Local

Resort island rent reduction bill will result in $32 million loss to state revenue: MP Mohamed Saeed.

Published

2 months ago

18/05/2022

Opposition deputy leader MP Mohamed Saeed has said that the current resort island rent reduction bill proposed by the government would result in a $32 loss to state revenue.

The Maavashu constituency parliamentarian MP Mohamed Saeed who previously served as the Economic Minister under former President Abdulla Yameen’s administration took to twitter after the incumbent Tourism Minister Dr. Abdulla Mausoom stated that the state would not have to endure any losses to its tax revenues even if land rent is decreased for tourist islands, one of the primary revenue streams for the Maldivian government.

In his tweet MP Mohamed Saeed stated that there are no grievances on the land rents for resort islands being too high and that the proposed decrease in land rent is a jab on the people in the fight between the “two Presidents”, referring to President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and former President Mohamed Nasheed.

In his tweet the former Economic Minister stated that the proposed cut in land rent would result in a loss of $32 in tax revenue to the state and that the purpose of the bill will be obvious once you read the bill. He accused both President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and former President Mohamed Nasheed of misleading the people similar to the controversy surrounding the minimum wage bill, which did not deliver the promised pay hike.

According to the proposed bill, the land rent reduction for resort islands are being proposed to accommodate the burdens borne by the resort island operators following the introduction of the minimum wage in the Maldives.

Local

Gov’t does not obstruct freedom of expression: Speaker

Published

4 hours ago

02/07/2022

MNN

Speaker of Parliament Mohamed Nasheed has stated the administration of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih does not obstruct freedom of expression. He made the statement in response to a question at the fifth programme of the Ask Speaker series.

Speaking at the programme, Speaker Nasheed said he has not seen President Solih’s administration try to obstruct freedom of speech and expression, and does not believe there are efforts to do so. However, the speaker stated the constitution does not grant freedom of expression without limits and boundaries. He said these boundaries must be respected, especially when it could affect diplomatic relations established with other countries.

During the programme, Speaker Nasheed was also asked if he might contest in the presidential election next year as an independent candidate after leaving the main ruling party, Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP). In response to this question, the speaker said he hopes to remain at MDP till his last day and would definitely not be seen in another party. He said MDP has a vision for the future, and will seek ways to resolve internal conflicts and implement its development vision for the country.

During the programme, Speaker Nasheed answered questions on parliamentary work, as well as other political and social matters. The speaker highlighted the important work carried out by the parliament across the last two terms, including several important bills.

Source: psmnews

Local

Worsening weather causes seven incidents at sea

Published

2 days ago

30/06/2022

MNN

The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has revealed that seven incidents at sea have been reported due to the worsening weather in the Maldives.

The MNDF stated that the Coast Guard began a search after a passenger went missing after a boat named Cruiser was reportedly capsized on the evening of June 29. The missing person has since been found.

Additionally, the Coast Guard responded to a speedboat named Dengoo Launch, which was reportedly taking on water due to rough seas at 2015hrs near Thulhaagiri resort on June 29. The Coast Guard had controlled the situation and escorted the speedboat to a nearby Loabigili resort.

MNDF revealed that a speedboat named Lucky Star had also reported taking on water and that it was escorted to the harbour in Gaafaru, Kaafu Atoll. Two barges docked at the Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) area were also stopped after they began drifting to Funadhoo.

Furthermore, the Coast Guard responded to a speedboat that had run aground on a lagoon and transported the tourists onboard back to Reethi Rah resort. No one was injured in the incidents that occurred at sea on June 29. Authorities have instructed vessels to only travel after obtaining the latest information on the weather and taking the necessary safety precautions.

Source: psmnews

Local

President briefs cabinet on CHOGM 2022 success, deliberates on current affairs

Published

3 days ago

29/06/2022

MNN

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has convened his cabinet of ministers on June 28 to brief them about his successful visit to attend the 26th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2022 in Kigali, Rwanda, and to deliberate on the current state of affairs in the country. The meeting was held at the President’s Office.

CHOGM 2022 was the first such meeting since the Maldives’ re-accession to the alliance. The Maldives initially joined the Commonwealth of Nations on July 9, 1982, but withdrew membership on October 13, 2016. The Commonwealth accepted the Maldives’ application for re-admission on February 1, 2020, welcoming it as the 54th member and marking the fulfilment of one of President Solih’s administration’s inaugural pledges.

The CHOGM 2022 was themed around “Delivering a Common Future: Connecting, Innovating, Transforming.” Held from June 20-25, CHOGM brought delegates from 54 nations who sought to strengthen multilateral cooperation, explore new opportunities, and address shared challenges facing future generations.

At the meeting, President Solih briefed the ministers on the findings of the cabinet subcommittee investigating the disruption of an event held at the National Stadium on June 21. The cabinet also discussed the latest updates on the COVID-19 pandemic and the recently announced “Gedhoruveriya” and “Binveriya” housing schemes.

Source: psmnews