According to the Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam, the delayed payments to fishermen resulted from the previous government’s politically motivated and poor fiscal management.
Speaking at yesterday’s inauguration ceremony of the People’s National Congress (PNC)’s new headquarters, Minister Shiyam addressed the recent protests at Addu Fisheries Complex over delayed payments. The minister assured the government’s next crucial agenda is to settle the remaining payments without delay. “God willing, the foremost priority on the [government’s] agenda is to settle the remaining due payments owed to fishermen,” he said.
Raising concerns about the price volatility in the fishing industry, Minister Shiyam criticised the former administration’s decision to raise fish prices to MVR 25 per kilogram just before the second round of the presidential election.
“After raising the price to MVR 25, [the previous administration’s] tenure ended without reimbursing even a single cent to the fishermen. I am referring to how they treated Maldivian fishermen while printing money,” said Minister Shiyam, adding that the price initially stood at MVR 16 per kg.
He disclosed that over 50% of the total unpaid dues, amounting to MVR 90 million, had already been disbursed to fishermen before Eid-al-Adha.
“All government communication was closed during Eid, so what could be done [at that time]?” he said, attributing the delay to government payments being disrupted during the recent holidays.
The ongoing protests by Maldivian fishermen saw operations at Addu Fisheries Complex come to a standstill yesterday, with reports of protesters blocking electricity to employee accommodation. Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company Ltd (MIFCO) reported significant disruptions as tensions mounted.
