Author: Minivan News

Independent MP Zahir Adam joins ruling MDP

Independent MP for Gahdhoo Zahir Adam has joined the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).

Speaking to Haveeru, Zahir claimed it was not him joining the ruling party, but rather the “people of my constituency [who] signed to MDP. When a person who has been approved by the people of the constituency joins the party, it is the citizens joining the party.”

the opposition Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) MP for Maafannu-West Abdulla Abdur Raheem also joined MDP in August, but later rejoined DRP after less than a day in the ruling party.

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Downturn in European market offset by increased tourism from Asia

Tourists arrivals to the Maldives, where two Sri Lankan conglomerates own or operate resorts, are recovering from recession but construction of more hotels is seen hitting room rates, reports Lanka Business Online.

Sri Lanka’s Aitken Spence and John Keells Holdings had long relied on their Maldivian resorts to compensate for lower earnings or losses in their local hotels during the island’s ethnic war.

But earnings from Maldivian hotels were hit last year owing to global recession which reduced arrivals from the main market in Western Europe.

Although arrivals from Europe are likely to be affected in the short to medium term by the region’s economic woes, CT Smith Stockbrokers said in a report they expect this to be mitigated by increased arrivals from Asia, especially China.

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Maldives witnessing a classic test of democratic ideals

Two years after the Maldives attained the Wilsonian democracy, it’s witnessing a classic test of democratic ideals with a political struggle emerging between President Mohamed Nasheed and the opposition dominated parliament, writes Balaji Chandramohan for the Atlantic Sentinel.

“The struggle has “invited” regional mediation from Sri Lanka with the countries as China, India and Pakistan wanting to have a crack at solving the problem as well. The United States, meanwhile, have urged Malé to accept international (i.e., not regional) mediation.

“The problem with the Maldives’ politics is multiplied by the paradox of its constitution. The constitution, which was adopted in August 2008, establishes a presidential system of government though vests significant power with parliament. It is a classic example of decentralization with extended checks and balances. This becomes problematic in case parliament is controlled by the opposition as is the case in the Maldives today. The opposition is then able to obstruct the core functions of the executive, such as raising taxes and providing subsidies.

“The escalating political rift in the Maldives casts doubt upon Malé’s ability to host the 17th South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation Summit next year. The Maldives were supposed to host the 16th SAARC summit in July 2008 which the government was unable to facilitate because of preparations for the October elections.”

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Transport authority prohibits vehicles on the day of Eid

The Transport Authority of the Maldives has prohibited vehicles from 4:00pm to 1:00am during the day of Fitr Eid, reported local newspaper Haveeru.

Haveeru reported that only vehicles of the armed forces, ambulances, wheel chairs of disabled people, permitted taxis and vehicles used for entertainment purposes on the day are allowed to ride between the mentioned times.

Any person who violated the statement would be fined Rf750 (US$ 50), reported Haveeru.

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President ratifies gang violence bill

President Mohamed Nasheed has ratified the bill on gang violence.

According to the bill, possession of sharp objects and other weapons without a valid reason is prohibited and huge penalties are served for those who violate the Act.

The Act has now been published in the government’s gazette.

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MNDF discovers canoe of lost fisherman

The coast guard have discovered a canoe belonging to an expat who was lost at sea while fishing, reported the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).

The MNDF reported that the canoe was discovered near Fulidhoo in Vaavu Atoll.

Speedboats searching for the missing person have now begun searching near the area where the canoe was found.

MNDF identified the lost person as Adhunaan Yousuf, 59, Mirusmaage of Fulidhoo in Vaavu Atoll.

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