Two companies approach Maldives for oil exploration

Two companies have approached the Maldives government about the possibility of prospecting for oil on the Indian Ocean archipelago, where the last survey in 1992 came up dry, the government said.

"We have had proposals from two parties. It's at an early stage," Deputy Trade Minister Abdulla Salih told Reuters. "It is going slowly at the moment because of a lot of changes at election time."

He declined to name the companies.

The archipelago, ruled for the last 30 years by President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, is due to hold its first multi-party presidential elections by Oct. 10.

The Maldives is a chain of 1,200 mostly uninhabited atolls 800 km (500 miles) off the southern tip of India, known for luxury beach vacations and its environmental consciousness in developing the tourism that sustains its $1.05 billion economy.

Royal Dutch Shell (RDSa.L: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) was the last to explore the Maldives, but found no trace of hydrocarbons after surveys and drilling an exploratory well to 900 metres (3,000 feet).

Ahmed Naseem, who headed the Shell survey on behalf of the Maldivian government, said companies had carried out exploration because the islands were formed in the same volcanic activity that created India's Bombay High offshore oilfield.

"It was a huge investment. They would not have left unless they were sure the structure did not allow for oil. But that may not apply throughout the Maldives," Naseem said.

Exploration in the country dates from the early 1970s, when several two-dimensional seismic surveys were carried out in the lagoons of the country's 22 coral atolls and the country's Inner Sea and four exploratory wells were drilled.

The prospect of oil exploration on the islands may strike some as jarring, since Gayoom has been one of the most vocal leaders speaking out against global warming.

His nation is seen as among the most under threat from rising sea levels with three-quarters of its islands standing no more than 1.3 metres sea level.

A U.N. climate change panel predicts seas will rise 59 cm (2 feet) by 2100, which means many of the Maldives' islands would be uninhabitable.

Gayoom, Asia's longest-serving leader, told Reuters in April that he wanted steeper cuts in greenhouse gas emissions, but not from the polluting international flights upon which the Maldives' tourism industry relies. (Writing by Bryson Hull; Editing by Jason Neely)

Source: By Judith Evans (Reuters)

Final steps to recovery in the Maldives

Power is on its way to the island of Vilufushi as the final phase of work on the British Red Cross recovery programme in the Maldives begins.

Vilufushi was so devastated by the tsunami that a land reclamation project had to be carried out prior to reconstruction. In August 2007, the British Red Cross started building 250 houses. For the displaced households, the power project brings hope – by spring next year they will be able to move back to their island and into their new homes.

Zahid Jameel, the Maldivian consultant who designed the power system, is confident of its quality. “It has been challenging and has taken a lot of time looking into all the details and working with the Ministry for Energy and Water. We have done the best from what is available and now I am happy with the end result.”

Training scheme

Both the power station and the treatment plant for the sewage system will require maintenance once the British Red Cross leaves the island next year.

Local people are being trained in important technical positions and the community is being encouraged to take it on as a business enterprise. There will also be jobs in billing and collection of payments.

Russell Bryce, British Red Cross utilities manager, said: “There is a lot of opportunity and hopefully it will be run like a business, but will take into account people who can’t afford to pay much, such as the elderly. The idea is to generate enough funds to maintain the systems if they need any repairs and to pay a salary to those doing the work.”

New school

The British Red Cross is also building a new school on Vilufushi and on 7 August, a ceremony to mark the start of construction was attended by some of the children who come from the island.

“After three years and seven months I got to see my home island and I was so happy to be there. It looks so different from before,” said Aishath Naafia, studying in grade 10. “I am proud that we will have a bigger school, better facilities and I hope, good teachers too. I had the honor of participating in the ceremony and it felt so good. It’s the first time in my life that I had an opportunity like this.”

The displaced population from Vilufushi have been living on Buruni island, where currently 410 students attend a school that used to accommodate 90. Usman Afzah, studying in grade nine, said: “I feel so bad living in a tent like this for more than three years after the tsunami. We lost our freedom and our own space. But since I visited my home island again, all these bad feelings have disappeared because I have seen a completely different Vilufushi.”

Source: www.redcross.org.uk

Maldives the latest addition to Ceylinco FastCash Network

Dr Lalith Kotelawala accepting the first remittance

Ceylinco FastCash the international money transfer service added Maldives as the latest corridor to its network of countries The service initially launched in October 2006 linking Sri Lanka, Singapore and the UAE has expanded to 16 Countries within in a short period of one and a half years

The ability to effect cross border transactions within the network is also a unique factor which has given Ceylinco FastCash an edge.

