Several members of the fishing community of Maldives have slammed the incumbent administration of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, accusing it of neglecting fishermen more than observed in any other government.
On Saturday afternoon, MP for South Hithadhoo constituency and Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)’s Parliamentary Group Leader Ibrahim Nazil, MDP Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail, MDP President Abdulla Shahid, along with other members of the main-opposition party visited the fish market region in the congested capital Malé City to listen to the concerns of fishermen.
They sought the opinions of fishermen and held discussions on multiple issues.
While the fisher community has significant concerns, some fishermen have said that although they faced some difficulties during former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's five-year term, overall, things were satisfactory for fishermen, and they received fair compensation for their catch.
Highlighting that the incumbent has devalued fishermen, they stated that it takes three to four months to receive payment for their catch, putting them in difficult situations. Fishermen say that no government in the country’s history has ever made things this difficult for them.
Further, fishermen note that within 52 weeks of the Muizzu administration, the price of fish has been reduced to MVR 14, and the payment promised in dollars within 48 hours was not provided, even in MVR.
They also mentioned that the fuel agreement with Kooddoo and Fuel Supplies has been terminated, and the provision of fuel on credit has also been stopped.
The fisher community has stressed that the Muizzu administration is going as far as to obstruct the concessions given to fishermen by the previous government.
In addition to this, the fishermen stated that the issue of illegal expatriates needs to be resolved, and they support the initiative. However, they said that arresting expatriates working on fishing boats without giving them an opportunity to regularize their status, insisting they must be under company visas, has caused significant difficulties.
Addressing these concerns, Fayyaz noted that fishermen are the backbone of the country's economy, and the party will work to address their concerns. Highlighting that fishermen will not face difficulties under an MDP administration, Fayyaz stated that MDP will always listen to the voices of resilient workers.
