11 January 2011 | Tuesday                 

President Meets with the People of Velidhoo
President Mohamed Nasheed, on Monday, visited Velidhoo of Noonu atoll and met with the people of the island. The President briefed on government’s development projects for the islands. He also spoke on the progress of government’s key pledges and plans for the socio-economic development of the country. In this regard, he noted that 14 hectares of land have been reclaimed in the island and said that revetment would begin soon. The President said that redevelopment of Velidhoo harbour was included in this year’s budget. During his visit to Velidhoo, the President inquired about the general well-being of the people. Later on the day, he visited Noonu Atoll Education Centre and met with senior officials of the school. President Nasheed also opened a guest house in the island. Speaking at the ceremony, President noted that opening up the tourism sector would create more jobs and therefore facilitate island development. He also stressed the importance of proper hospitality and services for tourists. President Nasheed returned to Male’ after concluding his visit to Noonu atoll on Tuesday.

Addu Declared a City Following Publication of Criteria Determining Cities
President Mohamed Nasheed has declared Addu as a city, following publication, in the Government Gazette, the criteria determining cities. The criteria were established by the Local Government Authority. A City Council has now been formed for Addu in accordance with Decree number 2010/15, and Annex 2 of Act no: 7/2010 (Decentralisation Act). The President also today sent a letter to the Election’s Commission, informing of his decision to declare Addu a city. In the letter, he requested the Elections Commission to hold elections for the Addu city council as scheduled and in accordance with law. According to the criteria established by the Local Government Authority, the gross domestic product of a city must be no less than Rf1 billion. According to statistics by the Department of National Planning, the GDP of Addu in 2010 is more than Rf2 billion.

More than 10000 forms dispersed Veshi Fahi Malé Programme
More than 10000 application forms for housing schemes under Veshi Fahi Malé Programme have been dispersed by the Male’ Municipality yesterday. Veshi Fahi Malé Programme, initiated by Malé Municipality last November, aims to combine the development of Malé, Vilingili, Guli Falhu, Thilafushi, Hulhumalé and Malé International Airport. The programme’s goal is to provide adequate housing for least advantaged Malé families and support decongestion of Malé. Phase 1 of the Housing Project under Veshi Fahi Malé Programme was launched yesterday and application for the housing scheme was opened today. Under phase 1 of the Veshi Fahi Malé programme, a total of 1,000 parties will be able to apply for housing schemes. The housing schemes include 500 housing units in Malé, 250 housing units in Hulhumalé, and 250 housing plots in Hulhumalé. Meanwhile, President Mohamed Nasheed yesterday visited Male’ Municipality and inspected the work being carried out under the Veshi Fahi Malé Programme. At the Male’ Municipality, President Nasheed met with the President of Male’ Municipality, Mr Sarangu Adam Maniku, and inquired about the application process.

Pres. again declares Addu as a City
President Mohamed Nasheed has again declared Addu as a city, following publication, in the Government Gazette, the criteria determining cities. The criteria were established by the Local Government Authority. A City Council has now been formed for Addu in accordance with Decree number 2010/15, and Annex 2 of Act no: 7/2010 (Decentralisation Act). The President also today sent a letter to the Election’s Commission, informing of his decision to declare Addu a city. In the letter, he requested the Elections Commission to hold elections for the Addu city council as scheduled and in accordance with law.

Defense Ministry signs an MOU on transferring aviation security at regional airports
Ministry of Defense and National and Regional Airports signed an MOU on transferring aviation security at regional airports to Ministry of Defence and National Security. During the ceremony held at Bandaarakoshi, Minister of State for Defense and National Security Muizzu Adhaan signed on behalf of the Defence Ministry while Director General Mohamed Wajeeh signed on behalf of the Regional Airports. According to the MOU, Defence Ministry is responsible to maintain the aviation security in the domestic airports of HDh. Hanimaadhoo, Gdh. Kaadedhdhu, and L. Kadhdhu.  Along with the two International airports, Defence Ministry is now assigned to maintain the aviation security of all the airports in Maldives.

Floods waters, death toll rising in Queensland
Floods waters are threatening Brisbane as Queensland continues to suffer the impact from weeks of heavy tropical storms which have swept across the state. There are already eight people confirmed dead, half of them children, and 72 still missing. Eight thousand Brisbane properties are at risk of flooding, says the city council. Two riverside restaurants in Brisbane’s CBD have evacuated their businesses in preparation for rising flood waters. Heavy rains and flash flooding savaged Toowoomba yesterday, with four people confirmed dead and dozens more missing. State premier Anna Bligh said, "This is without doubt our darkest hour in the past fortnight." One eyewitness said people stood in stunned silence in Toowoomba city centre. "It was kind of like everyone had just stopped ... standing in the middle of the road looking around," she said. "There were cars upside down, washed away, roads caved in... just crazy scenes." Parts of the Sunshine Coast, one of Queensland’s main tourist regions, are also being threatened by rising river levels. A flood warning for the area has been reissued and a number of roads have been closed.

KELLY BROOK'S SECRET DATES WITH JACK WHITEHALL
URVY Kelly Brook is secretly dating the lanky comedian Jack Whitehall. The gorgeous model seems to have men eating out of her hand at the moment. Queen of the curves Kelly has been spotted on dates with Scottish rugby pin-up Thom Evans, 25, (cousin of TV presenter Chris Evans, 44). And the little minx, 30, spent New Year in the Maldives with ex boyfriend Danny Cipriani, 22, and a mystery blonde girl. However, we can reveal these are red herrings as she’s actually getting frisky with stand-up funnyman Jack, 25.

"Ocean Plus" package extended through Sept 30 at Sheraton Maldives!
With the success of the new Ocean Villa category, the Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa has extended its introductory all-inclusive “Ocean Plus” package starting from $1040USD per night and available through September 30, 2011. Imagine enjoying spacious, luxury accommodations (220sqm) whilst on a worry-free holiday. All the elements for a perfect stay at the Sheraton Maldives have been thought of. The all-inclusive “Ocean Plus” package is valid in the new Ocean Villa category only and includes the following:

Over 8 lakh hit in Sri Lankan floods
Over eight lakh people have been affected in Sri Lanka as the monsoon fury worsened, leading to breaching of tanks, landslips and flooding. The numbers affected could be higher since statistics are not available from at least four of the affected districts. Assistant Director of the National Disaster Management Centre Pradeep Kodippili said the number of people affected island-wide was 819,759 (215,986 families). Sunday's rainfall of 300 mm in a day in Battocaloa is the highest in recent memory.

