Chief suspect in Afrasheem case changes testimony, confesses to MP’s murder

Hussain Humam, of Male’s Henveiru Lobby, told the Criminal Court today (May 22) that he carried out the fatal attack on Afrasheem with Ali Shan of Male’s Henveiru Hikost, and that the juvenile suspect in the case was also present.

Maldives Green Fund to merge “scattered” climate finance

“One person is in charge of massive [amounts] of funds. There is a lack of human resources within the Environment Ministry. Only a couple of people have dominated [climate change projects] since the 1990’s,” claimed a source familiar with the challenges facing climate governance in the Maldives.

MDP launches agriculture policy: govt to buy, ship local produce

The policy aims to introduce “agri-boats” to transport produce and eliminate barriers of entry and access to markets, said former President Nasheed, claiming that the country could produce 44 percent of the current produce imported.

International airports body urges caution over foreign investment in Ibrahim Nasir International Airport

In an email obtained by Minivan News dated May 8, Airports Council International alerts its members that the Maldivian government is “in the process of transferring the Male airport to a wholly-owned subsidiary of MACL and may explore a sale of equity in this entity to another airport operator.”

Vice President calls for “population consolidation”

Despite the push for population consolidation, displaced communities in the Maldives after the 2004 tsunami continue to face serious challenges.

Maldives dominates Indian Ocean travel awards, host and sponsors among winners

The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture said hosting the ceremony would play a significant part in promoting the Maldives internationally this year – a view shared by senior industry figures, despite their concerns about the number of sponsors receiving awards.

HRCM to investigate Immigration Department’s promise of mass repatriation

The Human Rights Commission of the Maldives expressed concern not just over plans to repatriate 10,000 unregistered workers, but also whether they were being punished for the actions of employers acting outside the law.

Drug Court sending addicts to jail after detox centres reach capacity

All emergency medical detox centers are full nationwide – the Himmafushi Island, Villingili Island, Fuvamulah and Addu, National Drug Agency (NDA) Chairperson and State Health Minister Lubna Mohamed Zahir Hussain confirmed to Minivan News today (May 1).