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Herathera Staff drowns in Hulhudhoo-Herathera Channel

Mr. Ahmed Sood Ali


The eighteen years old Herathera Staff, Mr. Ahmed Suood Ali of Ujala, S.Hulhudhoo drowned away with the heavy open sea current that was passing through the channel at around 14:30 pm today.
He was walking along the channel with his picnic mate Ms. Mahin, whose cry for rescue prompted Suood’s cousin Ms. Sajidha about the helpless situation they were entering into.
 “Just a moment after replying “NO” to Mahin and Suood request to join with them to walk along the channel, I heard Mahin shouting for help. I saw her drowning and Suood missing.” Fear struck cousin of Suood, Ms. Sajidha said.
A night view of the channel
Security guards at Herathera Island resort heard the shout for help by Mahin and they initiated the rescue process by sending their workshop staff Mr. Mohamed Niyaz and Mr. Affan. Niyaz rescued Malha to the safe area while search for Suood continued. 
“Suood was found few meters way from the epic center near the bridge between Hulhudhoo and Herathera. They are believed to have started walking along the channel from the mouth facing open sea and his body had washed few meters west underwater.”  Mr. Affan, who searched and lifted Suood’s body out of the sea bed stated.
Disaster point mouth facing open sea
Immediately after removing his body from sea bed, Hulhumeedhoo Hospital was informed about the seriousness and urgency of the situation. “I called up on Hulhumeedhoo Hospital to send their Ambulance” Ms. Zulaikha Manike said.
Ambulance arrived at the scene shortly, but just as a taxi. It was not prepared to cater for the emergency requirements. “It had no oxygen facility, no nurse, and no emergency facilities” Mr. Ahmed Lirar who rushed Suood with Ambulance to hospital stated. According to Lirar, Suood took two deep breathes on their way to hospital.
Huge crowed of Hulhudhoo boys and girls and members of family and relatives filled up the hospital to find out his situation. As Doctor confirmed his fatal demise, the frustrated crowed hammered the management of the hospital verbally.
During 2009 a 14 year old boy from Meedhoo died of a similar incident, where he was drowned in to the channel between Meedhoo and Ismehela Hera. Read
Since Maldives is surrounded by sea, knowing swimming and rescue techniques while at sea is largely important. 





11:28 PM | Posted in , , , , | Read More »

