The Bodu Kanneli Masveringe Union (BKMU) has announced plans to stage a protest on Wednesday over the failure of the government to deliver its promise to raise the floor price for purchase of yellowfin tuna.
The planned protest will coincide with the Fishermen’s Day.
In a statement on Tuesday, the BKMU said President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s manifesto includes three key initiatives to address concerns of yellowfin tuna fishermen.
Have Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO) begin purchase of yellowfin tuna
Set the floor price for purchase of yellowfin tuna to MVR 80 – MVR 100.
Supply fuel to fishermen at the base rate and improve access to ice
BKMU said they have been urging the administration to fulfill these pledges ever since they took office.
Yellowfin tuna fishermen are disillusioned, with none of the union’s efforts producing any results, said the BKMU.
The union said they have therefore decided to hold a peaceful protest after its annual meeting on Wednesday.
“We hereby inform authorities that we will therefore be staging a protest and advocating for the rights of fishermen after the union’s annual meeting on December 10 as the government has failed to listen to or provide solutions for the concerns raised by yellowfin tuna fishermen,” reads the statement.
The union invited all fishermen to join in the protest.