30 November 2010 | Tuesday                 

President Reaffirms the Government’s Commitment to People Led Development

President Mohamed Nasheed has launched the United Nations Development Programme’s 20th anniversary edition of its annual Human Development Report for 2010 in the Maldives today. Speaking after launching the report at a function held at Trader’s Hotel Male’ this morning, President Nasheed said the government did not believe that development should be led by the state. But rather, he said the development should be led by the people.

Addressing drug abuse remains a top priority – says President Nasheed

President Mohamed Nasheed has said reducing the extent of drug abuse as much as possible remains a top priority of the government. Speaking at a function organised by local NGO Journey on Monday evening to mark their 5th anniversary, the President said society-wide approach was required to address the issue. While complete eradication of drug abuse, he said, was difficult, the government aimed to reduce drug usage in the society as much as possible. He added, “I believe we can do this. I believe we have the capacity. I believe our youths can recover from this.” The President discussed government’s efforts during the past two years toward fulfilling its key pledge of closing doors open for drugs. He noted that as a result of those efforts, there was noticeable reduction of drug trafficking today. Journey is a non-government organisation formed by a group of recovering addicts with the aim to help other addicts to recover from addiction.

President Appoints Members to Tax Appeal Tribunal

President Mohamed Nasheed today appointed members to the Tax Appeal Tribunal at a function held at the President’s Office. The members appointed are:
- Ibrahim Afeef
- Abdul Salaam Arif
- Nasrulla Jameel
- Ahmed Saavee
- Hassan Zuhair
Speaking at the function, President Nasheed emphasised the importance of taxation system in the Maldives. At the same time, he said, it was also important to investigate complaints related to taxation. He expressed confidence that the members of the tribunal would fulfil their responsibilities diligently. Tax Appeal Tribunal will adjudicate tax related cases submitted in accordance with the Tax Administration Act and other Taxation Acts.

President Appoints Two New Deputy Ministers

President Mohamed Nasheed has appointed Mr Hussain Shahid as the Deputy Minister of Housing and Environment, and Ms Fathimath Afiya as the Deputy Minister of Health and Family.

The Human Development Index - going beyond income
Each year since 1990 the Human Development Report has published the Human Development Index (HDI) which was introduced as an alternative to conventional measures of national development, such as level of income and the rate of economic growth. The HDI represents a push for a broader definition of well-being and provides a composite measure of three basic dimensions of human development: health, education and income. Maldives's HDI is 0.602, which gives the country a rank of 107 out of 169 countries with comparable data. The HDI of South Asia as a region increased from 0.315 in 1980 to 0.516 today, placing Maldives above the regional average. The HDI trends tell an important story both at the national and regional level and highlight the very large gaps in well-being and life chances that continue to divide our interconnected world.

Maldives: Lurching From One Constitutional Crisis To Another
For a young democracy still to settle down, it is but natural that problems would arise over the interpretation of various articles in the constitution. But what is happening in Maldives is different- the country is lurching from one constitutional crisis to another and this is adversely affecting the governance and the economy of the country as a whole. There is no doubt that the opposition with its brute majority in the Majlis (Parliament) is trying to dictate terms to the executive President and in trying to make his life miserable at every turn, they are in fact wrecking the new constitution and the fine balance that have been introduced between the legislature, the executive President and the judiciary. With the judiciary still to find its feet and in the absence of "settled laws" it is getting more and more difficult for the President to govern effectively and there is a need for the opposition to review its stand unless they intend to go back to the Gayoom days!

Islands See ‘End of History’ as Goals Slip at UN Climate Talks
The Maldives, Kiribati and Tuvalu risk extinction from rising seas because nations aren’t stepping up commitments to cut greenhouse gases, a bloc of 43 island countries said as United Nations climate talks began in Mexico. Dessima Williams, the ambassador of Grenada who heads the Alliance of Small Island States, said envoys from her organization are concerned that a negotiating text for the talks doesn’t mention their “red line” goal of keeping temperature gains since the 18th century below 1.5 degrees Celsius. The text, prepared by Zimbabwe’s Margaret Mukahanana-Sangarwe, will be debated today.

Contribution from airports segment growing for GMR
The timely financial closure of GMR Male International Airport Pvt. Ltd in the Maldives, the second overseas airport project after Istanbul, would provide a further boost to the airports segment. The airports segment has become a significant contributor to revenue at GMR Infrastructure Ltd, with both the Delhi and Hyderabad airports witnessing stable growth in passenger and cargo volumes. The segment now accounts for 40% of total revenue. The timely financial closure of GMR Male International Airport Pvt. Ltd in the Maldives, the second overseas airport project after Istanbul, would provide a further boost to the airports segment. Male airport's operations are already profitable. In 2009, the Male airport clocked revenue of around $135 million (Rs.621 crore), which represents around one-third of combined income from GMR's other airport operations. It posted an operating profit of around $30 million. Being an exotic tourist destination, air traffic in Male is expected to be steady.

RAW Huvafenfushi – Maldives
Whether going barefoot down the jetty or getting there wet by a breast stroke, the Maldivian fantasy island's RAW Huvafenfushiover-water eatery will momentarily take any appetite away. Once your eyes can focus off the 360° water world, your attention turns to the kitchen's theatrical concoctions, like the igloo carved to serve premium sashimi. Live lobster gets dunked in fondue and local reef fish carpaccio come topped with wild mushrooms, pink peppercorn and pomegranates, making healthy dishes here often better dressed than the diners.

Zardari offers cooperation to Sri lanka in barter trade, infrastructure development
President Asif Ali Zardari Monday offered assistance to Sri Lanka in building its infrastructure and called to introduce barter trade as measures to further solidify their deep relations. Addressing the members of Sri Lanka-Pakistan Parliamentary Friendship Association - a 30 member multiparty caucus from both the countries established in 2007, here at the Parliament House the President said the two countries need to go for a win-win situation for both.

                 29 November 2010 | Monday                 

Foreign Policy Magazine Names President Nasheed Top 100 Global Thinker
Foreign Policy magazine (FP) has selected President Mohamed Nasheed as one of its top 100 global thinkers of 2010. FP placed the President 39th in its list of 100 people who have had the biggest impact in the world this year. The magazine praises President Nasheed’’s efforts to bring the issue of climate change and cutting carbon emissions to the forefront of the global agenda, noting the success of the underwater cabinet meeting and the Maldives’’ aim of becoming carbon neutral. FP said President Nasheed “has become the world’’s most environmentally outspoken president.” “He has made his tiny country -- a string of atolls in the Indian Ocean that sits an average of just 7 feet above sea level -- a poster child for the need to stop global warming”, FP said. Foreign Policy is one of the world’’s most prestigious magazines on global politics and economics having won United State’’s National Magazine Award for general excellence in 2009. Foreign Policy says this year’’s list fully reflects the new world order, where post-Cold War reign of American power has ended and the long predicted “rise of the rest” has occurred. Others selected as this year’’s most influential thinkers include: famed investor Warren Buffet and Microsoft founder Bill Gates, who top this year’’s list; US President Barack Obama (3rd); British Prime Minister David Cameron (31st) and Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (85th).

For more information:
- www.foreignpolicy.com/2010globalthinkers
- www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2010/11/29/the_fp_top_100_global_thinkers?page=0,32

President Meets with European Commission Director for Asia and Central Asia
President Mohamed Nasheed today met with Mr Dirk Meganck, European Commission’s Director for Asia and Central Asia. The meeting was held at the President’s Office. Discussions at the meeting were mainly on EU assistance for the Maldives’ climate adaptation projects. Vice President Dr Mohamed Waheed along with the Climate Advisory Council attended the meeting.

