Category: Features & Comment

Analysis: President Yameen’s first year – Towards good governance?

During his inauguration one year ago President Abdulla Yameen said: “I take over the presidency of the Maldives today with a vision of tomorrow and new dreams, heralding new thoughts, giving new hopes to the people”.

Four years now remain in which to bring a new and improved governance to the Maldives.

The United Nations lists the major characteristics of good governance as being consensus oriented, participatory, following the rule of law, efficient, accountable, transparent, responsive, and equitable.

Arriving in office through an electoral process that failed to meet all but two of the above qualities, the Yameen administration benefitted from a lack of transparency, accountability, and a flexible approach to the rule of law before any oaths were even taken.

Pre-existing problems with the judiciary and the electoral process appear to have worsened, while elected officials have failed to respond to public safety concerns or to adopt a consensus-based approach to policy making.

Development and decentralisation

President Yameen promised to bring development to the country as never seen before, saying his government would be one of results. To this end, he has brought the concept of special economic zones to the Maldives.

The UNDP’s Human Development Report noted this year that regional disparities continue to grow, and the tourism minister has stated that the Special Economic Zones Act will bring the potential to transform the economy with just a single of many proposed ‘mega-projects’.

The subsequent act, while in theory containing the potential to develop the outer atolls and diversify the economy away from the tourism industry, contains a number of serious governance issues – as did the act’s passage.

Consensus for the bill from opposition Jumhooree Party came only after a number of party leader Gasim Ibrahim’s businesses fell victim to a series of well-timed government interventions, with the party soon issuing a three-line whip to support SEZs.

The unelected composition of the SEZ investment board – consisting entirely of cabinet members – with powers to override local authorities in the yet-to-be-determined zones suggests centralised decision making without the consensus of all relevant stakeholders.

“Land, labour, and capital – the central government and the regional governments are fighting for it as we don’t have enough resources even for the existing government to cover the budget deficits.”

“I believe when there’s enough economic activity we can give more powers to the councils”.

– Minister of Tourism and Chair of SEZ investment board – Ahmed Adeeb

Minister of Tourism and Chairman of the SEZ investment board Ahmed Adeeb has said that local councils will be consulted, but has made clear that the final decisions remain with the central government, lending credence to accusations that the country’s decentralisation project has stalled.

‘Safeguarding the rights of all citizens to actively engage in the democratic process’ – under the heading ‘Decentralisation’ – was one of a number of government pledges recently made available on the President’s Office website.

There has been a steady removal of powers, however, from Malé City Council over the past year, with continued contradictions between a number of laws and decentralisation legislation being used to undermine the council’s work rather than being amended.

Decentralisation of political power has been noted as having positive effects on governance via improved participation, accountability, and responsiveness, though the current model falls short in terms of efficiency.

For a small country like the Maldives, with mounting pressures, fiscal crisis and high debt distress, it is time that political parties, institutions, civil society and the public engage in debate; and agree to right-size the governance system, to make it more sustainable and to maximize the democratic dividend and enhance the freedoms and choices for the people.

UNDP: Maldives Human Development Report 2014

The Yameen administration has made noises about improving the efficiency of decentralised government, although a clear strategy on population redistribution has not emerged which would enhance the delivery of regional services.

A failure to make long-term plans has been cited by the UNDP as a victim of the democratic transition, with long-term development priorities becoming closely tied to the government of the day.

“Political parties and political leaders need to start thinking beyond the ballot,” read the recent human development report.

Although plans to target wasteful electricity subsidies have been planned by the finance ministry, the introduction of an unlimited healthcare scheme and increased pension payouts appear to contradict pledges to sustainably manage public finances.

Transparency, accountability, and responsiveness

Though published in the months prior to President Yameen’s election, Transparency Maldives’ finding of a crisis of public confidence in governing institutions maintains relevance one year on.

The unpredictability of electoral law was typified by the decision of the Supreme Court to dismiss half of the Elections Commission in February, with the additional suo moto case against the Human Rights Commission leaving independent institutions unsure of their constitutional roles.

Additionally, the failure of the authorities to take action against Supreme Court Judge Ali Hameed, despite calls for his suspension being recommended by the judicial watchdog, will have done little to enhance accountability within the judiciary. Charges in relation to the judge’s alleged appearance in a series of sex tapes were dropped due to lack of evidence.

“If we don’t want an executive dictatorship from a dictatorship, we don’t want a judicial dictatorship either.”

“[Misinterpreting the Constitution] should be brought to an end. It won’t come to a halt by jailing those who talk about this. Someone has to raise their voices on behalf of the people,”

Former Justice Minister Ahmed ‘Seena’ Zahir

While right to information legislation has been passed, pledges to make all of the government’s information directly available to the public have yet to be realised, with updates of monthly expenditure discontinued in February.

The instant dismissal of corruption allegations made against the tourism minister by the auditor general suggested major issues with transparency as well as contradicting clear campaign pledges to investigate and act in such cases.

A recent report from the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) has confirmed anecdotal reports of vote-buying during the Majlis elections, adding further weight to the calls of international election observers to enhance the transparency of campaign finance.

Furthermore, the large number of MPs and state officials who justified switches to the Progressive Party of Maldives as the only way to serve their constituents also suggests issues with the fair and impartial distribution of government resources.

Prior to assuming office the party had pledged to amend the law to stipulate that MPs who switch parties before the end of their term would lose their seats. After winning 33 seats in the March polls, the PPM has gained an additional 10 MPs.

“Vote buying is a serious problem in the Maldives, and if not addressed it threatens to undermine the democratic process in the country.

Though vote buying is a common problem in some parts of the world, the proportions that it has assumed in the Maldives are alarming.”

IFES: Money and Elections in the Maldives – Perceptions and Reality

Finally, while the the abduction of Minivan News journalist Ahmed Rilwan has raised  a number of security issues – to be analysed later this week – it has also highlighted deficiencies in the responsiveness of institutions to the needs of the people.

The police’s reluctance to regularly disclose information on the investigation – even to the family – as well as the Majlis’s failure to react despite a 5000 signature petition calling for answers in the search demonstrated a glaring lack of accountability in these institutions.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the current administration has not moved towards improving the governance issues that played such a prominent role in its rise to power, focusing instead on the centralisation of authority and a push for large scale infrastructure projects.

Twelve months into the Yameen administration, it is clear that insufficient attention has been paid towards good governance, with the centralisation of power and a drive towards economic diversification coming at the expense of transparency and accountability.


Related to this story

President Yameen’s anniversary – The Year in Review

Can decentralisation take root in the Maldives?

