14 February 2011 | Monday                 

Presidential Commission initiates the investigation of the oil trade case

The Presidential Commission has said that the commission has now begun the investigation of the oil trade of a company in Singapore. In a media statement released by the commission yesterday said that they began the investigation because the Auditor General’s audit reports have mentioned such an illicit trade and also because such claims cannot be concluded except by investigating the truth behind them. The commission also said that investigating the case will be what is best for all parties involved.

Inauguration of the Maldives National University to be Held Tomorrow
Inauguration ceremony of the Maldives National University will be held tomorrow morning at 10 o’clock. At the ceremony, President Mohamed Nasheed will handover the decree on establishing the Maldives National University to Minister of Education Sifa Mohamed. The President will also appoint the Chancellor of the university and present the seal of the Maldives National University to the Chancellor at the ceremony. President Mohamed Nasheed, and Vice President and Chairperson of the Higher Education Council Dr Mohamed Waheed will address the ceremony to be held at Dharubaaruge.

Maldivian Honourary Consul in Dusseldorf Pays a Courtesy Call on the President
Honourary Consul of the Maldives in Dusseldorf, Germany, Mr Jurgen Weerth has paid a courtesy call on President Mohamed Nasheed today. During the meeting held at the President’s Office this afternoon, the President updated the Honourary Consul on the current political situation in the Maldives. The President and the Honourary Consul also discussed the wave of democratic change sweeping across the Middle East, especially in Egypt. On the subject, the President reiterated his call on established democracies in the Western world to extend their support to the Egypt’s democratic movement and assist them consolidate democracy in Egypt. At the meeting, Honourary Consul Mr Weerth told the President that he would continue his efforts to bring foreign investments to the Maldives and find avenues for further cooperation in the area of climate change and clean energy. Mr Jurgen Weerth also served as the Ambassador of Germany accredited to the Maldives.

Tripura State Governor Pays Courtesy Call on the Vice President
Governor of the state of Tripura, India, Dr. D.Y. Patil has paid a courtesy call on Vice President Dr Mohamed Waheed today. During the meeting held at the President’s Office, Dr. Waheed and Dr Patil discussed matters of interest including economy and the current political climate in the Maldives. Dr Waheed also highlighted areas where Maldives-Tripura relations could be further strengthened, focusing on the area of higher education. At the meeting, Vice President Dr Waheed also thanked Indian High Commissioner D M Mulay, who also attended the meeting, and the Indian government for the swift assistance provided to the Maldives in bringing back the Maldivian students in Egypt following the escalating political situation in Egypt. Tripura is mainly an agrarian state in Northeastern India, home to over three million people, with a rich culture of music and fine arts.

India to host LDC conference
India is hosting an India-Least Developed Countries (LDCs) Ministerial Conference in New Delhi from February 18-19. The Conference to be held in co-operation with the UN Office of the High Representative for Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States will be attended by the LDCs´ foreign ministers and their permanent representatives to the UN. Sources said the government is making an arrangement to send a representative from National Planning Commission (NPC) if the appointment of Foreign Minister is not made on time to take part in the conference. With Maldives graduating from LDC in 2010, there are now a total of 48 LDCs, which include 33 from Africa and 14 from Asia.

Egypt's army dissolves parliament. Military rulers say they will remain in charge for six months until elections are held as some protesters vow to remain.
Egypt's military has dissolved parliament and suspended the constitution, two days after Hosni Mubarak, the long-serving president, stepped down in the wake of a popular uprising. The country's Supreme Council of Armed Forces announced on Sunday that it would remain in charge of the country for six months until a new government is formed. The military council announced the move in a statement on state television, adding that it would form a panel to amend the constitution before submitting the changes to a popular referendum.

Bahrain opposition in protest call
Bahrain's security forces have set up checkpoints to monitor people's movements as opposition groups blanketed social media sites with calls to stage the first major anti-government protests in the Gulf since the uprising in Egypt. Units patrolled shopping centres and other key spots in a clear warning against holding Monday's rally, which has been the focus of social media appeals and text messages for more than a week.

                 13 February 2011 | Sunday                 

Gayoom and Yameen denies any involvement in money laundering worth $800 million
-We have evidence from 6 months of research- Chakrabarti

As usual Dictatator Maumoon says he will file case against the magazine and reporter. Same statements he issued when New York Times released a statement about him cheating public money while he was in power.. at last the whole thing ended up with a letter to the news.

“Evidence-based policies require credible data”
The Ibrahim Foundation was set up in 2006 to stimulate debate on good governance in Africa. Its annual Index of African Governance provides criteria to assess progress made in governance standards. Global: Why was the Ibrahim Index of African Governance created, and how has it been received across the continent, by both governments and civil society? Hania Farhan: The Ibrahim Index was created in recognition of the need for a quantifiable tool with which to measure governance in Africa. One of the things the Foundation has set out to do is to demystify conversations around governance and to anchor the discussions in data. In this way the Index is designed to serve as a tool for governments, parliaments, civil society and citizens to assess progress and compare performance.

“Migrants can help economies recover faster”
Upon the publication of the IOM’s biennial Migration Report, William Lacy Swing talks to Global about the positive benefits of migration, international efforts to prevent human trafficking and the challenges facing migrants

Military Offers Assurances to Egypt and Neighbors
As a new era dawned in Egypt on Saturday, the army leadership sought to reassure Egyptians and the world that it would shepherd a transition to civilian rule and honor international commitments like the peace treaty with Israel.

President Nasheed Welcomes Mubarak’s Departure, Calls for Democratic Egypt
President Mohamed Nasheed has welcomed Hosni Mubarak’s decision to resign from office. The President’s remarks come as Mubarak finally succumbed to relentless pressure from pro-democracy campaigners, who have camped out in central Cairo and other Egyptian towns for the past 18 days, calling for an end to Mubarak’s 30-year rule. President Nasheed said he was “delighted” to see an end to Mubarak’s autocratic regime, which stands accused of widespread corruption and gross human rights abuses, including the frequent use of torture. The President heralded the “wave of democratic change sweeping across the Arab world,” which, he hoped, would serve as a wake-up call to governments that abuse their citizens’ fundamental human rights.

Representatives in Each Administrative Region to Align Local Councils and the Government, President Nasheed Announces
In this week's radio address, President Mohamed Nasheed announced that the government would set up representative offices of the government in each administrative region to align local councils and the government. He said the province offices already established in each administrative province would act as the government representatives in their respective region. In the first radio address after Saturday's local council elections held in the country, the President outlined the arrangements that the government need to make in order to consolidate local governance as envisaged by the Constitution and the Decentralization Act.

                 11 February 2011 | Friday                 

Hura sents off Dictator Gayoom’s mobs
Hura people has sent off set of mobs sent by Dictator Gayoom to the Island of Huraa last night. Last night there was a special ceremony and entertainment programme to mark the winning if local council election by DRP Members from Huraa, Himmafushi, Thulusdhoo in the island Huraa. Suddenly Dictator Gayoom’s mobs sent by his commander Umar Naser reached the island with banners demanding Mr. Thasmen to resign as post of DRP Leader. But Huraa people did not allow them to the island and sent off from the jetty itself. They said they came with a special message to be delivered to Mr. Thasmen from Zaem, the Dictator but Huraa people told them to get out from the island immediately and they had to leave island.

President Mubarak hands over some powers to Vice President
Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak has said he would handover some powers to Vice-President Omar Suleiman. To the dismay of the millions of protestors gathered in the Tahrir Square, Egyptian President said that he will stay in office and transfer power only after September's presidential election.

I am happy that DRP won the first election held in my leadership of DRP- Thasmeen
Ahmed Thasmeen Ali, Leader of the main opposition Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) has said that the local council elections held on 05 February, 2011 is the first ever election held after him taking his leadership of DRP. He added that he is happy that DRP won the first election held in his leadership. Leader of DRP said this while speaking at the meeting held in Huraa to celebrate DRP’s success in the historical elections, the local council elections. Thasmeen said that the winning the Local Council Elections is a golden opportunity for DRP to serve the people and to ease the sufferings the people are facing under the current government. He said that the people will see a good change in the state of affairs with DRP’s success in the elections. “However, we can save the people from the grief and difficulty they are facing by only DRP winning the Presidential Elections of 2013 and failing the current government,” DRP Leader Ahmed Thasmeen Ali said. Thasmeen also underscored the importance of the coalition built between Dhivehi Qaumee Party (DQP) to win the 2013 Presidential Elections. Meanwhile, Miadhu Daily reporter Murshid Abdul Hakeem covering the event said that a group of people tried to enter Hura secretly were sent off the island. He said that the people who came said that they wanted to give a message to DRP Leader Thasmeen. He added that the people had with them some posters.

