Ahmed Naseem, ORMD (Dhivehi: އަޙްމަދު ނަސީމް; born 13 July 1948), often referred to as Kerafa Naseem, is a Maldivian politician and diplomat who served as the Minister of Health from October 2020 to November 2023, and Minister of Foreign Affairs from March 2011 to February 2012. He was a Minister at the President's Office from 2018 to 2020.
Ahmed Naseem ORMD | |
|---|---|
| އަޙްމަދު ނަސީމް | |
.jpg) Official portrait, 2022 | |
| Minister of Health | |
| In office 22 October 2020 – 17 November 2023 | |
| President | Ibrahim Mohamed Solih |
| Preceded by | Abdulla Ameen |
| Succeeded by | Abdulla Khaleel |
| Minister of Foreign Affairs | |
| In office 21 March 2011 – 7 February 2012 | |
| President | Mohamed Nasheed |
| Preceded by | Mohamed Aslam |
| Succeeded by | Abdul Samad Abdulla |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 13 July 1948 Fura Malé, Maldive Islands |
| Political party | Democratic (2003–present) |
| Spouse |
Maumoona Haleem (m. 1972) |
| Children | 4 |
| Parent |
|
Early life and family
editAhmed Naseem was born on 13 July 1948.[1][a] He was the son of Kerafa Mohamed Kaleyfan.[2] Naseem married Maumoona Haleem in 1972; they have a son and two daughters.[2]
Career
editTourism
editNaseem, after being educated in Sri Lanka, returned to the Maldives in 1968.[2] Around the time, a foreign researcher submitted a journal to the Maldivian government, concluding that tourism development in the Maldives was unfeasible. The report cited a lack of motorized vessels, limited air transportation, inadequate water and electricity infrastructure, and the overall unsuitability of the Maldives for tourism.[2] However, Naseem disagreed with the conclusions, believing that the researcher lacked understanding of the country's potential for tourism, which Naseem felt could only be fully recognized by the locals.[2]
In 1969, Naseem joined the Maldivian Mission to the United Nations, returning to the Maldives in 1970.[2] During a stop in Sri Lanka, Naseem met George Corbin, an Italian interested in exploring the Maldives for tourism opportunities. Corbin, one of the eventual pioneers of Maldivian tourism, believed in the future of tourism development in the country.[3] The meeting between Naseem and Corbin led to discussions with Koli Mohamed Umar Manik, a close associate of Naseem, resulting in a plan to bring a group of tourists to the Maldives with Corbin's assistance.[4]
Naseem recognized the importance of designating specific areas for tourism and the necessity of establishing a structured framework for its development. One of the significant challenges he faced was the limited flight availability to the Maldives.[2] Air Ceylon, which operated flights to the Maldives at the time, had only a few services. In collaboration with air vice marshal Paddy Mendis of the Sri Lankan Air Force, Naseem arranged two chartered flights to bring the first group of tourists to the Maldives.[5]
When tourism began in the Maldives, one of the challenges for Ahmed Naseem and his colleagues was convincing the Maldivian public that the industry could succeed.[2] Despite initial skepticism, the gradual increase in tourist arrivals brought renewed optimism. Naseem later entered the tourism sector himself, managing several resorts.[2] His approach was to start modestly, with plans for gradual development, while prioritizing the maintenance of high service standards.[2]
Minister of Foreign Affairs
editAppointment
edit
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Naseem, along with Attorney general Abdulla Muizzu, were sworn in on 21 March 2011; High court judge Yoosuf Hussain administered their oaths.[6] After their appointment, president Mohamed Nasheed stated that
"I had utmost confidence in their ability to discharge their duties in their new posts".[7]
On 27 March, Naseem's Name was send to the People's Majlis for approval per Article 129(d) of the constitution.[8] He was approved to serve as Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Minister of Health
editNaseem was appointed Minister of Health on 22 October 2020, following the resignation of Abdulla Ameen.[9][10][11]
Notes
edit- ^ See @AmnaShath (July 13, 2023). "Wishing you a very happy birthday Minister @KerafaNaseem. May you stay happy and healthy always. Lots of love and prayers" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
References
edit- ^ "Criticized for Appointing 70+ Year Old Health Minister: Does Being Old Mean Less Result-Oriented?". Corporate Maldives. 25 October 2020. Retrieved 11 September 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j "ނިޝާން މުލީގޭ ޝަރަފުގެ ޢިއްޒަތް (ނ.މ.ޝ.ޢ.) – އަލްފާޟިލް އަޙްމަދު ނަސީމް" [Order of the Dignified Rule of Muleege Dynasty – Mr. Ahmed Naseem]. The President's Office (in Divehi). 20 October 2022. Retrieved 20 October 2022.
- ^ Mia (26 April 2019). "The Birth of Tourism in the Maldives". The Maldives Expert. Retrieved 11 September 2024.
- ^ "When tourism came to the Maldives". BBC News. 5 August 2023. Retrieved 11 September 2024.
- ^ "Rediscovering Maldives Tourism with Ahmed Naseem". The Islandchief. Retrieved 1 January 2020.
- ^ "President Appoints Ahmed Naseem as Minister of Foreign Affairs". Permanent Mission of the Republic of Maldives to the United Nations. 21 March 2011. Retrieved 11 September 2024.
- ^ "President Appoints Ahmed Naseem as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Abdulla Muizzu as Attorney General". The President's Office. 21 March 2011. Retrieved 11 September 2024.
- ^ Nasheed, Mohamed (27 March 2011). "Vazeerunge Majlis Members 21.3.2011 letter" (PDF). People's Majlis. Retrieved 11 September 2024.
- ^ Shaany, Aishath (23 November 2020). "Majlis approves Naseem's appointment as health minister". Raajje TV. Raajje Online. Retrieved 11 September 2024.
- ^ Hadi, Ahmedulla Abdul (22 October 2020). "Ahmed Naseem appointed as Health Minister". Sun. Retrieved 11 September 2024.
- ^ "President appoints Ahmed Naseem as the new Health Minister". PSM News. 22 October 2020. Retrieved 11 September 2024.