President Yameen hails passage of SEZ bill

More than one in three Maldivians offered bribes or witnessed vote buying, IFES survey reveals

Human Development Report highlights Maldives’ regional divide

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‘Junk’ councillor takes part in SLOW LIFE Symposia

Baa atoll Maalhos Councilor Abdul Matheen Solih has said the authority has been labeled the ‘Gondu’ – or junk – council after they started actively participating in improving the island’s waste management.

“The islanders have started calling us the ‘Gondu’ after we have physically started going to the junkyard and working on the waste management,” said Matheen.

Matheen and his fellow councillors have been the labelled with the derogatory term after they set out to do what the majority of the country has failed to by recycling materials rather than burning them or dumping them in a landfill.

Public disregard for work done towards the betterment of the environment was one of the main issues raised at the recent SLOW LIFE symposia which brought local environmental NGOs, councillors, and government officials together to discuss responsible waste management and sustainability.

The symposia – held on November 17- was a sister event to the annual SLOW LIFE Symposium which has previously seen the participation of philanthropists and celebrities such as UK entrepreneur Richard Branson and actor Ed Norton.

Maalhos council also complained of the lack of response from the government to the opposition majority council, with Matheen recalling the failure to be provided with the MVR45 (US$3) needed for gloves for safety reasons while working at the junkyard.

He provided assurance, however, that the council would not succumb to the challenges, revealing plans to implement a sustainable waste management system by adopting the recycling based model currently implemented in Baa Atoll Ukulhas.

NGOS making a difference

Meanwhile, Environmental NGO Save the Beach highlighted the plight of Villingili beach – filled with garbage every weekend by visitors from the capital Malé, where there is no natural beach.

Save the Beach – which started as a youth movement in 2008 aiming to conserve the natural beauty of the Villingili beaches – now conducts clean up and awareness programs not only in Villingili but also in many other inhabited islands.

Speaking of the busy Villingili beach, co–founder Hassan Ahmed ‘Beybe’ said that the NGO has no other option but conducting daily clean-ups alongside major clean up events to keep the beach garbage free.

A recent Save the Beach organised beach clean-up saw the participation of officers and crew from the USS Rodney M Davis – the US Navy’s 7th fleet missile frigate on its last tour of duty.

When asked about the reception of the work done by the NGO, ‘Beybe’ said that they have received positive support from the Villingili community and that it now “understands the importance of preserving the beach”.

Other active NGOs present at the Symposia included his manta ray awareness and conservation organisation Manta Trust, Maldives Lifeguard Association, Dhi Youth Movement and Maldives Body Boarding Association.

Environmental Activism

Environmentalist, Aishath Niyaz who has been involved in environmental activism for over 12 years shared her experiences as an activist and highlighted some of the broader issues with the current environmental situation in the country.

“The biggest constraint is definitely managing finances. I am very lucky as I do not have huge expenses but sometimes I wonder how long I will be able to keep on going like this,” said Aishath.

Aishath’s concerns of financial difficulty were not unique to her but were echoed throughout the Symposia by many of the younger participants.

Having reviously worked at various related institutions, Aishath now provides technical support for local NGOs and small authorities after completing her education in sustainable development by making a decision to not work in institutions which “lack integrity”.

Proving that activism can be done in various forms and arts was local photographer Asad Nazeer ‘Funko’ who, while specialising in fashion and portrait photography, also creates thought provoking art pieces about pressing environmental and social issues.

SLOW LIFE

The event was organised by the award-winning Soneva Fushi resort whose founders Sonu and Eva Shivdasani initiated the SLOW LIFE foundation based on the resort’s philosophies of low impact and sustainable luxury tourism with SLOW LIFE being an acronym for Sustainable-Local-Organic-Wellness and Learning-Inspiring-Fun-Experiences.

While speaking at the event, Shivdasani said that the SLOW LIFE initiative reflects Soneva group’s core beliefs such as ‘intelligent luxury’ and that he believes that dedicated businesses, not governments will bring change to the world.

The participants at the Symposia were given a platform to voice their concerns over environmental sustainability in the Maldives, resulting in an action plan for the upcoming year to address these environmental challenges.

The day long symposia, which included a tour of Soneva Fush’s gardens and waste management programme, ended with discussions on ‘real’ actions that can be done in the next 12 months to contribute to the cause.

During the discussions, the individuals and NGOs chose to commit to different initiatives which will come under the banner ‘Clean Maldives’.



Related to this story

Climate experts and celebrities converge on Maldives for Slow Life Symposium

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President Yameen’s anniversary – The Year in Review

Today marks one year since Abdulla Yameen was sworn into office as the 6th president of the Maldives, stating that his government was to be “one of results”.

Twelve months on, the government can certainly claim the result of a strong majority in the People’s Majlis, positioning itself well to enact an ambitious legislative programme.

Yameen’s administration has taken a tough line on illegal immigration as well as pushing through legislation with the potential to change the country’s economic landscape.

Less clear, however, are the results regarding the removal of the Maldives from the “deep economic pit” in which the president found it.

Additionally, the decision to re-implement the death penalty has not resulted in a reduction in the number of violent crimes, and the intimidation of journalists and politicians has resulted in international concern.

The foreign policy of the Yameen administration has been the result of a combined desire to attract foreign investment and an oft-stated determination to preserve the country’s sovereignty and religion – a combination it assures is compatible, depending on the partner.

Yameen’s recent acknowledgement of a turn away from “western colonialists” towards the east has been preceded by a year of growing Maldivian-Chinese relations, culminating in the historic visit of President Xi Jinpeng to Malé in September.

The visit of President Xi saw agreements signed on the development of Ibrahim Nasir International Airport (INIA) and the iconic Malé-Hulhulé bridge, which China will “favorably consider” financing should it prove feasible.

Should Chinese favor not fall upon the bridge project, however, there appear few takers for investment – despite the introduction of the administration’s landmark Special Economic Zones Act in August.

While a number of ‘mega projects’ had been pitched to investors in Singapore in April, Beijing continues to be the only investor calling.

Perhaps a more significant development for investors was the June decision by a Singapore arbitration court to rule in favour of ousted Indian infrastructure giant GMR, with damages owed for the 2012 termination of the INIA development deal currently being determined.

The fate of pre-existing foreign investments this year will have done little to attract new business, with the Tatva waste management deal terminated in September and the GulhiFalhu Global Green City project having recently stalled.

Tourism has continued to drive economic growth this year, assisted by the rapidly expanding Chinese and Russian markets – though the latter will not have aided by the handing over of alleged hacker Roman Seleznyov to US security officials in July.

Twelve months in office

The past year has seen the introduction of right to information legislation as well as the passing of the long-awaited new penal code.

Bills combating torture, human-trafficking, money laundering, and the financing of terrorism have also been approved – the former two being passed prior to the ruling coalition’s success in March’s parliamentary polls.

The steady stream of defections to the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives prior to the elections continued afterwards, with the party soon turning a 33 seat haul at the polls into a 43 seat majority in the Majlis.

