Maldives this week: 10 - 16 October 2021
Last week's key headlines.
On 15 October, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih departed for Th. Kandoodhoo to participate in activities planned for Agriculture Day. The President inaugurated activates under a food security program planned at the island, as well as a food exhibition.
On 15 October, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih departed for Th. Kandoodhoo to participate in activities planned for Agriculture Day. The President inaugurated activates under a food security program planned at the island, as well as a food exhibition.
On 15 October, Commissioner of Police Mohamed Hameed said that police has seized 215 kilograms of heroin in an operation, and arrested two people.
On 14 October, Island Aviation Services (IAS) and the Maldives National University (MNU) signed an agreement to establish a joint venture company to operate a flying school in Addu City. The school is to be managed by a flying academy from the Czech Republic.
On 14 October, the Information Commissioner's Office ruled against the Ministry of Defence on a right to information claim appeal filed by Dhiyares seeking information on agreements with India, related to the development of a naval dockyard and harbour to be established at Uthru Thilafalhu. Responding to a request by the Member of Parliament for Maduvvari Adam Shareef, the parliament's 241 committee chair Mohamed Aslam also said that the committee has started work on obtaining information on agreements signed between the Maldives and India.
On 14 October, Transparency Maldives issued a statement raising concerns over lack of action by the government against senior government officials accused of corruption. The oganisation called on the government to establish stronger frameworks and policies for action, prosecute cases of corruption without delay, and make all necessary efforts to recover assets and public monies lost due to corruption.
On 13 October, the Maldives Pension Administration Office (MPAO) announced the termination of its Chief Executive Officer John Grindall over ethics issues. Grindall, a UK citizen, was appointed CEO in December 2020.
On 13 October, Speaker of Parliament Mohamed Nasheed said that he has not returned to the Maldives just for three days. He said he did have to return to the UK for additional treatment but did not share exact dates due to security reasons.
On 12 October, the Maldivian government signed a project on food security with the UNDP, funded by the Government of Japan. The Japanese government will be providing USD2.7 million as a grant for the project.
On 11 October, Secretary General of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Zurab Pololikashvili paid a courtesy call on President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, where he commended the Maldives for its positive strides in the development of the tourism sector. He also said that the UNWTO is committed to support the Maldives in sustainable tourism.
On 11 October, SAARC Secretary General Esala Weerakoon paid a courtesy call on President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. Weerakoon is in the Maldives on an introductory visit. President Solih assured the Secretary General that the Maldives will continue to maintain ties with SAARC, and expressed interest in working with SAARC in counterterrorism and violence against women and girls.
On 11 October, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih ratified the Maldives Energy Act, which establishes a legal framework for the provision of energy production and consumption.
On 11 October, Speaker of Parliament Mohamed Nasheed arrived back in the Maldives, after undergoing treatment for injuries sustained in the 6 May attack against him. He was welcomed at the airport by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) recommended that the Maldives strengthen its monetary and fiscal policies it it waned to maintain its MVR15.42 peg against the US dollar.
On 10 October, the Elections Commission approved the formation of the Maldives National Party (MNP). The Party, in its congress, elected Member of Parliament for Dhangethi and former Minister of Defence Mohamed Nazim as its president.
On 10 October, the Ministry of Economic Development said that it was reviewing recommendations from the Minimum Wage Board, submitted to the Ministry on 5 October. It also said that the Board has recommended pushing back implementation of a minimum wage for foreign workers five years.
