Maldives News Bulletin - Volume 183

First conference of the College of Nationalism begins

The first conference of the College of Nationalism, titled ‘Kalhuohfunmi-Dhivehi Qaumiyyathuge Dharubaaru,’ has officially commenced at the Islamic University of Maldives. The College of Nationalism aims to hold the conference biannually with the goal of promoting knowledge of Maldivian nationalism.

This important event is a collaboration between the Islamic University of Maldives and the Ministry of Dhivehi Language, Culture, and Heritage. During the opening ceremony, Minister of Dhivehi Language, Culture, and Heritage, Adam Naseer Ibrahim, highlighted that the conference marks the beginning of a scientific reflection on Maldivian identity, history, heritage and origins.

The Vice President of the Maldives, Uz Hussain Mohamed Latheef, attended the ceremony, where the Minister presented him with a symbolic gift.

The seminar, which is open to the public, is structured into three sessions. Experts from various fields will engage in discussions on topics such as the introduction and development of Islam in the Maldives, ancient Islamic designs, and the formation of the Maldives as a Nation.

SOURCE : PSM

Government will take action for the safety and security of residents

The Ministry of Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development has stated that efforts are underway to ensure the facilitation of exclusive opportunities for Maldivians from globally renowned universities.

Speaking at a programme aired on PSM News, Minister of State for Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development, Dr Abdulla Nazeer, emphasised that the most prestigious scholarship available to Maldivian students is the Presidential Scholarship. This year, the scholarship was awarded to 19 students. 

The State Minister explained that recipients of the Presidential Scholarship have the freedom to pursue higher education at any university of their choice, across any field of study. However, he acknowledged that some students have encountered challenges in securing placements at top universities and assured that efforts are underway to address these obstacles.

The current Government continues to provide a range of scholarship opportunities to support students in pursuing higher education. In addition, educational loan schemes are available to assist students as well. 

Currently, more than 2,249 students are studying abroad through the various initiatives offered by the Ministry.

SOURCE : PSM

Foreign Minister Dr Khaleel sends National Day greetings to the Foreign Minister of the Central African Republic

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Abdulla Khaleel has sent a message of felicitations to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Central Africans Abroad of the Central African Republic, Sylvie Valérie Baipo Temon. 

The Minister’s message reads as follows:

“The Government and the people of Maldives join me in extending warm greetings and felicitations to Your Excellency, the Government and the people of the Central African Republic on the occasion of your National Day. 

I look forward to working together with Your Excellency to strengthen the bilateral relations between our two countries.

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

SOURCE : Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Efforts underway to facilitate special opportunities from top global universities

Ministry of Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development has stated that efforts are underway to ensure the facilitation of exclusive opportunities for Maldivians, from globally renowned universities.

Speaking at a programme aired on PSM News, Minister of State for Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development Dr. Abdulla Nazeer emphasised that the most prestigious scholarship available to Maldivian students is the Presidential Scholarship. This year, the scholarship was awarded to 19 students. The state minister explained that recipients of the Presidential Scholarship have the freedom to pursue higher education at any university of their choice, across any field of study. However, he acknowledged that some students have encountered challenges in securing placements at top universities, and assured that efforts are underway to address these obstacles.

The government continues to provide a range of scholarship opportunities to support students in pursuing higher education. In addition, educational loan schemes are available to assist students as well. Currently, more than 2,249 students are studying abroad through the various initiatives offered by the ministry.

SOURCE : PSM

Police announces expedited investigations against drug dealers

The Commissioner of Police, Ali Shujau, has stated that investigations into drug dealers will be expedited, with results expected to be seen soon. This announcement was made during his appearance on a special programme of PSM News.

In his remarks, the Commissioner highlighted the significant efforts made over the past year to build public trust. Since assuming the position, he has been working under the supervision of Minister of Homeland Security and Technology, Ali Ihusaan, to implement the Strategic Action Plan. This plan prioritises the prevention of drug-related crimes and major gang activities.

The Commissioner outlined the achievements of the Police Force over the past year, including the seizure of a significant quantity of drugs and alcohol. Several locations involved in illegal drug trade operations have also been shut down by the Police. The Force has already closed over 40 such establishments, with some potentially reopening in the future.

The Commissioner further emphasised that a comprehensive solution to the drug problem requires addressing the key figures involved in the trade. Efforts are ongoing, and the public will soon see positive results. 

