Maldives News Bulletin - Volume 255

Parliament on Wednesday endorsed President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s nominations of non-resident ambassadors to the Philippines, Spain and New Zealand.

President Dr Muizzu had nominated Maldives’ High Commissioner to Malaysia, Dr Mariyam Shabeena Ahmed as the non-resident Ambassador to the Philippines.

Iruthisham Adam was nominated by the President as the non-resident ambassador to France. Iruthisham currently serves as Maldives’ High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. Mohamed Luveiz who serves as the High Commissioner to Singapore was nominated as the non-resident High Commissioner to New Zealand.

The Parliamentary Foreign Relations Committee had earlier signed off on all three nominations and recommended endorsement.

The Parliament during its sitting on Wednesday, endorsed all three nominations with 54 lawmakers voting in favour.

In accordance with the Foreign Service Act, the president is required to secure parliamentary approval prior to appointing ambassadors and high commissioners to the nation’s foreign missions.

SOURCE : PSM

As part of the national initiative to revive coconut palm population in the Maldives, the government has revealed plans to develop a coconut development center in Ariyadhoo, Alifu Dhaal Atoll.

Following the decision by the ministerial cabinet, Ariyadhoo has been placed under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare.

Under the initiative, a coconut development center will be established in the island along with nurseries to cultivate high quality coconut palms to provide a sustainable supply of certified varieties of coconuts to the islands, the Ministry said.

According to the Ministry, the facilities planned for the island will also work towards ensuring food security and cultivation of coastal plants and shrubbery.

The Ministry will also launch adaptive research in Ariyadhoo to identify coconut palm diseases and find solutions including the exploration of biological control methods.

The Government will be seeking foreign investors to provide technical and financial assistance to establish the center in Ariyadhoo. The operational and management cost of managing the village will also be covered through the investment, it added.

The population of coconut palm in most areas of the Maldives is facing an “aging crisis,” with many trees past their peak productivity. The coconut palm revival initiative is aimed at reversing the decline and aid efforts to ensure food security in the country.

 SOURCE : PSM

The Government has engaged in deliberations aimed at increasing the contributions of the Bank of Maldives (BML) and the Maldives Islamic Bank (MIB) towards the further development of the tourism sector and the protection and conservation of the environment. 

Thoriq Ibrahim, the Minister of Tourism and Environment, held a series of discussions with Mohamed Shareef, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of BML, and Mufaddal Idris Khumri, the CEO and Managing Director of MIB, aimed at enhancing bank contributions in those sectors. 

During his meeting with BML Chief Shareef, Minister Thoriq underscored the tourism sector as the cornerstone of the nation’s economy, underlining BML’s vital support role. He also addressed the importance of environmental protection and sustainability initiatives spearheaded by the administration. 

Shareef responded by reaffirming the bank’s unwavering commitment to both the tourism sector and environmental initiatives. He revealed that BML is contemplating the introduction of a loan facility specifically targeting these areas.

Minister Thoriq and BML CEO Shareef reached a consensus on the necessity of collaborative efforts to advance both tourism and environmental conservation. They also pledged to support small and medium enterprise development. 

In a separate discussion with MIB Chief Khumri, Minister Thoriq highlighted the critical role of the private sector in supporting the Administration’s development goals for the tourism sector and requested additional support from MIB to achieve these objectives.

Speaking at the meeting, Khumri expressed the bank’s enthusiasm for investing in the tourism sector and assured the minister of MIB’s commitment to financing environmental protection and conservation efforts. 

Both BML and MIB leaders agreed to collaborate with the tourism and environment ministry to support initiatives aimed at tourism development and environmental protection. The meetings also explored strategies to accelerate the nation’s economic growth, according to the ministry.

SOURCE : PSM 

The Government has commissioned the construction of a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) centre and a ‘Dhanaal’ or student accommodation facility in Kulhudhuffushi, Haa Dhaalu Atoll, as well as another student accommodation facility in Dhuvaafaru, Raa Atoll. These projects, overseen by the Ministry of Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development, are critical components of the administration’s broader initiative to enhance higher education infrastructure nationwide. 

A ceremonial event marked the official handover of these projects to two state-owned enterprises. The Road Development Corporation (RDC) will lead the development of the TVET centre, while FENAKA Corporation, a utilities provider, will oversee the construction of the student accommodation in Dhuvaafaru. 

