Category: News in Brief

The government will borrow 34.5 million euros to reclaim land and build harbours on Haa Alif Dhidhoo, Noony Velidhoo, Baa Thulhaadhoo and Lhaviyani Hinnavaru, reports Miadhu.

In Hinnavaru 390,000 square metres will be reclaimed, including 50,900 square metres for housing plots and 68,00 for constructing flats, while 200,000 square metres will be reclaimed at Baa Thulhaadhoo including 38,000 for housing plots and 44,000 for building flats.

Maldives residents are privately vaccinating themselves against the H1N1 ‘swine flu’ virus by obtaining the drug overseas, reports Haveeru.

The Health Ministry has expressed concern over the quality of the privately-imported vaccines, and asked people to be aware of the hazards of taking a substance not yet registered with the Food and Drug Authority.

The Maldives is unlikely to receive the vaccine soon, several doctors have revealed, although the country’s stock of flu treatment drug Tamiflu is said to be sufficient.

Vaccination programmes for young children have been moved from Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) to Thaajudheen school temporarily, Miadhu reports.

IGMH said the move was necessary to ensure young children were not exposed to Influenza A which was on the rise.

Children under five are considered vulnerable to Influenza A.

A 23-year-old woman has tested positive for Influenza A in Thaa atoll Kandhoodhoo bringing the total up to 35, Miadhu reports.

Last week an 18-year-old boy from the island also tested positive for the influenza.

Influenza A has been detected on the following islands: Alif Alif Rasdhoo, Noonu Manadhoo, Shaviyani Goidhoo and Lhaimago, Gnaviyani Fuamulah, Vaavu Thinadhoo, Meemu Kolhufushi and Mulaku, Raa Inguraidhoo and the capital Male’.

There have so far been 12 confirmed cases of the H1N1 virus (swine flu) and one death.

High-end resort Coco Palm at Bodu Hithi island won the prestigious “Best Luxury Hotel 2009” award from the World Luxury Hotel Awards.

The ceremony was held last week in Thailand.

In a press release, the resort said it was honoured by the distinction, “which sets Coco Palm Hithi as a benchmark for luxury hotels around the world.”

Hotels are nominated for the award by guests, travel agents and tour operators and voting is carried out by a panel of 50 leading travel experts.

The Bodu Hithi resort, based in North Male Atoll, consists of 100 villas, including 32 perched on wooden stilts over the lagoon.

A 71-year-old Maldivian man died at Hajj in Saudi Arabia, Miadhu reports.

Ibrahim Ismail of Dhaalu atoll Kuda Huvadhoo Gulshan died while undergoing treatment for pneumonia.

The first group of Hajj pilgrims will return to the Maldives on Friday and the last group will return on 8 December.

The health ministry is preparing to test the pilgrims for Influenza A at the airport.

The government of Oman is encouraging investment in the Maldives, reports Miadhu following an interview with the Ambassador of Oman to the Maldives, Sheikh Humaid Bin Al-Maani.

Al Maani said the four Oman Air flights a week between Oman and Male were proving successful and could lead to further business between the two countries.

The ambassador presented his credentials to Maldivian president Mohamed Nasheed on 24 November, and met with the Maldives Chamber of Commerce to discuss an exchange of business delegations.

The opposition Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) will visit Addu Atoll to hear people’s grievances with the current administration, reports Miadhu, the first time the party has visited Addu since last year’s presidential election.

Meanwhile the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party is trying to boost its support in the atolls by holding membership drives in Medhu Dhekunu and Mathi Uthuru, and have reportedly received 1800 applications.

A religious association on Thaa atoll Dhiyamigilli stopped a music show that was being held as part of the Eid celebrations, Miadhu reports.

“The association said that men and women participating in a music show were forbidden by religion and so it cannot be held on that island,” a source told Miadhu.

“A confrontation did occur, although it was not a major one,” the source added.

Well-known local artists such as Abdul Baaree and Sobah were scheduled to appear in the show accompanied by both male and female dancers.

The source told Miadhu while some islanders supported the association others wanted to music show to continue.