Despite the Maldivian Democratic Party’s poor showing prompting calls for new leadership, the party’s presidential election in August saw former President Mohamed Nasheed as the only candidate.

Cracks that had appeared within the ruling coalition during the Majlis election campaign grew wider as the vote for a new Majlis speaker approached. Jumhooree Party leader Gasim Ibrahim’s decision to defy his coalition allies and stand for the position prompted the dissolution of the alliance in May.

Within the government, aside from President Yameen himself, Minister of Defence Mohamed Nazim and Minister of Tourism Ahmed Adeeb appear the most prominent figures.

Deputy leader of the PPM Adeeb also heads the SEZ investment board as well as being co-chair of the Cabinet’s Economic Council. Implicated in a US$6 million dollar corruption scandal last month, Adeeb labelled the auditor general’s report a smear campaign.

Defence minister Nazim, whose remit includes immigration, has overseen the removal of nearly 8,000 undocumented workers in the past 12 months, the majority through a voluntary repatriation scheme.

Nazim is also acting minister of health – a position vacated in August when Dr Mariyam Shakeela failed to gain the approval of PPM MPs following a ministerial shuffle.

Shakeela had previously weathered a number of storms within her ministry – most notably the transfusion of HIV infected blood to a pregnant patient at Malé’s IGMH.

52 weeks on the street

The past twelve months have seen a deterioration in public safety, with a number of high profile incidents unresolved by police.

While vigilante gangs have abducted and assaulted a number individuals based on political affiliation or sexual orientation, a spate of inter-gang violence in the capital has left two dead and more than a dozen injured.

Persistent threats to MPs and journalists were accompanied by the stabbing of MP Alhan Fahmy in February, and the abduction of Minivan News journalist Ahmed Rilwan in August.

The hundredth day since Rilwan’s suspected abduction has coincided with the PPM’s celebrations of one year in office. The police’s failure to progress in the investigation has prompted Rilwan’s family to lodge a case with the Police Integrity Commission.

Beginning with reports of a Maldivian jihadi being killed in Syria in May, three more Maldivians have reportedly been killed, while couples and even whole families have migrated to ISIS-held territories.

Demonstrators marched through the Malé with the ISIS flag in September, shortly after foreign minister Dunya Maumoon condemned the Islamic State’s atrocities in Iraq and Syria, while the Islamic minister advised against Maldivians travelling for jihad.

The prominent role played the Supreme Court in President Yameen’s November victory continued to impact upon the electoral environment as novel ‘suo moto’ proceedings were utilised to dismiss prominent members of the Elections Commission just weeks before the Majlis vote.

A subsequent report by the Human Rights Commission to the UN, detailing the continued centralisation of judicial power, has also prompted the initiation of ‘suo moto’ proceedings, which in turn has sparked concern abroad.

More fortunate in his legal wrangles has been Supreme Court Judge Ali Hameed, whose alleged appearance in a series of sex tapes could not be proven by either the police or the Judicial Services Commission.

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Comment: Find Rilwan, find the Constitution

The preliminary results of the 2014 census show the number of Maldivian citizens has increased by 42,288 since 2006, bringing the total number whose rights are protected under the Constitution to 341,256.

341,256 people whose right to life, liberty, and security of person the state is duty-bound to protect and promote, without discrimination.

The September census still counts Ahmed Rilwan Abdulla, born 18-01-1986, as a Maldivian citizen – and the government’s statisticians are obliged to so for another 4 years.

100 days have now passed since Rilwan disappeared in suspicious circumstances, but wherever he is – and in whatever condition – he continues to be a Maldivian with the same rights as 341,255 other people.

A closer look at Rilwan’s disappearance, however, casts doubt on where those rights are, and in what condition they are in.

A comprehensive list of the ways in which my friend and colleague has had – and continues to have – his basic constitutional rights ignored would normally follow here. But without the fundamental right to life and liberty guaranteed under Article 21, the remaining fall like a house of cards.

Among the rumours that have swirled since Rilwan was taken from us is that he was abducted because of sensitive information he had, or perhaps due to incriminating documents that were in his possession.

But there is mounting evidence to suggest that the document Rilwan was in possession of was in fact the Maldives’ Constitution – born 07-08-2008.

It seems increasingly likely that Rilwan – or his abductor – still has possession of this sensitive text as its whereabouts and prescriptions also appear to have vanished.

Indeed, a closer look at this missing evidence would now seem to condemn a number of institutions whose role is clearly defined within the document.

Article 236 of the Constitution states that the primary role of the Maldives Police Service is to “enable all persons in the Maldives to live in peace, security, and freedom” – in short, to protect Article 21.

In the absence of the original, the Police Integrity Commission will undoubtedly use a copy of the Constitution during their current research into the disappointing progress of the Rilwan’s investigation.

Next under suspicion comes the People’s Majlis, granted authority over the security services under Article 238 (b), whose relevant committees have declined to adequately investigate where Article 21 was taken on August 8, and by whom.

Article 75 says members of the Majlis should be guided by considerations of national interest and public welfare. Perhaps certain members who have seen fit to ignore a 5000 signature petition will recall this should the constitution be found alive and well.

At the cabinet level, the recollection that a minister’s role also requires the defence of public safety – i.e. Article 21 – might be more useful to citizens than the ‘reassurance’ that some crimes just cannot be solved.

Finally, the absence of the Constitution would explain the confusion regarding the role of the president. Locating the missing document would help to confirm the head of state’s sworn duty to uphold, defend, and respect it.

As well as being obliged to ensure the compliance of all state organs with the Constitution, the president was elected to “protect the rights and freedoms of all people”, which leads straight back to Article 21 – Rilwan’s life and his liberty.

To paraphrase President Abdulla Yameen: A constitution is missing, I think. So work will be done to find the constitution, right?

Where is Rilwan? Where is the Constitution? How can 341,255 people feel safe and protected when the rights and freedoms of one man have been abducted with so little resistance?

Ahmed Rilwan, wherever he may be, holds the rights of his 341,255 compatriots. Find Rilwan, and you can rest easy knowing that you are also protected by the state.

For as long as he remains missing, so does the guarantee that you, your friend, your brother, or your child, is among those whose right to life, liberty, and security of person has not also been ‘disappeared’.

