MONROVIA, LIBERIA-Dozens of Liberian seamen Friday staged a protest at the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority, demanding licenses for six fishing vessels currently docked near the Freeport of Monrovia.
The Seamen believed the vessels will provide jobs for them when licensed by NaFAA.
Speaking to reporters on the Bushrod Island Friday, July 31.2020, the President of the United Seamen, Ports and General Workers Union of Liberia, Samuel Siaffa, said the vessels have been in Liberia for nearly fifty-three days without any green light from Nafaa.
Meanwhile, Nafaa has clarified that it cannot license the vessels, because they have not met the minimum requirement for industrial fishing in Liberia.
Nafaa Director General, Emma Metieh Glassco, said:” The vessels are flagged with China, and that they don’t have authorization from the Chinese Government to operate in international waters.”
Madam Glassco said:” The vessels only have transit documents from Mozambique, which expired since June 22 this year.
She said while the government is committed to providing jobs for seamen and associated workers, Nafaa will not do anything outside of the law and internationally accepted protocols.
According to the NaFAA Boss granting any license as a result of social pressure from job seekers, will further increase the possibility of sanctions on Liberia and cost the cost millions of dollars in fish revenues.
