INTERPOL corrects error in Maldives newspaper concerning 2011 Cricket World Cup
INTERPOL’s General Secretariat headquarters and its Major Event Support Teams (IMESTs) deployed to the host countries for the 2011 Cricket World Cup (Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka) continue to work with all of INTERPOL’s 188 member countries to help ensure that the 2011 Cricket World Cup remains safe and secure for participants, officials and spectators. In this respect, an article entitled “Interpol on the hunt for two Maldivians involved in planning Cricket World Cup attack” and published in the newspaper Haveeru on 26 March 2011 in the Maldives contains serious inaccuracies which require a correction by the newspaper and an express denial from INTERPOL.

Press Statement Issued by the Office of the National Security Advisor to clarify the situation of Maldivian citizen, Iqbal Mohamed, who was detained upon his arrival at Male’ International Airport, by the Maldives Police Service on Thursday, 10 March 2011
The office of the National Security Advisor would like to clarify the situation of Maldivian citizen, Iqbal Mohamed, who was detained upon his arrival at Male’ International Airport, by the Maldives Police Service on Thursday, 10 March 2011. Iqbal Mohamed is a Maldivian citizen who had an Interpol Red Notice issued against him in connection to an Improvised Explosive Device which was detonated in Sultan Park, Male’ on Saturday, 29 September 2007. Iqbal Mohamed was travelling back to the Maldives from Pakistan, via Colombo, when the Interpol’s Major Events’ Support Team, who was in operation due to the ICC Cricket World Cup, identified him and informed the Maldivian authorities in coordination with the security agencies of our friendly neighbouring countries. Following his arrest at Male’ International Airport, Iqbal Mohamed was held in Police custody for 15 days, and was released on 25 March following an order by the Maldivian Criminal Court. The Maldives Police Service continues to investigate Iqbal Mohamed and any possible links to the 2007 Sultan Park bombing. We have no knowledge of Iqbal’s involvement in any planned attack on the ICC Cricket World Cup, which has been alluded to in the press over the last 3 days, and we would like to emphasise that our primary reason for detaining him was in relation to the September 2007 Sultan Park bombing in the Maldives. We remain grateful to the quick support afforded to us in this matter, by the Interpol and our partner agencies in the region.

Crime Prevention Committee Formed; Holds First Meeting
President Mohamed Nasheed has formed Crime Prevention Committee and held its first meeting yesterday at the President’s Office. The Committee was formed to work collectively to bring a comprehensive solution to the pervasive problem of criminal offences and as a first step to curtail criminal violence. Under the directives of President Nasheed as a concerted effort to curb street violence and make Malé and other islands safe for all, the National Security Advisor proposed a paper to the Cabinet Ministers and formed the committee yesterday. The Committee comprises of National Security Advisor Ameen Faisal, Minister of Home Affairs Hassan Afeef, Attorney General Abdullah Muizz, Minister of State for Defense and National Security Mohamed Muizz Adnan and Prosecutor General Ahmed Muizz. Discussions at the first meeting of the committee were focused on the increase in incidence of drug abuse and drug related crimes, rape and other heinous crimes against women, gang violence and major criminal activities.  The Committee underscored the importance of all independent bodies and state institutions working together collectively to take urgent measures to end major criminal and unlawful activities prevalent in the country now.

No president has received such room from the people to govern the country-Pres.
President Mohamed Nasheed has said that no president has received such room or opportunity given to him by the people to govern the country. Speaking at the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)’s public rally held at Artificial Beach yesterday night, the President said that MDP was given the authority and power by the people to rule the country. He added that the current government is the government of the people of Maldives. President also said that MDP seeks to establish a new nationality is based on good Islamic principles, Maldivian culture, human rights, and on civil, social and economic progress. Furthermore, President Mohamed Nasheed noted that one of MDP’s vows is still unfulfilled. He said that it is the vow to lower the prices of products and services. He said that although the prices have been rising, the rise rate has slowed down compared to pre 2008. He said that in 2008 the prices rose 12 percent where as in the current year food prices rose just 4 percent.

We should join hands to save the nation from the hands of barbarians- Shiyam
Meedhoo MP, Ahmed Shiyam yesterday expressed concern over the increase in incidence of drug abuse and drug related crimes, rape and other heinous crimes against women, gang violence and major criminal activities in the Maldives. Shiyam said that all should collectively work with all concerned authorities to work out programmes to reduce crime in the country. He said that crime prevention requires consistent and concerted effort by all the stakeholders, and all the government authorities would provide necessary assistance to reduce crime. He reiterated that should work together to bring a comprehensive solution to the pervasive problem of criminal offences. Shiyam said that amid the waves of gang violence and increased public tension. He called for a concerted effort to curb street violence and make Malé and other islands safe for all. In this regard, he underscored the need to keep criminals and convicts in detention to reduce violence and gang fights. He urged all fellow members of the Peoples’ Majlis to expedite the passage of pending criminal justice bills so the police can effectively tackle the scourge of street violence in our country.

