Manaa MANTHIRI

MANTHIRI the banned Political Magazine in Maldives

2011-09-06T05:43:00.000-07:00

Facebook | Zitahli Resorts&Spa,Maldives

2009-11-22T22:41:00.000-08:00

2009-11-12T05:41:00.000-08:00

Manaa-Manthiri
Independent Investigative Research & Analysis

IIRA is an independent THINK TANK presently working on 3rd Nov 1988 PLOTE terror attack to Maldives.The second project is ELAM WAR 04.

The contributors can be reach:
wowmaldives@hotmail.com
wowmaldives@gmail.com

If you have any pictures & information pls. keeps in touch.

Adam Rasheed Ahmed

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BlqLwCKkeY

2009-10-23T14:08:00.000-07:00

Lower Quality Version: President Obama Speaks to the Muslim World from Cairo, Egypt

'No one is above the law': the 59th General Assembly high-level debate

2009-10-14T23:25:00.000-07:00

Secretary-General Kofi Annan, in his address at the commencement of the high-level general debate, warned that international law was being "shamelessly disregarded" and urged world leaders to do everything within their power to restore respect for the rule of law at home and abroad. The Assembly also had before it the Report of the Secretary-General on the work of the Organization, which takes stock of the United Nations system's activities during the past year and emphasizes the ever-increasing scope of its tasks. The report, which covers the world body's action in the areas of achieving peace and security, meeting humanitarian commitments, cooperating for development, human rights and the international legal order, and enhancing management and partnerships, acknowledges that the year had been "extraordinarily challenging".

The Secretary-General also told Member State delegations that "the rule of law is at risk around the world" and called upon the international community to do everything within their power to restore respect for the fundamental principles of law. As violence and disaster swayed in many countries across the globe, he said, "every nation that proclaims the rule of law at home must respect it abroad, and every nation that insists on it abroad must enforce it at home".

“the unsung hero of this campaign, who built the . . . best political campaign, I think, in the history of the United States of America.”

2009-09-27T06:13:00.000-07:00

David Plouffe was the campaign manager for Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign. After winning the election on Nov. 4, President-elect Obama credited Plouffe in his acceptance speech, calling him “the unsung hero of this campaign, who built the . . . best political campaign, I think, in the history of the United States of America.”

Plouffe is credited with the campaign’s successful overall strategy in the race for the Democratic Party presidential nomination. He was credited by The New Republic for Obama’s success in the Iowa caucus and for crafting an overall strategy to prolong the primary past Super Tuesday. The Chicago Tribune writes, “Plouffe was the mastermind behind a winning strategy that looked well past Super Tuesday’s contests on Feb. 5 and placed value on large and small states.” Plouffe also maintained discipline over communications in the campaign, including controlling leaks and releasing information about the campaign on its terms. Averse to publicity himself, Plouffe’s control over the internal workings of the Obama campaign successfully avoided the publicly aired squabbles that frequently trouble other campaigns.

In May 2008, David Axelrod praised Plouffe, stating that he had “done the most magnificent job of managing a campaign that I’ve seen in my life of watching presidential politics. To start something like this from scratch and build what we have built was a truly remarkable thing.”

Plouffe began his political career when he went to work for Senator Tom Harkin’s 1990 re-election campaign. He later worked as a state field director for Harkin’s unsuccessful 1992 presidential campaign. In the same year, he successfully managed Congressman John Olver’s first re-election bid in western Massachusetts. In 1994, Plouffe managed Delaware Attorney General Charles M. Oberly’s unsuccessful campaign against Senator William V. Roth. Plouffe then worked as campaign director for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee in 1995. In 1996, Plouffe managed Bob Torricelli’s successful campaign to fill Bill Bradley’s New Jersey seat in the United States Senate.

From 1997 to 1998, Plouffe served as Democratic leader Dick Gephardt’s Deputy Chief of Staff. From 1999 to 2000, as executive director of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, Plouffe led a national campaign that led the Democrats closer to the majority.

In the winter of 2000, Plouffe joined AKPD Message and Media, but left briefly to serve as a strategist for Gephardt’s unsuccessful Presidential bid. He returned to the firm and became a partner in February 2004. Beginning in 2003, Plouffe and fellow AKPD partner David Axelrod worked on Barack Obama’s 2004 Illinois Senate campaign, beginning Plouffe’s association with Obama. Plouffe worked with Axelrod on Deval Patrick’s successful 2006 campaign for Governor of Massachusetts.

BBC explaine Maldives Dictator's RICH life

2009-09-21T03:19:00.000-07:00

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/7895484.stm

TERROR ATTACK BY TAMIL PLOTE TO MALDIVES

2009-09-16T23:07:00.000-07:00

The courage of eleven soldiers lead by Capt. Moosa Ali Jalee & Late Cpl. Hussain Adam THE HERO IN TIME & THE HERO FOR EVER

The courage of eleven soldiers lead by Capt. Moosa Ali Jaleel (now Brigadier) who went out on a recon mission outside the side gates while still under fire. The section lost four of their colleagues to enemy fire. These soldiers managed to complete their mission and re-enter the HQ still under fire.

Late Cpl. Hussain Adam THE HERO IN TIME & THE HERO FOR EVER

Today we honor Cpl. Hussain Adam for the brave return of fire, which gave the HQ personnel time to get over the surprise attack of the enemy. Instead of hiding inside the guard-post, he opened fire at the enemy, pushing back their advance and giving our forces time to plan and retaliate. Cpl. Hussain Adam did save our independence on the day by giving away the advantage of surprise the enemy had.

Our forces actually fought and protected this nation. Even under the hail of bullets and explosives, the soldiers inside fought bravely; the NSS-HQ was never taken.

Indian help Maldives in 3rd Nov 1988 PLOTE TERROR ATTACK

The 50^th Independent Para Regiment of the Indian Army under, Col. S.C. Joshi, who landed in the Maldives, knowing the threat. The Indian Naval vessels INS Godavari and INS Tir did a commendable work in capturing the mercenaries and securing most of the hostages.

Political writer & Editor
Adam Rasheed Ahmed
can be reach:
wowmaldives@yahoo.com
wowmaldives@gmail.com

Wow lovely, how free is freedom of media in Maldives

2009-09-08T02:27:00.001-07:00

Police summon minister for questioning

Sawad-Thoyyib-Maldives by Ibrahim Mohamed, Minivan News

A minister and state minister were summoned to the police station for questioning on the request of criminal court following a poll on state television earlier this month, which the court deemed disrespectful towards the judiciary.

Dr Ahmed Ali Sawad, the minister of tourism, arts and culture, and Thoyyib Mohamed Waheed, the state minister, were questioned along with the programme’s presenter, Adam Miqdhah, and Ibrahim Khaleel, the managing director of the Maldives National Broadcasting Corporation.

The court requested a police investigation on 10 June after Television Maldives (TVM) aired a programme, “Q&A with Miqdhah”, asking viewers whether they thought the ongoing legal dispute over Herathera Resort remained unresolved because the courts were too slow; 70 per cent of viewers said yes.

Speaking to Minivan News today, Sawad said police informed him they wanted to verify a few details, but he chose to remain silent.

“I was quite surprised. I didn’t expect it in this day and age, when we are struggling for our fundamental rights for freedom.”

Sawad said he could not comment on the programme as he had not watched it.

Miqdad said he too chose to remain silent during the police interrogation. He added he was unsure whether the investigation was being conducted because of the views expressed on the show or the poll.

TVM Deputy General Mohamed Asif said he did not understand why the investigation was necessary.

“From Haveeru Daily, I learnt that the judge wanted to clarify whether we had disrespected the court on purpose,” he said.

In an interview with the newspaper on 11 June, Judge Abdullah Mohamed said the poll would tarnish the reputation of the judiciary and foster a perception that the courts were incompetent.

The president’s office released a statement today, expressing concern over Sawad being questioned by police.

“At a time when international parties have noted that the media is very free in the Maldives and are congratulating the country for it, the president believes incidents like this could negatively impact their view of the country,” the statement reads. “Further, this is an obstacle to ministers freely carrying out their responsibilities.”

Protecting Ex-president is not only a DRP's responsible.

2009-09-06T02:44:00.000-07:00

PROTECTING Ex-president

Protecting Ex-president is not a only DRP's responsible.

