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63-513: Dhoondigan is an administrative division of Fuvahmulah , Maldives . It is the most populous district and the second largest by area. This ward lies in the Southeastern corner of the island sharing borders with Mālegan and Funaadu . The harbour and airport of Fuvahmulah is located in Dhoondigan. It also has a large marsh land area shared with Funaadu and Maalegan. In addition to that it also had

126-833: A boat (named the Elizabeth Boyer) carrying soldiers from the Maldivian government in Malé tried to disembark at Rasgefanno, on the eastern shore of Fuvahmulah. Islanders gathered at the beach and threw stones at the soldiers in protest. The soldiers from Malé retaliated by opening fire on the unarmed islanders, resulting in the death of one islander and seriously injuring two other islanders who were subsequently ferried by dōni, to Gan , in Addu Atoll. The British, who were stationed in Gan sent them by air to Ceylon (now Srilanka) for treatment. On 4 February 2007

189-554: A book which is named 'Fua Mulaku' in its German edition.) There is also the Vasho-Veyo , an ancient circular bath with stone steps. This stone pool reveals great craftsmanship in the cutting of Porites coral stone (hirigal) by the locals. Among the monuments of the Islamic period, the most important is the Gen Miskit , a neat compound including a coral stone mosque, an ancient graveyard and

252-553: A division of Fuvahmulah City Police. Most of the officers working in the stations are natives of Fuvahmulah and they are well aware of what's Happening with in the Island. The appearance of the NSS (National Security Service) means that the armed forces of the Maldives established themselves on the island. However, the police was separated from the armed forces ( MNDF ) in 2004. MNDF still operates on

315-536: A domestic airport on the island in 2011 has gradually opened the island to the rest of the country. Being the nearest atoll to the Equator and the first atoll in the Southern Hemisphere among the atolls of the Maldives, Fuvahmulah has many features which make the island unique. As H.C.P Bell says in his monograph, throughout history Maldivians themselves have fairly judged Fuvahmulah to be the most beautiful island in

378-535: A few historical landmarks. These include a much-damaged Buddhist stupa known locally as Fua Mulaku Havitta . The original shape of the mound was lost as it was altered after its excavation. The ruin is about 40 feet in height and it looks like a small hill. A smaller mound, about 15 feet in height, is located near the Havitta. An ancient local poem in the local dialect reads: " Havitta uhe haudahau, Redin taneke hedi ihau ".( Thor Heyerdahl visited this island and wrote

441-519: A fire burned down the Community Center building. The fire started around 3:00 am local time. The Regional Fire Services, Maldives Police Services , and locals contained the fire, within 2 hours after the fire started. An investigation was carried out by the Police, but a report was not published. Police said the most likely cause of the fire was an electrical short. On 23 February 2007, a fire started at

504-537: A large area with many coconut trees and vegetation which was cleared to construct the airport in Fuvahmulah . In the past there was a large agricultural area which produced enough water melons and other crops which too have been replaced by the airport. Fuvahmulah The inhabitants of the island speak a distinctive dialect of the Dhivehi language , locally known as "F uvahmulaki baha.” Fuvahmulah means "Island of

567-463: A northern extension of the village, resulting in land from Dhadimagu and Diguvaandu wards being claimed to the village. Though this has resulted in a change of the believed-to-be areas in a disputed state, no formal changes have been made and area claims of different views exist. Hoadhadu is the first district in Fuvahmulah to have accepted Islam. The smaller size of the village with fewer people during

630-675: A peaceful island with low crime rates. However, the crime rate has gone up, especially with regards to drugs. A regional branch of the Maldives Police Service was established on the island on 7 October 1996. Initially, the Police and the Armed Forces of the Maldives were the same, known as the National Security Service. The main objective of the Fuvahmulaku Police Station is to maintain peace and stability across

693-415: A well. It is located in the northern end of the island. Gen Miskit is the oldest mosque in the Maldives built (~c. 1300). The structure is made of coral stone and was built straight after the conversion to Islam. The mosque still holds congregational prayer to this day. It has been said that the island was depopulated and resettled thrice in the last thousand years owing to lethal epidemics. The last time

