Kamis, 28 Oktober 2010
"Wedding Ceremony"
Do you like this story?
Disgust as couple mocked during Maldives wedding ceremony
Wedding celebrant's smutty rant
The Maldives express 'shock and disgust' over a video of a Swiss couple being mocked and insulted by a celebrant during a ceremony at a luxury hotel.
The Maldives expressed "shock and disgust" yesterday after a video surfaced of a Swiss couple being mocked and insulted by a celebrant during their marriage ceremony at a luxury hotel.
In the video, posted on YouTube several days ago, a couple can be seen seated opposite the celebrant as they renew their wedding vows at the Vilu Reef hotel, which charges $US400 ($A411) a night for the use of its honeymoon suite.
Speaking in the local Dhivehi language, the celebrant calls the couple "swine" amid a host of other insults during a hateful profanity-laced tirade littered with often bizarre personal and religious-tinged taunts.
The celebrant makes sexual remarks about the couple throughout the ceremony.
Muslim-majority Maldives, a nation of 1192 tiny coral islets scattered some 880 kilometres across the equator, is one of South Asia's most expensive holiday destinations and is popular among Western honeymooners.
Foreign Minister Ahmed Shaheed said he was "horrified" to see the video.
"I was shocked and horrified," Shaheed said when contacted in the capital of the atoll nation, Male. "I could not see the entire video because my children were around and I didn't want them to hear the bad language that was used.
Unbeknownst to the couple, the celebrant says their marriage is illegitimate in his own language.
"This is a rip-off of the couple who in good faith went to this resort to renew their vows. This incident will damage the reputation we have built over the years for professional quality service.
"I expect the hotel to refund the money and make a full apology."
Vilu Reef general manager Mohamed Rasheed said the hotel had apologised to the couple who had the ceremony on October 11 and had taken disciplinary action against those involved.
The disgraced celebrant has been suspended and the hotel company, Sun Hotels and Resorts, said in a brief statement it had asked the police to investigate.
"We have apologised to the couple as well as to the general public," Rasheed said when contacted by telephone. "The man had used filthy language. Otherwise the ceremony was OK."
He said the resort, a typical Malidivian island fringed by turquoise water and white sand beaches, has been conducting marriage ceremonies for a decade.
The hotel offers ceremonies to renew wedding vows on its website, saying couples can "seal your everlasting love" as "the Maldivian sunset transforms the sky into a kaleidoscope of romantic hues"
Guests pay $US1300 for the ceremony with the services of a celebrant thrown in.
The local Minivan newspaper said the man conducting the ceremony was pretending to read traditional marriage vows off a piece of paper, but was instead holding an employment contract for employees at the hotel.
"Various types of insults about the woman and the man, their clothing and demeanour, are being spoken throughout in the form of a running commentary in a sports video," the Minivan News website said.
AFP
28 October 2010 Last updated at 12:28 GMT - BBC
Maldives police to probe foul-mouthed wedding ceremony
People in the Maldives were reported to be furious at the possible damage to their reputation Police in the Maldives are to launch an investigation after a foreign couple who thought they were renewing marriage vows were in fact being subjected to a torrent of abuse.
A video has emerged of the unidentified Western couple taking part in the small ceremony at the Vilu Reef resort.
But instead of words of blessing, the celebrant calls the couple "swine" and "infidels" in the local language.
The hotel has apologised for the "unforgivable conduct" of its staff.
"The management of the resort is deeply saddened by this humiliating event," the hotel management said in a statement.
“Start Quote
End Quote Vow renewal celebrant Vilu ReefMost of the children that you have are marked with spots and blemishes”
The Maldives' Deputy Tourism Minister, Ismail Yasir, told the BBC the government was "very concerned" by the incident.
"We had asked the resort to inform us what action they have taken. We have also requested a formal inquiry into the matter from the police," he said.
Foreign Minister Ahmed Shaheed said the incident could damage the country's reputation as a tourist haven.
The amateur film of the ceremony, which was posted on the video sharing site Youtube a few days ago, shows the couple sitting in a makeshift shelter on the beach, surrounded by local people.
The bride is wearing a white dress and carrying a bouquet, while incense, official looking documents and wedding rings lie on the table in front of them.
'Frequent fornication'
The celebrant explains the ceremony in English before everyone stands and holds their hands up to pray.
But instead of words of blessing, the celebrant uses the intonating style of prayers to unleash a torrent of abuse about the couple in the Dhivehi language.
“Start Quote
End Quote Ismail Yasir Deputy Tourism MinisterWe don't want for such incidents to be characterised as normal in the Maldives and I am sure it is not so”
"Your marriage is not a valid one. You are not the kind of people who can have a valid marriage. One of you is an infidel. The other, too, is an infidel - and we have reason to believe - an atheist, who does not even believe in an infidel religion," the Minivan newspaper quotes him as saying.
"You fornicate and make a lot of children. You drink and you eat pork. Most of the children that you have are marked with spots and blemishes. These children that you have are bastards."
The camera focuses on the paperwork in front of him, which local media say was not a marriage document but employment contracts - he then begins to read from these.
The celebrant also makes references to bestiality, sexual diseases and "frequent fornication by homosexuals".
Local outrage
After the ceremony, the couple are taken to plant a coconut tree together, during which various comments are made about the bride's breasts.
Mr Yasir told the BBC most people in the Maldives were furious about what had taken place and that he hoped the couple would be given compensation.
"We are embarrassed as well, and very outraged," he said of the tourism ministry.
He said tourism was vital for the country and denied that the incident was a symptom of antagonism between local people and tourists.
"I am sure almost all Maldivians are aware that tourism is the main industry in the Maldives and is very important."
Mr Yasir said wedding and vow renewal ceremonies were held successfully all the time and that he was sure the incident at Vilu Reef had been a one-off.
"We would like to assure everyone who would like to come to Maldives that we will take such incidents seriously and we will take action.
"We don't want for such incidents to be characterised as normal in the Maldives and I am sure it is not so."
Vilu Reef hotel, run by Sun Hotels and Resorts, charges $1,300 (£820) for the ceremony, which it says offers couples the chance to "mark a milestone in your amazing journey together".
The company says the celebrant has been suspended and it is taking disciplinary action against staff.
Manager Mohamed Rasheed told the AFP news agency: "The man had used filthy language. Otherwise the ceremony was OK."
He said the couple had received an apology.
Sun Travels to compensate couple while police investigate ‘wedding ceremony’ video
By JJ Robinson | October 28th, 2010 | Category: Society, Travel & Arts | 4 comments
The Maldives Police Service have confirmed they are investigating staff at Vilu Reef Resort and Spa at the request of both the Ministry of Tourism and the resort’s operator Sun Travel and Tours, after a video of a controversial ‘renewal of vows’ ceremony was leaked to YouTube.
In the video, a Vilu Reef staff member, acting as the ‘celebrant’, unleashes a tirade of insults against the couple in Dhivehi in the solemn tone of a religious preacher, sparking both local and international outrage.
The couple, identified by the AFP as Swiss, appear oblivious to the humiliation as 10-15 resort staff look on and make disparaging comments about the couple’s appearance, and urge the celebrant to “make them suck mouth” – a Maldivian phrase to denigrate the act of kissing.
Non-Muslims are unable to be married in the Islamic country, however many resorts offer ‘traditional Maldivian’ renewal of vows ceremonies and the country is a popular destination for honeymooners.
Sun Travels and Tours issued a statement yesterday afternoon saying the corporate management of the resort was “deeply saddened by this humiliating event and expresses its serious concerns over the incident, including the content shown in the video and the unforgivable conduct displayed by the staff involved in the incident.”
“The management is in the process of contacting the two tourists who were victimised in this incident to extend sincerest apologies for this unacceptable incident. The management would offer compensation for the abuse they have suffered,” the company said.
“We sincerely apologise for the damage and serious repercussions this incident could cause to the tourism industry of the Maldives, the image of the country, the Maldivian people and their government.”
Speaking to Minivan News today, CEO of Sun Travels Ahmed Shakir confirmed that police had taken up the investigation “and the people directly responsible have been removed from the property.”
“Two employees have been removed to Male’, others have been suspended from duty and forbidden from leaving the staff area of the resort,” Shakir said. “[Staff] on the resort are being individually questioned as to how informed they were [about the incident].”
Vilu Reef Manager Mohamed Rasheed told Minivan News on October 26 that the that the staff member who uploaded the video, Ali Shareef, did so as “a joke”, without “realising the seriousness of the potential consequences”, and complied with management’s request to remove the video from YouTube.
Rasheed also said that he had become aware of the nature of the ceremony conducted by Food and Beverage Assistant Hussain Didi, and had banned Didi from performing any more ceremonies.
Shakir said today that the company was waiting on the advice of its lawyers as to whether it had grounds to take action against Shareef, and had established a proceedure for conducting the weddings and “eliminate the reading of anything in Dhivehi during the ceremony.”
Minivan News understands the company is attempting to contact the couple and explain the situation, and offer undisclosed compensation.
Shakir would not divulge the identity or nationality of the couple, “as we believe that at this stage it would do more harm than good.”
He would not comment on whether the humiliating ceremony was an isolated case or whether the behaviour had occurred before, but said the resort was “investigating”.
Police Sub-Inspector Ahmed Shiyam said the resort was cooperating fully with the police investigation.
“We are discussing with the Prosectutor General’s office as to whether there is any way those involved can be charged,’ Shiyam said.
Not uncommon
Disparaging of guests in Dhivehi by resort staff was not uncommon, claimed Vice President of the Tourism Employment Association of the Maldives, Mahrouf Zakir.
“Sadly this is very common, and not only in Vilu Reef but even in very upmarket luxury resorts,” said Zakir. “I’ve seen it happening, and not just for wedding ceremonies but birthday songs as well. It’s a stupid thing to do, I think it’s crazy.”
“I don’t think this is new – if you look at the Vilu Reef video there are 15 people standing around for the ceremony, and a lot more people in the background. The management must have been aware of it.”
Many upmarket resorts actually prohibited Maldivian staff from speaking Dhivehi in front of guests, he noted.
“I know it’s difficult to believe, but the workers don’t do this out of disrespect for the guest. They don’t think that far. I know it probably doesn’t make sense, but they just do it for fun as they know guests don’t understand the language.
“We have to raise awareness among resort workers that this is unacceptable, as well as talk to the Ministry [of Tourism]. Many resort staff come from local islands, and simply do whatever they want for a laugh.”
Deputy Minister of Tourism Ismail Yasir said the Ministry was “very concerned” about the impact the incident would have on the Maldives’ reputation, and was also investigating to determine whether the practice was common.
Despite the religious insults in the video, Yasir said he did not believe the video was evidence of rising extremism.
“I don’t think this is extremism,” he said, “just irresponsibility on behalf of the management of the resort. It has had a huge impact on our reputation, and I would like to assure people that the government is doing everything in its power to make sure this does not happen again.”
4 Comments on "Sun Travels to compensate couple while police investigate ‘wedding ceremony’ video"
alilamb on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 4:58 PM
minivannews loves this attention and will milk it for all the damage it can cause the maldives and its tourism industry. I mean, these were the same people who ran a boycott of some maldivian resorts before their party came to power in the maldives. The whole fiasco was a set up
Disgusted Maldivian on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 5:03 PM
Maybe tourists should stay away from resorts and then Maldivians will learn to treat tourists with respect. Don’t they realise the proverbial killing of the goose that lays the golden eggs??
Real on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 5:07 PM
I agree with Mr. Zakir on irresponsibility of the management. As I mentioned in my comments yesterday on this issue, look deep down to find the causes, the reasons to trigger grownup staff to behave in such a manner.
Sun Travel plays a huge role in tourism and we all support the hard work of the owners. However, it is time the company and its owners and employees clean up their acts, especially in social activities that are legally prohibited and religiously unacceptable.
Hussain, an x employee of Vilu reef and wedding coordinator clearly said that this behavior is common on Vilu reef, as well as other resorts. Now, why should Hussain be held accountable or used as a scape goat?
A young artist, volunteer in all social works and a decent married guy got 10 years in jail for having one joint (cigarette made of drugs). At the same time, a drug load dealer busted with drugs and dirty money was released due to lack of evidence, but police had it all.
Three Bangladesh labourers and an Indian driver were deported after getting busted transporting alcohol for someone in powerful status who never even was touched.
A Maldivian student was recently expelled from Lale school for violence forgetting that the principal just paid a few hundreds of ruffiya as penalty for physically beating a student.
WHY DO WE HAVE TO TURN A BLIND EYE TO THE TRUTH???
I don’t know who the hell Hussain Zaki and the other boys are, and i don’t believe an inch that this is a natural character of these boys. I get enraged when we all jump into conclusions and safe guard a few and pretend nothing ever happened.
Once again, something wrong is going on in our resorts in regards to the staff welfare, rights and treatments they receive from the owners. And the tourism ministry and related bodies have given no damn shit about it. This is nonsense using power and police threat yet this is a straight forward case the tourism ministry should investigate.
Hahahahah, Hussain gets fired and degraded in public, Sun Travel gets a boast it really needs to curtain actual realities of its dirty deeds, the police used for cover and the truth dies…..who loses?
Mohamed on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 5:15 PM
There is an article on child abuse arrests. It has just 8 comments for hours. Vilu reef got over 200 comments in few hours.
Did you know that five cases of alcohol were stolen from the bonded warehouse in hulhule last Friday? in the same week some people tried to take liquor out using fake documents. The police were there, made arrests and the victims released.
What a joke..A loner addu boy Hussain Zaki gets the media coverage and yet one more sensitive issue (alcohol) is going unreported. Media too is playing a game…..its time we introduce aljazeera network to get the truth
Foreign couple mocked as “infidels” and “swine” throughout resort’s ‘wedding ceremony’
By Azra Naseem | October 26th, 2010 | Category: Society, Travel & Arts | 255 comments
“You are swine” and “the children that you bear from this marriage will all be bastard swine,” a tourist couple renewing their marriage vows in the Maldives were told in a ‘traditional Maldivian’ ceremony conducted in Dhivehi at Vilu Reef Beach and Spa Resort.
“Your marriage is not a valid one. You are not the kind of people who can have a valid marriage. One of you is an infidel. The other, too, is an infidel – and we have reason to believe –an atheist, who does not even believe in an infidel religion,” the ‘celebrant’ tells the couple, who appear completely unaware of the humiliation they are being subjected to.
A 15-minute video of the ceremony was uploaded on YouTube on October 24 2010 by a member of staff. Vilu Reef Manager Mohamed Rasheed told Minivan News that the staff member who uploaded the video did it as “a joke”, without “realising the seriousness of the potential consequences”.
Vilu Reef Beach and Spa Resort advertises itself as a place where couples can renew their wedding vows “hand in hand against a golden sunset backdrop” and where their “everlasting love” can be sealed by a “kaleidoscope of romantic hues” that covers the sky during the sunset.
In the video the ‘celebrant’ briefs the couple in English, prior to the ceremony, that it will be conducted according to “not only Maldivian” but also “Arabic and Islamic” norms.
Two wedding rings inside an open coconut, which appears to be lined with mother of pearl, are in front of the couple along with two fresh coconuts. The couple seem dressed for the ceremony, the woman in white as favoured by Western brides.
“Don’t look at her chest”, a man – possibly the videographer – is heard saying as the woman leans over to take a sip from the coconut. She adjusts her neckline.
Men, about ten or more, surround the area both outside and inside the palm fronds, which appears to be a make-shift wedding venue.
The celebrant twirls his thumbs over a piece of paper that he appears to be studying with deep concentration. A male voice asks him if the document is “something new”. He replies that it is “the seventh Article of the Penal Code”.
The document, of which there is a brief close-up in the video, has absolutely no relation to marriage laws in the Maldives. Words that are legible on the document refer to “staff employment”, suggesting that it is a document relating to employment regulations.
Asking the couple and other ‘officials’ to raise their hands as is customary for Muslim prayers, the ‘celebrant’ begins his marriage vows.
