Mauritian fishermen, just like those in Rodrigues, are very dissatisfied with the recent measure concerning bad weather benefits. After their general assembly where they expressed their frustration and anger towards the government, the 800 fishermen present walked to the office of the ministry of Agro-industry and Fishing where they protested against the measure. The minister, Arvin Boolell, met six of them but explained he could not back-pedal on this issue.

The new method used to calculate the benefits, implemented on 1st June, was a decision of the director of audit to reduce expenses. Instead of giving the same benefits to all fishermen of the island in case of bad weather, the new measure has divided the island into four regions. As a result, fishermen now obtain their allowance depending on the weather in their own region.

This could appear quite fair at first sight; but the fishermen explain: “Our life is not easy. This benefit was like an alimony for us.” In fact, for many of them, it is a way of keeping their business alive.

But the minister kept his stand – the more so as it is not his decision – not even the government’s decision. Fishermen, however, appear determined not to give in and intend to take to the streets and ask for the minister’s resignation, if he doesn’t change his mind before 1st September.