Latest news with #MaldivesPoliceService
United News of India
5 days ago
- Politics
- United News of India
'Will Not allow any country take lead in Maldivian affairs' : Maldives President
Male/New Delhi, July 26 (UNI) Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu today asserted that it is not his Government's policy to allow any foreign country take the lead in his affairs and said that every square inch of the Indian Ocean island nation's territory will be safeguarded by Maldivians. He was addressing the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and the Maldives Police Service (MPS) on his country's 60th Independence Day. This is the first time in Maldives history that a Maldivian Head of State has addressed both forces at a joint ceremonial gathering. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on a two-day State visit to the Maldives, was the Guest of Honour at the celebrations. Highlighting the priority accorded by his Government to police and defence forces, President Muizzu said this focus has, at times, prompted questions regarding the rationale behind such emphasis. Referring to the vast maritime domain of the Maldives, he said that despite the country's relatively small population, it is Maldivians themselves who will bear the responsibility of defending and securing the nation's territory. He, however, acknowledged that the Maldives must rely on other nations for certain resources and technical expertise, and affirmed the Government's commitment to cooperating with international partners in this regard. The President also paid tribute to the national heroes whose sacrifices secured the nation's independence, emphasising that every Maldivian citizen should appreciate their legacy. He underscored the shared responsibility to preserve the nation's independence and security for the benefit of future generations. Reflecting on the Maldives' enduring history of independence, the President conveyed his profound gratitude to the national defence forces for their unwavering service in upholding the nation's sovereignty, particularly during the rare instances when that independence was challenged. He added that strengthening and developing the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and the Maldives Police Service (MPS) shall remain the Government's utmost priority. UNI RB 1412
Online Citizen
23-07-2025
- Online Citizen
Death of 15-year-old SJI International student being investigated as ‘negligent death', say Maldives police
The death of a Singaporean student during a school trip in the Maldives is under investigation as a case of negligent death. On 22 July 2025, the Maldives Police Service confirmed to Singapore state media CNA that Jenna Ariane Zhi-En Chan's death is the subject of an active investigation. Jenna, aged 15, was a student at St Joseph's Institution International (SJII). She died on 8 November 2024 while on a National Youth Achievement Award expedition. According to Maldivian outlet The Edition, Jenna was fatally struck by the propeller of a reversing boat while snorkelling near Dhigurah Island in the Alifu Dhaalu Atoll. Since then, her family has repeatedly voiced concerns over the lack of clarity surrounding the incident and the slow progress in obtaining official information. Family left without answers In an email response to CNA, Maldivian police confirmed that Jenna's family has been updated on the investigation via email. However, they have not received any official documents. Jenna's parents have told media that information from both Maldivian authorities and SJII has been minimal. The family remains concerned about the significant delay in uncovering what led to their daughter's death. School says it made efforts SJII has maintained that it has attempted to piece together a full account of the incident. Michael Johnston, the school's CEO, said SJII has repeatedly requested documents from the Maldivian authorities but has not received any. He added that the school has no access to evidence from the Maldivian boat crew or staff from the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (MWSRP), which conducted the trip. This lack of access has made it impossible for the school to obtain a complete picture of the tragedy. The Maldivian police stated that the family 'informally requested to meet and question certain individuals connected to the case'. They added that under Maldivian law, the police cannot facilitate such meetings. However, Jenna's father Alan Chan clarified in a Facebook post that the family did not make such a request. Instead, he said the school tried to arrange the meeting. Initial report included Police confirmed that an initial report from the MWSRP, which organised the trip, has been received and forms part of the investigation. Authorities are also reviewing standard operating procedures related to the incident and other documents from state institutions. They emphasised that all developments are being discussed with the Prosecutor General's Office. This is to ensure that if negligence is found, appropriate legal action will be taken once the investigation concludes. Identity of tour operator withheld At this stage, the Maldives Police Service has declined to name the tour operator involved. They explained that the police are still verifying the authenticity and roles of the parties responsible for organising the programme in the Maldives. Relevant information is still being compiled before further details can be disclosed. In May 2025, Maldivian police officers travelled to Singapore to interview four students and a teacher who were on the trip with Jenna. Johnston confirmed that SJII facilitated these interviews with the police. MOE not investigating SJII's school management, citing safety protocol adherence Singapore's Ministry of Education (MOE) announced last week that it will not be investigating SJII's handling of the incident. MOE cited that SJII is a privately funded school and operates independently of Singapore's mainstream education system. It also noted that the school had adhered to its overseas trip safety protocols. Frustrated by what he describes as regulatory loopholes, Jenna's father has launched a petition urging the government to tighten oversight of Privately Funded Schools (PFS). The petition calls for mandatory, transparent reporting requirements and standardised safety measures for all schools, regardless of their funding source. As of now, the petition has garnered 1,952 signatures. Alan Chan argued that SJII has avoided external scrutiny by relying on its internal protocols. In his words, 'SJII wrote its own procedures, followed its own rules, and walked away without scrutiny. MOE will not step in—even when a child has died on an international school trip.' Family releases documentary update Jenna's family has also released an update to their video titled Tides of Injustice. The film highlights the circumstances of Jenna's death and the unanswered questions that remain. It also calls attention to what the family views as broader systemic issues that have not yet been addressed by the school or relevant authorities. The family continues to call for accountability and stronger safety measures for future school trips.