President meets South Korean President’s Special Envoy
President Mohamed Nasheed met with Dr Soogil Young, Special Envoy appointed by South Korean President Lee Myung-bak, yesterday. At the meeting held at the President’s Office this morning, the South Korean President’s Special Envoy Dr Soogil Young conveyed President Lee’s personal regard and appreciation for President Nasheed’s “life long commitment to democracy” as well as his commitment of environmental sustainability of human civilization.

VP appeals civil servants to extend full cooperation to ministers
Delivering the keynote address at “Civil Service Excellence, Way Forward for Innovation and Change” conference today, Vice President Dr Mohamed Waheed has appealed all civil servants to extend their full cooperation to ministers and other political appointees. He asked civil servants to “accept that ministers are the political leaders who are accountable to the Parliament for which money has been allocated within the budget.”

President meets Speaker of the People’s Majlis
President Mohamed Nasheed has met with Speaker of People’s Majlis Abdulla Shahid yesterday. During the meeting held at the President’s Office, the Speaker told the President that he was working with all political parties represented in the People’s Majlis to expedite the passage of bills as well as all the other matter presented to the Majlis. Referring to the incident that forced yesterday’s sitting of the People’s Majlis to cut short, the Speaker expressed his discontent over the frequency of such incidents. The President also expressed concern over the frequent discontinuation of Majlis sittings due to disagreements over procedural matters and partisan politics on the floor while much work remains to be done by the People’s Majlis. In addition, the Speaker spoke on the constraints on the work of the People’s Majlis due to lack of space. He also briefed the President on Majlis’ efforts to ease the situation. The President said he would provide assistance to the Majlis’ efforts to resolve its spatial needs.

Maldives frees World Cup terror suspect
Colombo, Mar.28: Maldavian national Iqbal Mohamed, who was suspected of plotting an attack on the Cricket World Cup in South Asia, has been released on the basis of a court order in the Maldives. Mohamed, 42, was arrested on March 10 on arrival at Male International Airport from Pakistan following a tip-off from Interpol. Interior Minister Rehman Malik and Interpol chief Ronald Noble announced the arrest last week, saying a "serious attempt" at an attack had been foiled. But now the terror suspect has been released.

The Maldives: Little islands, Big Tourism
However, what makes the Maldives different, indeed, what defines this tiny country is not its history or its people. Rather it is the Maldives unique environment, and how they use it to attract visitors, that defines the archipelago nation

Kelly Lin and Chris Young to hold wedding in Maldives
Taiwan actress Kelly Lin and businessman Chris Young will hold a wedding ceremony on Monday, March 28, 2011 in the Maldives, Sina.com.cn reports. The two were spotted on Saturday shooting wedding photos in the Maldives. The pictures taken show the couple posing on a small boat.

Rowers to spend a year coaching in sunny Maldives
Thirty-year-olds Rachel Loveridge, a former Leander Club rower, and Natasha Howard, of Periam Close, Henley, are the first volunteer coaches from the Rowing Association of the Maldives project to travel to the islands in the Indian Ocean. Rowing there dates back thousands of years but has been dying out with the introduction of motor boats. The project, which was set up by Henley Olympic silver medallist Guin Batten, aims to develop competitive rowing on the islands, particularly among women. A year ago, Ms Batten became the first person to scull solo across the 60k Zero Degree Channel in the Indian Ocean.

Maldives clarifies about Mohamed’s detention
The primary reason behind detaining Iqbal Mohamed, a Maldivian citizen, in Male, was because of his suspected links to the September 2007 Sultan Park bombing (in the Maldives), the Maldivian government has clarified. An Interpol Red Notice issued against him in connection with an Improvised Explosive Device which was detonated in Sultan Park, Male on September 29, 2007. Iqbal Mohamed was travelling back to the Maldives from Pakistan, via Colombo, when the Interpol’s Major Events’ Support Team, who was in operation due to the ICC Cricket World Cup, identified him and informed the Maldivian authorities in coordination with the security agencies of our friendly neighbouring countries.

