- Maldives News Bulletin
- Posts
- Maldives News Bulletin - Volume 159
Maldives News Bulletin - Volume 159
Discover latest updates of the Government
Date: October 20, 2024 | Issue 159
The Vice President departs on an official visit to Samoa
Vice President His Excellency Uz. Hussain Mohamed Latheef departed for Samoa on Sunday, accompanied by a high-level Government delegation to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2024 (CHOGM).
During his visit, the Vice President will participate in numerous events and deliver remarks and interventions.
The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2024 (CHOGM) provides a platform for Commonwealth nations to address global economic, environmental, and security challenges, and to collaborate on building resilience, enhancing trade, and fostering a sustainable future.
CHOGM 2024 is scheduled to take place from 21 to 26 October 2024.
SOURCE : The President’s Office
Widespread support for 5 million tree planting initiative: Minister Thoriq
Minister of Climate Change, Environment and Energy Thoriq Ibrahim has revealed that several parties have expressed interest in supporting the Five Million Trees Planting Programme, bringing the total number of trees to be planted under the initiative to 3.1 million.
In a social media post, Minister Thoriq stated that several parties were interested in contributing to the programme, noting that a total of 400,000 trees have been planted so far, under this project. The minister expressed confidence in planting over five million trees within the next for years, achieving the primary objective of this initiative.
The Five Million Trees Planting Programme was inaugurated by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu on June 5, on World Environment Day 2024. This is a significant presidential pledge to plant five million trees across the Maldives. The Ministry revealed that a total of 398,000 trees were planted on the first day the programme was launched. A key focus of the programme is the revival of endangered species, with 90 species listed as endangered in the Maldives.
SOURCE : PSM
Gov’t to propose supplementary budget of USD 325.7 million
Minister of Finance Moosa Zameer has announced that work is underway to submit a supplementary budget to Parliament. He made this statement during a press conference held on Saturday, addressing challenges in public expenditure management.
In his remarks, Minister Zameer noted that the government is facing cash flow issues and difficulties in managing expenditures. He emphasised that, as in previous years, a supplementary budget is essential to cover the state’s financial obligations.
The Minister highlighted that the budget is being prepared with a focus on cost minimization. He mentioned that while the supplementary budget could potentially reach USD 651 million without spending cuts, proactive measures from the President should help prevent this.
The Government has projected a supplementary budget of USD 325.7 million, although the exact figure has yet to be confirmed as assessments are ongoing. This proposal marks a decrease from last year’s supplementary budget of USD 423 million.
In recent years, a supplementary budget has been submitted annually, as the initial state budget often falls short of covering all expenditures. This year, Parliament passed a budget of USD 3.2 billion.
SOURCE : PSM
Gov’t to enhance healthcare with digital health initiative
The Ministry of Health has announced a major initiative to improve healthcare through the development of a digital health system focused on modernizing the management of non-communicable diseases and enhancing patient record-keeping. This new system will automatically deliver health information via SMS to patients’ phones.
Currently, the Maldives lacks a centralized system for accessing individuals’ health information, complicating efforts to monitor public health and maintain accurate records. This often results in repeated tests when patients switch hospitals, wasting both time and resources.
The proposed digital health system will enable public and private healthcare facilities to maintain comprehensive medical records for each patient. Patients will receive test results directly on their phones, streamlining the process. The Ministry notes that the system will facilitate online appointment scheduling and consultations, creating a complete medical history from childhood onward.
To develop the National Digital Health Architecture Blueprint, the Ministry of Health has conducted workshops to gather insights from healthcare providers, policymakers, technical experts, and other stakeholders. They also plan to seek public input before finalising the blueprint.
In collaboration with the World Health Organization and the Asian Development Bank, the Ministry aims to foster a culture of early disease prevention, marking a significant national effort to combat chronic diseases.
SOURCE : PSM
Public will reap medicine price control benefits next year: Finance Ministry
Deputy Minister of Finance Ahmed Saaid Musthafa has revealed that benefits from price control measures implemented on medicines, as well as from the systematic importation of pharmaceuticals, will become apparent in the coming year. He highlighted the Government’s commitment to reducing the excessive expenditures incurred by the national insurance system.
The national insurance system, which is managed by Aasandha Company Limited, is a system that delivers services uniformly to all individuals, regardless of their socio-economic status. This approach has led to inefficiencies and challenges in delivering services in a sustainable and cost-effective manner. Presently, the insurance system accounts for the highest expenditures, which include, wasteful expenses.
