MALDIVES OVERVIEW: WEEK ENDING ( 20TH TO 27TH JULY )

PRESIDENTIAL VISITS

President Abdulla Yameen was on a three day visit to South Thiladhummathi Atoll islands of Nolhivaram and Hanimaadhoo and North Thiladhummathi Atoll islands of Hoarafushi, Ihavandhoo, Dhiddhoo, Kelaa and Baarah from 17^th-19^th July.

The President’s vision to improve the quality of life for the people of Maldives and his thrust on infrastructure development was evident with the inaugurations and ceremonies held to mark the completion of the following projects-

Establishment of sewerage systems in Nolhivaram Island, Ihavandhoo Island, Kelaa Island and Hanimaadhoo Island.
Beach protection Project in Hoarafushi Island and Dhiddhoo Island.
Clean drinking water services, Road Development project and Housing project in Dhiddhoo Island.
Marina Style Jetty in Baarah Island.

ELECTION BRIEFS

President appointed Mr. Ali Nashath as a member to the Elections Commission

Mr. Ali Nashath has been appointed as a member to the Election Commission by President Abdulla Yameen. He was presented the letter of appointment at a ceremony held ath the President’s Office. Mr.Ali Nashath took the oath of office before the ceremony, administered by the High Court Judge, Mr. Uz.

Maldives election body updated electoral regulations

The Maldives elections body has decided to allow voters with disabilities chose their own helpers for the polling day. The helper will require the permission of the chief electoral official at the ballot centre to be able to assist the voter. Earlier, The Elections Commission declared that only electoral officials would help voters with disabilities. Amidst anger and threats from political parties, it updated the regulations.

Maldives election monitoring open to foreign media

Foreign media will now be able to report on the Maldives Presidential election after submitting applications to the Elections Commission before August 14^th. The commission warned that action will be taken against journalists found to be reporting on the poll without prior permission.

Extension of candidate period

The Election Commission of Maldives has extended the period of candidate application for Presidential Elections of September 2018. The application period was earlier set to be closed on 4^th August. After thorough discussion, the Commission has extended the period and announced that it will now close on 10^th August at4 p.m.

DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS

Raaveribey Food Court

President Abdulla Yameen inaugurated the Raaveribey Food Court on 23^rd July at a ceremony held at Raaveribey Maizaan, on the west coast of Male. The food court has been developed as a part of the administration’s Male’ Redevelopment plan with a view to provide social spaces in the capital. The food court has been developed by the Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure in association with State Trading Organization (STO).

Rasfannu mixed use development project

President Abdulla Yameen on 22^nd July, launched the Rasfannu Mixed Use Development Project at a ceremony held at the project site at Rasfannu Beach. The development project has been launched as a part of the administration’s Male’ Redevelopment plan. The Four luxury towers constructed under the development project will have 533 residential bedrooms, 228 hotel rooms and retail stores.

TOURISM

Footballer Mo Salah’s trip to the Maldives

The popular Liverpool player, Mo Salah chose Maldives as his post World Cup Tournament vacation with family. The player posted pictures from his vacation on his social media handles which garnered thousands of retweets, likes and comments.

NEWS UPDATES

President and First Lady host official reception celebrating this year’s Independence Day

President Abdulla Yameen and First Lady Fatimath Ibrahim hosted the official reception to celebrate the Maldives’ 53^rd Independence Day on 26^th July. The reception was held at Dharubaaruge. Vice President Abdulla Jihad, Speaker of the Parliament, Cabinet Ministers, Members of the Parliament, Diplomats, State Dignitaries and Ministers of State were among the many guests.

Honoring the 53^rd Independence Day, President Abdulla Yameen commuted sentences or eligible inmates, according to the clause 29 of the Clemency Act. The decision was made with Technical Committees’ advice.

The President also presented the President’s Award for special achievement. Twenty four honorees received certificates and medals for 2018’s President’s Award for Special Achievement. Two honorees received medal for exceptional academic achievement within the Maldives National Qualifications Framework, and 19 honorees were recognized for attaining the top ranking in a higher academic course or training. The Special Achievement Award for attaining top ranking in an international exhibition or contest was awarded to three honorees this year.

The President also presented the National Award of Honor and the National Award of Recognition. Five honorees received the National Award of Honor this year. Fifteen honorees received the National Award of Recognition. Recipients of the National Award of Honor received a shield of honor, a badge of honor and a commemorative plaque, while the recipients of the National Award of Recognition received a commemorative plaque and a certificate. In his speech, President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom extended his congratulations and warm wishes to all the recipients of this year’s National Awards.

President Sanctions First Amendment to the Public Service Media Act

President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has on 25^th July, sanctioned the First Amendment to the Public Service Media Act (Act No. 09/2015), passed by the Parliament at the 12th sitting ‎of its second session, on 25th July 2018.

President Decides on the Maldives’ Participation in two Conventions on advice from the Cabinet

President Abdulla Yameen has decided for the Maldives to participate in the “Framework Agreement on the establishment of the International Solar Alliance” and “Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic resources and their Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from Their Utilization to the Convention on Biological Diversity” convention.

The discussion was held on 24^th July at the meeting of the Cabinet on the two papers presented by the ministry of Environment and Energy. The “Framework Agreement on the establishment of the International Solar Alliance” endorses to reduce the impact of climate change for small islands like Maldives and the “Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic resources and their Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from Their Utilization to the Convention on Biological Diversity” aims at conserving bio-diversity.

ENDS