The President has sent a message of sympathy to the Prime Minister of Samoa, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielogoi, on learning about the passing away of the Head of State of the country, Malietoa Tanumafili II.
In the message, the President extended profound sympathy to Prime Minister Malielogoi, the Government and the people of Samoa Islands. Further, he conveyed sincere condolences to the members of the bereaved family.
In the message, the President also noted that Malietoa Tanumafili II had dedicated his life to the welfare of the people of Samoa Islands, and will be remembered for his distinguished service to the country.
The President has also sent messages of sympathy to the Indian President, Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, on learning about the storm that hit the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, and to the Nigerian President, Mr. Olusegun Obasanjo, on learning about the accident involving three passenger buses. The disasters led to death and devastation.
In the message, the President extended profound sympathy to the leaders, the Government and the people of the two countries. Further, he conveyed sincere condolences to the members of the bereaved families.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Introduction of Maldives
The pearls of the Indian Ocean, as it is popularly known, are situated in the South West of Sri Lanka, on the equator. The numerous coral reef islands, 1,190 in total , form an archipelago of 26 major atolls ( groups of neighbouring coral islands). The country stretches 820 km north to south and 120 km east to west. Out of the incredibly large number of islands only 200 islands are inhabited, with 44 islands adapted as exclusive resort islands. The climate is generally warm and humid. Sun shines all year through with average temperature around 29 - 32 degrees Celsius.
The country's 2000 population census shows a total of 270,101 people living in the country. Almost 2/3 of this figure resides in the capital island Male'.
Origins of the Maldivians is not very certain. However, it is believed that the history goes as far back as BC 1000. Early settlers were travellers on the Silk Route, and from the Indus Valley Civilisation. The Maldivians are inherently warm, friendly and hospitable by nature, and anyone can easily establish a casual conversation with the Maldivians.
Dhivehi, a fantastic language not spoken anywhere else on the globe, is the language spoken in all parts of the Maldives. English is widely spoken and can be recognised on sign boards, neon lights and even in the main newspapers and in some radio and TV programmes. In the resorts, a variety of languages, including English, German, Italian, French and Japanese, is spoken by the staff.
Dress is generally casual. T-shirts and cotton clothing are most suitable. In the inhabited islands, it is recommended that women wear modest clothing without baring too much.
The Maldives economy is growing at an average of over 10 percent since the past two decades. Tourism is the main industry, contributing almost 20 percent to the GDP. Fisheries and trade follow close behind. The Maldivian economy is regarded as exemplary in the region, and welcomes foreign investment.
The Maldivian currency is Rufiyas and Laaris (1M Rf = 100 Laaris). The exchange rate for US Dollars is Rufiya 11.72 for one US Dollar (1997). The Rufiyaa comes in notes of 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500. The American Dollar is the most common foreign currency. Payments in the resorts can be made in most hard currencies in cash, traveller's cheques or credit cards. The most commonly used credit cards are American Express, Visa, Master Card, Diners Club, JCB and Euro Card.
The functional literacy rate is 98 percent. Educational standards are among the highest in the region, and most schools teach via the English Medium and follow the British education system, while in some schools Dhivehi (the Maldivian Language) or Arabic is the medium of instruction.
Health care facilities are improving on a daily basis. The Indhira Gandhi Memorial Hospital in Male' is the biggest hospital in the country providing sophisticated medical care. ADK Hospital is the biggest private health care facility, and follows high medical standards. Experienced European doctors work at the AMDC Clinic. Regional hospitals are distributed throughout the country and Male' , the capital, has several well-established private general practitioners . Some resorts have an in-house doctor. Decompression chambers are within reach of most resorts in case of a diving emergency.
Telecommunication has developed very fast in this decade. Upto-date technology and international satellite links allow Maldives to have a sophisticated communications system. IDD facilities are available on all resorts, and card phone facilities are available on all islands. Dhiraagu, the Maldives telecommunications company, an affiliate of the British Cable and Wireless Company, provides mobile telephones for rental on a daily basis. Dhiraagu is also the Internet service provider.