President Mohamed Nasheed say's ex-President Qayyoom must be protected accordingly.

Ex legal reform minister has different school of thought in legal ZIETGEIST.
Let's see what ex minister say's in his POLITICAL BLOG.

I don’t believe that anyone can be immune from the application of criminal laws – whether president or peasant.

All privileges and all benefits otherwise available to a person due to an office he holds in the country such as president, minister, judge or parliamentarian or any other public official ceases where criminal law begins.

Put another way, every person is liable for any crimes he may commit, or any laws he may breach.

But there may be different ways to deal with different office holders. This does not negative or defeat the “equality principle” which says that each person shall be equal before the law.

Equality principle is sometimes misconstrued in the media and even amongst politicians to hold that the president or commoner, public official or not, everyone must be subject to the same standards and processes.

Equality principle does not mean that. Any student of constitutional law would know that the principle simply means “like cases must be treated alike”.

People placed in identical or similar circumstances must be subject to equal application of the laws, and there shall not be any discrimination in the manner they are treated.

Returning to the issue of prosecution, it is my firm belief that a serving president or past president must be held responsible for any breaches of the law or crimes he may have committed while as president.

The constitution is clear in article 6 of it that a president is to govern the country in accordance with the constitution. He is asked to rule within the perimeters of the constitution.

It means that his powers need to be exercised within the bounds of constitution and law. It also means that the moment he transgresses a law he is deemed to have exceeded his remit as president; is exposed to legal liability; and must be held accountable for his deeds. That process of accountability must never be closed or prevented or restricted.

But there may be different ways to deal with that liability.

For example, the current Maldives constitution, in article 127, says that if a serving president is accused of a crime he committed while in office or even before assuming office, his prosecution for that offence may be postponed till he ends his term, if the parliament resolves it necessary to do so.

When I look at the draft of the disputed provision in the controversial bill on ex-presidents, in view of the arguments made against it, I don’t think that the draft actually reflects the concerns which have been generated in the media or expressed by some politicians.

Draft bill in section 9 focuses simply on protection from acts or omissions committed “as president”. It neither gives a president carte blanche authority to commit crimes while in office nor does it afford an ex-president such a blanket cover to hide behind presidential immunity.

My reading of the substance of that provision is this: if a president leaves office without being held to have committed a wrong, he shall not be subjected to any prosecution or enquiry in respect of any act or omission committed in his capacity as president.

I read it to be a protection against vexatious and frivolous claims. I read it not to be as any protection from criminal liability.

Said another way, I read the bill simply to mean that an ex-president cannot be held liable for the manner in which he had exercised his executive discretion.

It is undisputed that neither the constitution nor the law affords him any protection against any act committed or omitted in violation of the constitution or law – simple because the law gives him power to govern according to the constitution.

While I believe that none can be protected from criminal liability or prosecution, I admit that executive discretion must be protected.

Let’s take an example. While there may be a large number of people who may not have liked the current president to privatize the country’s international airport, he cannot be exposed to any litigation or inquiry because of that, as he did not commit an offence prescribed by law.

He may be subject to criticism in a public court of opinion, but not to conviction in a court of law.

This president may have waived with a single stroke of his pen nearly Rf 600 million worth of otherwise receivable tourism related revenue in December last year as an act of compassion towards certain tourist resort owners. He cannot be held liable if he has not breached a law.

The president cannot either be quizzed or tried for creating utility companies in the manner he has decided to do so, if he has not breached a law.

Simply for one reason – all of it is within his executive discretion or presidential prerogative.

Similarly, there must be several acts within a thirty year rule, where the ex-president can be pulled up for his acts or omissions. I recall one from a press release of the presidential commission.

Why did the ex-president decide to partner with Malaysian Helicopter Services instead of Emirates to create Air Maldives? That is totally within his discretion as head of state, and he cannot be questioned on that. That is no breach of a law. That is an exercise of his presidential discretion.

It may not be to the liking of a large number of people. And in hindsight, it may not also have proved to be a worthy effort. But criminal inquiry or prosecution would fail on that, for absence of a breach of law.

Therefore, in approaching or understanding draft section 9 of the bill on ex-presidents, we need to appreciate the difference between acts which are against a law and acts which are disliked but within the prerogative of a head of state.

While there cannot be immunity from legally wrong acts, there ought to be every protection given to safeguarding decisions made within the remit of presidential discretion. Otherwise, one cannot govern at all.

And this is a protection we afford not to presidents alone. We give similar immunity from suit to members of independent commissions and offices as well. If you look at laws on Human Rights Commission, Anti-Corruption Commission, and Prosecutor General you would come across protection from court battles being granted in relation to what they do in their capacity as those office holders.

My conclusion is this: whether or not, section 9 of the bill on ex-presidents survives the criticism it has encountered, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom can still be subject to criminal inquiry of a presidential commission or criminal prosecution in a court of law in respect of any act he may have committed against a law during his tenure as president. But the three constitutions under which he had served would protect him from being questioned on any decision falling within presidential prerogative.

The disputed bill is no cover to exposing the ex-president to criminal prosecution or inquiry in respect of a crime or legal wrong. The draft bill proposes to protect him only to the extent of acts or omissions committed as president, that is to say, in his capacity as president and within the constitution, and in the exercise of his executive discretion and prerogative.

That is all. And if that meaning is not clear for all alike, I propose that the draft be further improved to spell out just that in precise terms.

http://www.mnasheed.com/2009/09/immunity-from-prosecution/

2009-09-03T02:46:00.000-07:00

WHO SAY'S DRP is a FAN CLUB for Ex-president Abdull Qayyoom.

A fan club is a group that is dedicated to a well known person, group, idea (such as history) or sometimes even an inanimate object (such as a famous building). Most fan clubs are run by fans that devote considerable time and resources to supporting them. There are also "official" fan clubs that are run by someone associated with the person or organization the club is centered around. This is the case for many musicians, soccer teams and more.

Functions as an organization:

Larger fan clubs may organize events and fundraising relating to what they are based on. In some cases the money that is raised goes directly to the people the fan club is based around.

DRP Mr.Nihan (MP) has submitted a bill protecting the ex presidents of MALDIVES. The young & old (MP)'s of DRP was really busy these days.

PROTECTING THE PRESIDENT is a taught job no matter present or ex.

The most of the Maldivian public & president MOHAMED NASHEED is very positive to provide protection to Ex-president Abdull Qayyoom.

Lots of Maldivians has changed their POLITICAL MOOD now. Why DRP parliament group has mentioned in this bill Abdull Qayyoom or Ex-presidents cannot bring to justice.

This was really a turning point. Public gathered in front of PARLIAMENT HOUSE & MDP members, non political party independent members raised their voice & alert whole nation.

MDP young MP Mr.Shifaz claimed he feel's & understand from this bill "NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW" simply not true, all people are equal but some are more equal than others.

The reality is young MP's of DRP & its members feel ABDULL QAYYOOM to retire completely from POLITICS.

MDP MP's & its member has same MODE & MOOD of thinking & claimed DRP is not presently acting as OPPOSITION PARTY it seem to be EX-PRESIDENT AL USTHAAZ MAUMOON ABDULL QAYYOM's FAN CLUB.

Writer can be reach:
Adam Rasheed Ahmed
Editor & Political Writer
wowmaldives@yahoo.com
wowmaldives@gmail.com

2009-08-19T04:31:00.000-07:00

THE MAN FOR ALL ISLANDS
Ex - President of Maldives Gayoom (1978 / 2009)
Summoned by Presidential Commission on Corruption:

A visiting European Union Parliamentarian to Male mentioned, while referring to former President Gayoom that it would be better for him to remain as a respected Statesman like former Presidents of other countries. Though undiplomatic, what he said is essentially true.

Having remained as President for three decades with "unlimited power," Gayoom should have gracefully retired and remained as an elder statesman making himself available for consultations if required and more importantly remain above politics. It looks that he has ambitions to become president again and it is not a good sight for a person of his position to be addressing party rallies all over Maldives. If he has such ambitions to continue in politics then he will necessarily have to take the flak of all the mis doings of those cronies who enjoyed power and privilege (pillage?) during his time and will have to explain and be accountable. This is what has happened now.

