Skippers in Thinadhoo City have stated that Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam did not meet with the city's fishermen in an official capacity during his recent visit.
Speaking to 'Keyolha', Thinadhoo City skippers noted that previously, when visiting ministers wished to meet with skippers, the council would notify them in advance, and such meetings were typically held at the council office. They added that whenever the council announced such a meeting, skippers and crew members who were not out at sea would make time to attend.
The skippers claimed that the Minister's visit to Thinadhoo was not related to the fishing industry in any way, but was rather a political trip for the ruling party. They expressed their dissatisfaction, stating that the Minister's actions were unacceptable, especially since he is well aware that skippers are currently enduring severe hardships due to unpaid dues for fish weighed at Kooddoo and difficulties in obtaining fuel for Thinadhoo fishermen.
"We call the Minister regarding various issues faced by fishermen. He does not answer. But after coming to this city, he called and said he wanted to meet. In reality, there is nothing left to discuss in a meeting now. We are tired of begging. There is nothing new to talk about by meeting him now. We want solutions. The Minister knows all the existing problems; he is not acting this way out of ignorance," a Thinadhoo skipper said.
The supposed meeting between the Minister and the fishermen took place yesterday evening at the PNC campaign hub. Regarding this meeting, a post shared on social media by the Fisheries Ministry today stated that Minister Ahmed Shiyam held a meeting with the island's fishermen during his ongoing visit to Thinadhoo City. However, it was not disclosed whether this was an official trip.
The Ministry stated that during the meeting, participating fishermen requested the Ministry's assistance in resolving the difficulties in obtaining fuel, deploying a trolling FAD (kandhufathi) in Thinadhoo, and arranging facilities to purchase reef fish from Thinadhoo.
The meeting was attended by the Honorable Member of Parliament for Thinadhoo North constituency, Saudulla Hilmy, and the Honorable Member of Parliament for Thinadhoo South constituency, Mohamed Alsan Ahmed.
