Emelia Arthur, the Minister-Designate for Fisheries and Aquaculture, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring fairness and transparency in the issuance of fishing vessel licenses.

Speaking before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on January 22, Emelia Arthur assured that all licensing processes would strictly follow due procedures to maintain integrity in the sector.

She further clarified that applicants seeking vessel licenses would need to wait their turn if a backlog exists, stressing the importance of an orderly system.

“We will be fair, equitable, whoever is deserving of a license following due process will get a license. But also we would have to see the traffic if it’s too choked. Then people would have to wait for it later.”