President Announces Land Reform Measures

President Mohamed Nasheed has announced the reforms to be proposed by the government to legislations that govern land and land transactions in the Maldives.

He made the announcement, speaking at the ceremony held in Manadhoo of Noonu Atoll today to begin transferring state held land titles in the islands to island councils.

The President said there were a number of reforms to existing land legislations and new legislations necessary to facilitate use of land as a transferrable commercial property and to ease the shortage of land in the Maldives.

The President said the government intended to propose reforms to existing Land Act and propose two new legislations on condominiums and mortgages.

On the reforms proposed to Land Act, the President said the aim of these reforms was simplifying both legal and administrative procedures in buying and selling land, and transferring ownership of land.

He said the duration that takes to conduct land transactions and the confusion involved in the process was obstacles to commerce and economic growth.

Outlining the new Condominium Bill to be sent to the People’s Majlis, the President stated that this legislation would facilitate individual ownership of pieces of real estate, usually apartment houses, housed in a single building.

He said such legislation was necessary to successfully deliver the government’s housing programme which aims to provide housing on installment basis.

The legislation would also overcome current obstacles to mortgage an apartment as the individuals do not own an apartment until they paid the price of the apartment in full.

In addition, summarizing the mortgage bill to be proposed to the parliament, the President emphasized the need enmesh the procedures for mortgaging properties and land, and the rights of the mortgagee and mortgager within the legal framework.

In his speech today, the President underscored that the severe shortage and resulting higher cost of land prevailed in the country not because of limited land but because of hindrances to transacting land.

He said the government wanted to change the way land transactions were done in the Maldives to allow easy of use of land as for commercial use, as a commercially transferrable asset.

The President said attaining national development and economic growth would not be possible without freeing land from unnecessary legal and procedural hindrances and allowing commercial transactions of land.

Commonwealth workshop to promote dialogue between government and opposition

Members of Parliament and other senior politicians from ruling and opposition parties from Commonwealth countries in Asia will participate in the first workshop of its kind in Maldives, jointly organised by the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA).

The workshop will also bring together selected resource persons, civil society representatives and observers from regional and international partner organisations of the Commonwealth.

The workshop, which bears the theme, Government and Opposition – Roles, Rights and Responsibilities, will be held from 13 to 15 June 2011 in Malé.

“Commonwealth Asia is the association’s most populous region, with both old and deep-rooted democracies, as well as more nascent ones. In all democracies, it is important for government and opposition parties to engage more effectively to promote democratic culture, political stability and socio-economic prosperity in their countries and the broader region,” said Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General Mmasekgoa Masire-Mwamba, who will launch the workshop together with the Speaker of the Majlis, the Maldives Parliament, the Hon Abdulla Shahid, as well as the representative of the CPA.

“At this workshop, parliamentarians will be able to share their own experiences and knowledge with peers from other countries, as well as learn from the experiences of others. This will help develop greater insight and understanding of issues, as well as generate good practice for Commonwealth Asia and beyond. This workshop aims to reinforce the Commonwealth’s commitment to strengthening democratic values, processes and institutions, which are characterised, among other things, by free and fair elections and representative legislatures,” she added.

The delegates will explore issues such as the challenge of good governance; the role of Parliament; transparency and accountability; the role of political parties in credible and peaceful elections; and managing conflict.

The workshop is part of a highly successful series that has been held in different parts of the Commonwealth. Previous workshops have covered the Pacific, Caribbean, West African and Southern African regions.

Dhivehi Observer News

Saturday, October 09, 2010

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Government to Find a Long Term Solution for Flood-Prone Islands – President Nasheed 
In his weekly radio address, President Mohamed Nasheed has said the government will aim for a sustainable solution to prevent flooding in islands during rainy seasons. He added that necessary funds for the purpose would be included in the next year’s budget. read & comment

So what’s wrong with the MDGs?This week’s UN summit will call for a big renewed effort to achieve the Millennium Development Goals. But there are reasons for starting to think a bit further ahead. A new report from International Alert asks us to get ‘beyond the MDGs”. read & comment

