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Government Newsletter Independence Day Edition
Discover updates of 59th Anniversary of Independence day of Maldives
Date: July 26, 2024 | Volume: 100
To upload our nation’s sovereignty and fully realize our independence, we must secure three critical areas: economic sovereignty, Self-determination and Defence Security.
Photo Credits: The President’s Office
President conveys independence day greetings to all citizens
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has extended Independence Day greetings to the general public. The President conveyed his message in a post on social media platform ‘X’. In his post, the President expressed his prayers for the Maldives to retain its independence for eternity. This year, the Maldives celebrates its 59th anniversary of independence. The President and First Lady participated in the commemorative flag-hoisting ceremony earlier this morning to mark the occasion
Government recognizes President’s efforts to maintain independence
Minister of Dhivehi Language, Culture, and Heritage Adam Naseer Ibrahim has affirmed that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu is demonstrating dedicated and promising efforts to uphold the nation’s independence and sovereignty. The remarks were made by the minister during the official ceremony held to commemorate Independence Day. Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Adam Naseer recognised that the independence of the nation is a testament to the hard work and dedication of several individuals. Emphasising that sustaining independence requires significant commitment, the minister noted that President Dr. Muizzu is employing strategic policies to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty. He praised the president’s efforts and the promising measures implemented to protect the nation’s independence. In his address, Minister Adam Naseer shed light on the current situation of Palestine, noting the horrific lifestyle they are enduring. On this stance, the minister reiterated that President Dr. Muizzu and his government will always stand by Palestine, calling for its independence.
Since assuming office, President Muizzu has enacted strategic measures to protect the nation’s independence. Noteworthy actions include ordering the withdrawal of 76 foreign military personnel, introducing an air ambulance service for emergency medical evacuations, and establishing the first Air Corps of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) along with deploying three UAV drones. These measures have significantly enhanced the nation’s military capabilities, particularly for monitoring the coastal region and the Special Economic Zone (SEZ). The Independence Day of the Maldives is observed annually on July 26, marking the day in 1965 when the Maldives gained independence from British colonial rule, which had begun in 1887. This year marks the 59th anniversary of this significant milestone.
President announces initial effort to ensure defence sovereignty achieved
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has declared that the initial step in securing the defence sovereignty of the Maldives has been achieved with the evacuation of foreign troops stationed in the country. He made these remarks during his address to the nation on the occasion of the 59th anniversary of the Maldives’ independence. The President stated that this has now been accomplished and guaranteed that foreign troops, whether in uniform or not, will not be present in the Maldives. The President stated that all the military personnel have been evacuated from the platforms provided by the Indian Government, which are now being operated by civilians. He also noted that the first patient transport flight from Hanimaadhoo to Male’ City for emergency services operated this evening.
Finally, to ensure our defense security, it is essential to monitor our vast seas effectively. by leveraging modern technology and UAVs, we are now capable of round-the-clock surveillance, providing us with the assurance we need for our national security.
The President asserted that full control of territorial waters is crucial for ensuring national defence sovereignty. He indicated that advanced technologies, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), are being utilised for continuous surveillance of the nation’s maritime domains. Additionally, he outlined efforts to enhance the capabilities of the armed forces, secure necessary funding, and significantly increase the Coast Guard’s capacity. The President stated that upholding the red line of the country’s independence and ensuring it is an act of pride for him.
President confers National Award for Public Service to 138 recipients
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu conferred the National Award for Public Service to 138 recipients, presenting them with commemorative shields and badges. The awards were conferred during the official Independence Day function held at the Maldives Centre for Social Education (MCSE). The National Award for Public Service recognises the competence, integrity, and dedication of government employees who have served the state for more than 35 years and made significant contributions to the development of their respective institutions. In addition to the award applicants, this year’s recipients include long-serving public servants who have dedicated over 45 years to state service without prior recognition. The President’s Office compiled the service records of these individuals, and under the President’s directive, the National Awards Committee conducted a thorough vetting process to select recipients who meet the established eligibility criteria for the award.