“Fornication has been legalised according to Article six, 1.11 of the Penal Code”, he chants in a tone favoured by religious scholars. “That is, frequent fornication by homosexuals. Most fornication is by males,” he continues.
“Research has shown that men have a higher sex drive than women,” he says. “According to Article 8 to 6 of the Penal Code, converting to Islam, or circumcision, is not desirable under any circumstances.
“Germs of anger and hatred will breed and drip from the tips of your penises,” he says.
The ‘celebrant’ then switches from his improvised “Islamic and Maldivian marriage laws” to reading aloud from the document in front of him in the same ‘religious’ tone. This time, what he chants to the couple is to do with terms of employment.
When he returns to the ‘marriage vows’, he refers to certain Articles of the Constitution and combines ‘Section e” and “Section f” to create the word “balhu”, which in Dhivehi means “swine”. ‘E’ in Dhivehi is the letter ‘baa’ and ‘F’ the letter ‘lhaviyani’.
The ‘celebrant’ mixes the two letters to make the word ‘balhu’, the full version of which, as used by the ‘celebrant’, is ‘nagoo balhu’. The literal translation of the term is ‘crooked tail’, believed to refer to a pig’s tail, and is considered to be one of the worst insults in the Dhivehi language.
“You are swine according to the Constitution,” he declares, solemnly.
He then asks the couple to stand up and hold hands. The ‘officials’, too, stand up and place their hands on the couples’. They form a séance-like circle and the ‘celebrant’ begins chanting.
“Aleelaan, baleelaan…”, he begins. What he is chanting is not a verse from the Qur’an, or marriage vows in Dhivehi, but are the words of a popular Dhivehi children’s game.
Words of the game, too, are changed to say “black swine” instead of what is contained in the original.
“Before buggering a chicken, check if the hole is clean. That is because the people of the countries that you are from are familiar with the taste of the ****holes of chicken,” he chants, still with hands held over the couples’.
“Do not treat with kindness people against whom violence is being committed. Commit more violence against victims of violence. You are not people who have been sent to this world to commit violence.”
He then returns to the matter of staff salaries, which he continues to chant in the same tone as he had done the insults. “Do not complain too much about salaries, or matters regarding salaries. That is against the Penal Code. This is not something I am saying for your benefit – it is a law that we have made.”
He begins to chant loudly about “black swine”, stringing insult after insult and delivering it in the same rather ominous tone that Maldivian religious figures choose to deliver their sermons in.
“You fornicate and make a lot of children. You drink and you eat pork. Most of the children that you have are marked with spots and blemishes… these children that you have are bastards,” he continues solemnly.
Someone else is heard at this point to tell the ‘celebrant’ to “say a little bit more, and then quit.”
The concluding chant is delivered in a gentler, softer voice: “Keep fornicating frequently, and keep spreading hatred among people. The children you will have from this marriage will all be bastard swine.”
While the couple are putting rings on each other’s fingers, someone is heard saying that the recording should stop. “Don’t you worry about it,” says someone else, and the recording continues.
“Aren’t they going to suck mouth?” someone is heard asking. “Make them suck mouth”, it is urged. ‘Sucking mouth’ is a term used by Maldivians to denigrate the act of kissing.
“So now, in Maldivian law, in Islam, you are already married”, says the ‘celebrant’, returning to English. The hapless couple are then told to relax and enjoy the celebrations that are to follow, by the end of which a certificate of their nuptials will be ready for them.
Image from Vilu's website, advertising the ceremony
Once the ceremony is concluded, the celebrant, who is dressed in a shirt and tie – with the shirt left to hang loose over a traditional Maldivian sarong – swaggers out of the makeshift wedding venue – tugging at his tie and proclaiming himself “President of the Maldives Mohamed Nasheed.”
The celebrant, Vilu Reef Manager Rasheed told Minivan News, is an assistant Food and Beverage Manager named Hussein Didi. As he leaves the wedding venue having concluded his job, someone announces his presence, as “Ghaazee Hussein Didi”.
A Ghaazee is the Arabic name for a judge or magistrate, also adopted to mean the same in Dhivehi.
People clap loudly as the couple, whose marriage vows have just been mocked in some of the filthiest language known to Dhivehi, are videoed making their way to the next part of their ceremony – the planting of a coconut tree to mark the occasion.
Various types of insults about the woman and the man, their clothing and demeanour, are being spoken throughout in the form of a running commentary in a sports video.
As the bride bends down to plant the coconut tree, a man is heard is exclaiming, “Can see her breasts!” The ‘commentator’ observes, “She is wearing something”, he knows, he says, “because my beard has gone grey watching those things… I have seen so many of them now that I don’t even want to look any more when I see them.”
The groom, who is watering the new coconut tree which they have just planted, is totally unaware of the manner in which his wife and her breasts are being discussed by the group of Maldivian men ‘officiating’ at the renewal of their wedding vows.
‘Celebrant’ Didi tells the couple they should return soon to check on the progress of their plant, testament to what had taken place on the island that day.
The video concludes with the ‘commentator’ repeatedly urging the ‘celebrant’ to make the couple ‘suck mouths, suck mouths’.
The resort’s Manager Rasheed was unable to tell Minivan News how much the occasion had cost the couple or where they were from.
Asked if the couple had been made aware of the nature of the ‘wedding vows’ they had taken, Rasheed said they had been sent pictures but not the video.
“Our package includes sending them pictures on the CD the very same night”, he said. Rasheed added that the resort does not have a written ‘khuthuba’ or sermon from which to read, nor is the role of the celebrant undertaken by a designated person.
“It is done on a rotating basis. We have been doing it for ten years now, and from a very small start, it has grown into a very successful part of what we offer at Vilu,” he said.
Rasheed said he had become aware of the nature of the ceremony conducted by Didi shortly after it happened. He had banned Didi from performing any more ceremonies, but did not feel it was necessary to take any further action, until the video appeared on YouTube.
The staff member who uploaded the video, Ali Shareef, a shop assistant, is not being disciplined or investigated further, Rasheed said. He complied with the request by the management to remove the video from YouTube.
The ‘celebrant’, Didi, however is currently under investigation by the Head Office in Male’, Sun Travel and Tours.
Minivan News has learned that the ‘wedding package’ offered by Vilu Reef Resort lasts an hour, costs US$1300 which includes the services of a ‘celebrant’, a sailing trip and Maldivian music and dancing.
The happy couple can obtain photographs of their beautiful ceremony in the Maldivian sunset on Vilu Reef Resort for an additional US$440.
CEO of Sun Travel Ahmed Shakir was unavailable for comment.
Warning: Video contains profanity
255 Comments on "Foreign couple mocked as “infidels” and “swine” throughout resort’s ‘wedding ceremony’"
Adam on Tue, 26th Oct 2010 8:55 PM
wow. what a shame, how this kind of act shows how little and infantile most Maldivians are…. Cant accept the smallest of difference ! I mean these people paid through thier noses to have thier wedding be celebrated and look what they got… bad day for Maldives tourism and a not so shining example of what majority of Maldivians are like !! Unfortunate but reality !
fansooru on Tue, 26th Oct 2010 9:12 PM
Maldivians hit new low.
A hilariously new low.
sun on Tue, 26th Oct 2010 9:24 PM
tsk tsk, typical maldivian making fun of those who are feeding them….the worst of kinds
Sick on Tue, 26th Oct 2010 9:25 PM
Unbelievable, I am ashamed to call my self a Maldivian to day. People who did this are the true infidels and swines.
They should be fired, and no resort should give a job to them ever.
People like this give a bad name to Islam and Muslims.
So disgusting.
My apologies to the couple. I am indeed very very sorry.
Ahmed on Tue, 26th Oct 2010 9:44 PM
The resort should be held responsible for not monitoring the services that they provide to the tourists and charging so much. Tourism Ministry and Police should investigate the case. I think many people who are concerned about this incident have reported it to Police, Tourism Ministry and the resort but it seems that they are taking it lightly. Resort management said they knew that the funny words were used during the wedding sermons so they were aware of it. Resort would have details of this criminal act but they are hiding the facts and trying to cover it up. If you don’t take action, it needs to be reported to HRCM and Amnesty International.
aussie on Tue, 26th Oct 2010 9:53 PM
Reality of Maldivians are coming out and this shame goes to all Maldivians. It shows how lame you are. These are the staffs directly in contact with tourists and they act as the face of Maldives… It is not only one individual involved here it is the management of the resort. The resort must be responsible for this. It shows we have no respect for humans and to our religion as well.
Larry[geordie]Dodds on Tue, 26th Oct 2010 10:08 PM
I am going back to Gan[Addu]next june for my 40th wedding anniversary,and I intend having my marriage blessed..I will not believe that any of my many friends on Addu ,would allow my wife and myself to be so disgracefully insulted..Those people that did that to that couple are a disgrace to the good people in the Maldives,along with the resort that condoned it..It may cost them very dearly when the story is known through-out the tourism industry…
mamdhooha on Tue, 26th Oct 2010 10:10 PM
I think the couple looked uneasy and do not look so happy as a married couple should be. I think they kind of felt that something was not right with the performance of the ceremony. Also the couple looked concerned about the happenings and organization the ceremony. Vilu Reef Resort thinks that they have a good business of offering wedding packages for 10 years but they sucks.
Divert on Tue, 26th Oct 2010 10:31 PM
I feel simply sick and disgusted that I could not complete this article.
What the hell! What do you expect of these people.
Can they chant at their Boss’s wedding just around the corner cos the man is insatiable and totally sick too after divorcing all his wives to marry an 18 year old whose mother he was courting earlier.
Its a shame…Even the whole company is built on sick pillars.
I hope Tourism Ministry takes this very seriously.
sabah on Tue, 26th Oct 2010 10:33 PM
Plz, remove the vedio from u-tube. It is destroying the name of MALDIVES. Tourist comes to experience Maldives. Not vilu reef or any other Individual resorts even if it is 5star or 8star. Vilu reef must take action against them who did this. The social media is v strong today. It can cause serious damages to the tourism industry.
Ekaloa on Tue, 26th Oct 2010 10:44 PM
Oh come on, whats the big deal here, every one do these things, even these foreigners do these things. Look at Wikileaks documents they released this week, they are killing muslims for fun in Iraq and Afghanistan, if thats not a problem for many of them, whats the motive of this article I dont understand.
satharey on Tue, 26th Oct 2010 10:47 PM
wheres adhaalath and salaf now? they probably would be partying cus this happened.
Fracture on Tue, 26th Oct 2010 11:04 PM
Thats the sorry state of the Maldives. These youth & even the matured ones, do not have any Islamic values in them. Let alone they do not know the teachings of Islam. These kinds of jokes are common among the youth. They make fun of anything & using the words of Islam is not an uncommon practice. As they grow up in a Muslim country they just know these few words.
We need to do more to incalcate the true teachings of Islam in our children. To respect human beings. To respect other people’s faith. To respect people from other ethnicity. To treat the visitors with respect as our religion teaches us,
mujthaz on Tue, 26th Oct 2010 11:09 PM
this is not hilarious this is shame. we should bring this addu dog and make him run on the roads for humiliating the Maldives one and only source of income. this is definitely a terror attack that was organized to attack Maldives tourism in a new way and adhaalath would be behind this.
shutter on Tue, 26th Oct 2010 11:17 PM
This is hilarious! who gives a shit about the consequences that will surely follow..
Rock on fornicators! Swines and Adduans!
lol
ibrahim on Tue, 26th Oct 2010 11:18 PM
Please note the Maldivian word ‘balhu’ translates as dog, not swine. Hope this mistake is corrected
Maldiva on Tue, 26th Oct 2010 11:20 PM
I am very sorry for the couple and all those who have been innocently exposed to the vulgarity of the villu reef staff.
I do not think it is the first time. It must have been happening and I am sure the management will be aware of it.
How low can people get and it is a norm that prevails across Maldives. I have heard such language and vulgar slang used even among the maldivian managers and maldivian owners of resorts or those when dealing with foreigners.
I would like to see this resort in the court and let it be a lesson for everyone. No, do not undermine its abuse and tuck it away. Tourism may suffer the brunt but we asked for it.
Time to sweep the dust under the carpet!!
wonder on Tue, 26th Oct 2010 11:27 PM
Has this got anything to do with resort workers attempting to make some sort of a stand for their worker’s rights perhaps? One thing which I had said many times is that when ppl perceive that they are oppressed, they are very easily swayed by radicalism, it gives a voice, a vent, a vehicle with which to express their anger. This is one of the side effects of a nation becoming rich quickly if the wealth is unevenly distributed.
On the other hand, perhaps these resort workers are ungreatful. I was on a resort, and the guys well, they ate well, played soccer on the beach after work and it appeared to me that their lives were like paradise. Of course I don’t really know what the hell these resort actually go through in reality.
Or maybe they want to back to the days when the poorer classes who did not own a boat and could not work in fishing cleaned the boots of the Be’Fulhu classes and this type of thing for a little fish and rice?
Ingratitude or aspiration for justice.
I am not sure…
Regardless, the plight of the resort workers union has to be taken seriously or this type of behaviour will repeat itself.
This behaviour is animal like. But it is easy for anyone who feels degraded and belittled, exploited and victimised for long enough to lose their humanity and act like an animal.
Thats no excuse, of course, because, a disciplined soul would be able to retain their humanity no matter how oppressed they are, but such humans are rare and have a special gift from Above which us normal people don’t have
Mr. Karma on Tue, 26th Oct 2010 11:30 PM
To those who feel that this behavior is either funny or acceptable – YOU PEOPLE ARE NOT JUST DEGRADING SONS OF DOG FILTH, BUT JUST PLAIN NOBODIES WHO NEVER KNOWN A DECENT THING
And yes, this is the work of all those big bearded afghan-cult extremists who cut their trousers and make their under age wives and concubines live inside a goat penn – cuz that would get them to heaven. Very sad to see our society plagued with this extremism.
Alfaalil Khaadimkumar on Tue, 26th Oct 2010 11:41 PM
This is all Sun Travel Shiyam, whose idea of power and wealth is to blatantly indulge in this kind of sick jokes. Last heard, he was arranging his own marriage, his fourth, after divorcing three other wives. This particular “wedding of the Century” to be held in Male’ is expected to be attended by top brass of this administration, who by doing so would yet again endorse the infamous Sun Travel Shiyam MP and his many sick and perverted practices, including the blatatnt mockery and trickery of unsuspecting paying Guests. Fellow MPs should take up this matter in parliament.
Jumaan Saalim on Tue, 26th Oct 2010 11:50 PM
I have personally seen Siyam attend these weddings, himself looking grim, to later come and joke about it in the Bar. At that time he was married to an underage girl, a sibling of twins. Minivan should check how many of these weddings Siyam had attended personally. It would be easy. Just check from Air Taxi or Trans Maldivian.
wonder on Tue, 26th Oct 2010 11:52 PM
I just read Maldiva’s comment that this evil behaviour is perpetrated by managers and owners of resorts. That ends my naive line of thinking that this could be some workes stand thing!
Naaib Manik on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 12:02 AM
Pause the video at 4:50 and you can see that the owner of Vilu Reef Mr Sun Travel Ahmed Siyam Mohamed MP is in the video, personally witnessing this rip off of unsuspecting clients.
Hassan Sobir on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 12:06 AM
Its doubtful that the Majlis would look into the matter as Mr. Sun Travel Siyam is being wooed by Abdulla Shahid, the Speaker of Parliament to marry his underage neice. What do you mean under age? President Nasheed as well as Mr Speaker knows that in Islam, the husband has an absolute right of divorce and no consent is required from the wife/ wives, and that one can marry any girls above 9 years. Both men are committed to upholding these Islamic rights.
Raja-maja on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 12:13 AM
It’s just disgusting.it has nothing to do with a good humor! very sad but
it is what we can see on X-Ray of present situation with morality and ethics in Maldives/
khaled on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 12:14 AM
@ibrahim.
Excellent point. Which breed of animal should we treat our guests as?
Hassan Sobir on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 12:16 AM
Pause the video at 4:47 and play it till 4:52. You can clearly see the owner Mr. Sun Travel Siyam personally witnessing this callous rip off.
