Sulaiman the Survivor

The 2004 tsunami has faded from the headlines in the US, but it is still very much top of mind here for the obvious reason that, in addition to the loss of life, there are many people who lost their homes.

One of them is Ali Sulaiman, who was a Dhiveli language teacher until his home on the island of Villifushi was destroyed in the tsunami. He and his wife were among the victims who had to relocate to a safer island and start over.

That's when "Suley" became a bureau reporter for TV Maldives. He was among the first to "get it" when our team began to explain the importance of stories about the lives of real people and not just official meetings. His reports truly stand out. When there was breaking news of a boat factory explosion, Suley was on the spot with phoners and a full report from the scene. He's a one-man band but does his best to find someone to help shoot standups.

Suley has a slight speech impediment and some viewers have complained. They even got him some voice coaching. But Suley is a treasure at TV Maldives. He brings out the true flavor of the islands in his reports. In one story, he talked to people who toss things into a lucky pond, believing it has magical powers. Here's hoping he will bring good luck and good reporting to TVM for years to come and that he will know that his good work is noticed and appreciated. Go Sulaiman!