Maldives News Bulletin - Volume 170

This administration will always align with the interests of the people: President Dr Mohamed Muizzu

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has stated that this administration is for the people and will always align with their interests. He made the statement in his address at the “Hiyaavehi Financing Program” launch on Tuesday morning.

The President noted that housing was one of the most pressing issues this administration faced. He said that seeking long-term and sustainable solutions for this is vital, and as such, he gave reassurance that the “Hiyaavahi Financing Program” scheme would not be halted one year later. The scheme, he added, was part of the Dhivehinge Raajje manifesto. The scheme fulfils the loan scheme that capped housing loan interest at five per cent and would allow homeowners anywhere in the country to upgrade their residences.

The President noted that the 2025 budget prioritised housing, with MVR 1 billion allotted. President Dr Muizzu added that this amount will also be apportioned in the next four years’ budget. Therefore, he said that MVR 2 billion of housing loans would be leveraged every year from this MVR 1 billion addition to the scheme.

The President noted that the administration will seek solutions for homeowners unable to finish ongoing and planned work on their residences.

In his address, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu reflected on his aims of providing adequate housing options to all citizens. He added that his priority was to fulfil the pledges made in his interactions with citizens in various meetings and platforms.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu thanked the Housing Development Finance Corporation (HDFC), Bank of Maldives (BML) and Maldives Islamic Bank (MIB), partners in this venture.

The President announced the interest-capped housing loan scheme in his address to the nation on this year’s Independence Day.

SOURCE : The President’s Office

Vice President departs on an official visit to Kulhudhuffushi City

Vice President Uz Hussain Mohamed Latheef departed for Kulhudhuffushi City on an official visit this morning. A high-level Government delegation accompanies him.

The Vice President will inaugurate the “Hashiheyo Raajje” programme during his visit. The Ministry of Sports, Fitness, and Recreation launched the “Leading Leaders” initiative on 4 November to train leaders who will oversee the programme across six designated zones.

This programme launched today is part of the Government’s 14-week pledge and reflects a long-term strategy to develop exceptional athletes. The initiative is being carried out by the Ministry of Sports, Fitness and Recreation as part of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s firm human resource development policy and training for the nation’s bright future.

SOURCE : The President’s Office

President reopens Centre for Higher Secondary Education-Malé

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has reopened the Centre for Higher Secondary Education—Malé (CHSE—Malé). The school reopened after renovations, and a special function was held tonight.

At the function, the President was presented with a memento symbolising the school’s journey. He also attended a forum conducted by five students, where they discussed students’ hopes for the nation’s future.

At the function held to mark the 45th anniversary of CHSE last year, the President announced the Government’s intention to resume the provision of higher secondary education in the Malé ward. With the resumption of services at CHSE-Malé, that pledge has come to fruition. The president had also affirmed earlier that the Government would provide more opportunities for students pursuing higher secondary education.

Addressing the function, Minister of Education Dr Ismail Shafeeu expressed gratitude to the President on behalf of the education sector for identifying the difficulties many students face in commuting between Malé and Hulhumalé and for offering a solution. The Minister echoed the Government’s commitment to ensuring more opportunities for students who complete their O Level examinations by increasing the student population sitting the A Level exams to 2,000.

CHSE-Malé reopened with 424 students. It was first launched on July 3, 1979, as the Science Education Centre (SEC).

SOURCE : The President’s Office

Maldives to Participate in the 47th Session of the UPR Working Group

Today, the 47th Session of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) commenced at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. The session will last two weeks and conclude on 15 November 2024. During this session, fourteen states will review their respective human rights records. The countries to be reviewed are Albania, Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d’Ivoire, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Nicaragua, Norway, Portugal, and Qatar.

The UPR Working Group holds three sessions annually. The Fourth Cycle review of the UPR began in November 2022 and will conclude in 2027. The UPR is a state-driven process that involves a review of the overall human rights situation of all UN Member States. This UN mechanism allows the States under review to declare the progress made in fulfilling their human rights obligations and commitments in their respective countries. It also allows fellow Member States to provide constructive recommendations on how the States under review can further improve the implementation of their human rights obligations. Each State review is further facilitated by groups of three States, known as “troikas”, who serve as rapporteurs. As a member of the Human Rights Council, the Maldives has been selected to be represented in the Troika for the review of Qatar.