Plot-survivor Mubarak brought down by his people

CAIRO - He survived 10 attempts on his life, and at 82 his health was a subject of speculation. But in the end, it was his people who brought down Egypt's modern-day pharaoh.
Pulling off a second surprise in as many days, President Hosni Mubarak on Friday stepped down and handed over power to the army from whose ranks he emerged, his deputy Omar Suleiman announced on television.
Late Thursday when he had been expected to quit, Mubarak said in a televised speech he would stay on until September, to the fury of hundreds of thousands of demonstrators waiting to celebrate in central Cairo.
The party was delayed for one day, in an emotional roller-coaster for the mostly youthful demonstrators.
Until the outbreak of anti-government protests on January 25, Mubarak seemed insurmountable as president of the most populous nation in the Arab world.
His rise to power came unexpectedly, when his predecessor Anwar Sadat -- who made history by signing a peace deal with Israel -- was gunned down by Islamist militants on October 6, 1981 during a military parade in Cairo.
He took office a week after the assassination, and since then he ruled without interruption under a draconian emergency law that remains in force.
Islamic fundamentalist groups -- including Al-Jihad, Gamaa Islamiyya and Talaeh al-Fatah -- were responsible for most of the attempts on Mubarak's life on both Egyptian and foreign soil.
The first direct attempt to kill him came in 1993, a year after Islamists launched a campaign of violence aimed at toppling the secular Egyptian government, when a bid to fire rockets at his plush Cairo residence was foiled.
Later murder attempts involved a variety of schemes, including a plot to car-bomb the presidential motorcade in Cairo.
In 1995, militants opened fire at the presidential motorcade in Addis Abiba. The previous year saw an attempt to kill him with explosives as he was due to meet Libyan leader Moamer Kadhafi at a military airport.
In September 1999, Mubarak was slightly wounded when a man with no apparent links to any Islamic group stabbed him in Port Said.
Health-wise, Mubarak's reputation as for vigour -- he was once known to play squash almost daily -- was dented in 2003 when he fainted while addressing parliament.
Officials blamed his collapse on a cold and the fact that he had been fasting during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
In 2004, he underwent surgery in Germany for a slipped disc, intensifying speculation on potential successors.
Then last March he returned to Germany for the removal of his gall bladder and a growth on the small intestine. Rumours that he had died under the surgeon's knife were quashed when state television showed him recovering.
Mubarak's health was usually a taboo subject in Egypt and the father of two, whose wife Suzanne is half-Welsh, kept his private life a carefully guarded secret.
In 2007, speculation about his health snowballed to the extent that Mubarak had to make an unscheduled public appearance to lay rumour to rest.
The octogenarian, with jet black hair -- possibly dyed -- and aquiline nose, was born on May 4, 1928 in the Nile Delta village of Menufiyah.
He rose through the ranks of the air force and fought in repeated wars with Israel, to claim hero status, before supporting Sadat in pursuing peace with the Jewish state in 1979.
Throughout his years in power, Mubarak maintained the unpopular policy of peace with Israel and accommodation with the West that cost Sadat his life.
His government, overseeing a developing nation of 80 million people, has been the frequent target of domestic opposition -- ranging from the Muslim Brotherhood to secular and liberal dissidents.
The regime quashed militant groups which carried out attacks in the 1980s, the 1990s and, more recently, 2004 and 2006 when the tourism industry was targeted.
His government's ties with the United States and Israel made him a target of criticism across the region, especially during the 2006 Israel war in Lebanon and Israel's Gaza offensive in 2008-2009.
Domestic opponents accused Washington of turning a blind eye to human rights abuses, corruption and the Mubarak regime's failure to push ahead with badly needed reforms.

1:13 AM | Posted in , , | Read More »

MDP rewrote its history again in Hulhumeedhoo

Hulhumeedhoo Community yet again proved their adherence and commitment to Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) in the second consecutive election, this time in Local Council. History was rewritten yesterday where as similar land slide victory was made during Maldives first ever parliamentary election during 2009.

Both victories are similar in its nature. During parliamentary election Mr. Ilyas Labeeb was sworn in by the most votes in the Maldives for one constituency. Mr. Hassan Shahid became the his successor to gain the same number of votes for the same constituency, but for the city council. Right now one thing is very straight and clear. Hulhumeedhoo has barred entry of any political party other than MDP, and so is the mood of entire Addu City.

Another main lessons learnt over the last two elections were that Dhivehi Raiyyithunge Party (DRP), less in number though, are strictly behind their leader who were ousted by people's referendum in the presidential election in 2008.

Hulhumeedhoo community is foreseeing a bright and prosperous future, being the forerunner in brining MDP and democracy to the Maldives.


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Herathera Island Resort begins supplying safe drinkng water to Hulhumeedhoo



Herthera Island Resort has begun supplying safe drinking water to Hulhumeedhoo last week. Safe drinking water shortage has started to create lots of problem in the two stranded islands of Addu City recently, as there has been no considerable rain fall for the past three months.

Anyone who wants water can simply get to the water dispenser provided near the channel detween Hulhudhoo and Herathera Island Resort.

Herathera with the help of Maldives Police Service had undertaken supplying of safe water to Hulhudhoo Meedhoo comunity during 2009.