Aasandha reported that more than half of its expenses are attributed to the importation of medicines, which continue to rise annually. Aiming to address this issue, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu stipulated measures to prevent sale of medicine imported and sold in the Maldives with huge profits. The president instructed all relevant authorities to take necessary measures to prevent such huge profits from being taken in the sale of medicines.
The Ministry of Finance has initiated several measures to regulate medicine pricing. The government has asserted that adopting a bulk procurement policy for the importation of medicines will significantly lower costs.
Speaking at a programme aired on PSM News, Deputy Minister Saaid expressed optimism regarding these measures, indicating that their effects will be noticeable next year. He expressed confidence that the situation will improve without any changes brought to the quality and availability of medicines.
SOURCE : PSM
Minister Mariya concludes trip to participate Creativity in Education Summit
Minister of Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development Dr Mariyam Mariya has concluded her visit to Paris, France. The Minister undertook the trip on October 15, to participate in the 6th Creativity in Education Summit, which was held from October 17-18.
The Summit was organised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and Global Creative Thinking Institute. It was attended by educational experts and officials working in the educational sector from across the globe. The sessions of the Summit primarily focused on discussions on ways the innovation of the sector can be increased and offering insights into the latest research and advancements for adaptive teaching in the evolving educational landscape.
After taking part in the summit, Minister Dr Mariya met with the Chair of UNESCO’s Institute for Information Technologies (UNESCO-IITE) Professor Asha Kanwar and the Director of UNESCO IITE Tao Zhan. During the meeting, they discussed the significant role of creativity in driving global educational innovation. She also met with the Minister of Education of Seychelles Justin Valentin and discussed policies and how educational institutions in both nations engage teachers, students, and communities on sustainability and climate change.
SOURCE : PSM
Islamic Ministry to hold Hajj and Umrah conference
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs is offering Hajj and Umrah service companies the chance to participate in the inaugural Hajj and Umrah Conference, scheduled for the October 31. Interested participants can sign up through the Ministry.
Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, announced that various organizations authorized to facilitate Hajj and Umrah journeys have been invited to join. The conference aims to enhance coordination among service providers for Hajj and Umrah arrangements. The government initiated this seminar to improve the logistics involved in these religious pilgrimages.
Currently, the Maldives Hajj Corporation is facilitating Hajj trips to the Maldives, while the Ministry has authorized 56 companies to assist with Umrah travel. The Ministry regularly conducts seminars on various religious topics, including past gatherings for imams and religious scholars, as part of its commitment to strengthen religious initiatives in the Maldives.
SOURCE : PSM
Multiple financial issues, unbudgeted expenses identified: Finance Minister
Minister of Finance Moosa Zameer has disclosed that significant and illegal issues have been identified in the systematic recording of government expenditures over the past few years.
Speaking at a press conference held at the President’s Office on Saturday, Minister Zameer revealed that the Ministry of Finance has halted the publication of the Weekly Fiscal Development report due to the identification of serious and illegal discrepancies in the recording of government spending. He emphasised that this decision aims to ensure that the nation’s fiscal accounts are presented with accurate and valid information.
Addressing the media, Minister Zameer noted that the current budget must account for unpaid bills from 2022 and 2023, totalling USD 162 million, which have been requested for publication. He mentioned that the Ministry has referred these cases to the Auditor General’s Office (AGO) for review, as there may be additional outstanding bills. Furthermore, the Minister stated that a significant amount of USD 194 million has been disbursed from this year’s cash flow, despite being included in last year’s budget and not paid from the 2023 cash flow.
During the press conference, Attorney General Uz Ahmed Usham stated that the inclusion of these amounts in this year’s budget was against the law. Therefore, the ministry is working actively to address these issues. The attorney general confirmed that the matters have been forwarded to the AGO, and a report is expected within two to three weeks, after which appropriate actions will be taken based on the findings. He asserted that cases involving legal violations will be thoroughly investigated, and legal action will be pursued against those responsible.
Furthermore, Usham stated that the supplementary budget should also be used after requesting the Parliament’s Budget Committee. He remarked that this practice has not been followed in the past three years, attributing the current financial challenges stemming from such illegal actions.
SOURCE : PSM
Attorney General to investigate previous government’s negligence in public expenditure
Attorney General Ahmed Usham has stated that he will take decisive action following the release of a report, which is set to investigate serious issues related to the systematic recording of public expenditure over recent years. This statement was made during the press conference held with Finance Minister Moosa Zameer, on Saturday.
Minister Zameer disclosed that approximately USD 130 million has been spent beyond the budget approved by Parliament during the previous administration. Usham emphasised that while the former government expended billions, these funds were not adequately accounted for within the Finance Ministry’s system.
