The incumbent administration will find a way to reimburse fishermen, says President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. The Maldivian leader has pledged to find a solution to pay fishermen’s dues, even if it is by taking a loan from the Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company Ltd. (MIFCO).
He said this while speaking at a series titled ‘Raees ge Javaabu’ which translates as ‘the president’s answers’ on Thursday. The series was launched by the President’s Office on Thursday, a bid to provide the public with a platform that allows them to get direct responses for their questions, from the president through social media. One of the questions posed was by Abdul Ghanee, a fisherman from Nolhivaranfaru island of Haa Dhaal atoll who asked how fishermen would get paid for their catch.
Responding to the question, the president noted that a total of MVR 250 million remained pending as fishermen’s dues, when he took office on 17 November 2023. Highlighting that the incumbent administration has paid about MVR 200 million in dues since assuming office, President Muizzu stressed that a large sum remains unpaid. In addition to this, the Maldivian leader stated that efforts are currently ongoing to ensure the fisher community receives instant access to the amount they are due for their catches.
Muizzu also noted that the required arrangements for this to happen would be made soon. From February 1, Muizzu will be answering the public’s questions via the series, as much as he is able to. The President’s Office will also be offering daily video access to the responses to public inquiries.