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756-529: Is Dhadimagu while the most populous ward of the island is Dhoondigan . This is the largest division of the island, located on the north-west of the island. A centre of learning as well as an important location for the island's economy. Throughout history, scholars and famous personalities came into being from this district housing many of the historical sites and landmarks of the island. The number of 'Hafiz's from this district outnumber that of any other district in Fuvahmulah. Located just after Dhadimagu, this

819-462: Is also home to farmland where locals grow crops such as cucumber , tomato , carrot , cabbage , pepper , capsicum , eggplant and ladies' fingers . There is a broad sandy beach at the northernmost point of Fuvahmulah in the district of Dhadimago. It is locally known as "Thūndu" (In official Dhivehi "Thundi"). Its sands are formed by white small round pebbles, which are unusually smooth and shiny. This kind of pebbles are found in Fuvahmulah only in

882-997: Is an annual nationwide event which aims to remember, honour and pay respects to each and every Police Officer who lost their lives in the line of duty. And on the same day Police Memorial Wall was inaugurated to honour the members of the Maldives Police Service who lost their lives in the line of duty. Source: Source: National Level Medals Service Level Medals National Level Ribbons Service Level Ribbons "Police Clearance Certificate" . Maldives High Commission, London . Retrieved 25 May 2014 . "The World Factbook - Maldives" . Central Intelligence Agency, US . Retrieved 25 May 2014 . "INTERPOL Member Countries - Maldives" . INTERPOL . Retrieved 25 May 2014 . "Maldives Police Empowered by Exadata: The Back Story" . Oracle Media Network . Retrieved 25 May 2014 . "US Embassy Conducts Anti-Terrorism Assistance Program for Maldivian Police Service" . United States Virtual Presence Post - USVPP. Archived from

945-421: Is at Fuvammulah Cricket stadium. Apart from Dhiraagu, Focus Infocom Private Limited and Ooredhoo also provides internet services on the island. Formerly there were many bicycles on Fuvahmulah, an ideal mode of transportation on the flat, large island. Presently there are a large number of motorcycles. The construction of Fuvahmulah Harbour has led to a boost in the number of vehicles – notably motor cycles – on

1008-481: Is one of the largest districts in Fuvahmulah. Apart from Dhadimagu, the district also share borders with Hoadhadu and Maadhadu. Many residents of Dhiguvaandu rely on white-collar jobs for their income. Retail business is a main source of income as well. The most prominent feature of this district is the "Chas bin" (an area of wetland) associated with the Dhadimagi-Kilhi. Large amounts of taro fields can be found in

1071-506: Is well-formed, the Bissaaveli is enclosed from all sides, creating a natural shallow swimming pool where locals like to swim. Another natural phenomenon called Kalho-Akiri (meaning "Black Pebbles") occurs on the south-east shore of the island. This area only has black pebbles, quite unusual to the normal white coral sand beaches of the Maldives. Every year, towards the end of the southwest monsoon season, flying fish (Hulhammaha) come to

1134-625: The Areca nut palms", Fuvah (or "Fuva") in the local language. Other places in the world like Penang in Malaysia and Guwahati in Assam , India , are also named after this nut. The original name of the island could have been Mulah, but was called Fuvahmulah (the Mulah with the areca nut palms) to distinguish it from Boli Mulah – another island in ancient Maldives. The admiralty charts and some geographers named

1197-559: The Maldives and visitors to the island usually collect them as a memory of the island. It is common for an annual phenomenon called Bissaaveli to form at the Thūndu. The Bissaaveli forms when part of the sand of the beach moves away from the shore towards the edge of the reef, thus creating a lagoon, enclosed by sand and the shore of the island. This natural event attracts hundreds – possibly thousands – of locals who love to go to watch it. When it

1260-460: The Ministry of Public Safety . The operating procedures of service established in 1933 were maintained until the election of Maumoon Abdul Gayoom on 11 November 1978. When the force was re-structured under Ministry of Defense and National Security on 10 January 1979, National Guards were renamed as National Security Service . Since the organization was expanding, the lack of space in the building

