Fishermen’s hopes sinking in sea of uncertainty amid Muizzu's unfulfilled pledges

Fishermen's Day, observed recently as the nation entered the third year of the current administration, after the completion of its second year, has unfortunately brought only despair to the fishing community.

This situation recalls the numerous pledges made by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu during his presidential campaign across various platforms, aimed at uplifting the spirits and improving the livelihoods of fishermen.

These promises included, but were not limited to, setting the purchase price of yellowfin tuna at MVR 20 per kilogram, arranging for Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO) to procure yellowfin or bigeye tuna at MVR 80 to MVR 100 per kilogram, providing fuel to fishermen at the State Trading Organization’s (STO) base rate, ensuring easy access to ice, and integrating fishermen's shares (via an IPO) into MIFCO's business operations.

Two years of the administration have now passed. Bigeye tuna fishermen are currently protesting, stressing that, "at this rate, we cannot afford to go fishing."

They were similarly protesting on Fishermen's Day the previous year. Their demand is for the fulfillment of the promises made, or at least an honest declaration if these promises cannot be met. Keeping their boats docked and not going out to sea results in significant financial losses. Despite this, the substantial costs associated with fishing make it impossible to operate profitably. With inadequate earnings from their catches and a constant cycle of borrowing to maintain large, high-cost fishing vessels, the current situation is unsustainable.

When quiet perseverance fails to yield positive outcomes, raising one's voice becomes imperative. However, even this approach has not been accepted by the Muizzu administration. Police boarded the boats peacefully protesting outside the Malé harbor, arrested several individuals, and forcibly dispersed the protest. Several detainees have subsequently been remanded.

Fishermen had called for President Muizzu, who frequently asserts that he stands "on the side of the people," or the Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam, to engage with them and listen to their concerns.

Despite 49 boats protesting, their pleas failed to reach the minister or the president, who were then in Dhuvaafaru island of Raa atoll. They were observed celebrating Fishermen's Day, watching young women skillfully cutting fish, and sampling the scrumptious meals being prepared.

In any case, the officials did not meet with the fishermen. The next hope was that the official Fishermen's Day ceremony held in Dhuvaafaru island on the night of December 13 would offer a hopeful response to the fishermen's worries. However, that ceremony also concluded without providing any concrete solutions.

During the ceremony, President Muizzu began his speech with expressive verses, speaking passionately about fisheries, the "bloodline" of the nation, the Maldivian identity, a national endeavor, and the most crucial industry in the Maldives.

However, by the end of his address, he had failed to provide any estimated timeline for the fulfillment of the promises made. Some promises were entirely obscured, while others were completely discarded. Regarding the purchase of yellowfin tuna, he mentioned a higher rate of MVR 16, despite having previously promised a minimum of MVR 20. The MVR 20 promise has now effectively become MVR 16.

He then asserted that MIFCO would purchase fish at MVR 17, or MVR 18, or even higher, if feasible on a given day. This contradicts the original promise, which was not about buying fish at MVR 20 if MIFCO could afford it. The current discourse is entirely different from what was initially pledged.

President Muizzu went on to declare that the most significant step taken to secure the best price for fishermen's catches was the implementation of digital scales. He stated that "this will genuinely and substantially increase the value received."

He then spoke of a legally recognized registry for fishermen, which would grant access to various types of loans. The fishermen's current concern is precisely this; they need the promised price for their catches to repay existing debts.

Despite speaking extensively about the critical importance of bigeye tuna fisheries for the advancement of the industry, the president did not dare to reaffirm the promised purchase price of MVR 80 to MVR 100 per kilogram for bigeye tuna from fishermen.

He did not specify when the promised price would be offered. Instead, he stated that fulfilling the pledges made to develop the bigeye tuna fishery is one of the most crucial tasks, and that numerous other steps are required to achieve this.

Muizzu added that the actions currently being undertaken are those necessary preliminary steps. He mentioned that preparations are underway for MIFCO to begin purchasing yellowfin tuna, similar to skipjack tuna, and that extensive efforts are being made to fulfill this promise.

However, this year's Fishermen's Day has also concluded. The president wrapped up his address by stating that much work is needed to fulfill the promises. While these preparations are supposedly underway, two years have now passed.

When seeking votes, promising MVR 80 or MVR 100 per kilogram to gain the support of fishermen, it seemed as though these issues would be resolved immediately upon ascending to power.

At that time, no conditions or extensive preliminary steps were mentioned. Based on how the promises were made then, no one would have imagined that it might take one, two, or even three years to fulfill them.

When discussions arise about these unfulfilled promises and the subsequent struggles of fishermen, President Muizzu attributes it to "falling into various political currents from political factions."

Ultimately, there is still no clear end in sight for this situation. The promises now remain shrouded in uncertainty.