Pakistan stresses enhanced economic cooperation with Sri Lanka
Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday has called for stronger economic cooperation with Sri Lanka underscoring the need to increase bilateral trade between the two countries. Zardari had given assurance of providing soft term credit facility for the export of Pakistani cement and sugar plants to Sri Lanka when a Sri Lankan parliamentary delegation led by Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa Monday called on the Pakistani President at Governor House. President Zardari has suggested to the delegation that Sri Lanka must provide incentives, including repatriation of investment to attract Pakistani entrepreneurs to invest in the country.

                 10 January 2011 | Monday                 

Civil Court rules Addu City Council invalid

Civil Court of Maldives has given the verdict that the President Mohamed Nasheed’s decision to make Addu City Council invalid. The court decided as such on the last hearing of the case filed by Opposition Gaumee Party (GP) Vice President Imad Solih who alleged that the government’s decision to make Addu Atoll as a city was in contradiction to the constitution of the country. Civil Court Judge Hathif Hilmy delivered the verdict saying that the the Local Government Authority has not yet develop a standard to assess the services and productivity of the atoll so as to declare Addu Atoll as a city. He said that the president is not authorized to declare Addu atoll as a city.

Civil Court’s rule to invalidate Addu City Council to be appealed- AG

Attorney General Dr Ahmed Ali Sawad has said that the verdict of the Civil Court to invalidate the President’s decision to make Addu City Council will be appealed in the High Court. Dr. Ali Sawad said to Miadhu Daily that the court delivered the verdict without taking the points noted by the government into consideration. The AG underscored the importance of seeking a legal solution to the problem. He said that the Civil Court declared that only two requirements to make a City Council have been not met by the government to declare Addu Atoll as a City. “The court only highlighted the requirements mentioned on appendix 2 of 2, 3. We have said in the court that those conditions can only be met after appointing the Local Government Board. We have said in court that the board has to include a city council member from the islands in addition to the council member of Male’,” Dr. Sawad said.

Used to believe it’s best to give the authority to a dictator to test democracy- Alhan
MP for Seenu Feydhoo, Alhaan Fahumy has said that he asked the people of Naifaru to vote for former President Dictator Maumoon Abdul-Gayoon in the Presidential Elections not because of his developments of the island, but because he used to believe that it is best to give the authority to a dictator to test democracy. Speaking at a meeting of ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) meeting held at the reclaimed land area of Naifaru, Alhan said that there are two matters to consider when working with the main opposition Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP). He said the two things to consider when working with DRP are the family rule philosophy within the party and the self-interests over the interests of the people. “The blood running through me is the blood of Naifaru. The people of Naifaru will leave DRP just the way I left it,” he said. Former Foreign Minister Professor Ahmed Shaheed, MDP Parliamentary group Leader Moosa Manik, MDP Parliamentary group Deputy Leader Mohamed Aslam, Home Minister Hassan Afeef and Youth Minister Hassan Afeef also spoke at the meeting.

China smoking deaths could triple by 2030, report warns
China is failing to deliver on pledges to help its 300 million smokers kick the habit, according to health experts who warned of a sharp rise in tobacco-linked deaths if strong steps are not taken. By 2030, more than 3.5 million Chinese could die from smoking-related illnesses each year, compared with 1.2 million dead in 2005, a joint report by Chinese and foreign medical experts said.

Four killed, 800,000 displaced in Sri Lankan floods and earthslides
Colombo At least four people were killed and nine others missing in an earthslide in central Sri Lanka as floods swept through several parts of the country, displacing more than 800,000 people, officials said Sunday. Six houses were buried in an earthslide close to the town of Kandy, 117 kilometres east of the capital on Sunday. So far, four bodies had been recovered and five others rescued.

UN panel and Sri Lankan interests
One UNP spokesperson said that LLRC was only time consuming and an ‘attention diverting effort’ by the government while another said that international inquiry is unnecessary. Another said that the government should share their side of the story with the UN Panel and Sarath Fonseka should also be allowed to share his experiences and any international investigation surrounding war crimes in Sri Lanka was applicable. The UNP’s Secretary General said that it would have been the latter’s personal opinion. Such uncertainty in the leading Opposition Party does not exhibit consensual politics. Possible outcomes of the UN Panel’s visit. Assume Farhan Haq’s quotes are right, and the UN Panel visits Sri Lanka. Then the meeting is not limited to just ‘chatting’. It will be serious talking. What could be the outcome of such dialogue?

Chinese troops enter Indian territory again: Report
After remaining peaceful for most of the year, Chinese troops entered Indian territory in the fag end of 2010 along the Line of Actual Control in South-eastern Ladakh region and threatened a contractor and his team to halt work on constructing a "passenger shed". The Chinese troops, which included motor-cycle borne personnel of People's Liberation Army (PLA), entered Gombir area in Demchok region in Jammu and Kashmir and threatened the civilian workers who were building the shed, the plan for which was cleared by the state rural development department, according to details accessed by PTI.

                 9 January 2011 | Ssunday                 

We're in doubts as to whom we should be united with- members
As per Dictator Gayoom’s tradition of he himself backlashing his own statements, thursday night he has called to all the members of DRP to be united as brothers and work hard to achieve win the local council election., Friday night his allies has betrayed DRP. They held a meeting in island Miladhoo in noonu atoll and announced that sacked DRP Member Mullah Monkey Umar Naseer still as DRP’s Deputy Leader. In response to the call of unity by the founding leader of the main opposition Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) and former President of the Maldives Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, members of DRP has said that they are doubtful as to whom they should be united with.