Kumaaru on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 12:37 AM
This is sad… SERIOUSLY?! WT*! really sad!
mirus on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 12:53 AM
For those of distinuished and humiliated visitor from Europe – who interested to know Sun Travel Shiyam is the owner of Vilu Reef Resort. Can Minvan news publish his reply now – specially as he was there – in film! Is true? Was he there? What say he?
yamin on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 1:23 AM
good bye the hope of seven wonders…nimrods
musu on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 1:34 AM
this is really sick..by seen the fluency of the ‘celebrent’ it can be concluded this kinda wedings are widely practiced in this resort..therefore managment is well aware of this..wonder how these ppl dare to feed themselves and their families frm the money obtained from mockery for sum innocent strangers..
maldivesresortworkers on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 1:35 AM
What’s wrong with Minivan now? Haven’t got anything else to write about now? Everyone will laugh at this pun and know the staff did not intend any of the words they said in that ‘ceremony’. Even the guests will be aware that this is just a ceremony to make them feel good. Its part of the entertainment process. No need to dramatize with literal meanings of words Didi said in his improvised sermon. Even guests sometimes use unmentionable swear words if they think the staff will not understand the language while smiling broadly.
The writer is being too politically correct. Its common knowledge that the music bands also switch words in popular dhivehi songs, mostly in traditional songs to slangs and swears because they know the guests will not understand a word of it. Sometimes there happen to be to guests who knows these tricks and it elicits nothing but laughter.
The point is that resort staff in this situation did not intend any disrespect to guests under any circumstance. From their context its just a playful performance both parties enjoyed. No need to dramatize and make journalistic capital out of it.
MNJ on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 1:46 AM
WTF this is absolutely disgusting. Worst among mankind would be find on these isles.
To top it off i think nothing is really gonna happen regarding this.
Ahmed on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 2:19 AM
I do sincerely hope that this video is seen by as big an audience as possible, especially the very market that the Maldivians target.
I also do hope that these sick b***ds will get hit where it really hurts, i.e. their fat bank accounts. As has been said by many, this reveals the dark side of a very dark business; i.e. the tourism business in the Maldives.
All tour operators should take note of this, and warn their clients about the vulgarity of the place they are about to visit.
bleh on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 3:15 AM
Sorry for the couple. Those sick bastards regret not getting them to kiss. Let the sacking and suing begin.
kipketer on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 4:31 AM
these bastards involved in this despicable and low level act should be decapitated……….
VaGirl on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 4:49 AM
Wow! Very disgusting. The couple needs to sue the resort for every penny they paid.
mauroof on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 5:25 AM
they must have done this for several times i guess. especially this addu man’s performance shows his easiness in those words used in such religious tone…
in last semester… i just told to one of my lecturers that i m not proud of being a Maldivian. and i gave reasons n justifications for my personal view but he refuses to believe me n joked over me in front of all other students in the class… hope this could be a gud Evidence for my view on being proud to be proven…
Dhandube on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 5:42 AM
Disgusting, this is like biting on the hands those who are feeding..But I am not surprised that such disgusting thing has happened on an island of a disgusting person.
First he screwed the mother, and now he is screwing the 18 year old daughter..Burn in hell Shyam. Just rot and burn in hell
bringit on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 6:15 AM
Let us know if anything comes of this. It will take something extreme to stop extremist Maldivians from behaving in such a degrading manner. I wish you somehow had the power to use this video to bring this nation to its knees. Maybe only then, ppl wil stop playing politics and take these issues seriously.
Salim Waheed on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 6:26 AM
Unacceptable. Government response? Nothing.
ADHD on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 6:34 AM
Life lesson learned today. Do not accept any form of marriage which is conducted in any other language, including Arabic.
Wine & Pork Lover on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 6:35 AM
It is hard to believe that the marriage address delivered by the celebrant was randomly composed by a rostered member of the staff. The language and the sentiments are too similar to those in the Koran, Hadith and the teachings of the mullahs. The reference to swine comes from Koran 5:59-60 in which Jews and Christians are warned of calamities that would befall them if they disapproved of Muslims. Parables are given in which one group of people were turned into swine and the other into apes. As a result Muslims generally regard Christians as pigs and Jews as apes. The celebrant goes on to tell the hapless couple that their marriage is not valid because being non-Muslims their marriage cannot be valid. That is totally in keeping with the Islamic message of hate. I feel that the resort, the Maldives tourism industry and the Government of the Maldives have to apologise to the couple, their country and all other couples who have had weddings at this resort. Their country was insulted as much as they themselves. Until this happens it is appropriate that the international community places an embargo against travel to the Maldives. The least the government could do is to file criminal charges against the resort.
Kanbo on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 6:47 AM
Minivannews,
Please follow this case and keep us updated.
I really hope the couple gets compensated for this utterly disgusting behavior.
ibrahim kalo on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 6:52 AM
Maldives is originally categorized into two groups. One belongs to the capital Male’ and the other is those living on other islands. They are referred to as “Beerahtehin” or Raajethere People”. These Beerahtehin are from fishing communities, there are no organised laws in these communities, the law is what the island Chief says. Until late 1970′s its very difficult to travel to these islands, there are no TV’s or radio available to them. So these communities are unaware of anything outside there community, they had no values, had no respect, being fishermen they had hunters mentality. These people cannot comprehend the consequences of their actions. Back in the 1980′s if the Beerahtehin want to travel to Male’ they have to get a special visa called “Kuda Sitee”. They should show to the authorities who will be looking after them in Male’ in other words who will be responsible for them. When tourism came some of these people started working at resort islands. When Qayoom abolished the visa requirement there was an influx of these Beerahtehin into Male’ they brought with themselves their way of life. In Male’ what you see now is the Beerahtehin way of life, no respect for laws, no values, no morals, In the Beerahtehin brain these elements were not developed. Some of them now hold PHD’s but the fact is their primitive or post 1980′s way of thinking are still in their subconscious mind. Those you see in the video are all Beerahtehins making fun of the couple. They just cannot comprehend the consequences of their actions. For them its nothing. For them its just in a days work. Male’ too is polluted by them.
Hasna on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 8:02 AM
It’s a shame! However, I would like to say that this not a first couple in the world who were mocked and insulted. It does not mean that all wedding celebration had on vilureef and other resorts in the Maldives did same. This would have been happened simply by an on individual who did this atrocity.
Hussain Afeef on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 8:05 AM
We have learned a lesson from this and should take necessary measures in order to avoid this kind of atrocities. As a Maldivian we do apology for such thing happening in the Maldives.
Ali Ahmed on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 8:08 AM
I am ashamed.
I am sorry that abul barakaath ever landed here. We should get rid of this vile religion and learn to live like human beings.
arabia!! Their grip hold of the poor in the world is so destructive !!!
David Paul on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 8:09 AM
The Management and the Ministry of Tourism should take precautionary measures to ensure that these kind of things will be minimized in the Maldives Tourism Industry. We suggest all resort to assign a wedding coordinator for every event which take place so as to monitor
Jane on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 8:16 AM
Wat a shame on this! I’m a staff of Vilu Reef. Re-one of the comment on this I would like to say that Mr.Shiyam did not attend any wedding ceremony conducted by Mr.Hussain Didi. He attend on a wedding earlier as the Gazees who have conducted wedding ceremony on Vilu Reef never have used filthy languages. So how can he know this…
@ibrahim kalo on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 8:18 AM
just let you know Ibrahim that is fairly interesting.
M on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 8:20 AM
….
Rasheed on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 8:22 AM
Disgusting and not funny. The couple have been ripped-off and Islam has been mocked. Anything for money, huh? Disgusting!
al on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 8:22 AM
I blame the resort managers. This should’nt have happened. But then, with ignorance such a culture being in place, I feel its the responsibility of the management to see over what goes on. And I wonder publishing this in English and on a site like this, will it hurt the industry more or bring justice more? Yes we should bring those resort staff to justice, but when it comes to revealing such stuff to the entire world, we should be cautious. This should be handled within the country.
Jenna on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 8:31 AM
Not a big deal.
Made on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 8:32 AM
Wat a shame on this! I’m a staff of Vilu Reef. Re-one of the comment on this I would like to say that Mr.Shiyam did not attend any wedding ceremony conducted by Mr.Hussain Didi. He attend on a wedding earlier as the Gazees who have conducted wedding ceremony on Vilu Reef never have used filthy languages. So how can he know this…
Hasna on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 8:37 AM
Shame
Hasna on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 8:37 AM
hehe
ahmed on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 8:46 AM
sad and i am wordless. shiyam must be held responsible for this without his knowledge and encouragement this will not take place
maxed4901 on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 8:56 AM
This is shame to us working in tourist industry. It is however normal for addu pple to play these kinds of pranks.. Deeply understood that they share the infidel or dirty bloodline if there was any balhu or nagoobalhu bloodline in maldives. The british.
Sun travels, as the management, should notify the guests of this professional mistake. The couple should be rewarded an understanding on service recovery bearing in mind that they can sue the resort..
As for the staff involved; they should be given a sentence on a “whatever penal code” for this planned terrorism against the country’s economy in the large scale. This is highly regrettable…weather they are jews, arabs, christians, atheists, they dont deserve it…they were our guests and if this is an act of extremism, then i wud rather turn my back on it. Our religion and its practices teach us to look well after the guests who visit our home despite their nationality or religion or culture.
The so said ‘removed video’ still exists. and if by any chance…SUN travels or the person who put it on youtube removes it; i will myself put it on all the social networks unless and untill we know that the management of sun travels have accepted this deliberate act of un-supervised cheat and do their job to recover the ruined and stained status of resort weddings and guest services.
Minivan- please keep a close look on suntravels vilu. WE would like to know what action they take.
fe_rk on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 8:58 AM
balhu means DOG///not swine…
Cherub on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 9:02 AM
the manager seems to be so proud of the incident. tsk tsk tsk. wat a shame. this should be investigated and action need to be taken against the management as well. the visitors do not pay a fortune to these guys just to get mocked at them. i am speechless and ashamed to call myself a Maldivian. for me this shows the ignorance of the management of the resort as a whole. action needs to be taken against them. they should not humuliate people at least considering the fact they belong to the human community.
Dissapointed on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 9:37 AM
ibrahim kalo: I have nothing against “beerattehin” or the so called Male’ people? If you really go back to history, Male’ was used by Giraavaru” people to gut the fish and there werent people living on the island. So where did the high and mighty Male’ people come from? Did they emerge from sea around Male’?
The people who has mocked these innocent foreign couple should be punished too. That shows how we Maldivians think, for us everything in life is a sick joke! In life the priorities are ignored. Sad but true!
Jaleel on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 9:38 AM
Shame! Insulting! Disgusting! This is far more damaging to Maldives tourism industry than anyone can imagine. All the authorities need to take serious action to ensure justice is done. Feel sorry for the foreign couple. I look forward to see Minivan follow-up the case.
Radhun on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 9:42 AM
I strongly condemn not only this act even Minivan News for direct translation for some text which is not even fit to be written in public media.
I call for stongest action possible to all concerned and the Managment should apologise to these innocent guests who had been made fools.
The Management can be liable for defamation and may have to pay a high price.
I call Minivan news to remove this article or put it back in a more appropriate reporting form.
Schaheed on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 9:58 AM
They must be punished for this. and who did the translations? i think some meanings wrong.
M_jigzy on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 9:58 AM
Come on all you righteous people commenting on this post. It’s as if you haven’t done anything awful in the past. The only thing is, in this sense, most of the people are looking for instance and chance to blame the government and once you get the chance, you won’t leave it, so as for you to find a way to blame some people who are connected to this, due to your hatred. — SO WHO’S THE WORSE NOW IN THIS CASE?… EQUAL. Your hatred will kill you people. just leave it. WE’RE ALL ENTITLED BY OUR OWN OPINIONS BUT WE MUST LIVE OUR OWN LIVES, NOT TRYING TO ACT AS IF YOU ARE TRYING TO CARRY AND TRYING TO SOLVE ALL THE BURDENS IN THE WORLD.
On the other hand, don’t generalize things and don’t take it as a group. For whatever it is, I think that the management doesn’t have anything to do with this. The person that has been appointed is just one of the LOST SOUL in the community. He might have been given the chance to change but he didn’t change, and in this case we should trust that proper action has already been made against that person.
Always remember that in every basket of good apples, there will always be a spoiled one mixed to it. and it’s never too late to get rid of it. So, just stop all the fuzz. Humans are humans although RATIONALS are fewer than the IRRATIONALS. and trying to give a fuzz about this matter is just based on your own selfish interests, and not really as a sympathy to the guests. So, in that case, you are also IRRATIONALS, isn’t that? WHATEVER.
@Dhandube on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 10:04 AM
I guess it’s time to put SUN TRAVELS, SHIYAM, and Vilureef Management into questioning. Put them under the spot light and under the microscope. Everyone is fed up with Shiyam and Vilureef management is being reported about many bad things in the past.
How could they employ a man like the Gazee in the first place?
Dhunthari on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 10:13 AM
I would really like to know what Min. Tourism and MTPB think about this!
Ekaloa on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 10:27 AM
What nonsense Minivan News trying to report that’s not news, the following link in world headline today.
http://www.transparency.org/policy_research/surveys_indices/cpi/2010/results
naseer on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 10:29 AM
I don’t think this can be a fault of the management, I do believe in most of the resort owner’s or general manager’s will not participate most of the wedding ceremonies, yes it’s true there are will be a responsible personal for this event to organize on behalf of the management, and also I do believe that the management have to takes the necessary action or steps to the organizing committee. And mostly the person who did this or the personal who are involved we have to punish to them. We can’t simply destroy our atmosphere, we are the haven on the earth and the “Sunnyside of Maldives” why we all wants to destroy it? our hospitalities of Tourism is the only benefit that we are earn today at Maldives!, why we all media is so much concerned to destroy our hospitalities industry? MIDIA also have responsibilities, just simply you people are destroying your country incomes, I don’t think the Maldivian’s will accept this news simply place on the news papers or internet, it’s really shame… I don’t think you people love Maldives otherwise you people never place this on internet or news papers. I’m not saying the person who did or places this clipart on “YouTube” it’s totally wrong, and I think the person who did this was foolish mind guy, but you people “MIDIA” have to understand before you people placing this to the internet what was the fact will comes to the industry?! I really don’t understand our country “MIDIA” is steps to destroy our hospitality industry why???? What are the benefits you people will get it? This is a political game? Come-on guys this is your country and fight the last mints to save your country don’t destroy it simply! Naseer/Addu
aa on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 10:36 AM
minivan news ga mi liyun mi jehee hama ithura beryru dhuni ye mikan haam akurumuge magsadhuag, mi news bandhu kuruma govaalan, mee gose kamaka vias hama kuraakameh,sarukaarun mikaamaa medhu visnun muhinmu, mangmnt eg kushe noon meekee, hurihaa enme na vure minivan news ge kuh maa bodhu,
Sh... on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 10:46 AM
Shame to be a citizen of addu… there are 4 addu people involved in this on the “ceremony” mikahala hadi heyvumeh vehjjeyyaa addu meehun ge involvement varah bodu vaane. ahulaaq sumeh… cheedi.. disgusting. its like. i don knw.. m speech less.. for me this isnt fun, i bet, this guy has been practicing this for a long time. his fluency shows that!!, if i were the GM of villureef i wud hav resigned now!!!!!
Ahmad on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 10:50 AM
Shame on Vilu reef and the resort management..
amaaa on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 10:59 AM
It has passed almost 3 days since this leakage… where is the managment??? are you sleeping Mr.Shiyam?? its ashame for all maldivians because of you. its not hussain didi who has to be concerened..
blood sucker on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 11:13 AM
i was working in olhuveli island which is the sister property of vilureef on 2006. believe it or not even from that time the weddings were carried out this way by some shameless Maldivians and they humiliate these tourists over and over again without giving them a clew of what they say. so this has been happening in sun hotels for more then a decade..
blood sucker on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 11:17 AM
and hell yeah these weddings are happening like this full support and presence of their managements. and I’ve seen it!