The Main Agent for Ceylinco FastCash in the Maldives is Universal Travel Services Ltd one of the largest groups of companies in the Maldives.

The Ceylinco FastCash Remittance centre in Male was ceremonially opened by Deshamanya Dr. Lalith Kotelawala Chairman Ceylinco Consolidated and Mr. Mohammed Umar Maniku Chairman Universal Group Maldives.

The new Service will offer the large number of Sri Lankans, Bangladeshi's and the Nepali's working in the Maldives to send Money to their homeland fast, at a reasonable price and with a host of added benefits.

Source: www.island.lk

Govt. recognizes valuable work of VSO

Government has recognized the valuable contribution of Voluntary Service Organization (VSO) Maldives during a special function held at Youth Centre yesterday, according to foreign ministry.

The function was held to mark the end of 27 years of partnership between the Government of Maldives and VSO. The function also marked the closing of VSO Maldives program scheduled for early next year after its long and successful operations in the country.

Ambassador Abdul Azeez Yoosuf, speaking as the guest of honor noted the valuable contribution of VSO Maldives. Ambassador Azeez also highlighted VSO’s significant role in the development of the Maldives.

Also speaking at the function Minister of Education Zahiya Zareer expressed that her Ministry valued the hard work by VSO volunteers in the education sector. She also noted her personal experience when she worked with the volunteers.

A report celebrating the Partnership between the Government and VSO in the education sector was released at the function.

VSO is an international development charity organization that works through services of its volunteers. The first two volunteers arrived in the Maldives when VSO opened its program office in February 1981. Over the years, VSO’s activities expanded tremendously from teachers to lecturers, doctors and dentists, auditors, fisheries experts, architects and town planners.

Speaking at the function VSO Maldives Country Director Shiva Prasad Aryal recalled found memories of VSO’s time in the Maldives.VSO will end its program in the Maldives in February 2009.

Source: miadhu.com.mv

Iru-Fushi Beach and Spa Resort opens in the Maldives

Sun Hotels & Resorts have announced that their new luxury resort in the Maldives is open for business. A haven of tranquil elegance, Iru Fushi Beach & Spa Resort is located in Noonu Atoll which, as a new atoll for tourism development, is virtually unspoilt, promising virgin landscapes and unexplored waters for guests to enjoy.

The perfect getaway for a honeymoon, family holiday or a scuba-diving experience of a lifetime, the resort is sprawled over 52 acres of stunning powdery white sand beach and abundant tropical vegetation and is accessed by a 45-minute seaplane from Malé airport. It offers 180 rooms, two large swimming pools, a selection of restaurants and bars, wine cellar, cigar lounge, PADI Gold Palm dive centre, spa and gym as well as a dedicated kids' club for the younger members.

The accommodation ranges from Jacuzzi Beach Villas with outdoor bathrooms, sala and an i-spa Jacuzzi bath to luxurious Water Suites with their own private pool and separate living room. All rooms are equipped with a comfortable divan which can double as a third bed – perfect for accompanying children.

While the focus of the resort is on taking it easy, there is plenty to do with two large swimming pools, floodlit tennis courts, badminton, volleyball, gym, a selection of watersports and a kids' club with child minders for younger guests where children can learn to build a traditional Maldivian Dhoni boat or simply play in the miniature village. Off island excursions are also available. The resort houses a PADI Gold Palm Sun International Diving School with an extensive range of PADI courses for beginners through to the more experienced.

Boasting a house reef that is rife with both coral and brightly coloured neon fish, the uncharted waters are a real treat for diving enthusiasts seeking new experiences to discover. For guests striving a little holistic pampering in paradise, the resort’s plush Sun Spa, designed to take the anxieties out of modern day living, is on hand to ease away tensions. 21 spa pavilions have been customised according to the treatment taken, be it aromatherapy or hydrotherapy. It has also developed a pioneering programme - the first Sleep Spa Concept in the Maldives.

Until 31st October, Iru Fushi is offering seven nights’ accommodation in a Jacuzzi Beach Villa on a half-board basis including return transfer by seaplane for US$1580.00 per person. Package prices from a selection of UK tour operators are also available.

For further information or reservations log on to Irufushi.com

Source: www.easier.com