News in brief: new members approved for NIC and MIRA

Parliament on Monday approved the president’s nominees for vacant seats on the National Integrity Commission and the director’s board of the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority.

Ahmed Jihad, a retired colonel who served in the military for more than 30 years, was unanimously approved to the NIC – a watchdog for law enforcement bodies – with 78 votes in favour. Jihad’s name was put to a vote second after MPs voted against Shuaib Abdul Rahman.

Of the four individuals nominated by the president, parliament’s independent institutions committee recommended three nominees after a vetting and interviewing process. Dr Mariyam Shahneeza Nasir was third in the order of preference and the oversight committee decided not to recommend Hawwa Liusha.

A vacancy opened on the watchdog after the resignation of former NIC member Mohamed Farhad.

Mahzoom Saleem was unanimously approved for a five-year term on MIRA’s board of directors with 80 votes in favour.

First lady launches National Elderly Action Plan

First Lady Fazna Ahmed launched the National Elderly Action Plan 2019-2021 at a ceremony held on Monday morning at the Hotel Jen in Malé.

“The National Elderly Action Plan will see the implementation of the National Policy on Older Persons based on four primary areas of action; care and protection; independence and participation; health and wellbeing; and preparation for old age,” according to the president’s office. “The plan outlines ways to recognise socio-economic challenges to the elderly, ways to improve their wellbeing and protection and encourage their participation in the community.”

Gender, Family and Social Services Minister Shidhatha Shareef announced the decision to mark September 1 as National Grandparents Day.

Monthly customs statistics

Monthly Statistics -October 2019. pic.twitter.com/slk99bznlu

— Maldives Customs (@CustomsMv) November 18, 2019

Today on Twitter

Commissioner of Prisons Munaz briefs H.E @NilsMelzer, UN 'Speical Rappoteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment' during H.E 's visit to MCS today on his official visit to Maldives pic.twitter.com/1OPm0FwrtM

— Corrections Mv (@Corrections_Mv) November 18, 2019

Special Rapporteur on Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment Prof. Nils Melzer meets with Minister of Home Affairs, Hon.Imran Abdulla. pic.twitter.com/bhj9JrQCh5

— Home Ministry, MV (@HomeMinistrymv) November 18, 2019

On his visit to HDH. Finey Minister @AhmedMahloof met with the island council and inspected the sporting facilities in the island. Ideas were exchanged with youth on developing a youth centre in the island. pic.twitter.com/49gHUEnBGk

— Ministry of Youth,Sports and Community Empowerment (@MoYSCEmv) November 18, 2019

UN Special Rapporteur on Torture Mr @NilsMelzer & Team met Hon. Defence Minister @MariyaDidi & @CDFofMNDF today. Discussions focused on recommendations & steps being taken to guarantee #humanrights & prevent all forms of torture & abuse in #Maldives pic.twitter.com/T5PZn7a8RT

— Ministry of Defence (@MoDmv) November 18, 2019

Congratulations to @MoHmv and @governmentmv 🚭🚭🚭🚭

Hard-hitting mass media campaigns and pictorial health warnings protect children and other vulnerable groups from taking up smoking and increases the number of people who want to quit. @FCTCofficial @WHO @WHOSEARO https://t.co/z2t55gDOmj

— WHO Maldives (@WHOMaldives) November 18, 2019

In our battle to fight the bite, we are in the process of eliminating mosquito breeding grounds by treating them with chemical insecticides. We would like to thank @HPA_MV for providing us with the major weapons of mosquito control. #Hulhumalé pic.twitter.com/XYMbn47xTe

— HDC (@hdcmaldives) November 18, 2019

The online Work Visa process!

Visa service towards convenience. pic.twitter.com/mCnd4Ffn34

— Maldives Immigration (@ImmigrationMV) November 18, 2019