INDIA'S GMIAL ACHIEVES FIN CLOSURE TO OPERATE MALDIVES AIRPORT
GMR Mal International Airport Pvt Ltd (GMIAL), a subsidiary of GMR Infrastructure Ltd (GIL, BSE:532754), said it has achieved financialclosure for the project to modernise, expand and operate the Maldives' Male International Airport. The total cost of the project, estimated at US$511 million, is being funded through a combination of debt and equity in the ratio of 70:30, the company said in a statement Thursday. The debt component of US$358 million has been tied up with Singapore branch of the Axis Bank Ltd that is acting as the Sole Underwriter and Mandated Lead Arranger for the entire debt facility.

Lanka should become ‘richer middle income’
Now, Sri Lanka is a middle income country but it should become a richer middle income country, International Monetary Fund (IMF) Resident Representative Sri Lanka and the Maldives Dr Koshy Mathai said. To achieve this status, the country should have a stable policy climate, favourable macroeconomic conditions and high literacy rate. The high literacy rate means knowledge workers, good managers, CEOs and other people who think out of the box, he said.

INTRODUCTION OF NEW ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEST FOR MIGRANTS APPLYING TO JOIN PARTNERS IN THE UK
A new English language requirement will be introduced on Monday 29 November 2010 for non- European migrants who, from this date, apply for a visa to enter or remain in the UK as a partner or spouse of a British citizen or person settled there. Applicants will need to show that they can speak and understand English to a basic level. They will usually meet this requirement by passing an English language test with a UK Border Agency-approved test provider. The list of approved test providers and further guidance is available on the UK Border Agency’s website.

Saudi Arabia to fish in Sri Lankan waters
Sri Lanka Ministry of Fisheries has decided to grant permission to Saudi Arabia to fish in Sri Lankan waters. The agreement in this regard is to be signed in December. Saudi Arabia has agreed to pay 20% of the harvest to Sri Lanka as royalty. Following the agreement, 400 Saudi Arabian boats are to arrive in Sri Lankan territorial waters for fishing, says the Minister of Fisheries Rajitha Senarathna. They will engage in deep sea fishing in Sri Lankan territorial waters, he added. This may lead additional threat to Maldivian fisherman since Maldivian Coast Guard doesn’t have any capacity to guard Maldivian waters. As Saudi fisherman there will be pid people all around the world and most of them will be qualified morethan enough in cheating the area.

U.S. Condemns Alleged WikiLeaks Disclosures
President Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton have made it a priority to reinvigorate America’s relationships around the world. They have been working hard to strengthen our existing partnerships and build new ones to meet shared challenges, from climate change to ending the threat of nuclear weapons to fighting disease and poverty. As the United States Ambassador to Maldives, I’m proud to be part of this effort.

                 28 November 2010 | Sunday                 

Transparency International won't be allowed to work in Pak: Malik
Transparency International (TI) is a detective agency, and the organisation will not be allowed to work in Pakistan, Interior Minister Rehman Malik has said. Talking to media persons during a visit to the FIA headquarters on Saturday, Malik said TI was a detective agency, which started its work in Geneva, The News reports. According to law, it could only talk to media, and could not gather information from the government institutions, he said, adding that a legal action would be initiated against its officials for giving bribe to extract information.

Controversy over visa-on-arrival for tourists
“On arrival visa facility to Sri Lanka will be suspended from 30th September except for Singapore and Maldives -Immigration Official” was the SMS news alert that came on mobile phones on 27th August 2010 at 5.30 pm. “Decision to suspend on arrival visa facility to Lanka temporarily postponed pending discussions-Immigration controller” came on mobiles almost 2 hours after the first SMS. The news broadcasts that followed cited the reason behind this issue as, non-granting of visas to Sri Lankans in a reciprocal manner by countries other than Singapore and Maldives has led to this decision. No one can argue on the justification by the Department of Immigration in this regard on their standpoint; as a sovereign nation Sri Lankans should get equally treated as much as Sri Lanka’s visa policy to other nationalities; the modality based on bilateral relationships countries tend to work on. However in reality it does not happen this way world over, but at times within countries regionally grouped for economic, cultural or any other cooperation such as ASEAN, European Union and Gulf Corporation Council (GCC).

Maldives – home of rising sea levels and the green elite's new meeting place
As environmentalists head for Cancun, the President pioneers a new type of eco-symposium During lunch on the beach with a bunch of barefoot businessmen, Mohamed Nasheed, President of the Maldives, quietly lets slip that he had that morning received a letter from the British Prime Minister David Cameron. Aged 43 and the only one wearing shoes, the president was first noticed by the wider world last year when he held an underwater cabinet meeting to draw attention to the dangers of rising sea levels threatening the Maldives. He has just been nominated as a hero for climate change by Time magazine.

President Zardari arrives in Sri Lanka on four-day state visit
President Asif Ali Zardari arrived here on Saturday on a four-day state visit to discuss with his counterpart Mahinda Rajapakse cooperation on security and trade issues. President Zardari is the first head of state to visit Sri Lanka after President Rajapakse assumed office for a second six-year term on November 19. The President was received at the Bandranaike Airport by the Sri Lankan President and members of his cabinet. As the Pakistani and Sri Lankan flags fluttered in the background, the national anthems of the two countries were played.

Tuticorin-Lanka ferry service soon
The ferry service between Tuticorin and Sri Lanka will get the Union cabinet's approval in a week, Union minister of shipping G K Vasan said on Saturday. "The decision will be taken at the next Cabinet meeting and the service will be launched soon," he said. The service was suspended several years ago due to strife in the island nation. Talking to mediapersons after inaugurating the fourth India Maritime Human Resource Summit, organised by Indian Maritime University and Gateway magazine, Vasan said the Shipping Corporation of India, as part of its initiative to promote the maritime sector, had placed orders for 26 ships. "It will order another 40 ships in five years and Rs 15,000 crore has been sectioned for this," he said. Asked about the Ennore-Manali road improvement, Vasan said it would be completed as per schedule. "The ministry has already sanctioned Rs 48 crore for this and an additional Rs 19 crore will be sanctioned in ten days." The Chennai port-Maduravoyal expressway will also be completed soon, he said. He urged the youth, especially women, to take up seafaring as a profession.

Global Warning
Mohamed Nasheed, president of the climate-change-threatened Maldives, speaks via email withForeign Policy's Charles Homans about the difficulty of diplomacy, the promise of protest, and why moving his whole country might be more difficult than he once thought. Foreign Policy: You put in a great deal of effort trying to get the world to understand the importance of last year's Copenhagen climate-change summit. A year later, the U.S. government has basically given up on climate legislation, and the U.N. process seems to actually be moving backward. What do we do now?

                 27 November 2010 | Saturday                 

President Nominates Names for Maldives Broadcasting Commission
President Mohamed Nasheed has submitted to the People’s Majlis nominations for the Maldives Broadcasting Commission. The nominations include everyone who had submitted their applications to the President’s Office for the Commission’s membership, which include 33 men and 9 women. Nominations sent to the People’s Majlis were ordered according to the order in which the President’s Office received applications. Article 6 (b) of the Maldives Broadcasting Corporation states that the President’s Office shall open nominations for the Broadcasting Commission and propose all the nominations to the People’s Majlis. Maldives Broadcasting Corporation Act was passed by the People’s Majlis on 6 April and ratified by the President on 20 April.

Vice President Inaugurates “Did You Know?” Campaign

Vice President Dr Mohamed Waheed today inaugurated the public awareness campaign on people’s legal rights and how the judicial system works, “Did You Know?”. “Did You Know?” campaign is a key activity under Protecting Human Rights and Promoting Access to Justice Project funded by United Nations Development Programme and implemented in partnership with the government and justice sector institutions. Speaking at the campaign launching event held at Surf Point in Male’ this afternoon, Vice President Dr Waheed underscored the importance of educating the public on their rights and how to access those rights to build a just society. He noted that a lot more was needed to consolidate democracy, despite having held a free presidential election and a parliamentary election, separation of powers, a free media and independent institutions established. Furthermore, he stressed that democracy could only survive in a just society which ensures people’s basic freedoms and treats everyone equally. He said, to build such a society in the Maldives where everyone had equal access to their rights, we should free ourselves from some social diseases and certain prejudices that exist in our society. The key activity of the year long awareness campaign is a door-to-door operation across the country in which volunteers visit every household to give information on topics related people’s rights and the justice system. The launch event was also attended by Chief Justice Ahmed Faiz Hussain and UN Resident Coordinator Andrew Cox.

