By A Midha
Abstract
This dissertation will seek to examine the reasons behind the success of the Maldives tourism industry. It will look at what theories best explain the success of the industrial policy. It will argue that the political economy theories of rent seeking are crucial to understanding how the tourism industry managed to grow so successfully in the context of a rent seeking society, given the political structure of the country and the nature of rents. Download in PDF

The aim of this project is to develop a novel scientific platform that will assist in the decision making process for effective management of environmental disasters in the Maldives. The proposed platform will comprise of state of the art software tools that will utilise modern scientific methods and computational tools. The platform will be ultimately made available to the decision makers within the relevant government and private sector authorities in the Maldives.

It is a scientific fact that Maldives is one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change, sea level rise and prone to disasters such as Tsunamis. Scientific and technical assessments have reiterated the need for long-term adaptation to environmental disasters and climate change for which early warning as well as prior knowledge is the key.

Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop scientific tools which enable us to prepare for possible future environmental disasters. In particular, such tools can be utilised to protect the critical infra structure, human settlements, assess impact on coral reefs and manage water resources. Additionally it is envisaged that such a platform will provide the ability to simulate possible scenarios of environmental disasters.

Gang violence is a new phenomenon for the Maldives. The proliferation of gangs and its overt emergence in Maldives is increasingly highlighted by media and police reports. Gang culture and gang violence has have already caused deaths on the streets of Male’, something which was previously unimaginable in the country.

According to the statistics published on the Maldives police website recently, the incidence of arrests related to violent crime increased by 19.8 percent in 2007. Further, it is hypothesized that there could be a direct link to the increase in arrest related to violent crime and the increasing incidence of gang violence and other gang subcultures in the country. Today gang violence is rapidly emerging as a parallel national concern to its battle with gang culture involving substance abuse.

However, it is worthy to note that these actions are being implemented prior to understanding the trends and patterns underlying the causes of gang violence in the country using scientifically validated research.

The research on Rapid Situation Assessment of gang violence and human rights violations in the Maldives.The objectives of this research will be aims to:

1. Examine the extent, pattern and historical development of gang violence, gang related subcultures, and human rights violations associated with gang violence in the Maldives;
2. Provide policy direction to develop and implement a mechanism to prevent gang violence, gang related subcultures and human; rights violations associated with gang violence in the Maldives;
3. Provide policy direction to develop and implement intervention strategies to deal with gang violence, gang related subcultures in the Maldives;
4. Provide policy direction to address issues related to human rights violations associated with gang violence in the Maldives;
5. Provide recommendations for the development of a national master plan and national policy to address gang violence, gang related subcultures and human rights violations associated with gang violence in the Maldives.

The findings from this research will make a significant difference to the understanding of the different factors associated with gang violence in the Maldives and hence strengthen public policy development in this area.

Further, the research will provide policy direction to address the issues related to implementing intervention strategies to deal with gang violence and related human rights violations. Recommendations will also be made to facilitate the development of a comprehensive national master plan and public policy to deal with gang violence and human rights violations for Maldives. The subsequent benefits of this research will include increased psychological security and reduced criminal damage to the general public brought about by the increased understanding of gang violence and related human rights violations with the development of comprehensive programs.

The benefits of this research for the country will be in terms of reduced burden associated with policing, law enforcement, and increased psycho-social and economic stability.

MaldivesResearch is in the process of securing funding for two key projects which will benefit the Maldives.

A proposal has been submitted to the government of the Maldives on environmental modelling.  The second major project under review is “Rapid Situation Assessment (RSA) of gang violence and human rights violations in the Maldives”.

Rapid Situation Assessment (RSA) of gang violence and human rights violations in Maldives

Gang violence is a new phenomenon for the Maldives. The proliferation of gangs and its overt emergence in Maldives is increasingly highlighted by media and police reports. Gang culture and gang violence has have already caused deaths on the streets of Male’, something which was previously unimaginable in the country Read more...