DRP Warns to PA leader not spread rumours
Main opposition Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) has warned to opposition Peoples’ Alliance leader Abdullah Yaameen Abdul Gayoom , brother of Dictator Gayoom, not to spread rumours when the local council elections are near. DRP condemned the rumours spread by PA leader Abdullah Yaameen regarding the party. “With the elections above our heads, at a time when hundreds of candidates of DRP are campaigning with zeal and enthusiasm in opposition to PA candidates, these continuous irresponsible actions of will have its side effects on both the candidates of DRP and also every candidate of the opposition,” the Press Statement of DRP said. DRP said that the recent interview of Abdullah Yaameen given to Sun Online where the PA leader tried to revile the honour of DRP Leader Ahmed Thasmeen Ali is proof itself against Yaameen for twisting the facts and fabricating stories. People say it is high time for both brothers Yamin and Maumoon to fly a kite if they want to any political position in the country.
 

President says the Maldives should Follow the Path of Developed Societies to Move Forward
Underscoring the Maldives’ graduation from the United Nations’ list of Least Developed Countries, President Mohamed Nasheed has said for the Maldives to move forward from this point, it should follow the path of more developed societies. Addressing the people of Hinnavaru of Lhaviyani Atoll, the President said following the Maldives’ graduation to become a Middle-Income Country, it would lose various privileges and benefits including higher levels of overseas development aid.

Protestors calls not to hinder the developments of Addu for political motives
A protest was held in Addu Atoll yesterday evening calling the opposition parties not to try to hinder and obstruct the development programmes of Addu Atoll for political motives. The protest held by a coalition of local NGOs of Addu Atoll called to make Addu City after establishing the city Male’. They said that the decision of the government to make Addu a city is what the people of the most sourthern atoll need. The participants of the protests said that the people of Addu voted in favour of making Addu a city is because the peoples wants the atoll to be developed. They said that no one has the write to obstruct the government from Addu City project.

Government’s Social Security Programme Aims to Provide an Honourable and a Dignified Life for Every Citizen
Speaking in Kurendhoo of Lhaviyani Atoll, on the government’s social security programme, President Mohamed Nasheed has said the aim of the programme was to ensure that every citizen of the country led their lives with honour and dignity. He said broadening Madhana health insurance scheme to include the entire population was aimed at making available healthcare facilities affordable for all, especially the poorest sections and the most vulnerable, in order to safeguard the dignity of citizens.

Reducing Public Sector Pay Instrumental in Getting Economy Back on Track – Says President

Speaking in his weekly radio address after the government’s decision to reinstate public sector pay from January 1, President Mohamed Nasheed has said reducing public sector pay in 2009 was instrumental in getting the Maldivian economy back on track during the economic downturn. The government’s decision to restore public servants’ salaries revoked pay cuts introduced by the government in 2009 as a result of the economic downturn. The government cut public sector pay promising to reinstate the salaries when the national income reached Rf7 billion mark.

Maldives: 5-Star Resorts Release January Offers Universal Resorts, Maldives New Dining Packages.
Universal Resorts is celebrating the New Year in style by introducing superb new dining packages at Kurumba and Velassaru, two of its 5-star Maldivian resorts. These new promotions, Dine Around Premium at Kurumba and Velassaru Indulgence at Velassaru are both available from January 2011 and will allow guests to enjoy a wide choice of fine dining options all for a fixed daily price. Dine Around Premium at Kurumba offers a lavish buffet breakfast in the main restaurant of Vihamana followed by lunch from either the all-day dining menus of Kurumba Café and Pool Side, or snacks and pizza in the open-air pavilion of the Beach Bar. For dinner there is an array of foods to enjoy and a choice of seven wonderful restaurants to visit, each specialising in cuisines ranging from Japanese Teppanyaki and authentic Indian dishes, to European classics and Middle-Eastern delicacies. Alternatively, dinner can be taken at Vihamana, which hosts a different themed buffet every evening, or at Kurumba Café.

Why the magical Maldives was the perfect destination for my honeymoon
Festive proposals seem to have been all the rage this Christmas. If Lily Allen wasn't securing her romantic future in Bali, then Natalie Portman was becoming 'enfianced' to her French ballet dancer boyfriend and Hugh Hefner was getting down on bended knee (a struggle at 84). And of course, with every festive proposal comes the New Year search for honeymoon destinations, what better to chase away those January blues? But should it be a classic beach break or a far-flung adventure? Here, one newlywed, Vida Rogers, explains why the Maldives was the perfect choice for both, combining the romance of white-sand beaches and luxury accommodation with undersea adventures and private beach barbecues...

Maldives orders vessel monitor system
The Republic of the Maldives has ordered a vessel monitoring and information system for fisheries management and safety. GeoEye Inc., a satellite and aerial-based geospatial information and services company, said the information services project expands its expertise and presence in location-based information products and services.

Maldives Herathera Island Resort Contract Goes to Thailand property Developer
Herathera Island, Maldives: News has just emerged that the Thai residential property developer, Amari Estates Company, has won the lease management contract for Herathera Island Resort in the south Maldives. The four star resort is surrounded by a lagoon and has long, white, sandy beaches. It is the only resort on the island of Herathera and guests arrive via a twenty minute speedboat ride from Gan International Airport in the Madives. Company president and chief executive officer Yuthachai Charanachitt said refurbishing and rebranding the resort would cost over 100 million baht (US $3.31 million) but he refused to reveal the bid price until the company signs an official agreement on January 15th 2011.

                 7 January 2011 | Friday                 

Reducing Public Sector Pay Instrumental in Getting Economy Back on Track – Says President
Speaking in his weekly radio address after the government’s decision to reinstate public sector pay from January 1, President Mohamed Nasheed has said reducing public sector pay in 2009 was instrumental in getting the Maldivian economy back on track during the economic downturn. The government’s decision to restore public servants’ salaries revoked pay cuts introduced by the government in 2009 as a result of the economic downturn. The government cut public sector pay promising to reinstate the salaries when the national income reached Rf7 billion mark. The President said the whole nation would appreciate the civil servants’ sacrifice noting that it was because they accepted the pay cut that the government was able to get economy back on track. In his first radio address of 2011, the President also underscored the Maldives’ graduation on January 1 from the United Nations’ list of Least Developed Countries (LDC). He stated that, despite the country’s graduation to the middle-income country category, one third of the population still lived below the poverty line. Continuing in this regard, the President said the government was providing assistance to the people living poverty line, the most vulnerable in the country through its social security programme. President Nasheed said progressing to the middle-income country status would be more beneficial for the Maldives. He stated that the government’s philosophy was making the country self sufficient rather than seeking foreign aid as a poor country. In addition, the President noted that the new academic year begins on Sunday, January 9, after the annual school vacation. He said the most schools were prepared and in order for the new academic year, although there might by minor difficulties in the beginning.