1323-480: The 8 wards of the island are officially considered to be administrative divisions which act as the replacement for islands in other atolls. In the past, a chief ('Katheeb') was appointed in charge of the day-to-day affairs of each ward of the island as was done for the remote islands of the other atolls. With the introduction of local government policy in the Maldives , the Decentralization Act of 2010 passed by

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1386-405: The Maldives . In the past, Fuvahmulah was a small coral atoll whose southern end was open at a spot called Diyarehifaando and the inside of the island was a saltwater lagoon forming a natural harbor. There is a spot on the southern end known as Kudhuheraival (forest of a small islet), which indicates there was a small separate islet over there in ancient times. The channel connecting the lagoon with

1449-652: The Maldives. This judgement remains up to this day within the hearts of many Maldivians who express this both in words and deeds on different occasions ranging from TV and radio programmes to the polls taken by newspapers and websites online. Being a one-island atoll itself and the third largest island in the Maldives (if not for land reclamation), Fuvahmulah includes a diverse range of habitats ranging from tropical woodlands and wetlands to freshwater lakes, well-vegetated marshland areas, white sandy beaches of different variations and pebble texture plus gravel beaches and fertile lands of humus greater in area than any other island in

1512-478: The Maldives. The two freshwater lakes in the island plus the many number of swamps and marshland areas in the island give habitat to different plant and animal species not to be found anywhere else in the Maldives. Among such species, the common moorhen (locally known as Valikukulhu) is a bird natively confined to Fuvahmulah only in the Maldivian archipelago. Also, the dense forest of Syzygium cumini (Jambul), locally known as "Dhanvah Baal" (literally "Jambul grove") to

1575-453: The Military. The Military helped the Police in their full strength and finally brought the situation under control. That was on 15 May 1933. The initial Investigation office was small with only three investigation tables . The three tables in the investigating office represented three sections of the service; Theft, Political and Serious Crimes. The office was mostly painted in green which is why

1638-488: The North of Dhadimagi Kilhi is the largest vegetation of Jambul to be found anywhere in the Maldives since this plant variety is nearly extinct elsewhere in the country. Fuvahmulah is also the largest producer of mangoes in the Maldives. Mango trees are found in abundance and every year hundreds of thousands of mangoes are produced from the island. Fuvahmulah also produces pineapples and oranges which cannot be found anywhere else in

1701-457: The People's majlis specifically states that in the case of Fuvahmulah an island council has to be elected for each ward of the island. So like the islands of other atolls across the country, the wards of the island act as separate constituencies. From February 2011 onwards the councils have started functioning. Each ward of Fuvahmulah has its own distinctive features. The largest division of the island

1764-503: The assistance of the Military when needed, the protection and help of military was available as the Law stated . During the earlier days of Police, there was violence between the foreign investors and the Maldivians. The foreigners stopped business with Maldivians and closed their shops which caused the Maldivians to suffer. The Police tried their best to control the situation, but needed the help of

1827-432: The atoll. They carry out investigations into crimes and public complaints fairly and deliver justice to the locals of the atoll. The station also helps other government authorities in fighting and preventing crime. The station is commanded by an Inspector of t police, with a work force around 65 in combating the crime. Administratively Fuvahmulah was recognized as city by the government in 2016, Fuvahmulah Police Station became

1890-405: The boat yard near the harbor. The fire completely burnt 6 fiberglass dhows. Four of these dhows were 100 feet and the remaining two were 40 feet long. This fire also started around 3:40 am local time. Fire was first spotted, instantly after the fire started by a local fisherman. The Fire Service was called immediately. But since fiberglass resin is highly flammable, and there was no sprinkler system,

1953-402: The country. The wetland areas of Fuvahmulah are mostly made up of dense vegetation ranging from ferns to reeds to taro fields. There is an abundance of water spinach locally known as Mahilanbo "މަހިލަނބޮ and plant varieties such as Syzygium cumini (jambul), pond-apple , mango , pineapple , screwpine , tropical almond , cheese fruit , ambarella , banana and many more. Fuvahmulah

