12th January 2007

Friends of Maldives adds Kurumba and Baros resorts on the Selected Tourism Boycott List

After consideration Friends of Maldives have placed two  resorts belonging to the Universal Group-  Baros and Kurumba, understood to be owned respectively by Mssrs A. Maniku ('Koli') and M.U Maniku ('MU') both Special Economic advisors to President Gayoom.

The Economic advisors to the President play an important role in the regime and therefore have a direct influence on the democratic process.  President Gayoom has three known economic advisors: Hussein Afeef (Champa), M.U Maniku, and Ali Maniku. Their resorts on the boycott list can be found on:

http://www.friendsofmaldives.org/fom-resortlist.htm

In addition M.U.Maniku is the Chairman of Island Aviation Services based in Male'.  The use of Island Aviation Services by Gayooms security services was instrumental in preventing the demonstration planned by the opposition on the 10th of November 2006.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Friends of Maldives

E: enquiries@friendsofmaldives.org
W: www.friendsofmaldives.org

NOTES TO EDITORS

Friends of Maldives – www.friendsofmaldives.org

Friends of Maldives (FOM) is a non-governmental organisation (NGO) dedicated to the protection and promotion of human rights in the Maldives. Based in the UK and established in 2003.