Maldives News Bulletin - Volume 190

President assures action on dollar shortage crisis

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has assured the nation that efforts to resolve the dollar shortage will continue as promised.

During a meeting with residents of K. Huraa, as part of his tour of Ari Atoll and Male’ Atoll, he confirmed that whilst the dollar shortage remains an inherited economic challenge, steps are being taken to address it.

The President mentioned that a key element of the economic strategy requires exchanging a portion of incoming foreign currency through Maldivian banks, a measure established to benefit citizens. He further stated that the central bank has drafted and submitted the relevant legislation to Parliament, noting that the bill remains unchanged from its original form.

The President expressed optimism that Parliament would pass the bill before its current session ends, emphasising that its passage would boost economic prosperity and enhance national wealth.

The legislation, submitted to Parliament today, aims to establish a comprehensive legal framework governing foreign currency transactions within the Maldives, regulate international currency movements, standardise domestic currency operations and implement clear protocols for all foreign currency dealings.

SOURCE : The President’s Office

Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Abdulla Khaleel departs for Oman on an official visit

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Maldives, Dr Abdulla Khaleel, departed today for the Sultanate of Oman on an official visit from 10 to 13 December 2024, on the invitation of His Excellency Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi, Foreign Minister of Oman.

During the visit, the Minister will engage in high-level discussions with Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi to review the longstanding bilateral relations between the Maldives and Oman and explore avenues for future cooperation in areas of mutual interest. 

In addition, the Minister will hold meetings with senior dignitaries of the Omani Government to explore opportunities to enhance collaboration in various sectors between the two countries, including trade and investment promotion.

This visit underscores the Maldives’ commitment to fostering strong and mutually beneficial relations with the Sultanate of Oman. 

The Minister is accompanied by Dr Hala Hameed, Secretary, Bilateral, Ms Fathimath Naeema, Senior Under Secretary, and Mr Mohamed Shujau, Assistant Director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

SOURCE : Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Stakeholder Consultation Workshop on NDC 3.0 Formulation Held 

The Ministry of Climate Change, Environment, and Energy (MCCEE) successfully conducted the second stakeholder workshop on the formulation of the Maldives’ third Climate Action Plan, the Third Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0), under the Paris Agreement. 

The workshop aimed to gather input from diverse stakeholders to identify and strategise the Maldives’ climate action priorities for the next five to ten years. The first stakeholder consultation for NDC 3.0 was held on 24th October 2024 in Fuvahmulah City. 

The workshop brought together representatives from all relevant policy agencies. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Ajwad Mustafa, delivered the opening remarks, emphasising the importance of stakeholder collaboration in addressing climate change and achieving the NDC targets. The session also presented the Maldives’ current NDC targets and commitments and an overview of the NDC 3.0 formulation process. 

SOURCE : Ministry of Climate Change, Environment, and Energy 

Training National Assessors is Essential for Developing Skilled, Self-Reliant Individuals, Says Minister Mariya 

Minister of Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development, Dr Maryam Mariya, has stated that training national assessors is crucial for fostering a generation of skilled, self-reliant, and productive individuals. 

She was speaking at the launch ceremony of the National Assessor Training Plan. 

Initiated by the Maldives National Skills Development Authority (MNSDA) with assistance from the World Bank, the training programme aims to ensure high standards among national assessors tasked with evaluating skills development and capacity-building programmes across the Maldives. 

Speaking at the event held at Meerumaa on Monday, Dr Mariya highlighted the initiative as pivotal in enhancing workforce skills development across the nation. The training plan is not merely a document but a strategic effort to develop assessors registered with MNSDA and those aspiring to join the profession. She added that the programme seeks to identify and train assessors for specialised skill categories. 

Dr Mariya also noted significant progress. Two hundred one national assessors are registered with MNSDA, each bringing specialised skills and experience to the education sector. She added that investments have been made to train 29 individuals as trainers, who will play a crucial role in the sustainable development of skills training. 

“This initiative transcends mere administrative formality,” she underlined. “It embodies the strategic vision of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and reflects this administration’s commitment to developing a capable and self-reliant generation. Investing in the professional development of our national assessors is, indeed, an investment in the future of the Maldives.“ 

She added that the launch of the National Assessor Training Plan marks a significant step toward empowering individuals and strengthening the nation’s labour market. 

SOURCE : PSM 

The President meets K Dhiffushi Island Council and WDC 

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu met with the members of the Dhiffushi Island Council and the Women’s Development Committee (WDC) to discuss the island’s key development needs. The meeting was held at the Secretariat of the Huraa Council in Male Atoll. 

Council members stated that urgent shore protection measures need to be enacted, including upgrading the school to an A-level standard and strengthening the health sector services in the islands. 

The Women’s Development Committee stressed the importance of a multi-purpose hall for their activities. 

During the meeting, the President and Cabinet Ministers shared the latest updates on the developmental projects planned for the island. 