Development of a Scientific Platform for Efficient and Effective Management of Environmental Disasters in the Maldives

The aim of this project is to develop a novel scientific platform that will assist in the decision making process for effective management of environmental disasters in the Maldives. The proposed platform will comprise of state of the art software tools that will utilise modern scientific methods and computational tools. The platform will be ultimately made available to the decision makers within the relevant government and private sector authorities in the Maldives. Read more…

The Organization:

We are a charitable company registered in England, conducting its business as a charity, independent of government or other organizations. We are the first UK-based think tank dedicated to the Maldives. The main sources of finance to our budget are voluntary donations, funding for specific projects, and sponsorship. Our objectives are to contribute to the process of developing public policy in the Maldives, and, in doing so, to contribute to the socio-economic development of the country in turn. We aim to achieve these objectives by:

1. researching into public policy in the Maldives to develop and promote policy ideas; and,
2. disseminating research findings by publication and through events such as conferences, seminars, etc., to foster knowledge and debate in relevant areas.

The People

The founding members of MaldivesResearch are a group of Maldivian academics based in England.  They are also the Trustees and Officers of MaldivesResearch.

The Rationale:

The need for research towards the development of public policy in any country is seen as a necessity. Such research is mainly provided by research institutions such as universities or think tanks.

The process of public policy formulation in the Maldives is based on consultation mainly among government departments, with private sector representatives now being increasingly invited to join in. But discussions are seldom based on research. Some international institutions (e.g. World Bank, IMF) provide limited policy inputs, largely through specific projects or as part of their mandatory obligations. No such authoritative input is available domestically due to the non-existence of public policy research institutions in the country. However, there have been limited instances in which the preparation of public policy documents were out-sourced.

The absence of research institutions in the Maldives therefore translates as a significant gap in the process of public policy development in the country. It is our belief that our entry into that process as a stakeholder and our contribution to the process will help close that gap. We hope that our initiative will act as a motivating factor to others to also join in the process of shaping public policy in the Maldives.

The Output:

We disseminate research findings by publication and through events. Our bi-annual Journal of Small Economies also publishes articles related to the development of small economies such as the Maldives, thus enabling us to attract relevant research findings thereby giving us the opportunity to apply best practices and draw lessons from elsewhere, which we may take into consideration in developing our own policies.

Our events, which are announced on our website, are designed to provide a platform for discussion of research findings in relevant areas.

How we may be of benefit to you; how you may contribute to us

You may have access to research findings that we normally disseminate by publication in hard copy or electronic form. You may also have an opportunity to gain research experience with us, to get your research articles published by us, or to present your findings at one of our events. You can also participate in our events to learn about research findings in areas of your interest and to make use of the opportunity for networking with other academics or officials in such areas.

You may contribute mainly in two ways: first, you may join us as a researcher, research assistant or help us in the organization of our events; second, you may make a financial contribution.

To join us as a researcher or research assistant, please send us an email, attaching your curriculum vitae, and indicating the nature of your interest.

Our Objects:

To undertake research into public policy development in the Maldives MaldivesResearch develops and promotes new policy ideas through research. This includes undertaking rigorous, and objective analysis of current trends and developments in the Maldives. Areas of research include, but are not limited to, economic, social, political and legal sectors. Our work will be independent and aimed at facilitating constructive solutions for public policy issues.

To disseminate research findings to foster knowledge and debate on public policy. MaldivesResearch publishes findings from work related to the developmental needs of the Maldives. MaldivesResearch disseminates results of public policy research through publication and organization of events such as conferences and seminars for discussion and debate. Such events will provide an independent forum for discussion and debate on public policy issues.

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Trustees of MaldivesResearch met His Excellency Mohamed Nasheed, the President of the Maldives, during his first official visit to the UK.

The meeting was held at Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill. The meeting was also attended by Mr. Mohamed Aslam, Minister of Housing, Transport and Environment, Envoy for Science and Technology and Mr. Ahmed Shafeeq Moosa. The MaldivesResearch consisted of Trustees Dr. Ahmed Shafiu, Ms. Aishath Naaz Ali and Mr. Ahmed Niyaz.

