Please send this facebook message to David Hardingham.
"Mr David Hardingham. God has been kind to you even though you don't believe in Him. He makes you rich and gives you shares in UK supermarket. You enjoy good food and good life in Salisbury. But life is not very good for Maldivians like us. Since government you helped to power MDP came they give majority shares of Dhiraagu to Cable & Wireless. The world's worst phone company. Ali from Angolhitheemu Raa Atoll can't read Minivan News. Because only island office having slow internet by 56k modem. Ali can't read English but very much like to go to read Minivan News. Because Minivan News now in Dhivehi too. My friend Bakuru, fisherman from Kumundhoo Haa Dhaal Atoll also like to have facebook. He like to have friends of Maldives from UK on his facebook. But he can't see because no internet at island. Mr Hardingham. Please ask the UK government, Mr Godown Brown, to link Maldives and UK with submarine cable. Mr Umar Naseer, leader of Ihthijaaj, can lend his submarine to lay this submarine cable. We want high speed internet from UK, at same speed as you enjoy in UK. Or you ask your friend and classmate Mr Anni to reduce internet rates. Internet is not still aiy foaraafashah. Or ask him to give subsidy to each household not affording to pay high internet bills. We ask you because there are very few friends of Maldives."
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Friday, January 29, 2010
Maldives hosts secret Taliban talks
A group of Afghan MPs, “a government official” and seven people linked to the Taliban met in the Maldives last weekend for secret talks, according to a report by Al Jazeera in Afghanistan.
According to the report, the talks were part of an ambitious plan to bring peace to the war-torn country by offering cash, jobs and incentives to Taliban fighters in exchange for laying down their arms.
The Al Jazeera report claimed the Taliban selected the Maldives as the venue for the meeting “because it was the only place the fighters felt safe.”
President's Press Secretary Mohamed Zuhair acknowledged that the government had received reports of sightings of “a group of people who look like the Taliban wandering around the streets of Male’.”
"They bought watermelons and papayas from Local Market. They bought Dhiggaru Rihaakuru to take back to the mountains. They were just like any other tourist group from a passenger line visiting Male'," Zuhair said.
“Our stance is that the fact people happen to look like the Taliban doesn’t mean they should be labelled that way,” he said.
"We have a sad history of people being labelled. Umar Zahir labelling footballers with long hair. Adam Zahir labelling young men with long hair as drug addicts. Abdulla Hameed being labelled as gay. Gayoom being labelled as a dictator. Anni being labelled as someone who doesn't look like a President. Last, but not least, I am labelled as being always high on dope. We are trying to overcome such labelling and build a tolerant society under the MDP government," Zuhair explained.
The Taliban fighters arrived in Maldives in a tourist submarine operated by Umar Naseer, the leader of Ihthijaaj.
Friday, January 22, 2010
President reiterates government's commitment to electricity subsidies
In his weekly radio address President Mohamed Nasheed has reiterated the government’s commitment to assist those unable to pay their electricity bills. Noting that several people were concerned over the electricity tariffs hike in Male’, the President said the government will address those concerns by providing candles to the people who were unable to pay their electricity bills.
“Our estimate is that about 3000 households struggled in paying their bills. Therefore, after consulting with the Cabinet Secretary, I have decided to provide them more candles,” he said.
The President acknowledged that initially sufficient information was not provided on electricity subsidies, adding that more people were now aware of the changes and the application process for candles.
"Our target is to be carbon neutral by 2020. We can't use fulhi bathi anymore because it is run by kerosene. For those who are struggling with the burden of electricity bills, we will provide them with candles. That is the policy of the government.”
In his weekly address, the President discussed his visits to the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and India.
He was in Abu Dhabi from 17-20 January and addressed the World Future Energy Summit. In Abu Dhabi the President held talks with government officials and private sector.
Later he travelled to Bahrain on an official visit. In Bahrain, President met with representatives from banking, finance and investment sectors and discussed business and investment opportunities in the Maldives. He also met with the King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and other senior government officials.
