Premix fund misuse will attract sanctions – Emelia Arthur

The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emelia Arthur, has issued a stern warning to trustees managing the community fund generated from the sale of premix fuel, cautioning that anyone who mismanages the funds will face the full force of the law.

According to the minister, members of the committees in fishing communities who fail to properly account for the 53 percent share of the fund earmarked for community development projects will be held accountable. She also warned individuals involved in diverting premix fuel or profiteering from its sale.

Speaking to Citi News on the sidelines of the launch of EMPOWER, an action-driven programme aimed at safeguarding the livelihoods of fisherfolk, particularly women, Arthur said her administration has already taken steps to restore discipline in the management of the premix fuel system.

She disclosed that the government has cleared legacy premix fuel debts and is working to settle additional obligations that have accumulated under her tenure.

The minister added that new measures have been introduced to ensure the proper utilisation of the premix fund.

“We will ensure that the 53% is used for its purpose.

There are also some people who divert premix. There are also people who also put undue profit on premix.

We have arrested a few, cases are before the court now. We will not let anybody destroy the reset agenda.

Whoever you are, you will be dealt with according to law,” he said.

Source: CitiNewsRoom