Among the 138 recipients of this year’s award are 30 women and 108 men. The National Awards Committee, mandated with vetting and selecting recipients for the National Awards, oversaw the selection of this year’s award winners. The chairperson of the National Awards Committee, Uz ‘Kashima’ Ahmed Shakir, delivered remarks at the ceremony. On behalf of the recipients, Abdul Muhsin Ramiz addressed the gathering held last night.
President affirms bridge toll charges not part of administration’s policy.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has affirmed that charging tolls for bridge usage is not part of the current administration’s policy strategy. He made the reassurance in a post on the social media platform ‘X’. The President clarified that the commissioning of a technical-level research on charging tolls for bridge usage was included within the “Malé Fahi” Programme announced last night to provide an advisory opinion for the President. He further detailed that even if the technical-level research suggests charging tolls for bridge usage, such a decision would not be implemented prior to first developing the roads of Malé City, resolving the parking issues, and improving the economic situation of the people and the nation to an acceptable level.
President announces housing loans to address housing crisis
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has announced that to address the housing crisis, the government will commence issuing housing loans in October with interest rates not exceeding 5%. He made these remarks while speaking at the official Independence Day function held at the Maldives Centre for Social Education (MCSE) on Friday night. The President emphasised that the government’s core commitment is to provide housing and announced that all necessary arrangements are in place to distribute these loans, which will be available to citizens throughout the country. Aligned with the Government’s sustainable development vision, the loans will be offered in three distinct categories. These categories include a maximum of MVR 6 million for Malé City, up to MVR 3 million for urban centres, and up to MVR 1 million for other islands. These loans are intended to support the construction, renovation, and completion of new homes.
True independence is realized when every individual can live with honor and dignity, and in affordable housing. This is a top priority for my administration, and we have been focused on this from day one.
Following discussions during a recent visit by senior Government officials to China, solutions have been identified for constructing the remaining two bridges needed to connect housing land in the Greater Malé Region.
The President pointed out that the current bridge project does not include a link to Giraavaru Falhu to the north, and a proposal has been made to build a bridge connecting these areas. The goal is to initiate construction on both bridges by 2026 and to connect them to North Thila Falhu by 2029. The, President highlighted the importance of extending the bridge to North Thila Falhu, as this area is planned for an agricultural project that is a key part of the economic expansion strategy.
The President mentioned that work on the Rasmale’ project has resumed and announced that 30,000 housing units will be built in Rasmale’ during this period, supported by various soft loans from China
President confirms budgetary expenses were made from earnings
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has affirmed his commitment to fiscal reforms by confirming that state expenses were funded solely by earnings without resorting to printing money. He made this statement during his address to the nation at the official ceremony marking the 59th Independence Day of the Maldives. The ceremony was held at the Maldives Centre for Social Education and was attended by the Parliament Speaker, Chief Justice, Cabinet Ministers, and senior government officials. In his address, the President shared his administration’s economic outlook. He stressed that his administration prioritises the prosperity of individuals, families, and society as a whole and has designed the nation’s policies based on these principles. He noted that by the end of June 2024, the state had earned MVR 18.6 billion, which was utilised for recurrent state expenses and loan repayments. The President highlighted that the nation had not deferred or defaulted on any loan repayments. The President also spoke extensively on his policies to generate income, citing his plans to strengthen State-Owned Enterprises. | He emphasised that his administration would place special emphasis on strengthening the Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company Limited (MIFCO), outlining his vision to elevate it to international standards. He assured that the state would prioritise the recovery of funds owed. He indicated that land rent amounting to USD 513 million, TGST amounting to USD 102 million, GST amounting to USD 3.3 billion, and USD 1 billion in corporate income tax are yet to be received by the state. He stated that if the state were to recover these amounts, much of the fiscal burden would be alleviated. The President also pledged to further economic development avenues for citizens, announcing loans for women and seeking markets for local products and artisans. In his address, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu stressed that true independence hinges on the actualisation of three aspects – economic sovereignty, self-determination, and defence security. He highlighted the administration’s efforts in achieving these aspects. |
Government to launch initiative to allocate teaching profession exclusively to locals in September
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced the launch of an initiative to allocate teaching profession exclusively to locals in September. He made these remarks during the official Independence Day function held on Friday night.