The President is currently in Chennai, where he will address an economic summit organised by the Candle Manufacturers of Chennai and hold meetings with Indian businesses. He arrived in Chennai, early this morning.
“Our estimate is that about 3000 households struggled in paying their bills. Therefore, after consulting with the Cabinet Secretary, I have decided to provide them more candles,” he said.
The President acknowledged that initially sufficient information was not provided on electricity subsidies, adding that more people were now aware of the changes and the application process for candles.
"Our target is to be carbon neutral by 2020. We can't use fulhi bathi anymore because it is run by kerosene. For those who are struggling with the burden of electricity bills, we will provide them with candles. That is the policy of the government.”
In his weekly address, the President discussed his visits to the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and India.
He was in Abu Dhabi from 17-20 January and addressed the World Future Energy Summit. In Abu Dhabi the President held talks with government officials and private sector.
Later he travelled to Bahrain on an official visit. In Bahrain, President met with representatives from banking, finance and investment sectors and discussed business and investment opportunities in the Maldives. He also met with the King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and other senior government officials.
The President is currently in Chennai, where he will address an economic summit organised by the Candle Manufacturers of Chennai and hold meetings with Indian businesses. He arrived in Chennai, early this morning.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
From “Anni” to “H.E.P”
Ibrahim Didi and Naseem traces the rise of a President
“You know, they said this day would never come. They said our sights were set too high. They said that this country was too divided; too disillusioned to ever come together around a common purpose.”
So spoke Barack Obama on the night that he won the Iowa caucuses.
These are words that could have easily been spoken by Mohamed Nasheed (Anni) had he contested in the US Democratic Party primaries instead of challenging Mohamed Munavvar in the MDP primaries in Maldives.
People try to put us down
When Anni and other reformists first launched the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) many did not believe that it had a chance of succeeding. Anni himself was seen as a figure who did not “look” like a president because he did not regularly visit Singapore for Botox injections. This is why Dr Ahmed Shaheed promoted a mullah called Dr Hassan Saeed who looked like a President.
Despite all this, against the odds, Anni managed to cobble together a victory in the presidential election. The election was, in many ways, a fairy tale. Or, as Playboy magazine described it, a “momentous victory of belief against chaos.”
Talking ‘bout my generation
Since assuming power President Nasheed has further confounded critics by fitting into the role in a refreshing way. He has scaled back on the pomp and ceremony that Gayoom enjoyed. He exposed the lavish lifestyle Gayoom enjoyed such as the gold-plated toilet seats in the President’s Office. Nasheed said the private office Gayoom had inside the President’s Office was too large and luxurious for the new President to move in. For a few months Nasheed stayed behind a desk in a corridor of the President’s Office. Then he moved into the large and luxurious office Gayoom had used.
Photo: Gaanagaa
Domestic bliss
And what has been achieved in one year? Better governance: corruption has been curbed and there is greater transparency. Nasheed has appointed experienced politicians such as Ibrahim Hussain Zaki to key government posts to make sure the machinery of the government is well-oiled and free from corruption.
Steps have also been taken to foster a climate for economic development. A responsible economic framework has been established with the assistance of the IMF. The Ministry of Economic Development has been put in the hands of a physiotherapist; because only a physiotherapist has the skilled hands to heal a bruised economy.
International affairs
President Nasheed’s star has really shone on the international stage. Seeing their foe being elevated to the role of global statesman has been a particular source of ire for his critics.
Since taking office, Nasheed has forged close links with democratic India and spent a night at Windsor Castle with Queen Elizabeth II. Being the modest person he is, Nasheed has downplayed the significance of this.
“For me there is no difference between sleeping at Muleeaage or at Windsor Castle. After all, it was on a bed I slept at Windsor Castle and it was on a bed I sleep at Muleeaage,” Nasheed said about his experience of sleeping with Queen Elizabeth II.
Love of extremists
Nasheed has started an experiment conducted never before by a moderate democrat. He has invited the radical Adhaalath Party to his cabinet. This has resulted in a growth of radical Islam in the Maldives. Dr Abdul Majeed Abdul Bari has become a close confidante of President Nasheed.
