Maroshi (Shaviyani Atoll)

Geography

The island of Maroshi is found in the Western rim of the atoll. It is situated at 6 12'N and 73 15'E latitude and longitude respectively. The island has a large lagoon and harbouring is easy. Maroshi is given the code C10.

This island is historic as it has the tree that grew from the Kaani Mundi (a raw wooden post) used to make the sail of Kalhuohfunmi, the sailing boat used by the heroic character, Mohamed Thakurufaanu in his endeavour to free the country of the occupation by the Portuguese.

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Demographics

Registered Population as of December 2007

Population activities as of December 2007 [1]

Politics

There are five elected members in Maroshi Island Council. They are Husham Yoosuf (Adhaalath Party), Abdul Azeez Mohamed Waheed (MDP), Ahmed Abrar Mohamed (Adhaalath Party), Hafeezullah Abdulrahman (PPM) and Ismail Waheed.

The island is deeply divided between Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) supporters and pro-government supporters after 7 February 2012 transfer of power in an alleged coup.

Economy

The main occupation of the people of Maroshi is fishing in early days and now most of the people are engaged in fangevinun. In addition to this a good number of young people are engaged in work in Male' and resorts and office employment. The island has 4 mechanised fishing vessels, 2 transport vessels which travel to Male for cargo and passenger lifting. It has 9 retail shops. Government has made a harbour in the island.

Education

The school in Maroshi named Al Madhrasathul Munavvara was built by Maroshi Hussain Abdulla (MHA) in 1979. In 2006 MHA handed the school over to the Government after rebuilding completely with modern facilities. This school is one of the centres holding GCE examinations in the country.

Health Services

Basic level health care is provided in the island by a Health Centre, where one doctor and two nurse works. There is also a pharmacy run by people of the island.

Local productions

Dried tuna fish, Salted fish, Rihaakuru, Thatch, Rope, Toddy Honey, Coconut

Historical Sites

The Huge Kaani (Sea Trumpet) Tree in Maroshi is noted in history for various reasons. It is a living tribute to Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu who freed the country from the reign of the Portuguese. It is also the largest tree of its kind in the country, and probably the oldest as well. It is said that Mohamed Thakurufaanu received a lot of help from the renowned Maroshi Raaveribe ( toddy-tapper) in his fight for national independence. It was his job to mend and maintain the sail of the Kalhuoffunmi - the ship used in the 'battle' and supply water to the vessel every time it docked at Maroshi, which was an important port during this fight. This tree still growing in the island is the one that grew from the Kaani staff that Raaveribe hoisted some 400 years ago to keep the huge sails of Kalhuoffunmi. Although some of the gigantic branches of the tree show signs of being attacked by 'giant saws', this is a historical monument that has been preserved over time. Also, signs of the passage through which the vessel went in and out of the kulhi (a lake-like enclosure of water) in the island is still quite obvious.

Famous people

Mohamed Rauf, Mohamed Abdul Rahman (former President of Island Council)Ahmed Abrar Mohamed, Amjad Yoosuf (former Vice President of Island Council), Ismail Waheed (Island Council Member), Hafeezulla (Island Council member, Ubaidhulla (former Island Council Member), Abdul Azeez (Island Council Member), Abdul Razzaq, Maulavee Mohamed Hashim, Ahmed Abdulrahumaan, Hussain Moosa, Ahmed Saleem, Mohamed Waheed (Madidhoo Waheed), Ahmed Zahir Ali, Hussain Ameen, Hahsaan Ahmed Waheed, Abdulla Naseer, Solih Abdulla, Solah Waheed, Ismail Amir, Abdulla AbduShakoor, Habeebulla