The Commonwealth Games: Can India Avoid a Debacle?The 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi may have been intended to showcase India as a cosmopolitan emerging economic powerhouse, but with just 11 days to go, the event threatens to become a debacle of epic proportions. The collapse of a footbridge outside the flagship Jawaharlal Nehru stadium on Tuesday (which injured 30 people) and the caving-in of the ceiling at the Games' weightlifting venue the following day appeared to symbolize the end of India's dream of hosting the "best ever" Commonwealth Games. read & comment

Spreading hate, one prejudice at a timeSo much was read into the announcement by Pastor Terry Jones that he would burn the Koran on the anniversary of 9/11 that this formerly obscure preacher must be delighted. His Koran-burning announcement set off a global debate about Islamophobia. Editorials were written about the clash of civilisations. And the world's politicians — starting with Barack Obama — lined up to persuade the old boy to throw his match-box away on that day.more

Medics fly to Maldives to pass on Sheffield skills
A LEADING children's doctor from Sheffield has shared his specialist skills and expertise with medics in the Maldives - part of efforts to improve the country's healthcare system. Dr David Campbell, who works as a consultant at Sheffield Children's Hospital, spent two weeks in the country after receiving an invitation from the Maldivian government, via the Friends of Maldives scheme. more 

Maldives Tourism Goods and Services Tax Bill ratifiedPresident Mohamed Nasheed has today ratified the Tourism Goods and Services Tax Bill that was passed by the People’s Majlis on 26 August 2010. read & comment

ކުނބުރުދޫ ހަސަނު ގެ ފުރެންޑެއްގެ ގަލަމުންހަސަނުމެންގެ ވެރިކަމަކީ ރައްޔިތުންގެ ވެރިކަން، މީޔަކީ އަމުދުން ސަމާސާއެއް ނޫން... ދެން ލަ ލަ ލާ

Government in talks with DRP to determine local council constituencies

Government representatives and delegates from the main opposition Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) began talks on 6th September 2010, to determine constituencies for local governance ahead of upcoming island and atoll council elections. read & comment

Independent MP joins MDP

Independent MP Zahir Adam who represents Gadhdhoo constituency, has joined the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) on 5 September 2010.read & comment

“Drag” regional countries in development, Maldives President tells IndiaAn outspoken Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed urged the regional super power India to “drag” neighboring countries in its development efforts, and otherwise it would give rise to “resentment” in the region, in an exclusive interview with the Asian Tribune. “With newly found wealth in India with its development, I think it is very important for India to drag other countries in the region in its development efforts,” President Nasheed opined. more

VOLUNTEER AS A TEACHER IN THE MALDIVES
The Maldivian Government and Friends of Maldives (FOM) are recruiting volunteers for the International Volunteer Programme (IVP), to teach English, science, mathematics and other subjects to students aged 6-18 in Maldivian community schools and participate in local community work. Maldives follows the British curriculum and Maldivian students prepare GCSEs and A’ Levels. read & comment

President calls for dialogue to resolve labour disputes

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Parliament’s paralysing of HRCM is “unforgivable”: Saleem

Parliament’s failure to approve a President and Vice President of the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) before going into recess has left the country without a functional human rights body, according to former HRCM President Ahmed Saleem. more

Maldives a 99.41 percent Muslim country, claims RISSC reportThe Royal Islamic Strategic Research Centre (RISSC)’s report into the global state of Islam has described the Maldives as a 99.41 percent Muslim country. RISSC is an independent research entity affiliated with the Royal Aal al-Bayt Institute for Islamic Thought, an international Islamic non-governmental institute headquartered in the capital of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. read & comment

ހަރުގެ

ދިވެހި ސަޤާފަތުގާހުރި ތަރައްޤީއަށް މަގުފަހިކުރާ ފުރުޞަތުތައް

 

Universal issues statement “deeply deploring” actions of strike organisersUniversal Enterprises has issued a statement announcing the return of guests to the Kurumba Maldives resort from August 26, following last week’s industrial action. The statement said the company “deeply deplored” the actions of strike organisers at Kurumba last week, claiming they “sent employees armed with makeshift weapons to blockade the main kitchen and physically threaten staff serving meals to guests”. read & comment