Hussain on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 11:17 AM
Shame on Rasheed. Rasheed is totally aware of this situation and this is not the first time it happened.
Each and evey wedding ceremony held at Vilu Reef was conducted like this.
I was working there for more than 02 years and I have worked as a wedding coordinator there and this was brought to management’s attention already.
Issey on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 11:18 AM
This is what is called “throwing away the baby with the bath water”.
The disgusting act by some probably uneducated resort workers was not intended to hurt the wedding couple.
Minivan has made it a point to hurt the the wedding couple and all tourists who previously had similar ceremonies in the Maldives. Minivan has also made sure that tourism that we all depend on for survival is seriously affected. No doubt Minivan has thrown away the baby with the bath water.
Joseph on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 11:19 AM
We are shocked and worried about this. Its disgusting and shameful! Does this mean that Minivan news to WRITE this on? Perhaps Mr. Husain Didi did not intend any of the words he said in that ‘ceremony’. Even the guests will be aware that this is just a ceremony to make them feel good. The guests does not may be wanted to know what he said in the sermon but the most important thing is that the guests are enjoying and their main aim is also to enjoy this as a colorful event. However, there has to be a manner and discipline although this is part of a guest entertainment. Recently we have heard about the cartoons being printed on most of the magazines in Denmark insulting to prophet Mohamed (PBUH) As some of the viewers commented even Many guests sometimes use such kind of words that they may think the staff will not understand the language. My opinion is also that most of the staff may not intend (except few staff) any disrespect to guests under any circumstances
blood sucker on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 11:20 AM
i say…sun hotels!.. be more proffisional guys! you are responsible for these degraded things that you’ve been doing for long time!
Michal on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 11:21 AM
He ! He ! Its disgusting! A shame isn’t it? Perhaps this may be good to learn something. All staff may not have been supported or involved. Everyone can’t be blamed!
truth on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 11:25 AM
@Mr. Karma
This is a shameful act indeed, but you can’t blame it on the ‘big bearded afghan-cult extremists who cut their trousers’ as you say. Most of the people who grow beards are decent people just following the ‘sunna’ of our beloved prophet Muhammadh (pbuh) and they would NEVER indulge in such shameful activities.
sicksick on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 11:27 AM
I just heard Mr Shiyam is about to get married to an under-aged-girl. Maybe he should get this didi to perform the same rituals huh? How sick can Maldivians be?
raheeda on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 11:41 AM
Baaaaa! Mikoa thafirn kanbondo thevee kenevgen???? Look how the staff in the Tourism sector are treated by the management of the resorts…How many such complaints filed in the HRMC, Tourism Ministry and other related authorities in the country???? Any action taken to-date????
Thafiriye benafelau! Are these staff no human beings???? U naughty guys only recognize those who can afford visiting Maldivian tourist resorts with Euros and US Dollars are HUMANS????
Shame on U guys as well……There is no Tourism Ministry or any other authority as it has become a habit cheating the poor staff systematically here in the Maldives…Look at the Service Charge that the guests give for the staff, how many resorts provide this money to their staff?????? One Resort owner would decide they can only give 10% of the Service Charge to the staff whereas it’s totally given by the guests to the staff…
Don’t u think this is something that these culprit resort owners should be ASHAMED???? Shame on all those who do such inhuman things, be it a staff or a resort owner or those responsible authorities like the Tourism Ministry….then lalalaaaaaaa Jvvah, vayah, fazaa ah
A.Nix. on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 11:54 AM
I would say. This is indeed a very miserable scene to be witnessed. The management should somehow take the responsiblity. I doubt Shiyam of suntravels was aware of this… Knowing him, he is a very down to earth, kind hearted person who offers help to those in need. He would for sure , would not have accpted this kind of behaviour. I have personally seen how polite he is to the tourists and even to the staffs. SO, the management should take an action for this, but shiyam should not be accused of this.
Nasyr on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 12:08 PM
GM Rasheed should resign. together with this Hussain Didi. They don’t deserve any understanding. Not all the staffs are involved but these two persons should be removed from the resort. You can see that a lot of complaint against sun travels, vilureef and GM rasheed is being lodged to the ministry because of his inconsistencies and deficiencies as a general manager. too much. enough of your evil plots rasheed and shiyam. maldivians had enough, adduans had enough
mohamed on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 12:14 PM
I think the person who comments about Addu sham! You have realize this a country issue not only Addu! You have to love you country than you will realize what will happen! Just because you don’t like Addu people than you wants to destroy Addu citizen that’s very funny if you think like that than your mad person! I think you have a link of this mess otherwise you will never support against to your country? Because you’re against to your country peoples, no need to be jealous you have to believe your country each personal and love them, whether it’s Add or any part of this country!
About this “fake video” of wedding ceremony organizing committee have to take full responsibilities and the management has to take necessary steps against to them who are involved on this wedding!, and the management also have to apologize with the guest its peace and required…
And secondly, I don’t understand why the management has to resign, if the management has to resign, than the president of Maldives has to resign, when the auditor general is failed! Because this country is know on his control dhoo! You mean president have to look all the wedding and what’s going on each Island, that’s what you guys are thinking dhoo! Is that so?
All the resorts have an individual department and committees to fill full the day to day operations, manager’s jobs to fill full the outcomes difficulties, not put his hands on everything otherwise no need department heads, you guys just think a professional way of organization not on your home raining way ok,
And finally I have to say who was involved this kind of bad habit or using filthy language must be taken against necessary steps immediately and apologize from the guest if their still on a contact. This is the only fact that today we are earn that everybody have to understand, and this not the times that we have blame each other… I love my country & I hope that you will love your country too… Moh’d / Maldivian
Thakurey on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 12:15 PM
The sermon of mock weddings should be read in the language of the couple. It seems the practice of using fowl language in this case has a long history. The guy who leads the process unleashes these words without intending its meaning. I feel that the management should apologize to the couple involved and refund money paid for them.
In addition the owner Shiyam should behave more morally by not marrying off girls young enough to be his granddaughters. This practice clearly is abuse of power and money. Isn’t he ashamed?
musician on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 12:17 PM
ooh..I really feel sorry for the couples and ashamed to call a Maldivian. Tourism ministry must intervene and investigate this problem. Mocking to those who feed them, hmm.. how cheap those nagoo balhun thah…and the fact that the resort is not taking any action against them shows they are also involved in this. I hope Minivan news would take this to Tourism Ministry and also thank Minivan news for their bravery bring these dirty things happening in the Maldives. Also I request minivan news to go airport and check how tour guides welcome tourists. Almost 90% of Maldivian tour guides greet them by saying ” nagoo balhu or something like that”. Maldivians are really unprofessional and they keep complaining foreign employment in the Maldives. Maldivians are disgusting especially those from addu…I hate this country…
sally on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 12:19 PM
@raheeda: if resort workers aren’t happy, why don’t they take it up with the management or better yet, quit?
marriage is a sacred thing, and to make a mockery of it is plain wicked. how would you feel if someone made fun of you like this in another language?
all human beings deserve respect, regardless of race, religion, or other factors.
saying that the resort management was not treating them right is not an excuse!
everybody faces trouble in the work place. doesn’t mean we have to take it out on innocent guests!
mujthaz on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 12:33 PM
WTF is the guy from resortworkers name try to say. is he sane? or is he that extremist lover trying to make a point!!
Ami on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 12:40 PM
This is a sad day for all Maldivians – once a nation of people who were proud to be Maldivian! But alas, this is the sorry state of our society’s moral fabric today.
But please guys get your facts right! Mr Shiyam is not in this video. So don’t go saying that he is.
What should be concerning us is the fact that some of our people are carrying out such acts. The guests in this case have paid huge amounts of money to have this ceremony. So who should be accountable for not ripping them off? Tourism Ministry? Resort Owner/Management? TEAM? Where is consumer protection?
The idea that anything/anyone who is different from you should be treated with intolerance is not acceptable behaviour. Wonder who we can hold to account over this? Adhaalath/Islamic Foundation/Islamic Ministry? Education Ministry/EDC/Teacher’s Association?/Media? for the hatred and intolerance that is taught in our primary school syllabus, and spewed out continuously in the media?
President Nasheed and his MDP government for ignoring or rather trading off social issues for more immediate/visible economic issues??
Or should it be ourselves as the general public who sit back and become spectators to this sorry mess?
I don’t know the answers, but what I do know is that I am afraid I too agree with those who say that it’s no longer proud to be a Maldivian!!
Mikalo on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 12:40 PM
True nature of peoples will come up with instances like this!
But that does not mean that MALDIVIANS are dirty as this management that had been fostering and making mockery out of peoples and especially their clients!
Owner of this operation and more, is an “HONORABLE” Parliamentarian who was aligned to Maumoon who both have done “FAVOURS” for each other!
This shows what fake fronts and dirty behinds these people have!
A disgrace to Maldives and Maldivians!
maldivian on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 12:44 PM
this isn’t what we call responsible journalism…what do u accomplish by publishing this article?
ib on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 12:45 PM
maldivesreortworkers must have been paid off by vilu reef management. this really is a very serious issue. and most maldivians really are ashamed of this act of a few degenerates. very sad.
O'Culle on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 1:01 PM
It’s time for Maldivians to realize that their country is nothing WITHOUT tourism particularly, the resorts. They have nothing else to be proud of. The beautiful atolls are gift from mother nature. Without it, no one will know the country called Maldives exist in this world!
It was really humiliating and disgusting act for what they have done to the guests, who like many others contribute to the Maldives economic development.
I really look forward for the reaction of both the guests and the resort.
yaamyn on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 1:02 PM
Amazing how there are apologists for this humiliation too – not surprisingly, the “religious” types.
Would these morons react with such understanding if it were their fellow ‘Muslims’ being called swine or dogs?
These kinds of acts are beyond shameful, they’re unforgivable.
Ali on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 1:13 PM
what a shame. wasn’t there the managers of the hotel at this wedding, if so why they didn’t stop the idiots. being there if they haven’t stop them that mean this was something always on going. I call the authorities to do a full investigation and punish those who are responsible and bane these guy from any tourist resort or hotel.
Mr.I on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 1:17 PM
I am so ashamed to be a Maldivian right now. This is so sad and disgraceful. People pay us a lot of money to come to Maldives and is this how some resort staff repay?
The worst thing is this reflects so badly on the rest of the resorts and its owners. And that is very unfair. But we have to accept the blame.
I hope the management of Villu Reef takes proper action against it and make a public apology to the guests involved and to the public.
gman on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 1:27 PM
at first i thought, why would minivan post this. but then i thought, may be its time. may be its time we expose ourselves, our true selves and perhaps there is hope for change…
shame on all thos people who have no basic respect for other human beings and perhaps to themselves as well..
The Balrog on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 1:31 PM
I just really hope the resort gets sued big time. Those staff should be fired, no questions asked there. This is really humiliating. On one side, there are people sacrificing everything to promote this country as THE destination to be at, spending thousands to market Maldives. People have worked overnight to give Maldives the reputation it has right now over the decades, but just ONE wrong move like this, and the whole country can be crushed economically.
Why don’t people like Didi realize this? I would generally blame it on their upbringing. They are not aware of anything. They think that this little island nation is the world itself, and it is….invincible in every way. People are not aware of anything.
Second reason? Religion is being taught in a wrong way these days. People like this can never go to another country and live alongside people who follow other religions. This is because of something called intolerance. Intolerance is a big problem a majority of the Maldivians have, mainly because of the hate propaganda shown on television and radios 24/7 by the same people, who say the same things at non-muslims. However, there are groups of people who promote peace and tolerance amongst us, and I have to thank them. It will take time for more people to realize all this, and probably they will when something really bad happens.
This is a sad day for Maldives. A very sad day indeed. I never thought that Maldivians would fall so low.
Ali on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 1:31 PM
Shame on you SHIYAM (SUN TRAVEL)You are a Sick Man and you are supporting to make your staff members like you. You all are sick you guys need help.
Since we (Maldivians) live through this Fragile industry i demand an a public apology from SHIYAM for the damage he have done. Believe it or not his will effect to many other resorts.
Personally I will find those guest name and nationality. They have all the rights to know about this and claim the money they spend. Their country (government)have all rights to take legal action against SUN TRAVEL and Maldivian Tourism industry. MTPB/ Maldives Government for abusing that poor.
I think we all owe an a Apology to those guest (Victim)
God bless that Couple and i hope SUN TRAVEL (SHIYAM). will be punished for this irresponsibleness misbehaver.
maldivesresortworkers on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 1:32 PM
For God’s sake what’s wrong with so many ppl who rant as if Armageddon has arrived? It has not happened and nor has Vilu Reef paid us (maldivesresortworkers) to buy our loyalty. The fact of the matter is that these weddings are not new things in resorts. Nor are these make-me-feel-good marriage valid for purposes like inheritance or are legally binding. Nor are these religious ceremonies or civil ceremonies or any such sanctified rituals. These are just parts of the entertainment process in resorts. Even when guest do not renew their vows again in the resorts, many guests bring wedding gowns to take pictures of themselves in those dresses. This is not a new thing for tourism.
Nor is smiling broadly at guests and uttering gibberish a new phenomenon. Guests and staff indulge in fun like this every day. What counts is the service, the sincerity and the friendliness of the staff to the guests. Good guest service is not about being cold, unapproachable, reverent, officious and snobbish. Guests would much appreciate staff who would make fun and make their stay enjoyable than those who stand in awe and revered stance like zombies and are political correct.
Throughout this marriage in question, the staff were able to keep their cool which is an achievement. Not everybody can say all those ‘things’ while smiling at the guest and suppressing the urge to burst out laughing. Even if the couple secretly were aware of a smattering of dhivehi they would have burst out laughing and would not forget their fun moment in Maldives.
The problem with the majority of us is we do not see the positive side of this.
hoodh on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 1:42 PM
I was really supervise when “media” responsible journalism publish this kind of video translation on internet, if this is independent media so we don’t need this kind of media in Maldives, the media is destroying our country future, shame on this comments translator…. Hoodh / Maldivian
mondae on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 1:47 PM
@maldivian on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 12:44 PM
“this isn’t what we call responsible journalism…what do u accomplish by publishing this article?”
——————————–
Seriously tell us what is responsible journalism?
Is responsible journalism about ignoring or hiding the truth, so others can see you for who you are?
whatever way you look at it, the fact of the matter is, it is very inhumane and should never have happened. Especially, given that;
1- we are all human beings and everyone deserves to be treated like a human being
2- We brag about how “100% Moslem” we are and how islam is about equality, respecting people etc..etc…- I dont remember reading even prophet mohamed treating non-moslems inhumanely.
We, maldivians, as a society needs to come out of this cocoon where we pretent we are peace-loving (100% )moslems with great moral and ethical values and really see ourselves for who we are..i.e hypocrites (i know the truth hurts ). but we need to accept this truth if we are to move forward.I am a maldivian and i hate the fact we are such a double-faced society.
siraj on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 1:53 PM
i’m not surprised. this is the only thing maldivians have to offer foreigners. historical accounts show that maldivian hospitality is a myth. consider Pyraad’s accounts of his forced stay in Maldives. and moreover this is what happens when resort workers stay imprisoned in an island for long durations. they lose their mental faculties.. here we see the result of that degeneration. we must immediately do a mental evaluation of all resort employees.
Ahmed Shakir on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 2:02 PM
27th October 2010
PRESS RELEASE
Subject: Video Released on YouTube titled “Fake Wedding in Maldives”
The video titled “Fake Wedding in Maldives” released on YouTube on 24th October 2010 depicts an event that occurred at Vilu Reef Beach & Spa Resort.
The corporate management of the resort is deeply saddened by this humiliating event and expresses its serious concerns over the incident, including the content shown in the video and the unforgivable conduct displayed by the staff involved in the incident.
The entire business of this company is built around services rendered to tourists and tourism. Therefore we cannot condone any act or incident that offends the very basis of our service ethos. The video contradicts the very core values of our corporate policy. And we condemn in it in its entirety.
The matter has been filed with the
Maldives Police Service for investigation.
