Africa-Press – Mauritius. A ceremony for the remittance of letters of commitment for cheques representing a one-off lump sum of Rs 52,500 being paid to registered artisanal fishers aged 65 and above, who have opted to return their fishermen cards or transfer them as per budgetary measure 2021/22, was held this afternoon at Grand Gaube Community Centre.
A total of 51 fishers from Grand Gaube who have volunteered to opt to return their fishermen cards are benefitting from this incentive. The Minister of Blue Economy, Marine Resources, Fisheries and Shipping, Mr Sudheer Maudhoo, the Minister of Arts and Cultural Heritage, Mr Avinash Teeluck, and the Parliamentary Private Secretary, Dr Anjiv Ramdhany, were present.
In his address, Minister Maudhoo affirmed that Government recognises the hardships faced by the fisher community and has thus decided to provide a one-off lump sum of Rs 52,500 which will help in alleviating their financial situations and improve their livelihoods. So far, this measure concerns a total of 500 fishers aged 65 and above who have opted to return their fishermen cards, he pointed out.
The Minister also enumerated some measures announced in Budget 2021/22 to benefit the fisher community namely: allocation of an additional 500 Fishermen Cards; increase of the Bad Weather Allowance from Rs 425 to Rs 475; and provision of annual financial assistance of Rs 2,500 for the purchase of hooks to artisanal fishers.
As regards the provision of financial facilities, he indicated that the DBM has waived Rs 28 million as loans in favour of the fisher community and has written off loans contracted by fishers who have passed away.
The Minister of Fisheries likewise spoke of coral reef plantation training and announced that Rs 25 million has been earmarked to train 1,000 fishers.
He highlighted other measures being taken to enhance the working conditions of fishers which comprise: offering adequate equipment to fishers; renovating fish landings; installing solar lighting on jetties; and introducing amendments in legislations to better protect the fishing community.
The Minister recalled that Mauritius’ vast maritime territory constitutes its natural resources and encouraged Mauritians to consume local fish catch and reduce fish imports. He also invited the fisher community to come up with proposals to improve the sector.
Furthermore, Mr Maudhoo emphasised the commitment of the authorities in putting the welfare and the health of people first and reassured that Government will spare no efforts despite the current difficult situation. All sectors of the economy are slowly picking up and the economy will soon thrive, he stated.
For his part, the Parliamentary Private Secretary Ramdhany reassured that Government is working to develop the fisheries sector and lauded the initiative for the provision of a one-off lump sum of Rs 52,500 to registered artisanal fishers aged 65 and above.
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