President Nasheed soon after taking over saw to it that the outgoing president was given due respect, privileges and financial support. In the joint press conference soon after election, he requested Gayoom to be of help to them in governance. His approach as mentioned in our paper of 2919 of 10th November 2008 was one of forgiveness, respect and tolerance.

Nine months later what has gone wrong that on 12th July, the Presidential commission had formally summoned Gayoom to its office to probe into alleged embezzlement and corruption of state funds and resources? One could be the enormity of the embezzlement of the state funds and two, it could also be due to pressure from President Nasheed�s colleagues who were not happy with the way Gayoom having obtained all the privileges for a "former president" and yet going about criticising the government repeatedly on all issues in the party meetings. Many of them who are pressing for action were the ones who would have suffered most during Gayoom�s time.

One cannot forget the way Gayoom chased his predecessor Ibrahim Nasir and his family out of the country by slapping innumerable charges against him. Ibrahim Nasir is being remembered now on the independence day when he was able to have a smooth transfer of power on 26th July 1965. The problem of Gan base in Adu Atoll was also skillfully solved and the base is now under the sovereign control of the Maldives Government. But Gayoom will also certainly be remembered one day provided he gives up his ambitions now.

But the charges of corruption and diversion of Gayoom�s regime are serious. Instead of taking umbrage under the existing law that the Presidential commission has no powers to issue summons or warrants ( in fact the civil court has upheld this position), Gayoom should have cooperated with the commission to clear his name. A Police team had been to his house to record his statement. There are two versions as to what he said. One said that he signed to the effect that the "commission was not constitutionally empowered to summon people against their will." Another said that "it is not possible for me to answer the commission�s questions since I do not have any of the documents with me now�. He was also reported to have said that it is not certain that the documents are in tact!

DRP sources had also said that the sending of two peons to the former president to serve the summons has lowered the status of the President to that of an ordinary citizen. Hasn�t the former president brought on this situation on himself?

Empowerment of the Commission could be done separately as the civil court on the case filed by President�s brother has not questioned the legality of the commission itself but only its powers. The other way would be to take the "Police Route" of registering separate cases of corruption and defalcation of funds by the former President. This is what is happening and media reports indicate that on 26th July, the Maldives Police Services has formally asked the Prosecutor General Ahmad Muiz to prosecute Gayoom for refusing to attend the enquiry relating to embezzlement of state funds and resources.

The next step would be to with hold his passport and that will be more humiliating.

While there were many cases of diversion of sources and misuse over a period of time, the audit report of the government of 2007 particularly revealed waste, fraud and money laundering. The report according to the Auditor General Ibrahim Naeem showed widespread fraudulent practices by government officials who cooked books and fudged documents. There were serious instances of corruption on the supply side.

Further, the 2008 budget had an unacceptable deficit of Rf 4 billion and according to the Auditor General it was not a balanced one. He said that his warnings were not heeded and the current dollar shortage is directly related to the imbalanced budget. The former government is said to be directly responsible for the severe economic crisis the country is undergoing.

If only former President gives up his ambitions, remain above politics, let the law take its course against all those in his regime who had embezzled or misused funds and cooperate with the President�s Commission against corruption, it will be good for the country as a whole and the nation that has been nurtured by him for three decades will feel grateful to him.

2009-08-16T22:52:00.000-07:00

India very special friend of reformists & MDP & President Mohamed Nasheed's Government

Let's know the SWOT before criticize INDIA-MALDIVES security knot.

M A L D I V E S

NOTE: The information regarding Maldives on this page is re-published from The Library of Congress Country Studies and the CIA World Factbook. No claims are made regarding the accuracy of Maldives National Security information contained here. All suggestions for corrections of any errors about Maldives National Security should be addressed to the Library of Congress and the CIA.

Military branches:	Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF): Quick Reaction Force, Security Protection Group, Coast Guard (2007)
Military service age and obligation:	18 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription (2008)
Manpower available for military service:	males age 16-49: 89,505 females age 16-49: 85,745 (2008 est.)
Manpower fit for military service:	males age 16-49: 72,150 females age 16-49: 69,058 (2008 est.)
Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:	male: 4,749 female: 4,084 (2008 est.)
Military expenditures:	5.5% of GDP (2005 est.)
Military - note:	the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF), with its small size and with little serviceable equipment, is inadequate to prevent external aggression and is primarily tasked to reinforce the Maldives Police Service (MPS) and ensure security in the exclusive economic zone (2008)

I N D I A

Dr. Subhash Kapila

Introductory Observations

The Indian Republic in the first fifty years of its existence maintained a strategic autonomy in the conduct of its foreign policy despite a much more limited national power profile and economic profile than that exists today.

Today, when India is economically vibrant and strong and India has been able to amass sizeable conventional and strategic assets, India to its citizens seems strategically tied down in adding muscle to the conduct of its foreign policy.

Adding muscle to India�s foreign policy does not imply war mongering or military adventurism. Adding muscle to India�s foreign policy implies that India�s national security interests are accorded a paramountcy in the conduct of foreign policies to the exclusion of the personal predictions of the Indian Prime Minister and his proximate foreign policy advisors. It also implies the existence of political will to secure India�s national security interests.

GREATER INDIAN VISIBILITY IN ITS NEIGHBOURHOOD & India to take up digital mapping of Maldives

By V.Jayanth

MALE Sept. 23. India is to undertake digital mapping and hydrographic surveys of the Maldivian land mass and coastlines, besides assisting the Indian Ocean State in setting up an information technology village, the Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee, announced here today.

Accepting a civic reception and a Key of Male here this evening, Mr. Vajpayee said a team from the Department of Space, Survey of India and the Indian Navy's Hydrographic unit would carry out the study and survey to help the Maldives map its future and estimate its potential in the fisheries sector. It could also help in its environment protection programme.

The Prime Minister said the Tata Consultancy would undertake a project to computerise the postal service network in the archipelago. This would be a model of Government-industry partnership that could be duplicated in other development areas.

Mr. Vajpayee, along with the Maldives President, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, participated in another function to lay the foundation stone for the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Studies here. Though started in 1987, the institute, functioning in a guest house, could not meet the growing needs of the tourism industry. With Indian help and expertise, this would function in a new building and double its capacity to 200 students per course.

Mr. Gayoom stressed on its significance to the Maldives, given its focus on tourism and the need to train young men and women in meeting its needs.

Briefing the media on the one-to-one talks between the two leaders and the delegation-level discussions, the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Nirupama Rao, said the Maldives had sought Indian assistance in the "greening and development'' of the Hulhumale island, where about 50,000 people would be resettled over the next 25 years. Indian companies were invited to participate in the housing projects too.

She said the Maldives President was keen on signing a science and technology agreement with India. Accordingly, New Delhi would draft such an agreement and send it to Male for approval, before the two Governments could sign it.

In response to Mr. Gayoom's request for Indian expertise to set up what he called an `Internet village', the Maldives was asked to send a delegation to Hyderabad and Bangalore to see for itself the facilities and developments, so that it could give a concrete shape to its proposal. Similarly, India would also assist in the development of e-governance here, to link various Ministries and agencies.

Ms. Rao said the National Research Laboratory for Conservation of Cultural Properties in Lucknow had restored the `Fenfushi' mosque in Male and had now been asked to take up a similar restoration of the `Dharumavantha Raasgefaanu' mosque, also in Male. (Mr. Vajpayee took credit for the laboratory being located in his parliamentary constituency)

As far as the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital here was concerned, the Government of India had agreed to set up another operation theatre, provide tele-medicine links with Indian health institutions and help develop it as a teaching institution. India would offer two additional seats in medicine to students from the Maldives, in addition to the present two.

As Mr. Gayoom noted in his banquet speech "An ocean brings our people together. In the past, the monsoon winds brought friends, merchandise and profit. Today, the airwaves and satellite signals exchange real time sounds and sights of both our cultures''.

The Maldives Home Minister, Ismail Shaffieeu, who presented the Key of Male to Mr. Vajpayee, later told Indian journalists that the ocean state was keen on expanding aviation ties with India — more flights to more cities, to bring more Indian tourists to the island resorts. At present, Indian Airlines operated services

only from Thiruvananthapuram and it was essential to provide flights out of New Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai.

The snap decision India made to stop the attempted coup in the Maldives, on the heels of its Sri Lankan intervention last year, shows the scale of its ambitions in South Asia. India says it wants to preserve ‘regional stability’. This is the sort of phrase that is used on such occasions. Trouble in Maldives poses no threat to Indian security, of course; but Mr Rajiv Gandhi’s government does not like the idea of coups. The week’s events showed, impressively, that India has the means to impose its will.

