MALDIVES LIVE

South Asia’s ‘Historic Elections’ May Spur Economic Integration

noreply@blogger.com (Maldives) — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 17:05:00 +0000

South Asia’s “historic elections” in the past 18 months have advanced democracy in the region and may spur economic integration, said Sheel Kant Sharma, secretary general of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation. The South Asian grouping, called Saarc, which includes India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Maldives and Bhutan, has struggled to give a boost to the free- trade pact they adopted in 2004. Trade between Saarc members is 5 percent of...

[This is summary only, visit www.maldiveslive.blogspot.com for more detail]

Maldivian filmmaker has SRK on her wish-list

noreply@blogger.com (Maldives) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 15:49:00 +0000

Maldivian filmmaker Fathimath Nahula, whose film Youssuf kick-starts the four-day South Asian Film Festival (SAFF) on Friday, has come to India with two things on her wish-list. First, to see her film about the challenges of a deaf and dumb boy set the ball rolling. Second, to meet Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan. "I really hope to meet him [Shah Rukh Khan]. Can someone arrange it for me?" Fathimath asked. "While the other two Khans [Salman and Aamir] are popular in the Maldives, Shah...

[This is summary only, visit www.maldiveslive.blogspot.com for more detail]

'Huge' oil terminal planned for Maldives

noreply@blogger.com (Maldives) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 13:39:00 +0000

Maldives National Oil Company (MNOC) is planning to build a 6-million cubic metres (m³) onshore oil terminal on the one of the Maldive islands. The crude and petroleum terminal is being planned on 20 hectares of land at a total investment of $150 million, according to MNOC's Managing Director Ahmed Muneez. About 75% of the storage capacity will be dedicated to storing crude oil while the remaining 25% will be for clean and bunker products, said Muneez. The terminal will have either two jetties...

[This is summary only, visit www.maldiveslive.blogspot.com for more detail]

Look forward with fear as global warming threatens little nations

noreply@blogger.com (Maldives) — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 08:22:00 +0000

The message coming out of the UN is brutally simple: the developing world is being called upon to pay for most of the sins of the industrialized world. The luxurious life styles of the rich, the carbon dioxide emissions from burning petroleum in gas-guzzling vehicles, and the gradual degradation of the earth's environment have triggered a devastating phenomenon: global warming. "Climate change may be one of the biggest threats faced by mankind,"...

[This is summary only, visit www.maldiveslive.blogspot.com for more detail]

Global Downturn Impacts Mauritius and Maldives

noreply@blogger.com (Maldives) — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 08:15:00 +0000

The luxury island destinations of Mauritius and the Maldives in the Indian Ocean, both of which rely heavily on tourism from European markets, have been negatively impacted by the global downturn. According to the latest data from STR Global, both destinations experienced occupancy drops for the first four months of the year, as their main European source markets were hit by recession, falling employment and declining consumer confidence. Mauritius and the Maldives are renowned for their...

[This is summary only, visit www.maldiveslive.blogspot.com for more detail]

Sri Lanka and Maldives agree on intelligence sharing

noreply@blogger.com (Maldives) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 07:57:00 +0000

Sri Lanka and the Maldives have reached agreement to share intelligence and exchange information on the flow of funds that may be linked to terrorist activities. This understanding emerged following discussions between Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama and the visiting Maldivian President, H.E. Mohamed Nasheed in Colombo today (19 June 2009). The Maldivian dignitary arrived last evening on a brief visit to Sri Lanka, during which he will also be meeting President Mahinda Rajapaksa in...

[This is summary only, visit www.maldiveslive.blogspot.com for more detail]

Vice President meets with the US Secretary of State

noreply@blogger.com (Maldives) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 07:54:00 +0000

Vice President Dr Mohamed Waheed has, yesterday, met with US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton. Speaking at the meeting, Secretary Clinton said that the United States would extend its assistance to the Maldives to in its efforts to consolidate and strengthen democracy. Vice President Dr Waheed said that the US and the Maldives had developed excellent bilateral relations and expressed his confidence that these relations would continue to grow over the years. He also thanked the US...

[This is summary only, visit www.maldiveslive.blogspot.com for more detail]

Tourism industry takes travel advisory in its stride

noreply@blogger.com (Maldives) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 20:20:00 +0000

The Union health ministry’s advisory urging travellers to defer their foreign travel plans for the time being till swine flu is globally brought under control, has been welcomed by the travel and tourism fraternity despite the financial implications. “Till yesterday, there was no real push for cancellations. However, following the statement of the ministry, we have seen movement and a drop of 10-15% forecast over the coming days,” said Rajinder Rai, president, Travel Agents Association of...

[This is summary only, visit www.maldiveslive.blogspot.com for more detail]

4th South Asian Film Festival in Panaji from June 26th

noreply@blogger.com (Maldives) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 20:18:00 +0000

The 4th South Asian Film Festival will start in the coastal state from June 26, chief minister Digamber Kamat said on Wednesday. The four-day-long festival would be a bouquet of 60 movies from south Asian countries, Kamat said announcing the festival programme in Panaji. A special screening of 12 Iranian movies would be held during the SAFF, organized by South Asia Foundation, and supported by state government run Entertainment Society of Goa and Kala Academy, the chief minister,...

