Africa-Press – Mauritius. A two-day seminar to celebrate the Day of Seafarer, under the theme ‘Mauritian Seafarers’ Challenges’, was held on 24 and 25 June 2022, at the Intercontinental Mauritius Resort, in Balaclava.
The event was organised by the Ministry of Blue Economy, Marine Resources, Fisheries and Shipping, in collaboration with the Seafarers Welfare Fund (SWF). The Minister of Blue Economy, Marine Resources, Fisheries and Shipping, Mr Sudheer Maudhoo, graced the closing ceremony of the seminar.
On the same occasion, a 16-seater bus, that was procured by the Ministry for the conveyance of seafarers from the Trevessa House to the city centre of Port Louis and back, was launched by Minister Sudheer Maudhoo.
In his address, the Minister highlighted that the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) designated the 25 June as the International Day of the Seafarer as a way to recognise that almost all the utilities in the daily lives were directly or indirectly affected by sea transport.
“The purpose of this day is to express gratitude to seafarers for their contribution to the world economy and the civil society, and for the risks and personal costs they bear while on their jobs,” he stressed.
Recalling that the theme chosen by the IMO this year was ‘Your voyage – then and now, share your journey’, Mr Maudhoo underlined that it focused the attention on the contribution made by seafarers to the entire global community and also celebrated maritime voyages and journeys.
According to the Minister, this opportune day enabled the sector to look to the future, new technologies, new equipment, and on the need to make shipping greener.
“This in itself will bring about new opportunities to pave the way for more sustainable shipping in the coming years,” he added.
Moreover, Minister Maudhoo dwelt on the importance of the noble profession of the seafarer, namely that it provided a solid foundation for life and offered endless opportunities to learn and progress.
“Their ships are the key movers of global trade, and engines of the global economy, transporting cargoes such as food, medicines, electronics and more,” he observed.
Furthermore, the Minister spoke about the challenges faced by seafarers, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, and thanked them for their courage, dedication, motivation, and comprehension despite all the hardship. He hailed them as brave soldiers of the sea who guaranteed food supply be it to Rodrigues, Agalega and to the world.
On that score, he reaffirmed Government’s intent to cater for their welfare and recalled that the Board of the Seafarers’ Welfare Fund provided a one-off payment of Rs 4,000 to its registered seafarers, both active and retired.
He emphasised that his Ministry was working with the SWF and the Mauritius Sailors Home Society to bring along more schemes and facilities to promote the welfare of seafarers.
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