Baros Maldives is named the First Eco Dive Centre in the Maldives
Baros Maldives has been awarded Eco Dive Centre status by the official Reef Check organization, and is the first resort in the Maldives to offer the international Reef Check EcoDiver programme, which empowers people to save our reefs and oceans. Becoming the first Eco Dive and training centre of the Maldives, Baros now offers guests EcoDiver courses which qualifies them to help EcoDive teams to monitor reefs worldwide. The world’s reefs are changing at a startling rate and Baros Maldives guests can help ensure that reefs are still here and healthy for future generations. Baros Dive centre have put together a programme, which allows children and adults to learn more about tropical coral reefs and allows participants the rare opportunity to work with teams of scientists to combat the crisis affecting reefs worldwide. Guests at Baros Maldives who are novice snorkelers or divers can enroll in the half-day Discover Reef Check Course, and those with more experience can enroll in a 3-day EcoDiver certification course. This qualifies guests to assist the professional teams in monitoring the reefs worldwide.

South Asian countries to requested to reduce tariff
Nepal requested South Asian countries to reduce tariff on their products during the South Asian Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA) working committee meeting that started here Monday. Nepal urged Bangladesh to remove 121 products, Pakistan 86 products, Sri lanka 128 products, and Afghanistan 11 products from the Sensitive List, according to the participants of the meeting. Similarly, India, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Sri lanka requested Nepal to reduce tariffs on various products from Sensitive List.

                 27 March 2011 | Sunday                 

Feydhoo, Hithadhoo and Lhohi DRP group denies sending any letter to the party
Noonu Lhohi and Addu Atoll Feydhoo and Hithadhoo’s branch of the main opposition Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) have denied sending a letter to show their disapproval of the leadership of DRP Leader Ahmed Thasmeen Ali. DRP Branches of Lhohi, Feydhoo and Hithadhoo denied in less than 24 hours after DRP Founding Leader, Dictator Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom’s spokesperson Mohamed Hussein Shareef (Mundhu) alleged to have received letters from these branches to show their disapproval of DRP leader.

SAARC Transport connectivity will broaden trade bond with Bangladesh-Pres
President Mohamed Nasheed has attended the reception hosted by High Commissioner of Bangladesh to the Maldives Rear Admiral A.I.M.A Awal to mark the 4th anniversary of Bangladesh’s National Day. In his address, at the reception held at Dharubaaruge yesterday, President Mohamed Nasheed said that SAARC’s transport connectivity programme which will link the South Asian, Indian Ocean island nations with the subcontinent will broaden the trade bond between Bangladesh and Maldives.

Sports in Schools as Important as Studies – President
President Mohamed Nasheed has said sports and extra-curricular activities were as important as studies for the development a complete individual. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the ´Makita Junior Athletics Championship´ held in Thinadhoo from 21 to 24 March, the President said competitiveness, and etiquettes of winning and loosing were some of important lessons learned at schools. He said learning to loose was learning to be courageous in times of loss. ´Makita Junior Athletics Championship´ was competition open for schools from Addu City, Fuahmulah, and Huvadhu Atoll. 356 athletes from 13 schools in four atolls competed in this year´s championship. During the closing ceremony, the President presented medals and trophies to winning athletes and schools.

Pakistan, Maldives secure UN action on Islamaphobia
The UN Human Rights Council yesterday adopted a strong international resolution designed to combat intolerance, negative stereotyping and stigmatization of, and discrimination, incitement to violence, and violence against persons based on religion or belief. The resolution was negotiated by a core group of Islamic States including Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the Maldives; as well as representatives of the United States and the European Union. It is the first time that the international community has adopted such a stance by consensus.

Maldives calls for UN to recognize an independent sovereign Palestinian State
The Maldives yesterday reaffirmed its support for the fundamental freedoms and rights of the Palestinian people by calling on the UN to recognize an independent sovereign Palestinian State. Speaking at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva against a backdrop of change across the Middle-Eastern region, Liusha Zahir, the Maldives’ Deputy Permanent Representative, asserted that the Palestinian people were no less deserving of international support in the furtherance of their human rights than of people in Cairo, Benghazi and Tunis.

Maldives secures adoption of resolution on human rights and environment
The Maldives yesterday secured the adoption of a resolution, at the UN Human Rights Council, highlighting the negative human rights impacts of environmental degradation, including as a result of climate change, and calling on States to be adopt a rights-based approach to environmental matters. The resolution secured the co sponsorship of 75 States and was adopted by consensus. When introducing the resolution, Liusha Zahir, the Maldives Deputy Permanent Representative, highlighted the crucial importance of the natural environment to the socio-economic development of the Maldives and to the rights of its people.

THE SECRETARY-GENERAL
MESSAGE ON WORLD AUTISM AWARENESS DAY
The number of children and people with autistic conditions continues to rise – in every nation and in every racial, ethnic and social group. Although the recognition of autistic conditions among the scientific, health and care communities is improving, public awareness remains low. The annual observance of World Autism Awareness Day thus takes on ever greater importance as an opportunity to mobilize for action and assistance.