The TVET centre project in Kulhudhuffushi includes the establishment of student accommodation, ensuring students have access to comprehensive facilities. Similarly, the student accommodation project in Dhuvaafaru encompasses the development of a training area. 

These initiatives aim to provide higher education and vocational training courses of varying standards, as stated by the higher education ministry. The projects are crucial for the industrial sector, focusing on equipping individuals with the necessary skills for employment in these fields, it added. 

According to the ministry, a land area of 35,777 square feet has been designated for the TVET centre in Kulhudhuffushi. The facility will include a multi-purpose workshop, seven classrooms, an Information Communication Technology (ICT) laboratory, administration and staff areas, dedicated spaces for student services, an auditorium, study rooms, meeting rooms, and a library. 

The accompanying student accommodation will provide 32 shared rooms, meal provisions through a kitchen and dining area, laundry services, and a sitting area with recreational activities, including a gymnasium. Additional amenities will include toilets, prayer rooms, lifts, and other essential facilities. 

In Dhuvaafaru, a 15,000 square foot land area has been allocated for the training area and student accommodation, the ministry said. This facility will include 31 shared rooms, kitchen and dining areas, laundry services, and sports and entertainment facilities for the students. 

These projects are part of a broader effort to make higher education and training opportunities more accessible to the public. The government is also developing junior colleges in Dhidhdhoo, Haa Alifu Atoll, and Velidhoo, Noonu Atoll, along with a TVET centre in Alifushi, Raa Atoll. 

Providing technical and vocational education and training, alongside skills development opportunities for Maldivians, remains a top priority for the current Administration. The establishment of the TVET centre and student accommodations in Kulhudhuffushi and Dhuvaafaru is expected to significantly alleviate the challenges faced by students from these islands and neighbouring regions in pursuing higher education and training.

SOURCE : PSM

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Abdulla Khaleel has sent a message of felicitations to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade of the Republic of Mauritius, Hon. Dhananjay Ramful, on the occasion of the Independence Day of Mauritius. 

Minister’s message reads as follows: 

“Greetings and warm felicitations to Your Excellency, the Government and the people of Mauritius, on the joyous occasion of the Independence Day of Mauritius. 

I extend my best wishes for Your Excellency’s good health and well-being, as well as for the continued peace and prosperity for the people of Mauritius. 

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

SOURCE : Ministry of Foreign Affairs 

Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/ Visit Maldives) has launched the thrilling “Visit Maldives Hackathon” in partnership with Dhiraagu, SparkHub LLP, PSM, BCC, MOTE and NCIT aimed at both local and international participants aged 18 and above. The hackathon was launched on 27th February 2025 at Dhiraagu Head Office by Honourable Minister of Tourism and Environment Thoriq Ibrahim. This hackathon, now open for registration, is mainly targeted to individuals with an interest in combining technology and sustainability in the tourism industry. 

The Visit Maldives Hackathon is a 48-hour long event designed to address the key challenges in the Maldivian tourism industry through innovative, technology-driven solutions. It lines up with Visit Maldives’ commitment to enhance sustainable tourism while amplifying cutting-edge technologies for positive traveller experiences and operational efficiency. Information sessions for participants will be held on March 13th, March 19th, and April 7th. Participants are to submit their proposals by April 11th, 2025. Proposal evaluations will take place the day after the submission deadline, and the proposals selected for the Hackathon will be announced on April 13th. The event itself will be held from April 18th to 20th, 2025. 

While addressing the audience during the official launching ceremony, Minister of Tourism and Environment Thoriq Ibrahim stated that “The ideas developed here [at this hackathon] will not remain inside these walls. The innovations you create can shape the way we welcome guests, the way we manage our industry, the way we preserve our natural environment while enhancing visitor experiences.“ 

“I am confident that with the bright ideas generated while working together, we can build a stronger and more diverse tourism sector in the Maldives. We are hopeful that it will be a strong positive step towards the growth of tech-driven solutions for tourism-related challenges.“ MMPRC’s CEO & MD Ibrahim Shiuree highlighted in his statement during the launching ceremony. 

MMPRC has a range of constructive activities in the pipeline to promote Maldives for the rest of the year 2025, and we are committed to working closely with industry stakeholders to support the Maldives tourism industry. We will continue facilitating innovation, public-private collaboration, and sustainable growth of Maldives tourism through global promotion and innovative events such as these. 