Pending the outcome of the investigation, the staff involved in the ceremony shown on that video have been suspended from employment and removed from the resort premises.
The company assures all stakeholders and concerned parties and persons that it would take resolute action against every member of the staff and management found responsible for this disgusting act.
The management is in the process of contacting the two tourists who were victimized in this incident to extend sincerest apologies for this unacceptable incident. The management would offer compensation for the abuse they have suffered.
The management is also taking every necessary action to prevent any recurrence of a similar incident in future.
As responsible people involved in serious business, we sincerely apologize for the damage and serious repercussions this incident could cause to the tourism industry of the Maldives, the image of the country, the Maldivian people and their government.
=Ends=
Ahmed Shakir, Chief Executive Officer
Sun Investments Pvt Ltd
(Operator of Vilu Reef Beach & Spa Resort)
HF on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 2:03 PM
Im so ashamed. Im surprised about the managements involvement. The management of Vilu Reef should be banned from Tourism.This certainly reflect on Maldives Tourism. I’m afraid this the standards of one of the best resorts of Sun Travel. I wonder the standards of the rest of the resorts.
BoYakaSha on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 2:06 PM
Disgraceful… they have to be punished,..
I blame resort management too…shows unprofessionalism from staffs and the management.
thats the main reason why people do not trust Maldivians,…
they have to cover it up, if not whole industry is going to be blamed.
what a shame…
Sensa on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 2:13 PM
I am observing with interest the different reactions to the article.
Personally I am shocked and trying not to react but look at the whole thing objectively. My conclusions
1. The guests have been very wronged and cheated – something must happen about this.
2. The perpetrators have crossed the line of human dignity, abused respect and rights of guests badly
3. Management has been irresponsible and unaccountable – so needs to be dismissed immediately
4. Owners of resorts are reponsible
5. Authorities should issue a statement and publicize the action they will take on this.
6. HRCM, MATI and MTPB should take a stand on this
7. Media should bring these issues out because it is the mechanism through which public get information and it effects every Maldivian
8. Islam was mocked and so were other religions
8. Undermining and condoning the act, or media for publishing this article is underestimating the gravity of the issues at hand
9. There is no cure without facing the issue and Maldives must go through the consequences and come out stronger and clearer on
– policies
– regulations
– protection of guests
– capacity of managements
– ability of staff to perform
and last not least have a system where fairness and justice prevails and people live with respect for the whole mankind regardless of religion, race, culture or nationality
Elixir on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 2:16 PM
at maldivian-
we accomplish the truth! the truth should prevail above everything else. its the medias responsibility to unveil the truth no matter what the consequences are, this is the 21 century! (eg, latest leaks from wikileak) and if you cant digest that, take a hike to the stone age!
i commend minivan for revealing such heinous acts committed by the filthy people in this country… maldivians need to face their own created demons now than never. the culprits involved should pay the price *heavily* for this limitless insult and denigration.
the tourism industry will take a huge blow once the tour operators come to know of this and only then can these ignorant fools realize their own “swine” riddled fate. i press the foreign couple to sue them and sue them HARD!
fathimath Nihaouch on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 2:17 PM
Im sorry… this is so shameful… and they claim to be better ppl??? i just dont know what to say… this is definetely not true muslims… munaafiq and hypocrites…
Ahmed Aliased on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 2:28 PM
*snicker*
And then they have the nerve to complain about lack of economic aid and the dollar shortage.
Say… what’ll happen if some internet superhero subtitles this thing and reposts it?.
GE Tourist on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 2:29 PM
Disgusting!
The reaction of GM, resort & SUN ???
Maldives should pay attention not to underestimate growing concern about and reaction to islamist (not islamic) actions around the world and the impact on maldivian tourism …
Bad reputation is hard to restore.
The comment from “maldivesresortworkers on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 1:35 AM” is another insult and I can hardly believe this is a real “maldivesresortworkers comment”.
Ahmed Aliased on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 2:31 PM
“Do not treat with kindness people against whom violence is being committed. Commit more violence against victims of violence. You are not people who have been sent to this world to commit violence.”
Well, you gotta admit, the dumbass was telling the truth about his religion here. 
mwa on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 2:41 PM
Who is responsible for the act? However it is not every Maldivian’s wish to see such lame action and arrangements. this is insane undeniable. Who ever is responsible must be brought to justice and proper action mus be taken. And whoever wrote the article also must consider the ethical implications as well.
This is not Maldivian. It is entirely an act of evil and sarcasm.
Larry[geordie]Dodds on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 2:48 PM
In my country[England]most people are married in a church,,that is,a religious ceremony..Renewal of your marriage vows would also be a religious ceremony..Now no religion in the world would use language like that on any couple renewing their vows..This leads me to think that this is the resort using the occasion to take as much money from their guests by false pretences..That in fact is a form of theft..The resort owes everyone an explanation,and quickly,or else your police should get involved..Will it happen ??????
Mahir on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 2:48 PM
This trend is getting worse as the current Islam and Quran teachers are referring to their students who are non muslims are kafirs (Infidels).. My son recently talked about a foreign student and referred to him as “kafir”. I asked him who said that and it was the Arabic teacher…
Why can’t we respect other beliefs and treat humans equaly
Ahmed Aliased on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 2:50 PM
oh, and sabah?
They may remove it from youtube, but my computers have already saved it onto my archives. Out here, we have a saying, that once incriminating evidence reaches the internet… nothing, NOTHING can hold it down.
Mikael on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 2:55 PM
This is disgraceful! Sack em back to their islands. I call Sun Hotels to give this couple full compensation immediately!!
The Issue on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 2:59 PM
This is a sad day for the Maldives! The image of the country has been shattered. Our humble apologies to the abused couple.
Sham on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 3:02 PM
This is all due to lack of professionalism. The GM of Vilu Reef is not a qualified person. He should have set standards to prevent these kinds of disgusting things from happaning. If the GM Rasheed says he is not aware of this, then its his inability to be a manager and it clearly shows how invalid he is. Can some body advise Shiyam to appoint qulaified staff in top positions of his resorts rather than foremen or Sarudhaaru type of ignorant and uneducated managers. A good manager will always set rules and make sure that rules are followed.
No professionalism and no proper supervision. Its time to learn the lesson. Another blow to our tourism industry which is already in a painful period. Vilu Reef has opened another window opportunity for our competitors.
Ahmed Aliased on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 3:05 PM
Hey maldivesresortworkers!
I hear you’re upset at minivannews because you chaps cant treat paying guests like dirt anymore due to epic journalism.
Do you have any safehouses and financial backups on foreign countries to fall back to? No? Too bad!.
Moosa on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 3:10 PM
After working several years in the tourism industry, I had to quite it because of such stupidity. Those of you who work or have worked in the tourism industry in the Maldives, know that most resort workers are from Addu or Fuah Mulak, and such behavior seem to be considered ‘normal.’ It would be very difficult to ‘shift’ the socio-cultural thought process of these people, who often curse, rape/harass tourists and fellow female workers. Most resorts management are aware of these things, but tend to turn a blind eye due to the profits that they reap.
It is doubtful that much would change or much action would be taken to correct this, especially now that the political system is a joke and the society is in chaos.
While it is true that most resorts exploit the resort workers by withholding their pay, service, and so on. But this definitely is not the way to deal with it. I feel sad for all those tourists who travel to the Maldives and be exploited in this or any other manner.
This article definitely would hurt the tourism in the Maldives. But it is better to ‘fix’ issues than sweep it under the rug. Thanks to Minivan news for bringing this issue to light.
Egon on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 3:17 PM
one of the lowest level of humans beings ive ever witnessed. shamed to be a maldivian.
thewho on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 3:18 PM
I’m not surprised. In Maldives most who work in resort and hotels are school drop-outs. Just like those in US ARMY.
DOCTA IN DA HOUSE on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 3:31 PM
Why tourists need mock marriages in the Maldives is because there is no way that even a civil marriage for them can be registered at court. Make this avialable to them. The State will collect legal fees for this and there will be a proper marriage certificate with Court stamp etc validating the event and the court can even charge a reasonable fee for conducting it in the resort.
Instead of that kind of civilized behavior now we have the ‘biting the hand that feeds’ you syndrome in this so-called SUNNY SIDE OF LIFE!
zooooooo on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 3:32 PM
well to be honest…. i feel bad to call my self as a maldivian now… what ashame to the country and to the ppl……i belive hypocrites…can only do such a stupid thing… without knowing who ever did it.. is taking there own bread and butter….
sikk on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 3:34 PM
Mee Dhivehi management in hingaa resort thakuga mikan higaa goi. Dhivehin nakee hamaekani laari ah ulhey baeh. **** boan deefaves laari libenikoh dhivehinnah ok vane. Baeh thanthanuga baraabarah customer care programme hingaa. Villu reef akee guest service ah ehaa samaalukan dey baeh noon. Rasheed ulhenee katheebeh hen ethan hingan.
Ehfuraehge kuda firihen group eh ulhey iru mikahala Kankan e kuranee emeehunge bolah mi service industry akee kihaa serious kameh kan vahdai deefa netheema. Customer is king consept kiyai nudeveythee.. **** u Rasheed!… kaleymen thiulhenee kihinei tha resort thah hingan.
Resort eh ge room boy aku room saafukoh nimeythanun HK supervisor ais fen bo thasheega spot ebahuri ey alun saafu kuraashey buneema, e room boy hadaa gothakee kulhu haakaafa saafu kuranee.. u knw why?? Ei eyna wash basin dookohfiyyaa again alun balun ethan saafu kuran jeheyne theeve… mee resort staffing mi devey service aa medun serious vaa varu
Ahmed Aliased on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 3:40 PM
To those who say that this video chronicles a harmless joke and that we shouldn’t make a big fuss over it…
You’re right. This is a harmless joke. Let’s all laugh it off, right?. Peace out, and rock on!.
Now let me play a harmless joke too… I’m gonna take this video, and make it available worldwide, and post it to any celebrity who is making plans to spend their vacation here. Really funny, right?
C’mon, you guys can play “good harmless jokes” – so you should be able to take what you dish out… right?.
Ombudsman on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 3:46 PM
@Ahmed Shakir
CEO
Sun Investments
Hey, if you think you are trying to damage control by blaming and dismissing the local employees and saying that there will be an investigation and compensating the couple, you are being very naive.
That statement to whitewash is definitely not going stop the management, you and the owner of Vilu Reef Mr Ahmed Suntravel Siyam from being accountable for numerous fake weddings held before in Vilu Reef.
This is not a one time incident. This has been happening in your resort. There is absolutely no way this could have kept taking place without your knowledge.
We are aware of who your boss Siyam is. He is a shameless Maldivian who has got money flowing out of his ears and an insatiable thirst for young girls.
His money has enabled him to buy votes to secure a seat in the Parliament. I can’t believe these are the people who make laws for us.
He has recently divorced his 3 wives to marry his daughter’s classmate – an 18 year old girl. We can’t just dismiss this kind of behavior from an MP by simply saying that is his private life.
He should be sued. Let all his belonging go to the couples who got mocked in his resort. You have to be sued.
So if you think that you are trying to save your a** you are just being very stupid.
sally on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 3:48 PM
im just amazed that maldivesresortworkers seem to regard this as a joke. so you think crossing the boundaries of human dignity is funny?
you take a ridiculous sum of money from them just to verbally abuse them?
if you want to entertain, maybe you should organise a stand up comedy show and tell jokes in a language the audience can understand.
stupid idiots!
Latheef on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 3:54 PM
This is not acceptable by any standard. This shows how irresponsible the management of these resorts are. I bet this is not the 1st such ceremony held there. They are money by cheating guests. Shame on the management.
This is also proof enough that problem of this country is too many. If this is the situation this country will be a hell on earth in no time. No more a heaven on earth.
Government shall take responsibility for wide spread social ills like these.
no names to display on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 3:59 PM
the person who criticized the constitution of Maldives should be punished strictly, although he had spoiled the nations dependent income, hereafter he should be terminated from his career as well.
Aimin on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 4:06 PM
this is unacceptable! penalize the people involved – now!
on behalf of the people of Maldives, i’d like to apologize to the couple.
Rafeeq on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 4:06 PM
Hey Azra & Minivan News Team, This is ridiculous, you guys don’t have to publish this in English! I also don’t like what happen in this resort. Its a Shame! However, you should think before you publish this translation of those filthy words used!
Ex-Maldivian on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 4:11 PM
Maldivians are the most shameless, uncivilized peoples I’ve ever seen in this modern age. What the football supporters did to foreign referees couple of nights ago, what we see in parliament, what we see in protests, now this. pis pis. I wish i was born in Korea.
divert on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 4:14 PM
@shakir
A company cannot have values that the people (owners and management) do not uphold. What values are you talking about…Think of your past and talk about what you left along the way…you think people do not know. Siyam’s life lies before the eyes of the people..
And now you have a whacking HR manager in the department who thinks you are maintaining Hilton standards…
Is this what you talk about?
Where is Siyam’s voice? Should he not go on public TV, apologize to the Nation and the World?
sickened on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 4:19 PM
@ Ahmed Shakir on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 2:02 PM – press release
Looks like your press release comes 10 years too late !!!
No point trying to scapegoat a few stupid junior staff.
The real problem is the management and owners which is where the REAL ROT of this whole thing is.
The REAL IMAGE of this resort is now out for all to see!!
This shows how uncivilised and incompetent these people are.
People like these have no integrity, morality, credibility or standing.
People like these give a bad name to this country, it’s people and embarasses the nation in front of the whole world.
This is sickening.
The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture should take action against this level of incompetency and the international embarassment this causes the tourism industry here!! These people are NOT FIT to run resorts.
gomaa on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 4:33 PM
what has happened is atrocious no doubt, but i honestly dont think the owners would have turned a blind eye on something this severe, which would cost them a fortune and much more in terms of publicity.
this is clearly a staged event by some isolated staff within the organization for their perverted pleasure. they need to be taken not to the police and prosecuted but to a psychiatrist for rehabilitation. this is exactly the repercussions we can expect when more than 30% of the tourism work force are either drug addicts or by-products of re-habilitation centres. this has brought shame to our industry in more ways than one
maldivesresortworkers or "The wannabe Cool Guy" on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 4:34 PM
This is a response to “maldivesresortworkers” (i bet its just one desperate guy thinking everyone else working in the resorts are thinking the same as him)who think many people don’t see the positive side of this issue.
Hehe…Looks who’s talking now..The cool guy defending everyone working in the resorts, who think its all fun between the guest and staff.. hehehe maybe he should translate to the guest what the guy was saying then he know how “FUN” it was. 
Maybe you should go to Hawaii and they charge you like US$2500 for a wedding vow.
Imagine:- The cool guy and his wife in front of many people celebrating his love/Marriage. Ceremony starts and A Hawaiian dude is saying “all kind of filthy, dirty things and cursing the cool guy and his wife in Hawaiian language. The cool guy was thinking oh man this is awesome. in fact they were so touched, both were in tears of joy and Happiness.
Later “The cool guy” found out there is a video of that ceremony in You Tube and many people were talking (Laughing/ humiliating the cool guy) about it.
I bet still The Coll Guy will remain as cool as a cucumber.kekeke
Btw i work in a resort where we also do this kind of ceremonies, but we do it with respect,love and joy. we let our guest feels the beauty of the event. and our “Dhivehi” words are beautifully written and we give a translation to our guest while we read them.
Please not every resort employ is NOT like you and we hate the fact you are using “Maldives resort workers” we are not workers… we are respected “employees” working for the passion we desire… so please CHANGE the name from Maldives resort workers to “The Wannabe Cool Guy”.
Shaakko on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 4:35 PM
Muvazzafunnnaa dheytherey rangalhah kanthah nukuraathee mee dho kuran v kamakee??? Mihaaru mulhi dhivehi raajje mi ladhu gannan jehunee dhethin meehegge sababun!!!
Ahmed Aliased on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 5:01 PM
The HARMLESS JOKE involving me sharing this video worldwide is now in progress.