Starwood Pack Your Bags Sweepstakes Round 4: Beach Resorts
W Maldives, St. Regis Bali and St. Regis Bora Bora are three über-resorts offering a 5-night stay along with 150,000 points in round 4 of the Starwood Resorts “Pack Your Bags” sweepstakes. These three resorts have an ARV listed at $17,500USD for a 5-night stay. $3,500 per night is far higher than the lowest priced rooms ($700/night), although, perhaps this stay is booked in a W Maldives Seascape Escape room and then the $17,500 ARV is a bargain discount.

Sensual green in the Maldives
Six Senses Laamu, a new luxury green resort in the Maldives, is now open for business. It’s the only resort on the virtually uncharted Laamu Atoll, on the island of Olhuveli, deep in the Indian Ocean. True to its philosophy of environmental protection, Six Senses created the resort using local, sustainable materials and made only the lightest of footprints on the outstanding natural beauty of the island.

Tourism ministers of Bangladesh, Maldives meet Basil Rajapaksa
Visiting Bangladesh Tourism Minister Mariyam Zulfa and his Maldivian counterpart Gulam Qadar called on Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa at the Parliamentary complex on Thursday. Talks held by Minister Rajapaksa with the two Tourism Ministers centred on the ways and means of expanding the co-operation among the three countries for the promotion of tourism in the region. At these talks, Minister Rajapaksa also reached agreement with Maldivian Tourism Minister Zulfa to collaborate in implementing a series of programmes aimed at promoting tourist arrivals from China in particular. Deputy Economic Development Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena, Finance Secretary Dr. P. B.Jayasundara, Sri Lanka Tourist Board Chairman Dr. Nalaka Godahewa and Deputy Director General of Maldivian Tourism Ministry Moosa Zameer Hassan also participated in the talks.

Aitken Spence resorts expands in Sri Lanka and the Maldives
The Aitken Spence group is gearing for a possible expansion of its resorts in its Maldives while continuing to increase its focus on Sri Lanka as well. The organization is looking at “consolidating its presence in the Maldives and given the right opportunity we might expand in the future,” a company official said. In fact the group’s Adaaran Resorts in the Maldives are set to increase room rates in the wake of a new tax policy in the island nation.

The Fukushima 50: What's the prognosis for Japan's nuclear heroes?
Two emergency workers at Japan's battered nuclear plant have suffered radiation burns. What else might happen to the crews fighting to prevent a post-tsunami meltdown? Two workers at Japan's Fukushima nuclear power plant were taken to the hospital this week after being exposed to high levels of radiation. Their injuries underscored the dangers facing the so-called Fukushima 50 — the crew that stayed behind to prevent a full-scale meltdown at the crippled plant after the March 11 earthquake and tsunami. The anonymous band of 50 low- and mid-level managershas now been reinforced with hundreds more plant workers and firefighters. Here, a brief guide to the emergency workers, and the uncertain future they face:

The Maldives: The atoll where it's all go
Addu Atoll is made up of four islands linked by a causeway – which means there's lots more to do than lie on a beach all day, says Nigel Tisdall. t's 6.45am in Addu Atoll and a spotted eagle ray is gliding nonchalantly past the steps of my over-water villa. Its wings flap gently in the warm, shallow waters that are so clear they seem to magnify the peaceful garden of delights below. Here comes a parrotfish in a fetching psychedelic number, bowling along on its dawn patrol. And there's a posse of snappily striped angelfish, hurrying by as if just back from an all-night party.

'We need world's help': Japan evacuee town mayor
The mayor of a town near Japan's quake-damaged and stricken Fukushima nuclear plant said Wednesday that it desperately needs help for thousands of evacuees sheltered there. "We have received many people who were evacuated from the area near the plant," Masao Hara, mayor of Koriyama city, about 50 kilometres (30 miles) east of the nuclear plant, told AFP by mobile telephone.

                 26 March 2011 | Saturday                 

Tajikistan 0-0 Maldives
Male: Tajikistan and the Maldives played out a goalless draw at the National Stadium in the Maldivian capital on Wednesday as the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers brought the curtain down on their successful Group C campaigns. Both teams had already guaranteed their place next year’s final by defeating Cambodia and Kyrgyzstan, with the Indian Ocean islanders winning 4-0 and 2-1 respectively and the Tajiks recording 3-0 and 1-0 victories over the same opposition.

Terrorist arrested for planning World Cup attack 'of Maldives origin': Malik
Pakistan's Interior Minister Rehman Malik has claimed that the terrorist arrested in Colombo, who was planning an attack on cricketers during the ICC World Cup 2011, is of Maldivian origin. The seven-member terrorist group had also been busted on the information of the arrested terrorist, he added. Malik, who was speaking to the media after attending the inauguration of a passport office at Gujar Khan in Rawalpindi, said that the government was cooperating with the Interpol to cripple the terrorist network in Pakistan.

