Monday 31 March 2008

AGAINST PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO CIVIL SERVICE ACT


Many endorse that the Civil Service Act 2007 passed by the People's Majlis is a key milestone in moving forward to a 21st century liberal democracy in the Maldives. However, the recent amendments proposed by the Government on this act will mean a step backwards in the progression towards democracy.

If the amendments are passed a great number of key positions in the government will not be regarded as part of the Civil Service. Such excluded government employees would include: Vice President, Chief Justice, Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the People’s Majilis, all ministers and the attorney genera, atoll chiefs, judges, commissioner of elections and staff, assistants to ministers, ambassador’s to foreign countries and their deputies, island and atoll office staff, the Maldives Police Service, the Anti-corruption board, and more.

Overall, the amendments will mean government employees will not be granted full protection of their rights and instead, the government will maintain their power and influence.

An alliance of NGOs who are: Rights For All, Maldives Aid, the Society for Women against Drugs, Empowering Movement, Strength of Society, Maldivian Detainee Network and the Open Society Association strongly object to the amendments. Under a massive campaign we are putting pressure on MPs to reject the amendments.

A forum last night (30th March) which saw attendance of some 800 people highlighted public concern in the issue and support for the campaign. The decision will be made at the Majilis tomorrow morning (1st April); this will be a key test to see if the country will move backwards or forwards on that path towards democracy. Please show your support against the proposed amendments to the civil service act and post your thoughts and comments.

Thursday 13 March 2008

Why do young Maldivians turn to drugs?


Why do so many young Maldivians start taking drugs?

Many say that young people start taking drugs at a very early age because they are so prevalent and easy to access everywhere in the Maldives.

There is also lack of awareness on what will happen if you start taking drugs so many young people get into drugs without knowing what the horrors of being an addict are. This suggests that more emphasis must be placed on awareness campaigns through schools and among the community overall.

Boredom also seems to play a huge role in why young people turn to drugs. There is a lack of opportunities for where young people can express themselves and a lack of places for where they can occupy their time. It seems then that there is a real need for more sporting facilities, cinemas, clubs, music lessons etc across the country.

Why do you think young people turn to drugs in the Maldives? How can the number tempted to experiment be reduced? And, who should be responsible for confronting the issue to get a real reduction in drug use?

Photo: 'Losing Cultures' by Ibrahim Iujaz Hafiz.