Category: News in Brief

Nasheed ‘Best International Politician’ in Independent’s Green Awards

President Mohamed Nasheed has been described as ‘Best International Politician‘ in a series of Green Awards published by the Independent, a left-leaning UK newspaper.

“In a catastrophic year for the climate crisis, were there any heroes?” the newspaper says, in reference to the Copenhagen talks.

“A handful of politicians will be remembered for trying to do the right thing… The most inspiring leader was Mohamed Nasheed of the Maldives. ‘We are on the world’s front line,’ he says. And, in a sense, its only hope.'”

The newspaper praised Nasheed’s pledge to make the Maldives carbon-neutral by 2020, and his warnings “that we all have to make this transition – and fast.”

In receiving the Independent’s green award for politics, Nasheed joins the ranks of best supermarket (Marks&Spencer), best product (LED light bulb), and best UK village (Coleshill).

The President’s Spokesman Mohamed Zuhair said the award “is very welcome. The President is delighted.”

He said the award was a reflection on the whole country and came at a time when the President had been accused “of running a one man show.”

Zuhair disagreed that the President’s massive international popularity was not mirrored locally.

“There is huge respect [in the Maldives] for his efforts in combating beach erosion, building embankments and visiting vulnerable islands,”

Moreover, Zuhair said, the award promoted “positive public perception” of the Maldives that would “translate to more visitors.”

“It helps that the Indpendent is published in our largest tourism market, the UK,” Zuhair said.

Likes(0)Dislikes(0)

New Moroccan Ambassador meets President Nasheed

New Moroccan Ambassador to the Maldives, Larbi Moukhariq, presented his credentials to President Mohamed Nasheed at the President’s Office yesterday afternoon.

President Nasheed and Ambassador Moukhariq discussed ways of strengthening bilateral relations between the countries and on expanding areas of cooperation, such as tourism, commerce, education and climate change, including renewable energies.

President Nasheed noted the strong historic relations between the two countries and said they were good development partners.

Ambassador Moukhariq assured the president of his country’s commitment to further strengthen relations with the Maldives.

Ambassador Moukhariq is also ambassador to India, and dean of the Arab Diplomatic Corps.

Likes(0)Dislikes(0)

Cabinet to decide on matters that could result in the public paying fees

Government offices have been asked by the President’s office to propose any services that could result in the public paying fees or charges.

The President’s Office asked that any information regarding the matters proposed should not be made public until the Cabinet has made its final decision on the matter.

All government offices were also instructed all government offices to execute the Cabinet’s decision on the matter once the decision has been made.

The President’s Office has instructed all government offices to propose any matters that could result in public paying any fee or charge, to the Cabinet through the line ministry. The President’s Office made the instruction in a directive issued today.

The directive state that any information regarding the matters proposed the Cabinet should not be made public before the Cabinet issues a final decision on the matter.

The directive issued by the President’s Office also instruct all government departments to execute the decisions of the Cabinet once the President’s Office informs the relevant ministries of the decision.

Likes(0)Dislikes(0)

India donates helicopter to MNDF

The Indian government has donated a helicopter to the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), reports Haveeru.

The helicopter will be officially handed to the MNDF at a ceremony on Wednesday.

Indian Defence Minister AK Anthony visited the Maldives in August, and after his visit the Indian High Commission said the Indian government would provide a helicopter and assistance to establish a 25-bed military hospital in Malé.

The helicopter has been re-painted with a Maldivian flag and a sign reading MNDF.

Likes(0)Dislikes(0)

Dr Waheed concludes tour of South Havadhu Atoll

Vice President Dr Mohamed Waheed attended a function in GDh Thinadhoo to mark the anniversary of MM Pre-School, one of the oldest pre-schools of Thinadhoo.

Dr Waheed said pre-school education plays an important role in the development of children’s minds, and the future will be based on children’s education.

He mentioned the importance of maternal health and education, for the proper nurturing of children and added all pre-school teachers should be well qualified.

Dr Waheed said the government is trying to establish a pre-school in every island, as education for young kids needs special attention.

Vice President Waheed was on a tour of South Havadhu Atoll which began on 15 April. He is now back in Malé.

Likes(0)Dislikes(0)

President inaugurates MWSC Production Centre in Maafushi

President Mohamed Nasheed inaugurated the MWSC’s (Malé Water and Sewerage Company) Production Centre in Maafushi on Saturday, which will provide desalinated water to the residents of the island.

President Nasheed noted the government recognised basic utilities like water and sewerage were essential for the development and prosperity of the people.

He said the government was aiming to provide these services in a sustainable manner, but needed support from the private sector which is why the government is pursuing a policy of Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) to carry out developmental activities.

President Nasheed also said the government’s wish to create seven provinces was “not for political gain but for the benefit of all citizens.”

He said the government “does not desire to do anything through arguing and fighting in the People’s Majlis,” but is trying to do what is best for the citizens of the country.

He noted if anyone could explain why creating the provinces would obstruct the development of the country, “we are ready to concede.”

Likes(0)Dislikes(0)

President Nasheed discusses the importance of land use

President Mohamed Nasheed has discussed the importance of land use planing for a sustainable economy in his weekly address on the Voice of Maldives last Friday.

President Nasheed said planning land use needed to insure everyone’s interests and needs, and noted that land was one of the most important assets in the Maldives.

He said when planning how to use land, it is necessary to facilitate housing for all citizens, as well as providing equal economic opportunities for everyone and minimising negative impacts on the environment and people.

President Nasheed said the government will create a register of all sandbanks and small islands “in the near future.”

He said unused or abandoned land in the islands posed difficulties, and noted that some people were reclaiming “vast swaths of land” and exploiting them for economic benefits, but the state or public were not getting “due profits.”

President Nasheed said the Cabinet is working on a framework on land use laws, keeping in mind relevant laws, regulations and other historical documents.

Likes(0)Dislikes(0)

Saudi Prince arrives in Maldives

Governor of Riyadh Prince Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud arrived in the Maldives on 15 April, where he was greeted at Malé International Airport by President Mohamed Nasheed, Vice President Dr Mohamed Waheed and a procession of traditional guards.

Meeting at the President’s Office, President Nasheed thanked Prince Al-Saud for visiting the Maldives and said the visit would enhance relations between the Maldives and Saudi Arabia.

President Nasheed said Saudi Arabia was an important development partner for the Maldives and thanked the Saudi government for all their assistance.

Prince Al-Saud thanked President Nasheed for his hospitality.

Likes(0)Dislikes(0)

“Painting Dreams” inaugrated at National Art Gallery

President Mohamed Nasheed opened the exhibition titled “Painting Dreams” by Uz. Hasen Didi at the National Art Gallery on Friday evening.

President Nasheed also released the official catalogue of the exhibition and thanked Didi for his numerous contributions to Maldivian society.

Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture wrote in the catalogue: “[His paintings and photographs] can be deemed as symbolic of what the 20th century meant to many Maldivians.”

“Painting Dreams” is the first exhibition to open at the National Art Gallery this season and will remain until 20 May 2010.

Likes(0)Dislikes(0)