5:04 PM | Posted in , , | Read More »

Tunisia issues arrest warrant for ousted leader

The restive North African nation of Tunisia has issued an international arrest warrant for its ousted president, Tunisian media reported. Tunisian Justice Minister Lazhar Karoui Chebbi on Wednesday announced that the warrant had been brought against Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, according to Tunis Afrique Presse, or TAP, the country's official news agency.
Ben Ali, who ruled Tunisia since 1987, fled to Saudi Arabia earlier this month amid mass public protests against the government for corruption, poor living conditions, high unemployment and repression.
The grass-roots protest has emboldened people in Egypt and Algeria to take their complaints to the streets.
It also has generated admiration across the world. For example, in his State of the Union address on Tuesday night, President Barack Obama made reference to Ben Ali's rule, saying "the will of the people proved more powerful than the writ of a dictator."
An interim government was formed after Ben Ali's departure, and protesters are demanding that none of the people in the government should have links to the ousted president's regime. Changes in the government makeup were expected on Wednesday, TAP reported.
The government will provide compensation to the families of people who died in the recent unrest and others who were injured. It will also pass along aid for jobless higher education graduates, TAP reported.
More than 100 people were killed in protests in recent weeks, the United Nations has said.
Tunisians have expressed outrage over the actions of the president and his family.
Last week, Tunisia's new government interrogated 33 people from Ben Ali's entourage, a top official said Friday, while 1,200 others who have "spread terror among the population carried out unacceptable acts" have been arrested, TAP reported.
Tunisia's Interior Minister Ahmed Friaa announced the arrests in a news conference, saying that "33 members of families close to the former president have been brought to justice and are now being interrogated."
"These people's jewels and huge sums of money in their possession have been seized," the TAP news agency reported, citing Friaa, a holdover from the previous government.
Some of the 1,200 people arrested by the new government have been released, Friaa said, while 382 others face charges such as carrying illegal firearms, looting and committing violence.

7:24 PM | Posted in , | Read More »

Ilyas Labeeb reaffirms his parliamentary promisess to Hulhumeedhoo people

Talking to the heavily yellow dressed MDP "lashkar" at Seenu Atoll School, for relaunching of City Council Campaign, the MP for Hulhumeedhoo Mr. Ilyas Labeeb reaffirmed his parliamentary promises as attainable before his five year term ends.

He laughed while saying "Relocation of Atoll Office to Hulhumeedhoo or rather providing the same services from Hulhumeedhoo will also be accomplished soon". He stated that Ismehela Hura will be developed for tourism and we would see it coming to a reality real soon.

He promised again that Health Center will be transformed into a well equipped Hospital in four month time. He noted that the process of transition began just after the establishment of Southern Health Cooperation Services, and thanked its management and other government authorities for their continued support.

Ilyas Labeeb requested his MDP supporters and all the people of Hulhumeedhoo to support Mr. Hassan Shahid and elect him as the member for Addu City Council from Hulhumeedhoo Constituency.

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Five pilot whales rescued by Hulhumeedhoo youth.

Five of nine pilot whales, that washed ashore on the eve of this years Fisherman's day (December 9,2010), were rescued by Hulhumeedhoo youth near the beach of Stelco. During the past two weeks similar whales were found dead on the beach of Maafushi and were buried by the authorities.

"We saw these dolphins stranded near the beach at around 9:30 this morning, two were found dead" Ameer, the first witness said. They undertook the rescue operation immediately and managed to hauled the five live mammals back into water. Later today another two dead were found, one near Stelco and the other on the beach of Ismehela Hera.

Reason for the continued washing ashore of these underwater giants are unknown so far, but many suspect it as a result of human disturbances and changes in marine ecological system.

5:25 PM | Posted in , , , , | Read More »

A 'red carpet' welcome to Miss France contestants

 
Maldives offered the warmest welcome to participants of Miss France 2011, the organising committee said Thursday.

Special Envoy to the President Ibrahim Hussein Zaki, Tourism Minister Dr Mariam Zulfa, Sunland Hotel Directors and senior officials of Maldives Tourism Promotion Board (MTPB) welcomed the 33 participants on Thursday. Cultural activities were also held at Male International Airport.

Organising Committee General Manager Sylvie Celia told journalists that Maldives offered an extraordinary welcome.

“This is the best welcome we received in the past five years that we have been working with this company. The red carpet welcome, the small children there and Maldives is very beautiful,” Celia, who won the Miss France title in 2002, said.

“The photos taken in Maldives will be published on a French magazine from today onwards. The event is very much supported by the French public.”

Miss France 2010 Melaka Menard said she never expected such a welcome from Maldives.