All comment pieces are the sole view of the author and do not reflect the editorial policy of Minivan News. If you would like to write an opinion piece, please send proposals to [email protected]

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One hundred days of sorrow: Missing Moyameehaa

This article first appeared on DhivehiSitee.com. Republished with permission

“You run back and forth listening for unusual events,
peering into the faces of travelers.
“Why are you looking at me like a madman?”
I have lost a friend. Please forgive me.” – Rumi

Sunday will be the 100th day since Ahmed Rizwan (Rilwan) Abdulla, @moyameehaa, was abducted. Time has dragged, weighted down by the burden of not knowing. Between then and now much, yet nothing, has happened. The posters brightening a thousand walls with Rilwan’s smile have faded with the sun and dissolved with the rain. Five thousand men and women put pen to paper, ‘Good Sir, kind Madam, please find Rilwan,’ they begged. At least as many thousand Tweets have echoed round the world: ‘#Findmoyameehaa, #Findoyameehaa.’ Hundreds of friends and supporters have marched on Male’s streets with the question: ‘Where is Rilwan?’ Scores have met many miles away in Melbourne and in New York, asking the same question.

Rilwan’s mother has said, to any ears that would listen, ‘I am poor, but my love makes Rilwan a priceless treasure. Please find him for me.’ Hundreds have felt her tears roll down their faces. ‘He is alive,’ Rilwan’s father has insisted. His mind has been far from the assorted fruits and vegetables he sells at the local market. ‘How do you know?’ ask customers who have stopped to listen. Without batting an eyelid he has said, ‘I asked a clairvoyant.’

It may seem odd, approaching a clairvoyant to look for a son abducted in this technologically advanced twenty first century. But when the natural world makes no sense, the supernatural often appears the only consolation. In its investigation into Rilwan’s disappearance, Maldives Police Service (MPS) has been more than negligent; it has been willfully perverse. In hundred days the MPS has given almost as many excuses for making zero progress in the search for Rilwan: nobody was abducted; it was a woman who was abducted; it was not an abduction, it was a rape; Rilwan ‘disappeared himself’; Rilwan is an apostate, not worth looking for; Rilwan is playing an elaborate joke; Rilwan is writing his own missing persons reports; Rilwan was abducted by gangs, there are no gangs in the Maldives; we have arrested someone, we have let him go; Rilwan was abducted by violent extremists, there are no violent extremists in the Maldives; Rilwan is not missing, it is all a political drama; no comment; Rilwan who?

Rilwan the journalist who examined the many maladies of Maldives. Rilwan the teenage blogger who gave a damn about the poor and the wronged. Rilwan the ex-radical who understood the extremist mindset better than all official strategists. Rilwan the story-teller whose #FerryTales shortened the distance between Male’ and Hulhumale’ more than any bridge can. Rilwan the well-mannered young man who respected the elderly. Rilwan the friend who listened. Rilwan the writer who inspired. Rilwan the aspiring poet who read Rumi and Neruda. Rilwan the thinker who sought spiritual succor in meditation, Nusrat Fatah Khan and the Quran. Rilwan the friend who laughed; the brother who baked; the uncle who played; the son who loved. Rilwan the Maldivian who cared.

The reasons why Rilwan’s friends, family and supporters want him found are the very reason the authorities want him to remain missing. What Rilwan abhorred in our society, our rulers cheer loudly.

Rilwan wanted a society free of corruption; our leaders revel in it. He wanted to see Jihadist ideologies become less attractive to young Maldivians; our religious clerics encourage it while the government turns a blind eye. He wanted gang violence to have less power over society; senior government officials outsource authority to favoured gang members. Rilwan wanted equal justice for all; our rulers want judgement and punishment to be arbitrary, wielded by them how and when they please. He wanted a society where citizens shared its wealth more equally; our rulers want all wealth to be their own.

Rilwan wanted us all to think more deeply about how to live a more meaningful, spiritual and equal existence; it is the antithesis of all that our rulers desire. For the moment we begin to think more deeply is the moment we begin to regret voting them in. It would be the beginning of our demand for change, the precursor to saying: ‘Enough. I will not let you rule me anymore.’

If the past 100 days has made anything clear, it is that this government will do all it can to stop Rilwan from being found. It is in its interests to do so. The past 100 days has also made something else very clear: we must do all we can to find out what happened to Rilwan. It is in our interests to do so. Our pursuit of a more just, equal and democratic society, as dreamed of by Rilwan, cannot begin if we forget Rilwan’s abduction and the government’s role in it, either by taking him or covering it up.

Let’s not stop our pressure on the authorities to #FindMoyameehaa. We owe it to Rilwan, and to our future.

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Legendary performer Meynaa Hassaan bids farewell to music

Tomorrow (November 16) will mark 100 days since Minivan News journalist Ahmed Rilwan disappeared. As friends and family continue to hope for his safe return, some of Rilwan’s best work will be re-published as a reminder of his talents and dedication to his profession.

This article was originally published on April 12, 2014.

The news came out yesterday (April 11) – the famous musician ‘Meyna’ Hassaan is going to end his musical career at 49-years-old.

The farewell show’s title ‘Hayyaru Kurumuge Kurin’ (‘Before being arrested’) refers to the fact that Hassaan has been summoned to the Criminal Court on a drug-related case and may soon end up in prison.

His potential incarceration is not the reason Hassaan is ending his musical career, however. His carefully considered decision has been made – in his own words – “to move away from heroin and to move closer to God”.

Tonight’s nostalgic show is going to be as fun and enjoyable as his performances from the nineties, Hassaan promised, with the catchy, hummable, sing-along hits from his earlier albums alongside brand new material.

The lineup – ‘Hassaan and Friends’  – will feature the famous traditional boduberu group ‘Habeys’ – just some of the fellow musicians who will play alongside Hassaan for free this evening. Indeed, the whole show is without any corporate sponsorship.

For Hassaan, the show is very personal and comes with with a personal message. As well as sharing good music, the main objective of the show is to transmit a message regarding heroin addiction – something the majority of Maldivians are directly or indirectly affected by.

“I want to warn the people of Maldives against heroin and drugs. Because I have struggled with it, I lost my family and everything, my whole life was ruined. I want to share my experience. My intention now is to do everything I can to help everyone, old and young, to get out of heroin [addiction],” Hassaan explained.

Musical beginnings

Meyna Hassaan (Hassaan Mohamed) is from Holhudhoo in Noonu Atoll, grandson of the famous Meyna Kaleyfaanu – founder of one of the first schools in the country.

Hassaan’s unique style of music and poetry can be described as melodic, Maldivian, and relatable. The combination of traditional beats and rhythm accompanied by unique Dhivehi lyrics makes him the most ‘Maldivian’ in the modern local music scene. It is for this reason he has received such huge support across generations. His music reflects his poetry, and his poetry reflects the Maldivian traditions, environment, lifestyle, and ethos.

The roots of Hassaan’s music and poetry lie in his childhood. His father was well versed in the Dhivehi language, while his grandmother was a poet who used to sing lullabies and educational and religious songs. Hassaan was also influenced by the Quranic literary form and the local form of melodious recitations.

His brother’s ‘music band’ with home-made instruments also influenced him greatly, along with a musician who was banished to the island when he was young. By the time he was twelve, Hassaan had started writing his own poetry as well as singing and dancing at ‘Hithaanee’ circumcision functions.