SOURCE : PSM 

A draw to select 50 individuals for the Government-funded Hajj pilgrimage was conducted at a ceremony held at the Ministry of Islamic Affairs on Tuesday. 

While 50 individuals were chosen to embark on the sacred journey to Mecca in 1446 under Government sponsorship, ten substitutes were also selected in case any of the selected individuals are unable to attend the pilgrimage for any reason. 

This initiative aligns with a pledge made by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu during his presidential campaign. On 18 August, 2023, while addressing the people of Mulaku, Meemu Atoll, President Muizzu pledged to send 1,000 impoverished individuals on the Hajj pilgrimage under Government sponsorship during his first term. The first batch of 50 pilgrims was sent on the Hajj pilgrimage last year. 

According to the Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Ahmed Adeel, this year’s selection process was carried out from a pool of 302 eligible candidates listed under the Maldives Zakat House’s poverty registry, which was reviewed in December 2024.  

The eligibility criteria for selection included being between the ages of 50 and 70, not having performed the obligatory Hajj before, and being in good health to undertake the journey. 

Adeel said information on the candidates were verified through island councils, and by directly contacting the candidates. For those selected to go on the pilgrimage from the atolls, the Government will also cover their travel and accommodation expenses in Male’. 

The Maldives receives 1,000 Hajj quotas from Saudi Arabia every year, with the Maldives Hajj Corporation being the only group providing Hajj services. This year’s Hajj Day falls on June 5.

SOURCE : PSM 

The Government has held extensive discussions with a premier Türkiye University to aid its efforts in enhancing food security in the Maldives. 

The discussions were held by Minister of Agriculture and Animal Welfare, Dr Maryam Mariya during a virtual meeting with Necdet Ünüvar, the Rector and team of Ankara University joined by the Maldives Ambassador to Turkey, Abdul Raheem Abdul Latheef. 

The discussions focused on enhancing food security in the Maldives through collaborative research, innovation, and training in crop and livestock production, as well as agro-processing, the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare said. 

Ankara University’s expertise in these areas is well-recognised along with its Veterinary Faculty, established in 1842, offers comprehensive programs in veterinary medicine and animal sciences. The faculty includes specialised departments such as Animal Breeding and Nutrition, aiming to advance research and education in animal health and production. 

According to the Ministry this collaboration is expected to bolster the Maldives’ agricultural sector, focusing on sustainable practices and food security. 

The Government has recently launched Olhuhiyaa, a shelter set up to care for stray cats on the streets of Male’ City. The shelter was developed on a 5,000-square-foot plot in Hulhumale’. The state-of-the-art facility was inaugurated by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu in November 2024. 

The Olhuhiyaa facility is equipped with a quarantine area, a veterinary clinic and a laboratory, as well as a pharmacy stocked with medicines for cats and designated living spaces for animals. 

SOURCE : PSM 

Commissioner of Prisons, Hassan Zareer has earmarked maintaining peace and security as essential to ensuring the continued survival of a nation. 

Speaking at the graduation ceremony of the 30th Basic Training Course of Corrections, the Commissioner said that a country without peace and stability is as good as burnt ash drawing examples from developments across the world. 

The entire world in the 21st century is grappling with numerous security challenges, he noted. 

“We are a country with few resources but security remains crucial. Coincidentally, our [marine boundary] is very open. From there to prisons, we have people who have committed various crimes coming in. Tonight you must resolve to use what you learned here, with faith, honesty, patriotism and loyalty,” Zareer said. 

He also alluded to the monumental task of maintaining order and security in prisons, pointing out that there are 966 people incarcerated in prisons across the Maldives. 

The Commissioner urged the 33 graduates of the basic training course, to steer clear of bribery and stop contraband from entering prisons. Zareer reiterated the responsibilities and duties of the students and said that results can only be achieved by working with honesty and sincerity. 

He hailed the 700 correctional officers on duty round the clock as national heroes, adding that they will never back down in the face of any challenge. 

The Maldives Correctional Service (MCS) launched the 12th batch of the Custodial Management and Security program at Maafushi Prison on November 16, last year. This mandatory programme for every prison officer is conducted by the Institute for Correctional Studies (ICOST) to provide knowledge, familiarity and training to prison officers of MCS. 

The training programme is designed on eight modules, including physical training, leadership classes, ethics, law and order, as well as modules related to the duties and responsibilities of prison officers.

SOURCE : PSM