Month: November 2014

Newly planted areca palms uprooted on housing ministry orders

Reporting by Ismail Humaam Hamid

The Maldives Road Development Corporation (MRDC) has uprooted three newly planted areca palms in Malé today on the Housing Ministry’s orders.

The opposition dominated Malé City Council (MCC) replanted three trees this morning after masked men – believed to be police officers – chopped down 30 palm trees in the early hours of October 24.

“Today we planted three trees near the Malé City Council. However, workers from MRDC uprooted the trees moments later. They said they were acting on orders from the Housing Ministry,” Malé City Mayor Mohamed Shihab told the press today.

The police refused to help despite repeated requests, but watched the trees being removed, the mayor said.

“We requested assistance from the police as per rights afforded to local councils in the Decentralisation Act. But the police on the scene refused to help us. We have decided to lodge a complaint at the Police Integrity Commission (PIC).”

The MCC will also file a court case against MRDC for its illegal actions, the council said, arguing that the MRDC must defer to the MCC and obtain permission from the council in matters concerning Malé City.

According to newspaper Haveeru, senior members of the ruling Progressive Party of the Maldives (PPM) believe the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) use the areca palm trees for black magic to curse President Abdulla Yameen with ill health.

“[They] believe that [President Yameen’s] health worsens with every palm frond that falls off the areca palm trees. And that his health would worsen further with every tree that blossoms,” an anonymous government official was quoted as saying.

The MDP-dominated city council had planted the palm trees – donated by the Indian High Commission – in October 2011 as part of efforts to make the capital greener.

Meanwhile, former President Mohamed Nasheed alleged that masked Special Operations (SO) police officers in plain clothes chopped down the palm trees with machetes.

Patrolling police officers from the Maafanu police station arrested two of the perpetrators, Nasheed told the press last week, claiming that the suspects were handed over to the SO on the orders of a senior official from the SO command.

The pair were taken to the police Iskandhar Koshi barracks in an SO vehicle, he claimed.

Commissioner of Police Hussain Waheed held a press conference last week during which he denied police involvement in the incident, dismissing the opposition leader’s allegations as “baseless”.

Speaking to the press today, Deputy Mayor Shifa Mohamed accused the government of chopping down the areca palms.

“The government is involved in the chopping down of the trees. There were a lot of SO police officers in Malé that night. However, it is unclear whether they were trying to stop the vandalism or assisting in the crime,” she said.

The council said it will lodge a complaint over MRDC’s actions with the Local Government Authority, the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives, and international organisations.

Several areca palm trees were also uprooted during protests against the MDP government in January 2012.

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President Yameen announces development of five resorts in Haa Dhaalu Atoll

President Abdulla Yameen has announced plans to develop five resorts in the northern Haa Dhaalu Atoll next year.

Yameen said that the first islands to be developed as resorts by the current government will be located in Dhipparufushi, Vaikarumuraadhoo, Kanamana, Kudafaru, and Keylakunu islands in the country’s second-northernmost atoll.

During his visit to the northen atolls, President Yameen also talked about the government’s plans to develop an airport on Kulhudhuhfushi to further encourage the arrival of tourists.

Officials from the government promised the even distribution of resorts earlier this year following an online petition calling for the area to participate in the benefits of the country’s billion dollar tourism industry. Haa Dhaalu is currently the only atoll in the country without any operating resorts.

President’s Office Spokesperson Ibrahim Muaz told Minivan News of the strategic importance of Kulhudhuhfushi Island, which has a population of around ten thousand people.

“Projects like the proposed airport, resort development, and the I-Havan mega project will bring with it prosperous employment opportunities for the people residing the northern atolls, eliminating need of migrating to the capital Malé for employment,” said Muaz.

Muaz also noted that such projects, while providing numerous employment opportunities, would also develop the infrastructure in the region and improve the general living conditions in the North.

The UNDP’s most recent Human Development Report noted that disparities between the central and outer atolls were causing losses to human development, with the northern atolls reporting to suffer the most from limited job opportunities and social services.

Regional development

This year’s Avaaz petition – signed by just over 500 people – noted that the economic and societal problems of the 20,000 inhabitants of the atoll could be alleviated by the development of resorts.

The petition argued that the development of the region’s “pristine uninhabited islands” would halt the “mass migration” to Malé which was “tearing up the social fabric of our society”.

President Yameen’s election campaign pledged to develop 50 operational resorts during the five year presidential term. Yesterday’s proposed 2015 budget also planned for tourism growth, with 10 new resorts proposed in a MVR24.3 billion budget plan.