The President revealed that the Administration had secured USD 9 million in aid for education sector reform to date. He noted that higher secondary education had been introduced to 23 schools within the past several months as part of the Administration’s efforts to enhance the education sector.
The President recalled that the most frequent requests he had received during his visits to the islands were for the installation of air conditioning in schools. He stated that the Administration had now launched an initiative to install air conditioning in schools.
Emphasising the revival of nationalism as one of his key pledges, the President stated that nationalism is now being taught as a subject to students in Key Stages 1 and 2. He added that the national anthem is being sung during school assemblies nationwide. He further elaborated on the Administration’s efforts to establish a national identity.
Economic diversification is central to achieving our goals of economic sovereignty and self-determination. Our manifesto marks a first in the Maldives, placing this principle as its core.
Administration’s special focus on health sector enhancement aims for self-sufficiency, says the President
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has emphasized that the Administration is focusing on enhancing the health sector with the aim of achieving self sufficiency. He made these remarks during the official Independence Day function held on Friday night.
At the function, held at the Maldives Centre for Social Education (MCSE), the President highlighted the Administration’s efforts to enhance the health sector. In this regard, the President emphasised that Administration-led efforts, such as the Air Ambulance service, are operational and benefiting the public.
The President further highlighted the free bone marrow transplant initiative, which currently has 14 enrolled patients, with three having completed their treatment.
Additionally, the President emphasized the Administration’s efforts to provide high-quality medicine to the populace, in line with his pledge
The President stated that minor laboratory tests can now be conducted on all inhabited islands nationwide, as a result of the Administration’s focused efforts to equip health centres with ‘point of care’ facilities.
Individual prosperity is reflected in rising incomes, accessible and affordable health care and an education system that meets our aspirations. Establishing and achieving justice in society requires the establishment of standards for social and sports endeavors as well.
In his address, the President underscored the Administration’s efforts to promote individual freedom and support island lifestyles. He noted that the government had secured financing from the Saudi Fund to build three hospitals. Arrangements have also been made to construct a tertiary-level hospital in Vilimalé with aid from the Chinese government. The President added that negotiations are ongoing to secure funds for a dedicated hospital for women and children, which he hopes to complete within his tenure.
The President also mentioned the incorporation of In-vitro fertilisation (IVF) into the approved fertility treatments covered under the Aasandha Scheme. The Administration intends to enhance additional services within the scope of the Aasandha Scheme. Furthermore, he added that a land plot has been allocated in Hulhumalé for the construction of a specialised hospital to provide prompt treatment for children with thalassemia, ensuring comprehensive care for these patients.
Government operates with transparency, all RTI queries answered, the President affirms
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has affirmed that the Administration, including the President’s Office and all other government ministries, has responded to all Right to Information (RTI) queries to date. He emphasised that the Government is committed to operating with complete transparency and accountability. These remarks were made during the official Independence Day function.
The ceremony, held at the Maldives Centre for Social Education (MCSE) on Friday night, was attended by the First Lady, the Chief Justice of the Maldives, the Speaker of Parliament, Cabinet Ministers, and senior government officials
In his speech, the President pledged to introduce anti-corruption reforms unprecedented by his predecessors. He outlined policies aimed at regularly publishing expenditure reports and highlighted plans to introduce a mechanism for publicly sharing payment receipts for services rendered and projects commissioned by the state. The President noted that such a mechanism would enhance transparency and assist the government in tracking payments owed.