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2016-539: The dependency on fishing. One of the traditional harbours of Fuvahmulah, "Anbule Athiri" is located within Hoadhadu which explains the district's continued dependency on fishing. With changes over time, this is the smallest district in Fuvahmulah. Located in the center of the island, this district houses the strategically most important buildings on the island. This district shares borders with Dhiguvaandu , Hoadhadu , Maalegan and Miskiymagu . This village stretches along

2079-399: The figures. This fire is said to be the worst fire in the history of the island. The island is 494.2 km (307 mi; 267 nmi) south of the country's capital, Malé . The Fuvahmulah city is about 4.5 by 1.2 km (2.80 by 0.75 mi) with a submerged reef (Rashikedefaro) extending for about 3 km (1.9 mi) in a southeasterly direction. The island is the third largest in

2142-492: The fire spread to the 6 dhows and the fiberglass resin barrels in the yard. It took the fire personnel, Maldives National Defense Force and local 2 hours to contain the fire. A forensics team of the Maldive Police Service did the investigation. All the dhows were insured. In an interview with media, the atoll chief said the loss is estimated to be around MRF 20 Million, although insurance companies never publicly disclosed

2205-619: The government, it did not have its own building, so the center operated in a private house. A separate building for the Health Center was constructed and the services began in the new building on 24 March 1988. As the population of the island increased significantly, and due to the isolation of the island, government upgraded the Health Center to a Hospital on 11 June 2001. Fuvahmulah is served by 11 schools. Consisting of 6 pre-schools, 1 primary schools, 3 secondary school (O-level) and 1 secondary school (A-level). Gn. Atoll Education Centre (GN.AEC),

2268-451: The increase in population of some wards has put pressure on the neighboring areas, resulting in the extension of some wards with time, and some claims out of the traditional boundaries. An example of such a case is that of the Hoadhadu ward. The northerly extension of the settlements of Hoadhadu ward by time led to the land from eastern strip of Dhiguvaandu and Dhadimagu wards being claimed by

2331-410: The island Fua Mulaku . In old French maps the island appeared under the name Poue Molluque. The name Fuvahmulah derives from fuvah , meaning "areca nut" (< *pūgavṛkṣa- ). Little is known about the history of Fuvahmulah, owing to its relative seclusion, partially because the island was historically very difficult to get to due to its geographic peculiarities. Despite this, island still holds

2394-452: The island fringe facing the Northeast. With some of the most significant features of the island this district shares borders with Maadhadu, Miskimmagu, Funaadu and Dhoondigan. The former Dashukubaa village was merged with Miskiymagu. This village has merged with neighboring Funaadu on its southern end and Maadhadu on its northern end. The village also shares borders with Maalegan ward towards

2457-492: The island harbour, and a number of historical landmarks. The high rate of fertility has resulted in overpopulation. With more than 13000 inhabitants, the availability of land for market gardening is steadily diminishing. The most updated population figure for the island is available on the Ministry of Atolls Development website. This gives a sex ratio of 0.88. Dhiraagu is the only landline telephone communication service provider on

2520-420: The island, as well as in the entire country. However, Ooredoo along with Dhiraagu provides mobile communication services on the island. The Dhiraagu communications antenna, located in the premises of Dhiraagu Fuvahmulah Operations Center, stands 400 feet (120 meters) tall. It connects Gaafu Alif Atoll , Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll and Fuvahmulah to the rest of the nation. Meanwhile, the ooredhoo communications antenna

2583-516: The island, but separate from the police. They are mostly active in the area of Fire and Rescue, along with military duties. Being home to the most number of Hafizs in the Maldives throughout known history, Fuvahmulah has produced many great scholars. Many figures from Fuvahmulah have been leaders in politics, religion and in business since early times. One such figure was the Independence Hero of Maldives, former President Ibrahim Nasir . Nasir

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2646-510: The island. This has increased road accidents, many of them fatal. The poorly constructed roads have indirectly contributed to road accidents. Finivaa Magu, the main road running from north to south of the island, along with the other roads are not paved. The only partly paved road is the Mohamed Jamaaludeen Naibu Thutthu Magu or else known as 'Ring Road' This road is still under construction. When completed this road will be