“Poetry usually comes to me when I am by myself, and it usually comes in rhymes and in metric forms. I dont have to sit down and fit them, it just comes naturally like that. Then as soon as I write them down and learn it by heart it becomes a song in my head. There it is…and when I go sing it to a musician, they will play some chords and it would all fit perfectly and become a real song.”

In the nineties Saikura Ibrahim Naeem, a poet himself, labelled Hassaan ‘Eesa Dhari’ – a poet from folklore, known for spontaneously making ‘raivaru’ form of poetry after being touched by the raivaru monster’s tongue.

Hassaan came to Malé to study at around 15-years-0ld and soon found himself missing the sound of his brother’s music practice so much that he found it hard to even sleep. Hassaan promptly started his own band with his own friends.

At just 16-years-old he took a job at his brother’s tourist resort, studying in Malé only in the off-season. This is where his musical career and the mixing of traditional and modern musical styles would begin.

Rannaalhi resort would also be the birthplace of the legendary group ‘Zero Degree Atoll’ (ZDA). The band’s member ‘Mohoj’ was a manager at the resort who would meet Nashid and perform at the resort on the weekends. Hassaan would join them, knowing how to please the crowd by mixing Italian and other languages with his poetry.

Rise to fame

Around 1988, Hassaan went with the ZDA group on a trip across the islands to collect the natural and cultural sounds of the Maldives – to be included in their ‘Dhoni’ album. On the trip they gave a show in Naifaru, in Lhaviyani atoll, which would be Hassaan’s first real public performance. The support he got was noted by Nashid and the other musicians who subsequently asked Hassaan to perform with them in Malé.

It was through his performance at the ‘Dhivehi Fannaanun Ge Musikee Eedh’  – an annual music festival for local artists – that the whole country would come to discover Hassaan’s music.

In 1992 he released his first two albums ‘Maldives Fantasy’ and ‘Maldives Ecstasy’.

“After that it seemed impossible to give a show in Malé without my participation. The fame had an impact on my personal life as well. By that time I had already started thinking about leaving the profession,” Hassaan recalled.

His performances were particularly praised by President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and he soon received a government scholarship to study music in India.

“I was doing really good there, but after an year I lost interest. If I really had a full interest in music, I would have produced more songs though my career. After the first few years [of my career] I started losing interest in it. I loved God too much to focus on these things. I keep singing because of other people’s influence. Wherever I am people see me as a singer.”

This would Hassaan’s first turn towards religion, and his first attempt to quit music. He would grow a beard, wear more Arabic clothing, and spend most of his time in the mosque. He was trying to “live a clean life”, as he puts it.

Fall and return

“Whatever I do, I have to do it right. I can’t follow Islam in parts, I have to follow it completely. But the government at the time did not like that, so I was arrested while I was at the mosque – my beard was shaved with chilli sauce and I spent around forty days in Gaamaadhoo Prison. I thought there was no escape from this whether I do good or bad. I realised there were no democratic or Islamic values here.”

He was asked to write a letter to President Gayoom justifying and detailing his lifestyle change, after which the president himself met Hassaan and offered his unsolicited religious advice. Gayoom explained to him that another man named Hassaan (a companion of the prophet) had used his skills in poetry to prevent a war during the prophet Muhammad’s time.

Hassaan was not convinced that his songs could in any way be compared to this other Hassaan’s poetry. But he felt he had no choice but to return to music as requested by the president.

Hassaan performed at some major shows after the return, such as the O’Neil Deep Blue Open surf event in 2003, the One World Beat music festival to help children with HIV/AIDS in 2004, and the Dhidhooo Eid Festival in 2005.

After another break he returned to music once again in 2007, now describing himself as a moderate Muslim. During this period he released the ‘Oivaru’ album.

Hassaan subsequently disappeared once again from the music scene, returning around 2010. In 2011 he was seen with Maldivian Democratic Party – something he states was based on principles rather than on money – with his political performances being seen as recently as March’s parliamentary elections.

Heroin

Hassaan, like thousands of others around the country, went through a great deal of suffering from heroin addiction for a large part of his life.

“It was around 1996 I think, back then people didn’t have a clue about what heroin really was. A friend would give you some and you would use it, a few days later you realise you absolutely have to use again and then there is no escape from it. At the time people used it to get the cannabis feel, which is not such a harmful drug compared to heroin. But we should not use it either. Human beings do not need any of these drugs. A pure and clean mind is what is best for us, now I am like that.”

Within a year of being released from prison by President Gayoom, Hassaan relapsed. He stayed in Holhudhoo to escape his addiction for a while, but eventually had to return to Malé for work.

“After feeling better I would take some money from my wife before returning to Malé, I would promise her never to use again. But by the time I reache Thulhaagiri I am already thinking about certain houses in Malé. I am thinking about it before I even reach Malé. This is the level of power heroin can have over a person. To come over this strong power, we need a stronger power. And for me that is God.”

For Hassaan, the biggest encouragement to stay away from drugs came when it cost him his marriage and his relationship with his children. Without a place to live, Hassaan realised he had to be clean for good.

Religion

Escaping heroin by turning to God is the main reason Hassaan wants to quit music, as he believes music to be drawing him closer to heroin while turning to God keeps him away from it.

“We have to question ourselves about our purpose in life, we have to be courageous and fight. God has given me courage, and I have fallen in love with God. I love God more than anything else. Merely believing in God is not enough or believing in Islam is not enough. Focusing on God is the only way.”

His turning toward religion came with certain elements of the literalist Salafi form of Islam. Hassaan no longer believes in celebrating birthdays and he no longer believes music is good for people.

“I won’t say it is forbidden in Islam. I can’t tell other people what to do, but I know it has a negative impact on my behavior. It is hard to sleep at night when I get into music, so it is best to stay away from it. As soon as I returned to music I went back to heroin. Why did he [Gayoom] have to bring me back to music?”

Hassaan doesn’t believe that using drugs makes musicians any better in performing or composing, but does feel that turning to God makes him lose interest in music.

However, his body and movements during performances suggests he still loves music. Even during practice sessions last week he still seemed intoxicated with the music, dancing as if in a trance.

Hassaan admits that he still enjoys himself and to this day feels ecstatic whenever he is performing, though he maintains that he does not want to do it anymore.

He is completely abandoning music and poetry, with the exception of patriotic and religious songs without music. When asked if there is any way that he could make music and God coexist in his life, he replied:

“Please let this performance at Raalhugandu be my last. I don’t think I have many days to live.”

Hassaan requests everyone who loves him and his music to join him tonight and stand against heroin.