The prime minister came to know of the coup attempt at 8.30 on the morning of November 3rd, when he received a telephone call from an aide of the Maldivian president, Mr Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. The first transport aircraft, carrying 150 paratroops, landed in the Maldives less than 14 hours later, having flown, 1,700 miles from a base south of Delhi.

The United States, which had been in touch with Mr Gandhi, was happy for India to fix things in the Maldives. A similar view was taken by Russia and by Britain, the former colonial power, which used to have an air base on Gan, the southernmost island of the Maldives. Having Mr Reagan, Mr Gorbachev and Mrs Thatcher cheering him on must have bemused Mr Gandhi. It is a lot better than the accusations he hears from Sri Lanka.

The trouble in Sri Lanka, unlike that in the Maldives, does threaten Indian security. Ever since 1983, when the Tamil campaign for a separate state on the island began in earnest, India has wanted the Sri Lankan government to give the Tamils a generous measure of autonomy. It does not want to risk upsetting the 55 m Tamils who live in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, which in the 1950s had a strong separatist movement, called the Dravida Kazhagam. Although this movement failed, one or other of its more legitimate offshoots, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the All-India Anna DMK, has been ruling Tamil Nadu continuously since 1967.

The Maldives may accept India as a protective uncle.

Adam Rasheed Ahmed
wowmaldives@hotmail.com
wowmaldives@gmail.com

2009-08-15T02:59:00.000-07:00

Funadhoo Flyer concept may work.

Lets people & Government to decide just read about Singapore & visualize how Funadhoo can be use in a potential way. I think Singapore model may be a good option for FUNADHOO Island with cable car.

9 great reasons to visit Singapore's most iconic attraction – Singapore Flyer.

It’s the world’s largest observation wheel.

Standing at stunning 165m, the Flyer is the height of a 42-storey building – that’s some 30 metres taller than the famed London Eye. Taking a flight on this S$240 million dollar wheel is a one-of-a-kind experience you wouldn’t want to miss.

It’s the only place to see Singapore’s magnificent cityscape.

As the wheel turns, you’ll be treated to a visual 360° feast of iconic and historical landmarks and views from the Marina Bay to the Singapore River, Raffles Place, Merlion Park, Empress Place and the Padang. There is no other place in Singapore that offers these breathtaking, panoramic views.

You’ll get to feast on famous local dishes.

Seafood Paradise @ Flyer, a popular restaurant among locals, serves up signature local dishes such as chilli crab, butter crab, cereal prawns and drunken prawns. Enjoy these authentic local dishes alongside innovative culinary creations by our local chefs.

You’ll get a taste of our gourmet capital.

If local food isn’t the fare for you, dine at any of the restaurants at the Flyer. The selection – from Indian fusion to Japanese delicacies and Italian epicurean – gives you a taste of why Singapore is the gourmet capital of Asia.

You’ll get to indulge in Singapore’s national pastime.

Food may be our nation’s passion, but it’s shopping that’s our national pastime. At the Flyer, you’ll be able to indulge a little in yourself. Jewellery, luxury watches, exquisitely handmade Japanese accessories and more await the avid shopper.

You’ll experience urban nature.

Right in the centre of the atrium is a lush, tropical rainforest. The cascading water displays, streams, rocky outcrops and pond fuse together naturally to offer a picturesque landscape for photo taking.

You’ll be able to fly – “for real”.

If being 165m above ground level in a capsule exhilarates you, fly like a real pilot in a flight simulator that has all the gadgets and gizmos found in real commercial airliners. The simulator isn't a toy, it's been approved by the New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority for pilot training.

Your toes will be tickled by fishes.

On Level 2 is a fish foot spa - that’s right – it’s a spa where Doctor Fishes (“Garra Rufa”) work their magic on your feet. These fish, imported from Turkey, have healing properties and will give you a pedicure you won’t forget.

Your kids will have splashing wet fun.

Rest in the shade of the Greek Theatre located next to Singapore Flyer while your children frolic about our interactive water fountain. They'll have a blast with dancing water jets and water sprays at our cheery and colourful aqua playground. Available on selected days and timings only.

2009-08-13T03:21:00.000-07:00

PEOPLES 12 ,13 or MDP’ EXCLUSIVE EVENT.

The Aug 12^th & 13^th in Maldives was pro-democracy demonstration that began on the night of 12 August, 2004, at the Republican Square.

MDP has no wright to claim Aug 12,13 as there exclusive event.

The MDP has officially celebrated Aug 12,13 in Alimas Kaanival stage last night with YELLOW.

Aug 12 is Maldives day of Democracy & 13th is Maldives day of Human rights.

The way MDP & its Government has celebrated the event colorfully but PEOPLE participation was very less.

That may be a responsible of event manager in MDP.

The people expected to hear key notes from people like Ibrahim Ismail,Gasim Ibrahim & rest of Majlis members lecture or there feelings about the matter.

President Nasheed was apear on the stage as a president not in the mood head democracy movement which may be not a bad concept according to present political situation.

People expected to have mike on the stage to share just public saying few words the Aug 12th 13th Strike.

After math of what has taken place in local political atmosphere in Maldives, lot of barriers & challenges of initiating other than MDP members to participate the event has defferent school thoughts. This “ICE” has break from MDP members & Government to make this event as PEOPLES EVENT not MDP & its Government exclusivity of Aug 12 & 13.

The reality is present MDP 80% members & there leaders has mega contribution to make this event happen in a extremely DANGEROUS atmosphere.

wowmaldives@hotmail.com

Adam Rasheed Ahmed

2009-08-04T00:46:00.000-07:00

Grameen Bank Method of Action

The Norwegian Nobel Committee has announced the Nobel Peace Prize for 2006, divided into two equal parts, to Dr. Muhammad Yunus & Grameen Bank.

The Grameen Bank's Method of action can be illustrated by the following principles:

1. Start with the problem rather than the solution: a credit system must be based on a survey of the social background rather than on a pre-established banking technique.

2. Adopt a progressive attitude: development is a long-term process which depends on the aspirations and committment of the economic operators.

3. Make sure that the credit system serves the poor, and not vice-versa: credit officers visit the villages, enabling them to get to know the borrowers.

4. Establish priorities for action vis-a-vis to the the target population: serve the most poverty-stricken people needing investment resources, who have no access to credit.

5. At the begining, restrict credit to income-generating production operations, freely selected by the borrower. Make it possible for the borrower to be able to repay the loan.

6. Lean on solidarity groups: small informal groups consisting of co-opted members coming from the same background and trusting each other.

7. Associate savings with credit without it being necessarily a prerequisite.

8. Combine close monitoring of borrowers with procedures which are simple and standardised as possible.

9. Do everything possible to ensure the system's financial balance.

10. Invest in human resources: training leaders will provide them with real development ethics based on rigour, creativity, understanding and respect for the rural environment.

2009-08-04T00:27:00.000-07:00

Yunus briefs Hillary about Grameen healthcare plans

An Example for MALDIVES Gov & Politicians Dr.Prof. Muhammad Yunus Model in MALDIVES.

On April 15, 2009 Secretary Clinton met with Dr. Prof. Muhammad Yunus and representatives from Grameen Healthcare and Grameen America at the State Department. They discussed his plans to transform health care in Bangladesh through the development of Health Management Centers. Secretary Clinton is a long-time advocate of microcredit and expanding the availability of health care. A Nobel Laureate, Dr. Yunus, studied Economics at Vanderbilt University in 1965 as a Fulbright scholar.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton receives Nobel laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus at her US State Department office in Washington DC Wednesday.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton yesterday received Prof Muhammad Yunus and the Grameen Healthcare delegation to the World Healthcare Congress at her office.

During a 90 minute meeting with the 14-member Grameen delegation, Prof Yunus briefed the secretary about Grameen's healthcare plans and social business initiatives.

Secretary Clinton, who visited Grameen Bank in 1995, and is a long-time proponent of microcredit for the poor, offered her support to Grameen's healthcare programme.

Prof Yunus discussed, in particular, the proposed creation of a Grameen Medical College and teaching hospital as joint venture collaboration with a leading school of medicine of a premier US university.