Maldives: Opposition Party DRP Splitting? Advantage MDP – Analysis
I have mentioned before many times that former President Gayoom was making a big mistake in re- entering politics once again after having announced that he would retire from public life. Gayoom had literally ruled Maldives for over three decades with unquestioned authority and had enjoyed the power and the wealth that go with it. It was thought that he had entered into a deal with the present administration of President Nasheed that he would keep away from politics after obtaining very generous terms of retirement. Gayoom himself had not treated his predecessor or his family well. They were chased out of Maldives permanently. Knowing very well that the skeletons in the ‘cupboard’ will be dug out, he did the right thing in seeking a deal so that he is left out of harm’s way. President Nasheed despite pressure from his colleagues in the MDP did leave Gayoom alone.

Why is the Tea Party silent on Libya?
The president's decision to authorize military action in Libya has plenty of liberal critics up in arms — Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio), for one, has threatened Obama with impeachment over the airstrikes — and plenty of conservatives are howling, too. And yet, "the relative lack of Tea Party angst over the no-fly zone has been surprising," writes Dave Weigel at Slate. None of the big national Tea Party umbrella groups — the Tea Party Patriots, the Tea Party Express, and FreedomWorks — has commented on the military action, nor on Obama's decision to pursue it without seeking authorization from Congress. Why?

Indian Refiners Boost Crude Oil Processing for Third Month
Indian Oil Corp., the nation’s largest refiner, and rivals including Hindustan Petroleum Corp. boosted crude processing in February for the third straight month. The refiners turned 13.4 million metric tons of crude into products last month, 3.2 percent higher than a year earlier, the oil ministry said in a statement in New Delhi today. Processing by state-owned Indian Oil rose 3.6 percent to 4.34 million tons after its plant at Haldia in West Bengal state increased production by 26 percent. Hindustan Petroleum, the nation’s third-biggest state refiner, increased output 6.8 percent to 1.33 million tons, according to the ministry.

                 25 March 2011 | Friday                 

President Asks the Nation to Turn Off the Lights for ¨Earth Hour
President Mohamed Nasheed, in his radio address today, asked the whole country to turn off all non essential lights and other electrical appliances from 2030hrs to 2130hrs on Saturday to participate in ¨Earth Hour¨. ¨Earth Hour¨ is global event marked by World Wildlife Fund for Nature on the last Saturday of March every year, asking everyone to turn off their non-essential lights and electrical appliances for an hour, to raise awareness about the need to take action on climate change. This year, ¨Earth Hour¨ will be marked on Saturday, 26 March, from 2030hrs to 2130hrs. The President said ¨Earth Hour¨ was an attempt to raise awareness about climate change and change their habits in a more environmentally friendly way. In his 90th radio address, the President also paid tribute to the Maldivian national football team for winning the first two games of the AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers played in Malé last week to qualify to the AFC Challenge Cup to be held next year. Hailing the national team´s first ever qualification to the AFC Challenge Cup as pride and glory for the country, he congratulated the national team. He also commended the support of all Maldivians to the team, and work of Football Association of Maldives.

Maritime Security Policy Coordinating Committee Formed; Holds First Meeting
Office of the National Security Advisor has formed Maritime Security Coordinating Committee and held its first meeting today at the President’s Office. The Committee was formed as part of the formulation of a national maritime security policy within the National Security Framework as announced by President Mohamed Nasheed in his presidential address to the first session of the People’s Majlis this year. He said the government would put together strategies for maritime security to implement maritime security policy and initiate maritime security awareness programmes, this year. The President, in his presidential address, revealed that maritime security awareness programmes would pattern eight action plans on maritime security.

President Departs for Thinadhoo; To Discuss Thinadhoo Development Projects with Island Council
President Mohamed Nasheed has departed on a visit to Thinadhoo of Gaaf Dhaal Atoll this morning. During the visit, the President will hold discussions with Thinadhoo Island Council on the ongoing government projects and proposed projects for the development of the island. He will discuss the changes proposed by the Island Council to the construction of Thinadhoo harbour and seek Council’s consultation on ways to overcome obstacles to completing the project. On the harbour project, the President will also discuss with the Council on setting up facilities in the harbour to develop Thinadhoo harbour to a fully fledged commercial and fishing harbour. As part of the government’s programme to develop commercial harbours in the islands, service outlets for fishermen, local markets, and a ferry terminal as well as other business services will be set up at Thinadhoo harbour area.