MR Infra arm bags project for Male Intl Airport 511 hot updates
GMR Infra arm bags project for Male Intl Airport
Bangalore, Nov 25 (PTI) GMR Male International Airport (GMIAL), a subsidiary of GMR Infrastructure, today said it has bagged a project to modernise, expand and operate Republic of Maldives’s capital Male’s International Airport.

Maldives: Attempting to work with the unwilling
Sparkling waters of the Indian Ocean with variegated shades of blue surround islands with luxurious over-water bungalows trembling on lagoons. Stylish villas, exotic hotel rooms, innovative facilities and gorgeous beaches make Maldives truly enchanting. The highest income earner among Saarc member countries with a GDP per capita of $4967(2008 estimate), Maldives, comprising over a thousand small islands, is often called a paradise on earth. But all is not well in this tiny country of 300 sq km. The first multi-party democratic election was lost by the veteran President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom by a narrow margin in December 2008 after 30 years of rule. Mohamed Nasheed came to power, with the help of coalition parties. All wanted a change for the better. But, it was inevitable that this nascent democracy would face teething problems. This was clearly shown when, through the government’s lack of political foresight, the very coalition of parties that brought Nasheed to power started to break down. Allies turned into enemies, close friends into opposition members.

                 26 November 2010 | Friday                 

President attends an art performance by a local artist titled ‘Social Crisis’

President Mohamed Nasheed today attended ‘Social Crisis’, an art performance by Afzal Shaafiu Hasan, a renowned local artist. Hasan’s performance raises the issue of disintegration of social fabric, increase in hatred and divisions among people, and dying out of respect for different opinions as a result of extreme political rivalry in the country. The art performance also underscores importance of peaceful and healthy political competitiveness and respect for opinions and sentiments. It aims to urge politicians to encourage people to be united and respect differences existing in the society. After viewing Hasan’s performance held at Jumhooree Maidhan this afternoon, the President visited some fishing vassals at Malé northern harbour.

Vice President Unveils Maldives Child Protection Database

Vice President Dr Mohamed Waheed has today launched the Maldives Child Protection Database. Speaking at a ceremony held at Iskandharu Building this morning, the Vice President noted that giving necessary care, love and safety to children was vital to build a strong and peaceful society. Expressing concern over the increasing reports of cases of child abuse and neglect, the Vice President said the biggest obstacle to addressing the issue was that children and women face abuse and neglect usually from a member of the family or people they trust.

President Receives Maldives Red Crescent Membership Card
President Mohamed Nasheed has received his membership card for Maldives Red Crescent, at a function held on Thursday at the President’s Office. During the function with the MRC, represented by Secretary General Rasheeda Ali, President Nasheed said he was delighted to have become a member of the organization. The President praised the work of MRC, and inquired about the projects planned by the organization. The President said government was ready to help the organization in whatever way possible.

President Attends Handing Over Ceremony of Male’ International Airport to GMIAL

President Mohamed Nasheed today attended the handing over ceremony of Male’ International Airport to GMR Male’ International Airport Limited (GMIAL). Speaking at the ceremony, President Nasheed said bringing economic progress to the country was one of the top priorities of his administration. He added that to achieve that goal as well as to further develop Maldives tourism industry, upgrading the international airport was a necessity.

Medics unable to explain why Merseyside surgeon Ali Bakran drowned in Maldives
MEDICS were unable to find out why a top Merseyside surgeon drowned on the last day of a family holiday. Ali Bakran, 61, died during a final snorkelling session before returning home from the Maldives with his wife and daughter. A Wallasey inquest yesterday heard local customs meant a post mortem was not carried out on the Indian Ocean island after his death on August 27. The examination eventually took place at Arrowe Park Hospital on September 8.after his body had been returned to the UK.

Indian external affairs minister arrives in Sri Lanka
Indian External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna arrived in Sri Lanka Thursday for a three-day visit aimed at expanding ties between the two neighbours, officials said. Krishna is to lead a meeting with his Sri Lankan counterpart, G.L. Peiris, of a commission that is reviewing the status of joint projects undertaken by India and Sri Lanka, the foreign ministry in Colombo said.

Overseas Funds Extend Record Purchase of Indian Stocks This Year
Overseas investors purchased a net 17.8 billion rupees ($388.8 million) of Indian shares yesterday, boosting this year’s record inflows to 1.32 trillion rupees, the Securities & Exchange Board of India said. Investors bought 53 billion rupees of shares and sold 35.2 billion rupees, data from the market regulator showed. They purchased a net 886 million rupees of bonds, taking total debt purchases this year to 467.8 billion rupees. Stock purchases this year include 381 billion rupees from the primary market.

                 25 November 2010 | Thursday                 

GMR Group achieves financial closure of GMR Malé International Airport Private Limited, Republic of Maldives and takes over operations of Malé International Airport.

GMR Malé International Airport Private Limited (GMIAL), a subsidiary of GMR Infrastructure Limited (GIL) has achieved financial closure for the project to Modernize, Expand and Operate the Malé International Airport. Earlier this year on June 24th 2010, the consortium led by GIL with Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) had won the concession for the Malé Airport for a period of 25 years. GMIAL is the special purpose vehicle formed in Maldives pursuant to the concession in which the stake of GIL and MAHB is 77% and 23% respectively.

Sri Lanka is to provide U.S.$ 200 Million Line of Credit to Maldives.
The Government is to provide U.S.$ 200 Million line of credit to Maldives to overcome the foreign exchange crisis facing that country. Under this arrangement Maldivian Rufiyaa could be directly exchanged for Sri Lankan Rupees and vice versa. A Minister from the Maldives will arrive in Sri Lanka shortly to seal this currency swap agreement. Maldives has been facing a dollar crisis since recently and this arrangement will benefit Maldivian students living in Lanka and Sri Lankan businessmen in the Maldives since they will be able to do transaction from their own currency without changing to dollars. The agreement in this regard was scheduled to be signed by the Maldivian President Mr. Mohamed Nasheed with the Central Bank officials when President Nasheed visited Sri Lanka to attend President Mahinda Rajapaksa s swearing-in ceremony, but he had to cut short his visit and rush back to Maldives to attend the funeral of Maldivian First Lady s father.

GMR Infra arm bags project for Male International Airport
GMR Male International Airport (GMIAL), a subsidiary of GMR Infrastructure, on Thursday said it has bagged a project to modernise, expand and operate Republic of Maldives's capital Male's International Airport. Earlier on June 24, the consortium led by GMR Infrastructure Ltd (GIL) with Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB), had won concession for the Male Airport for 25 years.

                 24 November 2010 | Wednesday                 

Cabinet Discusses Veshi Fahi Malé Programme

The Cabinet today discussed ways to implement the Veshi Fahi Male’ programme. Veshi Fahi Male’ programme initiated by Malé Municipality, aims to combine the development of Malé, Vilingili, Gulhi Falhu, Thilafushi, Hulhumalé and Malé International Airport to decongest Malé. A number of recreation facilities will also be established in Malé under the programme. The programme was inaugurated by President Mohamed Nasheed on 10 November. The members of the Cabinet also discussed the ongoing development projects under each of their respective ministries. Today’s meeting was attended by all Cabinet members except Defence Minister Ameen Faisal, Attorney General Dr Ahmed Ali Sawad and Islamic Affairs Minister Dr Abdul Majeed Abdul Baree, who are currently out of Male’. The newly appointed ministers – Mr Mohamed Adil Saleem and Dr Mariyam Zulfa – were also present at today’s Cabinet meeting.

