Situation Maldives: Hopeful in Overcoming the Pandemic

It has been more than a month since the capital of Maldives, Male’ City was placed under a full lockdown. The island nation further extended the lockdown to 28^th of May 2020, bracing for a potential surge during the period looking at the situation of maldives.

Within the week, the number of infected cases in Maldives reached to 1094 cases while 04 has died from the virus. Positive cases have also been recorded in other parts of Maldives including Sh. Narudhoo, H. A. Thakandhoo, N. Manadhoo, Sh. Milandhoo, H. A. Uligan, K. Himmafushi, and K. Thulusdhoo. However, the country has seen more recoveries, recording 59 individuals’ recoveries from COVID-19.

Majority of the infected being foreign nationals working in Maldives, several repatriation initiatives have been taken to support individuals wishing to return home. On 16^th May 2020, the government of Maldives chartered a BIMAN Bangladesh Airline’s flight to help repatriate 353 Bangladeshis stranded in Maldives. Additional 70 Bangladeshis were repatriated on the following day through a Bangladesh Airforce flight. In addition to that, Maldivian Airlines has been operating rescue flights in aid of Maldivian nationals stranded abroad. This includes the repatriation of 234 Maldivians stranded across 16 cities in India on 11^th May 2020.

The government of Bangladesh has been extending their generosity in aiding Maldives during this unprecedented time. On 16^th May 2020, a second Bangladesh Air Force flight arrived in Maldives with 7000 kgs of food, medical equipment and medicine.

On behalf of the President of Maldives HE Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, and the people of the Maldives, I would like to thank the Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina, Foreign Minister Dr. A K Abdul Momen, the Government and the people of Bangladesh for this gesture of goodwill and generosity. It is a manifest reflection of the close friendship and the significant historic bonds that exist between our two brotherly nations.”
Press Statement by Abdulla Shahid, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maldives

With more than 1300 individuals currently in quarantine facilities, health authorities have been strengthening the precautionary measures to contain the virus. Given the current situation, the authorities had projected a significant surge in the number of infected cases by the end of May 2020. Due to which, the Director General took the decision to further extended the lockdown in order to ensure public safety.

Health Minister Abdulla Ameen had stated that the lockdown in greater Male’ area cannot be lifted just yet and that he did not believe it could be lifted in the near future. Health professionals warned that Maldives could reach 77,000 cases by the end of May, urging the public to adhere to their advice and implement social distancing even at homes.

The government of Maldives has been supporting the public in several ways in this situation, including granting financial aid and loans to those affected by the pandemic. The government introduced an ‘Income Support Allowance’ and revealed on 13^th May 2020 the eligibility criteria for the scheme. Under the scheme, government will grant an allowance up to MVR 5000 to individuals who were dismissed or suspended from employment, those on leave without pay, those facing salary deductions, and freelancers.

The entire world has been battling COVID-19 for months and has seen the despairing impact of the virus on daily lives.

Despite the past challenging months, a number of countries has slowly started easing travel restrictions while several grounded airlines have picked up travel. Plenty of hotels and resorts have started preparing to reopen under strict conditions and safety standards in place.

The Italian government also announced the plans to reopen their borders on 03^rd June 2020. This would benefit the Maldivian tourism industry once the borders reopen in the island nation as Italy is a large part of the tourist arrivals in Maldives. However hopeful tomorrow seems, it is no doubt that the post COVID-19 world would be much different from what was known to everyone.

Looking at the changing situations across the world, Maldives is hopeful in overcoming the situation and resuming living normal lives.

Feature image by raajje

In a bold move to streamline government operations, the government merged the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment, and Energy with the Ministry of Tourism, creating the new Ministry of Tourism and Environment. President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu initiated this restructuring to unite two critical sectors that play pivotal roles in the Maldives’ economy and environmental sustainability.

President Muizzu appointed Thoriq Ibrahim as the new minister. Thoriq assumed his new role after a swearing-in ceremony. He previously served as Minister of Environment and Energy, bringing valuable expertise to this position. In addition, he will balance the Maldives thriving tourism industry with the pressing need to protect and conserve the environment. This remains a crucial priority for a nation facing significant climate challenges.

The merger reduces the number of ministries in the Maldivian government to 19. It opens up exciting opportunities for a unified approach to sustainability and tourism growth. Moreover, President Muizzu discussed the importance of integrating environmental conservation efforts into the tourism sector with Minister Thoriq. This integration aims to boost the Maldives global appeal as a premier eco-friendly destination.

The Maldives tourism industry plays a vital role in the nation’s economy. It contributes the largest share of GDP and foreign exchange earnings. At the same time, the country’s environmental needs remain just as critical. The Maldives is particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels and climate change. The newly combined ministry will ensure that tourism growth aligns with environmental preservation. This is a challenging but necessary task for a country that relies heavily on both its natural beauty and environmental resilience.

Meanwhile, Thoriq Ibrahim draws on his experience in the environment ministry to navigate the complex responsibilities of his new role. He addresses multifaceted issues such as climate negotiations, energy policy, and waste management. These are crucial to securing the Maldives’ long-term environmental health. By combining tourism with environmental governance, the ministry will focus on sustainable tourism practices. It will promote eco-friendly resorts and advocate for responsible resource use to protect the nation’s fragile ecosystems.

The merger brings these sectors under one umbrella. There is optimism that this change will foster collaboration and innovation. The Maldives already enjoys a top spot as a tourist destination, known for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and luxury resorts. With this in mind, the government plans to strengthen the Maldives’ reputation as a sustainable tourism destination. This will ensure the beauty of the islands is preserved for future generations.

The formation of the Ministry of Tourism and Environment represents a promising step toward a more integrated approach to economic growth and environmental stewardship. Under Minister Thoriq Ibrahim’s leadership, the Maldives will enhance its global standing as a sustainable, eco-friendly tourist destination. It will also prioritize the protection of its natural environment. As a result, this merger will create a harmonious balance between tourism development and environmental conservation. Ultimately, it will contribute to a brighter and more sustainable future for the Maldives.

Situation Maldives: Hopeful in Overcoming the Pandemic

Feature image by raajje

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