They can take that video down – but by now… I estimate that at least 30 copies of this clip are floating around on the tubes, replicating wildly.
Ashamed Maldivian on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 5:06 PM
I have viewed this video clip over and over again.
One thing that strikes me is teh calmness among the crowd of staff gathered there. None of them reacted when the so called priest started to say these bad words. In a normal circumstance, they would be shocked and few of them would also laugh at times when it is said in a funny way. But from what I have seen in this video, these guys are used to this type of weddings and were very calm through out the so called ceremony.
It is clear evidence that the resort managers were aware that this has been happening and would have never thought that a video like this would have ended up like this.
Now the manager (Ahmed Rasheed) would open his mouth and say he was not aware of this!! how can u beleive?
He must resign now!!!!
STRIKE Against SUN TRAVEL on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 5:26 PM
@ Ahmed Shakir on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 2:02 PM – press release
Thats it… You have no idea what kind of a damage this event has caused to the Maldives Tourism. wedding sector bring lots of interests to many people out there. i.e. Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon celebrate there wedding at One and Only Reethirah, that event alone create a enormous buzz and attract many Famous People to Reethirah like jayz and beyonce , Fergie and her Husband..ect
This is a developing and an important sector to the Maldives tourism.
We demand a public apology from SHIYAM. you think firing few staff and writing a comment here “Press release” will make everything perfect again. This will take years to recover.
If the government don’t do anything about this we(All the Tourism and Human rights related organizations are talking about this as we speak) we will come to STRIKE against SUN TRAVEL (SHIYAM).
We demand an global apology from SUN TRAVEL (SHIYAM) not a cheap Press release from SHAKIR.
Wannabe Cool Guy on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 5:39 PM
Everyone seems so embarrassed and angry about this, then The Wanna be cool guy comment came. i must admit its hilarious.
Vilu Reef sucks.
anon on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 5:45 PM
we as maldivians think very little of marriage. its marry one day and divorce the next. but to defile it like this is painful. today im sad to be a maldivian.
ex staff on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 5:57 PM
cool down folks… te biggest mistake here is by minivan for publishing this rubbis. journalism is good when its excercised responsbily.
the boys were just playing pranks..
as for money, every service in a resort is sold for money. nothing goes for charity
The Balrog on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 6:00 PM
I think the Qutb apologist known as Maldivesresortworkers should be ashamed to call himself/itself a Maldivian. You better live somewhere else where humans don’t have any respect for each other.
MaldivianMalaysian on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 6:09 PM
oh god, where can i start!!
apart from shiyam who has to take the blame as a whole, his senior team comprising Zulaika Manik, Mohamed Hameed are to be blamed too. these so called management team think they know it all. Zuley is so stupid and Shiyam buys her bullshit. Hameed is Shiyams uncle who is a dual citizen of Maldives/Sweden. He is a retired old hunk squeezing the organizations cash flow.
Please people…shiyam is not god!
The robbery that took place at sun travels accounts, the fire that disrupted part of villu reef are all pre planned!
I pity the staff working for these idiots.
I totally agree with one of the comments above. you cannot have these school drop outs given employment. We still need the support of expats no matter what and thats the reality.
God bless Maldives. I guess i made the right move to Malaysia. The future just looks bleak.
kalhirava on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 6:17 PM
What a day for Maldives and the fragile tourism industry as we are struggling in the wake of the recent economic downfall. Perfect example of the typical rowdy and so called cool doods -“parteys” concentrating Maldives today. Wherever they came from, have crowded our streets, restaurants and obviously resorts even. For these ppl the filthy language is a norm, they have no sense of morality or humanity and have a twisted sense of humor. I feel extremely sorry for the guests who are the unfortunate victims here as well as the management of the resort for the hot seat they are in because of the disgusting act of these immoral and immature people. They must be punished severely.
anonymous on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 6:20 PM
what a disgraceful bunch of savages! Actually, not even savages would act so inhumanely. If you find this video funny, you are just as bad as the people who made this “wedding”. Speaking of, I am just shocked and appalled that the people standing around would be so calm while an innocent couple were being humiliated like this. The celebrant and officials need to be named and shamed so that everyone in this country can see the type of degenerate lowlifes our society has created. I am truly ashamed today to call myself a maldivian if it means people like this are who I call my countrymen.
ismail on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 6:29 PM
This is how low some people can go..the owners of this resort should be held reponsible for something like this specially when they charge so much money . This looks like a very un professionally run resort where there is no one responsible to look into these types of ceremonies and no one is there to take reponsiblity.for the actions of there staff.I am speechless.
hsm on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 6:32 PM
remove this . .. this is not fun and this is not responsible journalism
ismail on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 6:32 PM
this is beyond belief, how can normal people do something like this.the resort owners should be held responsible for this.sadistic sick people…you can even say like the owners, like staff maybe thats what they have seen from there boss.
GE Tourist on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 6:36 PM
“just playing pranks”???
Your comment is so ridiculous ….
What are you going to do if someone insults you? – keep quite?
ex staff on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 6:51 PM
cool down everyone. don’t be ashamed of being a maldivian. becuase whatever you do you cannot be a european by dispising fellow maldivians.
also don’t be fooled by this drama minivan has successfully pulled. this is more about attacking a DRP bussinessma rather than exposin some mischeif of staff. They don’t care about staff, but they do care about poliics. so this is mdp battering drp the journalistic style. but ultimately its the counry that will pay.
Ami on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 7:04 PM
..and to add insult to injury, I am truly shocked and gobsmacked at maldivesresortworkers comment @1.32 PM!!
ah, the state of our nation today….
Aly Ibrahim on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 7:06 PM
where is your Patriotism Minivan News? For you, this just was sweet news ha? and why the hell have you laid this in such detail? for Gods sake, you are going to tear us all down, you are well aware of the consequences, aren’t you! Oh please, you are selling this story real good yeah?
Wendigo on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 7:18 PM
The mocking and name calling starts when these guys are in school – every expatriate lady teacher is harrassed sexually in some way by name calling, lewd comments, or even making passes – This starts as early as grade 4. These kids take the cue from their parents who treat foreign teachers and doctors like cheap labour or people who have come in to take away all their money from their country. Values that should be taught at home like respecting your elders does not extend to people of other races and religions. These are the ‘kids’ that grow into adults and work in such resorts and have their own fun at the expense of people who give them their salary. The real problem is that you really dont care about your children or what you really want them to learn from you. You may not be there to reap the consequences but someday when you become a foreigner in some strange land – you will.
Shana on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 7:27 PM
Now where’s Human rights? where’s laws? n where’s the right of the people who we bring to earn money? Just because Maldivians did this doesnt mean we can ignore the fact and hide it that they’ve humiliated a couple like this..
Some Maldivians doesnt know the value of a Marriage, atleast this aint supposed to be a joke !
I believe that the resort does need to give an answer for this, can even be sued for such of this kind of behavior !
Discustin Maldivians…Just Beacuse we are Muslims doesnt mean we should insult the rest, infact we should respect eachother…
The resort needs staffs to be trained !
faibbo on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 7:44 PM
thee thi reisortuga ekani vaa kameh hen heevanee..raajjeyge gina resort thakuga thigothah hama hithah eri ehche kiyanee..k menna alah ehcheh fenigen gui nufenna kaalhah gui fenuneema vaahen thibe vanee. aharun miulhey resort gavex hama hadhanee thihen..meege kureega ulhunu 2 resort gavex hadhanee thihen..ei majalakah kuraa kameh….gestunna disrespect kuraakah kuraa kameh noon ei..thanthanuga thibey resort akee koache kan vex neygey meehun ais anga galha ey adhi…mi aathun heevanee ekka bunaahen handhu bodu vegen ulhey baeh hen.
Maldivian Adamantinoma on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 8:15 PM
@ibrahim kalo on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 6:52 AM
You must think your really cultured feeling all superior to the islanders who are as much MALDIVIAN as you are. But your no better than your so called beerattehin in this video. Your just an old relic from a bygone era. And you showed your true colors. So congratulations and shame on your understanding of the world. It seems time has not taught you much.
Thank you
Very Ashamed on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 8:21 PM
Surely, they must come from the very dregs of the society. That includes those that find this whole thing hilarious. Today i am ashamed to be a Maldivian.
jameel on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 8:44 PM
This is all about politics. Minivan is MDP. Sun Travel Shiyam is DRP. So what is happening is Shiyam is taking a beating by MDP for his political views. This is not about staff or about guests. Nobody cares about staff or guests. People who will care about them will not write this story in so much detail. The point is obvious. To sabotage Sun Travel. And it seems Minivan is achieving it, thanks to us the gullible Maldivians.
Anbar on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 8:45 PM
The Maldivian feel them insecure therefore they always put others down by this type of vulgarity and it makes feel them more important. Probably they suffer from schizotypal
Maldivian Adamantinoma : Will the real victim please stand up. on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 9:04 PM
To Minivan News.
Some of the commentators have talked about responsible journalism.
While minivan might see this as a big scoop, and the truth should be told as it is to prevent it in future. My opinion is that minivan went a bit far than just reporting the news and bringing it to the attention of the people.
Because here, in this unfortunate incident the couple are not only the victims. Maldives as a country is also a victim. And the perpetrators have to be exposed and brought to justice. And yes Minivan did a commendable job in bringing it everyone’s attention.
But I would like to ask what about the victims rights. I’m talking about Maldives here. For example when a video of a sexual abuse by someone is leaked, do you post the video on your website. Do you go in to detail of every act or thing said, translated to English. No! you protect the victim as much as you can.
And that’s why it is my opinion that although Minivan news have to be commended for reporting the news, they went a bit too far in revealing the juicy details. Which could have well have been brought about without translating word for word or having a link for the video. Anyone who is interested might as well search for it on youtube.
That is just my opinion. But I’m sure you journalists would know better than me.
Thank you.
Anti maldivesresortworkers on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 9:06 PM
@maldivesresortworkers
You think this is fun? Yes its fun for sick people like your group. You think it is fun for the couple? You think it will be fun if some people called you profanity and names in their language while duping you? Do you think its fun if some person makes crude remarks at your wife in a language you dont understand? Will you think it is fun if bunch of Christians did it to you? Will you laugh about it or feel humiliated? What kind of reality do you live in?
jaz on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 9:13 PM
how dumb the management could be not knowing what the stuff is up to,well if the management is claiming that they are not aware of this incident then its bullshit…..
pro resortworkers on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 9:23 PM
Actually the Maldivian Adamantinoma
said it better.
Minivan is just aspiring to get their printed paper back online first by doing these dramatic stories in gory details to get a foothold in the print media. But at what expense? The whole country’s reputation?
Maldivesresortworker seems to be the only guy who is trying to damage control here. All others seemed to be overworked in their emotions..
long live resortworkers
real on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 9:44 PM
Why just look at the surface of the issue? Does Hussain Didi have a past background of such crude behavior, andr are the other locals in the function under well organized saga?
Strikes on resorts are soon to be banned, freedom to speak out rights of employees in resort hardly exist. HR depts. are just a joke and most managed by foreigners and worse, Labour Ministry works for Bangladeshis only and overlook domestic labour problems. Look deep down reasons that made this crowd of Maldivians engage in such unacceptable deeds. These are not stupid kids, in Maldives standard, they are professionals in the services they offer. BUT WHY EXPOSE THEIR INNER ANGER/HATRED TOWARDS GUESTS?
Let us not jump into conclusion and blame the victims on the video. The problem starts from the top, the owners who have no face in the public, no morals nor respect and unreliable business customers as we all know. We know what Sun Travels stands for…scaring mothers with teenage daughters to watch out!!! Anyway, this is just an example of the new trend which the youth are adopting to punish, tarnish or revenge against resorts owners who literally abuse their working rights, the government which hardly cares and the Majlis which wastes more time and public money than make rules to improve our lives. These boys HAVE NO HATRED towards the tourist, actually no Maldivian has that bad heart. Why now? why on video, why a group and not one person?
A well paid, well bred and well accomodated employee in any resort will not revolt, or intentionally spoil the name of the resort or tourism in general. Look at Banyan Tree resorts, no employee turnover, staff have worked for over 15 years, raised families, built lives simply because the resort management cared, Banyan Tree owner was in Maldives recently, and he had contributed so much to staff welfare that Maldivians and all other staff have no reason to do wrong. They are free, they mix with guests and share the stories of Maldives.
What happens in Sun Travel resorts? ask the bar staff, room boys and you would get the reason why that scenario in Viulu reef was a well planned thing. And it got the message out, loud and clear.
This is a wake up call for the Min. of Tourism, tourism operators and the law makers. As Majlis ponders over nonsense wasting time, our tourism and fishing industries are indirectly getting affected. We small time local businesses are loosing to large international suppliers who now deal directly with resorts. Where are the laws to safe guard staff from being abused? where are the laws to safe guard small businesses from direct suppliers from abroad of products available in Maldives?
Have a look at what is happening in a Robinson resort in Gaaf, no foreign investors will ever want to invest further….the fault is not with the staff..but the businessmen and the law makers who are corupted in all aspects no wonder Maldives is rated below Zimbabwe…..people, people…..look deep and find the truth, stop blaming innocent souls…….
anastasia on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 9:47 PM
Bullshit to those who said it was a mistake to put this news on Minivan news. Fight for your country to the last minute ey? My foot… Maldivians will always be Maldivians. Uneducated barbaric who do not know how to treat and respect others. And to top it all these bastards do it in the name of Islam. Dogs are not the foreign couple but these latoa fatoa Maldivians. Is this what you were taught by your Parents. These people should be sued. Seriously. It is so typical of Maldivians to bite the hands that keep feeding them. UNEDUCATED Bastards…..Modernization came to peoples clothing only, not to the way they think. These people are still in that “Raahjetherey” frame of mind. Seriously… its a shame that Maldivians who live abroad feel shameful when saying we are fro Maldives. Its because of these one or few bloody dogs / swines that the name of this country is being tarnished. Government should take action against this.
Ali Muruthala on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 10:05 PM
This part of Freedom of Speech, even MP wilder is talking about freedom of speech, i don’t find any wrong except the guest should be compensated.FREEDOM…
Ekaloa on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 10:09 PM
The editors in Minivan news are hell bent to destroy Maldives, they know well these kind of satiric things are common in western world too, people do these things in every culture. This age of internet and you tube you can make viral videos and satire for any extend. If thats news and journalism, I dont know what really to believe.
I don’t find anything abnormal in this video, compare to sit com like 2 and half men.
sanooha on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 10:18 PM
What is the point of removing the video? Doesnt change the fact that maldivians are shameless! tourists feed them and this is the way they repay! no one can sink any lower than this!!!! disgusting!!! call your selves muslims and this is what muslims do????
jinan on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 10:23 PM
Maldivians are pathetic!!! I am one of them, I admit, unfortunately!!!
Gay-yoom on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 10:45 PM
THIS IS SAD. 
I did not tell my bro Yamin to tell his gang-boys to play this drama so that Shiyam will simply hate MDP and will never leave us.
Many of the Maldivian fools will think that I am playing these big games.
Many think, we scarifice the little goats to uphold our family’s power over this country. And soon, very soon, people think that we will COME BACK to powet by playing many things tricks and dirty things. MANY THINK WE WILL COME BACK TO POWER – no matter what the cost is. Many think that we’ll scarifice everything and everyone in this pursuit. Simply not true. SO SAD.
lollies on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 10:47 PM
LMAO. the video cracked me up LOL. besides whats all the uproar about? what the couple doesnt know won’t hurt them. They are probably still thinking that they had a genuine traditional maldivian islamic(whatever that means) wedding. This is just hilarious. and btw, balhu means dog not pig
Live Free on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 10:58 PM
The problem is not the Maldivians, the problem is Islam. Islam is a cancer that infects the minds of weak sheepish people. Only when people realize that Islam is corrupting their lives, and they leave Islam, and become either non religious or convert to another non Muslim faith will they find salvation. Islam is a doctrine of intolerance and hatred toward all non Muslims.
