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By Islomaniac | July 19, 2007
I usually like to write about the lighter side of island life. However, occasionally I feel compelled to write on behalf of individuals in island nations who may not have the ability to speak for themselves.
There is no question that the Maldives is a magnificent nation. Its islands are among the most beautiful in the world. But behind the beauty there is conflict among the people of the Maldives. This conflict centers on Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, President of the Maldives, although many refer to him as a dictator. Gayoom has been in power since 1978, and was elected for his 6th term in 2003, with a 90% majority, of course he was the only candidate. Click below to read more
President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom
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So what is the problem with Gayoom? Gayoom has been harshly criticized by many in the Maldives and around the world for his autocratic rule. He is known for imprisoning political protesters and banishing them to remote atolls. President Gayoom has also been criticized for his nepotism, promoting several family members to high positions in government. Amnesty international reported in 2003 that “there were severe restrictions on freedom of the press, and political parties were unable to function.” Gayoom has also been criticized for not only filling the role of president but also defense minister and finance minister, however he gave up these positions in 2004 after international pressure.
I haven’t written this post to discourage people from traveling to the Maldives. Rather I write it to inform my readers from around the world. All too often we visit countries with little insight into the struggles and problems affecingt its population. It’s important to ask questions and be aware of what is really going on in the places we visit.
I am looking forward to hearing from readers in the Maldives and around the world for their perspective, I am sure this is an issue that has polarized many individuals.
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July 19th, 2007 at 8:52 pm
so u like to write about islands and struggles of its people? Seems to me you are trying to add some spice to your dull blog. Every country has gone through what we are going through today (The struggle for democracy)- so what’s the big deal? If you are so concerned about our poor island people why not share your charity? You say you are the expert of all islands. Why not pick a more important issue to talk about - the threat of our existence due to sea level rise. And then ask your self if Gayoom is also to blame for this. What happens if we become homeless by the time we achieve total democracy? Will you write about that too?
July 19th, 2007 at 9:30 pm
Thank-you for your thoughts, but I would prefer an opinion on the issue. With regards to threats due to sea level rise please see the following articles that I have wrote or posted. I am heavily committed to protecting small island nations
http://www.privateislandsblog.com/2007/07/13/drowning-islands/
http://www.privateislandsblog.com/2007/06/27/top-10-tips-for-saving-islands/
http://www.privateislandsblog.com/2007/06/22/the-endangered-islands-campaign/
July 20th, 2007 at 2:36 am
hi, I am very greatful for journalists like you who understands our situation. I would like to add further problems in the nation that are critically alarming. Such as injustice, inhumanity,ignorance of matters such as rapes and child abuse, mugging, robbing, drugs …etc. furthermore the situation of inequal distribution, poor health care facilities in all regions, high unemployment rate, high inflation, …etc has put a holt to economic well being of avarage people to mere survival(since rich people are stil geting richer). Well in truth I am not too sure I should be writting this comment. However I think we all have been shutting our mouth for too long. I hope to see more articles on these issues for public awareness
July 20th, 2007 at 8:21 am
Excellent bit of work.
Of course people like “maldivian” (first post)will cry foul precisely because we’re in this predicament in the first place because of people like “Maldivian” but believe me Islomaniac, a vast majority of Maldivians would agree with you hands down. Deeply appreciate for your bit of work here. Thumbs up!
July 22nd, 2007 at 9:02 pm
Thanks for your input, President Gayoom (maldivian).