Former President H.E. Ibrahim Nasir dies

The former President H.E. Ibrahim Nasir, Rannabandeyri Kiligefaanu, N.G.I.V, KCMG, has passed away on 22 November 2008 in Singapore at the age of 82. He had been ill for a long time.

Former President Nasir is the hero of Maldivian Independence and the Father of modern Maldives.

It was his skilful negotiations that gave us our full sovereign independence from the British in 1965 without having to compromise any territory.

It was under his rule first as Prime Minister and later as President that the Maldives first began to modernize itself. From the age-old tradition of using sail dhonis, he modernized the fishing industry by mechanization of fish vessels as well as establishing a tuna canning plant. The education system in the Maldives was revolutionized and English was first used as the medium of instruction.

It was during his tenure that the Maldives joined the UN system and became a fully participating member of the international community. Furthermore, the first hospital was built in the Maldives and priority was given both to preventative and curative health measures.

However, he will be most remembered for establishing the tourism industry in the Maldives, which has now become the mainstay of our country. An international airport was build for this purpose, manned at the time mainly by Maldivian youth.

He also was instrumental in establishing a modern communication system in the Maldives and started both radio and TV broadcasting. Additionally the first international telecommunication system was established in the Maldives.

The late President was also a controversial figure. His rule, especially during the latter years, was rather autocratic. But for most Maldivians, his biggest folly was to handpick Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom as his successor, someone who later ridiculed the former President and treated him with great disrespect.

Former President Nasir had five children, Ahmed Nasir, Ali Nasir, Mohamed Nasir, Ismail Nasir and Aishath Nasir. He will be buried in the Maldives with full state honours.

Dhimaku offers its sincere condolences to the family of the former President. May Allah Almighty grant him the eternal blessings of paradise.

Maldives adopts new constitution

President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom signed and ratified the new constitution of the Maldives at a ceremony held at Dharubaaruge.

The ceremony took place at 10:00am today and President Gayoom addressed the nation before he signed the document adopting the new constitution. The signing was followed by a seven-gun salute, courtesy of the Maldives National Defence Force, and a special short prayer was also recited by the President of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs Sheikh Mohamed Rasheed Ibrahim.

Government spokesperson Mohammed Shareef said that the new constitution also embodies, for the first time, independent bodies for human rights, judiciary, police, defense, elections and corruption investigation.

Dhiyamigili and Madifushi present money to national team

Male', Maldives - Dhiyamigili and Madifushi islands of Thaa Atoll presented cash to SAFF championship winning team of Maldives. Dhiyamigili presented a total of MRF 7950.00 and Madifushi presented MRF 10,000.00 to the team. Island chief of these islands presented the money on behalf of citizens of the island and on behalf of Maldives national team; goal keeper trainer Iqbal accepted the money.

According to maldivesoccer.com journalist, there wasn’t any action against the trip from these two islands.

“There were several events in Madifushi to welcome the trip members” he said.

“But in Dhiyamigili, there weren’t many activities but there wasn’t any action against the trip as well”

The money was presented during the ongoing trophy trip, where the trip members are in Thaa atoll right now and the journey will reach Laamu today.

The journey to take the SAFF championship trophy to all the islands started on July 1st and there are five more atolls to cover. The journey is expecting to be completed in the coming two weeks.

www.maldivesoccer.com