Maldives this week: 16 to 22 January 2022
Last week's key headlines.
On 22 January, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih said that he has tested positive for COVID-19.
On 20 January, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the Maldievs has formally established diplomatic relations with the Republic of Burundi.
On 20 January, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) reported 2,199 new COVID-19 cases in the Maldives, from 6,598 samples tested over the previous 24 hours, There are currently 10,537 active cases in the country.
On 20 January, Fenaka Corporation signed a power purchase agreement with Clear Future Synergies Limited to provide 100 percent of power needed for Gan International Airport through solar energy.
On 20 January, new Japanese Ambassador to the Maldives Takeuchi Modori presented her letter of credence to President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
On 20 January, the Prosecutor General's Office said that it will appeal the acquittal of four individuals charged in the murder of blogger Yameen Rasheed. It said it will review the documents on the ruling once received from the Criminal Court.
On 19 January, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) reported 2,137 new COVID-19 cases in the country.
On 19 January, the Criminal Court convicted Ismail Haisham Rasheed and Ahmed Zihan Ismail for the murder of blogger Yameen Rasheed in 2017.
On 19 January, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih established the Maldives Hydrography Service, to operate under the Ministry of Defence.
On 19 January, the Criminal Court cancelled at the last minute the first hearing scheduled on the charges against Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment on bribery charges.
On 18 January, the Government of Maldives issued a statement strongly condemning drone attacks aimed at the Abu Dhabi International Airport on 17 January. It said that the cowardly act of terrorism clearly violated international law, and reaffirmed its solidairy with the Government of the United Arab Emirates.
On 18 January, the Ministry of Finance announced that it is working on liquidating nine government owned companies no longer in operation. These are Maldives National Broadcasting Corporation Private Limited, Felivaru Fisheries Maldives Limited, Kooddoo Fisheries Maldives, Madivaru Holdings Private Limited, Gan Airport Company Limited, Works Corporation Limited, Maldives Road Development Corporation, Khazana Maldives and National Investment Management Company Limited.
On 17 January, Speaker of Parliament Mohamed Nasheed met with the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Mahinda Rajapaksa. No details have been disclosed of what had been discussed at the meeting.
On 17 January, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih participated in the opening ceremony of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week as well as the Zayed Sustainability Awards ceremony.
On 17 January, the Ministry of Tourism announced the minimum acquisition cost for 18 islands proposed for resort development, opened for bidding in October 2021.
On 17 January, the Maldives inaugurated its first satellite school, through which 27 student in B. Fehendhoo, six in V. Thinadhoo and one in V. Rakeedhoo will be taught by teachers in Huravee School in Malé.
On 16 January, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) reported 1,209 Covid-19 cases, from 5,061 samples taken over the past 24 hours. There are currently 5,975 active cases in the country.
On 16 December, the Ministry of Education said it condemned acts that threatened the security of Indian teachers in the Maldives. It noted an increase in the harassment of Indian teachers with the 'India Out' campaign carried out by the opposition.
On 16 January, the Chief of Naval Staff of Bangladesh Admiral M. Shaheen Iqbal paid a courtesy call on Minister of Defence Mariya Ahmed Didi.
On 16 January, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih departed on an official visit to the United Arab Emirates, on the invitation of Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The President will be participating in the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) and the ceremony to present the Zaid Sustainability Prize scheduled for 17 January.
On 16 January, Speaker of Parliament Mohamed Nasheed departed for Sri Lanka on an official visit at the invitation of Sri Lankan Minister of Youth Namal Rajapaksa.