We are grieved that Gayoom failed to acknowledge that every islander of Huraa is from his bodyguards- DRP Huraa Branch
DRP Branch of Huraa has said that they are grieved that former President of Maldives and DRP founding Leader Maumoon Abdul Gayoom failed to acknowledge that every islander of Huraa is a bodyguard of Gayoom. Speaking to Miadhu Daily, an official of Huraa, DRP Branch said that a celebration ceremony was arranged last night in the island for the success of DRP candidates who ran for the local council elections. The official said that Gayoom earlier agreed to visit Huraa for the meeting. However, he said that Gayoom turned down the invitation claiming that it was due to some issues with regards to his bodyguards. “We wanted both the founding leader Gayoom and DRP Leader Thasmeen to participate in the ceremony. Thasmeen has earlier said that he will not participate in any event with dismissed members of the party. So when we told the founding leader Gayoom about this, he agreed to participate without Umar Naseer. But in the last minute he changed his mind. This is very saddening. We organised the event with joy and happiness. We have spent a lot to make this happen. We are grieved for his change of mind in the very last minute,” the official said. The official from DRP Huraa Branch also told Miadhu Daily that the island gives full support to DRP and that they will respect the leadership of DRP. “We respect founding leader Gayoom. But we are very saddened for his actions,” he said. Miadhu News was informed that DRP Leader Thasmeen and many officials of DRP participated in last night’s ceremony.

Indonesia signs MOU with Maldives
The Marine Affairs and Fisheries Ministry of Indonesia has signed fishery deals with the Maldives. After his trip to Sri Lanka, Fadel proceeded to the Maldives to speak with Maldives Fishery and Agriculture Minister Dr Aminath Jameel in Male. They agreed to draft a Letter of Intent to be signed next month. Fadel expressed his curiosity regarding the Maldives’ experiences and policies in how they manage their small islands. When meeting with Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed, Fadel communicated that Indonesian entrepreneurs were interested in investing in the Maldives’ fishery sector. Meanwhile, Indonesia and India’s extended memorandum of understanding (MoU) on marine and fishery resources was signed by Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in India late last month, said Marine Affairs and Fishery Minister Fadel Muhammad. He said that on 24 January, he held a meeting with Indian Minister of Earth Sciences Pawan Kumar Bansal to discuss how their countries would address the various impacts of climate change, and the need to run more studies on how oceans will be affected. The countries’ cooperation spanned marine productivity, marine ecosystem health research and monitoring, climate change joint research and observation, marine resources management and applications, Fadel continued, reports eco-business.com. India is the world’s second most populated country and thus a budding market for Indonesia’s fishery products and particularly its tuna, he added. As well, India intends to invest in seaweed processing in Luwuk and Banggai in the Central Sulawesi Province.

Bordeaux wines face climate threat: experts
Bordeaux's fabled wine grapes are under threat from global warming, climate experts told a meeting of industry leaders Tuesday. "The pessimistic scenario shows that Bordeaux's climate, by 2050, will no longer favour Cabernet and Merlot," the backbone varietals of the region's red wines, said Jean-Pascal Goutouly, a researcher at the National Institute for Agricultural research (INRA).

Lifestyle Affects Life Expectancy More Than Genetics
How long your parents lived does not affect how long you will live. Instead it is how you live your life that determines how old you will get, reveals research from the University of Gothenburg recently published in the Journal of Internal Medicine. It is often assumed that people with parents who lived to be very old are more likely to live to a grand old age themselves.

France halts arms sale, tear gas to Egypt
France has suspended the sale of arms and riot police equipment to Egypt, the government in Paris has announced. It remains unclear how much the move will impact Egypt, gripped by weeks of anti-government demonstrations. Still, French Prime Minister Francois Fillon said the decision had been taken Jan. 27, the daily Le Monde reported.

                 10 February 2011 | Thursday                 

This year the offices should cut down their expenditure- Razi
Minister of Economic Development Mahmood Razi has said that this year the government offices have to cut down their expenditure since the government has decided to include 10 percent from the budget allocated to government offices in the state budget to the budget of local councils. Speaking to Miadhu Daily, Minister Razi said that the state budget for this year was passed by the Peoples’ Majlis without the budget for the local councils. He said the 200 million Ruffiya budget of local councils can only be acquired by cutting down the expenditure of government offices. “The government does not want to add to the total amount of the passed state budget for this year. To add on to a debt budget will only increase the government’s debt,” he said. Finance Ministry now is working on to deduct 10 percent from the budget allocated for government offices to obtain the amount needed for decentralisation of the government into local councils.

State files lawsuit against Villi-Maafannu Council victor Hameed
The state has filed lawsuit against the Victor of the seat of Villi-Maafannu council in the Local Council Elections, DRP Candidate Ahmed Hameed (Fly) in a case of assault against a police officer. The Prosecutor General’s Office filed the lawsuit against Villi-Maafannu council seat victor, DRP candidate Ahmed Hameed alleging that he assaulted a police office last year during a confrontation between a Maldivian who declared his apostasy in the public in the Question and Answer session with the self-acclaimed world renowned orator Dr. Zakir Naik. Lawyer of Ahmed Hameed, Mohamed Waheed Ibrahim said that the court had not informed Ahmed Hameed the date of the hearing of the trial yet. He said that Hameed went to the court yesterday since he received the chit from the court.

DRP condemns violence stirred by supporters of founding leader
The main opposition party has condemned the violence stirred by the supporters of DRP founding leader in front of DRP office on February 8, 2011. In a press statement released by the party yesterday, DRP condemned the violence instigated by the supporters of DRP founding leader Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. DRP also strongly condemned the assault of the Securities of the former President of Maldives and the founding Leader of the main opposition Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party on DRP Deputy Leader Ibrahim Shareef (Mavota Shareef) alleging that Shareef reviled the honour of Gayoom. The press release said that DRP council appeals all people to stop instigating, causing any act of violence in the name of founding leader Gayoom. The council also called to stop any cause of violence and to follow and respect the rules and regulations of the party if such a people are truly from DRP. DRP also called onto gather peacefully and express their thoughts in line with the democratic values if there is such a need.

More than a thousand issues have been raised regarding the elections- MDP
Ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has said that more than a thousand issues have been raised regarding the elections that might affect the provisional results of the historic local council elections held for the first time in Maldives last Saturday. MDP Deputy General Secretary Mohamed Imthiyaz said that more than a thousand issues have been raised which might affect the provisional results of the elections. He said that MDP seeks re-election and re-counting of the votes in some constituencies and some ballot boxes respectively. From among the issues raised were regarding discrepancies in the voters registry, inconsistencies in the ballot papers and also regarding the integrity of the Elections Commissions with regards to some constituencies.

MALDIVES: Local Council Elections- Yellow has not faded
The final results of the local council elections have not yet been announced. But the trends are clear. While the MDP of President Nasheed has swept the polls in the two cities of Male and Addu, the opposition DRP had taken a slender lead in the over all results. The important point to note is that the colour of the MDP (yellow) has not faded as predicted by the former President Gayoom and has in actual fact added some lustre to it. In view of vast distances and lack of communications, local decentralised administration for democratic governance has been central to the new constitution and has been explained in some detail in chapter 8 of the Constitution.

IFC helps Maldives launch credit information bureau to strengthen financial infrastructure
IFC’s support to the Maldives Monetary Authority, which regulates local financial institutions, will enhance capacity of the country’s financial sector and create a formal credit culture. IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, is helping the Maldives Monetary Authority establish the country’s first credit information bureau to create a formal mechanism for sharing credit information and making more informed credit-related decisions. IFC’s support to the Maldives Monetary Authority, which regulates local financial institutions, will enhance capacity of the country’s financial sector and create a formal credit culture. This will help improve access to finance for more than 2,500 small and medium enterprises, supporting their livelihoods.

Hitachi Plans to Build Indian Power-Equipment Plants by 2014
Hitachi Ltd., Japan’s third-biggest company by sales, plans to complete building two power-equipment plants in south India by 2014, Yasunori Taga, chief executive officer of the company’s Asian operations, said in an interview. “It will take another two-three years,” Taga said in New Delhi today. “By 2014, it will start production.”