Despite the total number of resorts in the country exceeding one hundred, the majority are clustered around Malé and the country’s main international airport.

After initial plans for the 40-year-old industry’s development envisioned regional hubs, the introduction of sea planes has encouraged the concentration of resorts in the now-crowded central atolls.

The government’s plans for regional development have centered around the controversial SEZ bill, which it argues will decentralise development in order to promote regional growth – though the bill’s detractors fear that the policy will come at the expense of political decentralisation.

Relaxed regulations in the SEZs are intended to attract investors for a number of ‘mega projects’, including the iHavan – or ‘Ihavandhippolhu Integrated Development Project’ – in Haa Alif Atoll.

The project aims to take advantage of the strategic location of the Maldives’ northernmost atoll on a major shipping route – through which more than 700,000 ships carry goods worth US$18 trillion a year – and develop 5,700 hectares of land along with deep natural harbours.

Meanwhile, environmental NGO Ecocare has protested against the proposed Kulhudhuhfushi airport, pointing out that the airport’s development would destroy a mangrove area which would be reclaimed in order to build the airport.

Ecocare suggested a speedy ferry transportation system to Hanimaadhoo Airport which is just 16.6 km away after labelling the Kulhudhuhfushi airport as “economically less viable”.

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“Significant changes” brought to education sector, says minister

Education Minister Dr Aishath Shiham informed the press yesterday of “significant changes” brought to the education sector during the first year of the current administration, including introduction of Quran as a subject for grades one to seven, Arabic language in 20 schools, and vocational training.

“Historic work” has been done during the year under the ‘No Child Left Behind’ education policy, Dr Shiham said at yesterday’s press conference.

In addition to the science, business, and arts streams in secondary education, Dr Shiham said a new “vocational education stream” would be introduced next year.

A pilot programme has been conducted this year in eight schools in Malé with 188 students, and four schools in the atolls with 279 students, she said.

She noted that the ‘B-tech’ diploma level two certificate awarded for vocational training was of the same standard or qualification as the O’ Level certificate.

The number of students who fail O’ Levels – the pass rate for which was 46 percent in 2012 – and “get left behind” would be significantly reduced as a result, she added.

Moreover, 68 students from grades eight and nine were currently studying polytechnic courses for a level three certificate, she continued, which was also of the same standard as the O’ Level certificate.

The ‘Dhasvaaru’ programme launched this year meanwhile involved identifying disinterested or poor students, she explained, of which 180 students have started working in 30 private and government-owned companies.

Opposition concerns

In an open letter – signed by former education minister Dr Musthafa Luthfy – sent to the education ministry last week, the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party’s (MDP) education committee expressed concern with students allegedly being deprived of secondary education in favour of vocational training.

Under the new policy, the MDP noted that certain students are “labelled” as poor at grade eight and taught only Dhivehi, Islam, Mathematics, and English without a plan or approved curriculum.

“And after teaching these four subjects at school, students are to be sent to private parties in the name of teaching work,” the letter stated, noting the absence of a curriculum or syllabus for training the students.

The education committee also contended that singling out certain students for “second class” vocational education would become an obstacle in the future to conducting programmes for all secondary school students.

Moreover, the state’s “discrimination” among students would create problems for social equality, peace, and stability in the future, the letter added.

Offering a “narrow” education to selected students from age 14 onward would also prevent schools from providing remedial or special assistance to bring the students up to the average standard, the education committee argued.

The letter also noted that vocational training was not reserved for students with low grades under the new education curriculum framework.

“Achievements”

Education Minister Dr Shiham meanwhile referred to designating two schools – in Kulhudhufushi and Addu City – for Arabic medium instruction as a “very big achievement.”

Moreover, Dhivehi, Islam, and Quran were being taught to 417 Maldivian children in Sri Lanka while efforts were underway to provide the subjects to Maldivians residing in Trivandrum, India.

A volunteerism programme would also be conducted in all schools across the country next year, she continued, and life skills training has been offered in 180 schools this year after training 196 teachers.

Additionally, orientation programmes have been conducted to introduce civic education in 2015 and resource packs have been prepared.

Among other first year achievements listed in a document shared with the media yesterday included establishing five units in five islands for children with special needs and two early intervention centres in Kulhudhufushi and Fuvahmulah.

While MVR17 million (US$1.1 million) was spent this year to provide facilities such as furniture and computers to schools, 96 classrooms have been constructed and work was underway on constructing 128 further classrooms.

