Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam has assured that the current government will find meaningful solutions to the concerns of all types of fishermen in the Maldives.
The Minister made these remarks while yellowfin tuna fishermen were holding a peaceful protest today, calling on the government to fulfill its promises. In a post shared on social media, the Minister stated that the biggest concern for yellowfin tuna fishermen is the prolonged delay in receiving payment for the tuna sold to purchasing companies, as well as the drop in tuna prices when fishing is good. The Minister said that yellowfin tuna fishermen should propose solutions to the government. In this regard, the Minister requested them to propose that the government intervene to expand its role in the tuna trade and to implement the promises made to yellowfin tuna fishermen as soon as possible.
In his post, the Minister shared an update on the actions the government has taken and is currently taking to resolve the concerns of yellowfin tuna fishermen. He noted that, as highly requested by the tuna fishermen, and with the special guidance of the President, a positive change has been brought to fuel prices in the Male' area, with arrangements made through STO to provide fuel at base rates starting from June last year. He also highlighted that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu had previously shared the happy news at various ceremonies that arrangements will be made for fishermen to get fuel at STO rates from at least one island in every atoll of the Maldives by the end of March next year. Furthermore, the Minister noted that all preparations are underway to begin the practical work of the facility being established in Hulhumale' to process yellowfin tuna in January.
Noting that there are still many things to be done to develop the fisheries industry, the Minister stated that happy days are ahead for fishing families. The Minister also gave assurance that this government is one that will find meaningful solutions to the concerns of all types of fishermen in the Maldives.