Nasru on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 11:12 PM
I just cant believe a person like this F&B Manager Hussain Didi was given this post. How could he serve in this industry specially in the food & beverage. God knows what he could have made served the guests in the restaurants. And it also indicates how ignorant the management of vilu reef is. I hold the management responsible for this and this could not be the first time this has happened. These culprits must be dealt with severely. They are the enemies of our country. They have spoiled our image among the tourists, without whom we cannot survive. I am deeply sorry and as a Maldivian my deepest apology to the couple.
resortworker on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 11:56 PM
they are the people from addu, they are spoiling our tourism.
x2 on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 12:05 AM
regarding “Ekaloa on Tue, 26th Oct 2010 10:44 PM” and just the anonymous rest of you! I am a foreigner and I am bringing business to your country, a country we called a paradise…and we live in a symbiosis! I love what we all together created here! You not without us and we not without you! You do, we do, all of us do together! But from today: JUST SINK IN YOUR POOR BEHAVIOUR!!!!!!! because the truth is: most of you have this back side! IMAGINE THERE MIGHT BE NO TOURISM ANYMORE! and then? End of your story!
hussein ali on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 12:08 AM
@ Ahmed Shakir
Time to take a second look at your management structure. This act calls for some serious head rolling.
From what i see in the video, it’s obvious that ur corporate values and ethos are not being communicated to ur service level staff in the resorts. head office cannot be blamed entirely, its the GM of vilu reef who should take the most blame for this blunt act.
As a public person who have now come to form an opinion about your management, I personally would like to see u taking stricter action – not just suspension but immediate termination of all involved on the grounds of gross misconduct. Police involvement comes second. Thirdly, these characters should not be allowed ever to work in any resort ever again.
@maldivesresortworkers
please do not defend these people just because you think you have to.
Sh on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 12:34 AM
Ofcourse it is wrong. This is my opening. I am a Muslim. In islam backbiting is not allowed. I feel it is backbiting, thuogh it was infront of them they did not kinow what was going on.
I feel this article is a part of the agenda, rather than a concern.Other wise they would not have put it in English. During the war on Afghanistan and Iraq, how far fair was the Western media. They played there role, as it was there people who are involved.Saddam was hanged, Thoriq Azeez to be hanged. Where are the waepon West was after? How far this issue was discussed in the West. I have no doubt that Maldivian jounalist know this.
When they publicize these sort of things, we will be put on pressure, through which to change our Islamic style. For instance, we are debating on having temples & churches, in this small 100% Islamic country. Can’t now we say no more civil marriages for touris, if it is to be rendered it should be carried out in it’s finest form. So bring Fathers. And then a place for perfoming the rituals, ultimate churches!
stupid maldives on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 12:39 AM
we demand an apology from suntravel shiyam!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Strike-Against-Vilu-Reef-Sun-travel-Shiyam/136512203066519
Concerned_Student on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 12:53 AM
At a time when we need all the Income from our Tourism sector (DOllar crisis!) , what kind of impact will this have on our Important Tourism Economy ?
What if some big news channel broadcasts this Story ? Like on CNN or BBC or something ? then can we say that Maldives is truly a Paradise for Honeymooners ? (Do people get mocked at and ridiculed in Paradise ? Seems very Unlikely!)
This is a sad day when the Moronic actions of a couple of Morons like this bring shame to the entire Tourism industry ! And to Maldivians as a Whole !
The couple must be found and compensated in full for the humiliation and degradation that they have received. This must become a matter of National Sovereignity ! We must remove all copies of this video everywhere !
FTG on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 1:08 AM
I would like to see this “”maldivesresortworkers”" put in the place of those couple and see how it feel to be humiliated like that…..bastards!!!
FTG
bingo on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 1:31 AM
I have no words to say.
I have Tears in my eyes.
I am so sorry (for the innocent couple).
I have Hope…Hope in my heart , that this would not happen to any one (starting from today onwards..)
If i am to blame some one i would blame all those who knew it and did not stop it at the 1st time. I will also blame all those who do not punish the cuiprits.
MNJ on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 1:56 AM
@Larry[geordie]Dodds
Its not going to happen
The collective moral consciousness or the moral fabric will defey it, due to some unsavory majority.
This is a banana republic.
This year alone the corruption index fell 2 points.
Well some of the comments on this article is testament to it.
Knight on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 2:08 AM
188 Comments so far.. Wow. I Always used to say Maldivians are over reacting…
People get killed and stabbed in day light and nobody cares….Robbery , Child abuse and Rape and No comments and concerns.
Hey people… There is better things to worry in this country.
This video is not a big deal…It’s a fake wedding and people get fooled when there are not careful about what they get.
The real “enemy of state” is the person who uploaded this video… Blame him.. he is responsible for this mess. He must have done it for reason since he would not be an idiot who knows how to upload video on youtube… Lame maldivians
adhurey on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 2:12 AM
I condemn this uncivilized barbaric ways the resort guys in this video acted.
Meantime, I can see Minivannews at its best (as always) taking this opportunity to spread hatred towards islam. The translations of dhivehi words are altered to drive this sites propaganda. for example, “Balhu” means Dog or Bitch, but this site has translated it to swine.
This is a mockery to Islam and dhivehi tradition. and people who commented here saying this happened due to Islam and our tradition has more to learn.
Addu Balhun on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 2:15 AM
This whole thing is another example of The Pot Calling the Kettle Black.Hate to say this but you just dont know the amount of bastards roaming around in Addu.People of Addu has lots of characters.They fornicate like rabbits,steal like no other,have dirty vengeful habits,get intensely jealous of anyone else who do well.In the meantime they are intelligent, dare devil, shameless and demanding in their attitude and more promiscous than people from anyother part of the Maldives.Hordes of Addu youth roam around in their islands uneducated,criminally inclined, violent and many times expecting more money and material goods, facilities etc than what they deserve.What more can you expect of a people with more illegal bastards of Pakistani and Indian ancestory.Testimony to a by gone era where their ancestors freely intermingled with the expatriate workers of the British times when lots of low class Indians,Bangladeshis and Pakistanis worked in Addu and had illegal sexual encounters with the local females.So it is hilarious to see, hear and listen to this but then an eye opener to any foreigner about the true colours and nature of Addu people.The Maldivians in general are not at all like this and today most of them are ashamed to the core.
MNJ on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 2:16 AM
@ Ahmed Aliased
I must bless this internet warrior on his grand new Quest. Don’t let this die, expose those responsible, force action on the matter.
It would be a great public service.
MNJ on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 2:17 AM
Did i say 2 I meant 15
Ducktar on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 2:19 AM
In 2004, ‘Tsunami’ was included in the average man’s vocabulary. Guess its time for Maldivans to get familiar with the terms respect, eithcs, tolerance, suing and lawsuits. Though we are going to learn it the hard way.
C Cook on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 3:09 AM
We were thinking about a holiday in the Maldives. Were. Wouldn’t go within a thousand miles of the place now. What disgusting low life these people are.
Onlooker on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 3:49 AM
To the person wondering what will happen if some big news agency picks up the story, too late the story is already out in western media. I became aware of it via Dailymail a UK website, its just a couple of hours before CNN and the like pick it up too. And of course, i’ll make sure i tell everyone i know to avoid Maldives, calling this mistreatment of tourists despicable is an understatement. I hope all tourists vote with their wallets and take their business elsewhere where they will be respected and appreciated.
Sheik shake on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 3:53 AM
…who undressed the bride or even the groom with his eyes and masturbate, condemns them and call them names.
Fire this wanker and restore the image of Maldives. I for one boycotted effective immediately!
DOCTA IN DA HOUSE on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 5:30 AM
@FTG:
“Maldivesresortworkers” won’t feel a thing. Few Maldivian men take marriage and children seriously, proof of this being the high divorce rate and drug-use prevalence of young people. Furthermore as a Maldivian you are required to believe that non-Muslims will end up in hell no matter that they have not even harmed a fly.
aminath on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 5:40 AM
u think that this whole thing itself wasn’t bad enough that u had to add subtitles to the video and TRANSLATE the whole thing as an article?!
ishaaq on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 5:54 AM
we Maldivians has this strange habit of harming ourselves. First there was this sultan park ‘bomb’ which they released the cctv moving images for the whole wide world. Other countries at least try to protect their image a little bit if its going to hurt them really. Look at America. However much the taliban inflicts damage on the coalition forces, they never report it, even when they do they make the loss look insignificant. But see what do we do? We have this failed minivan news which is run actually from a desk inside the president’s office and is actually undermining the country’s reputation for what? for fame…
Shame on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 6:25 AM
This is a shame. Maldives was one of those places I always wanted to visit and go diving. I am not going to lie, I will probably go elsewhere.
ibrahim kalo on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 7:00 AM
@Maldivian Adamantinoma on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 8:15 PM
Male’ islanders or the Giraavaru people you are referring to had gone through an evolution process that had developed their minds more than the Beerahtehin. Just one example. We first used the “Tin” Phone to communicate, then we were introduced to the “Number Please” phone, ie when you take the phone the operator will immediately say Number Please, then we were introduced to the automatic phone, then to the push button phone and finally to mobile phone. So our sons and daughters have gone through an evolution process and our brains are more developed then these Beeratehins. For the Beerahtehins they were suddenly introduced to the mobile phone, they had not gone through the process that we Male’ people had gone through so their brains have not evolved like “us”. They are Fas kulhandhu bai hunna Gabulhi Katheebun. They do not know how to be patientOne of our learned politicians one said, introducing democracy to Maldives would be like giving a handkerchief to a monkey, it will soon start to wipe his ass with it. So my conclusion is the Male people mind had developed more than these Beerahtehins and therefore unlike them we understand the consequences of our actions.
ali on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 7:13 AM
For you consideration balhu means dog.. not swine..
Shad on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 7:19 AM
We can’t blame the one who did this. This is what we have been teaching our children. If you watch or listen to our local radio and Tv, you can see how much we hate other religions. So this is the consequence of what we have been teaching our childresn. You will see more of this soon.
nahs on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 8:24 AM
“Rasheed said he had become aware of the nature of the ceremony conducted by Didi shortly after it happened. He had banned Didi from performing any more ceremonies, but did not feel it was necessary to take any further action, until the video appeared on YouTube.”
rasheed is and ppl alike are the ones who should pay the penalty for these kind of things…not the one who does it. coz most maldivians who work in these resorts barely have formal education!
and with todays ‘freedom and democracy’ loving maldivians will do anything if not supervised!
This shows how most Maldivians think, for them everything in life is a sick joke! In life the priorities are ignored. Sad but true!
FOF on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 8:31 AM
I came across this news item as I was searching for Wedding Packages in either Malaysia or Maldives. Now that I know where I am going. Bye Bye.
Joray on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 8:41 AM
Why don’t the Mr. Suntravel Shiyam owner of Vilureef resort arrange for a ceremony like this one in his upcoming wedding to his daughters class mate (Umniyya Naseer’s Grand Daughter?) Joray.
Shakir on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 8:56 AM
Mr. Shiyam is abusing what god has blessed him with. 3 days back, they were discussing the rights of women and children in the parliament, while you were throwing away your former wives out of your house, to accommodate a brand new one less than half your age, and your managers were abusing foreigners to make more money for you.
sunsun on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 8:59 AM
Guys, now you know how Suntravel Shiyam makes his money, to spend on wine and women.
Orchid on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 9:11 AM
As a maldivian i am very humiliated, but i am not surprised this happened. Although we maldivians ignore it, most of the time this type of behaviour towards non maldivians is a regular occurence in maldives. Maldivians make fun of all the foreigners (as most of us call orin) from bangladesh, india, lanka etc all the time. They face abuse on the streets, restaurants etc because they work as cleaners, waitors n construction workers and maldivians sees them as inferior. But the reality is maldivians are to proud to do this type of work and abuse people who do it. As a matter of fact we should be thankful that they are doing it because if they dont i am pretty sure there wont be anyone to do this in maldives, except a handful.
Maldivians also treat tourists (or dhon meehun as we call them) this way because they are non muslims. By being a muslim we are not any superior than these people, what makes us better is the upstanding values and discipline in our religion. If we do not pratice these, (as witnessed in this video) just the fact that we are muslims doesnt make us any better than them.
I hope these people learned a lesson from this and all other maldivian abusers. It would be nice to see maldivians treat non-maldivians with a little respect. Everyone deserves to be treated with respect regardless of their background, religion or work.
kamanaa on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 9:18 AM
We cannot blame this on these people being uneducated or even their parents as so many comments reads here. Educated or not, these people are grown ups and they have a mind like any person. They can tell the difference between right and wrong. A person doesnt need to be told that this is wrong. They know it was wrong, but they did it anyway for whatever reason they only know.
Cowards on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 9:21 AM
Another point just occured to me. Not only does this expose some Maldivians as being prejudiced animals, it exposes them as being COWARDLY as well. Why do they not say this to a person in the language they can understand (were they French, English, Italian??? or wherever?) and these people’s if they came to learn of this would think Maldivians have to insult us amongst themselves in a way they can’t hear whilst they are NICE to our face. That is cowardly!
Hynnthun on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 9:34 AM
I hope all those couples who have undergone this degrading treatment called a wedding ceremony in Vilu Reef for the past 10 years will come forward and claim compensation from the resort. I dont believe they have not been conned either. They would have been subjected to the same profanity.
roxarian on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 9:41 AM
Perfect example of defiance against one’s own religion, nationality and humanity.
The smart-looking, smug celebrant who performed the ‘ritual’ should be rightfully and deservingly hanged according to his own citations of the foreign couples’ marriage. Its as legal as any islamic marriage. The couple, and every other couple that has been subjected to this cruelty should sue the Maldivian government for not having taken any action as of yet, and in my opinion, any couple who have ever renewed their marriage vows at villureef have every right to believe they’ve been tricked the same way.
I’ve always been PROUD to be a Maldivian, but theres no pride left for the country anymore.
May God have mercy on us; those who have treated their guests as the path to moral virtue for themselves, and those who have treated their guests like a one way ticket to condemnation in hell for themselves.. So much for the Sinking ‘Paradise’..
N. H. on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 9:49 AM
In short! The management of the resort and the godforsaken people who did this must be CHARGED FOR HIGH TREASON!!!
aharen on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 9:55 AM
i cant understand why some people are indicating here that these guys were disrespectful because the guests were foreigners, non muslim. i just want to point out that they were also disrespectful of islam, pretending to perform a religous ceremony! dont make this about religous beliefs, or poor working conditions, etc. they were just mean, nasty people and should be punished for misleading and ill treating people.
Is there on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 9:59 AM
This wedding ceremony is infantile, like Shiyam himself! Sun Travel Shiyam, be greatful Minivannews has picked up this story and not a less ethical news source. If the commenters here felt Minivan would publish what is really in their hearts against you, you would hear for the first time what you really are. The quicker you learn it, the quicker some pain cuts it out of you, the quicker you’ll be able to work towards becoming a real man for the first time in your pathetic, childhood like existance. Because you have money ppl may vote for you and pretend to respect you, but no body really respects you, Maldivians think of you as though you were a five year old child living in a god damned Alice in Wonderland fantasy. They don’t hate you, because you are not manly enough to provoke hatred, they laugh at you the child man! All the money in the world won’t make you a man, child,
glade on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 10:28 AM
Good manners, respect, curtesy, honesty..do they mean anything to us now? No
long forgotten..those few who posses such are freaks
strike on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 10:33 AM
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Strike-Against-Vilu-Reef-Sun-travel-Shiyam/136512203066519
Australia on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 10:54 AM
This was a major story in Sydney, Australia today. Not a good look, but am encouraged by the majority of comments here condemning the behaviour.
jambe on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 10:57 AM
minivan rocks: now the story is in bbc too! excellent journalism. keep it up. make sure your country sinks..
@Australia on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 11:02 AM
really, I missed it. Was it on the t.v.? which channel? I will try and look it up?
fenbadda on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 11:20 AM
Hassan saeed must take this matter in to court.
truth on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 11:29 AM
@ Live Free who said:
“The problem is not the Maldivians, the problem is Islam…… Islam is a doctrine of intolerance and hatred toward all non Muslims.”