Additionally, MVR1.5 million (US$97,276) was spent to improve school laboratories and MVR1 million (US$64,850) was spent to purchase exercise equipment for schools.

Under an agreement signed with the health ministry in February, 5,792 grade one students have been screened so far and a child protection policy has been formulated.

While 16 school counsellors have completed a four-month online “solution focused brief therapy” course offered by the University of Wisconsin, a survey to assess physical and psychological health of students is expected to be completed on November 16.

More than 1,000 higher education opportunities have been offered this year as student loans and scholarships.

As part of preparations to roll out the new curriculum in 2015, 239 “curriculum ambassadors” and 1,820 principals and teachers have been trained.

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Rilwan suspect’s detention extended for the fifth time

The Criminal Court has again extended the detention of the sole suspect remaining in custody in relation to the disappearance of Minivan News journalist Ahmed Rilwan.

Police  have today confirmed that the suspect, whose identity has not been revealed to the public, had his extension extended for the fifth time yesterday (November 4) – giving police another ten days to conduct investigations.

No further details of the case’s progress have been made public.

After the Majlis rejected a 5000 signature petition calling for greater efforts in the search, the family last month lodged an official complaint with the Police Integrity Commission (PIC), accusing the Maldives Police Service of negligence.

PIC Director General Fathimath Sareera Ali Shareef told Minivan News today that the commission has decided to investigate the case, and has begun compiling relevant information.

“We have never had a case like this before,” explained Fathimath, who was unable to give a time frame for the investigation due to its “sensitive” nature.

Police Commissioner Hussein Waheed has rejected the accusations, telling local media last week that the police service had not forgotten about Rilwan’s case. Police said earlier this week that investigations were progressing “speedily”.

Four suspects were arrested in connection with the disappearance of the 28-year-old shortly after the release of a private investigative report into the suspected abduction. Three, however, were released shortly after.

Authorities – including the police commissioner and home minister – have condemned the report, suggesting that the publication of suspects’ names had jeopardised their own investigations, leading to the loss of valuable leads.

The report – conducted by a UK-based security company – noted “hostile surveillance” of Rilwan in the moments prior to his disappearance, concluding that the most likely groups to have been involved in his abduction were radicalised gangs – a theory supported by comments from Home Minister Umar Naseer.

Rilwan’s family lodged the official complaint with the PIC on October 29 , accusing the Maldives Police Service of not taking the case seriously, and of showing disrespect to the family since the disappearance 89 days ago.

“Our family is in deep mourning. We have no way forward. We believe police negligence is behind the lack of progress in finding Rilwan,” said Rilwan’s sister Fazna.

The police have failed to take the case seriously, despite an abduction outside Rilwan’s apartment building on the night of his disappearance and reports that he had received numerous death threats and had been followed, she said.

Eyewitnesses had reported the abduction at knifepoint at around 2am on August 8, but police only took their statements on August 14, the family said, adding that the police had also failed to track down and search the car used in the abduction.

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MP Nihan elected chair of budget review committee

Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) MP Ahmed Nihan has been elected chair of parliament’s budget review committee at the first meeting of the committee today.

Coalition partner Maldives Development Alliance (MDA) MP Ali Mauroof was meanwhile elected deputy chair.

The 24-member budget review committee is comprised of the economic affairs committee and public accounts committee.

While Nihan – PPM parliamentary group leader and majority leader – was elected with 21 votes in favour, Mauroof was elected with 15 votes.

The committee has 13 MPs from the ruling PPM-MDA coalition, seven opposition Maldivian Democratic Party MPs, and four Jumhooree Party MPs.

At its first meeting today, the committee decided to complete its review of the record MVR24.3 billion annual state budget presented at yesterday’s sitting by Finance Minister Abdulla Jihad by December 1.

Article 96(b) of the Constitution states, “The People’s Majlis may approve or amend the budget submitted by the Minister of Finance as in its discretion it deems fit.”

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Maldives not obliged to consult neighbours before joining China’s Silk Route, says foreign minister

The Maldives, as an independent and sovereign nation, is not obliged to consult other countries before making foreign policy decisions, foreign minister Dunya Maumoon told the People’s Majlis today.

The foreign minister appeared in parliament to respond to a question tabled by opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) MP Ahmed Nashid concerning the Maldives’ participation in the Chinese ’21st Century Maritime Silk Route’ initiative.