President Inaugurates Telemedicine Service at Thinadhoo
President Mohamed Nasheed has this afternoon inaugurated telemedicine service established at Thinadhoo Regional Hospital. The telemedicine kiosk installed at Thinadhoo Regional Hospital was donated to the government by Dhiraagu, one of the largest telecommunication companies in the Maldives. Dhiraagu has committed a gift package of more than 2 million Rufiya to the Government oin this project and assured their capability to organize and maintain any amount of such units through out the country. Speaking at Thinadhoo Regional Hospital after inaugurating the system, the President thanked Dhiraagu for their donation. He said technologies such as telemedicine provided many opportunities for expansion of telecommunication services and the service had huge potential for growth in the Maldives. The President urged all the telecommunication companies to recognize the business potential in the service and join the government to expand the service in other areas of the country. Noting the difficulties in providing adequate healthcare services in the remotely scattered islands of the Maldives, the President said telemedicine would enable people in the islands to receive quality healthcare from doctors and hospitals all around the world. The President said the government was preparing to commence telemedicine services in 34 islands within the next few months. These services will be set up with the assistance of Khalifa Foundation, Abu Dhabi.

Government Committed to Rehabilitating Youth Addicted to Hard Drugs Back into the Society – President Nasheed
Stating that nearly a generation of Maldivian youth has been lost due to drug addition during Dictator Gayoom’s regime , President Mohamed Nasheed has reiterated that the government’s aim was to rehabilitate youth addicted to hard drugs back into the society. During the Dictator;s regime dealing drugs is his family business. When the Dictator was thrown off from the post 40 percent of the youth were effected. Speaking in Vaadhoo of Gaaf Dhaal this morning, the President said youth development was a key pledge of the government. The President said government was committed to strengthening its drug rehabilitation programmes, and it would revitalize its programmes to fight drug addiction among youth of Vaadhoo. Outlining the government’s development programmes for Vaadhoo, the President said all arrangements were complete to begin construction of a harbour in the island this year. He also revealed that Upper South Utilities Company would this year build a gas plant, which would create 150 more jobs in the island. After concluding his visit to Vaadhoo, the President has now arrived in Thinadhoo of Gaaf Dhaal Atoll.

National Thermal Power Corporation is planning to establish solar power projects in Maldives, according to a report.
The report stated that NTPC is conducting feasibility study in Maldives to explore the potential of the island nation for setting up solar power projects. The final report is expected in the next 3-4 months, adds report. There are reports that government has allowed NTPC to sell more electricity in states where its plants are located, paving the way for developing projects valued at

Thai offers new flights to the Maldives
Thai Airways International is now operating code-share flights to the Maldives in cooperation with Bangkok Airways, on the route Bangkok-Maldives-Bangkok, effective since December 30, 2010. Flights to the Maldives will be operated at a frequency of three flights per week on Monday, Thursday, and Sunday, utilizing Airbus A319 aircraft. The flight program for flights on the route Bangkok – Maldives v.v. during the winter schedule, now until 26 March 2011, are as follows:

The Turbo-est Taxes
In her annual report to Congress delivered Wednesday, the Internal Revenue Service's ombudswoman urged lawmakers to simplify the federal tax code. Even if Congress listens to her advice, overhauling our tax system for the first time since 1986 could take years. In the meantime, where should you move to avoid a tax-season headache? The Maldives—particularly if you own a business. To determine the relative arduousness of various taxation systems,researchers from the World Bank and PricewaterhouseCoopers dreamt up a hypothetical, but very specific, company—a ceramic flowerpot manufacturer that owns one building, two plots of land, and one truck; has 60 employees; and pays 50 percent of its net profits to its owners, among other assumptions—and brought it through the taxation process of 183 nations and territories. It would take the imaginary flowerpot manufacturer's accountant less than an hour to comply with the Maldives' tax code. Compare that with Brazil, the lowest-ranking country, where the company would have to spend 2,600 person-hours—about 108 days of nonstop work, or 325 eight-hour shifts—to meet the requirements. That makes filing taxes in Belarus, the second lowest, seem like a cakewalk—at 1,080 hours. The United States, where it would take the flowerpot company 110 hours to comply, ranks 23rd from the top by this measure.

                 6 January 2011 | Thursday                 

Breaking News:
Dictator Gayoom Surrenders to DRP Leader
Former President Dictator Gayoom surrenders to Drp leader Ahmed Thasmeen Ali and Abdulla Shahid when he came to know there isn’t any support for him as a Political leader in Maldives. Mr. Thasmeen and Mr. Shahid has accepted his apologies just to respect him as party’s first Leader although he is a dictator.

Breaking News: Thasmeen to participate in Gayoom’s meeting
Main opposition Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) Leader Ahmed Thasmeen Ali is reported to participate in the meeting of the DRP founding Leader and former President of Maldives Maumoon Abdul Gayoom with the members and well wishers of the party tonight. Miadhu Daily has been informed that DRP Leader Thasmeen will be also giving a speech at the meeting although it was first announced that only DRP founding leader Gayoom will be speaking at the meeting. Miadhu Daily was also informed that the Leader of the Peoples’ Alliance Abdullah Yaameen will not participate in tonight’s meeting.

