Fishermen's Union Denies Government Claims of Unfulfilled Promises

The Maldives Fishermen's Union has refuted government claims that promises made to fishermen remain unfulfilled. The union stated that the ongoing fishermen's strike is a peaceful and lawful protest based on constitutional and legal rights. They emphasized that no party should interfere with their demands, which include fair pricing for fish, subsidies, and improvements in infrastructure. The union has also requested direct talks with President Mohamed Muizzu to address their concerns. The strike, which began recently, has seen fishermen demand a base rate of MVR 80 to MVR 100 for their catch, along with greater government involvement in the fishing industry. Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam has acknowledged the fishermen's demands and assured that the government is working towards solutions, including the establishment of cold storage facilities and processing centers to support the industry.