I was reminded of ALFRESCO today. The infamous open yard in the centre of the old STO Trade Centre in Male, before it was summarily erased by the government at the time – which considered the cafe a national security threat.
It was an epicentre of the freedom and democracy movement from 2003. It was a centre of collision and collusion. I have fond memories of it, from it’s inception to before it died a natural death at the terrace of the building which hosted it following the eviction from STO Trade Centre.
My favorite person from ALFRESCO is our jolly friend – a friend to all, the Late Abbe. May Allah SWA Grant him Jannathul Firdhaus.
ALFRESCO is a story perhaps as significant as the boduhulhu or the badiburaasfathi in the history of Maldives.
My most remarkable memory of the times is a protest which passed from in front of it calling for the hanging of Hon. Gasim Ibrahim – the frontline of which was sprinkled with people very close to him. What a sight it was.
I hope some of our budding young journalists will write a book to capture the historical story of ALFRESCO.
Smile and Let Smile 