President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jingping has called on the Maldives “to get actively involved” in the creation of a maritime trade route linking China to the east coast of Africa and the Mediterranean.

Nashid, MP for Shaviyani Komandoo, asked whether neighbouring countries in the Indian Ocean were consulted before the decision was made.

“If we join this project, is it likely that the longstanding close relations we have with neighbouring countries could be adversely affected?” he asked.

In response, Dunya noted that the agreement signed with the British in 1965 to secure independence “states in clear language that the Maldives is not obliged to consult or seek consent or approval from any other nation to implement Maldivian foreign policy.”

Former Presidents Ibrahim Nasir and Maumoon Abdul Gayoom did not join any “military or political alliance” during the Cold War, she added, out of fear of losing the independence gained in 1965 as the Maldives would be obliged to consult major powers before making foreign policy decisions.

“We should all know that the interest of any foreign country should not take precedence over Maldivian national interest,” she said.

MDP MP Ibrahim Mohamed Didi – a retired brigadier general – asked whether relations with India could deteriorate if Chinese naval activity is conducted in a Maldivian port, which would threaten Indian “geopolitical interests”.

Dunya declined to answer citing national security concerns and advised raising the issue through parliamentary committees.

Asked if India has expressed concern with the decision, Dunya said the Indian government also welcomed the Silk Route initiative during Chinese President Xi’s visit to New Delhi in September.

Foreign policy

Dunya said President Abdulla Yameen’s foreign policy was based on Article 115(d) of the Constitution, which states that the president has a duty “to guarantee the independence and territorial integrity of the Maldives, and to promote respect for national sovereignty in the international community.”

The government decided to participate in the Silk Route initiative as it would promote national interest and benefit the Maldivian people through trade and commerce, she said.

Dunya referred to a joint communique issued during President Xi’s state visit in the Maldives in September, which declared that the Maldives “welcomes and supports the proposal put forward by China to build the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, and is prepared to actively participate in relevant cooperation”.

Fostering ties with South Asian countries and ensuring national security was one of the most important aims of the government’s foreign policy, she continued, noting that Maldivian security was intertwined with Indian Ocean regional security.

The Maldives would consult all nations and work together to ensure regional security and stability, she assured.

Former President Mohamed Nasheed has criticised the decision to join the Silk Route initiative, contending that it would threaten Indian Ocean security and risk putting the Maldives in the middle of war or disputes between Asian powers.

China’s rising economic presence in the Indian Ocean region has stoked concerns in New Delhi that China is creating a “string of pearls” to encircle India, including Chinese investments in ports and other key projects in Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

Asked if closer ties with China would adversely impact relations with India or Japan, President Yameen told reporters upon returning from a visit to China in August that Sino-Maldives economic cooperation would not affect “the very friendly, close relations with India”.

“All these projects are also open to India and we are doing a lot of diplomatic work with India,” he said, referring to his administration’s decision not to sign a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) with the United States as an example of cooperation.

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President Yameen inaugurates Hoarafushi sewerage project

President Abdulla Yameen officially inaugurated a sewerage project on the island of Hoarafushi in Haa Alif Atoll yesterday.

The Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure awarded the project to the Malé Water and Sewerage Company (MWSC).

After the inauguration ceremony, President Yameen also visited Haa Alif Kulhudhufushi yesterday. He is due to return to the capital, Malé, today.

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Missing Maldivian surfaces in Bangkok

A Maldivian citizen reported missing in Malaysia five months ago has handed himself into consular staff in Bangkok.

Hamdhan Mohamed made himself known to Maldivian consular officials yesterday, with Malaysian High Commissioner Mohamed Fayaz telling local media that the 28-year-old was in good health.

Authorities began the search for Hamdhan in June after he failed to board two booked flights back to the Maldives. Interpol later issued a missing persons notice.

Fayaz told media that the cause of the disappearance was still unknown, but that a team from the High Commission in Malaysia would now travel to Thailand to meet with Hamdhan.

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Amendments to Clemency Act sent to committee

Amendments to the Clemency Act submitted by Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) MP Ahmed Thoriq was accepted for consideration at today’s sitting of parliament.

Following preliminary debate, MPs voted unanimously to send the amendment bill (Dhivehi) to the national security committee for further review with 62 votes in favour.

According to Thoriq’s amendments, convicts would be eligible for presidential pardon or reduction of sentences after serving one-fourth of a jail term. The period is currently one-third of a sentence.

Thoriq also proposed adding drug trafficking to crimes for which convicts would not be eligible for pardon.

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