Photo: Gaanagaa
Great Expectations
This assessment began with a parallel to the 44th American president, and it ends on a similar note. In many ways, the situation this country’s 4th president finds himself in is not much different: universally adored abroad, met with a sceptical and divided country at home.
Playing with the hand you are dealt whilst not losing sight of the long-term objective is what this is all about. And it is in this sense that Anni and His Excellency the President have proved to be not so different after all.
“You know, they said this day would never come. They said our sights were set too high. They said that this country was too divided; too disillusioned to ever come together around a common purpose.”
So spoke Barack Obama on the night that he won the Iowa caucuses.
These are words that could have easily been spoken by Mohamed Nasheed (Anni) had he contested in the US Democratic Party primaries instead of challenging Mohamed Munavvar in the MDP primaries in Maldives.
People try to put us down
When Anni and other reformists first launched the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) many did not believe that it had a chance of succeeding. Anni himself was seen as a figure who did not “look” like a president because he did not regularly visit Singapore for Botox injections. This is why Dr Ahmed Shaheed promoted a mullah called Dr Hassan Saeed who looked like a President.
Despite all this, against the odds, Anni managed to cobble together a victory in the presidential election. The election was, in many ways, a fairy tale. Or, as Playboy magazine described it, a “momentous victory of belief against chaos.”
Talking ‘bout my generation
Since assuming power President Nasheed has further confounded critics by fitting into the role in a refreshing way. He has scaled back on the pomp and ceremony that Gayoom enjoyed. He exposed the lavish lifestyle Gayoom enjoyed such as the gold-plated toilet seats in the President’s Office. Nasheed said the private office Gayoom had inside the President’s Office was too large and luxurious for the new President to move in. For a few months Nasheed stayed behind a desk in a corridor of the President’s Office. Then he moved into the large and luxurious office Gayoom had used.
Photo: Gaanagaa
Domestic bliss
And what has been achieved in one year? Better governance: corruption has been curbed and there is greater transparency. Nasheed has appointed experienced politicians such as Ibrahim Hussain Zaki to key government posts to make sure the machinery of the government is well-oiled and free from corruption.
Steps have also been taken to foster a climate for economic development. A responsible economic framework has been established with the assistance of the IMF. The Ministry of Economic Development has been put in the hands of a physiotherapist; because only a physiotherapist has the skilled hands to heal a bruised economy.
International affairs
President Nasheed’s star has really shone on the international stage. Seeing their foe being elevated to the role of global statesman has been a particular source of ire for his critics.
Since taking office, Nasheed has forged close links with democratic India and spent a night at Windsor Castle with Queen Elizabeth II. Being the modest person he is, Nasheed has downplayed the significance of this.
“For me there is no difference between sleeping at Muleeaage or at Windsor Castle. After all, it was on a bed I slept at Windsor Castle and it was on a bed I sleep at Muleeaage,” Nasheed said about his experience of sleeping with Queen Elizabeth II.
Love of extremists
Nasheed has started an experiment conducted never before by a moderate democrat. He has invited the radical Adhaalath Party to his cabinet. This has resulted in a growth of radical Islam in the Maldives. Dr Abdul Majeed Abdul Bari has become a close confidante of President Nasheed.
Photo: Gaanagaa
Great Expectations
This assessment began with a parallel to the 44th American president, and it ends on a similar note. In many ways, the situation this country’s 4th president finds himself in is not much different: universally adored abroad, met with a sceptical and divided country at home.
Playing with the hand you are dealt whilst not losing sight of the long-term objective is what this is all about. And it is in this sense that Anni and His Excellency the President have proved to be not so different after all.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
An open facebook message to Naushad Waheed
Please send this facebook message to Naushad Waheed.
