Weekly Radio Address: Highlights Labour Day, Crime Prevention, Anniversary of Health Corporation, MDP Internal Election, and Royal Wedding

In this week´s radio address, that was broadcast this morning, President Mohamed Nasheed highlighted the Labour Day to be officialy marked for the first time, work of National Crime Prevention Committee, the first anniversary of Malé Health Services Corporation, internal elections of ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and the British royal wedding.

Labour Day

President Mohamed Nasheed has reiterated the government´s commitment to protect and promote the rights of both employees and employers.

The President said ¨the government key priority is to protect the rights of employees and employers, and create an amicable working environment for both sides through sound industrial relations principles.¨

The President´s remarks come after the government´s decision to declare International Workers´ Day, May 1, a public holiday in the country from this year onwards.

The President, in his radio address today, outlined the programmes organised in the Maldives to mark this year´s International Workers´ Day.

Ministry of Human Resources, Youth and Sports has organised a workshop to explore issues related to industrial relations in the Maldives including legal frameworks, labour market, the Maldives´ impending ratification of the Convention of International Labour Organisation, Labour Relations Authority and Labour Tribunal.

National Crime Prevention Committee

Today, the President also appealed for public support and cooperation in the government´s efforts through the National Crime Prevention Committee to address the escalating number of violent, serious and organised crime in the country.

The President formed the National Crime Prevention Committee in March to oversee and coordinate the efforts of three state powers and the relevant authorities of the government to prevent crime.

The Committee, on Thursday, broadcast a television programme on MNBC One to inform the public on results of its engagements with state powers and the government authorities on prevention of serious and organised crime.

First Anniversary of Malé Health Services Corporation

In his radio address today, President Nasheed noted the first anniversary of Malé Health Services Corporation, stating that the government was encouraged by the success of the Corporation within one year in improving health services available in Malé region.

The President congratulated the Chairman, Managing Director, Board of Directors and the staff of Malé Health Services Corporation on its first anniversary.

Malé Health Services Corporation was incorporated on 13 April 2010.

The President said Malé Health Services Corporation ¨is working to further strengthen the company´s services within the next three to four months.¨

MDP Election

Speaking on MDP election, the President underscored that MDP internal election set an example of internal democracy for other political parties in the country.

He urged all the members of MDP to vote to elect the senior posts of MDP, including party president, vice president and deputy chairpersons, in Saturday´s election as he himself would.

The President thanked praised MDP Chairperson and the National Council for the excellent preparations for the election.

British Royal Wedding

In his radio address today, the President expressed congratulations and well wishes to Prince William and Katherine Middleton on their wedding, that is to take place later today at Westminster Abbey, London.

The President extended greetings to the royal couple, Queen Elizabeth II and the British Royal Family on behalf of the First Lady, the government and the people of the Maldives.