2709-485: The lake is located in Dhadimagu ward of the island) and the southern is " Bandaara Kilhi " (lit. "State Lake" since the lake has been under state custody throughout history). Lacking a lagoon and being subject to ocean swells, Fuvahmulah was often inaccessible to seafarers in the past. In the early 2000s a harbor was built at the southeast tip of the island, which minimized the problem to a certain extent. The construction of

2772-406: The longest road on the island, running from the harbor and connecting all 8 districts. An airstrip is functional on the southeastern side of the island since 11 November 2011. Currently, there two scheduled flights every day to Malé from Fuvahmulah and from Malé to Fuvahmulah Airport . The first Health Centre officially started its services on 12 May 1973. Even though the center was fully owned by

2835-620: The mandate of city council was further revised with additional powers granted through an amendment to Decentralization Act. The city council bench was further increased from 3 members to a total 7 of members, including the mayor. The current mayor of Fuvahmulah City is Ismail Rafeeq . Fuvahmulah was traditionally divided into nine wards. From North to South these wards were: (1) Dhadimagu , (2) Dhiguvaandu (both stretching from East to West shore), (3) Hoadhadu , (5) Dhashukubaa (both segmental) and separated by, (4) Maadhadu , (A diagonal strip of parallel width). The other four divisions, occupying

2898-402: The midst of a joyful atmosphere. Large crowds will gather on the beaches for what the locals called "Hulhammaha Hifun". Fuvahmulah City Council and its office was established following a presidential decree by former president Abdulla Yameen on 4 June 2017. During its initial formation the city council was composed of three constituency members. During the presidency of Ibrahim Mohamed Solih ,

2961-508: The north-east of the village. This is the southernmost and one of the largest wards in Fuvahmulah. This district houses a center of learning. This is the most populous district and by area the second largest division of the island. This village lies in the southeastern corner of the island. It has merged with Maalegan on its northern end and Funaadu to the West. Being a center of learning as well as an important location for all islanders as it houses

3024-408: The northwestern shore of Fuvahmulah. Confused by the number of voracious tuna shoals in the water and by aggressive frigate birds hunting them from the air, the flying fish would end up flying close to the beach. They mostly end up in the area between Thoondu and Dhadimago fanno where this phenomenon is most common. Men, women and children like to go down to the reef to catch the flying fishes by hand in

3087-504: The ocean was closed by massive coral boulders in the past. Thus the inside of the island is lower than its edges. In time the inner lagoon lost its saltiness and all that remains today are two small lakes, wetlands and marshy taro fields. In this respect, Fuvahmulah is like the island of Nukutavake in the Central Pacific. The northern lake of the island is known as " Dhadimagi Kilhi " (lit. "Lake of Dhadimagu" or "Dhadimagu Lake" since

3150-491: The only higher secondary school serving the island,(teaching from grade 7 to 12) is the largest education center on the island. Inaugurated on 20 April 1982, it currently serves more than 343 students. Fuvahmulaku School (FS) which was owned and operated by the citizens of Dūndigan, is one of the three secondary schools on the island. Located in Dūndigan, it serves the south west part of the island. Government assumed full control over

3213-527: The peace throughout Maldives. The organization comes under the control of the Ministry of Homeland Security And Technology. A Police force was established by Law on 29 March 1933, during the reign of Al-Sultan Muhammad Shamsuddeen III . The service consisted initially of 120 officers, organised into duty shifts. Officers were issued with uniforms of Maldivian Traditional Dress of Mundu and Libaas plus black cap, belt and straps on duty. They were equipped with batons and issued whistles for communication. Their duty

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3276-585: The place was also called the Green Office . In 1970 Police office was changed to the building that has since become the Bandara Koshi library. New sections formed; Traffic Control and road accidents were being monitored by the police. The police force was soon disbanded although the initial law was not revoked. The police force was formally re-established on 13 March 1972, as a branch of the security force, which were then known as National Guards , functioning under

