VICTORIA, Seychelles — Students of the Seychelles Maritime Academy were given details about the new Fishers Pension Scheme for artisanal fishermen, announced by Finance Minister Naadir Hassan in the 2025 budget address. The session at the school was led by the head of Corporate Communication of the Seychelles Pension Fund (SPF), Darell Bristol, accompanied by the legal advisor in the Principal Minister’s secretariat in the Ministry of Fisheries and the Blue Economy, Irene Sirame, and consultant Philippe Michaud.
In line with the announcement, artisanal fishermen in Seychelles will as from this year be able to contribute towards a new pension scheme with the Seychelles Pension Fund, on a voluntary basis. The scheme is being overseen by the Seychelles Fisheries Authority in partnership with the European Union. Fishermen interested in participating in this scheme will need to contribute 5%, while the SFA will contribute the other 5%, based on the minimum salary. The session was held to advocate for this initiative among prospective fishers from the institution.
Speaking to the local media, consultant Philippe Michaud said the youth represents a key demographic for promoting the initiative. ‘By gaining a deeper understanding of these benefits, students can explore various future options, which may even motivate them to consider a career in artisanal fishing,’ he stated. Mr Michaud added that this initiative will not only attract more young individuals to the fishing sector, but will also enable these students to advocate for the programme among their families and friends. SPF’s representative Mr Bristol gave students an overview of pensions, highlighting the importance of having a pension and elaborated on the various elements of the Fishers scheme.
