Category: News in Brief

Workers protest outside Maldives Ports Ltd

Port workers gathered in front of the Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) building this morning to protest the work stoppage caused by technical problems.

According to an unnamed worker who spoke to Sun Online, only five containers were brought to the unloading area by 8am this morning. “MPL has been doing this for some time now,” Sun was told.

Speaking to Minivan News, an official from MPL stated that 130 containers were listed to be cleared today and that the containers were not brought to the unloading area at the normal pace due to technical problems that occurred with transport equipment and vehicles.

Efforts are underway to repair the technical problems and port workers have already returned to work after brief discussions between MPL management and the workers, the official stated.

Minivan News was unable to obtain a comment from the Maldives Port Workers Union.

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Policeman stabbed in Villimale

A policeman was stabbed yesterday (January 7) in Villimalé while attempting to apprehend a thief.

The Maldives Police Service stated that the policeman was attacked at around 3.45pm, and was initially treated at the Villimalé Health Centre before being brought to Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital in Malé.

“A 36-year-old Maldivian man has been apprehended by the police in connection with the crime. The knife (17 cm blade) used to attack the policeman has also been confiscated”, the statement read.

The man attacked the police officer after he attempted to arrest him on suspicion of robbing ‘Multi Point’ shop in the capital’s suburb.

Police also stated that the man arrested in relation to the crime has a previous criminal record of robbery.

Late last month, Police Commissioner Hussein Waheed met with newly appointed Chief Justice Abdulla Saeed to discuss measures to expedite cases involving assault of police officers and obstruction of police duty.

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President Yameen takes another trip to Singapore

President Abdulla Yameen and first lady Fathimath Ibrahim left for Singapore last night (January 7).

According to the President’s Office website this is a personal trip. The website did not specify when the president would return to the Maldives, though Minivan News understands he will come back on Sunday (January 11).

Yameen has travelled to Singapore at least five times between July 29 and the end of November last year. This includes two stop-overs in Singapore – one in August and one in November – on the way to China and Nepal, respectively.

The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party has raised questions over the president’s health and has on numerous occasions called on him to reveal to the public the reasons behind his numerous personal trips to Singapore. The President’s Office has denied such speculation regarding Yameen’s health.

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Akon arrives in the Maldives

American R&B artist Akon has arrived in the Maldives this morning to perform tonight in the second show of the ‘Tourist Arrival Countdown Music Festival’ upon the invitation of Tourism minister Ahmed Adeeb.

Minister Adeeb and event organisers Chopart received Akon at the airport alongside a team of youth leaders who had shown support for Akon’s concert amid continuing opposition to the show from religious leaders.

Haveeru reported Akon as asking his fans to “get ready to party” before coming to the show, assuring a good time for all who attend.

Akon’s performance was announced during the ‘Tourist Arrival Countdown Show’ on December 31, which eventually featured a host of Indian artists after the cancellation of Sean Paul’s performance.

Adeeb also confirmed yesterday (January 7) that Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra will appear alongside Akon in tonight’s show. Priyanka is due to arrive sometime this evening.

In 2010, a show featuring Akon was organised before organisers cancelled, citing a lack of technical support and security. As with the Sean Paul concert, both the Islamic ministry and local religious NGO Jamiyyathul Salaf had spoken out against the show.

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Doctors licensing examination cancelled after no show

The first licensing examination for doctors to be held in the Maldives has been cancelled after no doctors participated.

Speaking to local media, Maldives Medical Council President Dr Abdulla Afeef said that doctors chose not to participate in the examination after raising questions as to why only certain doctors were required to sit the test.

Haveeru reported that the examination was required for doctors who were given temporary licenses after 2013, saying that there were 15 Maldivian doctors fitting the criteria.

“The doctors in question were aware of the fact they were being given a temporary license to practice,” Haveeru reported Dr Afeef as saying. “The doctors will have two more chances to take the exam in June and December. If they do not participate their licenses will be cancelled.”

The Medical Council has previously said that the examination will consist of 150 multiple choice questions.

Source: Haveeru

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Umar Naseer appointed acting Housing Minister

Minister of Home Affairs Umar Naseer has been appointed as acting housing minister while Dr Mohamed Muizzu is out of the country, reports local media.

Naseer’s appointment means that four of the thirteen cabinet positions are currently being held by temporary appointees.

The move follows the appointment of Minister at the President’s Office Ibrahim ‘Mundu’ Shareef as acting youth minister earlier this week – a decision some have alleged to be unconstitutional.

Additionally, Islamic minister Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed has been made acting health minister, and tourism minister Ahmed Adeeb acting minister of defence. Both positions are vacant while Colonel (retired) Mohamed Nazim is away on unspecified business.

The President’s Office has denied rumours of a rift within the cabinet, saying that the temporary appointments are routine.

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Adeeb confirms appearance of Priyanka Chopra at Akon concert

Tourism minister Ahmed Adeeb has confirmed that Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra will appear alongside US R&B singer Akon in the show scheduled for tomorrow night.

Akon’s performance was announced during the ‘Tourist Arrival Countdown Show’ on December 31, which eventually featured a host of Indian artists after the cancellation of Sean Paul’s performance.

Local dancer and renowned Priyanka superfan Suneetha Ali will also be performing with the former Miss World in Galolhu National Stadium.

In 2010, a show featuring Akon was organised – and tickets sold – before organisers cancelled, citing a lack of technical support and security. As with the Sean Paul concert, both the Islamic ministry and local religious NGO Jamiyyathul Salaf had spoken out against the show.

Adhaalath Party President Sheikh Imran Abdulla has stated on Vnews this week that the party will not differentiate between governments with regards to “anti-islamic activities”, saying that the party is working non-stop to block the Akon show.

Meanwhile Adeeb has expressed his joy over the show of support by a team of youth leaders – including opposition MP Yamin Rasheed – in promoting Thursday night’s show.

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President appoints ambassadors to India and UAE

President Abdulla Yameen has presented letters of appointment to Ahmed Mohamed and Abdulla Hameed as the high commissioner of Maldives to India and the non-resident ambassador of Maldives to the United Arab Emirates, respectively.

Parliament approved Ahmed Mohamed for the post in October with a majority of 58 votes. He had previously served as the commissioner general of customs under President Yameen’s government and as minister of economic development under President Dr Mohamed Waheed.

Hameed was appointed ambassador-at-large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by President Yameen on January 8 last year.

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Muraidhoo Island Council President resigns

Haa Alif Muraidhoo Island Council President Mohamed Arif Abdul Hakeem has resigned, reports local media.

Adhaalath Party member Hakeem resigned as both president and as a member of the island council to pursue higher studies along with another job offer, according to Haveeru.

He had been elected as the new island council president at the 17th attempt after 16 rounds of voting had failed to produce a clear winner.

Muraidhoo Island Council comprises of two members from the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives and one from the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party.

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