3339-404: The school on 1 March 1992. Mohammed Jamaadudeen school (MJS) (formerly called "Madharusathu-Sheik Mohammed Jamaaluddeen" (MJM)), opened on 3 November 1992. It serves the north-west part of the island. The school was built by the people of Dhadimagu and Dhiguvaadu. This is also a secondary school. There is another secondary school on the island, it is Hafiz Ahmed School (usually referred as HAS) which

3402-452: The southern part of the island, consisted of two eastern and western strips, bisected into four wards, (6) Maalegan and (8) Dhoondigan lying to the East, (7) Miskiymagu and (9) Funaadu to the West. In time, some changes were made. In the 1950s, the number of wards were reduced to eight, with the village of Dhashukubaa being merged with Miskiymagu . Since then, no changes were made though

3465-638: The survivors of the epidemic vacated to neighboring Addu, Huvadhu and Haddhunmathi Atolls and remained there for a few years. In the post-war era, tensions rose significantly between the Southern Atolls and the Central Government in Malé. Fuvahmulah was part of the breakaway state of the United Suvadive Republic (1959–1963). However, nothing too eventful happened throughout those years on the island, except for an incident that occurred where

3528-450: The time of conversion may be the main reason for the village being the first district to be converted. What is clear from historical sources is that smaller districts of Fuvahmulah converted first and the larger districts last. Hoadhadu is a remarkable ward in Fuvahmulah. Historically, many residents of Hoadhadu depended on fishing as the primary source of income, although today retail business along with white collar jobs have diminished

3591-501: The village. A similar case occurred in the Funaadu-Dhoondigan boundaries to the south of the island. However, no formal changes have been made in any of the cases and area claims of different views exist in modern times. The officially used maps and government sources as well do not portray any significant changes to the traditional boundaries. Taking into consideration the geography of Fuvahmulah along with its size and population,

3654-423: The wetland area. Vast plantings of areca nut can be found in the district. Mango and breadfruit can be found in reasonable quantities. Almost every house in the district has a mango tree . Hoadhadu used to be the smallest district in Fuvahmulah, nearly the same size as Maadhadu. During the late 20th century, the increase in population of the district led to pressure on land in the neighbouring areas. This led to

3717-518: Was born in Fuvahmulah and the early childhood days of Nasir were spent in Fuvahmulah until his family moved to Malé . Maldives Police Service The Maldives Police Service ( Dhivehi : ދިވެހި ފުލުހުންގެ ޚިދުމަތް , romanized :  dhivehi fuluhunge khidhumaiy ) is the civilian national police force of the Republic of Maldives . It is responsible for enforcing criminal and traffic law, enhancing public safety, maintaining order and keeping

3780-684: Was experienced. As a result, finally, in 1985 the headquarters was re-located to the building of the current Ministry of Defense and National Security. Apart from an Admin Section, five investigation sections were formed. And in 1992 a Police Inspector from the West Yorkshire Police named David Price introduced the modern working structure of the Police, introducing Police beats and mobile patrols. Police shifted to Shaheedh Hussain Adam Building in 1999 and on 1 September 2004 Maldives Police Service

3843-530: Was formed under the Ministry of Home Affairs which was a major functional shift of the present administration. National Security Service was later renamed as Maldives National Defence Force . On 1 July 2013 police reserve force known as the Special Constabulary was inaugurated. And on 23 July 2013 first official ceremony to commemorate the Police Memorial Day was held. The Police Memorial Day

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3906-457: Was opened on 22 April 2004. It currently serves more than 500 students. There is also a primary only school teaching up to grade 6 called Brightways International School (BHIS) which was opened in June 2021. Brightways international education is a private art school teaching up to grade 6 from 1, with another branch teaching from Baby nursery to UKG Historically the island was and still is, considered as

3969-417: Was to patrol the market area and the island. In other words, establishing peace amongst the citizens and protecting the people and their belongings. The law that established police on 29 March 1933 by Sultan Mohamed Shamsudhdheen, has never been cancelled by any of the historical writings seen so far. It is known that Police and Military were separate organizations when they first formed. The Police worked with

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