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Presidential selfie spurs debate on nationalism, unity, and transitional justice

Sunday (November 16) will mark 100 days since Minivan News journalist Ahmed Rilwan disappeared. As friends and family continue to hope for his safe return, some of Rilwan’s best work will be re-published as a reminder of his talents and dedication to his profession.

This article was originally published during the AFC Challenge Cup, held in the Maldives in May, 2014.

The highlight of last night’s Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Challenge Cup match between the Maldives and Kyrgyztan was not the Maldives’ win by two goals, but a selfie between former Presidents Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and Mohamed Nasheed.

The picture of the rivals went viral within minutes and spurred intense social media debates on nationalism, unity and transitional justice.

Nasheed’s Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has accused Gayoom of torture during his 30 year reign and of ousting Nasheed on February 7, 2012 in a coup.

Meanwhile, Gayoom’s Progressive Party of the Maldives (PPM) accused Nasheed and the MDP of attempting to destroy Islam and sovereignty during November’s presidential elections. Despite vitriolic accusations, the two presidents sat side by side last night and, accompanied by President Abdulla Yameen, reportedly only discussed sports and unity.

Gayoom has titled the selfie ‘Maldives United’ while Nasheed reportedly said the picture was “very nice.”

All of us together to support our national team! It was a joy to watch our team playing so well! pic.twitter.com/pQpTpdJINI

— Maumoon Abdul Gayoom (@maumoonagayoom) May 21, 2014

The social media response was largely positive from across the political spectrum, with Mohamed Azmee Moosa commenting: “Former presidents being alive and living with us is a new thing for Maldivians. The country is going forward slowly.”

The first President of the Maldives, Mohamed Ameen Didi was lynched by a mob after he was ousted in 1954 and the second president Ibrahim Nasir left Maldives to live in exile in 1978.

Another photo of 3 President from last night’s match #Maldives pic.twitter.com/hCA9L5JoPN — Rishvan (@iamrishvan) May 22, 2014

#Selfie of the century. Thank you my heroes @Maumoonagayoom & @MohamedNasheed #12thManMvhttp://t.co/a3CyoJwGyi — Hasan A. Hilmy (@HasanHilmy) May 21, 2014

“If it is this much, we should plead to hold a tournament like this in Maldives every three months,” Shafy tweeted.

While many MDP supporters praised Nasheed for his appearance with Gayoom, others expressed a sense of betrayal claiming the nationalism propagated by the picture appeared to dismiss the real issues of police brutality and reversal of judicial reform in the aftermath of Nasheed’s ouster.

@NzRv this pic is historical, the one who jailed and put him at the brink of death, now wants a selfie with him, the miracle of Allah! — Chironex Enslaved (@chironexx) May 22, 2014

As for President Nashyd & Maumoon’s selfie, that was a display of unity & it especially defines the character of the former. Respect. — Summer Nashyd (@SummerNashyd) May 21, 2014

Feb 7th is gone. Nasheed just left office on his own accord. There was no coup. There was no threats to his life. It’s unity time. — NzRv (@NzRv) May 21, 2014

The fact that President Yameen has recently expressed that an intended outcome of hosting the football tournament in Maldives was “to forget the past and for friendly relations and unity” seems to have strengthened this perception.

“The video of [police] beating up [people] like wild animals on 8 February are still there. After giving promotions to the perpetrators of these crimes they are talking about nationalism.” Said Mujoo.

“I don’t want to revive nationalism after bringing about a coup and fornicating judges [in the judiciary]” He said in another tweet.

Gaumiyyath; such a beautiful word. Not when applied to turning a blind eye to the country’s situation & showing adulation to a football team — SighPad Mohamed™ (@sipadmohd) May 21, 2014

Where could this negative reaction towards supporting a national team possibly come from? Some commenters have highlighted the use of national slogans to divide and incite hatred in society in the lead up to the alleged coup d’état on February 7.

so much hate probably because gaumee flags (same as gaumee team’s) was used to bring a bagaavaai?

— shahee ilyas (@projectionist) May 19, 2014

@AhmedMarzooq Then don’t use my flag as the symbol of a coup d’état and use the exact same slogans to promote the national team. — Shauna Aminath (@anuahsa) May 20, 2014

Others highlighted the state’s excessive spending on the AFC Challenge Cup and President Yameen’s pledge to present MVR1 million to the national team if they won the cup.

The Anti Corruption Commission has since announced it is investigating corruption allegations against the Football Association of Maldives (FAM) with connections to the AFC Challenge cup.

“I have no issues with the team, I also want our national team to win. But how they are doing things is my issue. They are wasting public money while there are other issues which needs to be addressed now, a lot things that we can spend money on including other sports,” said Ahmed Fauzan.

Others said they believe last night’s unity would only be temporary, highlighting the numerous social issues that continue to grip Maldivian society.

“I don’t think football can really unite us with all that is going on here. Cost of living is increasing, there are these issues with our judiciary,” noted Fathmath Sidhana.

“Perhaps it is in President Nasheed’s character to forgive, forget and move on. But I don’t think it will work now after the coup and all this. So they took a selfie together, and everything is supposed to be okay now?” she asked.

Commenters also called on Maldivians to direct the enthusiasm they have for football towards social issues.

Dhivehin boalhayah mihunna kanu foari Qawmy kanthah thakah huri dhuvahakun mi Qawm hama magah elhidhaa hutteve. Pathetic lot.

— Aimi ♥s Anni (@AimiAngel) May 21, 2014

The discussion then spiralled into questions about what nationalism and unity means and why it is important for Maldivians.

@SampAbdul temporary tolerance isnt unity

— Kafa kokko (@SuckerPunch199) May 21, 2014

@sipadmohd @moyameehaa i would rather have freedom than unity

— kuhthaa (@kuhthaa) May 21, 2014

@moyameehaa Unity is nothing without justice and equality.

— Noosh (@NooshinWaheed) May 21, 2014

For Evan Amir, this unity brought about by football is good enough though he knows it is temporary.

“@anuahsa: Gaumiyyathakee football akun binaa kurevey ehcheh noon.” Fact is it brings the country together. Good enough for me. — Evan Amir (@Evanoxide) May 19, 2014

“This whole thing has been politicised by some and we all know that, but all I am saying is that when the team start playing let us all be with the team.”

“It is a fact that sports unite people, and here in Maldives the most popular sport is football. Football is uniting us now. So regardless of whatever would happen after that, please don’t ruin it. Let’s not politicise the game,” said Evan, a football fan and supporter of President Nasheed.

Secretary General of the Maldives Olympic Committee and former football star Ahmed Marzooq also said unity and peace can be achieved through sports.

“The only thing which could make rivals to sit together and take selfies is football” , he tweeted.

Speaking to Minivan News today, Marzooq said: “It was a very good thing, and I am glad that FAM invited the three presidents. Sports is the most important tool for uniting and building patriotism is sports.”

