Business
Trump declares America back after good jobs report

President Donald Trump declared the US economy in “rocket” mode Friday after data showed a surprising recovery in the coronavirus-ravaged jobs market — lifting his own sinking reelection chances in the process.
“This is a rocket ship,” Trump said in a hastily convened celebratory statement in the White House’s Rose Garden.
Where markets had been bracing for yet another worsening in the unemployment rate, the Labor Department said that 2.5 million jobs were instead added in May. That brought the jobless rate from 14.7 to 13.3 percent — not up to the feared 20 percent or higher.
Despite calling a press conference, Trump took no questions from reporters about the coronavirus pandemic and nationwide unrest over the brutal death in police custody of a black man, George Floyd.
Trump clearly didn’t want to mar the good news on jobs, which he hopes will provide a path to regaining his once seemingly solid march toward a second term in November.
After months of criticism over his hit-and-miss handling of the pandemic and outrage among even some top former aides over his suggestion of a military crackdown or police brutality against protesters, Trump is at the lowest ebb of his presidency. Polls show him losing to Democratic challenger Joe Biden.
Now with hard data to back his prediction that economic devastation from the coronavirus shutdown will quickly ease, Trump feels his political mojo coming back.
“We’ve made every decision correctly,” he stated in a blanket dismissal of critics who say his management has ranged from incomplete to shambolic.
“We had the greatest economy in the history of the world. And that strength let us get through this horrible pandemic, largely through, I think we’re doing really well,” he said.
Trump then flew off for the day to Maine, a state he hopes will help carry him over the top in a tight race against Biden.
Coronavirus out, jobs in

The Labor Department attributed the job improvements to “a limited resumption of economic activity that had been curtailed in March and April due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and efforts to contain it.”
However, as it has for the past two months, the Labor Department said the jobless rate was likely three points higher due to errors in how workers described their job status.
A separate report showing state data on weekly initial claims for unemployment benefits showed over 42 million people have lost their jobs, at least temporarily, since mid-March when the shutdowns to contain the spread of COVID-19 began.
But with a massive $3 trillion infusion of government aid, and trillions more in lending to businesses, economists say it is likely firms were able to bring workers back.
“If this sticks, and my guess is it will, we’re seeing a faster reopening than most expected, and a quicker unleashing of pent-up demand,” economist Jared Bernstein of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities said on Twitter.
‘Easy part’ over?

Ian Shepherdson of Pantheon Macroeconomics, one of few who anticipated positive news in the jobs data, called the report, “The biggest payroll surprise in history, by a gigantic margin.”
Gains were especially sharp in leisure and hospitality, construction, retail trade and education and health services, according to the data.
The number of workers on temporary layoff declined by 2.7 million to 15.3 million, in a sign people have been able to return to their jobs now that social distancing and lockdown rules are easing nationwide.
But Harvard economist Jason Furman noted that the reduction in temporary layoffs was “the easy part of the recovery,” and further job gains may come more slowly.
The data also reflect the time before the killing of Floyd and the ensuing nationwide protests, some of which deteriorated into widespread looting and arson.
Reporting and photos: AFP
Business
BBM brings Vaseline, Hellmann’s, BRU Coffee to Maldives market

Bestbuy Maldives (BBM) extended their strong and decades old partnership with Unilever International, by adding to their brand portfolio – Vaseline, Hellmann’s, and BRU Coffee for the Maldivian market.
The collaboration was announced at a Business gathering held at the Manhattan Business Hotel, attended by over 300 trade partners from across Maldives.

With this partnership, BBM strengthens its retail offerings across the Maldives archipelago. Vaseline, a trusted name in skincare, and Hellmann’s, known globally for quality food products, will now be available through BBM’s distribution network.
“Vaseline is a name that generations trust for skin care. And Hellmann’s is a global icon in flavours. We’re proud to bring both to shelves across the Maldives and enrich everyday living for our customers,” said Muksith Hussain, Business Head – Retail.
In the hospitality sector, BBM introduces Bru Coffee as an addition to its HORECA (Hotel, Restaurant, Café) offerings. BRU Coffee provides a quality beverage option for hotels, resorts, and restaurants across the Maldives.

“BRU is one of the most loved coffee brands in the region. With this launch, we’re giving our hospitality partners a versatile product that delivers on both taste and reliability that can be consumed as a beverage and for the purpose of dessert preparation, something they can serve with confidence,” said Hisham Girsy, Business Head – HORECA.
The gathering served as a platform for BBM to engage with its valued trade partners and introduce these new brands to the market.
A.V.S Subrahmanyam, Chief Operating Officer at BBM, remarked: “BBM is built on relationships. This event reflects our commitment to not just introduce great products but to support, connect, and elevate our trade partners. We’re in this together, and the journey ahead is promising.”