Prof Yunus updated the US secretary of state on the latest developments within Grameen Bank. He also emphasized the importance of a new legislation to create microfinance banks in the USA and other countries.

Hillary sought Prof Yunus's assistance in crafting a bill for that purpose. She pointed out that microfinance can play a key role during the current financial crisis by helping the unemployed generate to create self-employment.

The two leaders also discussed issues of global warming and environmental degradation and its threat to Bangladesh.

Yunus, pointing out that climate change was an issue of life and death for Bangladesh, requested Hillary Clinton's support for global action and initiatives to help Bangladesh counteract the effects of climate change.

He requested the secretary to pay special attention to the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and help them cope with the current global financial crisis.

He also sought her help in allowing duty-free access to garment products from Bangladesh to the USA.

2009-08-03T22:31:00.000-07:00

Maldives paradise hit by global slowdown

Presidential yacht is first under the hammer amid tourism downturn fear

Randeep Ramesh and Olivia Lang in Malé The Guardian, Wednesday 18 February 2009

The presidential yacht, which will be auctioned - probably on eBay - with a reserve price of $7.5m (£5m).

The MALDIVES are best known as an upmarket tourist destination, where well-heeled visitors pay thousands of pounds a night to watch the sun sink into the crystal blue waters of the Indian Ocean.

But even in paradise, fears of a global slowdown are forcing drastic action. Such is the concern about declining income from tourism, the government has opted to sell off some of the most potent symbols of state. First to go is the presidential yacht, which will be auctioned - probably on eBay - with a reserve price of $7.5m (£5m).

Then there's the presidential "picnic island", a two-acre retreat for the Maldivian elite with private beaches, badminton courts, a gym and a cricket pitch. Now the island will be turned into a conference centre.

Tourism, which makes up more than a third of the islands' economy, has made the country by far the richest in South Asia, with a GDP per head in excess of $2,000. But with visitor numbers down by 5% in January, ministers say the fledging democracy needs to cut costs now.

Before the first democratic elections were held last October the tropical idyll was a virtual dictatorship. President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, who stepped down after 30 years in power, was accused of running the 1,200-long island chain as a personal playground and of siphoning off profits from tourism.

The former ruler had just completed a cavernous presidential palace before he was thrown out of office. Built at a cost of $45m and with daily running costs of $30,000, the palace will be converted into government offices for an arts council and the country's first university.

The new president says he will operate from a town house, renovated for $125,000, in the capital and his government has tried to make a virtue of the bleak outlook for the economy, saying that it no longer wants to be associated with the former emblems of autocracy.

Mohamed Nasheed, a former Amnesty prisoner of conscience who became the Maldives' first freely-elected president, says he wants to "cut back on the trappings of power" left over from the previous regime. "In a democratic society, particularly at this time of economic hardship, it isn't appropriate for a president to be cruising around in multi-million dollar yachts and padding about palaces," he said.

The savings, says the new government, will release much-needed funds at a time when it needs to pay for debts run up by the previous regime. The Maldives says it needs help to survive the current economic crisis.

"There is no money in the country. We have to live off the money that is coming in every day. When we took over as the government we inherited a huge debt without a significant reserve," said the vice-president, Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik.

Gayoom's party, the Dhivehi Rayyithunge party (DRP), denied that the former president had been lavish in his spending saying these were important images of office.

Abdulla Mausoom of the DRP said there were "more pressing issues" the government should be concerned about. "Selling a chair that the president used is not a change. They should make certain changes rather than selling off a speedboat or a dinghy. Nasheed has appointed over 68 ministers and state ministers already. If you are talking of a lean government, there are other things you should be doing," he said.

Maldives economy blame game or claim game

2009-08-03T10:41:00.000-07:00

The Maldives economical issues hit in a public & media.

After 23 years of dictators attitude in governing the governance by Qayyoom starts changing the Maldives constitution. The people who are not positive with Qayyoom & his government has raise lot of questions about his Government.

Specialy Economy,Religion, Judicery Systems , health care & democracy related issues. EU & Qayyooms opposition has created heavy preasure becouse of mentioned issues in Maldives.

The young business community & local investors has very narrow playing field to play in local economy since the Qayyoom systems has favoure there political ring leaders. The nepotism in the Qayyoom terms of office has narrow down the opportunities for new commers in business & politics.

The International community & financial institutes has advise Qayyoom Government several time to follow the finance guide lines. The government has failed to meet the financial consaltants advises............ to be continue with pictures & datas very soon.

2009-07-18T23:39:00.000-07:00

Ex-President vs Present President in MALDIVES

CRITICAL JUDGEMENT

Both DRP & MDP members & supporters identify barriers, hazards, risks and other negative connotations. This is critical thinking, looking for problems and mismatches. This is usually natural for people to use, the issues with it are that people will tend to use it when it is not requested and when it is not appropriate, thus stopping the flow of others.

Preventing inappropriate use of the HITH THIRI KURUN is a common obstacle and vital step to effective group thinking. Another difficulty faced is that some people will naturally start to look for the solutions to raised problems - they start practicing emotional on HITH THIRI KURUN thinking before it is requested.

Commercial examples are:

Will be facing strong competition
What if we cannot get enough contribution together to support
We might not be able to make it cheaply enough for us & supporters to sustain it
There will be too much political opposition to this approach
There is a risk that new legislation will make this makes unattractive

Examples from the referenced historical trends are:

Time is wasted
Learning is compromised
Those speaking feel that HITH THIRI KURUN listeners do not respect them and do not wish to hear what they are saying
Flow of discussion is less clear

Critical thinking

Critical thinking is purposeful and reflective judgment about what to believe or what to do in response to observations, experience, verbal or written expressions, or arguments. Critical thinking might involve determining the meaning and significance of what is observed or expressed, or, concerning a given inference or argument, determining whether there is adequate justification to accept the conclusion as true. Hence, Fisher & Scriven define critical thinking as "Skilled, active, interpretation and evaluation of observations, communications, information, and argumentation."^[1] Parker & Moore define it more narrowly as the careful, deliberate determination of whether one should accept, reject, or suspend judgment about a claim and the degree of confidence with which one accepts or rejects it.

Critical thinking gives due consideration to the evidence, the context of judgment, the relevant criteria for making the judgment well, the applicable methods or techniques for forming the judgment, and the applicable theoretical constructs for understanding the nature of the problem and the question at hand. Critical thinking employs not only logic but broad intellectual criteria such as clarity, credibility, accuracy, precision, relevance, depth, breadth, significance and fairness.

In contemporary usage "critical" has the connotation of expressing disapproval which is not always true of critical thinking. A critical evaluation of an argument, for example, might conclude that it is good.

POLITICALLY MOTIVATED CRITICAL JUDGEMENT

Mohamed Amin Didi was a Maldivian political figure. He served as the first president of the Maldives and as the head of government between January 1, 1953 and August 21, 1953. Amin Didi was also the principal of Majeediyya School from 1946 to 1953.

Mohamed Amin Didi was the leader of the first political party in the Maldives, Rayyitunge Muthagaddim Party. He was well known for his efforts for the advancement of women and education in Maldives.

With the support of the people he abolished the 812 years old sultanate and became the first president of the Maldives on 1 January 1953. But he always supported a constitutional Monarchy.

After the death of Sultan Majeed Didi and his son Prince Hassan Fareed Didi, the members of the parliament chose Mr Amin Didi to be the next person who is capable to be as a sultan. But the same moment he stood up and shouted that "for the sake of the people of Maldives I would not accept the crown and the throne". And so a referendum was held and Maldives became a republic. But the republic was short lived and a revolution was brought by the people of Male`,while the president was in Ceylon for medical treatment.

Velaanaagey Ibaraahim Didi ,the vice president of Amin became the head of revolutionary government and ordered to arrest Mr Amin Didi as soon as he returned. Mr Amin Didi was not aware of these events which had taken place in his absence and he returned to the country ignorant of what have happened .

When he returned, he was arrested and taken to Dhoonidhoo island. He was told on the way that he is not any more the president. Four months later after his arrest, secret letters were exchanged between him and Ibrahim Hilmy Didi, to bring an end to this revolutionary government and to restore the monarchy. Ibrahim Hilmy as the king and Amin Didi as the prime minister. (Mr Ibraahim Hilmy lied to Amin Didi by saying that the people are still on his side).And ome might Amin didi came to male and tried to take control of badeyrige (Military HQ). People were so angry that he was beaten nearly to death. Then he was thrown into a small boat (bohkuraa near male).