Government Committed to Rehabilitating Youth Addicted to Hard Drugs Back into the Society – President Nasheed
Stating that nearly a generation of Maldivian youth has been lost due to drug addition, President Mohamed Nasheed has reiterated that the government’s aim was to rehabilitate youth addicted to hard drugs back into the society. Speaking in Vaadhoo of Gaaf Dhaal this morning, the President said youth development was a key pledge of the government. The President said government was committed to strengthening its drug rehabilitation programmes, and it would revitalize its programmes to fight drug addiction among youth of Vaadhoo. Outlining the government’s development programmes for Vaadhoo, the President said all arrangements were complete to begin construction of a harbour in the island this year. He also revealed that Upper South Utilities Company would this year build a gas plant, which would create 150 more jobs in the island. After concluding his visit to Vaadhoo, the President has now arrived in Thinadhoo of Gaaf Dhaal Atoll.

President Receives a Warm Welcome in Gadhdhoo
As part of the tour of Southern Atolls, President Mohamed Nasheed yesterday evening visited Gaaf Dhaal Gadhdhoo. The President was given a warm welcome by the people of Gadhdhoo. Addressing the people of Gadhdhoo last evening, the President highlighted the importance of establishing fully functional local councils to ensure that past injustices did not repeat and to consolidate democracy. In addition, outlining the development programmes targeted planned for Gadhdhoo, the President said funds were allocated in this year’s budget to establish water and sewerage systems in the island. The President said the government had been able to establish sewerage systems in 30 islands over the past years compared to 6 islands prior to his administration. He also said government would complete building sewerage systems in a total of 50 islands before the end of this year.

Maldives Herathera Island Resort contract goes to Thailand property developer
News has just been released that Thai property developer, Amari Estates Company, has won the lease management contract for Herathera Island Resort in the south Maldives. Herathera Island, Maldives: News has just emerged that the Thai residential property developer, Amari Estates Company, has won the lease management contract for Herathera Island Resort in the south Maldives. The four star resort is surrounded by a lagoon and has long, white, sandy beaches. It is the only resort on the island of Herathera and guests arrive via a twenty

NTPC eyes Maldives for setting up solar power projects
Country's largest power producer National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) is eyeing Maldives for establishing solar power projects, a move that would enhance the thermal power generator's green footprint. NTPC is conducting feasibility study in Maldives to explore the potential of the island nation for setting up solar power projects. The final report is expected in the next 3-4 months. "As of now, we are looking at Maldives for setting up solar power projects... And it will finalise in 3-4 months," the company CMD Arup Roy Choudhury told reporters on the sidelines of a SCOPE event. "As of now, we are looking at Maldives for setting up solar power projects... And it will finalise in 3-4 months," the company CMD Arup Roy Choudhury told reporters on the sidelines of a SCOPE event.

Radisson Plaza Resort Maldives, Naagoshi to open in Q3 of 2012
The Radisson Plaza Resort Maldives, Naagoshi, owned by Three K International Private Limited, will open in Quarter Three of 2012. The USD 91 million, 281-villa resort will feature 182 land and 99 overwater, contemporary villas designed by Hassell, an award-winning, multidisciplinary firm, which has been appointed as architectural, interior and landscape design consultants for the resort. According to a report in www.asiatraveltips.com, the hotel will have an overwater Pan Asian restaurant, an all-day dining restaurant, a poolside bar and a seafood restaurant. Additional resort facilities will include a gym, a dedicated yoga work out space, a spa with 16 treatment rooms, badminton and tennis courts, an outdoor swimming pool, a meeting and function room, a diving and water sports centre and butler stations. Simon Barlow, President, Carlson Hotels, Asia Pacific said, “The addition of this resort property fuels our Ambition 2015 growth strategy to expand Radisson as a vibrant, contemporary and engaging brand in key cities, resort and airport locations throughout Asia Pacific.

NTPC in talks for setting up renewable projects in Maldives
Washington-based Center for Global Development, a policy and research organization, identified NTPC in 2008 as the third largest polluter among the world's power producers. As part of India's effort to promote greater engagement with neighbours, stateowned NTPC Ltd is in talks with the Maldives for setting up renewable energy projects in Male, the island nation's capital. " We are planning to set up joint ventures in Male and other countries for renewable energy," chairman and managing director Arup Roy Choudhury said. "The talks are in the initial stages. The focus is on reduction of the carbon footprint. We plan to have around 70% of our generation from renewable sources by 2032." As the largest power producer in the country, NTPC is the biggest consumer of coal in India but will need to balance the country's hunger for the fuel with environmental concerns. Washington-based Center for Global Development, a policy and research organization, identified NTPC in 2008 as the third largest polluter among the world's power producers.

Expat Health Insurance News: Insurance plans for Maldives workers 'postponed'
Plans to only issue work visas to foreign workers with expatriate insurance in the Maldives have been postponed from their starting date of January 1st 2011. According to Haveeru newspaper, the Department of Immigration and Emigration pushed back proposals to make sure all expat workers are covered by international health insurance because of a number of requests. However, immigration controller Ilyas Hussein Ibrahim told the publication that employees applying for their work visa for the first time are still required to have insurance. The department announced on December 29th that foreigners already working in the Maldives will not be required to have cover by March 2011.

                 5 January 2011 | Wednesday                 

Mullah Umar Sacked and Removed from DRP

Umar Naseer Famous as mullah monkey Umar and guerilla Umar has bees sacked and removed from main opposition party DRP. Confirming to raajjenews Mr. Fuad Thaufeeg, the President of Elections said the commission has removed Umar’s name from the Parties list. Now Mullah Monkey Umar has to act as guerilla agent of Dictator Gayoom and his family members only, and no more as a DRP Member...

Civil Servant salaries reinstated
The government has decided to reinstate the government enforced 20% reduction in the salaries of the civil service employees. The issue of Civil Servant salaries has been dominating the political landscape since the beginning of the year is the issue of the salary cut of the civil service employees. The government had enforced a decision of 20% reduction in the salaries of the civil service employees. Earlier Employees, opposition parties and some NGOs have protested this decision. Rallies were held condemning the Government.