In the meeting, the President assured that solutions would be sought for the issues raised, ensuring that relevant ministries and agencies would take action as needed.

SOURCE : The President’s Office 

The President affirms Huraa harbour development will reflect public aspirations 

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has assured that Huraa Island’s harbour development will align with its residents’ aspirations. He made these remarks during a meeting with Huraa residents as part of his ongoing tour of islands in Malé Atoll. 

The President emphasised that next year’s budget prioritises housing, followed closely by education and health. For Huraa, the budget includes a multipurpose hall for the island’s school and enhancements to the health centre, including scanning services and other essential facilities to meet community needs. 

Highlighting the importance of collaboration, the President commended the successful partnership between the constituency’s Parliament member and the local council in establishing an ATM on the island. He urged them to continue working together to address other critical development projects. 

President Dr Muizzu reassured residents that development efforts will align with their wishes, with a focus on fulfilling campaign pledges. He outlined that 2025 and 2026 will be key years for launching and completing various projects, ensuring that unmet priorities from next year are addressed in 2026. These efforts, he stated, are part of a commitment to deliver meaningful progress for the community. 

SOURCE : The President’s Office 

Aasandha Signs Contracts to Expand Coverage to UAE, Thailand Hospitals 

The national health insurance provider, Aasandha, has signed agreements with hospitals in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Thailand to expand its coverage. 

Until now, Aasandha benefits were limited to select hospitals in India and Sri Lanka. 

Agreements have now been signed with Burjeel Medical City in the UAE, World Medical Hospital, and Bangkok Hospital in Thailand, in line with President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s pledge to enhance healthcare services available to Maldivian citizens. The contracts were signed by Aasandha’s Managing Director, Aminath Zeeniya. 

Aasandha said patients will be referred to these hospitals under the scheme from 15 January 2025. 

The government is undertaking efforts to introduce Aasandha coverage in more countries and overhaul the Aasandha system. As part of these reforms, several previously uncovered services and treatments have also been included in the scheme.

SOURCE : PSM 

The President meets with the K. Huraa Island Council and WDC to discuss key development needs 

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu met with the Huraa Island Council and the Women’s Development Committee (WDC) to discuss the island’s key development needs. The meeting took place at the Secretariat of the Gaafaru Council in Malé Atoll. 

During the meeting, Council members praised the President for addressing the country’s dollar crisis, emphasising that such measures require considerable confidence to implement. They also expressed gratitude to the Government for resolving issues related to ATMs, which had been particularly burdensome for the people of Huraa. Additionally, the members commended the rapid progress of the port construction project. They acknowledged the Government’s initiation of a land reclamation project designed to meet the needs of the Huraa community. 

The Council members also raised residents’ requests for scanning services at the health centre and highlighted the importance of advancing school development. Furthermore, they urged the Government to ensure that islands across the nation can participate in the Gold Cup. 

The President assured the Council that he would review the issues raised and seek appropriate solutions to the concerns highlighted. 

SOURCE : The President’s Office 

Maldives Stresses the Need for Quality Data to Formulate Policies on Environmental Protection 

Minister of Climate Change, Environment and Energy Thoriq Ibrahim on Tuesday stressed the need for access to reliable and quality data to formulate effective policies for environmental protection. 

Speaking during the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) COP16 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Minister Thoriq noted that the Maldives officially joined the Group on Earth Observations (GEO) in January this year, adding that great strides have been made to develop data capacity through leveraging Earth Intelligence and other innovative approaches. 

The Minister highlighted the need to establish ways to harness Earth Intelligence to address data gaps and continuously monitor our ecosystems to ensure effective conservation and planning. 

“Access to reliable and quality data forms the foundation of effective policies towards environmental protection, climate action, and reversing land degradation,” he said. 

“Such data also helps researchers and local communities to understand our environment and better connect with it.” 

Minister Thoriq also called on the support of our partners in this process. 

SOURCE : PSM 

STO Begins Preparations to Stabilise Commodity Prices in Ramadan 

Every year, STO begins preparations months ahead of Ramadan by increasing stock levels of staple foods and controlling the prices of commodities that typically see price hikes during that period. 

While preparations are already underway for the upcoming Ramadan, which begins in February 2025, Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed recently met with STO officials to review the plans. 

The Economic Ministry discussed maintaining commodity prices and ensuring the uninterrupted supply of essential goods during Ramadan. The ministry assured that the arrangements would be aligned with President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s pledges. 

The President had previously announced that the administration would work to reduce the prices of consumables for Ramadan. Last year, the government distributed staple goods to households and provided discounts on utility bills. 

The President has confirmed that utility discounts will be offered again this year. Still, instead of staple food, a carton of canned tuna will be distributed to each household. 