Vietnam rejects tonnes of Indian corn, soymeal
Vietnam's plant protection agency rejected cargoes totalling 50,000 tonnes of corn and soybean meal from India and ordered them re-exported, a source at the Agriculture Ministry-run body said on Wednesday.

                 9 February 2011 | Wednesday                 

Gayoom’s security attacks ‘Mavota’ Shareef
The leaked audio clip is a fake- Shareef

Securities of the former President of Maldives and the founding Leader of the main opposition Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) Maumoon Abdul Gayoom yesterday have attacked DRP Deputy Leader Ibrahim Shareef (Mavota Shareef) after an alleged recording of a phone conversation between Shareef and another DRP member was leaked. Miadhu Daily was informed that supporters of DRP’s founding Leader’s faction gathered yesterday infront of DRP main office at the news of a council meeting being held at the office to sack Gayoom and other members of his faction.

MDP has no problem with DRP making a coalition with DQP- Zaki
President’s Special Envoy and ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)’s temporary President Ibrahim Hussein Zaki has said that MDP has no problem with the main opposition Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) building a coalition with opposition Dhivehi Qaumee Party (DQP). Zaki said that the results of the Local Council Elections show the credibility of the leader of DQP, Dr. Hassan Saeed in the eyes of the people. He said that circumstances oblige DQP to join major political parties, either main opposition DRP or ruling MDP.

DRP’s welfare lies in Gayoom’s hands- ‘Dhonbileh’ Haleem
Ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)’s National Council member Ahmed Haleem (Dhonbileh Haleem) has said that the welfare of the main opposition Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) lies in the hands of the former President of Maldives and the founding Leader of DRP Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. Speaking to Miadhu Daily, commenting on yesterday’s scuffle at DRP’s office between the faction of Gayoom and Thasmeen’s faction, Dhonbileh Haleem underscored the role of the opposition in a democracy. He said that the deteriorating of the opposition is in fact the deteriorating of the democratic environment of the country. Dhonbileh said that MDP does not want this to happen. Dhonbileh Haleem said that the reason for the failure of DRP and its division is Gayoom’s failure to follow the primary rules of the DRP in the party’s decision to sack DRP Deputy Leader Umar Naseer. He said that MDP will give its full support to DRP to consolidate democratic values. Meanwhile, President Mohamed Nasheed telephoned leader of main opposition, DRP, Ahmed Thasmeen Ali, after the Local Council Elections. Speaking with Ahmed Thasmeen Ali, the President expressed his confidence of Thasmeen´s cooperation with the government in its effort to consolidate democracy in the Maldives.

Cabinet Meeting: Discusses Consolidating Decentralization and Decides to Register and License Teachers
The Cabinet, in its meeting today, discussed the transition of administration of cities, atolls and islands to city councils, atoll councils and island councils that will be formed in accordance with the Article 8 of the Constitution and the Decentralization Act. At the meeting, the Cabinet concurred that there were technical and administrative arrangements, in addition to legal requirements, that were necessary to be in place for the councils to commence their duties following their elections.

Italian oil tanker seized with Italian and Indian nationals
Nearly two days after Indian navy claimed to have captured 28 suspected Somali pirates from a Thai fishing vessel, which was seized six months ago, pirates hijacked 17 Indians along with Italian-owned and flagged giant oil tanker, Savina Caylyn

SAARC Summit: India taking steps to reduce 'sensitive lists of items' for free trade
Taking steps to reduce the 'sensitive lists' of items for free trade as it pitched for early ratification of a South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) pact in trade in services and finalisation of an agreement on promotion and protection of investments to give a fillip to intra-regional commerce. Addressing a conference of SAARC council of ministers in Thimphu, external affairs minister SM Krishna regretted that implementation of the agreed decisions was taking time and needed to be speeded up. "I am sure my colleagues will agree that we face a continuing challenge to implement our agreed decisions. We need to move faster in executing the plans of action," he told the conference being attended by foreign ministers of Afghanistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives and Sri Lanka. Pakistan is being represented by foreign secretary Salman Bashir. He did not name any country but was apparently referring to Pakistan which is refusing to implement SAFTA in context of India and has not even ratified the regional Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty agreed during the Colombo Summit in 2008.

ONYX Hospitality Group Signs First Maldives Property
ONYX Hospitality Group, Thailand’s leading hotel management company has been appointed to manage, Herathera Island Resort, a 273-villa property. The Maldives resort will become the group’s first property outside of Thailand. During the course of this year, the resort will undergo significant upgrades including enhancements to the beach and villas as well as the addition of numerous sports and children’s facilities. By Q4 2011, the property will be re-launched under the Amari brand, the centrepiece of the ONYX portfolio. Amari Addu Maldives will be positioned as a leading destination in the Maldives for activity and family holidays. At the official signing ceremony held recently, Mohammed Mihad, Chief Executive Officer of Maldives Tourism Development Corporation Plc (MTDC), remarked:

It's a small world: The miniature railway models playing out urban life
These remarkable images are more smalldives than the Maldives, in British artist Slinkachu's latest round of miniaturisation. From a beautiful woman and her overweight partner stranded on a tennis ball desert island in urban Wandsworth, London, to two yobs launching a Lego brick off a motorway bridge, Slinkachu's 1: 87 scale creations are making art lovers give a little grin. Continuing his 'Little People Project' - which began in 2006 and have been backed by Oscar winner Kevin Spacey and author Will Self - these snapshots of tiny models playing out urban life are Devon-born Slinkachu's newest creations.

India committed to enhancing South Asia's prosperity: Krishna
External Affairs Minister SM Krishna on Tuesday said India remains fully committed to enhancing the prosperity of South Asia through implementation of various social development projects. Addressing the 33rd session of the SAARC Council of Ministers here, Krishna said: "I am pleased that projects funded by the Government of India in tele-medicine, tele-education, rain water harvesting, seed testing laboratories and solar rural electrification are being implemented in some SAARC member states.

MoUs signed with India, Sri Lanka, Maldives
The Marine Affairs and Fisheries Ministry of Indonesia has signed fishery deals with India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives, a minister informed. Indonesia and India’s extended memorandum of understanding (MoU) on marine and fishery resources was signed by Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in India late last month, said Marine Affairs and Fishery Minister Fadel Muhammad. He said that on 24 January, he held a meeting with Indian Minister of Earth Sciences Pawan Kumar Bansal to discuss how their countries would address the various impacts of climate change, and the need to run more studies on how oceans will be affected. The countries’ cooperation spanned marine productivity, marine ecosystem health research and monitoring, climate change joint research and observation, marine resources management and applications, Fadel continued, reports

M Krishna at 33rd SAARC session
India Blooms News Service
It gives me great pleasure to be here in Thimphu for the 33rd Session of the Council of Ministers as part of the Inter-Summit Session. My delegation and I are deeply touched by the warm hospitality accorded to us by the Royal Government of Bhutan and greatly appreciate the excellent arrangements made for this Meeting. I am very pleased to be back in Thimphu and recall with appreciation the successful hosting of the 16th SAARC Summit here last April. I wish to take this opportunity to also thank the Secretary General of SAARC, Dr. Sheel Kant Sharma, and his very able team of officers and staff for the excellent preparatory work done for this Inter-Summit Session and its preceding meetings.

                 8 February 2011 | Tuesday                 

Dictator Maumoon’s mobs has severely beatened DRP Deputy Leader Shareef

Dictator Maumoon’s mobs has severely beatemed main opposition party, DRP Deputy Leader Mavota shareef this morning infront of DRP Main office in Male. DRP mebers has condemened this attack. They said Dictator gayoom is now showing his true coulours. During his 30 years of Ditator rule in the country, if any one speaks against him or his policies, the person is taken to custody and severe punishments were given. Thousands of people were beatened to death. DRP members said that now Dictator Gayoom has no power over the people since police and army will not follow his orders so that is the reason Dictator Gayoom is using his mobs to beat people who don’t support him. The reason of the mob attack is there is an audio leaked in which Mr. Shareef has said if Dictator Gayoom visits Maardhoo Island of Addu Atoll , Dictator Gayoom would be removed from the Island. Madaveli MP Mr. Nazim has opemly said if Dictator Gayoom ever visit Thinadhoo Island they will lock him in the island prison cell in which democratic activists were arrested during Dictator Gayoom’s regime.