Later the leaders of this small rebel group who wanted Mohanmed Amin as their leader were brought to court including Mohamed amin didi ,Ibrahim Hilmy Didi and Shamsuddin Hilmy Didi. These three people were sentenced to banish for life.

Mohamed Amin was banished to K.Gaafaru,Ibraahim Hilmy was Banished to K.gulhi and shamsuddin Hilmy was banished to K.hinmafushi.

As the former presidents health became deteriorating he was brought to Vihamanaa fushi Island (now kurumbaa village). On 19 January 1954,the first president of Maldives,a leader who tried his best to modernise his country died.A small funeral was held on vihamanaa fushi and he was buried in that island.His daughter Al nabeela Ameena attended to the funeral.

Ibrahim Nasir Rannabandeyri Kilegefan

Ibrahim Nasir Rannabandeyri Kilegefan who served as Prime Minister of the Maldives under Sultan Muhammad Fareed Didi from 1957 to 1968 and succeeded him to become the first President of the Second Republic from 1968 to 1978.

Nasir was widely criticised during Gayoom's regime. Especially during the first days of Gayoom after sworned in as president. There were massive rallies in almost all the big islands of Maldives with indecent cartoons of Nasir organized by Gayoom's government. There were cartoons of Nasir on the roads and on newspapers too. Horrible anti-Nasir songs were recorded and distributed by the government. These songs were even played on national radio. Offensive words were used for Nasir in these songs. These songs and cartoons were used in the rallies.

It is said until Nasir left Male' Gayoom praised Nasir and talked in favour of him (As in his first speech after sworned in as president). But after Nasir left Male' everything changed. After he left Male', mass demonstrations were held against him, labeling him traitor, calling death for him. He was tried in absentia and sentenced. However, the allegations against Nasir were never proven. Later Gayoom pardoned him.

Ibrahim Nasir exiled in Singapore on 7 December 1978 after resigning from his post. In 1981, Gayoom sentenced him to jail in absentia for alleged corruption charges and plotting a coup d'état; none of the allegations were proven and Nasir was pardoned.

On November 22, 2008, at the age of 82, Nasir died at Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore.^[3] Though the cause of death is unknown,^[4] he had kidney problems, which plagued him in the time before his death.^[1] Nasir's body was flown to the Maldives, where his body was displayed in Theemuge, the presidential palace in Malé, on November 23.^[4] The day was declared a national holiday in the Maldives, and tens of thousands of Maldivians flocked to see Nasir's body, which was displayed at a ceremony in Republican Square before going to Theemuge.^[5] At the presidential palace, current President Mohamed Nasheed and former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom were among those who paid their respects to Nasir.

The MALDIVES first president Ibrahim Nasir has died age of 82, in Singapore on Saturday after a long illness. 1968 to 1978.

Idi Amin Dada (c.1925 – 16 August 2003), commonly known as Idi Amin, was a Ugandan military dictator and the President of Uganda from 1971 to 1979. Amin joined the British colonial regiment, the King's African Rifles, in 1946, and eventually held the rank of Major General and Commander of the Ugandan Army. He took power in a military coup in January 1971, deposing Milton Obote. His rule was characterised by human rights abuses, political repression, ethnic persecution, extrajudicial killings and the expulsion of Asians from Uganda.

From 1977 to 1979, Amin titled himself as "His Excellency, President for Life, Field Marshal Al Hadji Doctor^[3] Idi Amin Dada, VC, DSO, MC, Conqueror of the British Empire." In 1975–1976,

Amin fled to Libya, before moving to Saudi Arabia in 1981, where he died in 2003.

Amin's army retreated steadily, and despite military help from Libya's Muammar al-Gaddafi, he was forced to flee on 11 April 1979 when Kampala was captured.

He escaped first to Libya and ultimately settled in Saudi Arabia where the Saudi royal family paid him a generous wage in return for his staying out of politics.

Amin held that Uganda needed him and never expressed remorse for the nature of his regime.In 1989, he attempted to return to Uganda, apparently to lead an armed group organised by Colonel Juma Oris. He reached Kinshasa, Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo), before Zairian President Mobutu forced him to return to Saudi Arabia.

IDI Amin's death

On 20 July 2003, one of Amin's wives, Madina, reported that he was in a coma and near death at King Faisal Specialist Hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. She pleaded with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni to allow him to return to die in Uganda. Museveni replied that Amin would have to "answer for his sins the moment he was brought back."Amin died in Saudi Arabia on 16 August 2003. He was buried in Ruwais Cemetery in Jeddah; according to the Associated Press's sources, few attended the funeral ceremony.

Qayyoom from DRP (Desaster Recovery Plan) to safe exit,

from safe exit to FIRE EXIT.

Ex-President Qayyoom & President Nasheed’s (ANNI) political DRAMA’s are most interesting exiting political ZIETGIEST in Maldivian modern history.

As a political analyst & writer I may be wrong I have been wrong in Qayyoom’s government many times & sent BEHIND BARS & banished. It is very interesting in local politics to make an analysis about present political situation but it is dangerous profession every where in the world.

Some people predict that ANNI’s Hith Thiri Kurun ( act as down to earth while celebrating victory) may have chance Qayyoom to be a STAE GOOD WILL EMBISSODOR for Environment to promote Maldives as a XERO CARBON country.

May be due to his political hidden agenda in DRP has confused the members.

Qayyoom has to answerable following stakeholders in DRP.

1-Qassan Maumoon why he failed competing with Thimarafushi Musthafa after making marketing GIMMICS in public media.

2-Abdulla Yamin, after PA alliance is that all about blasphemous of ANNI’s government or presidency for year 2013.

3-Ahmed Thasmeen Ali has faced numeric damages since he attempted to secure DRP & Qayyoom in presidential election. Who secure his political interest Qayyoom or Yameen.

Some Maldivians believe the best option for DRP future with young bloods has batter options if Qayyoom not involve in local politics.

The self exile model or asylum model for Qayyoom is not a bad option for time been since history of Maldives has bad practice with ex-presidents.

Most likely VISE PRESIDENT OF MALDIVES IN 2013

There is a unpredictable scenario in present political reality of Maldives. During 1980’s & 1990’s there is HUGE DEMAND for CLUB FOOTBALL the present situation is deferent public demand & spectators presence was not there.

The same might happens if AHMED THASMEEN migrate to MDP with his parliament group & that may solve his NUMARIC CHALLENGES too.

If this take place there will be no political demand with public excitement as spectators. The political spectators will say now there is no interest since MDP has majority in parliament everything will move according to MDP manifesto for 5 years.

If so AHMED THASMEEN will be MDP’s next VICE PRESIDENT OF MALDIVES in 2013 without YAMEEN & QASSAN & ANNI may complete his second terms of office.

Why Maldivians concern about Qayyoom still some people really dont know THE REAL QAYYOOM he will attend RIYAASEE COMMITEE we should forget how he operate during Nov 3rd 1988 & his visit to cemetry while EVAN NASEEM dead body SAHARA Pls. dont under estimate Qayyoom still ANNI & Qayyoom knews Maldivian political DRAMA both of them are best political manipulators in Modern Maldian history.

By Adam Rasheed Ahmed

wowmaldives@hotmail.com

wowmaldives@gmail.com

2009-07-16T01:50:00.000-07:00

DEMOCRATISATION IN MALDIVES AS ECONOMIC TSUNAMI & CASH FLOOR VACUUM

By Adam Rasheed Ahmed:

It is much safer for an academic to write a flawless work on a picayune topic than to explore an interesting topic and make some mistakes along the way. In The Political Economy of Dictatorship,

By “Ronald Wintrobe”

Mr Ali Shiyam, Economic Advisor to the President, was appointed as the Chairman of the Commission and Sheikh Hussain Rasheed Ahmed, President of Adhaalath Party, was appointed Joint-Chair.

The commission was formed under Article 115(o) of the constitution, to undertake its mandate independently with full legal powers. The commission will have the authority to summon, interrogate and take statements from any person alleged to have misappropriated state funds and resources, with a view of using these records as evidence in the courts. The commission will also have the authority to restrict movement of suspects including confiscation of passports and freeze relevant bank accounts.

