Minivan 50


Anger over school photo exhibition’s ‘exclusion of Nasheed’
The exclusion of former President Mohamed Nasheed from a local school photo exhibition depicting Maldives history has sparked outrage among his supporters.
10 Aug 2015, 9:00 AM


MPs raise concern over Addu power cuts, expenses for independence celebrations
Opposition MPs are raising questions over the government’s use of some MVR150million (US$9.7million) for the Golden Jubilee of Independence celebrations and persistent power outages in southern Addu City
04 Aug 2015, 9:00 AM


Independence 50 lights to remain in place till August 10
President Abdulla Yameen and First Lady Fathmath Ibrahim meanwhile opened a ‘LED Garden’ at the Sultan Park last night. The ‘Hulhudhaan’ exhibit features several artificial trees lit up with bright neon lights in the national colours of red, green and white.
28 Jul 2015, 9:00 AM


Independence Day celebrations continue with children’s evening, pedestrian hours
Celebratory activities to mark the Maldives’ 50th anniversary of independence from the British continued in Malé today with a children’s evening at the Sultan Park and a three-hour ban on vehicles.
27 Jul 2015, 9:00 AM


“We could have done better:” conversations with an independence hero
“Abdul Sattar Moosa Didi, who led the independence negotiations, remembers talks with the British, laments President Ibrahim Nasir’s buried legacy, and reflects on where Maldives has arrived at as we celebrate 50 years of independence.”
26 Jul 2015, 9:00 AM


Only one head of state to attend Maldives independence celebrations
While President Sirisena had accepted President Abdulla Yameen’s invitation, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was unable to attend “because of certain events in his country.” An invitation for India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi is still open, foreign minister said.
23 Jul 2015, 5:49 PM


Power shortages may affect plans to light up Malé on Independence Day
Power shortages may spoil the government’s plans to light up the capital Malé City on Independence Day, STELCO has said. A crucial 8MW generator is down at the power plant due to an unexpected failure and may take up to two weeks to repair.
19 Jul 2015, 7:26 PM


Former presidents, Nasir and Gayoom, to be honored on Independence Day
Former presidents Ibrahim Nasir and Maumoon Abdul Gayoom are to receive an honorary shield on the Maldives’ golden jubilee of independence from the British on July 26. Nasir is being honored for his role in securing independence while Gayoom is being honored for maintaing independence.
16 Jul 2015, 5:49 PM


Plastic palms placed on Malé streets in rush to prepare for independence day
Plastic palm trees have been placed on Malé’s streets and several areas at Male’s waterfront have been closed off as the government rushes to complete major renovation projects including a new official jetty and a musical water fountain at the Republic Square before July 26.
13 Jul 2015, 9:25 PM


Corruption alleged in use of MVR150m budget for independence day
The ACC is investigating corruption in the home ministry’s use of an MVR150million budget allotted for independence day activities. The ministry is accused of awarding lucrative projects to private companies without a bidding process.
08 Jul 2015, 5:26 PM


Security services to receive medals on Independence Day
06 Jun 2015, 7:44 PM


Hundreds of goats sacrificed to mark independence from the British
04 Apr 2015, 1:58 PM
Government appeals for cooperation with Independence Day celebrations
22 Mar 2015, 4:13 PM