Maldives News Bulletin Volume 106

Date: August 04, 2024 | Volume: 106

Gov’t aims to increase number of students completing A-Levels

The Ministry of Education has revealed its goal of increasing the number of students completing their higher secondary education. Speaking at a programme aired on Television Maldives (TVM), Minister of State for Education Ahmed Mohamed stated that the primary objective of this initiative is to deliver quality educational opportunities to students within an official educational framework until they reach 18 years of age.

Aiming to achieve the objective, the government has implemented several significant measures. These include expanding educational opportunities to all students in 23 schools that offer higher secondary education, based on the capacity of these institutions, and relaxing the eligibility criteria for student admissions. While the government is currently giving the opportunity for students of 23 schools, it aims to provide this opportunity in all islands which provide higher education.

The state minister underscored that the initiative will also be instrumental in providing students with foundational knowledge across various fields as they transition into the workforce.

Furthermore, State Minister Ahmed Mohamed highlighted the ongoing efforts to increase the number of local teachers. While over 10,000 teachers are actively working in the nation, over 2,000 teachers are foreign teachers. Hence, the state minister revealed the government’s plans to provide allowances to students interested in having teaching as their career. It will be provided to students enrolling in grade 11, after an agreement between the ministry, the student, and the parent or guardian. He noted that these students will be eligible to become primary teachers at foundational level, after they complete their higher secondary education.

Additionally, the government has decided to allow students to complete examination papers created by the government, rather than taking the Edexcel examinations for certain subjects. These governmental decisions are aimed at providing diverse opportunities to the youth and increasing the number of local teachers. The government is confident that these measures will enhance national productivity and development.

MMPRC calls on partners for Maldives Border Miles

Maldives Marketing & Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) has called on all tourist facilities registered in the Maldives to become partners of the Maldives Border Miles program.

In a statement released, MMPRC said, resorts, guesthouses, hotels, airlines, Maldives-registered travel agencies, dive centers, souvenir shops, and other similar establishments can register to become part of the program.

This nationwide loyalty initiative is designed to enhance the experience of tourists visiting the country. For partners, the Border Miles program opens a network that rewards and recognizes our valued visitors, encouraging repeat visits and boosting tourism across the Maldives.

MMPRC said that the program promotes partner facilities through various channels, ensuring that business stands out to potential visitors looking for the best experiences. Additionally, Border Miles partners can enjoy the unique advantage of participating in exclusive promotions and marketing campaigns. Under this program, repeat visitors are rewarded with exclusive and unique rewards, contributing to the tourism sector.

Interested parties can apply for the program by sending out an email to [email protected] for additional information.

Will seek market access for professionals: Minister Saeed

Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed has emphasised the government is seeking market access for professional workers. He made the statement speaking in the opening ceremony of the fifth Maldives Accountants Forum. Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Saeed shed light on the government’s efforts to diversify economic development beyond the tourism sector.

The minister also stated that the government wishes to encourage innovative and professional individuals to implement and fulfil the government’s agenda of the economic development of the nation. In his address, Minister Saeed highlighted the development of the financial centre in the Airport Economic Zone within the Greater Male’ Region. The Minister further revealed that completing the development of the financial centre in Funadhoo island in Shaviyani Atoll, within five years, is also a target of the government.

The Minister also revealed that the Government has been successful in the recruitment of two individuals for the top position at the Maldives Development Bank.

Furthermore, Minister Saeed said that efforts are underway to provide more opportunities to professional workers, such as accountants. As such, the Minister revealed plans to provide them employment opportunities in the largest foreign trade market, following the implementation of the free trade agreements signed with China.

The Maldives Accountants Forum has been organised by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of the Maldives (CA Maldives) since 2017. This forum, specialised for individuals working within the field, aims to train and promote the field.

EPA to Begin Active Management of South Ari MPA by December

The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) is set to commence active management of the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA) by December this year, according to Minister of Climate Change, Environment, and Energy Thoriq Ibrahim.

The announcement was made on Tuesday in response to a question from Dhangethi Member of Parliament Abdulla Rasheed during a parliamentary session where Minister Thoriq was summoned to address inquiries from Kendhoo Member of Parliament Mauroof Zakir. MP Rasheed, representing the constituencies of Dhangethi, Omadhoo, and Dhihdhoo in South Ari Atoll, inquired about the EPA’s regulations concerning SAMPA and the timeline for their implementation. He also advocated for the management to provide “opportunities” for small businesses, such as guesthouses and safari operators.

In response, Minister Thoriq confirmed that the EPA plans to begin official management of the SAMPA area in December. In March, EPA conducted training for rangers hired to oversee the management. SAMPA, designated as a protected area in 2009, is the largest marine protected area in the Maldives and is renowned for hosting one of the world’s few year-round whale shark aggregations. Despite its protected status, the area has lacked formal management for the past 15 years.

According to the Maldives Whale Shark Research Project (MWSRP), whale sharks in SAMPA contribute approximately USD 9 million annually in tourism revenue. However, concerns have been raised over overtourism and the resulting injuries to whale sharks due to inadequate management and regulation in the region.

MTCC generates revenue of USD32 million for Q2

The Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has recorded USD32.2 million as revenue, for this year’s second quarter. The statistics of the company indicate that this amount is significantly lower than the USD43 million generated as revenue during the first quarter of the year.

MTCC attributed this decline to cash flow issues, which adversely affected its construction projects. The construction segment, which is the company’s largest revenue contributor, saw a 29 percent drop in revenue during the second quarter. Additionally, a temporary halt in land reclamation projects due to coral bleaching contributed to a 13 percent reduction in overall revenue.

The statistics outline that MTCC generated USD2.7 million from transportation services during the second quarter. It marks an improvement in the revenue by four percent compared to the first quarter, as the company generated USD2.5 million from this segment previously. Meanwhile, MTCC earned USD4.7 million through trade activities, which is lower than the revenue generated through this segment during the first quarter by nine percent. During the first quarter, MTCC attained USD 4.99 million, according to the statistics.

Overall, the decline in revenue led to a loss of USD 3.5 million for MTCC in the second quarter.

MPL preparing for bunkering services in Kulhudhuffushi

The Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) is undertaking the final preparations to commence international bunkering services in the northern atolls of the nation. A pilot boat and a tugboat have been brought to Kulhudhuffushi City by MPL. The government is preparing to commence operations on August 20.

A term sheet was signed with a multinational energy and commodity trading company, Vitol Bunkers. The project recognises the Maldives as a key global bunkering destination, positioning the country prominently on the world bunkers map.

MPL has played a pivotal role in commencing the bunkering services in the northern region of the nation.The captains and the crews of the boats were warmly welcomed by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MPL Mohamed Wajeeh Ibrahim and some officials from the company’s management.

The ongoing final preparations include the development of an administrative office. MPL said that works to establish the office are ongoing at a face pace and is expected to be completed by August 15.

Bunkering refers to the process of supplying fuel to vessels. The Maldives is strategically located in proximity to two major shipping routes, resulting in a significant demand for bunkering services. Therefore, providing bunkering services will significantly benefit the nation, significantly contributing to economic growth.

The project is to be carried out in two phases. The first phase will provide off-port bunkering services, which will require physical infrastructure. In the first phase, the services will be provided to vessels which dock in the atolls. The second phase includes the development of a port.

The government has taken several initiatives to ensure that the northern islands are a key economic hub which contributes to the nation’s overall economic development.