Yameen

Primary election candidate of Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), Abdullah Yameen has officially launched his campaign.

Yameen said while speaking at the function held at Artificial Beach to launch his campaign last night that his government would establish a system through an insurance scheme, whereby fishermen would earn an income regardless of whether they are able to catch fish.

He noted that it would not be possible to provide subsidies on a permanent basis, and highlighted that this is not the practice in economically advanced countries.

“I have good news for fishermen. If owners of fishing vessels decide to invest, even if they pay as little as MVR 20,000 per year per vessel as insurance fees, they would receive a suitable amount as return during the period they are not able to catch fish,” he said.

He said that the fishermen who register for the insurance scheme would receive the money when they need it, and assured that this is not an ‘empty promise’.

“Let me explain what I mean when I say that they will receive an income regardless of whether they are able to catch fish. I have done plenty of research on this. We are in discussion with economic companies in the country. Don’t take what I say for an empty promise. We have done research, assessments, and can offer this to the people. God willing, if I am given this responsibility through your vote we plan to research and implement these things. These are not unfounded or empty stories. These are things that can be done,” he said.

He said that a life insurance scheme for fishermen would also be introduced, for fishermen’s benefit when they are no longer able to go fishing or when they are deceased.

Yameen said that efforts will be made to provide fuel at affordable prices, and expressed confidence that this can be achieved.

Referring to the education sector, he said that special privileges will be accorded to students who take up Dhivehi and Islam in their higher studies. He further said that he would pay attention to disciplining the youth, and that a PPM government would give priority to businesses that provide opportunities to ex-drug users who wish to enrol in rehabilitation programs.

Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom’s brother, PPM Parliamentary Group Leader Abdullah Yameen’s rival in the primary election is Umar Naseer.