The Seafarers’ Welfare Fund (SWF) hosted, yesterday, a lunch prize-giving giving ceremony to mark the ‘Day of the Seafarer’ celebrated annually on 25 June to recognise the invaluable contribution seafarers make to international trade and the world economy. The Minister of Blue Economy, Marine Resources, Fisheries and Shipping, Mr Sudheer Maudhoo, was the Chief Guest during the event which was held at Domaine de la Nature, in Belle Mare.
In his address, Minister Maudhoo expressed gratitude to both Mauritian and foreign seafarers alike for their contribution to the world economy. He observed that Seafarers’ Day enables us to show respect and acknowledge the accomplishments of all seafarers as the world is connected due to their work despite the advent of technology. Merchant shipping, he emphasised, remains an indispensable tool for the transportation of all commodities through imports and exports across the world.
Seafarers sacrifice their families and remain onboard their vessels at sea for long periods of time spanning six months to one year and it a profession that not everyone can pull off, said Mr Maudhoo. He also spoke about the Seafarers’ Welfare Fund which is now developing its activities and has set up its headquarters at Trevessa House in Mer Rouge and is providing many facilities for the welfare of seafarers.
The Minister moreover highlighted that there are many programmes offered to seafarers for their wellbeing including: educational scheme; scholarships; stipends; desk grant scheme; and hardship case scheme. He thus emphasised the need to review and upgrade these schemes which date back to 2008. Mr Maudhoo likewise reassured that work in that regard will be undertaken with all stakeholders.
During the lunch event, the Minister presented shields and cash prizes of Rs 5,000 to the two oldest serving Mauritian seafarers (aged 88 and 89 years) in recognition of their contribution to the maritime sector. An award-giving ceremony for winners of domino, card, carrom and tennis table tournaments was also held. Food packs to the tune of Rs 1,500 were then distributed to all registered seafarers. In addition, 10 tracksuit sets were symbolically remitted to seafarers.
The Day of the Seafarer provides an opportunity to pay tribute to the world’s 1.5 million seafarers serving on internationally trading merchant ships thereby contributing to the world economy and socioeconomic well-being. It also allows to educate the public about issues facing the modern-day seafarer such as piracy.
The 2022 theme is Your voyage – then and now, share your journey, looking at today’s seafarer voyages and how they have evolved over time. The Day was first celebrated in 2011, and, has now been included in the annual list of United Nations Observances.
