the Fisherman Registration Card, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain information as to – (a) wheth…
(No. B/656) Mr A. Ramdass (Third Member for Vieux Grand Port & Rose Belle) asked the Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries whether, in regard to the Fisherman Registration Card, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain information as to – (a) whether it is a prerequisite for the applicants to hold a clean Certificate of Character for eligibility thereto, and (b) the number of applications rejected on account of the Certificate of Character over the past five years.
Thank you very much, hon. Member. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, presently, there are 2,506 persons who are registered as fishermen, out of whom, 608 persons were issued with fisherman card in the year 2024, that is, prior to the general election. I'm informed that since 2007, a certificate of character is required at the time of submitting an application for a fisherman card. In regards to part (a) of the question, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, a clean certificate of character is not a prerequisite to be eligible for a fisherman card. A person having been convicted for any offence other than drug dealing may be issued with a fisherman card provided that he meets all the other criteria. Now, it is only when the applicant is convicted for drug dealing that he is debarred from having a fisherman card. Under Section 122 (f) of the Fisheries Act 2023, a person convicted for the offence of drug dealing under the Dangerous Drugs Act shall be deregistered as a fisherman. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, as regards part (b) of the question, a total of 60 applications have been rejected on account of the certificate of character over the past five years. In all these instances, the Certificate of Character indicated that the applicant was convicted of a drug dealing offence.
The hon. First Member for Montagne Blanche and Grand River South East! 15% ELECTRICITY TARRIF INCREASE – HOUSEHOLDS & SMALL BUSINESS IMPACT