Island reunion inspires Maldives medical fund
HAVING seen the need first-hand during an RAF reunion on the island of Gan in the Maldives, a Mid Devon man is urging people to help to improve medical facilities there. Richard Houlston, 62, from East Village near Crediton, worked in ground communications, looking after transmitters, on another island in the Addu Atoll from November 1969 to November 1970. The RAF had a base on Gan, where flights to and from the Far East were serviced, from the early 1950s to 1976. Around 600 servicemen were stationed there. Maldivians from all over the atoll learned to speak English and worked for the RAF, and its facilities became an everyday part of their lives.

Afghan peace talks in a holidaymakers' paradise
Representatives of various Afghan factions have been holding informal discussions in the Maldives. The island paradise is a world away from the bloodshed of Afghanistan and seems an unlikely choice for such talks - but delegates said they had made progress. The BBC's Daud Qarizadah joined the factions as they rubbed shoulders with the jet-set and dodged women in bikinis. This was the third round of informal Afghan talks to be held this year in the Maldives, attended by 47 members of different groups and representatives of leading political figures. Those present included Afghan civil society activists and members of parliament, four of them women. The Afghan government did not send anyone, but there were delegates representing the country's two vice-presidents.

Krishna to visit Sri Lanka
External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna will leave on a four-day visit to Sri Lanka on Thursday. During a packed programme, Mr. Krishna will co-chair the India-Sri Lanka Joint Commission meeting and inaugurate two new consulates at either end of the island nation. Called the bread and butter of bilateral ties, the Joint Commission is being revived after five years, and will be co-chaired by Sri Lankan Foreign Minister G.L. Peiris. It will review the progress of bilateral commitments made during high-level visits, most notably when Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa visited India in June this year. The meeting will also discuss the modalities of starting an annual defence dialogue between the two countries

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts opens Traders Hotel, Male, Maldives
Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts has opened Traders Hotel, Malé, Maldives. The 117-key property was previously owned by Male Hotel Associates Pvt Ltd and opened in September 2009. According to the company release, the 14-storeyed hotel takes advantage of the views of the Indian Ocean from its rooftop restaurant and lounge.

Tourist arrivals increase in Maldives
Tourist arrivals in October 2010 increased by 21.8 percent compared to that of last year. A ministry statement said 74,707 tourists visited the Maldives in October 2010 while 62,432 visited in October 2009. Europe still dominates the Maldives tourism market with 407,519 visiting the country from January-October, which accounts for 63.3 percent of the total arrival – a 9.2 percent increase to the European tourist arrivals within the period of last year.
Asia-Pacific follows Europe on the second with 207,736 tourists visiting the Maldives within the 10 months – a 57.5 percent increase to 2009’s amount.

U.S. donates trucks and equipment worth $500,000 to the Sri Lankan Army Humanitarian Demining Unit
The United States Embassy in Colombo today delivered the first consignment of the demining assistance by the United States Government to the Sri Lankan Army Humanitarian Unit, an Embassy press release said. In a simple ceremony on the U.S. Embassy premises the Charge' d'Affaires Valerie C. Fowler handed over four trucks with their respective demining equipment to the Army Commander Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya

                 23 November 2010 | Tuesday                 

Vice President Attends Function to Mark the Anniversary of Maldives Customs Service

Vice President Dr Mohamed Waheed, on Monday evening, attended a function held in Dharubaaruge to mark the 120th anniversary of Maldives Customs Service. Speaking at the function, Vice President Dr Waheed underscored the important contributions of Maldives Customs Service towards the development of the country. He said in addition to its contribution to the country’s economy, Customs Service also shared a big role in national security issues. Noting that the Customs Service has now broadened to several other regions of the country, the Vice President expressed hope that this would contribute to the economic development of the atolls. The Vice President, in his speech, also highlighted the role of Customs Service in the efforts to control drug trafficking into the country. At the function, the Vice President also launched Customs Strategic Plan for 2011 – 2013. Dr Waheed also presented commemorative plaques and commemorative certificates to exemplary employees, while Minister of State for Home Affairs Mohamed Aswan presented commemorative plaques to retiring staff. The Golden Badge of Customs to employees in recognition of their services in Customs Service for 20 years was presented by the former Minister of State Principal Collector of Customs Ibrahim Rashad. He also presented commemorative plaques and certificates for employees for achieving distinctions for the Customs.

Oh My Maldives
Having just returned from a jet-set spa holiday in the Maldives, I thought it only fair to inform you of my truly exceptional experience. Only fair, indeed.
I happened to travel between the 1st and 9th of November, so my break fell on one of the weeks where they had organized a series of music and fashion events to entertain their guests, part of Huvafen Fushi's Dream Calendar for 2010.

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts Opens Traders Hotel, Male, Maldives on 22 November 2010
Hong Kong based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts announced the opening of Traders Hotel, Male, Maldives today. The 117-key property was previously owned by Male Hotel Associates Pvt Ltd. and opened in September 2009. Traders Hotel, Male, Maldives is located in the administrative and business district of Male, a short walk from the Fish Market, Sultan Park and the Old Friday Mosque and a fiveute speedboat ride from Male Airport. It is an optional stopover point for guests at its sister property Shangri-La's Villingili Resort and Spa on Addu Atoll, just south of the equator.

Mauritania builds Chinese-funded fishing complex
Minister Moulaye Ould Mohamed Laghdaf Sunday laid the first stone of a 120-million-dollar complex for the fishing industry, financed by China, the AMI state news agency said. The complex will include a warehouse with a capacity for 6,000 tonnes of fish along with facilities to make ice and to treat and develop seafood products, AMI said. The project also envisions developing a flotilla of 46 deep-sea fishing ships and another 100 fishing boats. The complex will provide some ship building and maintenance.

Berlin wants a fireworks record
With same four fireworks one after the other in the New Year's Eve wants Berlin to come into the Guinnessbuch of records. From 18.00 o'clock on the 31 December until midnight to the turn of the year shall every two hours a fireworks burned down on the roof of the Europa-Centers, the responsible pyrotechnist, Dettmer, said in Berlin on Monday. It is about four thematic fireworks, that hiked with the time-zone. Asia does beginning with a fire of spitting dragons, then follow the Maldives and Russia. About midnight, Central Europe stands on the plan.

And this is the original text in German language:
Silvester: Berlin will Feuerwerk-Rekord
Mit gleich vier Feuerwerken hintereinander am Silvesterabend will Berlin ins Guinnessbuch der Rekorde kommen. Von 18.00 Uhr an soll am 31. Dezember bis Mitternacht zum Jahreswechsel alle zwei Stunden ein Feuerwerk auf dem Dach des Europa-Centers abbrennen, sagte der zuständige Pyrotechniker, Dettmer, am Montag in Berlin. Es handele sich um vier thematische Feuerwerke, die mit der Zeitzone wanderten.Den Anfang mache Asien mit einem Feuer spuckenden Drachen, dann folgten die Malediven und Russland. Um Mitternacht stehe Mitteleuropa auf dem Plan.

This is the direct link to the website of rbb (Radio Berlin-Brandenburg):
[http://www.rbb-online.de/nachrichten/vermischtes/2010_11/berlin_will_feuerwerk.html]

Taliban Leader in Secret Talks Was an Impostor
For months, the secret talks unfolding between Taliban and Afghan leaders to end the war appeared to be showing promise, if only because of the appearance of a certain insurgent leader at one end of the table: Mullah Akhtar Muhammad Mansour, one of the most senior commanders in the Taliban movement.

