President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has assured that the presidential promise to increase the purchasing price of fish by the state-owned fisheries company, MIFCO, to MVR 20 per kilogram will be fulfilled.
The President made these remarks while speaking at a gathering held today to meet the residents of M. Dhiggaru, during his ongoing tour of four atolls. In his speech, he highlighted the importance the government places on the fisheries industry, stating that fisheries is the second highest priority among economic sectors. Outlining the overall progress being brought to the Maldives' fisheries through ongoing efforts, he stated that the advancements in the fisheries sector will certainly bring progress to the fishermen of Dhiggaru as well.
Referring to the promises he has made to fishermen, he stated that a lot of work has been done up to today to fulfill these pledges. In this regard, he noted that since the commencement of paying fishermen within 48 hours in December last year, payments have been made without interruption up to now. He also stated that a year has passed in fulfilling this promise to establish an arrangement where fishermen receive money in a sustainable and systematic manner.
"In fulfilling the promises I have made, giving it high priority, a lot of work has been done up to today. Specifically, looking at this, the promise to pay within 48 hours, God willing, it is now approaching a year since payments have been made without any interruption. Just as it started on Fishermen's Day last year. Up to today, by the grace of God, without any change or interruption, we are making the payments," President Dr. Muizzu said.
The President stated that fulfilling his next promise to fishermen, which is to increase the fish purchasing price to MVR 20, is taking some time because preparations are underway, and to ensure that once it starts, the payments can be made without interruption or in a sustainable manner.
"We are now working on my most important promise, the MVR 20 promise. That is also something we want to carry forward sustainably, without interruption. Just saying it is MVR 20 starting tomorrow for the sake of it won't make it happen. Therefore, God willing, the government is doing a lot of work within the industry, together with the Ministry, MIFCO, and all relevant parties to achieve this. So that is also something we will definitely achieve. God willing, a lot of work is being done for that," President Dr. Muizzu said.
In his speech, the President highlighted the ongoing efforts to establish arrangements for fishermen to easily obtain ice, arrangements to get fuel from every atoll in the Maldives through STO, and the government's efforts to establish cold storage and processing plants. He also updated on the conveniences fishermen are receiving with the initiation of the fishermen's registry, the ongoing efforts to establish the RSW system, and the efforts to expand those works.
The President concluded his speech by stating that happy and prosperous days are ahead for fishermen.
