One of the protestors said that they intended to continue the demonstration until a solution was found and the money due to them is deposited accordingly.
A number of fishermen have gathered in Gaafu Alif atoll Kooddoo today to protest against the non-settlement of payments due from Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO) after weighing and purchasing their catch over several months.
The government also have revealed that MVR 190 million remains owed to fishermen.
A protestor spoke to Mihaaru, explaining that they were out demonstrating as they had failed to receive payments for a period of three months for fish weighed and purchased by MIFCO, and they felt the government has also failed to adequately address the issue.
"Once we started the protest, the Head of Kooddoo [MIFCO branch] came and said he's trying to call the Minister. Later he came and said the Minister is not answering his calls," the protestor said.
One of the protestors said that they intended to continue the demonstration until a solution was found and the money due to them is deposited accordingly.
The protestors have also obstructed 15 fishing boats who went to the island's fish processing factory from getting their fish weighed and sold to the company.
"Now we are going to put a stop to the boat that weighs fish to be exported. They can't even export fish without first giving us our dues," one of the protesting fishermen declared.
The government has not yet made any comments regarding the ongoing protest. However, previously, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has assured that the dues owed to fishermen will be paid even if MIFCO needs to take a loan to complete these payments.
A large amount of money was due to fishermen when President Dr Muizzu assumed office. Out of this, over MVR 276 million has already been paid off.
The President is also due to visit Kooddoo as a last stop in the trip he has commenced today to the southern atolls of the country.
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