“This is the first time I have been in the Maldives. I am very pleased to be here. Maldives offered us a very warm welcome. After the trip I will talk about Maldives in France,” she said.

Miss France 2011 partner, Sunland Hotels, brought over 80 people along with the 33 contestants.

A Sunland Travels official said a fashion show would be held in Coco Palm Boduhithi where the candidates will be staying from November 11-18.

“Australian swimming wear and Maldivian designers’ dresses will be shown at the fashion show,” the official said.

According to Sunland Hotels, video and photo sessions and learning to cook Maldivian dishes will take place in Coco Palm.

The Miss France 2011 contest will be held on December 4 in Caen, France.

Maldives also hosted a Miss World event earlier. 

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We will bring international journalists to cover next big protests- DRP

Main opposition Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) has said that they would be bringing international journalists to cover their protests in the future.




Speaking at the media conference held yesterday at DRP office, Galolhu dhekunu MP and the president of Youth Wing of DRP said that they would invite journalist from around the globe to cover their protests against the government in the future. He added that DRP has already begun work to accomplish this.



Mahloof also condemned Maldives Police Service for obstructing the work of the journalists who were covering the “Unbahjehi vazeerun” protest organised by the opposition on Monday.



Mahloof described last night as a “Black day” for the media of Maldives. He said that the party has started work to bring to the attention of the international community the tactics employed by President Nasheed’s government in breaking up opposition protests in the capital.



Furthermore, he said that the footage of the wanton vicious beatings of police last night.



Mahloof also said that a team from DRP will leave to Sri Lanka to discuss the issues with international media.



He alleged that President Nasheed is not ruling by democracy but with military rule.



DRP announced that the next protest will be held next Thursday night at 08:45.

4:35 PM | Posted in , | Read More »

Hulhudhoo community shed tears of disaapointment on Mr. Ahmed Mihad's departure


Hulhudhoo community shed tears of disappointment on Mr. Ahmed Mihad's sudden departure from School to go for higher studies in Sri Lanka. Mr. Ahmed Mihad, who took charge of Hulhudhoo School last year, is one of the 63 principles and deputies selected from schools countrywide for Masters in educations and PHDs.

Mr. Ahmed Mihad joined Hulhudhoo School on four year term mid last year, with joy and enthusiasm to take the school to the level of the frontrunners in country. With the warmest of welcome in which he was received by Hulhudhoo people, he assured his commitment to work hard to restructure and streamline the major policies outlining the discipline of students, which at that time was most alarming.

With his outstanding quality of leadership and remarkable power to behave with students, Mr. Ahmed Mihad rerouted the school within few months of his first year. His approach to achieving higher standards was based on two main aspects- providing up-to-date training programs and teaching skills for teachers and assuring students adherence to the discipline code of schools.

As schools are adhering to a create more friendly atmosphere with parents and the management, a 100% progress had been achieved with in the first quarter. Through his influential public speaking ability Mr. Ahmed Mihad was able to strengthen the corporation between parents and the school management. As a result of that, even during this preceding economic downturn, parents and school management were able to make to the "Seven Seas" Athletics Meet in Gn. Fuvahmulah. Laying foundation for Hulhdhoo School Cadet was another biggest accomplishments of Mr. Ahmed Mihad.

After wining the hearts and minds of each and every student and their parents, news of Mihadh's sudden departure from Hulhudhoo School for the good brought melancholy to entire Hulhudhoo community. There was hardly a student, teacher or parent who hadn't shed their tears on the day he left Hulhudhoo. The big question of all the parents remained "what would happen to their school and children next?".

Pressure mounted like dazzling rain for the members of School Board and other respective authorities. "It's been months since I received a phone call from a Hulhudhoo School parents, but today in abundance", Superintendent of Education Unit of Southern Province Ms. Fathimath Naseer stated. She said search for school heads was initiated but indicated that it wouldn't be soon enough before we find one good, as over 60 heads and deputies from various schools are selected for the courses which is due to commence in July in Sri Lanka.