Welfare of the country lies in listening to the people- Waheedudin
Prince Mohamed Waheedudin has said that the welfare of the country lies in listening to the people. Prince Waheedudin, who has been the first to speak about Decentralisation after touring the country and listening to the wants of the people as the Atolls Minister in the former regime, said that the purpose of Local Council Elections is to elect candidates who will lend their ears to the people and listen to the people. Prince Waheedudin said that the developments needed for the islands would not be known by a minister in Male’, but it would be known only to the people living in the islands. He said that it is time for the country to move forward with the decentralization system of government and that it should not fail again. He added that the country now will not rewind back to a kingship of the old. Meanwhile, Decentralization is the transfer of authority and responsibility for public functions from the central government to subordinate or quasi-independent government organizations and/or the private sector is a complex and multifaceted concept. It embraces a variety of concepts.

Pres. expresses his confidence of Thasmeen´s cooperation with the government in its effort to consolidate democracy
President Mohamed Nasheed has telephoned leader of main opposition, Dhivehi Rayythunge Party (DRP), Ahmed Thasmeen Ali, after the Local Council Elections. Speaking with Ahmed Thasmeen Ali, the President expressed his confidence of Thasmeen´s cooperation with the government in its effort to consolidate democracy in the Maldives. In addition, the President also congratulated President of ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Ibrahim Hussain Zaki, Chairperson Mariya Ahmed Didi, Parliamentary Group Leader Moosa Manik, MDP Parliamentary Group, as well as members and supporters of MDP on its success in yesterday´s local council elections. President Nasheed underscored that MDP has won 9 seats of Malé City Council, all seats of Addu City Council and majority seats in other major constituencies and larger population centers. The President noted that MDP´s success was the result of a very concerted and consistent effort by its Parliamentary Group, members and supporters of the party. He said people´s approval and support for MDP has increased as a result of this wide campaign by the party for these elections.

Ministry of Finance announce to find a contractor for the construction of harbors in 7 islands
To facilitate and provide easy access to the Islands of the Maldives, 3rd February 2011, Ministry of Finance and Treasury has announced to find a contractor for the construction of harbors in 7 islands. The harbor construction islands include, Sh.Noomaraa, R.Inguraidhoo, Th.Kimbidhoo, AA.Himandhoo, Dh.Meedhoo, Dh.Kudahuvadhoo and GA.Maamendhoo. The tender documents of the project are scheduled to be issued from the Ministry of Finance and Treasury from the 13th February 2011 to 8th March 2011 till 1500 hrs. The pre-bid meeting of the project is scheduled to be held on 24th February 2011 at 1400hrs and the due date to submit the bid is 10th March 2011 1400hrs. Ministry of Housing and Environment has implemented 46 projects on harbor construction, land reclamation and shore protection in islands during the year 2010.

Male’ North Harbour handed over to MHE from MTCC
Male’ North Harbour has been handed over by the project’s contractor Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) to Ministry of Housing and Environment (MHE) at a ceremony held at Male’ North Harbour. A speech regarding the project was given by Minister of State for Transport and Communication, Mr. Maizan Adam Manik. Certificate of Completion was awarded by MHE to MTCC, which was received by MTCC’s Chief Executive Officer, Hussain Amru. And a symbolic key was handed over to MHE by MTCC, which was received on behalf of MHE by Minister of State for Housing and Environment, Mr. Akram Kamaludeen. Infrastructure works for this project was carried out by MHE under Domestic Maritime Transport Project of Ministry of Transport and Communication (MoTC). Consultancy for Infrastructure Component was carried out by Japan Port Consultants Co. Ltd. The project funded by Asian Development Bank cost 5.4 Million USD. The Project consists of two components which includes an Infrastructure Component and an Institutional Component. Institutional Component was carried out by MoTC. Infrastructure consists of Construction of 265m (869ft) long quay-wall with depth of 4.0m; Additional drive on access and cargo handling area of 6500m2 (69,965sft) with inter-locking blocks pavement; Provision of ancillary harbour facilities such as mooring bollards, fenders, gates, fencing, guard posts and lighting system; and a covered shelter of 480m2 (5166sft) to protect passengers and cargo, operation office, toilet and pump house.

Amana Takaful plans going public in Maldives
The Maldivian subsidiary of Sri Lanka's Amana Takaful Insuracne Plc, Amana Takaful (Maldives) Private Limited has applied to be listed in the Maldives Stock Exchange (MSE). According to the MSE website (www.mse.com.mv) the company has submitted its application and it will be the first foreign owned company and Shariah compliant company that has applied for a listing in MSE. Once the listing is completed Amana Takaful will become the fifth company listed on the MSE. Amana Takaful (Maldives) Private Limited started its operations in Maldives in 2004 after receiving a license from the Maldivian Insurance Authority to engage in General Insurance in 2004. Today the company has grown as one of the largest players in the Maldives providing insurance solutions to key sectors of the government and also non-government organizations. In collaboration with one of the largest Takaful operators in the world, Malaysia Takaful, Amana Takaful started its Sri Lankan operation in 1998 by offering both General and Family Takaful solutions.

Clearford to provide sewer services in the Maldives
Ottawa-based Clearford Industries Inc. has signed an agreement with The Upper South Utilities Limited (USUL) of the Republic of Maldives to negotiate and enter into sewerage infrastructure projects for up to fifteen of the islands located in the country's Upper South Province, using Clearford's Small Bore Sewer system. The parties have agreed to work in good faith to establish a binding contract for construction and financing that enables the Maldives to pay for the Clearford infrastructure over a 20-year period. The estimated value of the servicing program is $40 million. The Republic of Maldives is located in the Indian Ocean off of the southwest tip of India and has a population of more than 300,000 people distributed over 200 inhabited islands out of a total of more than 1,000 islands controlled by the Republic. Currently, sanitary sewers are installed on fewer than 12 of the inhabited islands. The islands are coral and sand structures with a very porous nature. Groundwater on the un-serviced islands is often contaminated by onsite disposal of human sewage.

February on icon: Classical music
It's like watching incredible shoals of fish in the Maldives just move together. There's an organic feeling in how the orchestra wants to play, and it's like a type of breathing," Sir Simon Rattle. The orchestra has played everywhere from disused warehouses to the poorer outskirts of German towns. The 300-strong Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, under Sir Simon Rattle's leadership, is dedicated to making classical music accessible to everyone. Rattle tells icon the ingredients that make the perfect orchestral performance.

Will life be better on 'Blonde Island'?
At a proposed resort in the Maldives, brunettes will be as rare as a chilly day. Could this fair-haired retreat really be built? In an effort to celebrate blondes — or to exploit stereotypes about them, depending on your point of view — one company plans to open a resort in the Maldives, the small island nation southwest of India, that will feature a staff made up entirely of fair-haired men and women. Olialia, a highly visible "mega-brand" in Lithuania, has told reporters it has found three suitable plots of land, and will move ahead with its plans to build its hotel — in the shape of a high-heeled shoe, naturally — by 2015. Will this resort really be more fun? A brief guide: Why a blonde-only resort? Because blonde "is light. It attracts people like sunshine," says Lauryna Anuseviciute, Olialia's 24-year-old brand manager (herself a former model), as quoted by the Associated Press. The company's managing director, Giedre Pukiene, echoes that sentiment: "Blondes are a great power that should not be underestimated.".

                 7 February 2011 | Monday                 

President Congratulates MDP on Local Council Elections Success
President Mohamed Nasheed has congratulated President of ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Ibrahim Hussain Zaki, Chairperson Mariya Ahmed Didi, Parliamentary Group Leader Moosa Manik, MDP Parliamentary Group, as well as members and supporters of MDP on its success in yesterday´s local council elections. President Nasheed underscored that MDP has won 9 seats of Malé City Council, all seats of Addu City Council and majority seats in other major constituencies and larger population centers. The President noted that MDP´s success was the result of a very concerted and consistent effort by its Parliamentary Group, members and supporters of the party. He said people´s approval and support for MDP has increased as a result of this wide campaign by the party for these elections. In addition, the President also telephoned leader of main opposition, Dhivehi Rayythunge Party (DRP), Ahmed Thasmeen Ali today. Speaking with Ahmed Thasmeen Ali, the President expressed his confidence of Thasmeen´s cooperation with the government in its effort to consolidate democracy in the Maldives.