"Mr Naushad Waheed. God has been kind to you. Some producer can make film about your story. From jail you have now become Deputy High Commissioner for United Kingdom. You enjoy good food and good life in London. But life is not very good for Maldivians like us. Since your government MDP came they give majority shares of Dhiraagu to Cable & Wireless. The world's worst phone company. Ali from Angolhitheemu Raa Atoll can't read about what you do at High Commission. Because only island office having slow internet by 56k modem. Ali can't read English but very much like to go to read about what you do at High Commission. Like the art exhibition you are having now. My friend Bakuru, fisherman from Kumundhoo Haa Dhaal Atoll also like to read what you do at High Commission. But he can't see because no internet at island. Mr Naushad Waheed. Please ask the UK government, Mr Godown Brown, to link Maldives and UK with submarine cable. Mr Umar Naseer, leader of Ihthijaaj, can lend his submarine to lay this submarine cable. We want high speed internet from UK, at same speed as you enjoy in UK."
"Mr Naushad Waheed. God has been kind to you. Some producer can make film about your story. From jail you have now become Deputy High Commissioner for United Kingdom. You enjoy good food and good life in London. But life is not very good for Maldivians like us. Since your government MDP came they give majority shares of Dhiraagu to Cable & Wireless. The world's worst phone company. Ali from Angolhitheemu Raa Atoll can't read about what you do at High Commission. Because only island office having slow internet by 56k modem. Ali can't read English but very much like to go to read about what you do at High Commission. Like the art exhibition you are having now. My friend Bakuru, fisherman from Kumundhoo Haa Dhaal Atoll also like to read what you do at High Commission. But he can't see because no internet at island. Mr Naushad Waheed. Please ask the UK government, Mr Godown Brown, to link Maldives and UK with submarine cable. Mr Umar Naseer, leader of Ihthijaaj, can lend his submarine to lay this submarine cable. We want high speed internet from UK, at same speed as you enjoy in UK."
Sunday, January 3, 2010
NCIT bans Cabinet Secretary from using Facebook
The National Center for Information Technology (NCIT) has banned the Cabinet Secretary Abdulla Saeed from using Facebook during working hours.
"We have noticed productivity of the government employees declining because they are using Facebook during office hours. We imposed the ban on Cabinet Secretary because he has been very active on Facebook," NCIT said in a statement.
"It is regretful NCIT has made this decision. I am not using Facebook for taking care of cows in Farmville or to play Mafia Wars. It is pathetic NCIT does not understand that governments and politicians from Barack Obama to Rowan Atkinson are using Facebook for keeping the citizens informed of the government policies," the Cabinet Secretary said in a statement.
When reporters asked the Cabinet Secretary if he had any role in appointing his sister as Dhiraagu's Chairperson, he denied the allegations.
"The MDP government does not practice nepotism. MDP Chairperson Mariya's sister was appointed Deputy Foreign Minister not because she is a nutritionist but because her ex-brother-in-law is the most experienced Maldivian on foreign affairs. He was the only person to have served a dictatorship and a democratic government as Foreign Minister and was equally successful in defending those two governments."
The Cabinet Secretary declined to comment on the high tariffs Dhiraagu charges for Internet in Maldives.
"We have noticed productivity of the government employees declining because they are using Facebook during office hours. We imposed the ban on Cabinet Secretary because he has been very active on Facebook," NCIT said in a statement.
"It is regretful NCIT has made this decision. I am not using Facebook for taking care of cows in Farmville or to play Mafia Wars. It is pathetic NCIT does not understand that governments and politicians from Barack Obama to Rowan Atkinson are using Facebook for keeping the citizens informed of the government policies," the Cabinet Secretary said in a statement.
When reporters asked the Cabinet Secretary if he had any role in appointing his sister as Dhiraagu's Chairperson, he denied the allegations.
"The MDP government does not practice nepotism. MDP Chairperson Mariya's sister was appointed Deputy Foreign Minister not because she is a nutritionist but because her ex-brother-in-law is the most experienced Maldivian on foreign affairs. He was the only person to have served a dictatorship and a democratic government as Foreign Minister and was equally successful in defending those two governments."
The Cabinet Secretary declined to comment on the high tariffs Dhiraagu charges for Internet in Maldives.
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