Your comment shows how little you know about Islam. Muslims who practice their religion well were and still are very tolerant people and they dont harbour any hatred towards non Muslims. In fact in the Holy Qur’an God says:
“Allah forbids you not, with regard to those who fight you not for (your) Faith nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them: for Allah loveth those who are just.”
anonymous on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 11:29 AM
in defense of Ghaazee Hussein Didi let me just point out Addu people are so inbred, they just don’t know how to act around normal human beings. So please everyone, cut the man some slack. Its not his fault evolution missed Addu Atoll.
Aicha on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 11:33 AM
I take some comfort from the fact that so many Maldivians are disgusted by this act. A small minority of Maldivians seem to think this kind of thing is hilarious. The guys in question, the onlookers plus the person who performed the ceremony has brought shame upon the entire country. I hope all the resorts closely monitor the going ons of their resorts and make sure such disgusting acts don’t happen.
Tourism ministry should take action now and regulate this whole wedding industry.
My sinciere apologies to the couple involved, most Maldivians are dead ashamed of what happened.
Me n my addu part on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 11:44 AM
Mind you language people.
Adduans are NOT to be blamed for this act!!!
If so, you guys must also blame Qaree thaufeeq for child molestation cases in teh Maldives together with Naseem so, who started this act!! They are from Male’?
So, dont fight each other and take the countrys best interest in to consideration.
Thanks
Me n my Addu part
maldivian on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 11:45 AM
minivan news should be held responsible for all the damages this news caused to our tourism industry.. well done! you guys just ruined our future. every community have culprits, swines, dogs in it, by taking this news to international level minivan news has shown us how professional they are.. keep it up all you stupid Maldivians..
Fathimath on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 12:01 PM
@ Maldives Resort Workers
They meant no disrespect!!! Really! Seriously!! Are you out of your freaking mind to suggest someone would like making this kind of derogatory comments about their marriage vows!? Maybe you might not take your marriage seriously and insult it as such. But not everyone does.
And this is an insult to our religion. The only Islam you are aware of is up to 4 wives, thats all!!
ZT on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 12:23 PM
i would like to thank minivannews.com for bringing this article, especially with so much details (head to toe)..im thinking what would happen if if if if a relative of President Nasheed bought this Vilu Reef Resort..would minivannews.com give the same kind of coverage that it gave to this issue. let us look at Conrad Maldives Resort (Rangali and Rangalifinolhu)..when they kept on destroying the environment of Mandhoo to develop the resort, nothing was done then and even now by minivannews.com to bring the issue to surface. why? because a relative of President Nasheed is among the owners of the Resort.
Journalism and Reporting should not be lopsided or biased. it should not be a tool or luxury that money can buy. it must be balanced. it must be fair and just to everyone.
During Conrad Maldives’ ripping off of Mandhoo environment, minivannews.com rather than reporting it, tried to smooth it off with cream and syrup. now minivannews.com wants to expose this mockery wedding given to a tourist couple at Vilu Reef Resort..why now? why not then? this is also Maldive Tourism and that was also Maldive Tourism. even now also, Conrad Maldives is still uprooting trees and soil from Mandhoo Thundi, would minivannews.com report it in the same manner as this? i doubt it
mandhoothudi on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 12:26 PM
does anybody know of an island called Nazeer Island in the Maldive Archipelago? here is the story. originally an empty lagoon later on dredged sand from the ocean to make a sand bank. part of the top soil and trees removed from Mandhoo Thundi were planted here. this sand bank was developed to become an island in the lagoon of Conrad Maldives Resort. this island was finally labeled as “Loabi Finolhu” where all the Marriages Services rendered by the Conrad Maldives Resort to its tourists take place. shaheedha and ainthu najeeb from minivan news knows about this better than anyone else. why i brought it here is to show you guys that the influence of money and wealth stretches to all the heights, even to the work of independent newspapers. as an editor of minivan news, i want to ask ainthu najeeb how much she got from the deal by avoiding the issue. the mocked wedding at Vilu Reef and the weddings that take place on the “loabi Finolhu” of Conrad Maldives Resort are of equal magnitude
Rasheedh on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 12:27 PM
Kobaa !! theothee bovifa !!! Ma edhuahuves bunemeh nun thigothah thi kanthah nukuraasheh !!
STOP Blaming... Start Talking. on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 1:11 PM
Don’t Blame Minivan News for having the courage to publish this.
Its a shame still many of us thinking its better not to talk about things that will bring bad names to them,family,country and its people.
This is the tradition we have for all this years. Hiding things is in our blood,(its a Shame) How many kids have been abused in this country? How many actually talk about it?
we all know the truth we just don’t want face it. Only few have the guts to stand up and say something about it. Hiding things is not the answer we (this generation)should do the best we can to build a better future for the next generation “Adhuge Kudakudhin Maadhamaage Zuvaanun” (you must have heard this)
I bet now many of us have learn a lot from this “Joke”
There is always consequences…
maldivian on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 1:27 PM
kaley men dhen ves maithiri vaan vejjennu! kaleymennaa hedhi mi dhivehi raajje ge agu mi vettunee.. meege kurin ves mithaa meehun maraa, feyrey, vakkan kurey, rape kuru maa kuda kudhinnaa behun ves ovey!!! emme vari ves gina than.. gotheh fotheh nei gina meehunge.. dhen kaleymen mi vaahaka thah dhuniye ah haama kurun dho meege hallakee.. saabas minivan news.. kaley men ge vikifa thibi editarun nah kihaavareh gehunu baa mikan MDP ah koh dheegen.. mihaaru dhen kaleymennaa hedhi netheh nnu aharumen nah vazeefaa ehgga ves ulheveykah.. minivan news jeheyne mi damage control kuran.. no wonder people labeled you & ur paper politics shi8 gothuga.. emmen minivan news ah muzaahara kobba.. lolah mirus fen elhifa tha thithibenee mi raajjey ge agu veyyaa modevigen dhaairu ves..
Derek Postance on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 1:35 PM
I was saddened to read this..as a 9 times visitor to the Maldives I had no idea us “infidels” were held in such disdain and hope this is a “one off” incident. Being 100% sure that no tourists understand Dhivehi leaves us open to abuse and we can only trust staff and magagement!!
@ minivan news on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 1:50 PM
@ STOP Blaming… Start Talking.
saabahey! There is always consequences… true, & now you minivan news should explain what you got out of all this.. money? fame? name for the news paper that you try so hard to sell??
kihaadhera kameh,, mithiba gamaarun thakaa.. suntravel in keehtha kuran v? they fired the group, appologized, and are ready to pay the compensation.. what else would make you happy?& most of all don’t you think there is a reason that minivan news is dragging this so much?? to correct the community? lol ..
you minivan news people are as sick as the dogs in this video.. they ruined the resort name.. you ruined the whole industry name.. tell me the difference.. can’t you so called good people find another solution? how about start educating your children?? oh wait.. i have a better idea,, send your uncivilized staff abroad & teach them what journalism reall is & how it helps a country… take it what ever way – minivan will be labeled as the site who ruined our hard build reputation..
Shana on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 1:53 PM
I even wana thank and appreciate Minnivan news for this…atleast we should not always keep the bad hidden ! and all good’s to be shown…
We are humans, prune to make mistakes..and sometimes…it costs alot..when they do not know how much damage this has caused..
Blame not the people who shows the mistakes..but blame the people who does the mistake…
This should be a good experience to all other resort’s employees…will be scared to do such..hereafter..
Truth is bitter..and ugly…but we all should accept it !
STRIKE UPDATE on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 1:55 PM
Here is the Deadline for Public Apology from SUN TRAVEL (SHIYAM)
Friday 29th October 2010 at00:00hrs
if NO apology then Strike is planed as:-
Strike Saturday 30th October 2010 at 16:30hrs
Starting from Artificial Beach.
Thanks
xaeeth on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 2:05 PM
plssss…..take this from here..its about all of us..this will effect our tourism industry and whole maldives..
maxed4901 on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 2:14 PM
This is for all those who commented above in negative favor of action towards this humiliating act. All those who say this is not a “big deal”.
I speak on behalf of more than 400 staff at our property who has extremely expressed their concern. even those who belong to addu or that region even.
Coz when we speak, we speak on behalf of the 400 staff as well as all the adjoining families. all the wives, husbands, kids, mothers, fathers, parent who are fed by the money we earn through our hard work and do not accept such forms of negligence by managements and staff of this sort.
WAKE UP.. your dream of fish being our primary economy is long gone…accept it if you want to live; that you are eating from the alcohol & Pork that we sell at resorts. I know extremists will jump at me for this..but that is the whole new truth.
Would you take your time and place yourself in the shoes of the guests? would you stand still when some body is cursing you on ur wedding day? would you stand still when the income to our country at the simple rate of USD 1300 per couple is stopped by the guests in all our resorts? Would you rather stand still when your parents/kids are living without their daily rations/medications etc?
Pathetic thoughts from a well studied community. Belittles our capacity to be a socialized society.
Yes, every one commits crimes. even I have but on things that effect my life and those few or more around me. Not the whole country. We have nothing against addu. But I seriously did not see any such stupid acts committed by any other. Ok. You video it, but how stupid can you get to post it on facebook and youtube?
Responsible media is those among the media such as MINIVAN, who bring such things to our attention. Attention to the pple who work hard to feed & live than prank and be stupid. Thank you minivan.
So far no update on MR. SHIYAM…and the vilu management. Wonder what it would take for them to understand the depth of this. If I had the contact details of these guests…and I am trying to get trace reports., I will inform them personally. I am not saying general managers or managers to attend these weddings to make sure they tok sanity. But I believe there are management staff at resorts who can monitor this. who shud have.
Just look at their faces..no smile..the person who calls himself the GHAAZEE recites it so well and without a single stop that even a kid can judge that they have been doing this for the past years as a form of practice…
Sorry…but I think those who understand this act would happily turn their back on this country for the sake of the pride we live for.
And to think that we were nominated among 7 wonders of earth…thank you vilu reef..for blowing that.
-Z-
Larry[geordie]Dodds on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 2:17 PM
Well!!!I have never seen so many comments for a single subject,,but is it not now time to put this to bed..One last comment from the management and staff of the resort would be welcome–that is–a full apology..Surely not too much to ask, as the situation is now known throughout europe,and any form of ignorance on their part could result in the total collapse of visitors to the resort. PS I will still be going back to Addu[6th time] next june,because I love the place and the people….
Adheen on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 2:21 PM
@Derek Postance I am 100% sure this is not the same view of all Maldivians. I am a Maldivian and I abhor these kinds of acts. And I am sure that the respect shown to tourists and other guests are more than the other side. These people should be held responsible along with the resort management. It is their responsibility to see that the guests who stay under their care get the best treatment.
maxed4901 on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 2:24 PM
@ All.
Why curse minivan? It would not have been an issue if it was not on the most famous social networks in the world.. Dont curse minivan.,..and i reject comments saying its a political news paper…its the only paper where you find whats happening other than the rotten politics of Maldives.
Maldivian Adamantinoma on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 2:26 PM
@ibrahim kalo
Like i said before your ‘idea’ of ‘rajjetherey’ people is a relic from the past. Almost reminiscent of the caste system in India. But I feel you sincerely believe what you are preaching. Although it sounds like xenophobia to me, i do not think i am experienced enough in life convince you otherwise.
I’m almost inclined to believe that you must be royalty. I mean have some relation to the royal families of old. I’d hate to think that all Male’ folk think in the same vein towards islanders.
I am certain you know better about the Maldivian culture and history. But some things that caught my attention,and i could be wrong but,
“beerattehin” is a term used by all islanders towards any immigrant from another island.
Then It was not me who said that Giraavaru people are the original settlers of male. In fact from what i know the Giraavaru islanders were resettled in Male’ from Hulhule’. Specifically to the reclaimed western side of Male’, roughly along the ‘kanbaaisaarani hingun’. And they have more or less maintained their island culture,in form of their mannerism, accent of talking etc. And it doesn’t mean that they are in anyway inferior to us. You can even see it in the youth of Giraavaru people, who are close friends of mine.
Shakir on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 2:40 PM
Mr. Shiyam you are abusing what god has blessed you with. 3 days back, the parliament wad discussing the rights of women and children, while you were divorcing and throwing away your wives out of your house, to accommodate a brand new one less than half your age, and while your managers were abusing foreigners and risking the tourism industry of this nation to make more money for you. You will pay for this some day.
salle on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 2:44 PM
Assalam Alaikum,
This is really horrible and unacceptable! i have read some comments and i want to comment as an ex-butler and tourism worker for a decade! its really sad, these things happen cox of wrong eduction and due to lack of descipline. I have seen some weddings, organised some weddings and involved in them, and never seen something so wasteful than this. but time to time in resorts you will find some staff speaking in local languages against the guests due to work pressure and i knew one day it will be known to public. those who say this is islam, its wrong this itself against islam, islam teaches to treat guests kindly if we are believers! the balhu is dog, not swine and i found that the style of article has a hidden aganda. be it demolishing our tourism or maldivian or its beliefs and make maldives out of 7 wonders. the people who harrassed this couple shud face the severest punishment by law and couple shud be compensated and shud offer them a service recovery! theres no need of spreading hatred anymore! Inshallah may Allah guide us to the true path
Derek Postance on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 2:51 PM
This item is now in The Daily Mail today, a fair and even report (mostly) and readers comments are evenly divided between those who are offended, and those who believe the tourists brought this on themselves by participating in a ceremony they could not understand. The storm will pass, for me The Maldives will always be THE best place in the world!
shaugy26 on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 2:54 PM
Beyond belief the mentality of our fellow Maldivians. But this sort of acts now doesn’t surprise me at all by the way our culture is changing from a civilized society to a mockery society. The whole Maldives is getting sucked into bad politics, unruly and a society with no discipline – if you really look at what happening to us – it is quite comical – we may end up a in a comedy show- not bad. Anyway let this be another lesson learned…
790don on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 2:59 PM
As a Maldian living abroad who has watched that, I have to say that was absolutely disgusting. Made me sick in my stomach. Horrifying to watch really. That makes a mockery of the whole nation and Islam as a religion.
Is that really how you treat another human being?. Is that really how Islam teaches you to welcome a guest? How can these people even consider themselves as Muslims?
This news is all over the place. Check out Google news and its spreading like wildfire at the moment and I’m sure it’ll be on the front pages of every travel related website. This will damage the tourism industry of Maldives much more than that Tsunami did. Say goodbye to the new seven wonders thing. We don’t really deserve that if this is what we’ve become.
I for one hope the ‘people’ who are are responsible for this gets hit with the harshest punishment legally possible under law.
The couple should also sue the resort for every penny it has, because their faces are all over the internet and they will be mocked for the rest of their lives because of these bunch of retards.
salleX on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 3:01 PM
men without beard brings nation to the shame, state terrorrism by maldivian beard shavers
http://www.villimale.com/?p=820
salle on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 3:11 PM
attn: minivan news, your freedom allows you post articles but wheres my freedom of commenting, u havent uploaded my comment so far!
Karl on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 4:24 PM
Whats the big fuss? Don’t you understand that this is what all Muslims think about non-Muslims. Just ask a Chinese living in Malasia or a Hindu living in a Muslim area in India. Just because this involves a European Christian you get all upset.
Welcome to the “real-world” Global Ways of ALL Muslim true-believers!
Don’t be alarmed, be alert! Most Muslims are fortunately decent humanistic non-believers, about 50% methinks.
SJF on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 4:32 PM
Maldivesresortworkers please grow up a bit and stop trying to justify this behaviour. Show some respect for other people and for yourself.
There is clearly nothing funny about this video, it’s just nasty and childish. I feel sorry for the couple but I feel sorry for Maldivians too – this shows them in a bad light and we must remember not to judge all the same simply because of the pathetic act of some idiots.
There are plenty of bad apples in every country, sadly.
This post was written by: Franklin Manuel
Franklin Manuel is a professional blogger, web designer and front end web developer. Follow him on Twitter
0 Responses to “"Wedding Ceremony"”
Posting Komentar