DRP Council to investigate Mahloof for saying he won’t follow DRP 3line whip
Main opposition Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) has said that the party’s council will be investigating the case of DRP youth wing leader Ahmed Mahloof for saying that he will not follow the 3 line whip of the party since the founding leader of DRP Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom has withdrawal of the support of Male’. DRP Secretary General, Abdul Rasheed Nafiz, speaking to Miadhu daily, he said that there are two different issues raised against Ahmed Mahloof. He said that the case will be sent to Disciplinary Committee after it has been studied. He also said that no one individual is above the party’s council.

Addu City SAARC Summit will further fortify regional ties-President
President Mohamed Nasheed expressed his confidence in further fortifying regional ties and the overall strengthening of ties between the countries. President Nasheed said this officiating the 71st Pakistan National Day reception held at Dharubaaruge. The President said words of felicitations to High Commissioner of Pakistan, on the occasion of Pakistan’s National Day. President Nasheed also extended warm greetings and sincere good wishes of the government and the people of the Maldives on the occasion to the people and the government of Pakistan. He also expressed his confidence that the close relations of friendship and co-operation that existed between the Maldives and Pakistan would continue to strengthen in the years to come.

Dollar shortage is due to demand from the black market: Hussein Waheed MP
Komamdoo MP, Hussein Waheed has said that the acute US dollar shortage from the banks of Maldives and the rise of the price of US dollars is because of the demand from the black market in the country. Debating on the bill on devising economic measures to regulate the earn and the outflow of foreign currency in our economy proposed by Thimarafushi MP Mohamed Mustafa, Hussein Waheed said that amendments are made to the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) Act because there is no other way for the US dollar shortage in the Maldivian market to be resolved.

Inner Maldives Holidays Releases Special Summer Offers to Maldives
Inner Maldives Holidays, a leading and multiple international award winning travel company in the Maldives, launches special promotional rates and offers for summer 2011. The special offers are designed specifically to attract more tourists to the destination during the period, which is the industry’s traditional low season. Maldives has been attracting tourists from various new markets: the Asian & Middle Eastern markets appear to be on the rise with statistics revealing 14% growth from Middle East in the first two months of the year, and a 40% increase from Asian markets with China as the main dominator. Inner Maldives Holidays, promises to open doors with a variety of options ranging from Early Bird discounts, Honeymoon deals and Free Nights (Stay 3 nights + 1 Free, Stay 4 nights + 1 Free, Stay 6 nights + 1 Free, Stay 12 nights and get 2 nights free). Meal Plan upgrades, complimentary Transfers, free Excursions, Anniversary offers and many more surprises are also available. Inner Maldives Holidays also provides bundled packages, tours and has provided an open opportunity for interested parties to submit familiarisation trip proposals.

Going private in the Maldives, at long last
New laws mean that developers are seizing the chance to sell you a slice of heaven. For years, the Indian Ocean’s most exquisite islands, the Maldives, have been solely the preserve of hotels. Now, they’ve begun to open up to foreign buyers, thanks to new laws introduced by the pro-enterprise President Mohamed Nasheed. Before Nasheed, elected two years ago, leaseholds were too short to attract European buyers – but they have now been extended to 50 years, with plans to extend them to 99 years over the next few years. As a result – with zero income or capital gains tax, not to mention utterly idyllic surrounds – the islands are swiftly becoming an attractive place to own property.

With Chinese push, Sri Lanka boosts power generation by 11 pct
Sri Lanka boosted its electricity generating capacity by 11 percent on Tuesday with the opening of a Chinese-financed coal power plant the government says will cut its foreign exchange needs and high electricity costs that have dulled investment. The 300 megawatt (MW) plant built by Chinese engineers at Norocholai on the northwestern coast is the first coal-powered generation station on the Indian Ocean island nation, which is emerging from a three-decade civil war that ended in May 2009.

                 23 March 2011 | Wednesday                 

No secret deals, no allegiance with the govt- Gasim

Leader of Jumhooree Party (JP), Gasim Ibrahim has said that he has not made any secret deals with the government. He also said that he does not work in allegiance with the government. Rebutting the critique of Ali Waheed on Gasim for not voting in favour of the opposition DRP-PA coalition in Monday’s vote taken in the Peoples’ Majlis for the endorsement of 5 ministerial appointments, JP Leader and Mamigili MP Gasim Ibrahim told Miadhu Daily that he does not work for the government by making secret deals. First Home Minister of the current government said that he is not in terms with JP’s former coalition with ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP). He said that it has been long since MDP has announced that the coalition agreement has been annulled. He added that he has not supported the government in the Majlis. Gasim said that he did not vote for or against Hassan Afeef but voted in favour of Adil Saleem and voted against Ali Sawad. Furthermore, Gasim stressed that he had not announced that he will vote or vote against anyone.