Maldives it’s about 1,900 islands, only 198 are inhabited 380,000 people wih 100 world renown tourist resorts.

An ancient times the Maldives were renowned for cowries, coir rope, dried tuna fish (Maldive Fish), ambergris (Maavaharu) and Coco de mer (Tavakkaashi). Local and foreign trading ships used to load these products in the Maldives and bring them abroad.

Nowadays, the mixed economy of the Maldives is based on the principal activities of tourism, fishing and shipping.

Tourism is the largest industry in the Maldives, accounting for 28% of GDP and more than 60% of the Maldives' foreign exchange receipts. It powered the current GDP per capita to expand 265% in the 1980s and a further 115% in the 1990s. Over 90% of government tax revenue flows in from import duties and tourism-related taxes.

Fishing is the second leading sector in the Maldives. The economic reform program by the government in 1989 lifted import quotas and opened some exports to the private sector. Subsequently, it has liberalized regulations to allow more foreign investment.

Agriculture and manufacturing play a minor role in the economy, constrained by the limited availability of cultivable land and shortage of domestic labour. Most staple foods are imported.

Industry in the Maldives consists mainly of garment production, boat building, and handicrafts. It accounts for about 18% of GDP. Maldivian authorities are concerned about the impact of erosion and possible global warming in the low-lying country.

The population is scattered throughout the country, and the greatest concentration is on the capital island, Malé. Limitations on potable water and arable land, plus the added difficulty of congestion are some of the problems faced by households in Malé.

Development of the infrastructure is mainly dependent on the tourism industry and its complementary tertiary sectors, transport, distribution, real estate, construction, and government.

The International media describe ex-HEP President Maumon abdull Qayyom is the man who change Maldives changed FISHING VILLAGE as a one of the fine tourism destination.

The history shown the TOURISM in Maldives has introduced late Ibrahim Nasir. Ever since the launch of the first resort in Maldives in 1972, however, tourism in Maldives has flourished.

The arrival of the first tourist group is estimated to have occurred in February 1972. The group landed at Malé, the capital island of the Maldives, and spent 12 days in the country. Tourism in Maldives started with just two resorts with a capacity of about 280 beds in Kurumba Village and Bandos island Resort.

According to published data’s, tourism benefits directly & indirectly only about 10% of the population in Maldives.

The majority of Maldivians agreed to changed Qayyoom’s government by public referendum for following reasons.

1-Equal distribution of wealth

2-Unfare of judiciary practice

3-Humanrights

4-Religious issues

5-Nipotism

6-Corruption

7-Drug & related issues

9-Freedom of speech & media

10-Monopolising the opportunities for 30 years & dictating Politics against full flag democracy.

Dictators therefore place more emphasis on building networks of loyalty to compensate for the weakness of democratic enforcement mechanisms; they also tend to lash out at bonds of loyalty that allow other members of society to enforce agreements potentially at odds with the dictator’s wishes. Thus, according to Wintrobe,

Stalin may have been extraordinarily ruthless, but he was not irrational if we look at the effects of the terror from his point of view. . . . He transformed the CPSU, especially its upper echelons, from an organization dominated mainly by Old Bolsheviks whose loyalties were primarily to the CPSU itself (or to each other) into an elite which was entirely of Stalin’s own making.

Top-down (“vertical”) loyalty networks keep the dictator in power; “horizontal” loyalty networks enable the dictator’s followers to enrich themselves at the expense not only of the ruled but possibly of the ruler as well.

Dictators create loyalty the same way firms do: by paying “efficiency wages“wages in excess of a person’s opportunity cost. Wage premiums obviously give a dictator’s supporters an extra benefit, but that benefit can be withdrawn for disloyalty. In fact, in a dictatorship,

The Economist Intelligence Unit’s Index of Democracy 2008

The results of the Economist Intelligence Unit's Democracy Index 2008 confirm that, following a decades-long global trend in democratisation, the spread of democracy has come to a halt. Comparing the results for 2008 with those from the first edition of the index, which covered 2006, shows that the dominant pattern in the past two years has been stagnation. Although there is no recent trend of outright regression, there are few instances of significant improvement.

However, the global financial crisis, resulting in a sharp and possibly protracted recession, could threaten democracy in some parts of the world.

This is the second edition of the Economist Intelligence Unit’s democracy index. It reflects the situation as of September 2008. The first edition, published in 2006 in the Economist's World in 2007, reflected the situation in September 2006.

The Index provides a snapshot of the current state of democracy worldwide for 165 independent states and two territories (this covers almost the entire population of the world and the vast majority of the world's independent states (27 micro states are excluded). The Economist Intelligence Unit’s democracy index is based on five categories: electoral process and pluralism; civil liberties; the functioning of government; political participation; and political culture. Countries are placed within one of four types of regimes: full democracies;

Half of the world’s population lives in a democracy of some sort, although only some 14% reside in full democracies. Despite the advances in democracy in recent decades, more than one third the world’s population still lives under authoritarian rule.

The relationship between the level of development (income per head) and democracy is not-clear cut. There is an apparent association; the simple correlation between our democracy index for 2008 and the logarithm of GDP per head (at PPP US$) in 2007 is just under 0.6. This may look even surprisingly low—it implies that in a simple two-variable regression of the democracy index on income per head, just over one third of the inter-country variation in democracy is explained by income levels. If we also control for oil wealth & etc.

Aftermath of Dictator & Maldives Economy:

Aftermath of Qayyoom’s dictatorship the Maldives economy was badly effected for following reasons:

1-Both MDP & DRP was using economy as a tool.

2-MDP has pointed out lot of corruption & fraudulent claims to DRP

3-DRP has positive relation to MMA

4-DRP has full control of Citizens Majlis(Parliament)

5-M.Nasheed’s government fully control the state funds & wastage of Government spending.

6-M.Nasheed’s government minimized the size of government administration.

7-M.Nasheed’s government interrupted DRUG related transaction.

8-M.Nasheed’s government minimized or controlled corruption related deals

9-Tourist arrivals decreased about 15 %

10- Narcotics, which has deeply affected the social fabric of the Maldives, effected badly worth about US$10 million, for those involved in trafficking it through his country.

11-International regulatory bodies has pressure on 2005 Maldives Government to establish ( F I U ) Financial Intelligence Unit up to President Nasheed Government this was ignored systematically. The Maldives is developing its anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism system. The Maldives is in the process of drafting anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism laws. The Maldives has not yet established a Financial Intelligence Unit but is developing a system for reporting suspicious transactions.( APG ) Maldives becam e member 2008

12- International regulatory bodies has pressure Maldives Government to establish SNIFFING DOGS checking in both customs port regulation with LAW namely THILAFULHI & ships direct call to other Island ports in Maldives.

13- Airport Security Agency / Remote Airport Needs Tighter Security

Anonymous writes:

Maldives — Airport security and those trained for security functions are inadequate at Male International Airport in the Maldives. The International Civil Aviation Organization believes "the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation is not concerned enough with training security personnel." Although many may have no idea where the Maldives are, it has just the kind of remote international airport with slack security that terrorists look to exploit.

14-The dictator Qayyoom has planted his stakeholders & controls most influential independent areas of Maldives other than MNDF ( Maldives National Defence Force ) & Maldives Police Services. Therefore Nasheed’s government has stiffness in terms of democracy to a deal with International & local authorities to investigate dictator SCANDALS & BIRBERY related issues to get state funds.

United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime

EXECUTIVE SUMARY

· Findings from a rapid assessment in 2003 confirm that opiates (mainly heroin) and

cannabinoids (mainly hashish) are the most frequently used drugs. About 8%

reported IDU and half of these had started injecting before the age of 17 years. About

half reported sharing of syringes ‘ever’. A variety of sexual risk behaviours were

reported.

· The country is aware of the various factors which may threaten a drug-driven HIV

epidemic (sexually active young population, the importance of blood transfusions in

public health) and has taken countermeasures.

· Seizures of heroin by Indian and Sri Lankan authorities destined for the Maldives

appear eight times the average annual seizures within in the country itself by the

Maldivian authorities. Considering the small size of the country, this trend is a matter

of great concern.

· The Maldives is very well connected with the outside world through its international

airport and sea ports. It is potentially vulnerable as a point for the illegal shipment of

precursor chemicals or large quantities of drugs destined for other countries.

