President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has assured fishermen that the government will listen to their concerns and fulfill their needs. He gave this assurance during a meeting with the skippers' lobby today. This marks the third time the President has met with the skippers' lobby.
During the meeting held at the President's Office this morning, the skippers presented 11 points they wish to improve in the fishing industry and requested the President to expedite ongoing and planned initiatives within the sector.
The biggest demand put forward by the skippers was for the government fisheries company, MIFCO, to increase the purchasing price of fish to MVR 20 per kilogram as soon as possible, in line with the President's pledge. Specifically, the fishermen wanted clarity on the exact date when the purchasing price would be raised to MVR 20.
Other issues shared by the fishermen at today's meeting included the decline in bait fishing in the Maldives, difficulties faced by fishermen in applying for loans through the Bank of Maldives, and challenges in obtaining fishing licenses. Additionally, the skippers requested that the weighing scales used at MIFCO be upgraded to digital scales. Noting that Vaavu Atoll currently has the best bait fishing in the country, the skippers also shared information with the President regarding the difficulties in fishing and weighing catch in various regions of the Maldives.
The skippers also acknowledged some of the issues they had raised in previous meetings with the President and the steps the government has taken to advance the fishing industry, while highlighting areas that still need further improvement.
Speaking at the meeting, the President stated that the fish purchasing price can only be increased once it is guaranteed that payments can be made continuously within 48 hours of weighing the catch, and once those arrangements are finalized. However, he assured them that the purchasing price of fish would be increased. The President stated that the government will work closely with fishermen and skippers to resolve their concerns. In this regard, he mentioned that he would instruct the bank to simplify the loan application process for fishermen under government policy and explore ways to reduce the required documentation. Furthermore, the President stated that land reclamation projects in Vaavu Atoll will proceed in consultation with fishermen and taking their views into account.
Additionally, details of the ongoing efforts to sell fuel in every atoll of the Maldives at the price sold by STO were shared with the skippers during the meeting. The President noted that they are working to complete this initiative by March of next year. Details of MIFCO's efforts to start selling fuel were also shared with the skippers at the meeting.
Concluding his remarks, the President assured that the government is closely monitoring the affairs of fishermen and skippers, and will act as quickly as possible to find solutions to their concerns.
