60th anniversary celebrations of Thinadhoo repopulation kicks off with two ex-presidents

Official celebrations have begun in GDh. Thinadhoo to mark the 60th anniversary of the island’s repopulation.

Former presidents Mohamed Nasheed and Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom arrived on the island tonight to take part in the three-day series of commemorative events.

The anniversary program began last night with a traditional float parade. This morning, a ceremonial tree-planting event was held, during which 60 trees were planted by senior citizens of the island. Thinadhoo City Deputy Mayor Ahmed Shiyaz Naeem said the initiative was primarily aimed at enhancing the island’s natural landscape.

As part of efforts to preserve and commemorate the island’s history, a special swimming event to the nearby uninhabited island of Kafena was held at 9:00am this morning. Deputy Mayor Shiyaz said the event was organised to commemorate the resilience of Thinadhoo’s residents during the island’s forced evacuation, when many were compelled to swim across the same stretch of water. He added that the activity was intended to pass these solemn historical memories on to present and future generations.

Although a family evening scheduled for this afternoon was postponed until tomorrow due to adverse weather conditions, the event remains one of the major highlights of the anniversary celebrations for Thinadhoo residents.

The two former presidents arrived in Thinadhoo at approximately 20:00pm tonight and were welcomed by Thinadhoo City Mayor Saud Ali, the Deputy Mayor, and a large gathering of local residents. Malé City Mayor Adam Azim also accompanied the delegation during the visit.

Following their arrival, the former presidents officially inaugurated the 60th-anniversary celebrations and opened a special cultural programme and banquet hosted in the Thinadhoo City North constituency.

The three-day programme also features a ceremonial flag-raising, a photo exhibition highlighting Thinadhoo’s historical landscape, and a special awards ceremony recognising individuals who have rendered distinguished service to the island. The awards ceremony is scheduled to be held tomorrow.

Historically, the entire population of Thinadhoo was forcibly evacuated in 1962 during the Suvadive rebellion under the administration of then-Prime Minister Ibrahim Nasir. The island was subsequently repopulated four years later, in 1966.