Dictator Gayoom should take the responsibility for DRP’s failure in Male’ Council Elections- DRP
The main opposition Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) has stated that the party’s founding leader and former President of the Maldives, Dictator Maumoon Abdul Gayoom should take the responsibility for DRP’s failure in Male’ City Council Elections. Speaking to Miadhu, a council member of the party said that founding leader Dictator Gayoom now has no support in the capital Male’ as it has been unveiled in former elections. The council member of DRP said that with the appointment of Ahmed Thasmeen Ali as the leader of DRP, the support for DRP has been increasing in the capital Male’. “WithDictator Gayoom’s announcement of leaving politics, DRP has been gaining support in Male’. But doubt has been cast with Gayoom going against this statement of his. When Dictator Gayoom began playing with the Black Spade things got worse and worse. If not for this DRP would have won the majority seats in the Male’ City Councils,” the council member of DRP said. The DRP official also said that DRP lost the seat of MedhuHenveiru because ofDictator Gayoom. He said that DRP member Nazim who ran for the seat without DRP ticket agreed leave the elections if Gayoom asks him, but Dictator Gayoom never did. This divided the votes for DRP, he said.

People’s pulse projects a DRP win in the Local Council Elections- Thasmeen
Ahmed Thasmeen Ali, Leader of the main opposition Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) has said that the election results of the past two years alone are a reflection of the unparalleled win DRP is expected to take in the Local Council Elections. “Let’s look back at the results of the Presidential Elections of 2008. DRP’s presidential candidate secured 40.61% while MDP’s presidential candidate Mohamed Nasheed managed a 25.08%, with the rest of the votes divided into 16.78%, 15.35%, 1.44% and 0.78% respectively,” he said.

Election results reveal that none has the opportunity to oust the government- Prof. Shaheed
Professor Ahmed Shaheed has said that the results of Saturday’s Local Council Elections reveal the no one has the opportunity to oust the government. In a media conference held yesterday afternoon at the office of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), MDP Local Council Election Spokesperson Professor Ahmed Shaheed said that the results so far show that ruling MDP has secured a success in the elections held throughout the country on Saturday. Shaheed said that success is not judged from the majority of seats secured, but he said that success is judged from the seats secured in contrast to the population of a constituent. He added that majority seats in other major constituencies and larger population centers were secured by MDP, thus succeeding in the elections. Shaheed noted that MDP has won 9 seats of Malé City Council, all seats of Addu City Council and majority seats in other major constituencies and larger population centers.

SAARC to have first woman Secretary-General
SAARC will get its first woman Secretary-General in its silver jubilee year — the former Maldivian Attorney-General, Fathimath Dhiyana Saeed, is all set to succeed Indian diplomat Sheel Kant Sharma, who will complete his tenure of three years by the end of this month. Incidentally, Maldives will host the next SAARC summit in November this year. Diplomatic sources here said that barring a major hitch, Ms. Saeed is all set to take over at a time when SAARC is focussed on women's empowerment and is taking steps to check their exploitation. Two SAARC projects — Women's Empowerment and Maternal Healthcare — have also got off the ground with encouraging results.

Asia faces climate-induced migration 'crisis'
Asia must prepare for millions of people to flee their homes to safer havens within countries and across borders as weather patterns become more extreme, the Asian Development Bank warns. A draft of an ADB report obtained by AFP over the weekend and confirmed by bank officials cautioned that failure to make preparations now for vast movements of people could lead to "humanitarian crises" in the coming decades.

Smithsonian Scientists Discover Seven New Species Of Fish
Things are not always what they seem when it comes to fish-something scientists at the Smithsonian Institution and the Ocean Science Foundation are finding out. Using modern genetic analysis, combined with traditional examination of morphology, the scientists discovered that what were once thought to be three species of blenny in the genus Starksia are actually 10 distinct species. The team's findings are published in the scientific journal ZooKeys.

Future Surgeons May Use Robotic Nurse
Surgeons of the future might use a system that recognizes hand gestures as commands to control a robotic scrub nurse or tell a computer to display medical images of the patient during an operation. Both the hand-gesture recognition and robotic nurse innovations might help to reduce the length of surgeries and the potential for infection, said Juan Pablo Wachs, an assistant professor of industrial engineering at Purdue University. The "vision-based hand gesture recognition" technology could have other applications, including the coordination of emergency response activities during disasters.

Discovery Of Jumping Gene Cluster Tangles Tree Of Life
Since the days of Darwin, the "tree of life" has been the preeminent metaphor for the process of evolution, reflecting the gradual branching and changing of individual species. The discovery that a large cluster of genes appears to have jumped directly from one species of fungus to another, however, significantly strengthens the argument that a different metaphor, such as a mosaic, may be more appropriate.

                 6 February 2011 | Sunday                 

Maldives Says NO to Dictator Gayoom
Maldives has said very clear NO to Former President , Dictator Gayoom in yesterdays council Election.
Dictator Gayoom’s candidates did not win any seat in Male’ city where almost 50 percent of the Maldivians are living . Next most thickly populated region ADDU all 6 seats were won by ruling Party MDP. Next Area Fuvamulaku DRP was able to win only 1 seat. Next Thinadhoo Island of Huvadhu Atoll and Kulhudhuffushi Island island of Haa Dhaalu Atoll all 14 seats were won by ruling MDP. Main opposition party DRP has won fairly a large number of seats from the Islands which DRP Leader Ahmed Thasmeen Ali has travelled and campaigned. In Male City Medhu Henveiru area seat was lost to DRP only because of vote split because of Dictator Gayoom’s candidate Nazim. Addu DRP senior activist Mr. Hussain Solih lost his seat by just 80 votes and it was caused due to anti campaign from Dictator Gayoom’s supporters. Dictatotor Gayoom’s Candidate in Addu Mr. Ibrahim Rasheed was able to win only 11 votes. This very clearly proves People of Maldives will never support Dictator Gayoom in any election.

World Cancer Day 2011
New physical activity guidance can help reduce risk of breast, colon cancers
Undertaking 150 minutes a week of moderate physical activity can reduce the risk of breast and colon cancers, according to the new Global Recommendations on Physical Activity for Health released by the World Health Organization (WHO) today on World Cancer Day. "Physical activity has a strong role to play in reducing the incidence of certain cancers," says Dr Ala Alwan, WHO's Assistant Director-General for Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health. "Physical inactivity is the fourth leading risk factor for all global deaths, with 31% of the world's population not physically active."

DirectRooms.com – Attend Intense Surfing Boot Camp and learn to surf like a pro in the Maldives
DirectRooms.com divulges that a special surfing school in the Maldives will be teaching surfers how to improve their technique while revealing some of the best surfing spots around the islands. The Intense Surfing Boot Camp is being run by Diverse Dynamics and features instruction from leading surfers from the Dominican Republic, Denmark and Brazil. Amongst other activities attendees will receive tutoring from surfing experts including the winner of the Brazilian Longboard Championships and the Danish Shortboard Championships.

Somali pirates get smarter, more ambitious
Somali pirates have extended the range of their attacks deep into the Indian Ocean, striking up to 2,500 miles from their bases and beyond the reach of international naval forces, and are holding more hijacked ships for ransom, security experts say. In 2010, pirates captured 49 ships, four more than in 2009, and as of Jan. 24 were holding 24 vessels and their crews for ransom off the Somali coast.

China farmers to get $15 bn subsidies amid drought
China says it had earmarked about $15 billion in subsidies for millions of farmers who have been hit by a severe drought that has driven prices as the government tries to battle inflation. The dry spell in the north and south has affected about four million hectares (9.9 million acres), official figures show, and has been blamed for destroying crops. Farmers will receive 98.6 billion yuan, up 14 percent from a year earlier, to boost their incomes and reduce the cost of diesel, fertiliser and pesticides, the finance ministry said on its website late Thursday. Local authorities have been ordered to distribute the money before farmers start planting their crops in the spring, it said. Beijing has been trying to rein in soaring food prices, which have driven up inflation and strained household budgets. The consumer price index, the main gauge of inflation, slowed in December from the previous month but analysts expect it to pick up again this month due to increased consumer spending for the Lunar New Year and cold temperatures. The index rose 4.6 percent on year in December, down from a two-year high 5.1 percent in November, but it was up 3.3 percent over the year, higher than Beijing's target.

                 5 February 2011 | Saturday                 

President Votes in the Local Council Elections

President Mohamed Nasheed has voted in the first ever local council elections being held in the country today. Members will be elected to city councils, atoll councils and island councils.

Volunteer Wildlife Conservation Organization Helps Protect Maldives Marine Paradise
A new conservation project has been organized to help preserve the marine environment surrounding the islands of the Maldives, off the Southern tip of India. Ordinary travellers from the US will be able to assist by collecting important data on the corals, fish, and marine wildlife under the guidance of a marine scientist who will train and oversee their work. This study, organized by award-winning volunteer organization Biosphere Expeditions, will ensure that informed conservation decisions can be made by the government and non-governmental organizations.