The President also revealed that the Administration, unlike previous ones, has been regularly publicising detailed breakdowns of costs related to foreign visits by the President and Vice President. Additionally, the Administration has been conducting regular sessions of “Ahaa,” a public forum designed to engage the public in discourse on key policy issues. This forum invites questions from the public to be addressed by Ministers and the President himself. The President stated that these avenues have been established to work more closely with the public by listening to their needs. He also mentioned that he has been personally responding to messages sent directly to him through the Administration led messaging portal.
President Dr Muizzu further detailed the Administration’s progress in establishing a media village to enable news media to operate freely. He stated that the government would facilitate easier access to information for media institutions through concerted efforts. The President detailed that the land plot has been allocated for the construction of the media village, which is expected to be operational within a year. The President also reiterated his pledge to allocate a portion of state funds to news media outlets, with disbursements under this initiative set to begin next year.
The Maldives celebrates its Independence Day on 26th July each year. This year marks the 59th anniversary of the Maldives’ independence.
The President asserts that an inclusive society is the foundation for fostering a compassionate society
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has stated that true freedom cannot be experienced without compassion within the community and asserted that an inclusive society is the foundation for fostering a compassionate society, ensuring that everyone is involved and no one is left behind. He made these remarks during his address to the nation on the occasion of the 59th anniversary of the Maldives’ independence.
The President, along with First Lady Madam Sajidha Mohamed, the Speaker of Parliament, Cabinet Ministers, and senior State officials, attended the official Independence Day ceremony at the Maldives Centre for Social Education (MCSE).
The President announced a 100 million Ruffiya (MVR) loan program for women, with 25% allocated to women with disabilities. He emphasized that his Administration would prioritize addressing the needs of people with disabilities.
Our biggest priority is to build an inclusive society grounded in these values. True independence cannot be achieved without compassion and care for all Maldivians. We do not stand for the marginalization of any group within our population; hence we prioritize persons with disabilities.
In his address, the President disclosed that the Government will introduce sign language courses for the public starting in August. He stated that the goal of this initiative is to improve community cohesion and inclusivity
The President stated that the Government is committed to eradicating drug addiction to ensure societal safety, affirming that the Administration is determined to undertake unprecedented efforts in the Maldives to achieve this goal. He also indicated that significant revisions would be made to the legislation related to drugs. Furthermore, he assured that a person with substance dependence would receive the necessary treatment and be reintegrated into society
The President outlined the Government’s plan to establish community rehabilitation centres and expressed optimism about its successful implementation. He also updated the public on his Administration’s initiatives to achieve the desired outcomes by introducing key amendments to the gang-related legislation.
President announces launch of reform agenda focused on enhancing individual growth of citizenry
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced that the Administration has launched a reform agenda focused on enhancing the individual growth of the citizenry. He made these remarks while speaking at the official Independence Day function held at the Maldives Centre for Social Education (MCSE) on Friday night.
The President stated that individual independence is inherently linked to the nation’s independence. He clarified that the Administration’s reforms aim to provide citizens with the security and freedoms necessary to build their own livelihoods, thereby ensuring their personal independence.
The President emphasised that a nation’s independence is founded on its economic, individual, and defence sovereignty. He highlighted that the Administration had achieved significant progress within the past eight months since assuming office, with ongoing efforts continuing today. In this regard, the President revealed that his Cabinet had convened on 17 occasions within this timeframe, reaching 225 decisions at the Cabinet level. Additionally, the Economic Council had convened 56 times, reaching 176 decisions, and the Social Council had convened 16 times, reaching 48 decisions, all of which are being implemented.
The President reiterated that these efforts align with his belief that his highest responsibility upon assuming office is to ensure the sovereignty of the nation is protected.
When we assumed office, GDP per capita was at USD 13,000. I pledge, with full conviction, to raise this amount to USD 17,000 by 2028.
President assures of institutional support in securing independence
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has assured that this administration would provide all institutional support required by the individual state branches in securing independence. He made the pledge while addressing the nation in the official ceremony held to mark the 59th Independence Day.