“History has proven this, that unity and peace can be achieved through sports, and it should be utilised for that. We can all see that it is working here as well. I just think we should have focused on this even earlier during the promotion of the games, we should have used former players and spread the message of unity beginning at that stage.”

When captain Ali Ashfaq, nicknamed ‘Dhagandey’ [man of steel], saluted the three presidents on scoring a goal, many wondered which of the three president he had intended the salute for?

PPM supporters claimed the salute was in honor of President Yameen’s 55th birthday, but MDP supporters said it was for Nasheed as he was the chief guest at last night’s match. The dispute was only resolved when Ashfaq, on his official facebook page – liked by nearly 41600 fans – said that it was meant for all three presidents and that he looked forward for the support from everyone in the next game as well.

true dat “@Reetho: Politicians divide da country Ashfag unites da country Ashfag proves he is a better leader pic.twitter.com/eWAlln6zz1”

— Shixlene (@shixlene) May 21, 2014

With all their reservations and criticism, there was one thing everyone agreed on – they are all with the national football team. Many believed the love for football and the national team will provide some level of healing even if it is does not cure the nation completely.

The explosion of unity and patriotism associated with football may be short -lived, but it is undoubtedly real and it could help patch up the nation’s political divide.

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Ferry tales – Managing the Hulhumalé commute

Sunday (November 16) will mark 100 days since Minivan News journalist Ahmed Rilwan disappeared. As friends and family continue to hope for his safe return, some of Rilwan’s best work will be re-published as a reminder of his talents and dedication to his profession.

This article was originally published on January 27, 2014.

It was 23:30, a large number of people were gathered outside Hulhumalé ferry terminal in Malé, the kind of crowd that usually gathers around a crime scene. But no crime was committed there – no police lines visible.

The people were gathering there to board the ferry to Hulhumalé – an extension of Malé City separated by sea, one of the greater Malé islands. Ferry service staff in blue uniforms were guarding the entrance to three tightly packed terminal waiting areas, as those outside anxiously awaited news of an extra ferry that might shorten the otherwise two-hour wait.

Adam Humam, a tour guide who lives in Hulhumalé hears nothing but complains about the ferry service:

“Look at this ferry, this thing is like a sauna most of the time. One will need to take a shower after traveling on this. Just look at how they have arranged the seats, we have to sit so tightly packed” Humam said, leaning away from the chair to avoid bumping into the next passenger.

The ferry concerned was an average wooden Dhoni, furnished with ten rows of plastic chairs screwed to the floor. The gangway led to two rows of motorbikes at the rear of the boat. Most windows on both sides were shut by the people adjacent, to shelter from occasional splashes of water. A few travellers stood at the back of the ferry – unable to find a seat. The smell was a mix of sea, old wood, and bodily odors.

With few exceptions, almost everyone who were interviewed about the 20 minute ferry service was unhappy with the service. The conditions of the ferry, the terminal and timings – it was all unsatisfactory for most questioned. Just a few long- time residents of Hulhumalé recalled the ferry services having improved significantly in the past decade.

Hulhumalé – a reclaimed landmass measuring 2 square kilometers off the north-east coast of Malé City – is home to an estimated 20,000 people. First settled in May 2004 with just one thousand people, the population of Hulhumalé is expected to double to 60,000 by 2020. The ferry service, operated by the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC), is clearly finding it hard to cater to Hulhumalé’s population boom.

The MTCC has often said the ferry operation is not profitable at current rates, though Malé City Mayor Maizan Ali ‘Alibe’ Manik says that company can manage by investing in lands provided for them to subsidise the service. The Housing Development Corporation (HDC) – the government owned corporation mandated with the development and management of Hulhumalé – remains uninvolved in the MTCC’s operations. The transport authority, however, does have a mandate to monitor and regulate all ferry services in the country.

How is the service?

“What can I say? My wife and I moved to Hulhumalé three years back, and riding this ferry to and fro every day has been nothing but a pain. I developed a pilonidal sinus, and the doctor says it is sitting for such a long time and the terrible vibrations these boats give” said a young man in his late twenties.

Another couple who moved to Hulhumalé very recently had a different complaint, fearing the procedure of getting their motor bike on to the ferry – riding over a metal sheet placed against the ferry – could damage it over time.

Leevan Shareef, a vocal critic of the Hulhumalé ferry service on Twitter, sometimes has to spend two hours commuting between Hulhumalé and Malé. The MTCC does not increase ferry services during busy days – such as when political rallies are held in Malé – or on Friday evening, when a lot of people visit Hulhumalé, he complained.

“We complain to the ferry crew or staff at the counter, they will always say the issue will be brought to the attention of superiors. But there is no news of these superiors ever,” he said.

Mahdi Shahid, Deputy Principal of Lalé Youth International School, was among the first people to use the ferry service. His view was that the ferries have improved in the past ten years.

“Looking back, I would say it has actually improved a lot. Back then the ferry docked at the far north of the island, there were no trees, there was nothing over there. And we had to walk all the way from there to the school. It was a very small ferry then, but now the ferries are bigger and they travel more frequently,” Shahid explained.

“I think the current service would be okay, if the population wasn’t increasing so rapidly. but with the current population growth I think there should be an increase in number of ferries now. What I’m looking for is getting on the ferry and leaving without having to wait there for so long,” he added.

Currently the ferries operate between 05:30am and 02:30am, with eighty-two rounds between the two islands every day except for Fridays when ferries services are interrupted briefly for prayers.

Not profitable

Though the MTCC was unwilling to discuss the ferry service with the media, some ferry crew and staff noted that there were many challenges facing the company.

One such issue was that of Malé harbor, which they noted did not allow several ferries to operate simultaneously. “Sometimes we have to wait five minutes outside the harbor entrance, waiting for other ferries including those leaving for Hulhulé [the airport island] to leave,” said one crew member.

Four months ago, ferryboat owners – who lease their boats to the MTCC – went on strike after a failure to receive payments. The MTCC blamed this on delays in receiving payments from various government projects undertaken in various parts of the country. The company has often reiterated that its operations are not profitable at current rates. Ferry rates have risen at least twice since operations began in 2004, though other attempts to increase prices have been met with protests from Hulhumalé residents, usually ending with interventions from the city council and HDC.

In 2012, transport services in the Malé region contributed to thirteen percent of the MTCC’s operating profits, however the net loss in this sector has been gradually increasing over the past five years. The loss for transport services in the Male’ region in 2012 was reported to be MVR15.69 million (US$1 million).

Finding a solution

While accepting there are challenges in providing this service, Malé City Mayor “Maizan” Ali Manik (Alibe) said that a lack of profitability should not result in a bad service or higher fares.

“They always say they are operating ferries at loss. Yes, but services should be provided even at loss. All services provided by the state cannot be for profit,” Alibe said.