[This is summary only, visit www.maldiveslive.blogspot.com for more detail]

Vice President meets with officials of Environmental Protection Agency of USA

noreply@blogger.com (Maldives) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 20:14:00 +0000

As part of his tour to the United States of America, Vice President Dr Mohamed Waheed has discussed with the officials of Environmental Protection Agency on the impact of climate change in the Maldives. At the meeting, the Vice President briefed the officials on the vulnerability of the Maldive islands to climate change. Further discussions were held on the government’s plan to become world’s first carbon neutral country and how the agency could help the Maldives in this endeavour. It was...

[This is summary only, visit www.maldiveslive.blogspot.com for more detail]

President Nasheed meets with the Speaker of the Swedish Parliament

noreply@blogger.com (Maldives) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 20:11:00 +0000

President Nasheed has today called upon the Speaker of the Swedish parliament, the Hon. Per Westerberg. The meeting was held in the Speaker's Chambers of the parliament. The Speaker welcomed the President to Sweden and to the parliament, and congratulated the President on his success in promoting democracy and good governance in the Maldives. He also noted the important role the Maldives has been playing in the lead up to Copenhagen, and briefed the President on the importance that Sweden...

[This is summary only, visit www.maldiveslive.blogspot.com for more detail]

Finalists Decided at the SriLankan Airlines Pro in the Maldives

noreply@blogger.com (Maldives) — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 15:33:00 +0000

An exciting day of surfing in the Maldives at the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) PRIME Six Star rated World Qualifying Series (WQS) Sri Lankan Airlines Pro sees just eight surfing remaining in the event which will finish tomorrow in great conditions at Pasta Point. Pat Gudauskas (USA/Cal) continued his huge run in this event by defeating ASP veteran Cory Lopez in the opening heat of the day. "I had to forget the excitement of yesterdays heat win and focus on the job ahead and...

[This is summary only, visit www.maldiveslive.blogspot.com for more detail]

Maldives: UAE Foreign Minister pays a courtesy call on the President

noreply@blogger.com (Maldives) — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 04:01:00 +0000

The Foreign Minister of UAE, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan has paid a courtesy call on President Mohamed Nasheed today. At the meeting, discussions were focused on a number of issues of interest to both countries covering economic and commercial matters as well as cooperation in areas such as education, healthcare and renewable energy. President Nasheed noted the UAE-Maldives friendly relations and underscored strengthening them in all areas. He also briefed the Minister on the...

[This is summary only, visit www.maldiveslive.blogspot.com for more detail]

Who's Ready For The Best Western Madoogali?

noreply@blogger.com (Maldives) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 11:12:00 +0000

Because it's coming soon! It's just been announced that Best Western, they of continental breakfasts and drive-up motor lodges, will open their first Maldives property this September. Set about 50 miles west of Male, the Maldives' capital, the island of Madoogali will be dedicated to the 56 palm-thatched chalets of the resort and spa. According to the press release, it will also include "a refined restaurant, a spa, a dive center and numerous water sport activities, including windsurfing,...

[This is summary only, visit www.maldiveslive.blogspot.com for more detail]

Maldives: good for beginner divers?

noreply@blogger.com (Maldives) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 11:07:00 +0000

I would like my two teenage sons to learn to dive. Are the Maldives a good place for this? And if so, could you suggest a hotel that would be good for us? Jim Marshall, Harrow Sunday Times travel expert Richard Green responds: The Maldives is one of the world’s top dive spots, where a stunning variety of fish swirl around thousands of sheltered reefs, where the water is clear and warm year-round, and there’s a very high standard of dive centre and tuition. Plus its shallow...

[This is summary only, visit www.maldiveslive.blogspot.com for more detail]

Maldives plans Middle East focus

noreply@blogger.com (Maldives) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 11:02:00 +0000

The Republic of Maldives intends to focus on the Middle East in an overhaul of its tourism strategy. Republic of Maldives Minister of Tourism, Arts & Culture Dr. Ahmed Ali Sawad said the aim was to make the new democratic system a success in the global market and part of that was through tourism. “For the tourism sector I think the Maldives is known throughout the world as a luxury destination and we have a lot of tourist products,” Sawad said. “Our exercise is to focus on areas where we...

[This is summary only, visit www.maldiveslive.blogspot.com for more detail]

On A Mission's Mitch Surman gets Oxbow wild card entry

noreply@blogger.com (Maldives) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 09:17:00 +0000

Sunshine Coast surfer, Mitch Surman powers along as a wild card entry into the Oxbow World Longboard Tour 2009 to be held at the exotic location, in the Maldives. Surman recently took out the double at the Reef2beach Longboard classic, winning the junior and Open Classic with some radical maneuvers. When asked about his wild card entry Surman says “I was pretty stoked about getting a wild card into the world titles, as it’s a lifetime opportunity –I’m only eighteen so it will be a big...