                 22 November 2010 | Monday                 

President Welcomes Members of the Cabinet
President Mohamed Nasheed welcomed members of the cabinet today noting that all members have polled above the legal requirement of a majority of the house that is required for establishing a cabinet member as having no confidence of the Peoples Majlis. A news release from the President’s Office noted no member received votes that would total the legal requirement for establishing that a cabinet member had lost the confidence of the Majlis. It further stated that the People’s Majlis had thus approved members of the cabinet to carry on with their jobs and national responsibilities.

Nothing more important than a peaceful environment for the people – says the Vice President

Vice President Dr Mohamed Waheed today inaugurated the Counter Terrorism Workshop jointly organized by the government and the British High Commission. In his opening remarks, the Vice President asserted that there was nothing more important than creating and maintaining a peaceful environment for the people in our country. He said when the threat of terrorism was affecting every country, the Maldives was not exempt from the risks associated with international terrorism. Therefore, he underscored the importance of making counter terrorism strategy an integral part of the national security policy. The Vice President said that to ensure a peaceful and secure environment for Maldivians, and to realize the freedoms envisioned by the democratic reforms, we should create an environment where diverse opinions and views could coexist peacefully. Two day workshop that began in Aarah this morning aims to develop a counter terrorism strategy for the Maldives and share experiences in the area between the Maldives and the United Kingdom.

Canadian High Commissioner Pays a Courtesy Call on the President

The High Commissioner of Canada to the Maldives Mr Bruce Levy today paid a courtesy call on President Mohamed Nasheed. The meeting was held at the President’s Office. Discussions were focused on enhancing developmental cooperation between the Maldives and Canada. The President also explored possibilities of getting Canadian volunteers to work in the Maldives.

US Special Representative to Muslim Communities meets the President

President Mohamed Nasheed this afternoon met the United State Department’s Special Representative to Muslim Communities Ms Farah Pandith. The meeting was held at the President’s Office. Discussions during the meeting were generally focused on social challenges faced by the Maldives and ways the Maldives and US could collaborate in addressing these challenges. Noting the social transformations that were taking place in the Maldives, the President stressed the importance of civil society in addressing the issues that arose with the social and political changes. He sought US assistance to strengthen civil society organisations. US Special Representative to Muslim Communities Ms Pandith underscored the importance of including the Maldives in the US government initiative to engage with Muslim communities around the world. She also highlighted the importance of engagement and cooperation between the Maldives and US civil society organisations to increase capacity and effectiveness in addressing social issues in the Maldives.

Denmark to Fund Maldives Climate Projects

The Danish Minister for Development Cooperation Mr Søren Pind today announced that Denmark would fund the Maldives’ climate change projects through its fast-track initiative. Speaking at a press conference in Malé along with President Mohamed Nasheed and Danish Minister for Climate Change and Energy Dr. Lykke Friis on Sunday, Mr Pind said Maldives was among three countries selected to support different climate change projects. “We will see, in close support with the government, how we can cooperate and make projects, for instance, to stop erosion”, he said. While details are yet be finalised, it is expected to Denmark will provide funding for infrastructure and capacity building projects in the Maldives. At the press conference, Minister for Climate Change and Energy Dr. Lykke Friis said during her trip to the Maldives, she had got a very clear indication that urgent action was needed to address climate change. “What we also take back home is it is not enough just to talk about climate change, but you have to walk the walk”, she said. President Nasheed thanked the Danish government for its role in climate change and for sending the ministers to the Maldives. Before the press conference, President Nasheed met with the two visiting ministers and held extensive discussions on a range of issues, including climate change, democratic reform, and religious extremism.

Pak govt probing Transparency International's operations in country
Pakistan's Interior Ministry has asked all ministries, divisions and departments to sever contacts with Transparency International (TI), as the government has started investigating operations of the Pakistan chapter of the international anti-corruption organisation. According to The News, sources have confirmed that the Interior Ministry has appointed an IG level officer in this connection, as the government is of the view that no foreign agency can be allowed to undertake investigations in the country. As such, authorities are trying to comprehend as to who and when the permission to undertake operations in Pakistan was accorded to the TI.

                 21 November 2010 | Sunday                 

Sri Lanka to extend $200 mn line of credit to Maldives
Sri Lanka has offered to extend a USD 200 million line of credit to the Maldives, Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed has said. Nasheed told reporters that he hoped to finalise the arrangement with the government of Sri Lanka when he attends President Mahinda Rajapakse's swearing-in ceremony today in Colombo, Minivanan News reported from Male. "Preliminary discussions for the credit line have been ongoing for some time. An agreement would be signed in the near future between the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) and the Sri Lankan Central Bank," President Nasheed said. The Maldives government's objective was to enable Maldivians to purchase Sri Lankan rupees with the domestic Maldivian rufiyaa currency for imports, while making the Maldivian rufiyaa available to Sri Lankans who wished to buy Maldivian goods.

IMF warns delays loan money to Maldives
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) Saturday announced its decision to delay paying out part of a US$92.5 million loan to the Maldives because the country has failed to carry out fiscal reforms. Since approving the loan last December, the Fund has disbursed two tranches worth US$15 million to the Maldives and the next instalment was due later this year. In a statement issued after its visit to the Maldives, the Fund said there had been “fiscal slippages” due to “insufficient progress in reducing the country’s state wage bill and delays in passage of tax measures.” The Maldives sought IMF assistance last year after its economy was hit by the global financial crisis which hurt tourism, fish exports and capital inflows.

Statement by UNICEF Maldives Representative a. i Mr. J. Bertrand Mendis on the occasion of the 21st Anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Male’ – 20 November 2010  November 20th marks the 21st anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). The CRC is a landmark Convention formulated in 1989, founded upon the collective realization, understanding and agreement among nations of the world that childhood is entitled to special care and assistance. The CRC underpins the international agreement articulated in the Declaration of the Rights of the Child of 1924 that the child, by reason of his physical and mental immaturity, needs special safeguards and care, including appropriate legal protection, before as well as after birth. The CRC is the most ratified international treaty, having been signed by all countries of the world, bar two, representing a major milestone in the efforts to achieve a world fit for children.

Awarded World’s Best Luxury Villa Resort by World Luxury Hotel Awards 2010-11
An idyllic retreat that is making waves across the world.

Having received recognitions from Conde Nast Traveler UK, Leading Hotels of the World, Luxury Travel Magazine Australia, Sunday Times Travel Magazine UK, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Maldives has been very recently bestowed upon two more International awards and recognitions taking the tally of awards won by the resort to 11 in the last thirteen months.

                 20 November 2010 | Saturday                 

Maldives turns to Sri Lanka for dollars as IMF suspends deal
Maldives has had discussions with Sri Lanka on the possibility of gaining access to a hard currency as money printing created dollar shortages and the International Monetary Fund suspended a deal with the archipelago. President Mohamed Nasheed was quoted by Maldivian media as saying that the Maldives Monetary Authority, the tourist paradise's central bank has, had discussions with Sri Lanka's central bank on a 200 million dollar facility. The matter has been raised," Central Bank Governor Nivard Cabraal told LBO. "Further discussions will have to take place." The Maldives has been experiencing 'dollar shortages' again with country unable to trim its budget deficits. Foreign currency 'shortages' happen when a monetary authority that maintains a currency peg, increases the domestic money supply by buying government Treasury bills with freshly printed money. Monetary authorities are forced to do so usually by finance ministries, which run large budget deficits and find it difficult to meet urgent commitments such as civil servant salaries, but are also unwilling to raise interest rate on Treasury bills to borrow more money or tax the people.

Climate activist seeks recruits for his '350' campaign
First, Bill McKibben apologized to his audience of Connecticut College students, faculty and others, calling himself a "professional bummer outer," who had lured them away from enjoying the bright, crisp fall afternoon to spend it in a dimly lit auditorium hearing some hard truths. By the end of his 90-minute talk Friday, the writer and leading activist in the cause of battling climate change put out a plea for new foot soldiers in confronting "the most powerful moral crisis we've ever faced."

