fishing permits, he will state the number of permits distributed on the eve of the recent General Elections,…
(No. B/112) Mr R. Etwareea (Third Member for Grand’ Baie & Poudre d’Or) asked the Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries whether, in regard to fishing permits, he will state the number of permits distributed on the eve of the recent General Elections, indicating – (a) the criteria used for the selection process, and (b) if his Ministry proposes to cancel these permits, indicating the measures, if any, envisaged in cases of abuse. 90
Thank you very much, hon. Member. I take it for granted that the hon. Member is referring to the issuance of artisanal fishermen cards. Following the issue of a communiqué dated 13 March 2023, inviting potential fishers to apply for a fisherman card, a walk-in exercise was carried out on 20 and 21 March 2023. Accordingly, 709 fishermen cards were issued in the year 2024, out of which 192 were issued in July, 416 in September, and 101 in December, in relation to an exercise carried out well before October 2024. Madam Speaker, with respect to part (a) of the question, the House may note that applicant fishers are eligible for fishers’ cards as per the following criteria – 1. The applicant fisher shall not be less than 18 years and not more than 50 years old at the time of application. 2. The applicant fisher shall be neither engaged in gainful employment nor be in hold of a trade licence or any remunerative licence. 3. The applicant fisher shall submit a valid Certificate of Character. Any applicant fisher involved in or convicted of drug dealing is eliminated upon confirmation received from the Commissioner of Police. 4. The applicant fisher shall submit a recommendation letter from the registered fishers in whose boat he is fishing. 5. The applicant fisher shall be medically fit to work at sea as certified by Government Medical Officer. 6. The applicant fisher shall pass a swimming assessment which is conducted by the National Coastguard in the presence of Fisheries Protection Officers of the Ministry. Madam Speaker, once all the above criteria are met, the eligible applicant fisher is required to successfully complete a general fisher course conducted by the ministry so as to qualify for registration as an artisanal fisher. With respect to part (b) of the question, Madam Speaker, in light of the information circulated, the exercise was flawed as basic procedures were not followed. This calls for an in-depth enquiry, following which corrective measures will be taken.
91
Hon. Members, time is now up for Question Time! I have been advised that the following PQs have been withdrawn: B/113, B/114, B/117, B/119, B/120, B/121, B/123, B/124 and B/127.