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Hundreds take part in tsunami drill in HulhuMeedhoo


Panic spread among the hundreds of people along Bahaaudheen Magu Saturday, as the tranquil morning was shattered by a loud boom, followed by a magnitude-8.7 earthquake near Nicobar Island at 9:40am.
The panic grew as the tsunami siren wailed from HulhuMeedhoo, warning that the quake could potentially cause a tsunami. People wasted no time in leaving their children in the school and ran in a chaotic crowd to the nearest evacuation facilities setup in Hulhudhoo Football Ground.
There was, of course, no tsunami that day: The excitement was part of a tsunami drill program jointly conducted by Maldives Meteorological Service (MMS) and Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (adpc).
Hundreds of people namely students, parents, police and MNDF personnel were involved in the drill, many of whom could not stop from crying in real panic. "I'm still traumatized by the 2004 tsunami," one resident, Aisha, said as she fled. "I just don't want it to happen again."
The minister of state for National Disaster Management Center (NDMC) Mr. Abdulla Shaid said the drill was important for all those living in tsunami-prone regions. "Through the drill we learn what we should do when disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis hit," he said.
Mr.S H M Fakhruddin, a technical specialist of adpc, said many lessons could be learned from the drill, including identifying weaknesses in the disaster handling system."The drill has shown us many things we have to fix in the future, but they are all still within the tolerable limits," Fakhuruddin said. He praised the MMS administration's initiative in conducting the drill, which, he said, was a "breakthrough".
This is the first drill of its sort in the Maldives and MMS in association with adpc will conduct further disaster-handling simulations in various islands across the country. According to MMS they are planning to conduct similar simulation drill in Fuvahmulah next year.
Fakhuruddin said the evaluation of the tsunami drill conducted in HulhuMeedhoo on Saturday would be used as a reference for tsunami handling for other islands and countries whose territory lies on the Indian Ocean. He added the event would also be held in memory of the 2004 tsunami.

Some of the pics from the drill






















2:25 PM | Posted in , , , | Read More »

Is investing on agriculture despite ailing market viable?


Meedhoo people, unlike rest of Addu, have been engaged in farming, either at home or on the piece of land obtained from the government, for the past two decades. I remember when I was a child people, especially Hulhudhoo, heading towards Meedhoo every day evening during Ramazan to buy fruits and vegetables. At that time there might be few farmers with limited produce and yet they had huge demand. However with the help of Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture and increased number of investors in agriculture, today Meedhoo has the capacity to produce and supply vegetables to nearby resorts continuously; yet channeling their produce to the end-user is widely unknown.
Mr. Ibrahim Rasheed, 30, has joined Meedhoo farming population in late 2007 and today, he is one of the leading farmers and suppliers of agricultural products in Addu. “During last year we were able to supply 100kg of Brinjal alone to Herathera Island Resort on a daily basis and monthly yield from agriculture mounted to Mrf50,000” Ibrahim Rasheed stated. He explained “I was satisfied with the income generated from farming although my farm was run below capacity”. He further stressed “poor” market as the reason for running his farm below capacity then and quoted as justifying “if circumstances changes I would quadruple my productivity”.

Explaining the many problems Rasheed faces in the industry he said selling his produce below market rate, multiplying arrears and securing crop are inevitable. He said “as there are many local suppliers in Addu and elsewhere in Fuvahmulah, our produce had to be sold below market rate”. Agriculture needs continuous investment, season after season. “If we don’t get money for what we sell duly or in a month, then we wont be able to invest for the next season” he said. According to him there are unpaid bills pending for his supplies to Herathera Island Resort and other retailers in Addu. Securing crop is one of the biggest problems faced by farmers. Rasheed highlighted lack of constitutional punishment for continued vandalism on their farm fields.
As the ministry of fisheries and agriculture is encouraging farmers and farming in the country by means of training, subsidies and loan schemes, many people have started to enter into the industry. Local farmers have approached banks to obtain loans to reinvest in their farm. Since Ramazan is ahead, farmers want to cultivate as many varieties of fruits and vegetables as they can. Ramazan is considered a good season for agricultural products every where in the country and yield from its harvest hits highest point.
Investing in agriculture is essential. However as the economic downturn and global pandemic of ‘swinflu’ is affecting the economies globally, it is advisable for farmers to secure their market before clinging on spending huge amount of money on farming. Government authorities and ministry of fisheries and agriculture must pay greater attention on establishing means and ways for farmers to settle their problems peacefully. Unless these problems in the industry are correctly addressed, investing in agriculture is not feasible.