President reaffirms commitment to rule of lawIn his weekly radio address, President Mohamed Nasheed has said his administration will use laws only to uphold the rule of law. Expressing concern over the misuse of laws and the courts, the President said that “some politicians think of laws or even the courts as political tools”. read & comment

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Kurumba staff return to work after 19 arrestedStaff at Kurumba Resort have ceased striking and returned to work following the arrest of 19 staff members on charges of vandalism and intimidation. Almost all the resort staff have been on strike for the last three days complaining of management inaction over poor staff accommodation, food, unfair distribution of service charges and staff discrimination. Rising tension prompted management to move around 250 guests to other resorts run by the Universal group yesterday, while other visitors chose to depart the country. read & comment 

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Kurumba management evacuates guests as strike talks deadlockAn ongoing strike at Kurumba Maldives resort near Male’ has prompted management to move the island’s guests to other resorts run by the Universal Group, while other visitors have chosen to leave the country. More than 150 Maldivian and expatriate staff are on strike after complaining of poor staff facilities, low wages, unfair distribution of service charges and discrimination between local and foreign staff. more 
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President Nasheed ratifies Maldives' Broadcasting BillPresident Mohamed Nasheed on Sunday ratified Broadcasting Bill passed by the People’s Majlis at its sitting on 3 August. Following the ratification, the Broadcasting Act has been published in the government gazette. The Broadcasting Act makes provisions to establish a broadcasting commission to implement broadcasting policy. The Act states duties and responsibilities of the commission, and stipulates how broadcasting license can be issued. read & comment

Maldives to join International Criminal Court
Miadhu - Foreign Minister Dr. Ahmed Shaheed has said that he hopes that the next cabinet meeting will discuss on joining the International Criminal Court (ICS). Speaking to Miadhu, Dr. Shaheed said that after legal consultations with Attorney General (AG) it has been sent for approval to the cabinet ministers’ commission. read & comment

Maldives ship seized in MadrasThe Madras High Court has ordered the arrest a Maldives registered ship lying at the anchorage of Kannur port in Kerala. The court order, issued last week, follows alleged non-payment of dues to a Tuticorin-based company, the Siasath Daily reported. “Justice V. Peruya Karuppiah passed the interim order on an application from Hari Company alleging that the owners of the ship M/v Dhuvaafaru Galaxy had not paid for various items worth 248,386 USD (approx Rs.1.27 crore) supplied to the ship,” it said. read & comment

President Shares Views on Determining Inhabited Islands for Council ElectionsPresident Mohamed Nasheed, in his weekly radio address, discussed government’s views on determining inhabited islands for local council elections. The President said one view under consideration was to combine two nearby islands as one island for the purposes of decentralised administration, adding that such consolidation would bring a number of socio-economic benefits. read & comment

President Nominates a President and a Vice President for HRCMPresident Mohamed Nasheed has proposed to the People’s Majlis, a President and a Vice President for the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives. Ms Mariyam Azra was nominated as President while Ms Jeehan Mahmood was nominated as Vice President. read & comment 

President expresses concern over cases of rape and abuse of children

In his weekly radio address, President Mohamed Nasheed has said he is deeply concerned over the increasing number of cases of sexual abuse, rape and degrading treatment of children. He said protecting child rights was an important goal of the government, adding that government “always condemned” domestic violence. read & comment

Latest News from the Maldives

Islam And Democracy: Can A Country Fully Embrace Both?
MALE, Maldives (RNS) Can a nation that considers itself 100 percent Muslim also be a democracy without risking its Islamic identity and ideals? That's what this tiny island nation off the southern coast of India is trying to do. Two years after the country embraced democracy, a literary festival imported from the West shows the promise -- and peril -- of that experiment. more

Addu to become a city with Presidential decreeAs stipulated in the Decentralization Act (Act number 7/2010), President Mohamed Nasheed has today issued a decree on determining the administrative constituencies of the Maldives.
Following the decree, the list of administrative constituencies has been published in the Government Gazette. A total of 184 administrative constituencies are announced. read & comment 

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