the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR), specifically urges local governments to contribute to greater risk reduction. Following the global theme of 'Resilient Cities', Maldives has adapted a local theme, focusing on “Making Islands Resilient: My Island is Getting Ready”.

                 14 October 2010 | Thursday                 

Legal framework for social protection system needed before ratification of amended Public Finance Bill – President Nasheed

At a press conference held today at the President’s Office, President Mohamed Nasheed has said the only reason why he has not ratified the amended Public Finance Bill is that enactment of the bill can block government subsidies. However, he added the government already was complying with all provisions of the bill except the subsidies provisions. Highlighting that there were a number of needy people, the President said government could not allow the various kinds of subsidies that it was providing to come a halt as a result of the bill. The President acknowledged that the intention of the MPs who voted for the bill was not to stop those basic services to the people, adding that the government wanted a solid legal framework for its social protection system. He said as soon legislation for government social protection system was passed, the Public Finance Bill could be enacted. He added that government had requested the main opposition DRP for talks on legislation for government’s social protection system. According to the amendment proposed to article seven of the Public Finance Act, “any relief, benefit or subsidy by the state” must be given in accordance with laws passed by the People’s Majlis.

Addu to be made a city – President Nasheed

President Mohamed Nasheed has announced that government has decided to make Addu Atoll a city. Speaking at a press conference held at the President’s Office on Wednesday, the President said Saturday’s referendum showed that people of Addu supported government proposal to make the atoll a city. As the atoll becomes a city, individual islands would become wards, while a municipal office will replace atoll office, he added. The President said according to the agreement reached between the government and the main opposition party DRP, 17th of this month was the deadline to determine inhabited islands for the upcoming local council elections. At the press conference on a wide range of issues, the President said he wanted the Elections Commission to hold local council elections as soon as it was logistically possible.

Mariyam Azra Appointed as President of HRCM

President Mohamed Nasheed has today appointed Ms Mariyam Azra as the President of the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives at a function held at the President’s Office. Speaking after the presentation of the letter of appointment, President Nasheed said he was very pleased to appoint a female president to HRCM and expressed confidence that Ms Azra would diligently work to protect and defend human rights in the Maldives.

Chief pillow fluffer Thierry Kennel is also a yes man for all Seasons
The Edge Bar in the upcoming Four Seasons Hotel, 1111 14th St., is all mood lighting, marble and windows — big ones that look out on 14th Street with a patio that will hold about 24 people. The bar itself can hold a dozen imbibers. Another 140 can sit at a communal high-table. A handsome glass wine cellar leads you into the dining room, which seats 140. Edge is a steakhouse with the usual fare — plus some add-ons, such as Wagyu carpaccio with shaved wasabi. The bar has its own menu, highlighted by Kobe burgers, and Rocky Mountain Sushi made of raw game meats with raw fish. The GM calls the bar area "über chic," but there's no dress code here or anywhere in the hotel.

                 13 October 2010 | Wednesday                 

Maldives Ambassador presents credentials to WTO

Her Excellency Ms. Iruthisham Adam Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Maldives to the UN presented her credentials as the Maldives Representative to World Trade Organisation to the Director General of WTO Mr. Pascal Lamy on October 12, 2010.

Cabinet Decides to Consolidate Government ICT Resources

The Cabinet, in its meeting today, decided to consolidate government ICT resources for efficient delivery of services through e-government system. The Cabinet made this decision after discussing on a paper submitted by the Ministry of Transport and Communication. The Members noted that consolidation of main ICT resources was required to strengthen the government ICT infrastructure in terms of better management, information security and cost effective use of all ICT resources. It was also noted that strengthening ICT infrastructure would help to set process and services inline with government mandates for rapid and efficient outcomes which applies for all government deliverables. The Cabinet in its meeting also discussed measure to increase the use of renewable energy in the Maldives, and to reduce expenses on electricity. The Members spoke on the need to formulate a procedure for production and sale of electricity. It was also decided that the Maldives Energy Authority would formulate guidelines for government offices to reduce expenditure on electricity.

Public Private Partnerships Crucial For Efficient Health System – President Nasheed

President Mohamed Nasheed has reiterated the government’s commitment to corporatize health service delivery and said public-private-partnerships were crucial to bring the right efficiency to the health system. He made the comments speaking at the meeting involving senior stakeholders for dissemination of findings on social determinants of health analysis and recommendations of national report on social determinants of health, held at Holiday Inn this morning. Outlining the three main pillars of the government’s health policy, the President said corporatizing the delivery of health service was an important policy of the government to develop the health sector and meet the people’s expectations in volume and quality of health service they receive. Other two important components of the government’s health policy, the President said, were providing health insurance for all and social protection programme. On providing health insurance for all, the President said it was “more sustainable than trying to sustain inefficient public health delivery systems.” “Health insurance for all will cost us Rf 600 million. Subsidizing and trying to prop up inefficient public services are costing us Rf 1.5 billion”, he added. The President also said the people, especially those over sixty-five, have begun to see the benefits of the government’s social protection programme. In his remarks this morning, the President said, despite the high proportion of the national income allocated to the health sector in the past, it had not been able to meet the demands and expectations of the people. The President said this was mainly because while the incidences of lifestyle related non communicable diseases were increasing, “all our programmes, all our policies were very much focused and directed in trying to cure primary health issues – malaria, malnutrition and all sorts of transmittable diseases” The objective of today’s meeting was to sensitize relevant senior stakeholders to examine the roles of different sectors in addressing social determinants of health. Vice President Dr Mohamed Waheed also participated in today’s meeting.

