Fishermen protest at Maandhoo

Local fishermen have gathered at Laamu Atoll Maandhoo, protesting over money owed to them.

The fishermen are protesting over significant delays in their pay.

Hussain Haneef, the boat captain of a local fishing vessel; 'Vara-12', from Laamu Atoll Gan, said the vessels had over millions in overdue payment owed to them from the fish processing factory. He further added, fishermen or fishing vessels received pay for fish weighed at the factory nearly a month after.

Haneef claims the company owed a total of MVR 21 million collectively, to local fishermen, which was confirmed following discussions with the factory's management. Meanwhile, a total of 26 local fishing vessels have berthed at Maandhoo demanding their pay.

"We have not received our pay from them [factory], which has led to us facing difficulties in paying our men. This has also obstructed our expenditures as well," Haneef added.

The lead figure in the protest, Haneef, also notes their requests for discussions with the factory for a resolution. However, the requests not been responded to by the factory.

Ali Rameez, the captain of "Demo Fisher", another vessel from Laamu Atoll, said the factory owed MVR 300,000 to them.

The fishermen all bemoaned delays in payment were putting them in a position of pressure in terms of expenses, coupled with surged fuel prices from the factory. While MIFCO supplies diesel at MVR 16.00 per liter, Maandhoo supplies at MVR 19.00 per liter - another issue highlighted by the protesters.

Meanwhile, Horizon Fisheries confirm the company is currently attempting to communicate with the relevant parties to the matter. According to the company, it began communicating with the fishermen in concern and other relevant parties on Saturday evening, November 12.

Horizon Fisheries in a statement claimed, the company prioritized paying for weighed fish under the mutually agreed period. It had asserted the company did not have any debt payables that is overdue.

Moreover, the company faced challenges in fish purchase rates and supply of diesel. Horizon Fisheries, a private sector fish cannery, is not subject to state's fuel subsidy owing to the company demanding comparatively higher rates for fuel supply. The company also noted obstacles it faced in streamlining fish purchase process.

In the statement, Horizon Fisheries affirmed it is holding discussions with government authorities to resolve hurdles faced within the industry, and solve challenges fishermen face.

Moreover, the fisheries industry is facing a global slowdown owing to adverse economic conditions.

Horizon Fisheries further revealed it was paying fishermen and vessels through borrowings of other sister companies, which results in debt accumulation for the company.

Additionally, the company condemned alleged attempts made by individuals on various social media platforms, to tarnish its reputation.