[This is summary only, visit www.maldiveslive.blogspot.com for more detail]

Maldives sets up zones to protect whale sharks

noreply@blogger.com (Maldives) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 10:55:00 +0000

The Maldives has marked three sea protected areas that limit fishing and diving to safeguard rare whale sharks in waters around the islands, the government said Tuesday. Environment Minister Mohamed Aslam announced the protected zones to mark the World Ocean Day, which fell Monday. The zones will have only limited fishing, while strict guidelines apply to diving and snorkeling. Speed limits will be imposed on boats to prevent lacerations on the shark, and waste management programs will be...

[This is summary only, visit www.maldiveslive.blogspot.com for more detail]

First Shine Spa for Sheraton Opens in Maldives

noreply@blogger.com (Maldives) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 10:49:00 +0000

Starwood’s latest spa endeavour, Shine Spa for Sheraton, has been unveiled to the world in the idyllic island paradise of the Maldives. The Shine Spa for Sheraton at the Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa is connected to the resort by an overwater jetty, Shine Spa for Sheraton is housed on its own island. There guests can be pampered with signature treatments that are influenced by local flavors and delivered in one of the spa’s 6 treatment rooms with inspiring Indian Ocean views,...

[This is summary only, visit www.maldiveslive.blogspot.com for more detail]

SriLankan Airlines Pro Underway with 8 Round One Heats Completed

noreply@blogger.com (Maldives) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 10:47:00 +0000

The 2009 Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) six star PRIME rated SriLankan Airlines Pro began at the famous Pasta Point in the Maldives today and the world's finest surfers wasted no time acclimatising and ripping into the fun 1m (3ft) surf. Hawaiian Casey Brown opened the event impressively scoring both the days highest heat win (15.66 out of a possible 20) along with the highest wave score of an 8.83 (out of a possible 10) on a ride which saw him complete a series of powered critical...

[This is summary only, visit www.maldiveslive.blogspot.com for more detail]

25 students from SAARC countries awarded certificates

noreply@blogger.com (Maldives) — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 10:43:00 +0000

The certificate distribution ceremony of a documentary-making course was held at the South Asian Media School (SAMS) on Saturday where 25 students from India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, Maldives, Bhutan and Afghanistan were awarded certificates. Addressing the ceremony, Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) Secretary General IA Rehman said the art of making documentaries had gained popularity after the World War-II and brought a realistic approach to the cinematic art. He said this art...

[This is summary only, visit www.maldiveslive.blogspot.com for more detail]

A Banker’s Lot is not a Happy One

noreply@blogger.com (Maldives) — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 07:27:00 +0000

Islamic banking and finance cannot take off in countries like Indonesia, in high population and high poverty Muslim countries, unless the range of banking and financial instruments deployed are diversified to facilitate volume, says Terry Lacey. The latest initiative of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB), working jointly with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), to set up Asia’s first major multi-country Islamic infrastructure support fund is a good step forward. But in Indonesia and other...

[This is summary only, visit www.maldiveslive.blogspot.com for more detail]

Hussain Alifulhu: A brighter future in Dhuvaafaru, Maldives

noreply@blogger.com (Maldives) — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 07:10:00 +0000

More than four years after the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, 48-year-old Hussain Alifulhu vividly remembers the events of the fateful day when "the sea swallowed Kandholhudhoo", an island in the Maldives' Raa Atoll. He had been asleep and was awakened by uncomfortable heat as his house's cooling fan ground to a halt. There was a blackout. Being an electrician, he got up ready to rush to the island's power house and fix the problem. But when he stepped outside, Hussain was shocked to see flood...

[This is summary only, visit www.maldiveslive.blogspot.com for more detail]

Maldives: The Vice President begins a visit to the United States

noreply@blogger.com (Maldives) — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 07:00:00 +0000

Vice President Dr Mohamed Waheed has departed Male, earlier this morning, on a visit to the United States. During his visit, the Vice President will participate at a UN General Assembly meeting on renewable energy. The Vice President will also hold meetings with the American officials and private organisations to discuss issues including climate change and effective drug control strategies. Source: presidencymaldives.gov.mv

[This is summary only, visit www.maldiveslive.blogspot.com for more detail]

Corfu, Funchal and Maldives to join oneworld network

noreply@blogger.com (Maldives) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 20:56:00 +0000

Three of the world's most popular holiday islands are lining up to join the network served by oneworld®, the leading quality global airline alliance, with Iberia Regional Air Nostrum launching flights to Corfu and Funchal in Europe. The launches of these two new routes was announced as the alliance's airlines added Benghazi and Bergen to the oneworld map. Iberia Regional will fly to Corfu (which has the three-letter IATA code CFU) from both Madrid and Barcelona from 26 July...

[This is summary only, visit www.maldiveslive.blogspot.com for more detail]