He reiterated that the law prohibits the government from exceeding the approved budget, asserting that any expenditures recorded this year would be deemed illegal. The matter has now been referred to the Auditor General’s office, which is expected to deliver its report within the next two weeks. Following this, the office will determine the appropriate course of action.
Usham underscored the government’s commitment to addressing such significant errors in state accounting and expressed his intention to propose amendments to the law to prevent similar incidents in the future.
SOURCE : PSM
The President declares November 10, 2024, a Government holiday
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu declared Sunday, November 10, 2024, a Government holiday.
The President’s Office issued a directive today, announcing the holiday and ensuring that employees are entitled to uninterrupted leave during holidays.
According to this year’s calendar, the day before the Republic Day holiday (Sunday, November 10, 2024) is an official working day.
SOURCE : The President’s Office
Sinamale’ Bridge Monument Park officially opened
The Sinamale’ Bridge Monument Park has officially opened. The inauguration took place during a special ceremony on Saturday, led by the Minister of Construction and Infrastructure, Dr Abdullah Muththalib, and the Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives, Wang Lixing.
The park has been designed to provide information about the cutting-edge technology from China used in the development of the Sinamale’ Bridge. It features displays showcasing the bridge’s development and relevant information, along with facilities for families to enjoy the area.
After the opening ceremony, the Minister emphasised the project’s significance for the Maldives and the importance of making information accessible to the public. He noted that it is essential for those in the field to have access to this information.
Following the ceremony, Ambassador Wang Lixing highlighted the unique aspects of the Sinamale’ Bridge, explaining that the project has boosted the community’s confidence in development and rekindled hope for a brighter future. She remarked that the structure symbolises the close ties between the two countries and has significantly impacted the Maldives’ economy.
SOURCE : PSM
Creative Economy Fund attracts significant support
Managing Director of the Business Centre Corporation (BCC), Ibrahim Ziyau, has emphasised the significant interest in the Creative Economy Fund, emphasizing the urgent need for financial support in the arts sector.
This initiative supports the goal of fostering a creative economy and encourages greater participation of young people in the arts. Currently open for applications, the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Ziyau noted that due to high demand, applications for filmmakers have been temporarily paused, and there has been a significant increase in applications for music production, arts and crafts, and digital content creation.
The Creative Economy Fund aims to support projects in various creative fields, offering financial assistance ranging from USD 3,200 to USD 19,000 based on specific guidelines. To be eligible, applicants must be registered as small businesses. Those operating without registration are encouraged to register as self-employed with the BCC.
A dedicated fund committee will review proposals, and funding will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. The fund provides incubation services to help applicants grow their businesses. These services include technical assistance for setting future goals, tackling challenges, and devising solutions. The BCC will also offer income-based loan repayment options, requiring no collateral to access funds, addressing current industry challenges.
SOURCE : PSM
Gov’t sets asset recovery bill for early 2025
Attorney General Ahmed Usham has announced that the Asset Recovery Bill will be introduced in Parliament during the first session of next year. He made this statement during the press conference held at the President’s Office on Saturday.
The Attorney General indicated that he consulted with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) regarding the bill upon taking office. While he initially hoped to present it this year, he noted that the ACC has not yet sent the bill to his Office. In May, the ACC disclosed its efforts to create a law aimed at recovering funds lost to the state through criminal activities.
Additionally, Attorney General Usham highlighted that the previous government allocated assets worth USD 65 million to various entities, with only one individual receiving cash compensation. Most compensation was in the form of islands and lagoons, which Usham believes was done unlawfully. Noting that the government is currently exploring legal avenues to annul these agreements, expecting to complete this process by the end of November, the Attorney General reaffirmed the government’s commitment to recovering state assets.
SOURCE : PSM
Maldives, ICAO signs agreement to enhance aviation security training and compliance
Maldives and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has signed an agreement to enhance aviation security training and compliance. The agreement, related to the provision of Computer-Based Training (CBT) and data management software, was signed by the Directorate of Aviation Security Administration (DASA) under the Ministry of Defence and ICAO’s Corporate Aviation Security Programme-Asia Pacific.
The Defence Ministry revealed that ICAO will provide training for airport security officers who are responsible for screening, with a computer-based X-ray Operator Training System. It also stated that arrangements have been made such that the officers are trained and certified to meet the standards set by the National Civil Aviation Security Training Policy. The Ministry expressed confidence in the system, stating that its utilisation will provide officers situated in other airports in the region, to train and get certified as well.
The Oversight, Reporting & Resolution (ORR) system is a software designed to ensure that agencies who are tasked with performing the duties outlined in the National Civil Aviation Security Programme, are securing data from quality control works systematically.
SOURCE : PSM