CIDprobes JVP’s ‘Lebanon connection’
Lebanese couple arrested for anti-Sri Lanka activity
The CID arrested a Lebanese couple yesterday for their alleged involvement in anti Sri Lanka activities. The suspects, Mohamed Hotait and his wife Sara, were arrested in Kandy and brought to the CID Headquarters in Colombo, where they were interrogated over their connections with the JVP and involvement in JVP instigated agitations in Sri Lanka. A senior CID officer told The Island that the suspects would be deported. He said, "We believe that they are representing a Lebanese organisation, which funds the JVP and supported its anti-government campaigns. So far they have not divulged information on the links between the JVP and that Lebanese organisation. But we have proof of their involvement in anti-Sri Lankan campaigns abroad. After interrogating them we would take action to deport them."

Statement by the President on Hajj and Eid-ul-Adha
Michelle and I extend our greetings for a happy Eid-ul-Adha to Muslims worldwide and wish safe travels to those performing Hajj. This year, nearly three million pilgrims from more than160 countries - including the United States - have gathered in Mecca and neighboring sites to perform the Hajj rituals and stand together in prayer. On Eid, Muslims around the world will commemorate Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son, and distribute food to those less fortunate - a reminder of the shared values and the common roots of three of the world's major religions. On behalf of the American people, we extend our best wishes during this Hajj season – Eid Mubarak and Hajj Mabrour.

Saarc to discuss easing movement across border
Transport ministers of all eight Saarc countries will meet in New Delhi next week to build consensus on an aviation policy providing direct flight links to all capitals and a regional motor vehicle agreement which could enable barrier-free movement of people and freight. The two-day conference will begin on Monday which will involve transport secretaries of Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh , Sri Lanka, Bhutan , Nepal, Maldives and India. The transport ministers would meet the next day. India does not have a direct flight link to Islamabad and Male. According to sources, India will raise the issue with Pakistan and Maldives to have state carriers introduce at least two flights every week.

The World Class Anantara Hotels to Open Up New Luxury
The developer and operator of luxury places, Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas is increasing their folder by opening seven new resorts across Asia, the Indian Ocean and the Middle East during the next year. They plan to open the new resorts in China, Maldives, Oman and UAE till the end of 2011. This would cause a 60 percent increase in their folder in the market they are already in, as well as the new ones. Anantara is planning to make 50 resorts in the operative condition with the time period of next five years. Currently the group has seven resorts in Thailand, one in Bali and two in Maldives. The luxury resorts of Anantara currently operating include Qasr Al Sarab in Abu Dhabi, which was declared as “Middle East’s Leading Desert Resort” at the World Travel Awards of world cup 2010. In the mean time Anantara Resort Maldives was declared as “Maldives’ Leading Villa” at the World Travel Awards Africa and the Indian Ocean Ceremony.

Participation is all that matters
Even as China, South Korea and Japan dominate the show at the Asian Games, spare a thought for the disparate collection of nations desperately seeking their moment of fame. A handful of teams competing in Guangzhou have never made it to the podium at an Asian Games and if the first week of action is anything to go by, glory looks like eluding them yet again. With the Games approaching the halfway point, 24 of the 45 nations Guangzhou have got a medal. Maldives, Bhutan and Timor-Leste are yet to taste success of any kind in the history of the Games, but it is not for want of trying.

                 19 November 2010 | Friday                 

Father of First Lady Laila Ali Passes Away

Father of First Lady Laila Ali, Mr Ali Abdulla has passed away, early this morning, at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital. He was 69. Late Mr Ali Abdulla had held many government posts. He served in the government as the Business Manager of Athiri Maafannuge and Maldivian Government Bodu Store. He also served as the Managing Director of the Maldives Ports Authority, and the Advisor on Commercial Ports for the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation. Late Mr Ali Abdulla was especially renowned for his contribution to modernise wood works and trade of carpentry in the Maldives. He had trained many Maldivians in furniture carpentry and construction, introducing them to many new carpentry and construction technologies. He was awarded the National Award of Recognition in 1980 acknowledging his contribution to develop the trade of carpentry and wood works in the country. Funeral prayers for Mr Ali Abdulla was held at Majid Sultan Mohamed Thakurfaan-al-Auzam after today’s Friday Prayer. President Mohamed Nasheed and senior officials of the government attended his funeral this afternoon. He is survived by three daughters and two sons.

President concludes his visit to Sri Lanka
President Mohamed Nasheed has returned to Male' cutting short his official visit to Sri Lanka following the passing away of father of First Lady Laila Ali. Mr Ali Abdulla passed away early this morning at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital. President Nasheed attended Late Ali Abdulla's funeral held this afternoon. The President made the visit to Sri Lanka to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa for a second term in office. Before departing Colombo, the President attended President Rajapaksa's swearing-in ceremony held this morning.

2011 budget will have increased funding for individual islands – President Nasheed

President Mohamed Nasheed has said FY 2011 budget will include increased funding for individual islands to implement projects and programmes in those islands. Speaking on budget priority areas in his weekly radio address on Friday, the President emphasized that 2011 budget would be different from previous budgets adding it would be a ‘programme budget’. “Funding for several infrastructure projects like provision of water, sewerage systems, harbours, breakwaters, causeways, electricity, buildings, hospitals, and schools is included in the budget,” he said. The President, however, said the budget would not only focus on capital expenses for infrastructure projects. The budget, he revealed, would facilitate loans to boost small and medium-sized enterprises, including agriculture and fishery sectors. The President explained that through expanding the private sector, the government was hopeful of job creation. Other priority areas in 2011 budget would include expansion of ‘holistic education’, health, and social protection system, the President added. In his weekly radio address, the President Nasheed also spoke on International Day on Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect and Universal Children’s Day which are being marked today and tomorrow, respectively. Saying that the “real reason behind the advancement of humanity is the proper growth of children”, the President called for promoting greater pubic awareness on children’s rights and interests.

The Government looking for a Currency Swap Arrangement with Sri Lanka – President Nasheed reveals

Speaking with local press at the President’s Office this afternoon, before departing for Sri Lanka, President Mohamed Nasheed revealed that the government was in discussion with the Sri Lankan government to establish a reciprocal currency or swap arrangement between both countries. President Nasheed is visiting Sri Lanka to attend the inauguration of President Mahinda Rajapaksa for a new term in office. In addition, the President said he will hold further discussions with the Sri Lankan government about setting up a financial arrangement between both countries. The President revealed that both governments had been discussing such an arrangement for sometime. He said he was confident of closing the discussions and reaching an agreement during the visit. Furthermore, he said that, under the arrangement, the government would seek US$ 200 million line of credit from Sri Lankan Central Bank for the Maldives. The President said the government’s aim was to have an arrangement whereby Maldivian Rufiyaa could be directly exchanged for Sri Lankan Rupees and vice versa. He expressed hope of finalizing a framework agreement of the arrangement during his visit. At today’s press conference, the President also gave details of programmes included in next year’s budget, which the government is scheduled to submit to the People’s Majlis next week. He said the budget allocated for individual islands were significantly higher compared to previous years. The President also said that development of small and medium enterprises was given a high priority in this year’s budget. Speaking on the importance of upcoming local council election, President Nasheed highlighted the need for smooth and peaceful elections. He urged all political parties increase the participation of their grassroots members in nominating candidates for local councils, in order to strengthen internal democracy within parties.

                 17 November 2010 | Wednesday                 

Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu wins the World Travel Award - “The Maldives Leading Resort”

The Coco Palm Resorts is delighted to announce that Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu has won the prestigious World Travel Award in the Maldives Leading Resort category. This award is the latest in a long list of international awards for Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu including previous World Travel Awards. World Travel Awards is the most prestigious, comprehensive and sought after awards programme in the global travel and tourism industry. World Travel Award by a process involving 183,000 travel tourism and hospitality professionals across the globe, is the best endorsement that any travel product could receive. Coco Palm Resort believes that this award is an affirmation of the high standards and dedication to service and customer satisfaction at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu. Located on one of the most gorgeous islands in the Maldives, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu is a unique natural hideaway.