The Maldives delegation for the 47th Session of the UPR will be led by Dr Salma Rasheed, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Maldives to the United Nations Office in Geneva. Counsellor Mr Adam Hamid, Counsellor Uza, will accompany it. Aminath Shifaya Ibrahim, Second Secretary Ms. Maryam Fathika Fayaz, and Attaché Mr. Raaidh Saeedh, from the Permanent Mission. In line with the Government’s key policies and priorities, the Maldives delegation will actively engage and provide constructive recommendations during this UPR Session.

SOURCE : Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The President decides to establish the “National Sports Fund”

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has decided to establish the “National Sports Fund” 

The decision was made after deliberations during the cabinet meeting held on November 04, 2024.

The decision came after Abdulla Rafiu, the Minister of Sports, Fitness, and Recreation, proposed the fund. The fund aims to increase the number of players and athletes, improve and develop sports, and empower the local sporting community.

On the same day, the Cabinet resolved to take all necessary steps to establish the National Sports Fund, including making required amendments to the Sports Act (No. 30/2015).

SOURCE : The President’s Office

Gov’t releases Academic Calendar 2025

The Government has released the academic calendar for next year, with the annual holidays scheduled for December.

The academic-year-end holidays were shifted to June/July 2021, following a one-year and six-month delay of the 2020 academic year prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, as this period coincides with the rainy monsoon, public concerns were raised, as there were significant challenges for families to travel and enjoy their holidays. The decision to shift the year-end holidays was taken against 70% of those who gave their opinion.

During the presidential election campaign, citizens requested President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu address this issue and change the academic calendar to how it was before. After the president assumed office, he decided to gradually move the commencement date of the new academic year back to the beginning of the year.

According to the tentative academic calendar, the new academic year is scheduled for April 6, with teachers starting their preparation work from April 3 onwards. The first term holidays are from July 28 to August 7, with the second term beginning on August 10. However, students will have a midterm break from September 21-25 during the second term. With this, the second term concludes on December 25, and the year-end holidays will officially begin on December 28. The annual holiday will last till January 22, and the academic year for 2026 is slated to commence on January 27.

SOURCE : PSM

“The aim is to develop a designated building for Zakat House next year.”

Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed has revealed that the government aims to develop a building designated for the operations of the Maldives Zakat House next year. He made the statement while speaking at the launch ceremony of Zakat Medical Treatment Services. The medical treatment services from Zakat House via oneGov were introduced to establish a system where residents can conveniently request healthcare services.

During the ceremony, Minister Dr. Shaheem stated that the Zakat House was established and operated within the policies of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. He expressed confidence in its promising future and continued development.

Announcing plans to develop a unique building for the Zakat House, Minister Dr. Shaheem stated that land has been allocated for the development of the building. He revealed that practical work on the project will commence next year. The minister noted that the primary objective of this initiative is to ensure that Zakat House provides efficient services and is an institution that provides services to residents closely.

Highlighting that the Zakat fund is the most significant societal fund in the religion, Minister Dr Shaheem revealed that the government is committed to distributing the fund to its relevant beneficiaries. He stated that the Zakat House will be a significant national administrative body.

Speaking at the ceremony, Managing Director of Tradenet Maldives Private Limited Saeedha Umar stated that 12 agencies are connected through the oneGov platform, including medical treatment services. Noting that while all previous services were mainly related to trade and business, Saeedha stated that the launch of medical treatment services was important, as it was directly linked with the lives of residents. She noted that the goal was to introduce more services to the platform that benefit residents. She added that Tradenet aims to connect 17 government agencies within the oneGov platform by year-end.

SOURCE : PSM

The President pledges to finish and handover “Shaheedhunge Hiyaa” housing to families of martyrs

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has pledged to finish and handover “Shaheedhunge Hiyaa”, a housing scheme for the families of the martyrs of November 3rd. He made the statement in his address to the nation at the official function held to mark the Maldivian Victory Day.

In his address, the President noted that in the past forty years, 29 military personnel, two Police service personnel, and 11 civilians had passed away under various circumstances, while in line of duty. However, he regrettably noted that their service had gone unrecognised, and, as such, he said it was a disgrace to their memory.