Judges should at all times uphold the reputation of the Judiciary- Supreme Court
The Supreme Court of Maldives has issued a statement saying that it is upon every single Judge to uphold the reputation of the Judiciary at all times. The Supreme Court said that all judges avoid every matter that might cause people to lose confidence in the judiciary of the country. The statement said that judges should not make any statement or do anything that could harm the reputation of the judiciary and cause people lose confidence in the judiciary.

MRM registered with the Elections Commission
Maldives Reform Movement (MRM) has been registered as a new political party with the Elections Commission yesterday. Maldives Reform Movement was organized as a political formation by Dr. Mohamed Munawwar, Attorney General of the former regime and former president of the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP). “I am honoured and happy to announce the emergence of a new political party, Maldives Reform Movement,” President of the Elections Commission, Fuwad Thaufeeg said yesterday at the ceremony held at the Elections Commission to officially announce the registry of Maldives Reform Movement. Dr. Munawwar who has mostly stayed away from the political mainstream for sometime, announced his return to the political arena with the formation of a new political party. Dr. Munawwar said that the main reason for getting Maldives Reform Movement together is not to add another party to the registry of the political parties but to get out in to the political arena and get the issues that the members feel in there to uphold the constitution and democratic reform.

Gov’t will not differ in providing aid to students
President Mohamed Nasheed has said that the government will not differ with any Maldivian student in providing assistance and that the government will follow a common policy in providing aid. President Nasheed said this in response to the a letter sent to the President over concerns about the end of the pocket money programme for students enrolled in the different faculties of Maldives National University. The President said that the government will not provide any assistance to the students of Maldives National University that are not provided to students other than them. President Nasheed noted that those students who are not able to enroll in the National University study by themselves. He said that to provide pocket money only to the students of the National University will be unfair and unjust. President Nasheed said that though the government does not plan to provide pocket money to any student, a student loan system is established, which would aid the financially vulnerable students.

Cabinet finalises methods to issue guarantee to private sector-funded infrastructure development
The Cabinet has yesterday finalised mechanisms to issue sovereign guarantees, in accordance with Public Finance Act, to infrastructure development projects funded by private sector. The paper presented to yesterday’s Cabinet meeting by the Ministry of Finance and Treasury on the matter proposed to issue Guarantees to a limit of Rf125 million annually to support private sector to raise funds as part of the government’s policy to increase private sector participation in national development. However, this Guarantee will not be issued to individuals operating in the private sector.

Maldives signs MOU with Singapore Cooperation Enterprise
The Maldivian Government yesterday has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Singapore Cooperation Enterprise to collaborate in the field of trade facilitation and promotion in the Maldives. In the ceremony which took place yesterday morning at the Singapore Cooperation Enterprise, High Commissioner of Republic of Maldives to Singapore, Mohamed Khaleel signed on behalf of the Government of Maldives and Mr. Alphonsus Chia, the Chief Executive Office of the Singapore Cooperation Enterprises signed on behalf of the Agency.

Etihad to commence services to the Maldives
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has announced it will commence operations to Malé, the capital city of the Republic of Maldives, on November 1, subject to government approval. Etihad will operate a daily return service from its home base in Abu Dhabi to Malé International Airport, operating Airbus A320 aircraft on the route, configured with two cabins and offering 1,904 seats each week. James Hogan, Etihad Airways' Chief Executive Officer, said: "Malé is gateway to the premium leisure destination, the Maldive Islands, and given the strong increase in visitation numbers we are seeing in the market, the time is right to launch services to this popular holiday destination."

Two islands leased out near Kalpitiya
Two islands near Kalpitiya have been leased out at Rs. 18 million to two foreign companies for investment in tourism for 30 years, Parliament was informed yesterday. Of them, Vellai Island has been given on lease at Rs. 3.7 million to be developed as a joint investment among Sri Lanka, Maldives and Switzerland, and Inpativu Island at Rs. 14 million to an Indian company named Cube Leisure Property Private Ltd. The joint venture with Maldives and Switzerland is called Sun Resort Investment Lanka Private Ltd

                 22 March 2011 | Tuesday                 

Majlis rejects AG and endorse 4 ministers

People’s Majlis yesterday endorsed 4 cabinet ministers from the present cabinet ministers and rejects the current Attorney General (AG) Ali Sawad. The ministers those who were endorsed are Minister of Transport and Communications AdilSaleem with 39 votes; Minister of Shifa Mohamed with 66 votes; Minister of Home Affairs Hassan Afeef with 37 votes and Minister of Tourism Arts and Culture Dr. Mariyam Zulfa with 72 votes.