The MTCC could turn this around if they would invest in lands provided to them to subsidise these services, said the mayor. The ferry terminal land in both Malé and nearby Villingili islands were given to MTCC free of charge, and the plot for Hulhumalé terminal was given at ‘a very small rate’ according to HDC. The rent for businesses at ferry terminals – including the popular Sea House Cafe’ – goes to the MTCC.

“They can develop these land make profit in many ways” Alibe said, assuring that the city council was ready to help the MTCC in any such ventures.

Alibe stated his belief that the ferry service is gradually improving, and that some of the ferries were now of a high standard. However, if the MTCC is unable to fulfil its promises to improve the services by themselves, a second party might have be brought in, said the mayor.

The Housing Development Corporation

The MTCC has been providing public ferry and bus services for the Hulhumalé community since its inception, under an understanding with the HDC, which is currently in the process of formulating a formal agreement between the two companies. The services were provided for nearly ten years without any formal agreement.

Highlighting the HDC’s role in the ferry service, Deputy Managing Director Mohamed Shahid said the corporation does not get involved in business operations of some services such as the ferry operation in Hulhuamalé.

“We share [with MTCC] information regarding the population here and we try to provide adequate facilities for [serving] that [population]… we know that due to resources limitations there are some issues in both ferry and bus service,” he said.

According to Shahid, a set of standards and timings for operating bus and ferry services have been prepared and shared with the MTCC. The regulatory authority for travel operations of all ferry services, however, is the Transport Authority which has developed its own guidelines.

HDC Deputy Director Abdulla Fayaz said they were also looking into issues with ferry services, and communicating with the MTCC to resolve concerns raised by the public: “We do conduct surveys and maintain statistics regarding customers…this information is also shared with MTCC.”

Hope…

Despite the optimism expressed by both the HDC and the city council with regards to improving the quality of  services, many people who frequent these ferries remained sceptical.

The current government has joined the prior three administrations in pledging to connect Hulhumalé and Malé  with a bridge. The government is currently in the process of reviewing proposals to build this bridge. Until then, thousands of people continue to dream of a better ferry service.

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Are efforts to keep Malé City clean going to waste?

Sunday (November 16) will mark 100 days since Minivan News journalist Ahmed Rilwan disappeared. As friends and family continue to hope for his safe return, some of Rilwan’s best work will be re-published as a reminder of his talents and dedication to his profession.

This article was originally published on May 20, 2014. Since publication, the Tatva renewable waste management deal has been terminated by the government.

Malé City Mayor Mohamed Shihab – elected during the recent council elections – has quickly learned that keeping the streets of the Maldives’ capital clean will be be no easy task.

Dealing with the waste management issue of one of the world’s most densely packed islands is no small feat, he explains, with local politics furthering cluttering the issue.

However, keeping the streets free from litter is just the tip of the rubbish pile explains Shihab, revealing the difficulties the council continues to face in finding a sustainable way to manage the capital’s waste.

“As we increase our efforts to clean Malé, the amount of garbage dumped on to the street is also increasing,” said Shihab.

The purpose of cleaning Malé’s streets and providing public dustbins – for which 260 people are now employed – is not to collect household waste, but to clean up litter, the Mayor tells Minivan News.

It is important to cultivate a habit of keeping the streets clean and using trash bins in the community, he said, suggesting that the implementation of laws was also required to address the issue.

Regulation

The waste management regulation which came into partial force on February 5 imposes an MVR100 (US$6.5) fine for littering and a fine between MVR10,000 (US$ 648.5) and MVR100,000 (US$6,485) if any authority in charge of public spaces fails to provide dustbins.

The regulations also require boat owners to place dustbins on sea vessels, imposing a maximum fine of MVR100 million (US$6.5 million) on boats that dump waste into the ocean.

Speaking to Minivan News, Ahmed Murthaza – assistant director at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – said that no one had yet been fined under the regulation.

The main focus of the EPA up to now has been to create awareness and to advise offenders to correct their actions, although he warned that the agency would start imposing the fines beginning on World Environment Day (5 June 2014).

The EPA will be working with councils and the Environmental Police Unit in implementing the regulation – all of whom are authorised to issues fines.

Waste management

Mayor Shihab has suggested a long term solution for the issue would be the door to door collection of household waste.

“This is is how it is done everywhere around the world. And in all countries, they charge a fee for the service.”

“So in the future the council will be collecting and disposing the garbage. This will be discussed. Even now each house is spending money, 100 or 200 rufiyaa, monthly for this purpose.”

Most households in Malé currently employ garbage collectors – usually migrant workers – who carry the garbage on their bicycles or private pick-up trucks. This garbage is then carried dumped on a barge in the island’s south-west harbor, which then transports it to the landfill ‘garbage island’ of Thilafushi.

This arrangement, however, was intended to be a temporary one initiated in 2013 after garbage piled up in Malé’s two primary waste yards following damage to the collection vehicles.

While the industrial junk yard is once again in use today, the household waste yard remains abandoned as its foundation structure is damaged to a point that it would be harmful for the environment to utilise the place without funding from a reluctant Finance Ministry, explained Shihab

According to the council, the current arrangement will remain in place during the Islamic month of Ramadan – beginning on June 30 – when the household waste produced can be expected to double.

According to shipping industry sources, an estimated 15- 20 percent increase in imported goods is expected during Ramadan.

Environment Ministry data from 2007 put daily food waste produced in Malé at approximately 25 tonnes, while 2012 statistics indicated that 89,797 tonnes of domestic waste was dumped on Thilafushi annually.

“Dumping waste on to the barge was a temporary measure, but this operation will continue in Ramadan with more barges. Instead of keeping a huge pile of waste in Malé, we will work to transport it as soon as possible,”  explained councillor Shamau Shareef.

Tatva solution

For the council, the immediate hope for a solution to Malé waste management is in India-based Tatva Global Renewable Energy.

The Tatva agreement has faced delays after the government of President Dr Mohamed Waheed renegotiated the agreement signed by his predecessor Mohamed Nasheed in 2011.

The new agreement, which will not include collection of garbage from household in its first phase, now requires the final approval of the Finance Ministry to begin operations.

Under the Tatva agreement, the council’s equipment – including trucks and excavators – has to be to handed over to Tatva in working condition. However, as the council’s equipment has been damaged for over a year, funds are needed for repairs before the handover.

“Our concern is that the government is spending MVR7 million [monthly] to rent this equipment, such as excavators, landing craft, and the barge. This money belongs to the people,” said Shihab.

Suggesting that the council could get the same results for just MVR2-3million, he said that the ministry had repeatedly ignored requests for repair funds.

The existing arrangement must be replaced with permanent and sustainable solution, said the mayor, noting that the smell alone from the garbage barge was becoming unpleasant for people living in the vicinity.

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