Minister Shiyam travelled to Kooddoo yesterday afternoon to personally meet with the protesters and listen to their concerns. He assured them that the issue would be resolved by March 5.
Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam has given his assurance to fishermen that they will not need to protest against unpaid dues from the 5th of March.
A number of fishermen gathered in Gaafu Alif atoll Kooddoo yesterday to protest against the non-settlement of payments due from Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO) after weighing and purchasing their catch over several months.
Minister Shiyam travelled to Kooddoo yesterday afternoon to personally meet with the protesters and listen to their concerns.
Shiyam explained to the fishermen that the administration has been exerting every effort into paying the dues owed to fishermen, which had been pending even when they had assumed office. He assured that efforts are ongoing even currently to settle all unsettled dues.
"This is why I am saying [it will be done] before the 5th of next month. That could be four days from now, or it could be three weeks. But what I can guarantee is that by March 5, we can get this done for sure," the Minister told them.
"This is why we are asserting that we will solve this issue. That we will find a solution for this once and for all. After March 5, you will have no need to come out like this and protest about not receiving payments," the Minister assured the gathered fishermen.
The Minister admitted that the economic status of the country posed difficulties in arranging the payments for fishermen, as well as in granting loans.
"I have not heard of an instance where when there was challenges like this, and a loan was taken to alleviate the issue. However, President Dr Muizzu has taken a loan and in an effort to recover from the backlog that this has caused," the Minister revealed.
Stating that he had even previously stood up for the rights of fishermen, Shiyam assured that this administration would continue to protect the rights of fishermen.
"This is a difficult time. [However], President Dr Muizzu's administration will proceed with the vision we had for fishermen. Fishermen's families will not face hardship. Maldivian fishermen will not have to endure days of non-payment. We are only asking for you to give us a little time," Shiyam appealed.
Minister Shiyam has said earlier today that there is a backlog of MvR 298 million in unpaid dues to fishermen from MIFCO.
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