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Did Michael Jackson Die As A Muslim?



The biggest news all over the world on 25 June was the death of one of the most famous musical artists in recent history, Michael Jackson. As the hour long television specials, radio playlist tributes, and music video marathons already began on the same day, many Muslims are left wondering, “was Michael Jackson a Muslim?”
The short answer? It’s hard to say.
The long answer? Initially it began with rumors years back that he had joined the Nation of Islam. On top of that, Jermaine Jackson, his brother, is a known and confirmed Sunni Muslim, which added another ingredient into the mix. Read

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Anti-drug day marked amidst staggering cases of drug abuse in Hulhumeedhoo


June 26 marks the UN's International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, a date which has been marked in the Maldives recently following the dramatic increase in the number of cases of drug abuse and its related crimes. The President’s radio address to the nation yesterday highlighted the government’s efforts to curb growth of drug abuse and trafficking and stressed on the issue of strengthening health services.
A rally calling for a permanent solution to the widespread drug abuse and trafficking problem in Maldives was held in Hulhumeedhoo on Friday afternoon. The rally was organized by the Seenu Atoll School (SAM) in association with Maldives Police Services and held to coincide with the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. A stage show was also performed by Hulhudhoo youth to educate the youth and parents about the devastating effect of drugs and reasoned why to refrain from smoking.
Hulhumeedhoo councilors, Island Chiefs, other government officials, Police, students and teachers took part in the event. The march began at the Atoll School and proceeded through Bahaaudheen Magu to the both ends of Hulhumeedhoo, where students and others spoke out against drug abuse and its trafficking. Speakers highlighted that there is a direct link between drug abuse and growing social unrest in the society.
The trend of drug abuse and its trafficking in Hulhumeedhoo has multiplied in the last two years. The staggering number of fresh entries into this evil bewitchment in the island is frustrating. Government authorizes, police and other related agencies remain helpless in tackling and preventing its growth.
The drugs are gaining popularity among newly affluent young Maldivians who view the use of such substances as a status symbol and smart.

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Heavy Load Maldives awarded certificate of appreciation


Hulhudhoo Office has awarded certificates to Heavy Load Maldives and to their Manager Mr. Abdulla in a special gathering held at Southern Point Restaurant last night. The certificate was awarded in appreciation of their help to protect 2.8 million rufiyaa worth sea wall that was build south east side of Hulhudhoo last year. Heavy Load Maldives is owned by the famous actor, reformist and MP for Hulhu-Henveyru, Mr. Moosa Manik.
According to Hulhudhoo Councilor Mr. Ibrahim Didi 27,432m3 of earth was plunked to fill the gap between the 1200 feet long sea wall and the main land. Mr. Didi thanked Mr. Reeko Moosa Manik on behalf of the people, Hulhudhoo Office and Island Committee for successfully accomplishing such a big project. “The cost of this project would certainly mount to Mrf 500,000.00 and it would be almost impossible for us to proceed with such a project at this time of global economic downturn”. Filling the gap would provide reinforcement for the seawall to survive in the long run.
While speaking at the reception last night the Island Chief Mr. Mohamed Jameel announced that Heavy Load Maldives would also help us cleaning Hulhudhoo Waste Management area. “We are very thankful to Mr. Abdulla who has formally agreed to help dump the waste and clean up the whole area before their departure from Addu”, Jameel added.
Heavy load Maldives has just completed their prime task of making channel between Hulhudhoo and Herathera.Nevertheless as part of their corporate social responsibility, Heavy Load is undertaking small projects of Hulhudhoo on request by Hulhudhoo Office.

11:54 AM | Posted in , , | Read More »

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