News

VIA’s new fire station inaugurated

Published

3 days ago

29/06/2024

Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef, on Friday, has inaugurated the new fire station developed at Velana International Airport (VIA)

The inauguration ceremony was also attended by Chief of Defense Force Ibrahim Hilmy, MACL’s CEO, Managing Director Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed and other senior officials of the company which manages VIA, in addition to senior officials of various government authorities and organizations.

To kick off the ceremony, a moment of silence was observed in honor of the late Ahmed Fayaz who served as MACL’s Fire Chief.

Late Ahmed Fayaz significantly contributed to the expansion of fire and rescue services in the Maldives. He played a crucial role in developing the new fire and rescue station inaugurated on Friday. He also worked diligently to train people for fire and rescue services.

Speaking at the ceremony, VP Latheef announced the government’s plans to improve fire and rescue capabilities, provide advanced technology, and reliable facilities at VIA in line with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s plan to enhance and expand the main airport in the Maldives.

Underscoring the significance of tourism in the Maldives’ economy, the Vice President underscored the crucial role of the airport’s fire and rescue service in ensuring the safety and security of civil aviation.

He added that the increase in foreign flights to the Maldives and the confidence in the airport’s security underscored the importance of their efforts. In this trajectory, he commended the dedication of the workers and encouraged them to persevere in their endeavors.

MACL’s CEO, Managing Director who also spoke at the ceremony thanked President Muizzu and his administration for the priority they have allocated to develop VIA and commended their long-term vision for the Maldives’ main gateway.

He added that the fire station will aid in enhancing the fire team’s capability and cut down the response time to incidents and improve the quality of services.

Shareef, underscoring VIA as the first airport in the region to have female firefighters, commended this feat.

The new fire station measures 2,230 square feet and is equipped with state-of-the-art technology. It will serve as VIA’s runway’s east apron water aerodrome’s main responder. The facility is a two-story building which features dedicated areas staff, training and a control room.

The new first station aligns with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)’s ‘Category 9’ under airport fire and rescue and ‘Category 10’ under aerodrome category.

MACL states the old fire station will also be in operation despite the new facility being brought into service.

Source(s): sun.mv

News

Finance Advisor Munawwar blames previous administration for rising state debt

Published

9 hours ago

01/07/2024

Advisor to the Minister of Finance Ahmed Munawwar has attributed the rise in state debt to the financial mismanagement of the previous administration. He made these comments during a programme aired on PSM News.

Munawwar noted the former government’s greatest failure was its handling of the financial health of state-owned enterprises (SOEs). He criticised the previous administration for increasing expenditures through poor staffing decisions, unmatched pay scales, and a lack of comprehensive project planning.

Munawwar highlighted that by the end of the previous administration, the government’s deficit had reached USD 3.4 billion, translating to an annual shortfall of USD 649 million. He also pointed out that SOEs were operated at excessively high costs, resulting in their collective debt climbing from USD 2 billion at the end of 2022 to USD 6.4 billion by the conclusion of the former government’s term.

Additionally, Munawwar revealed that the total national debt, encompassing both government and corporate debt, stood at USD 12.9 billion at the end of the previous administration.

Munawwar detailed how capital and subsidies paid to SOEs surged under the previous government, rising from around USD 32 million in 2018 to approximately USD 389.5 million annually over the last five years.

He provided specific examples of SOE debt increases: Fenaka Corporation’s debt grew from USD 77.9 million in 2018 to USD 279 million by November 2023. During the same period, State Electric Company Limited (STELCO) saw its debt rise from USD 181.7 million to USD 246.7 million. Additionally, Island Aviation’s debt escalated from USD 64.9 million to USD 259.7 million over the five years.

Source(s): PsmNews

News

Public Accounts Committee recommends removal of MMA Governor

Published

9 hours ago

01/07/2024

Parliamentary Committee on Public Accounts has voted to advise President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu to remove Ali Hashim from his position as Governor of the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA). The decision was passed by a majority of the committee members who attended the meeting.

The motion to recommend Hashim’s removal was put forward by Deputy Speaker and Parliamentarian for Dhiggaru Constituency Ahmed Nazim. Nazim expressed his belief that Hashim has not been fulfilling the responsibilities associated with the role of MMA Governor.

Nazim outlined the critical functions of the central bank, which include issuing and managing the nation’s currency, determining the international exchange rate of the Maldivian rufiyaa, advising the government on monetary and banking matters, and formulating financial regulations. He emphasised that the central bank’s monetary policy is a vital component of the country’s economic foundation.

The Deputy Speaker criticised the MMA for allegedly failing to support effective monetary policies and for indirectly restricting the issuance of loans by banks and financial institutions. He argued that these policies have led to a reduction in money circulation and a halt in economic activities.

Nazim also noted the domestic market, which is increasingly crucial for government revenue, is not being properly regulated. He highlighted that the MMA has not provided the necessary advice to achieve the objectives outlined in the MMA Act since November 17, 2023.

Emphasising the central bank’s role in the nation’s economic growth, Nazim argued that it is time for new leadership and reformed monetary policies.

Under the Maldivian Constitution, the President has the authority to remove the Governor of the MMA based on the advice of Parliament. Ali Hashim has been serving as the Governor since his appointment on September 8, 2019.

Source(s): PsmNews

News

Crowd gathers outside Parliament, demanding PG Shameem’s resignation

Published

9 hours ago

01/07/2024

A crowd of protestors gathered outside the Parliament building on Monday, demanding the resignation of Hussain Shameem, the country’s prosecutor general, as well as an end to indefinite detention.

The dozens of protestors accused Shameem of committing “inhumane acts” and making “deals” with criminals during the recent Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) administration, from 2018-2023.

They also accused him of being involved in the Maldives Democracy Network (MDN), which published a report that contained derogatory remarks regarding the religion of Islam and Prophet Mohamed.

“We want PG Shameem to resign immediately, or for parliamentarians to dismiss him, without making any excuses,” said one protestor.

The protestors said they did not was Shameem as the country’s prosecutor general.

They also expressed concern over the death of Mohamed Jameel, a suspect who died at the Maafushi Prison on Friday. Photos taken of his body showed scars and bruises on his face, fueling allegations that he was tortured in prison.

However, the police said that the bruises were believed to be signs of livor mortis, and not that of torture.

The protestors also demanded the delivery of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s electoral pledge to end indefinite detention of suspects.

The 45-year-old inmate who died on Friday had also been held in prison pending the outcome of his trial.

“In response to a question regarding indefinite detention, the president said he was working on finding a legal solution to the issue. We want the incumbent president to end indefinite detention as promised,” said one protestor.

Source(s): sun.mv