President Appoints Non-Resident Ambassadors
President Mohamed Nasheed has appointed Ambassador Iruthisham Adam as Non-Resident Ambassador for Germany

Tata Housing to launch projects abroad
Tata Housing, a unit of Tata Sons, is foraying into international markets with the launch of projects in Sri Lanka and Maldives in the current quarter, said a top executive of the company. The real estate company, known for low-cost housing projects, plans to do a mix of luxury and affordable housing projects in these markets, he said. "We have got interest from other foreign countries also, which we are examining. But for now, we are planning to launch our projects in one of the cities in Sri Lanka or Maldives in the current quarter," said Brotin Banerjee, managing director and chief executive officer. The company may partner with local governments and land owners to launch its projects, he said. He denied that the company was going the Tata group way, which derives 70 per cent of its revenues from international markets through companies such as Tata Steel, Tata Motors and others. "It (international markets) will be a significant portion in the coming years but we will go in the reverse way to our parent. Nearly 80 per cent of our revenues will come from India and the rest from abroad," he said. The company today launched an arm by the name of Smart Value Homes which will sell houses in the range of Rs 500,000 to Rs 35 lakh (Rs 3.5 million). Tata Housing today announced the launch of its second 'Shubh Griha' project at Vasind, on the outskirts of Mumbai, part of Smart Value Homes. The new company will sell low-cost homes below Rs 10 lakh (Rs 1 million) and affordable homes between Rs 12 lakh (Rs 1.2 million) to Rs 35 lakh, he said. The company has acquired five to six million sq ft of land and plans to acquire six-seven million sq ft more to launch its projects in Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune and Mumbai. "All the segments of housing have high potential. But if Tata Housing did all of them, it would lead to dilution of our potential. Hence, we launched the new company," he said.

Ultra-luxurious holiday homes in demand
Big names in the real estate industry are trying to keep pace with the rising demand for ultra-luxurious holiday homes. DLF is the latest entrant in the segment, after Tata Housing and the Lodha Group had recently ventured. DLF plans to construct exclusive villas in Shimla, Kasauli and Goa, with an investment of Rs 500 crore (Rs 5 billion). The demand for smaller gated communities is so high that DLF has sold 80 per cent of the 24 villas in the Samatara project, Shimla, in the pre-launch marketing, according to Ranjit Chopra, director-north, DLF. The price of each house in the city's first gated community is Rs 2-3 crore (Rs 20-30 million), according to the company's website. Tata Housing received a similar response. "After studying the market in the region, we thought it will take us two years to sell 75 per cent of the project. We have managed it in around six months," said Brotin Banerjee, MD and CEO of Tata Housing. Their Privé project has 70 villas located on a 25-acre lot. The buyer can choose from four different sizes of villas, ranging between 3,900 and 10,000 sq ft. The smaller ones start at Rs 2.5 crore (Rs 25 million) and the bigger start at Rs 8.5 crore (Rs 85 million). Lodha's Goldcrest sprawls over 11 acres, containing 35 units. Depending on the size, the price is Rs 3-5 crore (Rs 30-50 million) each. "We are left with less than five villas," said Abhisheck Lodha, managing director. And, none of the developers advertised the project. They relied on references or word-of-mouth to sell their properties. "The demand for second home from high net worth individuals (HNIs) is on a rise. This segment is willing to spend 25 per cent of the cost of their residence to buy such properties. And, should be able to reach the place within two hours of travelling," said Pranay Vakil, chairman, Knight Frank (India). Developers say there was a pressing demand from wealthy families for such developments from credible developers. Earlier, HNIs purchased their own plots and constructed properties. However, there were issues with security, maintenance and amenities. Facilities in these projects include private swimming pools, internal lifts, sun decks and concierge services. An important part of these gated communities is a clubhouse that offers facilities such as a meditation centre, spas, tennis courts, libraries and business desks. The developers have appointed a professional third-party to take care of house-keeping and maintenance. DLF has adopted a unique model with their leisure homes: Along with villas, the developer is also constructing five-star hotels. "The company managing the hotel will maintain the entire property," said Chopra. For the Kasauli project, DLF has tied up with Hilton. However, maintenance of these properties is an expensive affair. "As these houses are occupied only two-three times a year, the upkeep cost is high," said Vakil. Maintenance can be 15 per cent more than what one would pay in an ultra luxury project within the city, said a developer. Tata Housing charges Rs 3 a sq ft of the saleable area each month. Developers are also trying to keep their projects as 'green' as possible. All of them have installed water harvesting plants and some use solar energy for electricity.

Better diagnostics and new drugs essential for fighting tuberculosis
WHO and the STOP TB partnerships are advocating a new approach to eliminating tuberculosis through improved, quicker diagnosis, more effective drugs and vaccines and stronger health systems. This approach has been set out in ”The Global Plan to Stop TB 2011-2015: Transforming the Fight”, launched today in Berlin, Germany. The goal is to reach the UN Millennium Development Goal (MDG) of halting and reversing the TB epidemic by 2015, and halving the number of deaths due to the disease compared to 1990 levels. The ultimate aim is to eliminate TB as a public health problem by 2050.