Afghan peace talks in Maldives propose shura
Denials by the Taliban and Hekmatyar faction of Hizbe Islami about peace talks with Afghan President Hamid Karzai’s government are intended to diminish the importance and credibility of last week’s intra-Afghan conference in the Maldives. Those talks on the island nation were attended by unofficial representatives of two Taliban militias who came to participate in efforts to chalk out a peace mechanism to end the 9-year-old conflict. But, the reclusive leader of Afghan Taliban Mullah Mohammad Omar, in a message posted November 15 on a militant website, repeated his calls for jihad and his demand for the withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan before negotiations.

Royal wedding! Prince William, Kate Middleton announce engagement
Britain's Prince William will marry his longtime girlfriend Kate Middleton in London in 2011, the royal family said Tuesday. The pair will wed in the spring or summer, according to a statement from the prince's official residence Clarence House. Recent speculation about the site of the event has focused on Westminster Abbey, where the funeral for the prince's mother, Princess Diana, was held in 1997. But the palace remained mum on details. "Further details about the wedding day will be announced in due course," the statement said.

Panama with poor Transparency ratings to host UN conference on corruption
While Panama continues to get poor ratings from transparency International, it will be the site of the 5th UN Convention Against Corruption in 2013. Meanwhile, La Prensa the country’s most prestigious newspaper highlighted on Monday, November 15, direct contracts and concessions showing clear conflicts of interest during the administration of Ricardo Martinelli. One of his campaign slogans talked of those who entered government with empty pockets, and left with them full. Reports of the Public Procurement Directorate detail that, to date, the government has granted over $500 million in direct contracts with several given to family, friends or acquaintances of the President, ministers and heads of institutions.

Anantara Expands Portfolio by Sixty Percent by Announcing Seven New Resort Openings in 2011
Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas, a leading developer and operator of luxury hotels, resorts and spas,is expanding its portfolio across Asia, the Indian Oceana and the Middle East to encompass 50 properties within the next five years. The group currently boasts seven thriving resorts in Thailand, two in the Maldives, one in Bali and two Middle East additions (12 in total), and enthusiastically anticipates the debut of seven new resorts in China, the Maldives, Bali, Oman and the UAE by the end of 2011. Such growth reflects a 60% expansion of the portfolio in existing and new markets.

SAARC students get awards
Forty one students from India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives and Sri Lanka received medals, cash prizes and merit certificates for their outstanding performance in the Ignou-Unesco Science Olympiad 2010 on the occasion of Children's Day on Sunday. Five toppers received awards of excellence for their overall performance which includes Md H Rahman from Hyderabad, Chelvaniththilan Sivabalan from Jaffna, Jeevana Priya from Hyderabad, Govind K from Tiruvanantahpuram, and Ayush Singhal from Jaipur in the order of rank first to fifth.

Six Senses Laamu, in the Maldives will open in April 2011
Six Senses Resorts & Spas is delighted to announce that Six Senses Laamu, in the Maldives will open in April 2011. This is a confirmed date, the challenges which caused delays throughout the year, now being over. The resort’s remoteness combined with Six Senses total commitment to using sustainable materials in its design and architecture being the primary cause. Sonu Shivdasani, Chairman and CEO of Six Senses commented: ‘I am delighted to be able to announce that Six Senses Laamu will open in April 2011. The development of this first Six Senses property in the Maldives has been challenging and the unavoidable delays frustrating to all. I believe though that it will all have been worthwhile, as Six Senses Laamu has all the ingredients to make it a hugely popular destination. With its remote (but accessible) location, its pristine reef, its yinyang surfing wave, its contemporary design features and focus on nightlife, it will set a new standard for Six Senses Resorts.’

Largest Project between China, Maldives Launched
he foundation-laying ceremony of the 1,000 Housing Units Project to be carried out by a Chinese company was launched Thursday in Hulhumale with the participation of Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed. In his remarks, Nasheed expressed his appreciation to the Chinese government for facilitating this project, saying it will bring prosperity and development to the Maldivian people. For her part, Chinese Ambassador Yang Xiuping said, "Providing affordable living has been an area in the government's agenda. I am very glad that the Chinese company, CMEC, won the bid of the project of 1,000 Housing Unites in Hulhumale. I wish it every success." She believed that with the support and assistance of the Maldivian government, the CMEC will complete the project with higher quality and efficiency.

WTM 2010: Maldives looks to boost share of mid-market business
The Maldives Tourism Promotion Board is targeting mid-market business in a drive to fill empty economy-class seats on inbound flights at quiet times of year. Simon Hawkins, consultant to the tourist office, said first and business-class seats were 65% and 80% respectively but economy was sat at around 50% during low season. “We have done a great job attracting wealthier clients and it’s not that we want to put them off coming, far from it. “But we have paid less attention to the mid-market and in promoting what there is to do here in terms of events, culture and the people - there is far more than the pristine natural beauty.

Saving the manta rays of the Maldives
The Maldives government is determined to protect the marine life around its shores - and along with it, the country's economy. I stare into the eye of the manta ray as it cruises past me - just centimetres from my face - on great black wings, three metres wide. Behind it there is another manta, and another and another, forming an orderly queue as they open their mouths wide to scoop up the tiny black specks of plankton on which they feed. I am soon surrounded by more than 40 of these flat but graceful creatures, swooping and soaring through the water as gracefully as any bird on the wing.

                 16 November 2010 | Tuesday                 

26 engineer officers pass out from INS Shivaji
Twenty-six officers from the 102nd basic engineering course (BEC) of the Naval College of Engineering at INS Shivaji in Lonavla passed out on Saturday after successful completion of their three-year training programme. The batch included 12 officers from Sri Lanka, Maldives, Seychelles and Kenya. The graduating officers formally passed out on Saturday morning in an immaculate ceremonial parade reviewed by Vice Admiral Satish Soni, commandant of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla.

Alex Fong, Stephy Tang spotted holidaying in Maldives
Hong Kong singer-actor Alex Fong Lik-sun and singer-actress Stephy Tang have admitted that they recently holidayed in the Maldives together and hinted that they were dating when they appeared at a publicity event together on Saturday, reported Hong Kong media. This comes just days after netizens claimed to have spotted the pair in the Maldives together. "I went on holiday with Fong! I was never bothered and never tried to escape anything," said Tang of her trip, adding that it was just the two of them during their vacation. The 27-year-old later indirectly admitted that she and Fong were dating when she expressed that she did not mind being called his girlfriend.

UK to pay ex-Guantanamo detainees
The British government is expected to announce a compensation of more than a $1.6 million to former detainees in the Guantanamo Bay military detention facility in Cuba. The Cabinet Office confirmed reports by local media on Tuesday that the government would update politicians about High Court actions brought by former prisoners, who claim British security forces were complicit in their torture. Bisher al-Rawi, Jamil el Banna, Richard Belmar, Omar Deghayes, Binyam Mohamed, Martin Mubanga all took action against the government, and the High Court ordered the release of 500,000 related documents in July.

Muslims on hajj in Saudi Arabia ascend holy mount
Nearly 3 million Muslims performing the annual hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia climbed the rocky desert Mount Arafat on Monday, chanting that they have come to answer God's call.The white-robed pilgrims began their ascent at dawn, covering the Mountain of Mercy at Arafat in an endless sea of white as their chants of "Labyek Allah" — or "Here I am, God, answering your calling" — reverberated. The climb is one of the cornerstones of the pilgrimage, which is required from every able-bodied Muslim at least once in his life. It is the site where Islam's Prophet Muhammad delivered his farewell sermon, and Muslims believe on this day the doors of heaven open to answer prayers and grant forgiveness. Saudi Arabia's top cleric, Grand Mufti Sheik Abdul-Aziz Al Sheik, called on worshippers in a midday sermon to espouse moderation and said Islam would survive what he described as attempts to defame the faith.