Being on the Equator, the country enjoys more or less constant day lengths (6am - 6 pm) throughout the year. People wake up early in the morning. Business hours are from Sunday to Thursday 7:30 - 14:30 in the government sector, and generally from 9:00 to 5:00 in the private sector. Weekend falls on Friday and Saturday. The local time is GMT +5hours.
DRP thugs attacking reformists in Addu
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DRP thugs attacking reformists in Addu
Addu - Sources in Addu are reporting that DRP thugs sponsored by Vimla Rasheed has been attacking several MDP reformists over the past 48 hours. It is reported that police is not coming to the aid of reformists and instead they are protecting these thugs as usual. Earlier on Monday, there were also road blocks placed at the entrance to Gan island and only passengers were allowed to pass, the reason for which police say is the heightened tension in the Atoll. Sources say that these clashes are planned to derail MDP's campaign in Addu to promote parliamentary system which has gained momentum over the past week. Some reformists were also detained over night but the real criminals remain at large, sources said. It is a well known fact that Vimla Rasheed, who owns a construction company, is handsomely rewarded by the Maldives Dictator with government projects in return for organising and managing these criminal activities.
Tourism Minister Shaugee cutting dodgy resort deals
Tourism Minister Shaugee cutting dodgy resort deals A reliable source in the tourism industry confirmed today that Tourism Minister Shaugee, also known as Mrs. George, is now the leading broker for resort projects in the Maldives. He is reportedly now cutting a deal to secure Vaadhoo resort for a Sri Lankan firm. Mrs. George is also speaking with those new resorts which have yet to start construction and trying to pass the projects to foreigners in return for handsome cuts. Mrs. George's selling line is apparently," I am the Tourism Minister, so I can easily do the deal for you," said our source. Mrs. George also got over a million dollars in loan from Hatton National Bank of Sri Lanka last year to build his home, after he cut a deal for a Sri Lankan firm. According to our sources, you can get anything done by Tourism Ministry now if you have a few hundred thousand dollars to bribe Mrs. George.
Man Injured, Car torched in Adddu's Serial Gang Fights - Breaking News.
A car was torched and a man was injured during the disturbances which occurred between the residents of Addu atoll Maradhoo and Feydhoo on Friday night.
The injured man is now being treated in Hithadhoo Regional Hospital’s ICU ward. The man had sustained severe wounds due to the fight. The man’s family had however declined to give any further details to reporters on the incident. A police official had also said that family members had refused to give certain details on the case and had not cooperated with the investigation of the case.
The incident had occurred around 6:30pm after a match between Maradhoo and Feydhoo at Hithadhoo Stadium. Supporters of both islands were on their way home when the fight had broken out. The first fight had begun when a group of Maradhoo residents had tried to stop a car being driven by Feydhoo residents. The Feydhoo residents had kept on driving without slowing the car and had in the end crashed into a cycle. The rider of the cycle was severely injured in the accident.
The Maradhoo group had then stopped the car and beaten the Feydhoo residents who were in the car. According to an eyewitness, one of the three men who were inside the car had managed to escape. After the fight the Maradhoo gang had then smashed the back window of the car. The car was a taxi belonging to Feydhoo Zoom taxi services.
In addition, a car belonging to Maradhoo man was set on fire later that night around 12:00am after a group of Feydhoo residents had stopped it and beaten up the men inside. The car was destroyed beyond use. According to an eyewitness, the Feydhoo gang had stopped the Maradhoo car while it was being driven through Feydhoo and that the tires of the car were also punctured before it was set on fire.
According to a police official the case is now being investigated and two people have been arrested in connection to the serial gang fights. The two people arrested were an 18-year-old youth and a 23-year-old man. The official also added that the people mostly involved in the gang fights were underage youths.
“We would like to request people to report it to either police or the Island Office if such an incident occurs,” said the police official. “We also urge people to corporate with the investigation. And we are still working on apprehending the people who were involved with the fights.”
Serial gang fights between Maradhoo and Feydhoo has recently been on the increase.
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