News in brief: Lawmakers concerned over rising deco cases

Lawmakers on Tuesday unanimously accepted a motion without notice submitted by MP Abdulla Jabir to bring the rising number of fishermen suffering diving decompression sickness to the government’s attention.

Two fishermen who suffered decompression while diving for bait were airlifted to the capital from the Gaaf Dhaalu Thinadhoo regional hospital in the early hours of Tuesday. After treatment at the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital in Malé, the 27-year-old and 39-year-old men have since been transferred to Bandos Island Resort to be put into decompression chambers. 

According to the early day motion – which opens the floor to an impromptu debate – most atolls are not equipped to treat diving-related emergencies but fishermen are forced to dive in search for bait fish. “Many Maldivian fishermen have lost their lives or have been disabled because of the inability of the government  to take any measures to stop these accidents,” Jabir’s motion read. 

“A fisherman from Gaafu Dhaalu atoll has been paralysed from half of his body because he could not get the necessary health care from Thinadhoo hospital,” it added.

The Thinadhoo hospital reportedly transferred six fishermen who suffered decompression sickness to Malé during the past six months.

Expats cleared of concealing murder

The criminal court acquitted two Bangladeshi men charged with concealing the murder of a 54-year old Maldivian man on Ihanvandhoo island.

Ismail Umar, a mechanic at the island’s ice plant, was found dead with multiple stab wounds in the factory’s restroom in June 2017. Three Bangladeshi migrant workers were arrested in connection with the murder. Sumon Mia was charged with murder and his friends Ikram Sheikh and Mohomed Milon were accused of helping him cover up the crime. 

But the prosecution did not submit sufficient evidence to prove Ikram and Mohamed were guilty, according to the verdict delivered earlier this month.

Sumon Mia’s murder trial is ongoing.

Today on Twitter

Hon. President @MohamedNasheed, MP, Speaker of the People's Majlis attends FIFA World Cup and AFC Asian Cup joint qualifier between Maldives and Guam. pic.twitter.com/BOhBU77zid

— People's Majlis (@mvpeoplesmajlis) November 19, 2019

The red snappers are out, and warm – up is underway at the National Football for the Battle vs Guam. #WCQ #AsianQualifiers #MDVGUM pic.twitter.com/jnfn7ewlP1

— Football Association of Maldives (@MaldivesFA) November 19, 2019

Happy International Men's Day 2019!
The theme for this year is “Making a difference for men and boys.”#InternationalMensDay #IMD2019 pic.twitter.com/jiwsmMwaBT

— Statistics Maldives (@statsmaldives) November 19, 2019

Thank you Defence Minister of Maldives, Uza. @MariyaDidi for visiting #JLS2019. As the first female Defence Minister of the country, she shared her experiences in being the fearless, inspiring leader she is! She aspired the participants to #LeadOutLoud & face hurdles w/ courage. pic.twitter.com/IDBWkKBTZ9

— Maldives Girl Guides Association (MGGA) (@GirlGuidesMv) November 19, 2019

The UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, Mr. @NilsMelzer called today on Hon. President @MohamedNasheed, MP, Speaker of the People’s Majlis, during the Special Rapporteur’s first official visit to the #Maldives.

Press Release:https://t.co/tuQbaCnljB pic.twitter.com/Zb3gvlPEjn

— People's Majlis (@mvpeoplesmajlis) November 19, 2019

Thank @BCCI Ambassador @sunjaysudhir and the Indian government for their continued assistance for the development of cricket in Maldives. The development of new coaches / umpires will surely have a positive impact on our cricket players. @EoIMaldives https://t.co/dRJvqF8BfA pic.twitter.com/FOqc3tdG8V

— Ahmed Mahloof (@AhmedMahloof) November 19, 2019

Minister of State for Home Affairs Ali Nazeer meets with the Director General of General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments Mr. Mohamed Saeed Al Neyadi of UAE, to discuss areas of Mutual Collaboration. pic.twitter.com/8tYJ2RtcQr

— Home Ministry, MV (@HomeMinistrymv) November 19, 2019

And it’s official! https://t.co/HlGayFgUYY We are officially in the @GWR for most people freediving simultaneously.

— Ministry of Tourism (@MoTmv) November 19, 2019

While thanking the PM @ibusolih for his warm wishes, I am confident that we can further develop the already close fraternal relations with Maldives, a country with which we have long standing bonds & look forward to an early opportunity to meet https://t.co/6NIH6MSJ2C

— Gotabaya Rajapaksa (@GotabayaR) November 18, 2019

The 1st Beach Games in Maldives organized by @w_sportsacademy in partnership with @MoYSCEmv in Kulhudhuffushi. It was an extremely well organized event & happy to see so many people participating in the event. Will continue to provide support to NGO’s & clubs to host such events. pic.twitter.com/bwiW7grhzS

— Ahmed Mahloof (@AhmedMahloof) November 18, 2019

It was honour & privilege to welcome HEP @ibusolih & First Lady Madame @thadhs to MNDF KK for a fun evening with Sifama Families & to open KK Fenda & Cafe. Thank you for being so forthcoming. The Fenda & Cafe will provide opportunities for our troops to bond with each other 🙏 pic.twitter.com/CRyIzSGs6d

— Mariya Didi 🎈 (@MariyaDidi) November 19, 2019

Good to see Costa Victoria cruse anchored at Malè. Getting more and more Indian tourists to this lovely island country! Indian tourists have jumped 105% in Jan-Sept this year as compared to last. @ali20waheed @MoTmv @CruiseDirectInc @DDNewsLive pic.twitter.com/pSraDunahv

— India in Maldives (@EoIMaldives) November 18, 2019