The Bodu Kanneli Masveringe Union (BKMU) has stated that it does not wish to participate in any political activities.
Speaking to "Keyolha" news regarding the activities being carried out by the union today at the Hulhumale' Yellowfin Tuna Jetty to mark Fishermen's Day, the union's president Hussain Rasheed said that today they are holding the BKMU's annual meeting and electing the steering committee. Rasheed also stated that fishermen are expressing their sentiments to mark Fishermen's Day.
"The main thing right now is expressing our sentiments, requesting the government to fulfill the promises made to fishermen," Rasheed said.
While the BKMU's annual meeting is underway at the Yellowfin Tuna Jetty area, many banners expressing the sentiments of fishermen have been hung on the yellowfin tuna vessels docked at the jetty. The biggest concern for yellowfin tuna fishermen is that the current government has not set a minimum floor price for purchasing yellowfin tuna as promised. The banners call for setting the minimum purchase price of yellowfin tuna between 80 Rufiyaa and 100 Rufiyaa, as promised by the government. In addition, they are calling to make arrangements for fishermen to get fuel at STO's base rate, as promised by the government.
Although banners showing the government's promises and the fishermen's calls are displayed on the vessels, Rasheed said the union has not decided to hold any activities at sea at this time. Rasheed also stated that they do not want to participate in the activity being held tonight by the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party.
"We do not want to participate in any political activities," Rasheed said.
The main promises made by this government to yellowfin tuna fishermen include the government fisheries company, MIFCO, starting to purchase yellowfin tuna, and setting the price of large yellowfin tuna at 80 Rufiyaa, and 100 Rufiyaa for A-grade yellowfin tuna. However, to date, the government has not fulfilled these promises.