In his address, the President noted the issues plaguing the judicial sector and the neglect the sector had sustained over the years. He announced that construction will begin on the superior court complex next year. The complex will be constructed in Hulhumale’ and will cater to the needs of the judicial sector professionals.
The President also assured that the administration would lend all support required for the betterment of the sector. He also pledged to bring systematic changes to the sector, increasing the public’s faith in the sector.
President Dr Muizzu further pledged to bring changes to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), making the institution independent. He shared with the public his vision for the change.
The President also pledged to create additional courts to address the needs in the judicial justice system.
Our administration is resolute in its fight against corruption, setting unprecedented standards of transparency and accountability. Our commitment to tackling corruption is unparalleled in our nation’s history.
President applauds robust foreign policy; celebrates eight months of diplomatic success
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has commended the Administration’s robust foreign policy, celebrating eight months of diplomatic success. He made these remarks during the official Independence Day function held on Friday evening. Addressing the gathering at the Maldives Centre for Social Education (MCSE), the President expressed his sincere gratitude to China and India for their support in easing the Maldives’ debt repayment, thereby enabling the country to ensure economic sovereignty.
The President highlighted the assistance provided by the Chinese government in the Maldives’ developmental endeavours. He revealed that the Chinese government had agreed to defer the repayment of loans and accrued interest issued by the Export-Import Bank of China (EXIM Bank) for five years.
Furthermore, the President emphasised that the government is in negotiations with the Chinese and Indian governments to facilitate currency swap agreements. He stated that such agreements would help alleviate the local shortages of US dollars. Acknowledging the generous assistance extended by the government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), President Dr Muizzu disclosed that the UAE government had also agreed to defer loan repayments for five years. He added that the government had secured financing from the Saudi Fund to build three hospitals. Additionally, the President announced that the Administration is negotiating a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the United Kingdom and expressed hope to reach a similar agreement with India. The President further revealed that preparations to sign an FTA with Türkiye are nearing completion. He added that the FTA would enable duty exemptions or reductions for 53 types of products, benefiting both the Maldives and Türkiye.
The President stated that the international community was receptive to the Maldives’ foreign policy and expressed gratitude for the support received. He particularly credited the expedited airport expansion project to the funding received from Saudi Arabia, China, Kuwait, and the UAE, which facilitated the deferral of loan repayments and the securing of additional funds required for the project’s completion.
The President attributes the enduring independence to the steadfast dedication of countless workers
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu expressed appreciation for the longserving individuals and credited the lasting independence to the unwavering dedication of countless workers. He made these remarks while speaking at the official Independence Day function held at the Maldives Centre for Social Education (MCSE) on Friday evening . Speaking at the event, the President stated that long-term state service is only attainable for individuals with strong values. He stated that many of these military personnel are truthful to the country and firmly committed to carrying out each task assigned to them with honesty, integrity, and commitment.
The President underscored that extended service to the state involves considerable challenges. He also acknowledged the vital role that the families of these service members play in providing support throughout their service, emphasizing the significant sacrifices made by both the service members and their families for the nation.
The President also commended and expressed his gratitude to those who have dedicated many years of service to the state and extended his recognition to both these distinguished individuals and their families.
During the official Independence Day function, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu conferred the National Award for Public Service to 138 distinguished individuals who have dedicated between 35 and 47 years of service to the state.
Freedom is the greatest blessing for a nation.
Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef has stated that freedom is the greatest blessing for a nation and freedom is essential to realising the aspirations of the citizens. He made the remarks in a video message commemorating the 59th Independence Day of Maldives. In his video speech, the Vice President underscored the Maldives’ long heritage of freedom. He stated that valiant Maldivians stood to defend the country every time the freedom of the country was challenged. He also emphasised the sacrifices made by the heroic individuals who fought for the country’s freedom before them. The Vice President highlighted how important it is to support President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu in his efforts to safeguard the nation’s independence, sovereignty, peace, and harmony.