Maldives: Pre Election Statement
Transparency Maldives expresses deep concern on the low level of voter education and the backtracking of transparency standards set by Elections Commissions in previous elections. Transparency Maldives is coordinating a nation-wide domestic election observation of the 2011 Local Council Election. The observation will cover, Male’, Hulhumale’, Villingili and 38 other islands, covering 14 atolls spread over all seven provinces. Twenty partner NGOs will be deploying over 105 accredited observers. The observation effort will cover more than a third of the ballot boxes, covering voting at more than two thirds of the electorate. As part of the larger election observation effort, Transparency Maldives will also be conducting media monitoring for the Local Council Elections. All three main TV stations, four radio stations and three print media will be scrutinized for bias, objectivity and quality of reporting. The domestic observation will assess the conduct of the election in accordance with Maldivian electoral laws and international standards for democratic elections.

Which was your best holiday?
I went to the Maldives with my daughter, Ella. The rest of the year we had to eat potatoes to pay for the holiday but we stayed at the Four Seasons resort and it was unbelievably picturesque. In the bathroom the floor was glass so we used to just sit and watch this kaleidoscope of tropical fish swimming below our little villa on stilts.We used to leave our villa, have a quick swim in the sea before breakfast, and then take a leisurely one-minute walk over to the restaurant for a bite to eat. It was idyllic.

Anantara makes key appointment
Minor International has announced a key leadership appointment for the Minor Hotel Group, with Tabatha Ramsay, who has taken on the role of Vice President Sales for the group. An Australian national, Tabatha joins Minor from the InterContinental Hotels Group where she most recently held the role of Area Director of Sales & Marketing for the company’s Thailand, Indochina and Maldives properties. Ms Ramsay brings a wealth of experience to the role with previous management experience at Plaza Athenee, a Royal Meridien Hotel, Bangkok and Le Meridien Siem Reap, Cambodia, as well working in leading hotels in Thailand, Bali, Melbourne, London and Japan.

Blackmoney: DTAAs with SAARC bloc to be operational from April
Taking forward its efforts to track and unearth blackmoney, India has now ratified its Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements with SAARC nations and the revised treaties will come into effect from next fiscal. The tax agreement, amongst SAARC countries--Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and India--was ratified by the SAARC Secretariat last April. "The central government hereby directs that all the provisions of the said agreement shall be given effect to in the Union of India with effect from 1st day of April, 2011," the official government Gazette notification said. According to the notification, the new agreement will apply to persons who are residents of one or more member states.

'Blondes only' paradise in Maldives
A Lithuanian company has unveiled plans to build a "fantasy resort" staffed only by blondes in the Maldives. The Maldives requires foreign developers to hire at least 50% local staff but Olialia brand manager Lauryna Anuseviciute says "staff who are not blonde will wear a blonde wig to make everyone look similar". She insists Olialia already has secured financing but Maldives tourism officials say they have not received any details about the resort and have not issued any permits.

Fair-haired island no blonde joke in Lithuania
Empowering blondes or stereotyping them?
The jury is out on a Lithuanian company that plans to build a "fantasy resort" staffed only by blondes in the Maldives. Olialia (pronounced Oh-la-LA) has created a business empire in Lithuania, using its troupe of glitzy models with platinum hair to market just about anything from potato chips to pop music. There's Olialia pizza and Olialia cola, even Olialia computers.
With the Maldives resort - and plans for an airline linking it to the Baltic republic - Olialia is taking its blond ambition to a new level.

Country's trade gap with SAARC states on rise
Bangladesh's trade imbalance with the SAARC member countries, especially with India, is on the rise for the last couple of years because of the rising trend of imports than exports, reports UNB. The trade imbalance of Bangladesh with the SAARC countries was US$ 3194.75 million in the 2009-10 fiscal as export accounted for only US$ 420.55 million compared to massive import of goods worth US$ 3615.30 million, according to figures provided by the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB). Analysing the EPB statistics for the last 12 fiscal years, it was found that Bangladesh failed to make its trade balance favourable with the SAARC countries as the country witnessed growing imports rather than boosting exports.

Blonde women only' Maldives island hits snag as half of staff need wigs
A holiday resort on an island in the Maldives which bosses plan to staff using only blonde women is facing a major problem, but it's not over discrimination - nearly half their staff actually have dark hair and will need wigs.

                 4 February 2011 | Friday                 

Safeguarding Basic Rights Central to Current Changes in Maldives – President Nasheed
Addressing the nation on the occasion of the Maldives National Day, President Mohamed Nasheed has said upholding basic rights of the people and safeguarding these rights for future generations were central to the current political and socio-economic changes in the Maldives. He said the most important part of preservation of the new found freedoms and rights in the Maldives was redefining the national identity based on Islam, human rights, culture, and socio-economic progress of this country.

President Inaugurates Thilafalhu Industrial Zone Project
President Mohamed Nasheed today attended the inauguration of Thilafalhu Industrial Zone being developed in Thilafalhu, a lagoon South West of Male’, by Thilafushi Corporation Limited. At the ceremony held at Thilafushi this afternoon, the President launched Thilafushi dredging and land reclamation project. Thilafushi Corporation Limited plans to build a port along with a container terminal on 3.8 million square feet of land. In addition, it also plans to sell and lease land for warehousing and storage facilities as well as other industrial establishments. Speaking at the ceremony, President Nasheed said 13 million square feet of land that would be reclaimed from Thilafalhu would ease the demand for land from Male’ for warehousing and storage, which would ease congestion in the capital. Without providing land out of Male’ for warehousing and storage, and other industrial facilities, he said, it would not be possible to decongest and improve the quality of life in the most densely populated piece of land in the world. President said completion of project with reliable transportation to and from Male’, would ease the pressures on Male’ and provide economic benefits to businesses in the form of lower rent and other costs. Thilafushi Corporation Limited is expected to begin leasing and selling land from Thilafalhu Industrial Zone in 2012.

Those who left the people to suffer will not know even when the condition of the people is alleviated
President Mohamed Nasheed has said that those who left the people to suffer will not know even when the condition of the people is alleviated. The President said this while speaking to the people at the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) campaign rally held at Artificial Beach area last night. President Nasheed said that those who left the people to suffer will be so blinded that they will not know and see what the government is doing to alleviate and ease the condition of the people. The President underscored that the sole motive behind his presidency was serving the people. He said the current administration came to office fully aware of its duties and responsibilities, and had the utmost confidence in its ability to deliver the promises. Addressing the people, the President said, with the implementation of government policies the people would be able to envisage the future of the islands. “We want to distribute this power, the power of the executive to the people. For over a thousand years this power was held only here. Now we want to share this power that our forefathers accumulated to the people,” he said.

The people will not give the rule to those who broke their backs- Moosa
Parliamentary Group Leader of the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and Hulhuhenveiru MP Moosa Manik has said that the people will not again give the rule to those who broke their backs. Moosa Manik said this while speaking to the people at the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) campaign rally held at Artificial Beach area last night. Moosa Manik said that the former government of President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom was an oppressive government who ruled tyrannically by abusing the rights of the people. MDP Parliamentary Group Leader said that the former government was known for its dictatorial rule and is guilty of gross human rights violations and political repression. Moosa Manik said that Gayoom was a dictator who ruled Maldives for 30 brutal years of human rights abuse. Furthermore, Moosa Manik said that now the people will not give any room for any dictatorial authoritative government. He said that it is the end of the tribal rule of the Island and Atoll Chiefs.

Statement by Andrew Cox, at the ceremony to announce the projects selected for the 1st round of the “Support to Civil Society Development” project
It is a pleasure to address today, this assembly of active members of the Maldivian community. I congratulate the nine grant winners under the ‘Support to Civil Society Development’ project which is a collaboration between Australia’s Aid Programme - AusAID and UNDP Maldives. I am pleased that we can support, in some small measure, emerging non-governmental and community-based organizations in promoting rights-based development at the local and national level.

Grants Awarded to Strengthen Civil Society in the Maldives
Nine proposals submitted by local civil society organizations have been awarded a total of US $ 170,110, under a Small Grants Facility jointly funded by UNDP and the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID). The selections were made out of 85 proposals submitted by non-profit and non-governmental organizations across the country.

