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No compensation for crab catchers

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Agriculture Minister Clarence Rambharat says oil spills are an environmental issue that has to be dealt with by the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) and not his ministry. 

Responding to a list of questions sent via WhatsApp, Rambharat added there would be no compensation paid to crab catchers, fishermen or oyster vendors by the ministry following an oil spill several weeks ago in the southwestern peninsular.

“Oil is an environmental issue that has to be dealt with by the EMA. The ministry does not deal with environmental issues. Those affected must make a complaint to the EMA,” Rambharat stated. 

After being told the fisherfolk and vendors were reaching out to the ministry for monetary assistance, Rambharat wrote: 

“There is no compensation to be paid by the ministry. The ministry is paying no compensation. There is no basis for the ministry to compensate fishermen.”

He did not respond when asked whether he would be meeting with the affected fishermen and vendors.

On Wednesday, Otaheite crab and oyster vendors sent out a plea to Rambharat, asking for assistance as they had been out of work over the last three weeks. 

The vendors said oil which washed up in the Godineau swamp killed off the crabs and oysters and they had been unable to make their living. 

On Tuesday and Wednesday, Otaheite Vendors Association burned tyres and called for a meeting with Rambharat, saying they are being unfairly treated by the Fisheries Division in South.

Over the past few weeks, fishermen and vendors have been complaining of declining sales as they say statements made by secretary of Fishermen and Friends of the Sea, Gary Aboud, has frightened the public away from buying fish. 

On Tuesday, Cedros fisherfolk also called on the Government for assistance as they said their cupboards were empty and creditors were breathing down their necks. 


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