Author: Minivan News

President Nasheed departs for Seychelles

President Mohamed Nasheed departed for Seychelles this morning on an official visit to attend the Indian Ocean Island Games.

Nasheed will also meet Seychelles President and Vice President during the trip.

Speaking to press before his departure, President Nasheed noted that the government’s economic reform package proposed to parliament would help with the fulfillment of the pledge to lower living costs and control inflation.

President Nasheed also stressed the importance of reducing government expenditure while increasing revenue through newly-introduced taxes.

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New Koodoo fish shop opened in Male’

A new shop with a variety of fish products from the Koodoo Industrial Fisheries Complex opened in Male’ this week.

Koodoo Managing Director Ismail Adam told Sun Online that the new shop – located in front of Wood Apple restaurant – would sell canned fish for cheaper prices that retail shops in the capital.

Apart from canned fish, the new shop sells seafood varieties and short eats.

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India to extend cooperation with Maldives, says External Affairs Minister

India’s External Affairs Minister S. M. Krishna has said India will shortly embark on extensive renovation work of Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) in Male’, as well as construct a Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Studies by 2013.

Other major projects being considered by the Indian government include  the establishment of a Development Finance Institution in Maldives, promotion of the Maldives as a filming destination, and creating the infrastructure for an IT village, reported South Asian news agency ANI.

“The bilateral cooperation between India and Maldives is on a high trajectory in recent times with both sides embarking on comprehensive, forward looking, pragmatic and mutually beneficial initiatives and projects. We have been working together on increasing connectivity and closer economic integration,” Krishna said.

President Mohamed Nasheed has invited Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh to visit the Maldives in November 2011.

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President extends Ramadan greetings as Holy month begins

President Mohamed Nasheed has extended Ramadan greetings as the Holy month begins in the Maldives.

In a statement, President Nasheed emphasised that Ramadan was an occasion for good deeds and helping the less fortunate.

Nasheed also sent Ramadan greetings to the leaders of other Islamic countries.

During the month of Ramadan the pace of life in Male’ slows and the capital’s vibrant cafe culture shifts to the evening, after sunset, while the population fasts during the day.

Government offices close at 1:30pm during Ramadan, rather than 4:00pm, and the Islamic Ministry holds special religious sermons every day. Foreigners are requested to respect the custom and refrain from eating or drinking in public before sunset.

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Man found dead in Magoodhoo beach

A 57 year-old man was found dead yesterday on the beach of the island of Magoodhoo in Faafu Atoll.

According to police, Mohamed Hussein, Magoodhoo Leklean, was found at about 7:10am at the western side of the island and was already dead when he was taken to the island’s health centre.

Police are currently investigating the case.

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President sends delegation to Thinadhoo

A high-level delegation from President Mohamed Nasheed departed for Gaaf Dhaal Thinadhoo yesterday to discuss ongoing and planned development projects with the people of the island.

According to the President’s Office, the delegation will discuss the Thinadhoo Development Corporation due to formed soon as well as land use plans for the island.

The President’s delegation will also discuss the name change proposed by the island council and provide historical information about the issue available from government archive.

The delegation includes Home Minister Hassan Afeef, Housing Minister Mohamed Aslam, Finance Minister Ahmed Inaz, Thinadhoo MP Mohamed Gasam, Madaveli MP Mohamed Nazim, Henveiru South MP Hamid Abdul Gafoor, Human Rights Ambassador Mohamed ‘GoGo’ Latheef, Press Secretary Mohamed Zuhair, Secretary of the Executive Services Office Mohamed Ziyad and Adnan Haleem, member of the Public Enterprises Monitoring and Evaluation Board.

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Nasheed named among Zayed Future Energy Prize jury

President Mohamed Nasheed has been named among the jury of the UAE’s Zayed Future Energy Prize, an international award to recognise innovation, leadership and impact in renewable energy and sustainability.

Among the other judges chosen for the panel are Leonardo Dicaprio, Oscar-winning actor; Andre Agassi, Grand Slam tennis champion; Cherie Blair, wife of former British Prime Minister; and Elizabeth Dipuo Peters, South African Minister of Energy.

The newly-selected judges join continuing members Olafur Ragnar Grimsson, President of Iceland; Ahmed Al Sayegh, Chairman of Masdar; and Dr Susan Hockfield, president of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

The final judging panel will meet later this year in a four-tiered open process that selects the prize winners and finalists who will be honoured in an awards ceremony in Abu Dhabi on January 17, 2012.

The annual Zayed Future Energy Prize is open to individuals, large companies, entrepreneurs, small- to medium-size enterprises (SMEs) and NGOs in the field of renewable energy and sustainability. Award category and prizes are: SMEs/NGOs: $1.5 million (winner), $1m (first runner-up), and $500,000 (second runner-up); Lifetime Achievement — Individual: $500,000; large corporations: Recognition Award.

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Nine year-old child admitted to hospital after apparent suicide attempt

A nine year-old boy has been rescued by his 14 year-old brother from an apparent suicide attempt on Thinadhoo in Gaaf Dhaal Atoll, reports Haveeru.

Police said the boy had was found hanging from a coconut palm and was now in intensive care at Thinadhoo Regional Hospital, where his condition was improving.

Police are now investigating the incident.

The Department of Family and Gender runs a 24 hour toll-free Child Helpline, available on 1412.

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Airport company hires AC Nielsen for market research project

International market research firm AC Nielsen has been appointed by GMR Male International Airport Limited (GMIAL) to survey tourists at the newly-renamed Ibrahim Nasir International Airport.

The research will seek the opinions of visitors, locals, sea plane operators, resorts, airline and tour operators on existing airport services.

The information will be used to improve existing services for tourists, improve amenities for employees and provide new services, GMIAL said in a statement.

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