A similar wave of audit reports were released shortly before the 2008 presidential elections, revealing the extravagant personal spending of then President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.
Several of the company’s customers have meanwhile contacted Minivan News following publication of last week’s article, with details of their grievances and extensive documentation and correspondence with the company.
Maldivian artist Afzal Shaafiu Hasan ‘Afu’ is part of a “new wave” of artists and craftsmen in Male’, who inspired by the political changes have been promoting a new wave of psychedelic art and paintings. All are facing challenges by the establishment, political and religious figures who believe creative arts are sinful.
Ibrahim Nasir International Airport is an unfortunate example of a government that not only destroys value, but systematically works against the interest of the people, writes Afran Areef.
Tourist facilities are to be developed on Kuda Bandos, the only picnic island located near Male’ accessible to for Maldivians, following the island’s owner Vice President Mohamed Waheed Deen submitting the sole bid for its development.
“Our target is to connect Male’, Hulhule, Villingili, Thilafushi and Gulhifalhu and build a road that connects all these islands,” claimed former President Mohamed Nasheed
The Maldives Tourism Ministry has suspended the permit allowing local tour operator Atoll Paradise to take holiday bookings, following allegations the company – now under police investigation – has defrauded customers and international travel agents.
“There are two options, President Waheed has to apply through a political party or as an independent candidate. There is no other legal way to become a presidential candidate,” ‘Forward with the Nation’ Coalition Spokesperson Abdul Rasheed Nafiz told Minivan News.
The President’s Office has said efforts to establish closer political and economic links with China are not an attempt to directly replace bilateral assistance traditionally provided by India – despite the recent strained relationship between Male’ and New Delhi.