Additionally, steps are being taken to strengthen the Country’s drug treatment systems. In order to effectively combat the drug trade, the police are focusing on dismantling the smuggling networks behind the distribution of illegal substances, and investigations into these networks are underway to identify the individuals responsible.

SOURCE : PSM

Foreign Minister Dr Khaleel sends National Day greetings to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Romania

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Maldives, Dr. Abdulla Khaleel sends a message of felicitations to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Romania, Luminița-Teodora Odobescu, on the occasion of the National Day of Romania.

The Minister’s message reads as follows:

“On behalf of the Government and the people of the Republic of Maldives, it gives me great pleasure to extend sincere greetings to Your Excellency, the Government and the people of Romania, on the occasion of the National Day of Romania.

This year we marked the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Maldives and Romania, with the first bilateral-political consultations between our countries. It is my hope that these ties of friendship and cooperation will continue to flourish in the future. 

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

SOURCE : Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Government allocates budget of USD 1.6 million for Creative Economy Fund

In an interview with PSM News, the Minister outlined the Ministry’s achievements over the past year and shared plans for the upcoming year. He revealed that the allocated funds will be used to create more opportunities for artists, including the development of a high-quality art gallery and cinema, both of which are expected to be completed by the end of his term.

The Minister noted the challenge of having only one cinema in the Maldives, with many directors queuing to have their films shown. 

“We will create better avenues for these screenings,” he stated.

Furthermore, the Minister announced that construction of a new National Library building will begin next year, and the development of modern libraries in seven regions of the Country is expected to be completed within the next four years.

Additionally, financial support for artists will be provided through the Government budget, as previously announced by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu at the “Unveiling Visions” event hosted by the Maldivian Artist Community. These funds will also be used to purchase necessary equipment and resources to support the artistic community.

SOURCE : PSM

Solar hybrid system reduces generator use to two hours in Rakeedhoo

A solar hybrid PV-BESS-DG system has been successfully installed in Rakeedhoo, Vaavu Atoll, by State Electric Company Limited (STELCO). 

According to the Company’s General Manager, Ibrahim Nizam, the system provides more than sufficient electricity to meet the island’s needs. As a result of this new system, the generator now operates only for two hours when necessary.

The hybrid system in Rakeedhoo comprises solar panels, a battery energy storage system (BESS), and a diesel generator (DG). During daylight hours, the island is powered entirely by solar energy, whilst battery storage supplies electricity at night. The system is fully automated and closely monitored by STELCO staff to ensure efficient operation. Nizam highlighted that the objective is to provide a reliable and uninterrupted power supply to the island within the next two weeks.

STELCO has installed a total of 270 kW of solar panels across various locations in Rakeedhoo, including on the roofs of 12 homes. Two additional households have also requested solar installations. Furthermore, the Company plans to enhance the system by expanding its battery storage capacity in the near future.

It is important to note that a solar hybrid system was originally installed in Rakeedhoo in 2016 as part of an Asian Development Bank (ADB)-funded project; however, the system was later damaged beyond repair. The current installation is a completely new system, fully funded by STELCO.

SOURCE : PSM

Government strengthens relations and earns trust of councils 

The Minister of Cities, Local Government and Public Works, Adam Shareef Umar, has stated that relations between the Government and councils have strengthened, with the Government having earned the councils’ trust.

Speaking during a programme aired on PSM News, Minister Adam Shareef highlighted that the current Administration had established a dedicated ministry for councils to enhance the decentralisation system and foster closer collaboration with councils to meet residents’ service needs. 

He noted that the Ministry of Cities, Local Government and Public Works had held meetings with more than 280 councils over the past year, and President Dr Mohamed Muizzu had engaged in extensive discussions with 160 councils.

Minister Adam Shareef underscored the importance of ensuring councils’ financial independence to effectively empower them, revealing that efforts are ongoing to achieve financial stability for councils. 

Additionally, the Minister stated that creating a conducive working environment for councils is a priority, and infrastructure projects are being implemented to address these needs. Regarding decentralisation, Minister Adam Shareef affirmed that residents recognise the importance of a decentralisation system. He assured that any legislative amendments to the system would be made only after thorough research. To date, 11 amendments have been made to the Decentralisation Act, marking the most significant number of changes made to any act.

SOURCE : PSM