A digest of news and opinion from the Maldives.
Maldivian opposition parties are in talks about fielding a ‘unity’ candidate who is not a politician for next year’s election. Spokesman MP Ahmed Mahloof told the Maldives Independent that talks were already ongoing about who could represent the opposition. “I think at the moment we are discussing on the possibility of fielding a unified candidate […]
A top Maldives diplomat has highlighted the country’s work in tackling extremism, despite criticism of the government’s failure to deliver key elements in its fight against terrorism. The ambassador to India, Ahmed Mohamed, was speaking to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in a wide-ranging interview. He described the country’s borders as “quite […]
Reclaiming the Kulhudhufushi mangrove to develop an airport on the northern island will cause lasting damage, an Environmental Impact Assessment for the US$11.4 million project has warned. According to the EIA report by private consultant Dr Zahid Hameed, the “considerable negative impacts on the environment” include the permanent loss of habitat for flora and fauna, loss […]
In a predawn operation Tuesday, riot police removed banners put up by opposition supporters on the island of Maduvvari in Raa atoll ahead of a visit by President Abdulla Yameen. A warrant issued by the Raa Inguraidhoo magistrate court authorised the police to confiscate “banners, loudspeakers and sound systems” on suspicion that people were planning […]
Finance Minister Ahmed Munawar submitted to parliament Tuesday an MVR493 million (US$31.9 million) supplementary budget to approve new spending and revenue plans for the last two months of the year. Guarded by soldiers as opposition lawmakers continued to protest in the chamber, Munawar said spending is expected to exceed projected levels in the 2017 budget and […]
The Environmental Impact Assessment report for developing an airport on Kulhudhufushi after reclaiming the northern island’s mangrove has yet to be submitted, sources from the Environment Protection Agency has confirmed. The government’s plans to begin dredging the environmentally sensitive wetland area sparked an outcry from islanders and environmentalists. Ibrahim Naeem, the EPA’s director general, hung up the […]
The evening call to prayer settles across Maafushi, marking the end of a long day for tourists enjoying the trademark sun, sand and sea of the Maldives – once an exclusive experience but now available on a shoestring. Maafushi, hailed by the World Bank for its inclusive wealth creation, is a kaleidoscope in the falling sun. […]
The Food and Drug Authority has recalled frozen berries suspected of being contaminated with Hepatitis A, warning against their sale or use. In a statement the FDA said that Creative Gourmet’s 300 gram frozen berries packet (expiring 15 January 2012) was recalled by food safety authorities in Australia and New Zealand as they were possibly […]
Just a few days ago, President Abdulla Yameen referred to the Equatorial Convention Centre in Addu City as an “economic crime” committed by former President Mohamed Nasheed. The very next day, local media was flooded with the news of the construction of an airport on Kulhudhufushi to fulfil one of Yameen’s long overdue pledges. The […]