Thank you very much, hon. Member. Madam Speaker, you see the time. We are on the right side of history. We are all aware that our lagoons have been over-exploited, Madam Speaker, and depleted over the years. The previous government had gone far against sustainable fisheries by issuing a substantial number of Fisherman Cards and many of these applications should not have been considered in the first instance, as some of the fishers who have received their Fisherman Cards are already engaged in gainful employment. My Ministry is receiving daily representation to the effect that Fisherman Cards have been distributed in an ad hoc manner, without strict adherence to the prescribed criteria and proper verification process. There are currently 2,546 Fisherman Cards, out of which 1,190 Fisherman Cards were issued between the years 2022 to 2024, alone. And, 709 Fisherman Cards were issued in 2024 only. So much so, one week prior to the issue of the writ of elections, that is on the 28 September 2024, 416 Fisherman Cards were issued by the previous government.

62 Madam Speaker, with regard to Fisherman Cards, I wish to inform the House that there is a total of 1,512 applications which have been made at the level of the Ministry. As regard, whether these 1,512 pending applications would be determined and issued, I must emphasise that utmost care and caution need to be exercised prior to taking a decision. There is a need for a sensitive and balancing exercise to be carried out to ensure the traditional fishermen earn a decent living. We, as a committed and responsible government, have a duty to protect the traditional fishers who have earned a living out of fishing activities for generations. Moreover, we have a moral duty towards our future generation to protect our lagoon and our natural resources. Hence, in order to ensure surveillance of our lagoons and to allow our fish stock to rejuvenate, strict control on this issue of Fisherman Card is warranted.

Merci, M. le ministre. Comme nous le savons tous, à la veille des élections de novembre 2024, les Fisherman Cards étaient distribuées sans control et sans respecter les critères pour l’obtention de ces cartes et maintenant, c’est ce gouvernement qui est en train de mettre de l’ordre. Le ministre peut nous dire si l’ordre de faire cet exercice illégal émane des officiers de Fisheries ou l’ordre venait d’en haut ? Et si c’est le cas, est-ce-que le ministre pense ouvrir une enquête approfondie pour faire la lumière sur toute cette affaire ?

I take on board the comments and advice tendered by my good friend. We are going to put order in the House. But first there is a call for the proper verification exercise which is ongoing. Notwithstanding it, if I may state, there are 286 Fisherman Cards, which have not been stamped and therefore appropriate and corrective measures will be taken to redress the situation.

Yes, that’s okay, Mr Apollon! Yes, Dr. Ms Daureeawo, Third Member for Rivière des Anguilles and Souillac! PLAISANCE, CAMP LEVIEUX & TRÈFLES – WATER SHORTAGES/CUTS – COMPLAINTS – REMEDIAL ACTIONS