Africa-Press – Mauritius. The contribution and efforts of seafarers in ensuring international trade and safeguarding the marine environment, was underscored by the Minister of Blue Economy, Marine Resources, Fisheries and Shipping, Mr Sudheer Maudhoo, today at the Trevessa House in Mer Rouge, during a ceremony organised to mark the Annual Day of the Seafarer observed on 25 June.
The Member of Parliament, Mr Mohamad Salim Abbas Mamode; the Chairperson of the Seafarers’ Welfare Fund (SWF), Mr Doorjodhanlall Salandy; the Chairperson of the Mauritius Sailors’ Home Society, Mr Afzal Delbar; and other personalities were present.
On this occasion, the Fisheries Minister also proceeded with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque in honour of the seafarers. Minister Maudhoo recalled that countries around the world have acknowledged the important role of seafarers in international trade, commerce and in sustaining the economy.
He indicated that the most important factor in any sector is its human resource who is responsible for effective service delivery to the public. Likewise, he added, seafarers play a key role in ensuring prompt transportation of commodities by ships.
More than 90% of international commerce takes place by the means of ships, observed the Minister. He further commended the remarkable courage of the seafarers who leave their families, go to work at sea, and expose themselves to all kinds of risks.
The Day, he said, is an opportunity to acknowledge the vital contribution of seafarers and to promote their economic and social well-being. The Minister also spoke of the important role that seafarers play in protecting and the ocean and the marine ecosystems while making shipping more environmentally sound and sustainable.
Seafarers, he emphasised, have a huge helping hand in supporting global efforts to combat climate change, reduce marine pollution and make the oceans safer. For his part, Mr Salandy recalled that the theme retained by the International Maritime Organisation is “MARPOL at 50 – Our commitment goes on”.
The theme, he mentioned, focuses on the main objective of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships which is to prevent or minimise marine pollution caused by operations of ships at sea.
Moreover, he elaborated on some of the facilities offered to seafarers and their families by the SWF. They comprise, among others: a medical scheme; an eye treatment scheme; a birthday gift scheme; and an educational scheme for children of seafarers attending secondary school as well as a computer scheme.
For More News And Analysis About Mauritius Follow Africa-Press