As such, the President announced that the families of the martyrs of November 3, 1988, the five individuals who received the Medal for Exceptional Bravery on the day, and the 10 individuals who received Medal for Bravery, will receive a special allowance from the state. He added that this allowance will be disbursed under certain regulations set in the gazette and granted for their lifetime.

President Dr Muizzu said that while the state recognised the Martyrs’ valour and sacrifice, nothing can compensate for the loss the families of the Martyrs continue to experience.

SOURCE : The President’s Office

Foreign Minister Dr Abdulla Khaleel sends Independence Day greetings to the Foreign Minister of Panama

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Maldives, Dr Abdulla Khaleel, has sent a message of felicitations to the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Panama, Javier Martínez Acha Vásquez, on the occasion of Panama’s Independence Day.

The Minister’s message reads as follows:

“On behalf of the Government, the people of the Republic of Maldives and on my own behalf, I would like to extend warm greetings and best wishes to Your Excellency, the Government and the people of Panama, on the occasion of your Independence Day.

I believe that our joint efforts on common issues will foster an even stronger relationship in the years ahead.

Let me extend my best wishes for your good health and well-being and for the peace and prosperity of the people of Panama.

Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.”

SOURCE : Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Vice President says Government is committed to reinvigorating football in Maldives

Vice President Uz Hussain Mohamed Latheef has expressed the Government’s commitment to reinvigorating Maldivian football. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Milo Academy Championship 2024 for the Under-14 age group, the Vice President emphasised the Government’s active collaboration with authorities to address concerns about law and order in Maldivian football.

Highlighting the importance of nurturing young talent, the Vice President praised events like the Milo Academy Championship for showcasing emerging players with diverse skills. He acknowledged the dedicated efforts of football academies in reviving the sport and assured them of the Government’s full support in promoting football nationwide.

The Vice President expressed appreciation for the efforts of football academies and the families dedicated to supporting young athletes. He reassured attendees that the Government is prepared to back these initiatives, highlighting the crucial role of grassroot efforts in establishing a robust football culture. His presence at the ceremony, which coincided with national celebrations such as Victory Day, reinforced the significance the Government places on sports—particularly football—as a catalyst for unity and national pride.

In his remarks, Vice President Latheef emphasised the importance of tournaments like the Milo Academy Championship in developing players with varied skills. He encouraged all young participants to aim for national-level competition, framing football as a unifying force that embodies the spirit of the nation.

During the ceremony, the Vice President reviewed the final match. He also signed the championship ball and awarded medals, mementos, and prizes to standout players, including the player of the match and the teams that finished second. His presence at the event underlined the Government’s encouragement of youth sports and its focus on rebuilding the sport’s foundation in the Maldives.

SOURCE : The President’s Office

Maldives and Turkiye enter a free trade agreement

The Maldives and Turkiye have signed a free trade agreement to strengthen trade relations. Minister of Economic Development Mohamed Saeed and Minister of Trade Professor Dr. Omer Bolat signed the agreement.

The agreement will not only ease fish exports to Turkiye but also reduce trade barriers, bolster trade relations between the two countries, and facilitate increased bilateral trade. Maldivian fish exporters will be able to expand their business in the Turkish market, while Maldivian consumers and companies will benefit from access to Turkish products at lower prices.

The agreement was discussed during the President’s visit to Turkiye in November last year when he met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to enhance bilateral relations. The two leaders engaged in extensive discussions on strengthening economic ties, including trade, investment, renewable energy, and higher education cooperation.

Economic ties between the Maldives and Turkiye are now being deepened. The agreement will further solidify the relationship and create new opportunities for businesses.

SOURCE : PSM

HRCM aims to conduct nationwide trainings to empower human rights activists

Member of the Human Rights Commission of Maldives (HRCM) Ismail Habeeb has revealed that the commission aims to conduct nationwide training programmes to empower human rights activists.

Speaking at the ceremony to inaugurate the Human Rights Defenders Programme, HRCM Member Habeeb emphasised the efforts exerted by HRCM to protect, maintain, and empower human rights. He noted that the new programme launched will play a significant role in promoting human rights activists and enhancing their capabilities. Habeeb also disclosed the commission’s overarching goal of conducting this programme at a national level, increasing awareness of human rights, and building individuals who can hold the government accountable and protect human rights.

Residents of Male’’ City and from various atolls will attend the four-day programme. HRCM has previously held this programme in Kulhudhuffushi City and Addu City.

SOURCE : PSM