The briefing
Speaker of the People's Majlis Abdul Raheem Abdulla has departed for Arusha, Tanzania, to attend the 153rd IPU Assembly. The Local Government Authority (LGA) has instructed councils not to use council offices and their properties for political activities. Inspector of Police Ahmed Shiyam has been appointed as the new Police Spokesperson, while Shamoon Hameed has been appointed as a member of the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM). Preparations are underway to conduct the government's ministerial "Ahaa" forum. Former Supreme Court Justice Husnu Al Suood has spoken out against exerting influence over the judiciary. MDP Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail has spoken regarding the party's political activities and the government formed in 2018. Former Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid has voiced criticism regarding the Ras Malé project. Former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has also delivered important remarks concerning the development of Addu City.
Prominent tourism businessman Champa Hussain Afeef noted that the government's plan to develop 10 resorts to directly benefit the public is a very significant and positive change for the Maldivian tourism sector, expressing interest in participating in the project. In addition, under the 8th amendment to the Goods and Services Tax Act, foreign tour operators and online booking platforms without a permanent establishment in the Maldives began to be charged 17 percent TGST on tourism services sold and were mandated to register with MIRA, changes that took effect starting 1 October 2026.
During the official visit made to the atoll by the Minister of Health, Family and Social Welfare Dr. Aasim Ahmed or Jeela Ali, laboratory services at Shaviyani Lhaimagu Health Centre were officially inaugurated on Saturday, 3 October 2026, and at Narudhoo Health Centre on Sunday, 4 October 2026. The newly commenced laboratory services in these two islands provide access to routine and essential diagnostic tests, including blood tests, thereby enabling the residents of both islands to conveniently undergo important medical tests locally without having to travel to other islands.
Villa College held its 2026 graduation ceremonies on September 30 and October 1, graduating 1,237 students. The ceremonies were attended by the Vice-Chancellor of UWE Bristol, Professor Sir Steven West, the Vice-Rector of Villa College, Dr. Ali Najeeb, as well as Ministers Heena Waleed, Ahmed Shiyam, and Jeela Ali. In addition, the "Student Achievement Awards 2026" ceremony, held on October 3 to confer awards upon top-achieving students of the college, was graced by Vice President Uz. Hussain Mohamed Latheef. During this awards ceremony, the College Medal and the Qasim Ibrahim Excellence Award were presented to high achievers, including Fathimath Sabeera, who completed the Master of Education in Leadership and Management.
To humanely control the stray cat population and maintain urban hygiene in Hulhumalé, the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources officially launched "Project Baukalo", which includes a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) pilot program, on 4 October 2026. In addition, the latest updates were shared on 4 October 2026 via PSM's "Henhunu Henhunaa" program regarding ADh. Dhangethi being included among the top five finalists in various categories of the "Chaalu Dhivehiraajje" (Beautiful Maldives) Award, including sustainable development and local tourism.
Aminath Eemily Nazim, a 21-year-old Maldivian student from Hithadhoo, Addu City, who was studying at Taylor's University in Malaysia, has passed away due to serious head injuries sustained in a dangerous accident while traveling in a Grab taxi. A serious accident occurred in Hulhumalé, and police have arrested several individuals driving dangerously and under the influence on the roads. A case of bullying a minor via TikTok has surfaced, and relevant authorities have initiated an investigation. A newly asphalted section of Ameenee Magu has been completed and officially reopened to the public. It has been disclosed that work on significant development projects in Hulhumalé Phase 2 and Fuvahmulah City is progressing rapidly. In connection with World and National Tourism Day, "Maldives Legend" announced a special initiative to bring Maldivian women into employment on safaris. The Ministry of Education has formulated the 2027 academic calendar, publishing the schedule of study periods from January 17 to December 9 along with long holidays. The Maldives Media Commission has urged journalists and media outlets to refrain from spreading false and inaccurate information.
