Maldives ibu's Eyes

Bill Gates, Saudi Prince to Buy Four Seasons for $3.7 Billion

Luxury Hotel chain Four Seasons Hotel Inc. (NYSE: FS), said Monday it had agreed to be bought for $3.37 billion by a group of private investors which include Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates, and Saudi Prince Alawaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud. The deal will pay Four Seasons shareholders $82 per share, a 28 percent premium over the company's share price the day before the offer announcement in November. The buyout group includes Gates' Cascade Investment LLC and Kingdom Hotels international. A third investor is a holding company owned by Four Seasons CEO and Chairman Isadore Sharp. Under the deal, Sharp would receive $289 million, the company said in a released statement. The Four Seasons board unanimously approved the deal and is recommending that shareholders approve it at special meeting in April. The deal is also subject to regulatory approval.

Interview with Lubna Zahir Hussain, Maldives

Interviewer: Leena Rikkilä, IDEA Programme Manager for Asia

What is your background and involvement in the constitution building process in the Maldives?
I am a member of the Constituent Assembly (CA) since 2004, and elected Member of Parliament since 2004, as well as elected President of Youth Council of DRP (Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party) since 2006. Constitution making is currently on-going in the Maldives and we are about half way through the process. I am also the member of the constitution drafting committee of the CA, and lawyer by profession.
What are main constitution related issues in your own country at the moment?
The main issue that is currently debated is the system of governance and that will be decided by the people through a referendum on 16 September 2006. This is a very historical moment as it is only the second time in the history of Maldives that people can have their say through a referendum. Media campaigns started on 1 August. Our current system is often described as a presidential system but actually it is not a proper presidential system. In my view the three powers; executive, legislative and judiciary, should be clearly separated, and therefore I am advocating for a presidential system where these powers are separated. So the system of governance is the biggest constitutional issue at this very moment.
What did you find most useful in this course in terms of your own process?
In the course of this training, the difficulties and real challenges of the constitution making have become clearer. My own task as a member of the drafting committee and CA delegate has become much more clear, and my vision is crystal clear now: I can actually see the road ahead and what should be done! And I can see where the Maldivian process has been defaulting.
The sessions on participatory constitution making were very interesting: it was good to understand what a genuinely participatory process really means. It would be very useful to have a detailed training on the participatory process for CA delegates as well as for the civil society representatives in Maldives. Also, the theme of system of governance was very relevant for me. What was very helpful was to have all these materials in our folders: this type of material is very difficult to trace.
I was the only one from my political party to participate in this course and there are lots of other who would benefit from such a training. I believe training could really serve as an eye opener; how the constitution making is first and foremost a national rather than a party political endeavor.
We have 113 delegates, the work is on-going and we all need some expert advice regarding the technicalities and options for solutions. We could customize and tailor this training to CA delegates and it should take place before end of the year.
How will you share the outcomes of this seminar in your country?
I will share the handouts and materials with my political party and with the CA delegates. I will approach the media and talk to the journalists about how to get them more engaged with the process. In Maldives, it is very difficult to find any literature or books on this subject.
Bangkok, Thailand – during the training seminar on “Constitution Making in Asia”, 24 July - 4 August 2006

Copyright © 2004 Ibrahim Mohamed! Inc. All rights reserved.e-mail:ibumohd@gmail.com

British billionaire's birthday party believed to be taking place in the Maldives

George Michael To Earn Big Bucks For B-Day Party Performance.George Michael will earn £750,000 for performing at a British billionaire's birthday party.The 'Careless Whisper' singer will earn around £12,500 a minute for the hour-long show at TopShop boss Philip Green's 55th birthday next Tuesday (13.03.07).A source told Britain's Daily Mirror newspaper: "Philip wanted someone with real wow-factor. He knows George will keep everyone more than entertained." Green - worth an estimated £3.6 billion - has also asked Ricky Martin to perform and it has been rumoured Michael Jackson will make a guest appearance.Barry Manilow was reportedly asked to sing, but turned the offer down due to his busy schedule.The billionaire has told 100 friends to meet at London's Stansted Airport and prepare for a long-haul flight next week. The celebrations are believed to be taking place in the Maldives.

Copyright © 2004 Ibrahim Mohamed! Inc. All rights reserved.e-mail:ibumohd@gmail.com

Raffles extends its presence to Maldives

The management of the luxury resort, Raffles Resort Konottaa, the first venture in of the hotel operator in the Maldives is now in the hands of the Raffles Hotels & Resorts. The resort, owned and developed by Platinum Capital HoldingsPvt Ltd, is located in the southern part of the Maldives and is scheduled to open in Spring 2008,“This is another milestone for the Group, as we extend the Raffles presence to one of the premier travel destinations of the world,” commented Mrs Diana Ee Tan, Managing Director of Raffles Hotels & Resorts.“The Southern Gaafu Alifu atoll, with its pristine waters and untouched surroundings is certain to be a haven for the discerning traveler in search of paradise and luxury. We are extremely gratified that Platinum Capital Holdings has entrusted Raffles to manage this luxury jewel.”Mr Mohammed Shaweed, President & Chief Executive Officer, Platinum Capital Holdings Pvt Ltd, said, “We are delighted with our partnership with Raffles Hotels & Resorts. The name Raffles represents a promise to provide the best. Its uncompromising standards in products and service are well renowned and legendary. We believe that the Raffles difference will set a new benchmark in the Maldives.”

Copyright © 2004 Ibrahim Mohamed! Inc. All rights reserved.e-mail:ibumohd@gmail.com

My journey arround the world -Part2 - Australia

My journey arround the world - Malaysia

The Real Meaning of Adventure

What is adventure? Some people believe that adventure is not just that extreme and dangerous experience that one could find existing. On the contrary, they believe that it is an attitude that helps us face the obstacles present in our daily routine. For example, the challenges we have to deal with, the new and different options that life offers, the unknown that is at all time waiting for us, represent an adventure in itself. And it is in this adventure that the human beings discover themselves.

The word adventure has different meanings for different people. Generally, adventure implies thrill and excitement, risks and dangers, and the unexpected and extraordinary experiences. The adventurous people are always on the look out for things that will evoke new feelings and sensations. This is the definition of adventure commonly accepted. However, there are others for whom adventure means much more than this. They associate adventure with a certain bent of mind that helps them enjoy life to the fullest, by accepting it as it unfolds before them. They see opportunities in difficulties and treat hurdles as stepping-stones. They accept everything knowing very well that there is nothing without its pluses and minuses.

Therefore, life is seen as an adventure in itself. It is the manner in which you decide to view and live your own life. And the approach you have to life will certainly affect the way you experience this mysterious journey which we are part of. Some people believe that traveling, sightseeing or hanging on a rope is what an adventure stands for. But the problem may be that they are not experiencing their life as an exploration and their boring life leads them to lookfor excitement outside themselves.

This hidden and deeper meaning of adventure can only be understood by changing one's point of view towards life. This will not only enable you to identify the raison d'etre of your life, but will also help you recognize your strengths and weaknesses, and accept yourself as a person. However, one needs to realize that one just doesn't stumble upon adventures just like that. It is only through discovering our own strengths that we can uncover these adventures, and derive wisdom from them. As human beings, we are posed in the world in such a manner that we are compulsive adventurers. And, being so, we are capable of shaping our own lives and destinies, through a positive and constructive approach.

Life is a rare opportunity. With a little faith we can change the very meaning of life. Hurdles and obstacles can be used as openings and opportunities to discover the extent of our strength and courage. The secret lies in living life as an ever-new, ever-fresh adventure and being open to accepting whatever comes our way.