Date: 01 April 2007
Time: 18:00Hrs – 20:45Hrs
Location: 1 Vincent Street, M11 2FU, Manchester (Dr. Shafiu’s house)
Attended by: HE Hassan Sobir, Mr Adam Hassan, their wives, several past Chairpersons of MSA(UK): Ahmed Moosa, Hassan Ugail, Ali Haidar, Ismail Mohamed, Aishath Naz, several members (both full and associate) and the Current Central Committee members 

Minutes:

Meeting began with the recitation of the Holy Qur’an by Abdulla Humaidh. 

The Vice chair Jawish Hameed welcomed all the attendees to the meeting and gave an introduction into the meeting 

Chairperson Mohamed Muizzu outlined the various tasks set out by the current CC in making MSA a better association, and highlighted the various activities carried out so far this year and outlined the events carried out at the EGM and also addressed about the planned events for the year. He also touched upon the works carried out at Rosemont Avenue this year, and the proposed works for the house for the coming months. In addition to this he touched upon the proposed changes to the Rosemont Guidelines, especially with regard to the use of the shed and the charges taken from visitors. He highlighted the recent issue with regard to an enquiry made by Barnet Council and what the CC did with regard to their decision to change the status of the house to a House in Multiple Occupation. Muizzu stressed that the CC will work very hard together with the AC and everyone concerned in making sure that the status of the house remains as it is and that the house is made free from council tax, as it has always been. 

The meeting then went on to discussing issues related to 9 Rosemont Avenue, especially regarding the proposed rent changes to the permanent residents. The majority of members believed that since the issue of the Council is still pending, it is unwise to reduce the rent which was worked out based on income and expenditure of the past 15months or so prior to the issue (which came up in January 2007).  

Muizzu explained that since it was voted during the AGM 2006 that the rent needs to be reduced but only after discussion within the MSA (UK) forum for one month, the decision to reduce the rent was delayed and the matter was put up on the forum. However, no one made use of the forum to discuss the issue, and that it was decided by the CC to have the discussion and take the vote at the EGM, a vote has to be taken to see if the rent of the permanent residents should be reduce by 10% as advised in the Rosemont Report made by the Rosemont Committee of 2006.  

The vote was taken and the result was YES 7/42, No 22/42, ABSTAINED 14/42. Thus the matter of reducing the rent did not pass. 

The floor was then opened for a Question and Answer Session on MSA (UK) related activities. Members raised various issues, some of which were related to Rosemont as well. Some members mentioned that most of the Rosemont Committee members were not present during the renovation works carried out at Rosemont during the last month. It was explained to them that every effort is made to make sure that most of the RC members are present at the house during the works carried out, but that since we are all students a commitment cannot be given with the regard. Rather, we should focus on working together and treating Rosemont as a place for all of us and cared by all of us and that we should do whatever we can to improve the house.  

Question was also raised on how the Rosemont Committee was chosen. It was replied that the tenants of the house needs to included because they will know all the problems faced at the house more easily than any other person, and that they can work easily since they are located at the house. Again it was stressed that it is not only the responsibility of RC to make sure that Rosemont is looked after well and works properly, and that we all should work together to make that happen. 

Question was raised regarding slow feedback from CC members to questions raised through emails, and whether they can ask anything to any CC member through email regarding MSA activities. The CC pleaded emphatically to all the members to ask whatever they want to ask any CC members and not to have any barriers between the CC and the members, and that the CC will make sure their emails are replied as quickly as possible. 

A question was raised regarding the financial status of MSA. It was suggested to shown financial reports every 3or 6 months. The CC agreed to try to produce financial report after 6 months, although it is not constitutionally binding. 

An issue was raised regarding obtaining ID cards and birth certificates of UK born Maldivian citizens. The High Commissioner mentioned that they are working very hard regarding that and is very confident that an easier way will be found soon. 

Another concern was raised with regard to the Advisory council, how it was formed and what use it is since they do not have to report back constitutionally. It was replied that the alleged constitutional breech with regard to how the present AC was elected we need to bring the relevant changes to the constitution to go about exploring the case and/or dissolve the AC. Thus only when the constitution is changed to address such issue we can tackle this. With regard to the relevance of the AC it was replied that the present AC has been very helpful to the present CC whenever necessary. It was agreed that the AC ideally has to be held accountable and report back to members since they are elected by members, but since this is not constitutionally binding it cannot be imposed on the AC. However it was suggested that the Cc can ask the present AC to produce a report by the end of the year showing the works they have carried out this year. 

Another question raised was regarding the student information section on the website and the importance of updating it. It was mentioned that it will be done so as soon as possible and that the whole thing have already been prepared and that we will put it up on the website soon. 

The next question was about the phone line of Rosemont. It was explained to them that he old phone line has been disconnected and assigned to another house, and there is another phone line at Rosemont. The details of the phone line will be put up on the website soon. 

The next question was about the money owed by some business organisations to MSA (UK) and the large amount of money spent by Ismail Mohamed during 2004 on MSA (UK). It was agreed the CC will work together with Ismail Mohamed in contacting the companies and get their committed money and also the CC to contact the other business organisation through other means. It was also suggested that legal proceedings should be taken with the latter case. 

After the Q&A session, the next item on the agenda was the addressing of Ahmed Moosa (Sappe’) to the members. Sappe’ addressed the members as an associate member of MSA (UK) and his topic was “social responsibility”. He called on the students to remember the need for social responsibility in doing their best to provide the same opportunities of education and training for those less fortunate back in the Maldives. 

After his speech the meeting had a more relaxing feature of awarding prizes and certificates. Prizes and certificates were awarded to the London Team who won in all the three categories of the MSA (UK) Eid Competition held to mark the Eid ul Adha at the end of last year.  

Certificates were also awarded to all those who helped in the renovation works carried out at Rosemont over the last month or so.  

Finally a certificate was awarded to Team Manchester for helping in organising and executing the EGM so successfully. 

A special laud of applause was given to Ismail Mohamed for sponsoring the lunch of one day for  those who attended Rosemont to do the renovation works during the 23/24 March weekend. 

Then the revamped MSA (UK) website was launched by Hon Hasan Sobir. It was mentioned to the members that there are still things that need to be put in the website and will be done as soon as possible. 

The next item on the agenda was the speech of the Chief Guest Hon Hassan Sobir. HE Mr. Hassan Sobir addressed the student's expressing his appreciation of the intellectual wealth of the student's who are working towards qualifications in higher education in the UK. Furthermore, he praised the students of how well they have been managing and maintaining, no.9 Rosemont Avenue, the students’ main gathering point in the UK. 

The meeting was finished after a vote of thanks by Student Advisor Mohamed Samnoon Fuad. He thanked everyone for making the EGM a success. This included the Team Manchester, everyone who worked so hard to prepare the wonderful dishes, all the members in general and the distinguished guest of the main meeting. 

A grand buffet was held at 22 Bartlett Street (Naz’s house) after the meeting.