The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has expressed concern that around MVR 400 million owed to fishermen for fish purchased by MIFCO remains unpaid as the month of Ramadan approaches.
In a statement issued today, the party called on President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's government to release the funds to Maldivian fishermen as soon as possible.
"Even during the most difficult times of COVID, when government revenue was completely halted, the MDP government released the money owed to fishermen within a reasonable period. The withholding of the income from the hard work of fishermen for three months, in a situation where a fair price cannot be given for their catch, is due to the incompetence of this government. The government subjecting so many fishing families to this miserable condition is unacceptable," the MDP statement said.
The statement noted that the government has violated its presidential manifesto promise to pay fishermen in dollars within 48 hours since the first day of its administration, and that the government is spending on everything it wants without paying the fishermen.
"This party does not accept the creation of political posts and the inauguration of expensive projects while the income of many fishing families has completely stopped. This party condemns the government's efforts to lie and deceive fishermen again following the protests that started when the fishermen's patience ran out," the MDP statement said.
In addition, the statement strongly called on the government to reverse its decision to lower the fish purchasing price to MVR 15 after the month of Ramadan, to stop its efforts to deceive fishermen, and to pay a fair price for the hard work of fishermen.
