BAD WEATHER ALLOWANCE – REGISTERED ARTISANAL FISHERMEN (4.20 p.m.) The Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries (Dr. A. Boolell): Thank you very much, Madam Speaker.

Yes.

Madam Speaker, with your permission I wish to make a Statement on the issue of payment of Bad Weather Allowance to registered fishermen. I am informed that registered artisanal fishermen in Mauritius are entitled to payment of Bad Weather Allowance of Rs800 per day. As at date, there are 2,546 registered artisanal fishermen and an amount of around Rs40 million is disbursed on a monthly basis as Bad Weather Allowance. With a view to ascertaining the genuineness of registered fishermen, my Ministry has submitted the list of 2,546 fishermen to the Mauritius Revenue Authority and the Central Business Registration Department. These institutions have been requested to confirm the number of fishermen who are involved in other economic activities. Section 122(e) of the Fisheries Act provides that the supervising officer of my Ministry shall deregister a fisherman when it has been proved that he is involved in gainful employment. Madam Speaker, let me clearly state to the House, payment of Bad Weather Allowance will be effected to compliant registered fishermen, including those holding a fish-related Business Registration Number. Thank you.

Thank you!