India assists in the evacuation of Maldivian nationals stranded in Egypt
The government of India has assisted in the evacuation of Maldivian nationals stranded in Egypt. Following the recent unrest in Egypt, the Government of Maldives requested through the High Commission of India in Maldives, for urgent assistance from the Government of India, in evacuating a large number of Maldivian citizens stranded in Egypt. In response to the Maldivian request conveyed to the highest level in India, the Indian government took immediate steps to fly in the Maldivian nationals from Cairo to Mumbai and then to Male’.

                 3 February 2011 | Thursday                 

Gasim calls to vote for DRP, AP, DQP, JP Candidates only
Opposition Jumhooree Party leader and local philanthropist Gasim Ibrahim has called on the people to vote for either Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP), Adhaalath Party (AP), Dhivehi Qaumee Party (DQP) and Jumhooree Party (JP) Candidates only in the upcoming Local Council Elections. Gasim said this while speaking at the public rally of the main opposition DRP held yesterday at Ari Atoll Thoddoo. Gasim said that the four parties that he have mentioned are all working to change the condition of the country to a better state and for a better government. He also said that these four parties only work for the welfare of the country. JP Leader underscored that it is a collective obligation for the people to bring down the present government. He alleged that the government has strayed away from democratic principles and is selling of public assets to foreigners.  Gasim also said that the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) is known for its nepotism and failure to fulfill its agreements. Gasim noted that the new consitution’s 8th Chapter, Chapter on Decentralisation, is in compliance with the decisions of the Peoples’ Majlis, but however the government is going against this in every action step they take. Gasim alleged that the government has spent millions for Councilors and Province Offices. He added that this can be proved in a court of law.

Without pledges, the people will be aimless- Pres.
Speaking with the people of Thiladhunmathi Dhekunuburi Vaikaradhoo and Neykurandhoo yesterday morning, President Mohamed Nasheed has said that without any pledges by the government then the people will be aimless. The President said that only the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) can make pledges and promises for the people.  President Nasheed said that the purpose of the presidential pledges and promises is to seek the needs of the people and serve them. The President added that only then the people would know what the government aims to do for them. The President assured the people that the sole motive behind his presidency was serving the people. He said the current administration came to office fully aware of its duties and responsibilities, and had the utmost confidence in its ability to deliver the promises. Addressing the people of the islands, the President said, with the implementation of government policies the people would be able to envisage the future of the islands. Furthermore, the President reiterated the government’s commitment to bring about sustainable development to the Maldives.

Freed boat reaches Sri Lanka safely: MOFA
The Taiwanese fishing boat that had been freed by Somalian pirates has reached Sri Lanka safely, the foreign ministry said yesterday. The Kaohsiung-registered Taiyuan No. 227 reached Sri Lanka's Colombo on Feb. 2, about eight months after it was hijacked near the Maldives on May 6, 2010, the ministry said in a press statement. The ministry said it had worked with the Council of Agriculture and three international anti-piracy groups to try to help the owner of the Taiyuan No. 227 rescue both the vessel and its crew. But the ministry did not indicate how and when the boat was freed by the pirates. None of the boat's 28 crew members are Taiwan residents, the ministry said, adding that they are from China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia and Mozambique. According to available information, the pirates had renamed the boat and used it for other purposes, the ministry said.

After the mini-moon, meet the Honeymonth: Demand for four-week post wedding holidays soar
A few decades ago, newlyweds might have been grateful for a few days in Torquay but not any more...the 'Honeymonth' is the latest trend among just marrieds. Couples are even eschewing traditional breaks in paradise locations such as the Maldives in favour of longer, more adventurous post wedding breaks. Forget cuddling on a beach or sipping cocktails by the pool, the modern honeymoon is as likely to include bungee jumping as relaxing. A third of trips booked in the last year were for four weeks or more, compared with an average of just 1.5 weeks 20 years ago.

Somali Pirates Release Taiwan Fishing Boat
Somali pirates have released a Taiwan fishing boat along-with its 28-member crew nearly eight months after it was hijacked off the coast of the Maldives. Sri Lanka's Foreign Ministry, which helped the Council of Agriculture and three international anti-piracy groups to rescue the vessel Taiyuan 227 and the fishermen, said they reached safely in capital Colombo on Wednesday. Officials of Taiwan's trade office in India have reportedly left for Colombo to meet the crew.

Maldives urges Hosni Mubarak to step down
A statement from Nasheed’s office quoted him as telling BBC on Tuesday evening that Egypt needed an “interim arrangement” without Mubarak, that leads to free and fair, multi-party elections. Earlier in the week, Nasheed called Egyptian opposition leader and former chairperson of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Mohamed El Baradei, pledging his support to political freedom in Egypt. During the call, Nasheed told Baradei that “Maldivians have always loved freedom and thus Maldivians will always support those who are peacefully advocating for political freedom in Egypt.” Baradei on his part said Egyptians would take note of lessons learnt from the Maldivian democracy struggle.

National Development and Security Linked to Development of Makunudhoo – President Nasheed
Speaking Makunudhoo of Haa Dhaal Atoll this morning, President Mohamed Nasheed said Makunudhoo was the Western most island of the country, and therefore, it was critical to develop the island to ensure the security of the political and economic area of the country. Underscoring that the ruling MDP had a vision for the development of Makunudhoo, and said the development of Makunudhoo was vital as the national security and development was linked to the development of the island.

President Visits Manadhoo
President Mohamed Nasheed visited Manadhoo of Noonu Atoll today, as part of his tour of some islands of North. Meeting the people of Manadhoo this afternoon, the President shared with the them the government´s vision for Manadhoo and the programmes it has formulated to realise this vision. The President, speaking on the government´s pledge to provide housing, said the government would expedite the construction of housing units to be built in Manadhoo.

                 2 February 2011 | Wednesday                 

The public broadcaster has an important role in shaping national identity- Pres.
Rejoicing MNBC One initiative to broadcast Dhivehi translation of the Quran, the President Mohamed Nasheed has said, as the public broadcaster, MNBC One has an important role in shaping national identity. At a ceremony held at the President’s Office yesterday morning, President inaugurated broadcasting Holy Quran with Dhivehi translation on MNBC One. In his remarks at the ceremony, President Nasheed said, as the Maldivian identity was being redefined, the government’s priority was ensuring that Islamic values, human rights and culture and national heritage were the pillars of the new national identity. Furthermore, the President highlighted safeguarding freedom of expression as paramount to the advancement of Islam and to ingrain Islamic faith in our hearts. Managing Director of Maldives National Broadcasting Corporation Ibrahim Khaleel briefed on the work being done to narrate Dhivehi translation to air on MNBC One. Dhivehi translation of Quran is narrated by Chief Operating Officer of MNBC One Mohamed Asif. Following the launch yesterday, Holy Quran on MNBC One is being aired with Dhivehi translation.

Elections Commission decides not to hold Addu City Council Elections on Feb 5
The Elections Commission has decided not to hold the Addu City Council Elections on February 5, 2011 corresponding to coming Saturday. Elections Commission decided as such in respect to Civil Court’s ruling to invalidate the government’s criteria to declare Addu as a City on the 1st of February, 2011. The commission said that the election can only be held after the formation of a council legally in the bounds of the constitution. Meanwhile, the President earlier declared Addu as a city for the second time last month, following publication, in the Government Gazette, the criteria determining cities. The criteria were established by the Local Government Authority.

President Nasheed Calls on Mubarak to Step Down
President Mohamed Nasheed has called on Egypt’s longstanding ruler, Hosni Mubarak, to step down and “heed the will of the Egyptian people.” In an interview to the BBC on Tuesday evening, the President said that Egypt needed an “interim arrangement” without Mubarak, that leads to free and fair, multi-party elections. The President’s remarks come as hundreds of thousands of pro-democracy demonstrators gather in central Cairo to call for an end to Mubarak’s 30-year autocratic regime. President Nasheed called on Western powers not to fear a democratic Egypt, which, he said, was the best guarantor of fundamental liberties and human rights. “Suppressing people with extremist views through repressive means only makes them stronger,” he noted. “Egypt is a mature country. It contains many reasonable people who are capable of ruling reasonably,” the President said. “Fundamental rights and freedoms are human aspirations… things that all of us want. These forces are playing out on the streets of the Middle East today,” the President added. Earlier this week, President Nasheed telephoned Egyptian opposition leader Mohamed ElBaradei. During the call, the President said that “Maldivians have always loved freedom and thus Maldivians will always support those who are peacefully advocating for political freedom in Egypt.” Mr ElBaradei thanked the President for his call and said Egyptians would take note of lessons learnt from the Maldivian democracy struggle.

