Vaavu Thinadhoo residents urge President to make island name exclusive

Residents of Vaavu Atoll Thinadhoo have called on President Dr Mohamed Muizzu to ensure that the name “Thinadhoo” is used exclusively for their island, with no other island sharing it.

The request was made last night during the President’s visit to Thinadhoo, as part of his ongoing tour of Vaavu, Meemu, Faafu, and Thaa Atolls.

The island, which has a population of about 300, held a community meeting where residents raised their needs and concerns directly with the President, ministers, and heads of state owned companies accompanying him.

Speaking on behalf of the island, Abdul Azee (Azeeb) said the duplication of the name with Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll Thinadhoo has caused confusion, particularly for tourists visiting the islands.

“Tourists visiting Havaru Thinadhoo (Gaafu Dhaalu) are accidentally coming to this island. Even residents of Gaafu Dhaalu don’t call it Thinadhoo, they call it Thenadhoo. It is mostly people in Male' who call both islands Thinadhoo,” Azeeb said, adding that the issue has long persisted without resolution.

He also raised concerns about the official population count of the island. According to him, although only about 250 people reside in Vaavu Thinadhoo, more than 1,000 individuals are registered under the island, affecting the provision of healthcare and other services.

President Muizzu assured residents that the government would work to resolve the concerns raised.

Residents of Vaavu Atoll Thinadhoo have called on President Dr Mohamed Muizzu to ensure that the name “Thinadhoo” is used exclusively for their island, with no other island sharing it.

The request was made last night during the President’s visit to Thinadhoo, as part of his ongoing tour of Vaavu, Meemu, Faafu, and Thaa Atolls. The island, which has a population of about 300, held a community meeting where residents raised their needs and concerns directly with the President, ministers, and heads of state-owned companies accompanying him.

Speaking on behalf of the islanders, Abdul Azee (Azeeb) said the duplication of the name with Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll Thinadhoo has caused confusion, particularly for visitors.

“Tourists visiting Havaru Thinadhoo (Gaafu Dhaalu) are accidentally coming to this island. Even residents of Gaafu Dhaalu don’t call it Thinadhoo, they call it Thenadhoo. It is mostly people in Malé who refer to both islands as Thinadhoo,” Azeeb said, adding that the issue has long persisted without resolution.

He also raised concerns about the official population count of the island. According to him, although only about 250 people reside in Vaavu Thinadhoo, more than 1,000 individuals are registered under the island, affecting the provision of healthcare and other services.

President Muizzu assured residents that the government would work to resolve the concerns raised.

President Muizzu assured residents that the government would work to resolve the concerns raised.