President Reaffirms the Government’s Commitment to Strengthen Local Councils
Addressing the people of Kanduhulhudhoo of Gaaf Alif Atoll this morning, President Mohamed Nasheed has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthen local councils. The President said the local councils that would formed after the February 5 local council elections would pave the way for the people to truly participate in the government and shape their development. Noting that it was a duty of the government to consolidate the atoll councils and the islands councils, President Nasheed asserted that the government would fulfil its responsibility to strengthen local councils. The President said the most important step to achieve true development was freeing the individual from the state. Therefore, he stated that consolidating democracy and protecting and promoting human rights were the priority development projects of the government. “What is required to lay a sewerage system or to build a good hospital is a system of good governance. What [we] need is a transparent and a just system of governance”, said the President added. In his address, the President also spoke on the government’s progress towards delivering its election pledges and the specific benefits of the government’s achievements for the people of Kanduhulhudhoo. Before visiting Kanduhulhudhoo this morning, President Nasheed visited and met with the people of Dhaandhoo of Gaaf Alif last evening.

Hosting SAARC Summit will put Addu on the World Map –Pres.
President Mohamed Nasheed yesterday laid the foundation stone of Addu Convention Centre to be built in Hithadhoo to hold SAARC Summit. Last year the government announced that the this year’s heads of state and government meeting of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, to be hosted by the Maldives, will be held in Addu.

Foreign Policy successes should result in domestic progress – Pres.
Speaking on the government’s decision to hold this year’s SAARC Summit in Addu, President Mohamed Nasheed has said in a system of good governance, successes of foreign policy should result in domestic progress. Addressing the people of Hithadhoo after launching the work of Hithadhoo’s main road development project and inaugurating services of Hithadhoo water and sewerage system, the President said Rf700 million were allocated for development projects in Addu. He said out of this Rf110 million were earmarked for the development Addu Convention Centre which is to be built to hold this year’s SAARC Summit.

Pres. launches harbour and sewerage projects in Hulhudhoo-Meedhoo
President Mohamed Nasheed has yesterday morning visited Hulhudhoo-Meedhoo of Addu Atoll, as part of the tour of Southern Atolls he began yesterday. During the visit to Hulhudhoo-Meedhoo, the President launched the work of Hulhudhoo-Meedhoo harbour construction project and laying the island’s sewerage system.

President Visits Feydhoo, Maradhoo-Feydhoo and Maradhoo
President Mohamed Nasheed yesterday morning visited Maradhoo, Maradhoo-Feydhoo and Feydhoo of Addu Atoll. During the visit to Maradhoo-Feydhoo, the President inaugurated the work of water and sewerage project in Maradhoo-Feydhoo and Maradhoo. Water and sewerage project in Maradhoo-Feydhoo and Maradhoo include laying a water grid, a sewerage system and setting up desalination plants for both islands. In Feydhoo, the President yesterday morning toured the site where housing units are to be built as part of the government’s housing programme to provide affordable housing for all. As part of the visit to Addu Atoll, the President will lay the foundation stone of Addu Convention Center in Hithadhoo and open the SAARC Unit that will coordinate the preparations being made in Addu to host this year’s SAARC Summit.

                 4 January 2011 | Tuesday                 

President Launches Harbour and Sewerage Projects in Hulhudhoo-Meedhoo
President Mohamed Nasheed has this morning visited Hulhudhoo-Meedhoo of Addu Atoll, as part of the tour of Southern Atolls he began yesterday. During the visit to Hulhudhoo-Meedhoo, the President launched the work of Hulhudhoo-Meedhoo harbour construction project and laying the island’s sewerage system. Addressing the people of the island after inaugurating the work of these two projects, the President reaffirmed the government’s commitment to deliver its pledges. He said delivering the government’s election pledges was one of the most important steps towards the development of the country. The President further said the government’s pledges, and subsequent development policies, were formulated after comprehensive consultation and discussion with people of all the islands in the country. Speaking in this regard, the President underscored the government’s success in delivering its pledges especially in Hulhudhoo-Meedhoo. President Nasheed revealed that the government has a programme in the national budget for 2011, passed by the People’s Majlis, to establish an institution specialized in teaching law in Hulhudhoo-Meedhoo. He expressed confidence of beginning the work of establishing the institution soon. As part of his tour, the President last evening hosted a workshop on implementing programmes included in this year’s national budget in Hithadhoo.

President launches the new website of the President’s Office
President Mohamed Nasheed has launched the new website of the President’s Office. The website launching ceremony was held at the President’s Office this morning. Speaking at the ceremony, the President said the government’s main aim was to fulfill its key pledges and noted that the new website reflects the work being done towards that goal. The President also thanked all the staff of the President’s Office for their cooperation and support in fulfilling government’s pledges. The President’s Office new website was designed by the Information Systems Unit of the President’s Office.

Alleged DRP meeting to be held is not organised by DRP
Main opposition Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) has announced that the alleged DRP meeting to be held tomorrow night at Kalafaanu School is not organised by the party. An Official of a high ranking position of DRP said that the meeting alleged to be held by DRP is not true. He said that the public rally is organised by a certain Shareef from another party. He said that all the announcements, planning of the public meeting is run by the office where this Shareef works. “DRP is the main opposition party. It has a party council to decide on matters related to the party’s administration. The council is running the party and working actively in the party. So it is not right for a people to hold meetings in the name of DRP,” he said. He said that however each member is an independent and he has the freedom to do whatever he pleases but he should not hold this programmes in the name of the party. “Founding Leader Maumoon has held programmes by his self. Recently, he met the former cabinet ministers. But he has not invited a lot of former ministers. We were not the least worried because it was his own meetings. But will it not be a problem if a people get into the matters of DRP without the knowledge of the party,” he said.

Thasmeen refutes Yaameen
Main opposition Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) leader Ahmed Thasmeen Ali has refuted and rebutted the claims of Abdullah Yaameen, the leader of Peoples’ Alliance against Dharumavantha School. “When I was watching the News, I was amazed to see a man who allegedly works with us in the opposition coalition with DRP reviling the honour of DRP,” Thasmeen said. “He is a leader of an opposition party. How can he talk when his party’s members have not reached thee thousand? How can he talk when only ten members were selected for Local Council Elections? He is unable to attend the sessions of neither the People’s Majlis nor the Committees. He is unable do his work,” Thasmeen heavily criticided Yaameen. Thasmeen said that they revile the honour of the party because they are being envious since DRP announced 800 and more candidates” he said.