Spread radiant image of the Prophet’
Grand Mufti Abdul Aziz Al-Asheikh calls for end to injustice
• Pilgrims seek mercy in Arafat plains
• Stoning of Satan begins today
Nearly three million pilgrims on Monday stood on Mount Arafat, also known as the Mount of Mercy, and the plains surrounding it from where Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) gave his farewell sermon more than 14 centuries ago. It was from here that the Last Prophet’s Companions set out across the four corners of the world preaching the simple message of Islam. The Prophet’s last sermon, simple and pure as it was, became the magnet for millions to join the fold of Islam. The Prophet preached about the oneness of Allah and talked about piety being the only barometer of one’s closeness to Allah.

                 15 November 2010 | Monday                 

Criticism Targeted Education Minister to Introduce Green Badge

Minister of Education Dr. Mustafa Luthfy, despite engulfed with public frustration on his academic policy in the country, has said that he is planning to introduce a so called green badge to increase environment moral value among students studying in schools. He made the announcement during a speech before hundreds of students at a meeting held to recognize best 10 from higher secondary studies. Speaking on his planning green badge, he put the students on condition to win the funds from the badge. He said the handling of books to environment friendly manner includes among the four conditions he applied to provide the funds. The other conditions are to maintain books for reuse and taking care of the book and its cover kept at lower cost and planting a tree. Most Maldivians believe Dr. Musthafa Luthfy as an agent to destroy Maldives Islamic culture.

Despite Corruption Charges Sultans Set to Grill BML

One of the largest frauds known to recent charges and forcing the local bank to freeze the accounts of Sultans Company has said that it will file a lawsuit against the Bank of Maldives for the loss due to blocking their funds. It said the company is seeking over 10 Million Euros for the loss. The company had been ordered by a civil court to pay loans that reach above Mrf. 654 Million to BML within a year in 2008. It said the Bank had frozen its accounts before the deadline given to them making a huge financial loss to the company. The company said the Bank suspended their accounts before the end of 2008 although the court order states to complete the loan payments before January 2009. It did not say how much they paid to the bank or the company was continuously following the order.

Calls for greater law enforcement at anti corruption meeting
An international anti corruption conference has ended in Bangkok, with a call for greater law enforcement and a redoubling of efforts against a problem that's estimated to cost as much as 40 million US dollars a year. G20 leaders of the world's top economies meeting in Seoul last week, endorsed their own anti-corruption action plan. That plan was met with encouragement at the Conference, but some called on the leaders to push for greater accountability in world financial markets where they say illicit financial flows have entrenched corruption worldwide.

                 14 November 2010 | Sunday                 

Ka’ba key keeper dies aged 82
Sheikh Abdul-Aziz Al-Sheibi, the keeper of the Holy Ka’aba’s key, passed away Sunday morning. He was 82. His body was buried in the Maalla cemetery after funeral prayers at the Grand Mosque in Makkah. Al-Sheibi family has been holding the position of the Ka’ba key keeper since the time of jahiliya (pre-Islamic period). It was inherited by the eldest member of the family and did not transfer from father to son. Age was the basis for the key’s inheritance. All Muslim rulers have respected Al-Sheibi family being the custodian of the Holy Ka’ba and its key. The family of the present custodians is linked with Sheiba bin Othman Abitalha who lived during the time of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Al-Sheibi family has been holding the position since the time of Qusay bin Kilab who lived before Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). King Faisal gave the Ka’ba key to Sheikh Ameen, brother of Abdul-Aziz. Sheikh Abdul-Aziz has been keeping the key for the last 16 years. Al-Sheibi family has been serving the Holy Ka’ba for the last 15 centuries. There are 370 members in the family and most of them live in Makkah.

Friday sermon stirs millions in Makkah
Rahman Al-Sudais’ soul-stirring 40-minute sermon on Friday from the Grand Mosque in Makkah. The sermon was carried live on state television and many Arab, African and Asian television stations. On many occasions during the sermon the congregation was reduced to tears as the imam spoke about the tough times that Islam faces in these critical times. Calling for the liberation of Palestine, Al-Sudais said now is the time for Palestinian factions to bury their differences. “These differences have only added to the miseries of our brothers and sisters in Palestine. This inhuman blockade has made life hellish for them. Now is the time for Muslim countries to unify their ranks and liberate Palestinians from the shackles of this inhuman bondage,” he said. “All differences among regional countries should be and can be resolved in the true spirit of Islam. The best example of our unity is this congregation in which every Muslim from every corner is united through the love of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the Holy Qur’an.”

U N I T E D N A T I O N S
MESSAGE ON THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF TOLERANCE

Tolerance is the foundation for mutual respect among people and communities, and is vital for building a single global society around shared values. It is a virtue and a quality, but above all, tolerance is an act – the act of reaching out to others and seeing differences not as barriers, but as invitations for dialogue and understanding.

Jumeirah Group to open their first resort in Maldives by Q1 2011
Jumeirah Group has announced that the company’s first resort in the Maldives; Jumeirah Dhevanafushi will be an all suite resort and is scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2011. The property is situated in the Gaafu Alifu Atoll, 400 km south of the capital city of Malé. The resort comprises 22 island villas, water village, called the Hermitage Collection, including 16 ocean villas. The villas, named Revives and Sanctuaries offer sea views, direct access to the beach and 24 hour butler service. The resort also features three restaurants and a bar with a variety of culinary options and a Talise Spa. Jumeirah Group also has its second upscale family resort underway in Maldives, christened as as Jumeirah Vittaveli it will stand at the South Malé Atoll and is scheduled to open March 2011.

Thailand coach slammed by media and senator after Maldives stalemate
With the stalemate, Thailand finished second in Group F behind Oman and are likely to meet Vietnam or Turkmenistan in the second round. If the Thais advance to the quarter-finals, they would highly likely face tournament favourites Japan. On the other hand, Oman look to have an easier task in the last 16 round as they will meet Hong Kong. The Thai media criticised and ridiculed the team's dismal scoreless draw with Maldives. Worawut Rojanapanich, chairman of the Senate committee on sports, who is in Guangzhou, lashed out at Robson yesterday.

President Welcomes Aung San Suu Kyi´s Release
President Nasheed has welcomed the Burmese authorities´ decision to release Aung San Suu Kyi from house arrest. The President hailed the decision as an "historic step forward for freedom and democracy in Burma." Ms. Suu Kyi was released from the confines of her home in Rangoon on Saturday. "Aung San Suu Kyi shines as a beacon of hope across Burma and the world," the President said. "Many people, myself included, have drawn strength from her courageous and tireless work for human rights and democracy," he added. "The Maldives will continue to work for Ms. Suu Kyi´s complete freedom and we look forward to her being able to play a full and active role in Burmese politics," the President stated. Ms. Suu Kyi has been held in detention for 15 of the past 21 years. In 1990, her National League for Democracy won a landslide general election victory but the Burmese military junta refused to cede defeat. Last week, the Burmese junta held another national election, which has been marred by allegations of vote rigging and dismissed by independent observers as a sham.

Maldives Elected Co-Chair of World Bank´s Strategic Climate Fund Governing Committee

The Maldives has been elected as Co-Chair of the World Bank´s Strategic Climate Fund Committee (SCF), which is part of the governing body of the Climate Investment Fund (CIF), established in 2008. The Climate Investment Funds are a pair of funds to help developing countries pilot low-emissions and climate-resilient development. With CIF support, 44 developing countries are piloting transformations in clean technology, sustainable management of forests, increased energy access through renewable energy, and climate-resilient development.