Rethink Vision 2030 plea by fishermen

By BASMA MOHAMMED

STRIKING fishermen yesterday demanded protection for what’s left of their livelihoods and a food source for the nation.They want ports and fisheries excluded from developments being mapped out under the country’s Economic Vision 2030 masterplan.

Their livelihoods and a sustainable food source for the nation are being killed off by land reclamation for massive developments, say the angry fishermen.

They were speaking as almost 1700 fishermen began an indefinite nationwide strike, aimed at winning protection for their livelihoods.

Fishermen from around the country stayed in port, crippling the country’s fish markets.

The strike is spearheaded by the Bahrain Fishermen’s Society in collaboration with the Bahraini Fishermen’s Trade Union and local fish importers.

It follows a string of demonstrations organised by the society at its premises in Muharraq over the past few months.

Fishermen say coastal developments have robbed them of up to 80 per cent of their income over the last five years.

They want compensation for lost income and protection for what it’s left of the industry.

The fishermen also want exemption from the BD10 monthly fee imposed by the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) for each expatriate they employ.

However, they say they are ready to withdraw their demand to exempt them from the BD200 biennial expatriate labour fee.

“Our demands are reasonable, we want something that can work for both of us and for the future of Bahrain,” society honorary president Waheed Al Dossary told a gathering yesterday at the society premises.

“We want the government to protect what’s left of our marine resources, we need to protect our fish resources for our children.

“No country should give away its natural resources in favour of development projects.

“Our strike today follows eight years of calling to authorities to save us and the fishing industry, but with no solution.”

MPs Jawad Fairooz, Sayed Haidar Hassan and Shaikh Hamza Al Dairy were present to show their support for fishermen.

“We have since day one been trying to raise fishermen’s demands and struggle to the Parliament,” said Mr Fairooz.

“Their demands are precise and clear and should be urgently met.”

Mr Fairooz said he held the government and the Economic Development Board responsible, saying they must meet the fishermen’s demands before it is too late.

“These fishermen have followed civilised ways to raise their problems, but to no use. Now someone has to meet their demands, before we lose our fish resources,” he said.

Mr Fairooz urged the government to give decent and fair compensation to every fisherman.

He also called for a review of land reclamation procedures.