SOURCE : PSM 

President meets with Malé Atoll Council 

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu met with the Malé Atoll Council this evening at the Male Atoll Huraa Council Secretariat. 

During the meeting, the Atoll Council outlined key priorities for atoll-wide development and individual island needs. Given the atoll’s significant involvement in local tourism, they emphasised the need to enhance healthcare facilities across the islands. 

The Council drew attention to the pressing issue of coastal erosion affecting several islands, stressing the need for immediate intervention. They also discussed strategies to boost the tourism and reef fishing sectors throughout the atoll. 

Additionally, the Council sought approval to move forward with the Hajj Corporation’s proposed project in Maafushi. 

The Male’ Atoll Council noted their appreciation for the ease of communication with Government ministers and happily acknowledged that the ministers work responsibly in collaboration with the public. 

The ministers accompanying the President at the meeting shared the latest updates regarding the development projects in Male’ Atoll. 

Speaking at today’s meeting, the President stated that he would look into the matters raised by the Council. 

SOURCE : The President’s Office

Homeland Security Ministry Reformed to Ensure Citizen Safety, Says Minister Ihusaan 

Minister Ali Ihusaan has stated that the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology is now operating as a results-driven institution dedicated to ensuring the safety and protection of citizens. His remarks came during the closing ceremony of the 37th basic training course of the Maldives Police Service (MPS). 

The event, held at the National College of Policing and Law Enforcement in Addu City, was attended by Minister of Education Dr Ismail Shafeeu as the guest of honour. Minister Ihusaan and Amit Garg, Director of the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA), were also in attendance. 

Addressing the graduates, Minister Ihusaan underscored the significant responsibility they are about to undertake. He urged them to approach their duties with integrity and highlighted the MPS’s achievements over the past year. Minister Ihusaan also encouraged the police force to continue striving for further accomplishments. 

In his speech, Minister Ihusaan highlighted the recent reforms within the Homeland Security Ministry, which aim to enhance its capability to deliver results and ensure public safety. He revealed that the Indian government has pledged US$8.5 million to renovate the National College of Policing and Law Enforcement. 

SOURCE : PSM 

Minister Shafeeu Urges Maldives Police Officers to Uphold and Sustain Citizens’ Trust 

Minister of Education Dr Ismail Shafeeu has called on all police officers of the Maldives Police Service (MPS) to strive to earn the respect and trust of the citizens. His remarks were made during the closing ceremony of the 37th MPS Police Initial Training Course, held at the National College of Policing and Law Enforcement in Addu City. 

As the guest of honour at the ceremony, Minister Shafeeu underscored the critical role of police officers stationed across more than 140 islands across the country, always prepared to assist the community in any situation. He commended the officers for their dedication and service and urged them to continue their commendable efforts. 

Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusaan and Amit Garg, Director of the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA), were also present at the event. 

In his address, Minister Shafeeu underscored President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s vision of transforming the country into a modern, developed, and secure nation where citizens lead harmonious lives. He noted that police officers play a vital role in realising this vision by combating crime and assisting citizens whenever required. 

“Fighting crime. Assisting citizens whenever there is a need. With Allah’s will, we can achieve those aims by protecting youth and the community from crime. So, I urge you to make the best use of the knowledge acquired during the police training,” Minister Shafeeu stated. 

He also stressed the importance of ensuring the police service is not confined to a building or centre. Instead, police officers must strive to earn the respect and trust of citizens through their work both within their institution and in the community. 

Minister Shafeeu further underscored the necessity of utmost justice and fairness in all matters concerning the public, cautioning that the actions of a single police officer can damage the reputation and trust of the entire police institution. He concluded by urging all graduates of the training programme to adhere to the strictest codes of conduct to maintain the public’s trust and respect. 

SOURCE : PSM 

Customs Service Head Office Opens in South 

On Tuesday, the Southern Regional Head Office of the Maldives Customs Service was inaugurated. 

The new office established in Addu City Maradhoo was inaugurated on Tuesday morning during a ceremony attended by Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihsaan and Commissioner General of Customs Fathimath Dhiyana. 

After inaugurating the new customs office, Minister Ihsaan called on customs to deliver a people-centric service. 

Addu City is a significant import hub in the country, so he urged quick and efficient cargo clearance service for its people. 

Although the newly opened customs office’s primary function is to document the region’s work, he alluded to plans to provide some services through the office that are currently only available from the main office in the capital, Male. 

“The office is currently being shaped to do most of the documentation work in the region. In the future, we intend to make this office one that can provide customs services throughout Maldives,” the Minister said. 

Speaking during the ceremony, the Commissioner General of Customs, Fathimath Dhiyana, said with this office, the customs services provided to the various ports and harbours in the region will be further strengthened and expanded. 

In addition, she noted that classrooms have been set up in the office to train the employees. The Southern Regional Head Office of the Maldives Customs Service has classrooms, a conference hall, and an accommodation block.