GORM officials fear

Maldives has the potential to become a transshipment point for drug smugglers. Most drugs come into the

country by sea, but the Maldivian Customs Service and police find it impossible to search all ships

adequately. The GORM has discussed using drug-sniffing dogs to help search vessels, but opposition to

the proposal, in part over questions of cost effectiveness, has prevented the project’s implementation

The Republic of Maldives consists of 1,100 islands in the Indian Ocean with a comparatively small, but growing, drug problem. The fact that children under 16 constitute 50 percent of the population makes police and UN officials wary of the high growth potential for drug abuse in the country. Police, however, think they can still control the sale of drugs on the streets of the capital, Male'. Police officials believe the country's 25,000 foreign workers, mainly Indians and Sri Lankans who work in the country's resorts, conduct most of the trafficking. The U.S. has received reports from informed observers who note that an epidemic of heroin abuse (in the form of brown sugar, a relatively unrefined version of heroin suitable for smoking, not injection) by Maldivian youth may be under way in the Maldives.

Officials fear that the Maldives might become a transshipment point for drug smugglers. Most drugs come into and through the country by ship, but the customs service and police find it impossible to search all ships adequately. The government has discussed using drug sniffing dogs to help search vessels, but strong cultural resistance to dogs and opposition in part over questions of cost effectiveness, prevent the project's implementation.

The Government of the Republic of the Maldives (GORM), assisted by $25,000 in USG funding, began to computerize its immigration record-keeping system in 1993 in an attempt, among other things, to track the movements of suspected drug traffickers. The U.S. provided another $33,000 between 1996 and 1998 to the GORM to expand this computer system with additional computers and microwave networking technology.

In November 1997 the GORM established a Narcotics Control Board (NCB) under the Executive Office of the President. The Board's first commissioner, a lieutenant colonel, has concurrent duties as Deputy Commissioner of the Maldivian National Security Service.

The NCB coordinates drug interdiction activities, oversees rehabilitation of addicts, and coordinates actions of NGOs and individuals engaged in counternarcotics activities. In 1997 the GORM also established the country's first drug rehabilitation center with space for several dozen clients. The government launched a national antidrug program in 1998 and sent teams to increase drug awareness and assist with drug detection to 11 of the 19 atolls. The Italian government donated funds in 1998 for drug rehabilitation training.

The Republic of the Maldives has no extradition treaty with the United States. In 1994, however, the Maldives cooperated with the U.S. in rendering a Nigerian national to the U.S. to face narcotics trafficking charges. The GORM has signed the 1988 UN Drug Convention, although the country's legislature has not ratified the Convention. The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Convention on Narcotic Drugs came into force in the Maldives in 1993. The Drug Action Program of the Colombo Plan has conducted training for Maldives prison authorities and other interested officials in controlling abuse of narcotics among prison inmates. No evidence exists of narcotics-related corruption in the Maldives.

In 1998, the UNDCP donated computers to the NCB to assist efforts to control precursor chemicals. Although some in the Maldives hope to establish the country as an offshore financial center, its antiquated banking laws and regulations and currency controls present challenges. No laws specifically address money laundering or seizure of assets.

Bureau of Economic, Energy and Business Affairs

February 2009

Overview

CORRUPTION

Corruption is a serious problem in Maldives, and the new government has vowed to fight it. The World Bank's Control of Corruption Index for Maldives shows a steady decline in recent years from +0.06 in 2003 to -0.15 in 2004, -0.32 in 2005, -0.51 in 2006 and -0.78 2007. Transparency International's Corruption Perception Index surveyed Maldives for the first time in its 2007 index and Maldives ranked 84 with a score of 3.3 out of a possible 10. In 2008, Maldives slipped 31 places and ranked 115 out of 180 countries with a score of 2.8.

The law on prevention and punishment of corruption (2002) defines bribery and improper pecuniary advantage and prescribes punishments. The law also outlines procedures for the confiscation of property and funds obtained through commission of the included offenses. An Anti-Corruption Commission was created in December 2008 following the passage of the Anti Corruption Commission Act. The responsibilities of the Commission include inquiring into and investigating all allegations of corruption; to recommend further inquiries and investigations by other investigatory bodies; and to recommend prosecution of alleged offences to the Prosecutor General, where warranted. The Anti-Corruption Commission is empowered to handle cases of corruption of members of parliament. It cannot investigate corruption in the private sector.

In March 2007, the Maldives acceded to the United Nations Convention against Corruption.

Campaigners urge banks to shun dictators

Banks are facilitating international corruption by doing business with the world's dictators, according to a report today by an anti-corruption campaign group. Global Witness calls for banks to work harder to turn away business from individuals who pose a corruption risk. It also demands an end to tax haven "secrecy jurisdictions", saying: "The most important change is to ensure that every country produces full public online registers of the ultimate beneficial ownership of all companies and trusts."

Banks named in the report include Barclays, who the campaign group says kept open an account for the son of the dictator of Equatorial Guinea, despite evidence of looting of oil revenues. Barclays declined to comment because of client confidentiality. Other banks "hid behind bank secrecy laws" to frustrate US inquiries, the report says.

Banks are also alleged to have facilitated the activities of Liberian warlord Charles Taylor, now on trial at The Hague for war crimes. A German bank is alleged to have assisted the late president of Turkmenistan to keep gas revenues under his personal control.

Dozens of other international banks are accused of providing oil-backed loans to the state oil company of Angola, which has been accused of corruption and secret arms deals.

Gavin Hayman, campaigns director of Global Witness, said: "The same lax regulation that created the credit crunch has let some of the world's biggest banks facilitate the looting of natural resource wealth from poor countries.

"Government must take responsibility to stop banks doing business with corrupt dictators and their families."

GDP MALDIVES

Economy, Investment & Finance Reports

Economic Statistics and Indicators for Maldives, for the Year of 2008

GDP Per Capita (PPP), US Dollars for Maldives in year 2008 is US$ 4,950.77

This makes Maldives No. 110 in world rankings according to GDP Per Capita (PPP), US Dollars in year 2008. The world's average GDP Per Capita (PPP), US Dollars value is US$ ; Maldives is US$ 4,950.77 more than the average.

In the previous year, 2007, GDP Per Capita (PPP), US Dollars for Maldives was US$ 4,585.08 GDP Per Capita (PPP), US Dollars for Maldives in 2008 was or will be 7.98% more than it was or will be in 2007.

In the following or forecasted year, 2009, GDP Per Capita (PPP), US Dollars for Maldives was or will be US$4,931.89 , which is 0.38% less than the 2008 figure.

Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
The contribution of Travel & Tourism to Gross Domestic Product is expected to decline from 59.7% (MVR10,782.8 mn or US$842.4 mn) in 2009 to 47.9% (MVR16,423.5 mn or US$1,283.1 mn) by 2019.

Employment
The contribution of the Travel & Tourism economy to employment is expected to fall to 59,000 jobs in 2009, 51.5% of total employment or 1 in every 1.9 jobs to 63,000 jobs, 41.4% of total employment or 1 in every 2.4 jobs by 2019.

Growth
Real GDP growth for Travel & Tourism economy is expected to be -10.1% in 2009 and to average 2.2% per annum over the coming 10 years.

Exports
Export earnings from international visitors and tourism goods are expected to generate 61.3% of total exports (MVR7,772.4 mn or US$607.2 mn) in 2009, growing (nominal terms) to MVR12,150.9 mn or US$949.3 mn (40.1% of total) in 2019.

These are some reason why Maldives economy has madly effected & it seems that DEMOCRATIZATION has created economic TSUNAMI & CASH FLOOR VACUUMED.

The majority cash rich giants has bought US Dollars higher than the regulated US Dollar rate (Maldivian Ruffiya 12.85) the unhealthy BLACK MARKET created USD buying rate as (Mrf: 14.50 )

Banks Managers & Resort Managers has indirectly enjoys about what’s happening in the financial Market & regulator MMA (Maldives Monetary Authority) may be not aware there is public advertisement out side windows of local shops & Daily news media has pictured the Ads which is not allowed in MMA monetary regulation to sell or buy USD higher or lower than the MMA certified rate.

Adam Rasheed Ahmed:

wowmaldives@hotmail.com

wowmaldives@gmail.com