It’s saddening that some opposition MPs voted in favour of the gov’t-DRP
Main opposition Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party has said that it is saddening that some of the MPs who belong to the opposition parties voted in favour of the government during the vote taken yesterday at the Peoples’ Majlis to endorse the current un-endorsed cabinet appointees. DRP said that the party is unhappy that 5 ministerial nominees were endorsed despite DRP Leader Ahmed Thasmeen Ali’s decision to reject 3 of the ministerial appointments. “We are disheartened that some of those who voted in favour of the government were those individuals who spoke from the first rows of the different podiums, different TV Channels, taking the government to account” said DRP. DRP noted that DRP Deputy Leader Ilham Ahmed, who used to revile the honour of the leader of DRP, Ahmed Thasmeen Ali by claiming that he is in allegiance to the government, was absent from yesterday’s session of the Peoples’ Majlis. “It is of major concern that DRP Deputy Leader and Gemanafushi MP Ilham Ahmed, Velidhoo MP Ali Mohamed did not participate in the vote,” DRP said in their press statement yesterday.

“Former gov’t” might depict Maldives before Islam-Gayoom’s lawyer

Despite Mohamed Waheed, Lawyer of the former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoomhas said that the phrase “former government” used by the Finance Minister Ali Hasim speaking to New York Times might depict a time before the advent of Islam in the Maldives, in yesterday’s hearing of Gayyoom’s defamation case against the Editor of Miadhu Daily, forpublishing that the New York Times had published a story containing allegations that Gayoom embezzled US$400 million during his time in government.

Maldivian suspected of killing a British woman in Hong kong
A Maldivian is reported to have been arrested for the killing of a 64-year-old British woman in Hong Kong. According to AFP, the suspected Maldivian is the estranged husband of the victim's niece, Julia Fareedwho was reported to have said thatshe met the suspect when Julia worked in the Maldives. FP said that the Police arrested a 29-year-old man on Saturday in connection with the death of Janet Gilson, who was last seen on March 15 at her niece's home on Lamma Island, a short ferry ride from the city's glittering downtown core. The news agency also said that the Authorities did not identify the suspect except to say he was an "expatriate". However, AFP said that he has a history of violence and breached an order banning him from going near his wife's home on the island, which is popular with expatriates. The news agency also informed that the Police declined to confirm the reports, and Julia Fareed could not be immediately reached for comment. AFP said that the Police on Sunday confirmed they made the arrest after discovering the missing woman's body at Fareed's residence. Their initial search of the house turned up nothing last week, but a second probe uncovered the victim's body. The news agency said that Gilson, a Salvation Army worker, reportedly arrived in the city on March 5.Britain's Daily Mail has reported that Gilson's body was "rumoured" to have been found hidden behind a couch in the flat's living room.

Pres.appoints Ahmed Naseem as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Abdulla Muizzu as AG
President Mohamed Nasheed has appointed Ahmed Naseem as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Abdulla Muizzu as the Attorney General yesterday. Speaking after the presentation of their Letters of Appointment, the President said he had utmost confidence in their ability to discharge their duties in their new posts. The President also expressed his confidence of the People’s Majlis endorsing Naseem and Muizzu as the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Attorney General respectively. Before the presentation of Letters of Appointment, High Court Judge Sheikh YoosufHussain administered their oaths of office.

British Council announce Chevening Scholarship Scheme
The British High Commission and the British Council in Colombo today announced the launch of the Chevening Scholarship Scheme for 2011/2012 in Sri Lanka and the Maldives. The Chevening Scholarship Scheme is the UK's most prestigious scholarship scheme for foreign students. Its aim is to enable current and future leaders, decision makers and opinion formers to study in the UK and make a positive contribution to their own countries upon their return. Many former Chevening scholars have gone on to be leaders in their fields, and indeed, even leaders of their countries.

Etihad to commence services to the Maldives
Etihad Airways announced today that it will commence operations to Malé, the capital city of the Republic of Maldives, on November 1, subject to government approval. Etihad will operate a daily return service from its home base in Abu Dhabi to Malé International Airport, operating Airbus A320 aircraft on the route, configured with two cabins and offering 1,904 seats each week.

Anantara Expands Portfolio with Luxury Resort in the Maldives
Anantara has expanded its global portfolio of hotels with the opening of the Anantara Kihavah Villas in the Maldives. Set on Kihavah Huravalhi, one of the most pristine Maldivian islands, the resort is just 35 minutes by seaplane from Male International Airport. Following the scenic flight, guests arrive to a postcard-perfect setting surrounded by the jewel-coloured waters and uninhabited islands of the majestic Indian Ocean.

HILTON-WORLDWIDE GROUP’S SEA-PLANE LOUNGE INAUGURATION AT MALE’ INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

SPEECH OF GUEST OF HONOUR, MINISTER OF TOURISM ARTS & CULTURE DR MARIYAM ZULFA