President Nasheed in London, 9 April 2009

During the meeting, MaldivesResearch’s immediate projects were discussed and the Maldivian delegation took a special interest in the environment modelling project proposed by MaldivesResearch. Also, discussed was MaldivesResearch’s proposed social science research project focussing on gang violence, which the Maldivian Government is keen to see implemented. The President also established some immediate contact points at the Maldivian government, who would be liaising with MaldivesResearch in order to identify and manage various future research projects.

After the meeting the MaldivesResearch team, including Trustee Mr. Abdulla Sodiq and Dr. Mohammed Muizzu, was able to expand on some of the discussion points with other Maldivian government officials in the general reception open to Maldivians residing in Britain.

Educational background:

Abdulla Sodiq received his BA degree in English Language Teaching from the University of Stirling, Scotland (1998). He also holds an MA degree in Applied Linguistics and TESOL from the University of Leicester (2005). Being a teacher of English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), he holds a Certificate of Teaching English Language to Adults (1998, UCLES, Cambridge) and a Certificate of Education from the University of Warwick, UK (2007).

Research interests:

English Language Teaching (ELT), Innovations in ELT, Linguistics and Further Education in the UK.

Affiliations and Professional experience:

He has been working as an English as a Foreign Language and ESOL teacher since 1998. Currently, he is responsible for organising and teaching on a number of English Language courses at City College Coventry, UK. In addition to teaching and the management of ELT courses, he has experience in English Language examining and the conduction of ELT related staff training. Fellow of the Institute for Learning (UK).

Contact email: abdulla.sodiq@maldivesresearch.org

Educational Background:

Ahmed Afaal received a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in the field of Health Information Management (1998) from the University of Sydney in Australia. He completed his postgraduate degree in Master of Arts, Health Services Management (2001) at the University of Manchester, UK with his research thesis titled Healthcare Financing: A Case for Reform in the Maldives.

Research Interests

His research interests are in the areas of healthcare financing, health systems development, and tobacco control.

Affiliations and Professional Experience

Ahmed Afaal has almost 10 years of senior management experience in the health sector of the Maldives with his last position as the Director for Health Systems Development at the Ministry of Health (2007). Since 2007 he is serving as the Managing Director of ADK Hospital, the largest private healthcare organization in the Maldives. He is also active in his voluntary social role serving as the Vice Chair of the Interim Planning Group for the formation of the Maldivian Red Crescent Society and later as a Board Member of MRC from 2009 to 2010. He also is an elected member and chair of the School Board of Thajuddeen School.  He is also a member of the National Tobacco Control Committee and has contributed at the forefront in the formulation of the National Tobacco Control Law passed in 2010.

Contact email: ahmed.afaal@maldivesresearch.org

Educational background:

Ahmed Niyaz holds a BSc (joint honours) degree in Business and Legal Studies from the University of Wales, Newport (2002). He completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Law in 2003 followed by the Legal Practice Course (Solicitors’ Professional Examinations) in 2005 at the De Montfort University (UK). He also holds a Masters degree in International Commercial Law (LLM) from the University of Leicester (2006).

Research interests:

His research interests are in the areas of history and development of tourism in the Maldives and e-commerce law with special interest on intellectual property rights.

Affiliations and Professional experience:

He is an associate member of Institute of Credit Management. He started his career in the Ministry of Tourism, Maldives. He is the author of the first book written on Maldives tourism development “Tourism in the Maldives – a brief history of development” published jointly by the Ministry of Tourism and Maldives Tourism Promotion Board in 2002.

He has also worked in the banking sector and insolvency department in a major British energy company for 4 years. Currently he is working as an editor for a legal know-how provider in London.

Contact email: ahmed.niyaz@maldivesresearch.org

Educational background:

Ahmed Shafiu received his B.Eng degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the University of Birmingham, UK (2001). He also holds an M.Sc degree in Power System Engineering (2001) and a PhD degree in the faculty of Engineering and Physical sciences from University of Manchester, U.K (2005).

Research interests:

His research interests include Distributed Energy Resources, Active Management and Power System Control and Protection.

Affiliations and Professional experience:

He is a member of the IET and the IEEE. He has worked in the area of Power System Design, Generation, Operation and Maintenance for more than six years.

Contact email: ahmed.shafiu@maldivesresearch.org