As BBM continues to grow its portfolio and global partnerships, the focus remains clear delivering excellence, building trust, and shaping the future of trade in the Maldives.
Bestbuy Maldives (BBM) is a leading distribution company in the Maldives, connecting international brands with local businesses across retail and hospitality sectors. With a customer-focused approach and extensive distribution network, BBM continues to be a trusted partner in the Maldivian market.
Business
Redefining corporate retreats at Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives

MICE travel is undergoing a sea change—quite literally. No longer limited to traditional conference rooms and structured schedules, Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events (MICE) are now about creating moments that inspire, rejuvenate, and bring teams closer together. At Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives, the boundaries between business and leisure blur, offering a setting that transforms work into a pleasure.

Just a 20-minute speedboat ride from Malé, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives is the ideal destination for teams looking to escape the expected. Here, brainstorming sessions take place on powder-soft beaches, where the rhythmic waves set the pace for new ideas. Mornings might begin with yoga by the ocean, followed by strategy meetings in open-air pavilions. Afternoons invite collaborative workshops under swaying palms or team-building activities that include snorkelling, paddleboarding, or even a friendly beach volleyball match.

Dining at Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives elevates every corporate event with fresh, sea-to-table cuisine, designed to fuel both body and mind. From curated group dinners under star-streaked skies to themed private banquets, every meal becomes an experience in itself. For those looking to celebrate milestones or reward top performers, the resort’s scenic locations offer the perfect backdrop for gala evenings or intimate cocktail gatherings.

Accommodation blends comfort with elegance, offering ocean-view suites and beachside retreats that allow participants to rest, recharge, and return with a fresh perspective. Despite the remote charm, connectivity is never an issue—seamless Wi-Fi and business-friendly amenities ensure that productivity doesn’t pause, even in paradise.

Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives turns corporate travel into something memorable. Whether it’s a leadership retreat, a high-level conference, or an incentive escape, the resort offers a canvas for events that leave lasting impressions. Here, business goals are pursued in harmony with nature, creativity flows effortlessly, and the line between work and well-being fades.
Let your next MICE experience be more than a meeting—make it a journey worth sharing.
Business
Visit Maldives presents cultural, food festival to celebrate 2025

Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/ Visit Maldives) has announced the ‘Maldives Culture and Food Festival’, a two-day extravaganza showcasing the Maldivian cuisine, local arts and craft, and entertainment.
The festival will take place at Central Park, Hulhumale’, on New Year’s Eve, December 31st, 2024, and continue into New Year’s Day, January 1st, 2025, offering a unique and immersive experience for locals and tourists alike.
This exciting initiative by MMPRC is a collaborative effort involving key partners such as the Ministry of Tourism (MOT), Housing Development Corporation (HDC), MyHulhumale’, Business Center Corporation (BCC), Male’ City Council, Waste Management Corporation Limited (WAMCO), the Maldives Police Service, Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), Public Service Media (PSM), Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), Dhiraagu, Ooredoo, Manta Air, Maldivian, Ace Travels, and Gulf Air. It promises a dynamic programme filled with performances, activities, and food stalls. Attendees will have the opportunity to savour authentic Maldivian dishes, explore traditional arts and crafts, and witness captivating cultural performances.
On December 31st, the festivities will begin at 20:00 with doors opening to the public. A spectacular drone show will be held, depicting a tourist’s journey through the beautiful Maldives. The evening will continue with captivating cultural performances including Boduberu performances, and “Dhafi Negun”. A New Year’s Eve countdown will also take place, culminating in a dazzling fireworks display to welcome 2025.
The celebrations will continue on January 1st 2025 from 16:00 to 22:00, with the festival reopening and featuring food and arts and crafts stalls. A range of family-friendly activities will be available, including a police and fire truck showcase, a climbing wall, a bounce house, and a Transformers display. Additionally, the festival will feature energetic Boduberu performances and an exciting Roboman showcase.
“MMPRC is proud to present the first Maldives Culture and Food Festival,” said Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO and MD of MMPRC. “This event is a key initiative to celebrate the achievements of the Maldives in 2024 and to promote the diverse cultural heritage of the Maldives while providing a memorable experience for locals and visitors. We invite everyone to join us in celebrating the Maldivian spirit as we bid farewell to 2024 and welcome the new year.”
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