Category: News in Brief

President Nasheed meets leaders in Malaysia

As part of his official visit to Malaysia for the 6th World Islamic Economic Forum, President Mohamed Nasheed met with leaders of the Islamic world.

The president met with the Chairman of the Forum’s Foundation, Tun Musa Hitam, yesterday.

President Nasheed spoke about expanding the forum, and assured Maldives’ assistance in doing so.

He thanked Hitam for his work as Commonwealth Secretary General’s Special Envoy to the Maldives, which he began in 2005 and assisted in the democratic developments of the country.

President Nasheed then met with the Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah.

The president thanked Brunei’s government for its support and assistance to the Maldives, especially in education.

Sultan Hassanal assured Brunei’s continued assistance to the Maldives and hoped to enhance bilateral relations.

President Nasheed also met with Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dató Sri Mohamed Nahjib bin Tun Abdul Razak.

They discussed ways of furthering bilateral relations and the close friendship and cooperation the two countries have shared.

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Two government-owned fishing companies established

President Mohamed Nasheed has decreed the establishment of Felivaru Fisheries Maldives Limited and Kooddoo Fisheries Maldives Limited, two limited liability companies with one hundred percent government shares.

The companies aim to develop further the Maldives fishing industry in a sustainable manner. They aim to do this while providing maximum socio-economic benefits for the people.

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NGO to promote Maldivian culture to be launched this Friday

‘Thirees Nuvaeh’ (‘thirty nine’), a new NGO dedicated to promoting Maldivian culture, will be launched this Friday night at the Artificial Beach in Malé.

The NGO claims it will work towards “strengthening and consolidating democratic principles, human rights, gender equality and social justice; and, to lobby the government, the parliament, the judiciary, political parties, independent commissions, private agencies and individuals.”

The name ’39’ is a reference to Article 39 of the Constitution, which states that all citizens will “participate in the cultural life of the nation.”

The launch will be at 8:45pm on Friday at the Artificial Beach, and attendees are encouraged to wear traditional diguhedhun, dhivehilibaas (women), mundu, gamees (men), or smart casual.

Addendum: This event has been postponed until next week due to inclement weather. Minivan News will update when we receive more information.

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CRC begins ‘Healthy Lifestyle Program’ for customs staff

The Maldives Customs Service has launched a healthy and fitness program for staff, reports Miadhu.

The program, named ‘Healthy Lifestyle Program’, is part of the ‘Sports for All’ national program being organised by the Customs Recreation Club (CRC) with the collaboration of the Ministry of Human Resources, Youth and Sports.

The program aims to increase the level of education and awareness of health issues among customs staff.

A basic fitness-awareness course will begin shortly, after which participants will continue with a gym instructor.

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MNCCI and CCTE sign agreement to develop retail sector

The Maldives National Chamber of Commerce and Industries (MNCCI) has signed an agreement with the Centre for Career and Technical Education (CCTE) which will allow the CCTE to develop courses, training programmes, workshops and seminars to develop the retail sector, reports Miadhu.

The agreement was signed at a ceremony held yesterday at MNCCI. It was signed by Ahmed Adheeb Abdul Gafoor on behalf of the MNCCI and Mohamed Siraj Haleem, for the CCTE.

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Cabinet requests amendments on Religious Unity Act

The Religious Unity Act, proposed by the Islamic Ministry, was discussed at the Cabinet meeting yesterday.

It was noted that some provisions needed to be reviewed and some amendments required before publication in the government gazette.

The Attorney General has been assigned with proposing the necessary amendments.

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President departs for Malaysia

President Mohamed Nasheed departed for Malaysia last night to attend the 6th World Islamic Economic Forum, being held in Kuala Lumpur from 18-20 May.

The forum is expected to attract 2000 participants this year, and will serve as a platform for governments and businesses to meet and discuss trade and economic issues.

The president will address the forum on the issue of climate change at a special plenary session.

He will also meet the Prime Minister of Malaysia and other leaders of Islamic countries.

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President sends condolences to Afghani president

President Mohamed Nasheed sent his condolences to Afghan President Hamid Karzai following the crash of Pamir Airways on Monday.

The air craft crashed into the Hindu Kush mountain range north of Kabul, carrying 48 passengers.

The air plane and passengers are yet to been found.

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New UN representative presents credentials to President Nasheed

Andrew Cox, new United Nations Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative, presented his credentials to President Mohamed Nasheed yesterday afternoon.

The meeting focused mainly on the UN programmes being carried out in the Maldives, and in the assistance the UN system could provide to the country in its transition from the Least Developed Countries (LDC) status.

Cox assured the president of the UN’s support to the Maldives through graduation from LDC, and congratulated him on the Maldives recent election for a seat in the UN Human Rights Council.

Cox has worked with the UN system since 1999 in different capacities and several countries around the world. He has worked in Sudan, the USA, Afghanistan and Sierra Leone.

Before working with the UN, he worked with several NGOs in Sierra Leone, the UK, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Côte d’Ivoire.

Cox said that “the UN system is a long time friend and partner to the Maldives.  I am personally committed to deepening this partnership and to helping strengthen the capacities of the government, civil society and the people of Maldives in achieving the country’s aspirations and development objectives.”

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