President Accepts Adam Manik’s Resignation from the Post of the President of Malé Municipality
President of Malé Municipality Mr Adam Manik has resigned. President Mohamed Nasheed thanked Mr Adam Manik for his valuable service to the government, the country, especially for the people of Malé during his tenure as the President of Malé Municipality, in the letter he sent to Mr Manik accepting his resignation. The President, in his letter, noted that Mr Manik was one of the architects of ‘Veshi Fahi Malé’ programme, which is aimed at decongesting Malé, providing affordable housing, and addressing the social problems that arise in Malé. Further, the President’s letter emphasized that Mr Manik was also an instrumental part of Greater-Malé Development Programme, one of the real visions of ‘Aneh Dhivehi Raajje’ – the Other Maldives. Mr Adam Manik was appointed as the President of Malé Municipality on 11 December 2008.

Indonesia signs fisheries accords with three countries
Indonesia’s marine affairs and fisheries ministry recently signed fishery agreements with three countries consecutively - India, Sri Lanka and Maldives, a minister said. The extended memorandum of understanding between Indonesia and India on marine and fishery was signed by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in India last January 25, Marine Affairs and Fishery Minister Fadel Muhammad said at a press conference here Monday (Jan 31). On January 24, Minister Fadel had a meeting with Indian Minister of Earth Sciences Pawan Kumar Bansal to discuss the two countries’ responses to the impact of climate change and the need to conduct further research on the role of the oceans in global climate change, Fadel said.

Pakistan attaches great importance to its historic relations with Maldives: NA Speaker
Islamabad: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly had assured all-out support of Government of Pakistan for education and infrastructure development in Maldives. The Speaker and High Commissioner agreed for strengthening of economic ties between the two brotherly country. She said this while talking to Dr. Aishath Shehenaz Adam, High Commissioner of Maldives, who called on her in Parliament House.

Conservation group applauds South Asian countries' 'wildlife anti-trafficking' decision
A conservation group has appreciated eight South Asian countries' "milestone" decision to share information on wildlife trafficking. The BBC quoted a spokeswoman for the Traffic anti-smuggling body as saying that the move was "an essential effort to conserve a region of outstanding biological richness". The agreement to form the South Asia Wildlife Enforcement Network (Sawen) was made in Bhutan at the weekend to safeguard animals like tigers, elephants and rhinos that are under threat from being trafficked.

                 1 February 2011 | Tuesday                 

People’s Participation Paramount for Sustainable Development, says the President
Meeting the people of Vilufushi of Thaa Atoll this afternoon, President Mohamed Nasheed has said people’s participation in shaping their development was paramount to ensure sustainable development of the country. He said sustainable development of the islands was not possible unless people’s opinions were not heard during the decision making process of a programme. The President said people’s voices could only be heard through an island council backed by the people. Vilufushi is one of the most severely affected islands by the 2004 tsunami. Underlining the government’s pledge to provide affordable housing for all, the President said the government would this year build the houses allocated to the island through tsunami housing project and the government’s housing programme. Among other programmes planned for the development of Vilufushi, the President said, telemedicine services would be established in the island’s health center this year. In addition, the President revealed that the all the preparations were made and funding included in the budget to implement the island’s commercial harbour development project once the island council was elected. After concluding the visit to Vilufushi, President Nasheed visited Gaadhiffushi of Thaa Atoll this afternoon. Speaking in the island the President reiterated the government’s commitment to the development of the island despite its small population. The President has returned to Male’, this evening, after concluding his tour to some islands of Faafu, Dhaalu and Thaa atolls, that he began on Saturday.

Beijing on high alert for Lunar New Year fires
Firefighters in Beijing have been placed on high alert for this week's Lunar New Year festivities, with especially dry weather raising the risk of fireworks-related blazes, state media said Monday. More than 7,000 firefighters will fan out across the city on Wednesday for Lunar New Year's Eve, when pyrotechnics will light up the capital's skies as revellers usher in the Year of the Rabbit, authorities said. Beijing is suffering its worst drought in decades, with no significant precipitation since October 25. The capital's thus-far snow-free winter is the first of its kind since 1951. "We must ensure everyone can have a whale of a time setting off fireworks," city fire bureau spokesman Xia Chunlei was quoted as saying by the China Daily. But Xia warned residents to take extra precautions this year, noting: "Fires are more likely to break out. And they will spread more easily once they start." Letting off fireworks on Lunar New Year's Eve and throughout the festive period is a long-held Chinese tradition based on the belief that the noise will ward off evil spirits and ghosts. But it is also a notoriously dangerous practise, which was banned in Beijing between 1994 and 2005 but brought back due to popular demand. In 2009, a blaze touched off by an illegal fireworks display engulfed a luxury hotel being built inside China's state TV headquarters complex, killing one firefighter and causing a public relations disaster for CCTV. More than 900,000 boxes of fireworks and firecrackers have been put on sale in Beijing, state media said.

Shame on Dictator Gayoom to speak about the rights of the people and the constitution- Moosa Maniku
Parliamentary Group Leader of the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and Hulhuhenveiru MP Moosa Manik has said it is a shame for Former President of Maldives and founding leader of main opposition Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) Maumoon Abdul Gayoom to speak about the rights of the people and the constitution. Moosa Manik said that Gayoom was a dictator who ruled Maldives for 30 brutal years of human rights abuse. He said that it is a shame that he is now demanding local acclaim for what he a regard as exceptional contribution to the advancement of human rights. “There is not a single right that this despot had not abused. However, now he is talking about rights and the constitution. He is known for abuse and nepotism,” Moosa Manik said. Moosa Manik said that the people now will not buy Gayoom’s paltry propaganda. He said that the people know that dictator Gayoom still have no respect for human rights. He said that the people still know that Gayoom ruled the Maldives as a dictator for 30 years and is guilty of gross human rights violations and political repression.

Another win over opposition:
Civil Court rejects the case against South West Harbour Land Sales
Civil Court has rejected the case filed in the court to stop the sale of land plots from South West harbour area of Male’, the capital of Maldives. Male’ Municipality’s project to sell land plots from South West Harbour area after being on hiatus because of an earlier court rule to stop the sale until further notice, have been again restarted. Earlier on September 2010, Civil Court ruled the State to stop the sale of land plots from South West harbour area of Male’, the capital of Maldives, until further notice. Civil Court order said that the State should stop any transaction related to selling land plots since the lawsuit was filed to decide on selling land plots from south-west harbour area of Male, continuing to sell land plots amid the trial is not fair. The opposition coalition formed among Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP), Dhivehi Qaumee Party (DQP), Jumhooree Party, and People’s Alliance (PA) filed the lawsuit to stop the government from selling the land which they claimed was illegal. The Municipality opened 11 plots of 50,000 square feet of land near south-west harbour for bidding. Prices of the land plots, initially decided to sell at Rf4,000 per square feet rose to over Rf5,000 per square feet.
Elsewhere, Adam Maniku, President of Male Municipality said the opposition coalition wants to obstruct and undermine the works of the Government.

Adaaran Resorts Recognizes Continuous Professional development

Adaaran Resorts recently conducted a management training program for its Directors and Senior Managers which concluded with the award ceremony on 30th January 2011. This program, which is commonly known as the MTP, is a 64-hour study course, introduced by the Nippon Keidanren International Corporation Centre, NKICC of Japan in the 1980's and more recently The Association for Overseas Technical Scholarship (AOTS). Within the last 24 years, this course has been improved over 10 times to accommodate the latest trends in business.

Swamped Australia braces for monster cyclone
Australia's Queensland state is facing one of the worst cyclones in its history, officials warned Monday, bringing wild winds and potentially devastating rainfall to areas still awash with floods. Queensland Premier Anna Bligh said Severe Tropical Cyclone Yasi, a monster storm brewing on the Coral Sea, "may well be one of the largest and most significant cyclones that we've ever had to deal with".

Storm threatens 100 million in US with snow, ice, cold
A mammoth storm threatens to dump mounds of fresh snow, sleet and ice on about 100 million already winter-weary people from the US heartland to the east coast, forecasters said Monday. Blizzard, winter storm and freezing rain warnings were issued for more than 25 states, from North Dakota and Colorado down to New Mexico, then up through Texas, Kansas and Missouri to the Great Lakes region and across Pennsylvania to New England.