Velidhoo (Noonu Atoll)
| Velidhoo | |
|---|---|
| Inhabited island | |
  Velidhoo | |
| Coordinates: 05°39′45″N 73°16′24″E / 5.66250°N 73.27333°ECoordinates: 05°39′45″N 73°16′24″E / 5.66250°N 73.27333°E | |
| Country | Maldives |
| Geographic atoll | Miladhummadulhu Atoll |
| Administrative atoll | Southern Miladhunmadulu |
| Distance to Malé | 166.52 km (103.47 mi) |
| Dimensions | |
| • Length | 1.130 km (0.702 mi) |
| • Width | 0.650 km (0.404 mi) |
| Population | |
| • Total | 2,154 |
| Time zone | MST (UTC+05:00) |
Velidhoo (Dhivehi: ވެލިދޫ) is one of the inhabited islands of Noonu Atoll in the Maldives.
The origin of the first settlers of Velidhu Island remains a mystery. Historians date the earliest settlements to the 5th century BC with Aryan immigrants coming from India and Sri Lanka. The Veliduans today are a mix of people from the two nearest islands in the atoll, Magoodhoo and Tholhendhoo. Today Velidhu is the most populous island of Noonu Atoll. The Veliduans' language is Dhivehi.
The island has many historic monuments including a tree (Velidhu bodu nikagas), which has been there for more than five centuries. Much of the history of Velidhu is unknown, but research is ongoing.
The island is said to be one of the greatest fishing areas in the Maldives.
Island chiefs
Below is a list of people who have filled the post of island chief (dates are provided where known).
- Katheebu Kaleyge – Muththoshige Gasim Fulhu (late) – Muththosige
- Hassan Kaleyfaanu (late) – Muththosige
- Ibrahim Moosa (Naibu dhonkokko) (late) – Seesange
- Easa Gasim (late) – Daylight
- Mohamed Gasim (late) – Ochidmaage
- Abdul Samed Adam Kaleyfanu – Lubomage (3 September 1977 – 7 April 1982)
- Mohamed Hassan (Magoodhu Mohamed Fulhu) – Dorensyvila (31 March 1970)
- Mohamed Hassan – Muththoshige (3 June 1964 – 9 July 1977)
- Mohamed Abubakur (late) – Hilihilage (19 June 1982 – 31 July 1989)
- Ahmed Waheed (Tholhendhu Waheed) (29 August 1970 – 14 June 1975)
- Abdul Azeez Moosa – Oasanvilla (6 July 1978 – 19 July 1979)
- Ali Moosa Kaleyfanu – Elpaso (6 September 1976 – 16 May 1978)
- Ahmed Wasif (late) – Rediyamge (2 November 1982 – 1 December 1983)
- Moosa Hassanfulhu – Dheyliyage (17 November 1965 – 1992)
- Abdull Rahman Hussain – Kethi
- Ibrahim Haleem Ali – Bina
- Adam Faiz – Athiriaage (2008–2010)
As of 26 February 2011, the councilors in charge of the island were:
- President of council: Mohamed Adil Hussain - Iramaage
- Vice President: Ahmed Saeed - Asdhoo
- Councilor: Ahmed Siraj - France
- Councilor: Ahmed Ziyaadh - Maadhuni
- Councilor: Mohamed Faiz - Athiriaage
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