Cristiano Ronaldo: Maldives with Irina Shayk!
shirtless Cristiano Ronaldo flashes his abs while soaking up the sun during a recent holiday in the Maldives. The 25-year-old soccer star enjoyed some R&R with his bikini-clad girlfriend, Russian model Irina Shayk. On Monday (January 3), Cristiano helped his team, Real Madrid, beat Getafe with a 3-2 win. He scored two goals, bringing his tally to 19 goals in 17 matches.
In other news, Cristiano is reportedly facing a battle with the mother of his son. The British woman is distraught over her decision to hand over full custody to Cristiano and has been calling him

IndiGo goes international; Set to fly to Maldives
India's leading domestic budget carrier IndiGo is set to go international August this year with flights scheduled to the Maldives too. The Guragon-based airline will start operations in West Asia, Bangkok, Singapore and Kathmandu during the same period, the Khaleej Times reported. The airline completes the minimum five years of domestic operations by August as required by India's aviation regulations before a domestic airline can go international. "We have approached the civil aviation ministry for approval. As soon as we get the nod we will launch the services," IndiGo President, Aditya Ghosh has told theKhaleej Times .

Russian jet crash kills three and injures 30
A criminal investigation has been launched after three people were killed and 30 more injured when a plane’s engine exploded on a Siberian runway at the weekend. Russian carriers have been told to ground some of their older Tu-154 planes after the Moscow-bound Tupolev jet, owned by Kolavia, burst into flames on the runway minutes before takeoff from the northern Russian city of Surgut. The plane, according to Russian news reports, was manufactured in 1983 but had been renovated 12 years ago. This type of craft has been the mainstay of the Russian aviation industry since the seventies. Russia’s Federal Transport Oversight Agency (FTOA) has issued a statement which said it had issued: “An inspector's instruction recommending that airlines that use the Tu-154B stop flying this type of aircraft until the causes of the Surgut airport incident are established". According to Reuters, a terrorist attack has not yet been ruled out although no evidence of this has been revealed by investigators.

                 3 January 2011 | Monday                 

Salary framework will be another burden on state economy- Gasim
Opposition Jumhooree Party leader and local philanthropist Gasim Ibrahim has expressed concern over the revised salary framework endorsed by the Peoples’ Majlis last week. He said that the revised salary framework will add to the burdens on the current economic state of Maldives. The Ari Atoll Maamingili MP Gasim Ibrahim said that the salaries of the MPs should be cut down to over come the ill effects that the revised salary framework may have on the economy of the state.

Return of Gayoom to politics should be major concern for DRP- Shaheed
Former Foreign Minister Professor Ahmed Shaheed has said that the main opposition Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party’s (DRP) founding Leader and former President of Maldives, Dictator Maumoon Abdul Gayoom’s return to politics should be a major concern for the members of DRP. Speaking to Miadhu Daily, Prof. Shaheed said that the return of Dictator Gayoom to the political arena is not a concern for the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) but that it is a grave concern for DRP itself. He said that the members of DRP should beware of its founding Leader’s return.

CSC calls to restore the salaries with the end of economic instability
The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has called to restore the salaries of the Civil Servants.  CSC said that the signs of the end of the economical instability of Maldives are now apparent and time has come for the authority to restore the salaries of the Civil Servants as agreed before. The commission also said that the salaries should be restored since the President’s Office and the Minister of Finance and Treasure had earlier agreed to restore the salaries and the allowances of the Civil Servants from 1 January, 2011 and since the Peoples’ Majlis included the expenditure on the salaries of the Civil Servants in the passed state budget of 2011. CSC said that they have been informed that some Civil Servants participated in a protest held outside the Peoples’ Majlis voicing their disapproval over the revised salary framework. The commission said that their participation in a protest held at place where protests are prohibited to be held by the constitution and also their participation in street protests during office hours is objectionable. CSC called all Civil Servants to act professional and to use their rights to freedom of speech ethically within the boundaries set by the Constitution.

17th SAARC Summit to take place in Maldives
The 17th South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Summit will be held on November 10-11 in Maldives. According to Sunday's The Kathmandu Post, citing the economic slowdown, the Maldives had earlier skipped hosting the 16th SAARC Summit. Later, Bhutan did the honors. In a recent radio address to the people, Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed said the government has decided to hold the 17th SAARC summit in the South Province. He said a special team would coordinate and oversee the necessary preparations, and added that the 17th SAARC summit hosting would be a great honor for the Maldives. For the first time in its 25-year-old history, SAARC is set to get its woman secretary general from the Maldives, Xinhua reports. Maldives has circulated the name of former Attorney General Fathimath Dhiyana Saeed, 36, as Secretary General for approval by fellow member states. Founded in 1985, SAARC includes Bhutan, Bangladesh, India, the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

                 2 January 2011 | Sunday                 

DRP commences local council elections campaign successfully leaving Dictator Gayoom at home
Main opposition Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) has officially commenced the party’s local council elections campaign tour successfully leaving Dictator gayoom at home. DRP has informed that the commencing meeting held on Friday at Hanimadhoo began minutes after the originally scheduled time because of the large number of audience joining the meeting. DRP also toured to Naivaadhoo and Nolhivaram and held campaign meetings. Last night a successful campaign rally was held at Kulhudhufushi. Although the cinema where the meeting was held in Kulhudhufushi was not house-full, 95 percent of the cinema hall was full. DRP Leader Ahmed Thasmeen Ali, Speaker of the Peoples’ Majlis Abdullah Shahid, Rozaina Adam, Ali Waheed, Ibrahim Hassan (Chubby) Ali Saeed, Mujtaz and other officials participated. Staying at home, Dictator gayoom’s wing has spread news saying that DRP’s meeting in island’s are not successful. DRP has denied such statements and said such statements are the real jealousy about DRP’s victory over public.

Maldives to host 17th SAARC Summit on Nov. 10-11
The Maldives will host the 17th South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Summit on Nov. 10-11, for the first time the regional group's summit will be held in the southern hemisphere even though all but one of its member states are located in the northern hemisphere. According to Sunday's The Kathmandu Post, citing the economic slowdown, the Maldives had earlier skipped hosting the 16th SAARC Summit. Later, Bhutan did the honors.

President sends a message of sympathy to the Australian PM
President Mohamed Nasheed has sent a message of sympathy to Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard following the extensive damage and widespread destruction caused by heavy flooding in Australia.
The President’s message to Prime Minister Gillard reads as follows:
Quote:
I am deeply distressed to learn about the heavy flooding in Australia causing extensive damage and widespread destruction. I would like to send my profound sympathy to you, the Government and the people of Australia, especially those who are directly affected by the tragedy.
Unquote

Over 364,000 affected in Sri Lanka floods
At least two people have died and more than 364,000 people were affected by flash floods in several parts of Sri Lanka, Xinhua reported Saturday. The eastern Batticaloa district was the worst affected with over 330,000 people marooned, the disaster management centre said. A total of 1,400 houses were destroyed and 3,500 more damaged, it said. Over 16,000 affected people are housed in 63 relief camps.

Pre-dawn fire leaves 22 families displaced in Sri Lanka
A line of houses in Kandapola had caught fire in the early hours of Saturday morning, Sri Lanka police said. The fire has displaced 22 families and the displaced families have sought shelter in nearby houses, local media reported. One person had been injured due to the fire. The fire is believed to have been caused due to an electrical short-circuit.

                 1 January 2011 | Saturday                 

Only 200 people went to welcome Dictator Gayoom
Despite the wishful thinking of the braggart faction of Umar Naseer, only a few people went to welcome Dictator Maumoon Abdul-Gayoom near Jetty no. 1. The despot looked excruciatingly heartbroken to see that only a few deluded folks gathered to greet him. The boastful talks on the podiums, pleads via sms messages and cries of the followers of Maumoon from the MPs on megaphones and microphones begging all people to come to the Republican Square to greet the tyrant. The true reality of the state of affairs must have been a hard punch on the face of the frail old man.

Nine Special Forces Soldiers Receives “Special Forces” Tab
Maldives National Defence Force awarded "Special Forces" tab to the nine graduates of the 2nd Special Forces Qualification Course in a special function held at Kalhuthuhkala Koshi. The tabs were pinned by MNDF Vice Chief of Defence Force Brigadier General Farhath Shaheer. Speaking at the ceremony, Vice Chief of Defence Force (VCDF) urged SF soldiers not to fall to the level of the failed states where public disturbance and violence is common.VCDF advised to commence operational trainings as the security scenarios are in a state of fluxing. MNDF General Officers, senior officers, instructors, and participants of the course attended the ceremony. 2nd Special Forces Qualification Course was held from 15th November 2009 to 23rd December 2010

Drilling In The Holy Land

About 50 miles from Bethlehem, a drilling project is determining the climate and earthquake activity of the Holy Land. Scientists from eight nations are examining the ground below the Dead Sea, by placing a borehole in this deepest basin in the world. The International Continental Scientific Drilling Program ICDP brings together research teams from Israel, Japan, Norway, Switzerland, the USA and Germany. Particularly noteworthy: Researchers from Jordan and Palestine are also involved.

Sri Lanka Collaborates With India, Maldives in Higher Education
In its aim to expand higher educational opportunities for the country’s youth, the Sri Lankan government in collaboration with the Indian High Commission is offering 40 scholarships for Sri Lankan students to attend undergraduate and graduate programs at various Indian universities.

Online Sri Lankan visas soon
Sri Lanka will shift its visa issuance operations to the internet in the new year “as early as possible.” This means that the visa-on-arrival facility will not be available from the time that the online visa process begins. Asked about the date when the process will begin, one source in the presidential secretariat told The Hindu that the shift had been authorised by President Mahinda Rajapaksa on Friday. “I am not aware of the modalities. But it will be from early next year. This will save a lot of visitors the trouble of going to a Sri Lankan mission in their countries, for their visas,” he added.

3000 Army deserters including seven officers arrested in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka Army spokesman Major General Ubhaya Medawala says that the military police has so far arrested 3,000 deserters. They included seven officers as well, the Army spokesman said. The Army, together with the police is probing to arrest 50,000 Army deserters. Army recently announced that the arrested personnel will be given a chance to join the Army once again based on the reports on their conduct while in service and after deserting. The rest of the arrested deserters are to be given vocational training as a part of their rehabilitation and will be socialized after de-listing, Army said. Sri Lanka decided to be stern on the Army deserters following several investigations that showed the involvement of a number of Army deserters in the recent wave of serious crimes.

London's Grosvenor House hotel bought by Indian firm

London's iconic Grosvenor House hotel has been bought from the Royal Bank of Scotland by an Indian business group. Sahara India, which acquired the Mayfair hotel for £470m, plans to add restaurants and a nightclub. The hotel in Park Lane, currently run by Marriott International, would be jointly managed by Sahara and Marriott, Sahara India said. The hotel, which has 420 rooms, 74 suites and 27 conference rooms, overlooks Hyde Park. The site where the hotel stands now was the London home of King George III's brother, the Duke of Gloucester, before it was bought by Robert Grosvenor, the first Marquess of Westminster, in 1806.

Indian gov't asks telecom department to validate Blackberry claims
The Indian government has asked its telecom department to verify whether Blackberry complied with its mandate to provide interception tools for its messenger chats by this year end, reported local daily The Economic Times on Friday. he Indian Home Ministry has directed the telecom department to validate the claims of Canada's Research in Motion, the company which makes Blackberry mobile phones, that it got installed a " cloud computing-based system" to legally intercept messenger services on its mobile handsets, said the newspaper. Earlier this month, Canada's Research in Motion, the company which makes Blackberry, had told the Home Ministry that it had complied with the Indian government's mandate to provide interception tools for BlackBerry messenger chats. "We are happy to confirm that as per the compliance schedule agreed by both Research in Motion and the Ministry of Home Affairs, RIM (research in motion) infrastructure is ready to receive and process via the cloud computing-based system, lawfully intercepted BlackBerry messenger data from India service providers," the Canadian company's vice-president of industry, government and university relations Robert E. Crow had said. The Indian government has been insisting that RIM should provide access to the data going through its servers for intelligence purposes. It's estimated that there are some one million Blackberry smart phone users in this country.